University News Archive

Nine University of Scranton faculty members, spanning seven departments and all three colleges, recently completed the three-day Sustainability Workshop program. The goal of the workshop, which had been on a 10-year hiatus at the University, is to support and encourage faculty to infuse sustainability into their courses.

The workshop included presentations on the environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainability, as well as an overview of strategies for infusing sustainability into their courses. Participants also heard from faculty members who have already incorporated sustainability into their courses, including Rich Larsen, professor of English and theatre, who shared how he teaches students to reuse and sustainability source materials used for set design.

The third and final day of the program included workshop participants presenting and discussing their findings and next steps for integrating lessons learned into their classrooms.

The workshop organizer was Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology, who joined the University in 2008. Dr. Nolan’s work in sustainability practices has earned her recognition, including an Excellence in Integrating Sustainability into the Curriculum Award.

“The Sustainability Workshop is a great way to increase the number of students who come in contact with the topic of sustainability before they graduate and to reinforce the University’s commitment to sustainability as outlined in our strategic plan our pursuit of designation as a Laudato Si University,” Dr. Nolan said.

The Sustainability Workshop is made possible by funding from Ethics Across the Curriculum. The workshop will be held again in spring 2026. All full-time faculty are encouraged to apply.

Beta Alpha Psi, the International Honor Organization for Financial Information Students and Professionals, recently announced one of its top honors will be awarded to an instructor at The University of Scranton.

Amanda Marcy ’10, Ph.D., assistant professor of accounting, earned one of Beta Alpha Psi’s Outstanding Faculty Advisors awards. As many as four faculty advisors — whose efforts go above and beyond that of the typical faculty advisor — are awarded at each Beta Alpha Psi annual meeting. This year’s meeting will be held Aug. 14-16 in San Antonio, Texas.

While Dr. Marcy has worked at The University of Scranton since 2015, she’s a graduate, too. She earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees at the University. Dr. Marcy previously worked in assurance services for Baker Tilly in Pittston.

Dr. Marcy, a certified public accountant, is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Association of International Certified Professional Accounts, the American Accounting Association, and the Institute of Management Accountants. She has earned numerous awards in her professional career, including the Frank O’Hara Award while an undergraduate student at Scranton, two Douglas M. Boyle Research Awards in 2020 and 2023 and the Michael O. Mensah Service Award in 2025.

Beta Alpha Psi has more than 300 college and university chapters, as well as 370,000-plus members initiated since it was formed in 1919. Its purposes include promoting academic excellence, professional development, responsible practices and shaping a successful evolution of education. Dr. Marcy has served as faculty advisor for The University of Scranton’s Nu Kappa Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi since 2015. Under her leadership, the chapter has achieved Gold-level status for each of the past three academic years.

JoyAnna S. Hopper, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, recently participated in the 2025 Teaching Vocational Exploration Seminar at The Alexander in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Dr. Hopper was one of 16 participants — chosen from a competitive field of more than 35 applicants — who gathered at the four-day event (June 2-6) offered by the Council of Independent Colleges through its Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE).

The seminar was organized in hopes of strengthening the teaching of vocational exploration. As part of her work for the seminar, Dr. Hopper will develop a new course or redesign an existing course with a greater focus on vocational exploration.

Dr. Hopper, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Missouri, joined The University of Scranton faculty in fall of 2020. Her areas of specialization include public administration and policy and American politics.

NetVUE, which supports and enriches vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students, has a national network of 325-plus colleges and universities.

Staff members at The University of Scranton had written countless words, snapped thousands of pictures and captured numerous hours of video content covering this year’s undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies.

The most viral piece of content was an 11-second TikTok video, showing an aerial perspective of the University’s undergraduate procession at Mohegan Arena. The post has more than 2 million views and 93,000-plus likes. Backed by ABBA’s “Thank You for the Music” and inspired by a post from the University of Miami (Florida), the video was recorded over 22 minutes but sped up and trimmed down into a short clip. Most of the views came from TikTok’s For You Page, or FYP, which shows users a curated stream of short-form videos tailored to their interests.

The University’s other social media channels generated hundreds of thousands of impressions during commencement, covering everything from Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president, proceeding with his beloved dog, Gracie, to the variety of graduation cap decorations that reflected the personalities, achievements and future aspirations of recent graduates.

Follow the latest University of Scranton news — and trends — on our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X.

Today, Jenyah Cunningham ’25 is decisive, focused and goal-oriented.

These traits helped Cunningham open doors at The University of Scranton, where she carefully plotted out her four-year journey en route to receiving a world-class academic fellowship.

However, growing up, Cunningham was just as impressionable and spontaneous as any child forming opinions about potential careers.

“I always wonder, ‘What if I didn’t have a great teacher? What if my third-grade math teacher was horrible to me?’” she said. “But I had great teachers. And I want to be a person who students can look back on 20 years later and say, ‘Ms. Cunningham was a great teacher.’”

Cunningham, who graduated cum laude as a double major (secondary education, English; English), of Brooklyn, New York, accepted a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Taiwan. The Fulbright Student Scholarships program is a prestigious international academic exchange opportunity provided competitively by the U.S. government.

Cunningham is slated to teach English at a junior high school from August through June as one of nearly 200 Fulbright award recipients stationed in Taiwan. While at Scranton, she had a Chinese language focus within her Asian studies concentration.

It will be Cunningham’s second trip to the country. She completed a study abroad program in summer of 2024 at Fu Jen Catholic University, a Jesuit college in Taiwan.

“I had the best time there,” she said. “I thought it was the most amazing place, so that solidified my option to choose Taiwan as my country to go to.”

While learning new people, places and ways of life can be intimidating, Cunningham’s up for the challenge. She grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, moved to New York to attend school, then enrolled at The University of Scranton before even stepping on campus.

“I found myself at The University of Scranton because my college advisor at the time told me that the University has a great education program,” Cunningham recalled. “I didn’t expect to get in. But I got in, they gave me financial aid and I said, ‘Why not come to Scranton?’”

Cunningham’s most difficult adjustment in college, she said, was living without her twin sister, Janeciah Cunningham. But after a few months, Cunningham fully embraced the Scranton community and all it had to offer, including her English advisor, Joe Kraus, Ph.D., professor and chair of the English Department, who encouraged her to look into the Fulbright program.

Before being selected for the fellowship, Cunningham began her teaching pursuits this past year with a 12-week student teaching assignment at Dunmore High School.

Going into Dunmore, Cunningham initially feared she wouldn’t be a good teacher and that she might not like the career she chose for herself. Thankfully, such fears were unfounded and she called her experience of teaching 10th grade English “very amazing.”

“Student teaching really taught me what it means to be a teacher,” she said. “It fulfilled every dream that I always dreamed of.”

After working with Dr. Kraus and Kara Bishop, Fulbright program advisor, Cunningham, in May, finally received her long-awaited update on the fellowship. She opened the email with her sister on the phone, sharing the news and excitement from hundreds of miles away.

As she begins her teaching journey, Cunningham has a clear idea of how she hopes to succeed and evolve in the profession.

“If I’m 30 years down the line, still very much happy in my career, still having passion … trying to change and improve,” she said, “then I know I’ve had a successful teaching career.”

Cunningham is the 132nd University of Scranton student since 1972 to be awarded a Fulbright award.

Two prestigious communication and leadership associations recently recognized a University of Scranton professor for her outstanding contributions to education.

Stacy Smulowitz, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Communications and Media, was honored as the Eastern Communication Association’s Ecroyd Teaching Excellence Award winner.

The Ecroyd Award is given to a full-time educator who has a demonstrated record of employing communication principles as the foundation for constructing pedagogical principles applied in teaching practices. Dr. Smulowitz is the first Scranton professor to earn the Ecroyd Award since it was first handed out by the ECA in 1989. She accepted the award earlier this spring at the ECA Convention in Buffalo, New York.

Dr. Smulowitz was also selected as the recipient of the Outstanding Practice with Local Impact Award, presented by the Women & Leadership Executive Leadership Team of the International Leadership Association. The award will be formally recognized at the organization’s upcoming conference on June 13 in Claremont, California.

“This esteemed award recognizes your exemplary contributions to the field of Women and Leadership,” Vicki Wuolle, Ph.D., chair of the ILA Women and Leadership group, said in a congratulatory letter. “Your unwavering tenacity, profound commitment and enduring passion for advancing scholarship and practice have significantly enriched the discipline and inspired countless others.”

Dr. Smulowitz has been at the University since 2009 and currently teaches courses in advertising, leadership and organizational communication. No matter the subject, Dr. Smulowitz often integrates real-world experience within academic courses. One such example of Dr. Smulowitz’s community-based learning approach was the Scranton team that competed — and earned a “Best” award — at this year’s National Student Advertising Competition.

In addition to her vast work at the University, Dr. Smulowitz is president of Smulowitz Communications, a strategic communication and leadership consulting firm. She is the executive director of the ECA and a member of the American Advertising Federation and the International Association of Business Communicators.

Dr. Smulowitz is the author of “The Communication Solution: Leading Successful Change in Higher Education,” and her research interests include theory and strategy for assessing and promoting excellence in organizational leadership. A former Girl Scout troop leader and Girl Scout who continues working with the organization in an advisory role, Dr. Smulowitz’s passion is paving the way for girls to have equality and unimpeded leadership opportunities.

Dr. Smulowitz holds a bachelor’s degree from Wilkes University, a master’s from Ithaca College and a Ph.D. from Rutgers.

The American College of Healthcare Executives of Eastern Pennsylvania presents only two annual awards, recognizing both an outstanding senior executive and an up-and-coming careerist.

While the former previously had a namesake, the latter prize recently attached itself to a longtime University of Scranton professor and department chair.

The newly renamed Daniel J. West, Jr., Ph.D., LFACHE Early Careerist Award was unveiled Oct. 23 at the ACHE of Eastern Pennsylvania Symposium at DeSales University.

Dr. West, professor emeritus in the Department of Health Administration and Human Resources, was unable to attend the symposium. However, the ACHE of Eastern Pennsylvania planned a surprise presentation April 3 at the organization’s Scranton student chapter event.

Organizers presented Dr. West with a detailed shadowbox, complete with pictures, mementos and a written tribute.

“Dan West has had an exemplary career, dedicated to academic excellence and the field of healthcare administration,” states the message inside the shadowbox. “His commitment to The University of Scranton, to students and early careerists, and to ACHE, both regionally and nationally (and in fact, internationally) is well-known.

“His support and participation was vital to completing the merger of the NEPA Chapter into the Eastern PA Chapter of ACHE. And while he could have certainly transitioned off the board at any time over the past few years, he continues to be an active and insightful advisor to us all.”

Dr. West, who holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the Pennsylvania State University, has had an extensive career in healthcare management, including serving as a CEO for a hospital, medical practice and several businesses. He joined The University of Scranton faculty in 1990 and, in addition to being a professor, he was the Health Administration and Human Resources Department chair for 20-plus years.

Dr. West has planned and conducted dozens of study abroad tours for graduate students and faculty, spanning Bolivia, China, Haiti and Slovakia, to name a few countries. He was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Trnava University in Slovakia in 2019.

Dr. West has served on numerous University and external committees and his dedication to Scranton was recognized in 2021, when he received the John L. Earl III Award for his service to the University, the faculty and the wider community.

The University of Scranton this summer will host a three-day Cyber-AI Investigation Camp, engaging participants in games, interactive lectures and hands-on exercises that explore and educate on the topic of cybersecurity.

Rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors are invited to attend the camp at the University’s O’Hara Hall. Sessions will be held July 8, 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost to attend the camp is $399. Additional services, including on-campus dormitories and meals, are available for an additional fee.

The need for trained law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges with the skills to understand and investigate cybercrime is higher than ever due to the rise in online data breaches, fraud and malicious software. Camp instructors will promote safe online behavior, teach cybersecurity essentials and will end the third day with a team investigation competition at the University’s Cyber-Forensics and Cybersecurity Lab. The topics of cybersecurity, robotic investigation and artificial intelligence (AI) will be discussed.

This is the fifth year in which the University’s Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology is offering this summer program. The University offers undergraduate programs in criminal justice and cybercrime and homeland security, as well as a graduate program in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity.

To register and for more information, please visit the registration page.

University of Scranton graduate Brian Gallagher, J.D. ’08, Lackawanna County district attorney, returned to his alma mater in May to speak to students in the pre-law society and criminal justice program. He discussed his education at Scranton, his career experience and future job opportunities.

This was his second visit to campus in the spring semester. In April, District Attorney Gallagher announced a new Crime Analysis and Investigation Program for internships at the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office for Scranton students majoring in criminal justice, cybercrime and homeland security or sociology.

District Attorney Gallagher graduated from Scranton in 2008.

Thirty members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 graduated from the University Honors Program, which is one of the Jesuit university’s programs of excellence. Undergraduate 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 2025 University Honors Program graduates and their faculty mentors and their research projects.

Noah A. Abdulqawi, Shavertown, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Abdulqawi worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled “The effect of the gluatmate antagonist, memantine on the development of drug-seeking behavior in Camponotus floridanus.”

Elliott D. Ballino, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a chemistry major. Ballino worked with faculty advisor Arthur J. Catino, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled “Exploring Conformational Acceleration in the Truce-Smiles Rearrangement.”

Jaznie D. Belfont, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a political science major. Belfont worked with faculty advisor Michael E. Allison, Ph.D., department chair and professor of political science, on a thesis titled “Effects of The Legacy of Violence on The Peace Plebiscite in Colombia.”

Gabrielle M. Bingener, Barto, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Bingener worked with faculty advisor Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “The Impacts of Developmental Hypoxia on Dopaminergic Connectivity and Susceptibility to Substance Use Disorders in Zebrafish Danio rerio.” Bingener was also a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, and was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Jack Burke, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology major. Burke worked with faculty advisor Christie P. Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology, on a thesis titled “Psychotherapists' Perspectives on Missed Appointments in Private and Community Setting.”

Brigid R. Carlin, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science and economics double major. Carlin worked with faculty advisor Gretchen J. Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, on a thesis titled “Reproductive Healthcare: A Comparative Analysis of Factors Influencing Abortion and Reproductive Healthcare Legislation I the United States and the Republic of Ireland.”

Patrick D. DelBalso, Plains Township, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and philosophy double major. DelBalso worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Long-term Structural and Functional Regeneration, Neurogenesis , and Genetic Changes following Telencephalon Lesioning in Goldfish.” DelBalso was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, and was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Patrick J. Dineen, Monroe, Connecticut, graduated, magna cum laude, as a counseling and human services and theology and religious studies double major. Dineen worked with faculty advisor Megan Whitbeck, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling and human services, on a thesis titled “The Intersection of Undergraduate Student Experience and Religious and Spiritual Struggle.”

Alexander L. Eriquez, Howard Beach, New York, graduated, cum laude, as a biology major. Eriquez worked with faculty advisor Amelia Randich, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Characterization of Growth and Morphology in Hyphobacterium indicum.”

Madelyne M. Gasper, Stroudsburg, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Gasper worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Investigating the Role of the Telencephalon on the Startle Response in Goldfish, Carassius auratus.” Gasper was also a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Philip Gelso, Duryea, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major. Gelso worked with faculty advisor Jean W. Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science, on a thesis titled “A Comparative Analysis of the 2016 U.S. General Election Presidential Candidates Usage of Twitter.” Gelso was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Emma Y. Getts, Collegeville, graduated, summa cum laude, as a kinesiology major. Getts worked with faculty advisor Emily E. Gerstle, Ph.D., assistant professor of health and human performance, on a thesis titled “Interlimb Symmetry in Countermovement Jumps: Chronic Ankle Instability vs. Healthy.”

Matthew J. Hondros, Lansdale, graduated, magna cum laude, as a business analytics major. Hondros worked with faculty advisor David M. Mahalak, assistant professor of operations and analytics, on a thesis titled “Analysis of Recurrent Neural Networks for Asset Prediction.”

Gabrielle J. Jamieson, Bradley Beach, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology major. Jamieson worked with faculty advisor Jessica M. Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology, on a thesis titled “Using Social Norms Marketing to Reduce Mental Health Stigma and Increase Positive Attitudes Toward Self-Disclosure.”

Morgan E. Jones, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology and philosophy double major. Jones worked with faculty advisor Jill A. Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, on a thesis titled “Effect of Disfluency and Gender on Perceived Deception and Memory.” Jones was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Lourdes Serena Jude Patrick, Chester Springs, graduated as a biology major. Jude Patrick worked with faculty advisor Christopher A. Howey, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “The effects of ALAN on glucocorticoid levels in green anoles in the presence of refugia.”

Gavin A. Kopesky, Honesdale, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major. Kopesky worked with faculty advisor Michael Hague, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Seasonal Dynamics of Wolbachia Prevalence in a Local Drosophila suzukii Population.”

Mary E. Krichbaum, Endicott, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematics and philosophy double major. Krichbaum worked with faculty advisor Steven T. Dougherty, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, on a thesis titled “Ontological Arguments: Anselm to Gödek.” Krichbaum was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM, and was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Alesia Lelaj, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, graduated, cum laude, as a political science and English double major. Lelaj worked with faculty advisor Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., associate professor of English, on a thesis titled “Three Ways to Leave: Stories of the Kosovo War and Diaspora.”

Serena K. Martin, Bronx, New York, graduated, cum laude, as a political science major. Martin worked with faculty advisor Duane S. Armitage, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, on a thesis titled “To the Boy Who Sought Freedom: The Philosophy of Freedom and Social Contract Theory.”

Grace K. McDonald, Jamison, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry major. McDonald worked with faculty advisor Timothy D. Foley, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled “Use of Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography to Capture Soluble Proteins from the Brain that Can Unfold to Expose Potentially Reactive Hydrophobic Surfaces.” McDonald was also a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Noah H. Mumma, Castle Hayne, North Carolina, graduated, summa cum laude, as a criminal justice major. Mumma worked with faculty advisor Ismail Onat, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice, cybersecurity and sociology, on a thesis titled “A Statistical Analysis of Ransomware Attacks and Sociophysical Factors Per State.”

Camryn A. Nagle, Hillsdale, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a psychology major. Nagle worked with faculty advisor Patrick T. Orr, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, on a thesis titled “Perceptions of Mental Illness: The Medical Model and the Impact of Framing.”

Amelia G. Semple, Northport, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an English major. Semple worked with faculty advisor Howard D. Fisher, Ph.D., associate professor of communication and media, on a thesis titled “Booksagram and Communication.”

Zainab H. Shah, Grapevine, Texas, graduated, cum laude, as a computer engineering major. Shah worked with faculty advisor Andrew W. Berger, Ph.D., department chair and professor of physics and engineering, on a thesis titled “Developing a Library of Prompts to Evaluate Which Language Model Delivers the Best Responses for Verilog Code.”

Alexandra L. Shomali, Ellicott City, Maryland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematical sciences and philosophy double major. Shomali worked with faculty advisor Jason M. Graham, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, on a thesis titled “Analysis of the BK Ion Channel Using Mathermatical Modeling.” Shomali was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, and was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

John R. Sinclair, Scranton, graduated, cum laude, as a political science and public policy and service double major. Sinclair worked with faculty advisor JoyAnna S. Hopper, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, on a thesis titled “The Impace Public Prekindergarten Has on Kindergarten Success in NEPA.”

Martine E. Sirianni, Media, graduated, summa cum laude, as a physiology major. Sirianni worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Impacts of taurine on zebrafish aggression and gene expression.”

Miriam M. Vandewater, Souderton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience and mathematical sciences double major. Vandewater worked with faculty advisor Jason M. Graham, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, on a thesis titled “Examining the Outcomes of Collective Decision Making Over Time.”

Grace D. Wenzel, West Orange, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an environmental science and philosophy major. Wenzel worked with faculty advisor Robert J. Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Impact of Yearly Net Primary Production on Feather Growth Rates in the Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis).” Wenzel was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, and Jill A. Warker, associate professor of psychology, serve as co-directors of the University Honors Program.

Students in grades five to 12 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.

This year’s essay theme was “Students for a Sustainable World.”

The first-place winner of the fifth-grade essay contest was Elizabeth Cabets, from Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School. Lila Tschampel, from Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School received second place. Sadie Neary and Ava Genevich from St. Claires/St. Paul’s Elementary School won third place medals.

All of the sixth-grade student winners were from Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School. Divya Timsina took first place. The students who tied for second place were Rosalie Edelstein and Adelaide Volchoff. Finally, Dante DeVitto, placed third.

The first-place winner of the seventh-grade essay contest was Ian Ferriera from Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School. The second-place winner was Sean Kiernan from Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School. The third-place winner was Chris DeNaples from St. Claires/St. Paul’s Elementary School. 

The eight-grade first-place winners were Sage Michel and Kelly Heffron, both from St. Claires/St. Paul’s Elementary School. In second place was Annabel Joyce from St. Claires/St. Paul’s Elementary School. The third-place winner was Benny Hynds, from Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School.

The ninth-10th grade essay contest winner was Veronica Herrera Acosta from West Scranton High School.

The 11th-12th grade essay contest first place winners were Simone Madore and Avianna Natale from Holy Cross High School. Gabrielle Hieber from Wallenpaupack Area High school and Madeleine Reynolds from Holy Cross High School tied for second place. In third place, Mandie Martin and Kevin Vincent tied.

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University of Scranton 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 were: Alexa Cutter, a media production and journalism major from Massapequa, New York; Amelia Farry, a criminal justice major from South Abington Township; Samantha Kosmar, an environmental science major from Old Tappan, New Jersey; Ian Mahalek, an environmental science major from Fairfax, Virginia; and Rebekah Thompson, an occupational therapy major from Bedminster, New Jersey. Mark Murphy, director of the Office of Sustainability at the University, has organized the Earth Day Essay Contest for a decade. It was one of nearly a dozen Earth Day events held on campus.

Information about next year’s essay contest will be posted to the University’s Sustainability webpage in January 2026.

Fourteen members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 graduated from its Magis Honors Program in STEM. The program, which is one of the Jesuit school’s five honors programs, 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 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 2025 graduated as members of the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Gabrielle M. Bingener, Barto, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Bingener worked with faculty mentor Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “The Impacts of Developmental Hypoxia on Dopaminergic Connectivity and Susceptibility to Substance Use Disorders in Zebrafish Danio rerio.” Bingener is a member of the University Honors Program, and is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Stephen J. Butler, Telford, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Butler worked with faculty mentor Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Neurological structural effects of chronic morphine exposure in Camponotus floridanus.” Butler is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Cabre A. Capalongo, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major. Capalongo worked with faculty mentor Robert Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Blood parasites and white blood cell count in Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus) Captured at Lackawanna State Park.” Capalongo is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Arissa J. Chambers, Henryville, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Chambers worked with faculty mentor Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Effect of Group Size on Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) Metabolic Rate.” Chambers is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, and is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

James P. Fox, Hillsborough, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a computer science and mathematical sciences double major. Fox worked with faculty mentor Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., associate professor of physics and engineering, on a thesis project titled “Interhemispheric Comparison of the MSTID Response to SSWs Observed by SuperDARN Radars.”

Madelyne M. Gasper, Stroudsburg, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Gasper worked with faculty mentor Robert Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Investigating the Role of the Telencephalon on the Startle Response in Goldfish, Carassius auratus.” Gasper is a member of the University Honors Program.

Michael J. Howard, Mayfield, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Howard worked with faculty mentor Vincent Farallo, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “The Effect of an Alkaloid-Based Diet on Metabolic Rate in the Poison Frog Species Ranitomeya variabilis.” Howard is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Mary E. Krichbaum, Endicott, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematics and philosophy double major. Krichbaum worked with faculty mentor Steven Dougherty, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, on a thesis project titled “Ontological Arguments: Anselm to Gödel.” Krichbaum is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the University Honors Program, and is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Grace K. McDonald, Jamison, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry major. McDonald worked with faculty mentor Timothy Foley, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, on a thesis project titled “Use of Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography to Capture Soluble Proteins from the Brain that Can Unfold to Expose Potentially Reactive Hydrophobic Surfaces.” McDonald is a member of the University Honors Program, and is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Jacob G. Mohring, East Stroudsburg, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major. Mohring worked with faculty mentor Joe Brague, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “The Effects of Obeticholic Acid in a Castration-Based Model of Parkinson’s Disease.”

Theresa Pham, Philadelphia, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Pham worked with faculty mentor Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “The Effects of Physioxia on the Development of Zebrafish.” Pham is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, and is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Grace E. Washney, West Wyoming, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major. Washney worked with faculty mentor Amelia Randich, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Marine Caulobacter Henriciella litoralis Divides by Binary Fission and Produces a Prostheca at the Old Pole.” Washney is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Grace D. Wenzel, West Orange, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an environmental science and philosophy double major. Wenzel worked with faculty mentor Robert Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Impact of Net Primary Production on Feather Growth in the Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis).” Wenzel is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the University Honors Program.

Brian L. White, Brooklyn, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. White worked with faculty mentor Spencer Galen, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “The Prevalence and Multilocus Sequencing of the Endosymbiont Wolbachia in Mosquitoes Native to Northeastern Pennsylvania.” White is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

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

Twenty-four members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 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 2025 SJLA Honors Program graduates and their majors.

Joseph J. Agnone, Phoenix, Arizona, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Bibi S. Bacchus, Scranton, graduated, cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Matthew R. Bispo, Vineland, New Jersey, graduated, cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major.

Alexandra N. Buck, Westbury, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an early and primary teacher education major.

Arissa J. Chambers, Henryville, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM. Chambers is also a recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Patrick D. DelBalso, Plains Township, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and philosophy and a member of the University Honors Program. DelBalso is also a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Mia N. Familetti, Dalton, graduated, magna cum laude, as an English, advertising and public relations and philosophy triple major.

Sean M. Fitzgerald, Monroe Township, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance and philosophy double major and member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Cara E. Galli, Carmel, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an early and primary teacher education and philosophy double major.

Philip Gelso, Duryea, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major and member of the University Honors Program.

Janice M. Healey, Dingmans Ferry, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major.

Michael J. Howard, Mayfield, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University's Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Morgan E. Jones, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology and philosophy double major and member of the University Honors Program.

Luis D. Kepich, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biochemistry major.

Mary E. Krichbaum, Endicott, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematics and philosophy double major and member of the University Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM. Krichbaum is also a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Amelia M. Loftus, Nazareth, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Liam P. Moran, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Moran is also a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Theresa Pham, Philadelphia, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM. Pham is also a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Alexandra L. Shomali, Ellicott City, Maryland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematical sciences and philosophy double major and member of the University Honors Program. Shomali is also a recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Maria Stephen, Huntingdon Valley, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science, history and philosophy triple major.

Grace D. Wenzel, West Orange, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an environmental science and philosophy double major and member of the University Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Brian L. White, Brooklyn, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Madeline S. Williams, Wall Township, New Jersey, graduated, as a psychology and philosophy double major.

Sophia Williams, Peckville, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology 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.

Thirteen members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 graduated from its Robert L. 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.

The following is a list of the class of 2025 Business Leadership Honors Program graduates and their majors.

Chaz G. DellaCorte, The Villages, Florida, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance and accounting double major. DellaCorte was also a member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Alexander G. Dolce, West Babylon, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a mathematical sciences major.

Alexander P. Kichline, Allentown, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance major.

Emily E. Langan, Greentown, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major.

Brooke A. Levengood, Boyertown, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major.

Mary Katharine McDade, Glenside, graduated as a marketing and management double major.

Paul M. Meagher, Honesdale, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major.

Rebecca M. Miller, Archbald, graduated, summa cum laude, as a marketing major.

Izabella M. Rose, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major.

Siena G. Testa, Newtown Square, graduated, magna cum laude, as a marketing major. Testa was also a member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Meghan A. Theofield, Smithtown, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a business administration major.

Lauren A. Van Kleeff, Pompton Plains, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major.

Madison G. Zarone, Pittsburgh, graduated, summa cum laude, as a management major.

Robert McKeage, Ph.D., associate professor of management, marketing and entrepreneurship, serves as director of the University’s Business Leadership Honors Program.

 

Seven members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 graduated from 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 Business Honors Program students presented their senior projects to a panel of judges in early May. Grace Boyle received the award for best senior project. Colin Merriman and Frederick Rollo received honorable mention awards.

The following is a list of the class of 2025 Business Honors Program graduates and their majors, as well as their faculty mentors and research project.

Grace E. Boyle, Clarks Summit, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major. Boyle worked with faculty advisor John Ruddy, associate professor of economics, finance and international business, on a thesis titled “The Relationship Between Commodity Prices and Inflation: Pre-, During, and Post-Pandemic.” Boyle was also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Chaz G. DellaCorte, The Villages, Florida, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance and accounting double major. DellaCorte worked with faculty advisor Douglas Boyle, DBA, department chair and professor of accounting, on a thesis titled “West Scranton Youth Center Accounting Consulting Project.” DellaCorte was also a member of the University’s Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

Sean M. Fitzgerald, Monroe Township, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance and philosophy double major. Fitzgerald worked with faculty advisor Aram Balagyozyan, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, finance and international business, on a thesis titled “The Gambler’s and Hot-Hand Fallacies in Finance." Fitzgerald was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Dean L. Huber, Bridgewater, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a marketing major. Huber worked with faculty advisor Ann Cummings, faculty specialist of management and marketing, on a thesis titled “Risk, Failure, and Innovation: Understanding Entrepreneurial Decision-Making in the U.S. and Europe.”

Colin P. Merriman, Mount Laurel, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance major. Merriman worked with faculty advisor David Mahalak, Ph.D., assistant professor of operations and analytics, on a thesis titled “Rewriting the Rules: NIL and the College Sports Economy.”

Frederick F. Rollo, Broomall, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major. Rollo worked with faculty advisor Amanda Marcy, Ph.D., assistant professor of accounting, on a thesis titled “Research Study of Business Students’ Perception of the Accounting Profession.”

Siena G. Testa, Newtown Square, graduated, magna cum laude, as a marketing major. Testa worked with faculty advisor Xinyu Zhou, Ph.D., assistant professor of management and marketing, on a thesis titled “Expanding the West Scranton Youth Center: Increasing Brand Awareness on Instagram and Facebook.” Testa was also a member of the University’s Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

Aram Balagyozyan, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, serves as director of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

The University of Success provides high school students with a four-year plan, mapped out with tools, opportunities and the eventual reward of gaining acceptance to college.

The Class of 2025, like its predecessors dating back nearly 25 years, successfully followed through and completed its journey.

Seventeen high school students graduated this spring from the University of Success. This University of Scranton-sponsored program is designed to help high school students develop skills through mentorship and developmental enrichment courses in study skills, public speaking, math, science, art, cultural activities and SAT prep. Wellness and financial aid seminars are also offered over the course of their time in the program.

Fifteen of the graduates will attend colleges and universities, including five headed to The University of Scranton, and two will enlist in the military.

Created in 1996 and with its first full graduating class in 2001, the University of Success is offered free of charge and funded almost entirely by corporate and foundation grants. Donors to the program include AT&T, Dime Bank, Fidelity Bank, Charles A. Frueauff Foundation, Carl and JoAnne Kuehner, Overlook Estate Foundation, Peoples Security Bank and Trust, PPL Foundation, Lisa A. Thomas, M.D., and WM (Waste Management).

The following lists the 2025 University of Success graduates:

Christian Alers, Scranton Prep, University of New England;

Brandon Amorim, West Scranton High School, Johnson College;

Amiya Brown, Dunmore High School, Lincoln University;

Christopher Cordero, Scranton High School, University of Scranton;

Christina Denney, Mountain View High School, University of Pittsburgh;

Nathan Fuller, West Scranton High School, University of Scranton;

Alisha Jackson, Scranton High School, University of Scranton;

Dawson Reed Machado, Valley View High School, Penn State Scranton;

Louisa Martinez, Lower Merion High School, LaSalle University;

Luisa Martinez, Dover High School, County College of Morris;

Pujan Nepal, West Scranton High School, University of Scranton;

Christian Quintana, West Scranton High School, U.S. Navy;

Jo Ann Regan, Riverside High School, University of Scranton;

Jorge Rodriguez, Scranton High School, U.S. Air Force;

Mikayla Sansky, Mountain View High School, Marywood University;

Sulekha Sharma, Riverside High School, Temple University;

Amber Wine, West Scranton High School, King’s College.

Applications are accepted and new students are admitted each year into the University of Success.

The program begins in the summer between eighth and ninth grade with a two-week residential Summer Academy, which, this year, will be held July 6-18 at the University.

For more information, visit the program’s website.

Neiv Sinha, Whitehall High School, Whitehall Township, won The University of Scranton’s 2025 Math Integration Bee for high school students, which took place on campus in April. Sinha was a finalist in the University’s 2024 Math Integration Bee.

 In addition to Sinha, the four other finalists in the 2025 competition, in alphabetical order, were: John Mastellar, Central Columbia High School, Bloomsburg; Johncarlos Peralta, Hazleton Area High School, Hazle Township; Franklin Ritz, Hazleton Area High School, Hazle Township; and Elijah Serota, Wyoming Valley West High School, Plymouth.

The University’s Mathematics Department hosted the Integration Bee during the spring semester on campus. The competition functions similarly as a spelling bee, but with contestants completing definite and indefinite integral problems, a type of calculus problem, instead of spelling words. The competition can help high school students improve their skills for Advanced Placement mathematics tests. The Bee is offered free of charge, registration is required.

A new program of The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum will feature a unique wine education event, “Vinho and Views: Exploring Portugal’s Wine Heritage,” presented by David Falchek, wine writer and former executive director of the American Wine Society. The event will be held Friday, June 6, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library.

This 90-minute event will feature a four-course wine tasting accompanied by hors d’oeuvres, a presentation on Portuguese wines and an interactive discussion.

“When we think about wine from Portugal, we often think only of Port,” said Falchek. However, Portugal is a centuries-old wine producing region that produces all kinds of wines.

“Portugal’s wines have evolved with its people, culture and cuisine, becoming a springboard for the region and what shaped it,” said Falchek.

Participants will enjoy a guided tasting of four iconic wines, including the refreshing Vinho Verde, a still white from the Dão region, a bold red blend and the renowned Tawny Port. They will also learn how Portuguese wines are made from indigenous grape varieties that set the country’s wines apart from those of other wine-producing regions throughout the world.

“When you open a bottle of Portuguese wine, it is completely unique to the region,” said Falchek.

Alongside the tasting, participants will learn about the accidental creation of Port wine during a trade war between England and France and how that influenced not just the wine’s evolution, but also the names of Port wines.

The presentation will also include discussions about Portugal’s significant contributions to the worldwide wine industry as the primary producer of wine corks from the country’s sustainable forests.

Participants don’t need to be wine connoisseurs to appreciate and enjoy this event, said Falchek.

“You’re the master of your own taste. No one can tell you what you do and don’t like,” he said, adding that he hopes participants will come prepared to be more adventurous in drinking something new.

For those unsure about trying a new wine, Falchek says, “Try it … try it and find out what you like.” A wine you enjoy today may not be your favorite tomorrow, as tastes change over time.

“In the end, it’s really a personal journey,” he said.

Falchek has been published in Beverage Media, Vineyard & Winery Management and others, and writes a drinks column for The Scranton Times.

To register for this wine education event, or for more information on the Schemel Forum, call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu. The cost for the wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, lecture and discussion is $60 per person and $100 per couple. There is no additional fee for Schemel Forum Members, Angels and Archangels. University of Scranton and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students, staff and faculty must purchase tickets. Attendees must be 21 or older. To pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

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

The University of Scranton recognized 35 outstanding master’s and doctoral degree graduates at its graduate commencement events the weekend of May 16-18, including at the graduate commencement ceremony at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre.

The following graduate students were honored for achievement in their academic area:

Gabrielle M. Andiario, Wyoming, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics;

Lee D. Ashlin, New Orleans, Louisiana, received the Outstanding Student Award for Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity;

Sarah G. Boyle, Peckville, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting;

Imani M. Brown, Island Park, New York, received the Doctor of Philosophy Outstanding Student Award for Accounting;

Meghan L. Callahan, Cranbury, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Special Education;

Emily J. Carpenito, Pottsville, received the Outstanding Student Award for Forensic Accounting;

Destiny R. Carpitella, Brooklyn, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Speech-Language Pathology;

Bharat Varma Chittari Vyacharouthu, Hyderabad, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics;

Madeline R. DeBaro, Cranford, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for School Counseling;

Regis Flaherty, Nazareth, received the Outstanding Student Award for Supply Chain Management;

Shawnna M. Giumento, Greenfield Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Operations Management;

Emily K. Glutz, Metuchen, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling;

Kyle B. Hromisin, Dallas, received the Outstanding Student Award for Chemistry;

Andre A. Keller, Groton, South Dakota, received the Outstanding Student Award for Healthcare Management;

Bridget L. Klein, Melville, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Family Nurse Practitioner;

Julia H. Kopf, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for International Business;

Kathryn M. Kwapniewski, Middletown, New Jersey, received the Doctor of Physical Therapy Outstanding Student Award;

Amanda M. Laubshire, Oak Ridge, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accountancy;

Lan Luo, Wyckoff, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting Analytics;

Abigail R. Lynott, Dalton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Health Administration;

Kimberly Ann McClellan, Pottstown, received the Outstanding Student Award for Health Informatics;

John P. McDonough, Waverly Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Secondary Education;

Vanessa S. Moylan, Jefferson Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Marketing;

Cuong D. Nguyen, Ashley, received the Outstanding Student Award for Software Engineering;

Vanessa C. Pinto, Jenkins Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Finance;

Dean A. Richards, Wilkes Barre, received the Doctor of Nursing Practice Outstanding Student Award for Nurse Anesthesia;

Hamilton L. Roldan, Long Beach, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Human Resources Management;

Jennifer M. Schmoyer, Alexandria, Virginia, received the Outstanding Student Award for Operations Management;

Zainab E. Sesay, Bladensburg, Maryland, received the Outstanding Student Award for Applied Behavior Analysis;

Aubrey Skolny, Pittsford, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Occupational Therapy;

Nathan J. Spak, Endwell, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Biochemistry;

Scott T. Stefanek, Rockville Centre, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Finance-Corporate Finance and Investments Specialization;

Susan Sutton Stopper, Clarks Summit, received the Outstanding Student Award for Clinical Mental Health Counseling;

Luke Sullivan, Mountain Top, received the Outstanding Student Award for General Business Administration;

Kevin R. Weaver, Walnutport, received the Outstanding Student Award for Healthcare Management.

 

A handful of national and international organizations and underserved populations will benefit in the coming months and years from recent University of Scranton graduates.

Seven Scranton graduates, listed below, including six members of the Class of 2025, have chosen to commit to long-term service projects:

Jackson Feiner ’25, Pittstown, New Jersey, will serve with the Peace Corps in Madagascar. Feiner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international studies.

Theodore Krokus ’25, Scranton, will serve with the Peace Corps in Cambodia. Krokus earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

Victoria Lewis ’25, Dunmore, will serve with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps at the KC Care Health Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Lewis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology.

Maria Stephen ’25, Huntingdon Valley, will serve with the St. Joseph Worker Program at Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, California. Stephen, a triple major in history, political science and philosophy, was the student government president.

Ousmane Thiam ’25, Dumont, New Jersey, has also committed to service. Thiam earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology.

Nicole Thompson-Almada ’25, Bernardsville, New Jersey, has also committed to service and is a finalist to serve with the Peace Corps in Albania. Thompson-Almada earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international studies.

Isabelle Wohlleber ’24, Hazleton, will serve with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps as a direct care navigator at Women’s Lunch Place in Boston, Massachusetts. Wohlleber earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematical sciences.

Community service is a hallmark of an education at The University of Scranton, where students annually complete more than 175,000 hours of service.

The University of Scranton honored more than two dozen undergraduates in the Class of 2025 at its Multicultural Graduation Celebration, held on campus commencement weekend. 

The ceremony honored the academic achievements, unique experiences, rich heritages and numerous contributions of University students of various cultures. 

In total, 26 students participated in the event, which celebrated their determination, perseverance and resilience that helped them become key contributors in and out of the classroom. 

The celebration was held on campus at the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall and included remarks by Zainab Shah '25, a computer engineering major from Grapevine, Texas, and Kapil Patel '25, a health administration major from Wyckoff, New Jersey. Curtis Scott '25, a computer engineering major from Cresco, offered the closing prayer.

Also speaking at the event were Jose Sanchez, assistant director of the cultural centers at the University, and Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., vice president for student life and dean of students.

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The University of Scranton recognized excellence in academic disciplines and exemplary leadership and service at Class Night, where 61 undergraduates of the Class of 2025 were honored.

Among the highest honors conferred at the on-campus Class Night celebration, held May 16, were the Frank J. O’Hara Awards for General Academic Excellence. Named after an alumnus whose professional career at the University lasted 52 years until his death in 1977, the O’Hara Awards are presented annually to students with the highest GPA in each of the University’s three undergraduate colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, Kania School of Management and the Leahy College of Health Sciences.

Earning the O’Hara Awards for the Class of 2025 were: Grace E. Boyle, a finance major from Clarks Summit; Samantha G. Hoffmann, a nursing major from Millington, New Jersey; Jenna M. Kotlar, a kinesiology major from Branchburg, New Jersey; Elizabeth P. McKechney, a communication sciences and disorders major from Fairport, New York; Priyal Patel, a health administration major from Mountain Top; Kaitlyn N. Romito, a nursing major from Hauppauge, New York; and Alexandra L. Shomali, a mathematical sciences and philosophy major from Ellicott City, Maryland.

Also recognized at the ceremony was Jenyah A. Cunningham, a double major (secondary education, English; English) from Brooklyn, New York. Cunningham is the recipient of a prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Taiwan.

The event also featured remarks from Maria Stephen, of Huntingdon Valley, the outgoing president of Student Government.

Below is a full list of the students honored for their leadership, service and outstanding achievement in their fields of study:

Joseph Agnone, Phoenix, Arizona, Lawrence A. Mann Award, ex aequo;

Elliott David Ballino, Scranton, Excellence in Chemistry;

Gabrielle Martine Bingener, Barto, J. Timothy Cannon Award for Excellence in Neuroscience;

Shandon Jason Black, Scranton, Excellence in Environmental Science;

Grace Elizabeth Boyle, Clarks Summit, Excellence in Finance, as well as the Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Jack Burke, Dublin, Alumni Loyalty and Service Award;

Stephen Butler, Telford, Jesuit Community Award for Outstanding Service, ex aequo;

Amanda E. Campbell, Farmingville, New York, Sigma Theta Tau Award (International Honor Society of Nursing), ex aequo;

Logan H. Campbell, Chalfont, Excellence in Business Analytics;

Brigid R. Carlin, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Excellence in Economics and the Prof. Timothy H. Scully Award for Excellence in Political Science;

Abigail Casal, South Abington Township, Jesuit Community Award for Outstanding Service, ex aequo;

John Michael Christiansen, Honesdale, Prof. Frank C. Brown Award for Excellence in History;

Timothy J. Davila, Brooklyn, New York, Excellence in Cybercrime and Homeland Security;

Patrick David DelBalso, Plains Township, Excellence in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology;

Edward R. Drong, Flemington, New Jersey, Excellence in Occupational Therapy;

Julia A. Dugasz, Woodbridge, New Jersey, Excellence in Biochemistry;

Madison G. Dunlop, Oreland, Excellence in Communication Sciences and Disorders;

Julia L. Edmonds, Babylon, New York, J. Harold Brislin Memorial Award for Excellence in Journalism;

Alexander L. Eriquez, Howard Beach, New York, Edward J. Spitzer Scholarship Award;

Jackson F. Feiner, Pittstown, New Jersey, Excellence in International Studies;

James P. Fox, Hillsborough, New Jersey, Excellence in Computer Science;

Samuel E. Gates, Vestal, New York, Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Award (PICPA) Outstanding Senior Student;

James K. Gillen, Staten Island, New York, Excellence in Operations Management;

Samantha G. Hoffmann, Millington, New Jersey, Sigma Theta Tau Award (International Honor Society of Nursing), ex aequo, as well as the Frank J. O'Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Evan M. Hromisin, Dallas, Dr. A.J. Cawley Award for Excellence in Engineering;

Gabrielle Judith Jamieson, Bradley Beach, New Jersey, Excellence in Psychology;

Jeremiah J. King, Lawrence Twp, New Jersey, Excellence in Accounting;

Jenna Marie Kotlar, Branchburg, New Jersey, Excellence in Kinesiology, as well as the Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Robert M. Kretschmer, Honesdale, Excellence in Theology and Religious Studies;

Mary Elizabeth Krichbaum, Endicott, New York, Excellence in Mathematics, B.S.;

Xavier Joseph Long, Germantown, Maryland, The Military Science Leadership Award;

Grace Kathryn McDonald, Jamison, Susquehanna Valley American Chemical Society Senior Award;

Elizabeth P. McKechney, Fairport, New York, Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Rebecca Mary Miller, Archbald, Excellence in Marketing;

Evie J. Mitchell, Morristown, New Jersey, Health Advocacy Award;

Jacob Mohring, East Stroudsburg, Rev. J.J. Quinn, S.J., Achievement Award for Demonstration of Excellence in English Studies, ex aequo;

Michael Joseph Molzen, Bloomsbury, New Jersey, Prof. Joseph P. Harper Award for Excellence in Physics;

Priyal Patel, Mountain Top, Excellence in Health Administration, as well as the Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Nathan Bernard Pfund, Honesdale, Excellence in Information Technology;

Theresa Pham, Philadelphia, Excellence in Biology;

Zane E. Price, Scranton, Mary E. Quinn Award for Excellence in Secondary Education; and the Prof. Joseph B. Cullather Award for Excellence in English;

Taralyn Rose Reilly, Archbald, Excellence in Health Promotion;

DeJanna B. Richardson, East Stroudsburg, Excellence in Counseling and Human Services;

Vincent L. Rinella, Staten Island, New York, Prof. Bernard J. McGurl Award for Excellence in Communication;

Kaitlyn Nicole Romito, Hauppauge, New York, Excellence in Nursing, as well as the Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Tyler Daniel Roueche, Jamesville, New York, Croteau & Marx Family Award for Excellence in Mechanical Engineering;

Anika H. Sehne, Dalton, Excellence in International Business;

Zainab Shah, Grapevine, Texas, Student Life Award, ex aequo;

Alexandra Shomali, Ellicott City, Maryland, Excellence in Philosophy, The Lawrence A. Mann Award, ex aequo; and the Rev. J.J. Quinn, S.J., Achievement Award for Demonstration of Excellence in English Studies, ex aequo, as well as the Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Maria Stephen, Huntingdon Valley, Student Life Award, ex aequo;

Matthew J. Stern, Lawrence Twp, New Jersey, Excellence in Economics;

Kayla Marie Sullivan, Elkins Park, Excellence in Middle Level Education;

Kim Thi My Dang, Scranton, Lawrence Lennon Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement in Psychology;

Meghan A. Theofield, Smithtown, New York, Excellence in Business Administration;

Emilia Rose Tobey, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, Excellence in Criminal Justice;

Miriam M. Vandewater, Souderton, Excellence in Mathematical Sciences;

Kerrigan E. Wilson, Mount Pocono, Excellence in Physiology;

Sara Madison Wynne, Staten Island, New York, Excellence in Forensic Chemistry;

Kiley A. Yanochik, Dunmore, Excellence in Early and Primary Education;

Madison Glencer Zarone, Pittsburgh, Excellence in Management.

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Ten years of hard work and service to The University of Scranton paid off with Michael Landram, Ph.D., earning some well-deserved and coveted recognition.

Dr. Landram, associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, was chosen by the University’s graduating Class of 2025 as the Teacher of the Year. An annual tradition since 1996, the award, which was presented at Class Night, honors a faculty member who maintains high standards of academic excellence and fairness and inspires students through their enthusiasm and dedication to teaching.

In addition to his teaching expertise, Dr. Landram is known for his interactive approach to on-campus and community-based research, which often involves students. Among Dr. Landram’s lines of research is conducting observational and experimental studies on teaching approaches and outcomes.

All seniors in the kinesiology program complete Dr. Landram’s Clinical Exercise Physiology course and many go through his community-based learning experience, based out of the Jewish Community Center of Scranton. Dr. Landram’s JCC project, titled, “Senior Strength, Endurance and Flexibility,” allows kinesiology students to engage in meaningful, hands-on work while also helping older adults meet their physical activity needs. The project annually serves 50-60 students, 30-40 adults and is internationally and locally recognized and awarded.

Dr. Landram, who joined the University in 2015, serves on numerous University committees, including as the chair of the Institutional Biosafety Committee and the Technology Advisory Group. He is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and is a certified USA Olympic Weightlifting coach.

Dr. Landram, who received his bachelor’s degree from Truman State University, master’s from Appalachian State University and Ph.D. from the University of Rome “Foro Italico,” is an involved community member off-campus, as well. He is President of the Friends of the Abington Community Library and coaches local sports, including baseball and wrestling, year-round in West Scranton.

Ten members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2025 capped their undergraduate careers by being commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

The 10 Scranton graduates, as well as six additional members from other regional colleges, were honored at an on-campus ceremony, held May 17.

Among those in attendance was Brig. Gen. Maurice “Moe” Barnett, national commanding general, U.S. Army ROTC. Also participating in the ceremony was Lt. Col. Jay Wenger, University professor of military science and leader of the Royal Warrior Battalion Army ROTC program.

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University of Scranton ROTC graduates commissioned at the event were:

2nd Lt. Prescila S. Bryan, of Yonkers, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice;

2nd Lt. Anthony David Campola, of New Hartford, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree;

2nd Lt. Timothy J. Davila, of Brooklyn, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in cybercrime and homeland security;

2nd Lt. Thomas R. Gibson III, of Great Bend, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history;

2nd Lt. Kyle Stephen Kimler, of Bethlehem, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice;

2nd Lt. Xavier Joseph Long, of Germantown, Maryland, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science;

2nd Lt. Taegan J. Mills, of Montrose, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and criminal justice;

2nd Lt. Conan J. O’Donnell, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history;

2nd Lt. Evan A. Rose, of Weehawken, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in operations management;

2nd Lt. Caroline Williams, of Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

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The University of Scranton and Widener University Commonwealth Law School signed a new 3+3 dual admissions agreement, providing an expedited and cost-effective route for students to earn both their bachelor’s degree and juris doctor in just six years. This innovative program allows students to bypass the traditional seven-year timeline, cutting down on tuition expenses and speeding up their entry into the legal field.

The agreement will allow Scranton students who meet program requirements to be eligible for admission to the prestigious law school after three years. The accelerated academic program allows highly qualified and motivated students to earn both a bachelor’s degree from Scranton and juris doctor degree from Widener Law Commonwealth.

“The University of Scranton has long been a source of many of our most outstanding students – individuals who go on to lead impactful legal careers,” said andré douglas pond cummings, J.D., dean of Widener Law Commonwealth. “This 3+3 agreement formalizes that bond, allowing motivated Scranton students to begin their legal education in what would traditionally be their senior year of college. It saves time and resources while aligning beautifully with Scranton’s Jesuit mission of service – an ethos that mirrors our own commitment to access to justice and producing attorneys dedicated to serving the public good.”

“This 3+3 with Widener Commonwealth Law builds upon several existing such partnerships to provide our students with yet another excellent option. Our Scranton students can benefit from our strong liberal arts undergraduate education, which we know will serve them well to become ethical critical thinkers who can write and speak effectively. Then they take our transformative education as they study the law at Widener and in turn live out the Catholic, Jesuit mission in the promotion of social justice as an attorney,” said Carolyn McNamara Barry, Ph.D., dean of Scranton’s College of Arts and Sciences.

“The University of Scranton students are always impressive, and their contributions to the law school and the legal profession make a positive impact on their communities,” said Matthew Kerns, associate dean of admissions at Widener Law Commonwealth. “This agreement saves Scranton students valuable time and money when completing their degrees so that they can quickly progress into their professional careers.”

Located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Widener Law Commonwealth offers a unique advantage through its proximity to state government agencies, courts and a robust network of legal professionals. A strong focus on mentorship and applied learning prepares students for the rigors of legal practice in a dynamic and supportive environment.

“I was particularly impressed by Widener Law Commonwealth’s noteworthy track record in providing access to a wide range of students to pursue law school, as well as sending so many of their graduates onto successful careers as public servants in the state of Pennsylvania,” said Dean Barry.

To be eligible for the program, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA while at Scranton and must have completed at least 90 credits overall (a minimum of 63 at Scranton) before enrolling at Widener. The program is open to all Scranton students considering attending law school. Additional information can be found on Scranton’s pre-law webpage.

The agreement is effective beginning with students whose anticipated matriculation date to Widener Commonwealth is August 2026.

Back when he was a graduate student at Boston College, Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, took a course, “Great Themes of the Bible,” instructed by Rev. Richard J. Clifford, S.J., and the late Rev. Thomas D. Stegman, S.J.

It was captivating, creative and so inspiring, Father Marina said, that he still has his notebook from the class and occasionally returns to it.

“Instead of studying sections, like wisdom literature and the prophets and the gospels, they looked at particular themes running through,” Father Marina recalled. “We studied, for example, creation through the lens of both testaments. We studied redemption. We studied mercy. It was a great way to become more familiar with the Bible.”

Father Marina, now the president of The University of Scranton, welcomed Father Clifford to campus on April 10. Father Clifford was the guest of honor, receiving the University’s Arrupe Award for Distinguished Contributions to Ignatian Mission and Ministry.

But for all the scholarly wisdom and critical thought Father Clifford instilled in Father Marina, the University president says his fondest memory happened outside the classroom.

“One day we were cooking and it was the middle of the afternoon,” Father Marina told the crowd assembled for a luncheon at Leahy Hall. “I said to you, ‘I still haven’t been to Mass yet.’ He said to me, ‘Would you like to celebrate together?’ And it was just the two of us in our house chapel; me on the one side, he on the other.

“Just a beautiful memory … so personal to me.”

Father Clifford was introduced at the Arrupe Award luncheon by Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for mission and ministry at Scranton, who touted him as someone who’s lived a life “with faith, intellectual rigor and genuine kindness toward all.”

Father Clifford presented a lecture, “Jews and Catholics: Building a Peaceful Future,” in which he emphasized the ongoing need for understanding and compassion between the two faiths.

Father Clifford’s prolific career, spanning five decades, includes a 38-year run of teaching biblical studies from 1970 to 2008 at Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge. He joined the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry in 2008 and remains there. His past experience also includes serving as general editor of the Catholic Biblical Quarterly and being the former president of the Catholic Biblical Association.

The University of Scranton established the Arrupe Award in 1995 to recognize individuals who have furthered in a significant way the Ignatian mission. It is named for the late Very Rev. Pedro Arrupe, S.J., the 28th Superior General of the Society of Jesus and sometimes referred to as its “The Second Founder.”

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The University of Scranton will celebrate its Class of 2025 with the awarding of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees to nearly 1,300 graduates on Sunday, May 18.

Sunday’s commencement ceremonies conclude a busy, fun-filled weekend of events.

Here is a chronological rundown of key events happening this weekend:

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FRIDAY, MAY 16

4 p.m. Leahy College of Health Sciences Outstanding Graduate Awards Ceremony at the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall.

5:30 p.m. Kania School of Management Reception on the fifth floor of Brennan Hall.

7:30 p.m. Class Night, recognizing undergraduates for academic achievement, leadership and service, in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center.

SATURDAY, MAY 17

9 a.m. Pinning Ceremony for nursing graduates in the Byron Recreation Complex.

11:30 a.m. Multicultural Graduation Celebration in the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall.

1 p.m. ROTC Commissioning in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center.

2:45 p.m. Class of 2025 Legacy Photo at the Loyola Science Center’s atrium.

4 p.m. Baccalaureate Mass in the Byron Recreation Complex.

• There will not be a procession of the graduates. Graduates will sit with and among their family and friends.

8 p.m. President’s Reception for graduates and parents in the Byron Recreation Complex.

SUNDAY, MAY 18

9:45 a.m. Doors open for Undergraduate Commencement at Mohegan Arena.

11 a.m. Undergraduate Commencement begins at Mohegan Arena.

12 p.m.: Doctor of Physical Therapy Graduation Awards Ceremony in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center.

3:45 p.m.: Doors open for Graduate Commencement at Mohegan Arena.

4:30 p.m.: Graduate Commencement begins at Mohegan Arena.

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Refer to our campus maps webpage for precise locations of school buildings. Mohegan Arena, the home of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins’ top minor league affiliate, is located at 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. Visit the arena’s website to review its clear bag policy and security procedures.

The principal speaker at the Undergraduate Commencement is Nicole Young ’00, H’20, a 16-time Emmy Award-winning senior producer for “60 Minutes.”

Several of the weekend’s events will be recorded on video and livestreamed. Links will become available on the University’s website at the date and time of each event.

A photographer from GradImages will be at both commencement ceremonies, capturing photos of each graduate during their moment of recognition. Scroll down to the Photographs and Flowers section of the commencement page for more information on how to pre-register and access your photos.

Join the fun on social media by using #Royals2025 for a chance to be featured on the University’s commencement page.

Multiple University of Scranton undergraduate students made poster presentations for the 2025 University of Scranton Brain and Behavior Conference, held April 26 at the Loyola Science Center.

The following Scranton students made poster presentations at the event, which served as an opportunity for undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. researchers to present their findings:

• Stephen Butler, a neuroscience major from Telford: Neurological structural and chemical effects of chronic morphine exposure in Camponotus floridanus
• Matthew Bispo, a neuroscience and philosophy major from Vineland, New Jersey: Hsd17b7 Localizes Along Neurite Structures in Differentiating Neuro2a Cells
• Andrew Mauriello, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Duryea: Isolating and identifying candidate Neuro2a cells deficient in Hsd17b7
• Vlad Dumitrescu, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Lords Valley: Analyzing expression of Hsd17b7 during Neuro2a differentiation
• Mackenna Percey, a neuroscience major from Branchville, New Jersey: The Effects on Dopamine of Socially Isolated Drosophila Flies
• Madasen Mariano, a neuroscience major from Mayfield: The Buzz of CBD: Analyzing Locomotive Behavior in Campontus floridunas
• Madalyne Gasper, a neuroscience major from Stroudsburg: Investigating the Role of the Telencephalon on the Startle Response in Goldfish, Carassius auratus
• Martine Sirianni, a physiology major from Media: Impacts of taurine on zebrafish aggression and gene expression
• Jacob Mohring, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from East Stroudsburg: Effects of OBA in a Castration-Based Model of Parkinson's Disease​
• Gerald Donahue, a neuroscience major from Clarks Summit: Comparing Anxiety Levels in Castrated vs. Intact Mice Using the Elevated Plus Maze
• Stephen Kudriavetz, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Randolph, New Jersey: Behavioral Cellular and Molecular Characterization of a Castration Based Model of PD
• Alexandra Shomali, a mathematical sciences and philosophy major from Ellicott City, Maryland: Computational Modeling of the BK Ion Channel Using the Morris-Lecar Equations
• Patrick Kane, a neuroscience major from New Milford, New Jersey: Developing a Female-Specific Mouse Model for Parkinson’s Disease Using a High-Sensitivity Neural Network

Additionally, Patrick Orr, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Scranton, presented “Misinformation Concerning the H.M. Case Study: A Temporal-Lobe Focused Seizure?”

The morning keynote speech, “Reward Interrupted: Impulsivity and Addition in Diverse Animal Models,” was given by J. David Jentsch, Ph.D., distinguished professor and chair, Psychology Department, Binghamton University. The afternoon lecture, “Seaing Neurobiology Through the Lens of an Anemone,” was made by Michael J. Layden, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Biological Sciences/Neuroscience, Lehigh University.

The University of Scranton this spring added hundreds of students, representing all colleges and majors, to its chapters of numerous national and international honor societies.

Click the links below to access the lists of students inducted into each honor society:

Alpha Delta Sigma
Alpha Epsilon Alpha
Alpha Mu Gamma
Alpha Phi Sigma
Alpha Sigma Nu
Beta Beta Beta
Beta Gamma Sigma
Chi Delta Rho
Eta Kappa Nu
Eta Sigma Gamma
Lambda Pi Eta
Mu Kappa Tau
Nu Rho Psi
Omega Beta Sigma
Omega Rho
Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Epsilon Kappa
Phi Lambda Upsilon
Phi Sigma Tau
Pi Gamma Mu
Pi Mu Epsilon
Pi Sigma Alpha
Psi Chi
Sigma Pi Sigma
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Theta Tau
Tau Upsilon Alpha
Theta Alpha Kappa
Upsilon Phi Delta
Upsilon Pi Epsilon
Alpha Kappa Delta
Alpha Lambda Delta
Alpha Sigma Lambda
Institute for Management Accountants
Kappa Delta Pi
Sigma Iota Rho
Omicron Delta Epsilon
Phi Delta Kappa
Sigma Nu Tau
Sigma Theta Tau
Sigma Xi

The University of Scranton’s oldest honor society now has its newest group of honorees.

The annual Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society Induction Ceremony was held recently on campus, where 66 University students officially took their place as inductees into the coveted honor society for high-achieving students in Jesuit colleges and universities.

Juniors, seniors and graduate students who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service are eligible for membership.

Alpha Sigma Nu is the National Jesuit Honor Society. The Scranton chapter was founded in 1943.

The following students earned the distinction of being inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu:

Kenneth Altman
Maria Amato
Amber Armitage
David Banko
Owen Barlow
Jaznie Belfont
Madalyn Beretzki
Rebecca Berry
Diana Bobko
Katie Brennan
Emily Carey
Samantha Colby
Alyssa Cosklo
Chelsea Curran
Erica Czerwinski
Linda Daly
Anna DiFiori
Madison Dunlop
Julia Edmonds
Dean Finan
Kevin Finning
Michael Gallo
Patrick George
Emily Alexa Gotiangco
Ryan Hanley
Ryan Hawk
Rachel Hoffman
Samantha Hoffmann
Sally Hopkins
Matthew Jasienski
Kathryn Kwapniewski
Jenna LaBarca
Kiera Lapham
Julia LeMay
Grace Lennox
Brooke Levengood
Grace Lloyd
Aiden Mackrell
Sofia Mastellone
Victoria Mauri
Andrew Mauriello
Grace McDonald
Ashley McVeigh
Gabriella Meditz
Hailey Monaghan
Faith Montagnino
Anne Murphy
Sheldon Myers
Lila Naccari
Brian O'Connor
Hailey Patts
Michael Redmond
Kevin Reilly
Kaitlyn Romito
Matthew Schade
Angelina Serafimov
Julia Shimshock
Allison Slovak
Rebecca Stankoski
Nicole Tonny
Morgan Tullio
Joseph Vazquez
Jordon Wagner
Girmachew Wasihun
Molly White
Madison Zarone

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Richard Kogan, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and artistic director of Weill Cornell Music and Medicine, presented a concert lecture, “Schumann: Music, Mood Swings & Madness,” on April 10 at Geisinger School of Medicine (GSOM).

Dr. Kogan’s appearance in Scranton was a collaboration between the Schemel Forum, which is a community education and cultural enrichment program sponsored by The University of Scranton’s Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library, and GSOM. The Schemel Forum hosts numerous luncheon seminars, short academic courses and collaborative programs, such as this, during each semester.

Dr. Kogan discussed how creative artists are especially vulnerable to mental illness, highlighting German composer Robert Schumann, who blurred the lines between genius and insanity.

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Ten University of Scranton students – three graduate students and seven undergraduates –recently presented research at the eighth annual HamSCI Workshop. This two-day program attracted amateur radio operators and enthusiasts from around the world, coming together to collaborate on their latest findings, strategies and outlooks.

Physics professor Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., presented and chaired multiple sessions at the event for the group he founded. The HamSCI Workshop was hosted this year on March 14-15 at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Among the presenters were the following University of Scranton graduate students and their topics: Cuong Nguyen, Ashley, who is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering, “Software Development for the Grape Personal Space Weather Station, V2;” Diego Sanchez, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, who is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering, “Climatology of Large-Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Observed with 14 MHz Amateur Radio Using a Novel Automated Detection Technique;” and Nicholas Guerra, Scranton, who is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering, “Integration & Validation of a Standardized Library and File Format for PyDARNMUSIC and DARNtids: Migrating from Legacy Pickle Files to HDF5 and Implementing a Comprehensive Testing Suite.”

Additionally, seven undergraduate students presented on the following topics: Alexandros Papadopoulos, Scotrun, a computer engineering major, “Analysis of the HamSCI Solar Eclipse High Frequency Time Difference of Arrival Experiment Observations Using Automated Techniques;” Rebecca Potter, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, a physics and philosophy double major, “How Do We Put a HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station in America?” and “Electron Thermionic Emission and Tunnelling Transport in Spherically Symmetric Charged Grains in Dusty Plasmas;” Gerard Piccini, Monroe Township, New Jersey, an electrical engineering major, “A Low-Cost, Low-Power Chirp Ionosonde for Studying Eclipse Ionospheric Impacts;” James Fox, Hillsborough, New Jersey,  a computer science and mathematical sciences double major, “Southern Hemisphere MSTID Response to a Sudden Stratospheric Warming Observed by the Falkland Islands SuperDARN Radar; Owen Ruzanski, Shohola, a computer engineering major, “Development of a Contesting and DXing Dashboard for the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station;” Michael Molzen, Bloomsbury, New Jersey, a physics major, “Investigating January 2016 Traveling Ionospheric Disturbance Causes with SuperDARN;” and Tom Pisano, Staten Island, New York, an electrical engineering major, “University of Scranton W3USR Teaching Amateur Radio at the Lackawanna Blind Association.”

In addition to Dr. Frissell, Rachel Frissell, faculty specialist in the Physics and Engineering Department, presented “Understanding HamSCI Magnetometers Measurements and Observations;” and Kornyanat Hozumi, Ph.D., a post-doctoral research associate, presented “HamSCI as a Tool for Equatorial Plasma Bubbles Study.” Also attending the workshop were faculty members Bob Spalletta, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering; Argyrios Varonides, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering; and Christine Zakzewski, Ph.D., associate professor of physics and engineering.

For more information about the HamSCI Workshop and additional details on each presentation, visit the organization’s website.

When Pope John Paul II died in April 2005, Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., was a curious college freshman. 

“I said to my friends, ‘What happens when a pope dies?’” Dr. Cosacchi recently recalled. “I went to the library, took out about 25 books …” 

And the rest was history. 

Dr. Cosacchi, The University of Scranton’s vice president of mission and ministry, has since become a scholar of the papacy and conclave. 

Since the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, Dr. Cosacchi has been in-demand, both on campus and in the public eye. 

Dr. Cosacchi’s work at the University in recent weeks has included a video presentation, open to the University community, about papal transition. 

Dr. Cosacchi also authored a University-wide email — a conclave primer — with numerous sources and links gathered to answer virtually any questions you may have about the conclave. 

Additionally, Dr. Cosacchi is contributing coverage for Spectrum News during the conclave and he was interviewed for the following articles in national media outlets: 

• “A Visual Guide on How the Next Pope Will Be Elected,” The Washington Post 

• “What’s at stake in conclave this week,” USA Today 

A graduate of Fordham University and Boston College, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, respectively, Dr. Cosacchi earned his doctorate from Loyola University of Chicago. Hired by Scranton in 2022, he previously held teaching positions at Marywood University and Fairfield University. 

Dr. Cosacchi is the author of “Great American Prophets: Pope Francis’s Models of Christian Life,” and the co-author of “The Berrigan Letters: Personal Correspondence Between Daniel and Philip Berrigan.” 

Academic research could be an isolating endeavor.

The long, lonely hours spent in laboratories and libraries could sometimes have researchers wondering if their hard work will pay off in the end.

Then, an event like The University of Scranton’s Celebration of Student Scholars happens, and it’s clear that the sacrifice was worth the effort.

The 25th annual Celebration of Student Scholars was held during the afternoon of April 30. The three-hour social event, which was catered and featured nonstop foot traffic inside the Loyola Science Center, drew hundreds of University community members, including friends, family and faculty.

About 185 students participated in the showcase, including more than a dozen oral presenters like Cuong Nguyen.

“I am very proud of myself and of course there’s a sense of relief, as well,” said Nguyen, of Ashley, a Scranton graduate now pursuing his master's degree in software engineering here. “This project, I’ve been working on it since at least 2023.”

The origin of Nguyen’s research project, “Software Development for the Grape Personal Space Weather Station,” predates the college careers of some other presenters.

For example, Jonathon Symuleski, a biochemistry major from Hop Bottom, is a sophomore at the University. Symuleski’s relative youth didn’t stop him, however, from reading ahead and getting a jump on some sophisticated concepts he’ll learn in the years to come.

“Overall, super beneficial,” Symuleski said of his research project. “I learned so much doing the project. I was able to take some concepts from class that I had and then apply them to actual work. I got to work with a great professor and it’s helped me discover what I like doing.”

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Arati Kishore, of Pakistan, said it was a dream of hers to present a poster at a globally recognized university such as Scranton. Kishore covered “Commodity Pricing Reduces Costs While Prices Stay Stable.”

“It was a big thing for me; analyzing the data, making charts, reviewing and discussing with your peers and teachers and finally making a project which you can present and find out the research,” Kishore said. “There’s a problem and you find out some research (to solve it). It was a great experience.”

Presenters spanned all three of the University’s colleges and covered timely topics, including “Rewriting the Rules: NIL and the College Sports Economy,” by Colin Merriman, a senior finance major from Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Timeless subjects were covered, too, including former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill; students in a history class taught by Robert Shaffern, Ph.D., were assigned to research different aspects of Churchill’s life.

“I did my research project on Clementine Churchill, Winston Churchill’s wife … she really fascinated me and was a beautiful and interesting person,” said Therese Shimkus, a history major from Scranton. “Through her whole life, she was a rather lonely, isolated individual. That carried over into her adulthood. But she really supported her husband — completely, wholeheartedly — all the time. I was so impressed by her story and I’m happy to be able to share it.”

In total, 110 of the 124 poster presentations were solo and the remaining 14 were made in small groups.

Each presenter worked closely with a faculty mentor who helped guide them along the way.

“It’s just a chance for us as a university community to celebrate and recognize their hard work because they put a lot of work into it,” said Brooke Leonard, director of the office of research and sponsored programs. “We have some excellent students doing amazing research. And our faculty are really great mentoring them and taking them on. We like to recognize that.”

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The University of Scranton Jazz Band will take the stage Friday, May 9, with renowned vibraphone player and percussionist, Joel Ross, joining them as the evening’s guest soloist. Presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton, the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Ross will also offer a free vibraphone masterclass for percussionists ranging from students (ages 16 and older) to professionals on Friday at 4:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center. Percussionists wishing to attend should email music@scranton.edu or call (570) 941-7624 for more information. (Younger students may attend accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.)

At the concert, the University’s student jazz ensemble will perform a variety of works that prominently feature Ross on vibraphone/percussion. Performance Music Conductor and Co-Director Janelle Decker said, “I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Joel this past fall semester when he was a guest performer with Scranton Brass Orchestra. Joel is someone who has a really down-to-earth and cool ‘vibe,’ pun intended, and we are delighted to feature him on our program this spring.”

Chicago native Ross, a New York Coty-based Blue Note artist, has earned widespread renown as the most exciting new voice on his instrument, the vibraphone. More than a commanding improviser, he is a bracingly thoughtful composer and a bandleader. Ross auditioned for and won a spot in the Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet where he studied under former SFJAZZ Collective vibraphonist, Stefon Harris, for two years. A graduate of Stockton’s University of the Pacific, Ross went on to study jazz at The New School where he formed his band Good Vibes. Ross has toured with the Marquis Hill Blacktet, in which his vibraphone was the primary comping instrument. Ross made his recording debut as a leader on his album “KingMaker” in December 2016 and it was released on Blue Note Records in 2019. That same year, Ross recorded his second album as a leader, “Who Are You?”

The University of Scranton Jazz Band is a 21-member ensemble of big band style instrumentation, made up of University student musicians from majors spanning the curriculum. They perform five or more times per year, and the majority of their performances are open to the public, free of admission charge, and often feature a nationally or internationally renowned guest soloist. 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 Scranton, all enrolled students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for membership in the University bands, choirs, string ensembles, and steel drum band, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year.

For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Ross, visit iplayvibes.com.

A time-honored teaching award at The University of Scranton was recently presented to Christine Zakzewski, Ph.D., associate professor of physics and engineering.

Student members of the University’s chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu, the national honor society for students in Jesuit colleges and universities, selected Dr. Zakzewski as its Teacher of the Year. Formally known as the Gannon Award for Teaching, the award is named for Edward Gannon, S.J., a 22-year employee of the University who taught philosophy until his death in 1986.

Dr. Zakzewski accepted the award on March 30 at the Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society Induction Ceremony. The student nominators touted Dr. Zakzewski as someone who’s gone above and beyond to ensure her students are comfortable in their abilities.

“Dr. Z makes a daunting subject manageable and relatable to each student,” said one nominator. “She is very open and cares for each of her students — the embodiment of cura personalis.”

A graduate of Rutgers University, where she earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, Dr. Zakzewski has been a member of the University’s Department of Physics and Engineering since 1992. She was department chair from 2007 to 2017 and the engineering program director from 2017 to 2024, helping to develop the department’s mechanical engineering program while securing external ABET accreditation for its electrical, computer and mechanical engineering programs.

Dr. Zakzewski’s current research focuses on deploying personal space weather station instruments in Antarctica and among citizen scientists across the U.S. for continuous observation of space weather events affecting critical navigation and communication systems. She is the faculty mentor for the IEEE-HKN Engineering Honor Society and is a member of the University’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. A licensed ham radio operator, Dr. Zakzewski collaborates with University faculty and students to teach a ham radio licensing course for the blind and visually impaired at the Lackawanna Blind Association. She’s also a musician, serving as principal bassoonist for the SUNY Orange Community Orchestra.

The Gannon Award for Teaching was established in 1969. Dr. Zakzewski is the 56th recipient of the award, which recognizes outstanding efforts in educating students.

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 at the University who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service are eligible for membership.

The University of Scranton’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service (CEEPS) recently interviewed Scranton City Council candidates, furthering its mission of developing knowledgeable, responsible and engaged community members.

JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., director of CEEPS and political science professor, and Brian Snee, Ph.D., communication and media professor, conducted the interviews. Questions focused on candidate plans and priorities, housing, infrastructure, zoning, changes in federal support and the rising cost of utilities.

Democrats Tom Schuster, Todd Pousley, Patrick Flynn, Sean McAndrew and Frankie Malacaria participated in the interviews, as did Republican Marc Pane. Each video interview can be accessed by clicking the links attached to each candidate’s name.

Earlier this month, CEEPS also held mayoral candidate debates for the Democratic and Republican parties.

CEEPS encourages the public to register to vote and to learn about candidates’ positions prior to the upcoming municipal primary elections on Tuesday, May 20.

The interviews, which were recorded by Electric City Television, will be aired in the coming days on ECTV.

The University of Scranton recently hosted its Judaic Studies Institute Lecture, welcoming a guest speaker from Ematai and the Jerusalem Post.

Rabbi Shlomo Brody, Ph.D., presented, “Jewish Ethical Perspectives on Civilian Casualties in War: A Tale of Two Sieges,” on April 24 at the Pearn Auditorium inside Brennan Hall.

Rabbi Brody is the executive director of Ematai, where he leads a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people navigate ethical dilemmas relating to end-of-life care, and a columnist at the Jerusalem Post, the oldest and largest English language daily newspaper in Israel. He was previously the founding director of the Tikvah Overseas Student Institute, a senior instructor at Yeshivat Hakotel rabbinic seminary and a research fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute.

The author of two books — A Guide to the Complex: Contemporary Halakhic Debates (which received a National Jewish Book Award) and Ethics of Our Fighters: A Jewish View on War and Morality — Shlomo Brody is a summa cum laude graduate of Harvard University. He received rabbinic ordination from the Israeli Chief Rabbinate, a master’s degree in Jewish philosophy at the Hebrew University and a Ph.D. from Bar Ilan University Law School.

Additionally, Patrick Clark, Ph.D., professor of theology and religious studies at The University of Scranton, presented a Christian perspective at the event. Dr. Clark, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Duke University, master’s degree from Boston College and Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame, has been at Scranton since 2010.

Founded in 1979 through an endowment funded by the local Jewish community, the Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute fosters appreciation and understanding of Judaism, Israel and their histories. It supports scholarly endeavors, as well as outside visits from Jewish scholars and writers, among other items. The Institute’s work was further enhanced in 1990 by a $1 million gift from Harry Weinberg.

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College is all about impactful and transformative experiences.

Sometimes, as was the case with a recent adventure to Poughkeepsie, New York, the turning points and pushes that happen behind the scenes provide an experience nearly as compelling as the end destination.

Months of student-led planning and preparation culminated on April 29 with about 30 University of Scranton students receiving an extensive tour of Poughkeepsie’s IBM Innovation Studio.

“It began with an introduction to what the facility does and the role IBM’s mainframes play in everyday life — from processing payments for airline tickets to delivering up-to-date financial and banking information,” said Bernard Scott, a computer science major from West Chester. “We were then greeted by one of the cybersecurity professionals who talked about how IBM incorporates security into every level of their mainframe systems. Following the presentation, we met nine professionals who were all beginning their careers at IBM. The professionals took several questions from students and gave us a lot of valuable information and lessons about starting at IBM or any other company.”

And that’s just scratching the surface.

Scott and his classmates — from both the University’s student chapters for the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) — also toured the live system testing floor and received an up-close view of IBM’s prototype mainframes, the mainframes currently running for clients and the cutting-edge IBM-Z mainframes.

“We appreciated the sheer scale of the operations that were happening under one roof,” Scott said.

The seeds for this trip were planted back in October, when the Computer Science Department hosted a talk with PJ Catalano, a mainframe influencer who works at IBM’s Poughkeepsie facility. Catalano’s visit was arranged with help from Chris Filachek ’96, an IBM employee and member of the Computer Science Department’s Advisory Board.

“Before the presentation, the department has a tradition of holding an informal meet-and-greet with the presenter, inviting students and faculty to engage with them while enjoying some pizza,” Scott recalled. “In my conversation with PJ, he extended to The University of Scranton ACM an invitation to tour the facility.”

Scott and his classmates took that invitation and set into motion plans to make it happen.

Obstacles included planning a date, forming an itinerary and negotiating affordable transportation.

However, the two student clubs were undeterred and determined to execute what ended up being a highlight of their time at the University.

In addition to the aforementioned nine young professionals at IBM, Catalano and a handful of other veteran coworkers also greeted the University students and their two faculty mentors, Mark Fenner, Ph.D., computing sciences professor, and Andrew Berger, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Physics and Engineering Department, who made the trip with them.

“It was exciting to see the implementation of topics from our operating systems and computer architecture classes into professionally maintained mainframes,” Scott said. “I hope the students and faculty learned valuable lessons and are inspired to use the knowledge from class to accomplish greatness and move the world forward.”

Experiential learning trips such as this are supported by gifts made as part of the University’s Day of Giving.

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On Sunday, May 4, The University of Scranton Singers will present a concert in collaboration with Scranton Brass Orchestra. Presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton, the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. inside the University’s Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

According to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga, the concert will feature a short program by each group, followed by the performance of three pieces by the combined groups. Brass Orchestra works to be performed include excerpts from Stravinsky’s “The Firebird” arranged by Ray Farr and a lush arrangement of “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” by Alan Fernie. The choir will perform Vaclav Nelhybel’s epic work “Epitaph for a Soldier.”

Founded by Boga and Hal Baillie, Ph.D., and now in its 13th season, Scranton Brass Orchestra is a fully professional 28-member ensemble comprised of brass and percussion players/teachers from across the region. Since its founding in June 2011, the group’s performances have been free and open to the public, and have featured nationally and internationally acclaimed guests, among them some of the most acclaimed brass players of our time. Some of the goals of the group include to provide high level large brass ensemble performance and listening opportunities, serve as an aural and visual model to aid in the tonal and technical development of student brass players and as a professional development resource for brass performers and teachers in the region, and give participating regional brass musicians and teachers opportunities to work with and observe masters of the art of brass playing.

The University of Scranton Singers, founded in the early 1960s by the late Norbert Betti, is an SATB ensemble made up of students from majors spanning the University’s curriculum, brought together by their love of music. They are known for their eclectic and diverse styles of programming.

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. 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.

For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music.

Michael C. Munger, Ph.D., recently joined a long list of celebrated economic experts who have shared their research and findings with The University of Scranton’s community.

Dr. Munger, a professor at Duke University since 1997, was the principal speaker at the spring Henry George Seminar. Dr. Munger presented “Platforms, Giants and the Neo-Brandeisian Turn in Antitrust,” on April 10 in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center. The event was free and open to the public.

Neo-Brandeisianism, named after former Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, is an approach that focuses less on consumer prices and more “on how large corporations can harm competition (particularly for small businesses) and stifle innovation,” according to The Lawverse.

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Dr. Munger is the author of eight books, including “Tomorrow 3.0.,” “Choosing in Groups (coauthored with his son, Kevin)” and “The Thing Itself.” He has also published 200-plus articles and papers in professional journals and edited volumes. In addition to his work at Duke, where he’s won three university-wide teaching awards, Dr. Munger has held teaching positions at Dartmouth College, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Early in his career, he was a staff economist at the Federal Trade Commission.

The University’s Henry George Lecture Series holds events in the fall and spring and is named in honor of the 19th century American economist and social reformer. The 2024 fall speaker was Marc Melitz, Ph.D., of Harvard University. Past fall speakers include 12 winners of the Nobel Prize in economics. The series is supported financially by a grant from the Progress and Poverty Institute (formerly the Schalkenbach Foundation).

Competition and hands-on experience are not always part of the academic curriculum in high school.

That is partly why The University of Scranton’s Hayes Family Science Competition is such a big hit with the dozen high schools and nearly 200 potential engineers and scientists who participated in this year’s event at the Byron Center.

“This is a super cool experience for prospective students because it allows them to get a taste of what engineering looks like and see if this is really what they want to do,” said Evan Hromisin, Dallas, who is majoring in electrical engineering at the University. “Especially when I was in high school, I had a hard time figuring out what I wanted to do. Having opportunities to get your hands on some real-world engineering principles and test out your knowledge is a good way to get excited about going into engineering once you graduate high school.”

Hromisin was one of 30-plus University of Scranton students who helped instruct parts of the April 10 event, which included challenges related to concepts including energy, gravitation, kinematics and momentum. Among the day’s highlights was a Jeopardy-style trivia game — won by North Pocono High School’s Christian Segiel, who edged second- and third-place Sean Rossi and Luke Joseph, both of Crestwood High School — and an exercise in which Majid Mokhtari, senior laboratory engineer, engineered a mechanical arm to shoot a basketball through a hoop; Mokhtari’s robotic arms made all three shots it attempted.

Results from the day included Honesdale High School team two winning the overall team competition, aided by a pair of second-place finishes in the induction and collision competitions. Members of the winning team were: Jesse Balsam, Jonathan Cooley, Vera Downey, Zach Meagher, Liam Miller, Rylan Montgomery and Christian Sandman. Rebecca Kretschmer was their coach.

Berwick Gold, which won the buoyancy and media events, finished second overall. Members of the team placing second were: Christopher Bowman, Makayla Brown, Jack Kendron, Derek Moss and Nicholas Uram. Matthew Shrader was their coach.

North Pocono Red, which won the induction competition, placed third overall. Members of the third-place team were: Dillon Brace, Joe DiMattio, Justin Fontanella, Daniel Guglielmo, Kyle Mizenko, Allison Rocco and Christian Segiel. John Croom was their coach.

Additional media coverage of this year's Hayes Family Science Competition can be found on FOX 56 and WNEP.

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Geng Liu, Ph.D., sees science in everything.

When fish swim and insects fly, Dr. Liu sees them lifting, pushing and flapping just as their bodies were naturally designed to do so.

As interesting as Dr. Liu finds the science behind those movements, however, he needed to tailor a recent lecture about it to people removed from this particular field of study.

So, Dr. Liu prepared slides with colorful GIFs and graphs, photos and videos, all embedded into a presentation for a general audience: his fellow University of Scranton faculty.

“Will you make screensavers?” asked one professor, mesmerized by the vibrant visuals swirling on screen. “I can watch this forever.”

Dr. Liu’s lecture was an informative and interactive hit, as have been hundreds of others in the Faculty Research Seminar Series, now in its 20th year.

Launched in February of 2005, the University’s peer-to-peer lecture series serves multiple purposes, including community building.

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“The root of the word ‘college’ and the root of the word ‘collegial’ are the same,” said Stephen Whittaker, Ph.D., an English professor who’s attended the lectures for 20 years. “What that emphasizes is: the people who teach and do research and serve the mission, they thrive off of each other. They’re inspired by each other.”

Dr. Whittaker was one of about 20 faculty members — spanning all three colleges and a dozen departments — who attended the recent lecture by Dr. Liu, assistant professor of physics and engineering. Other lecturers this spring have come from the biology; library; and economics, finance and international business departments.

“We’re all teachers, we’re all lecturers and we all have that in common,” said Amelia Randich, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology. “But, it’s a different experience to hear a mathematician actually talk about what goes into years of work to prove a concept. Honestly, as an audience member, you still might not fully understand it, but you get an idea of the work involved and what they do.”

Dr. Randich is the coordinator of the series, a role she inherited this year from Declan Mulhall, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering.

Dr. Mulhall and Jerry Muir, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, created the Faculty Research Seminar Series 20 years ago. The idea was formed in a mentorship program for first-year faculty such as Drs. Mulhall and Muir.

“We came to realize that a series of interdisciplinary talks would provide faculty an opportunity to make their work known to those outside of their departments and would serve the secondary purpose of breaking down misconceptions those in other disciplines have about the nature of work in their field,” Dr. Muir recalled.

It was an important undertaking, but a big one, too, especially since Drs. Mulhall and Muir were new to the University.

Dr. Mulhall had previously been at Michigan State, where, he said, research talks like this were the norm. He gave the first talk in Scranton’s series.

“I don’t know that either Declan or I saw this as ambitious at the time,” Dr. Muir said. “We were both new to the University, so maybe we didn’t appreciate where some pitfalls could have lain in getting this off the ground.

“It really came together quickly and, fortunately, there was a real appetite for something like this, leading to instant success.”

Dr. Randich was one of several speakers in February for a special presentation on Darwin Day.

Dr. Randich took a historical approach in her lecture, telling of the complicated relationship between Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. While battling malaria on a remote Indonesian island in the 1850s, Wallace contacted Darwin with his research on natural selection, which helped influence the publishing of Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species.”

“I like to approach the Faculty Research Seminar from the point of view that you’re talking to a totally general audience who knows nothing about your field,” said Dr. Randich, who specializes in microbiology. “Even in my talk on my research, I used a lot of slides that I use to teach students about what viruses are, about what bacteria are. Your audience needs those fundamentals — but you can connect it to higher-level ideas really quickly because the faculty are prepared to think critically about everything. We often get really interesting questions.”

Some questions are serious and others are humorous. Occasionally, the lectures spark further collaboration and discussion among faculty.

One thing is a given at just about every lecture, though, and it’s been that way for 20 years.

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“It is normal to leave the talks with a feeling of knowing the speaker better and having an appreciation of their field and contribution,” Dr. Mulhall said. “I’ve had a great laugh at least seven Fridays a semester and got to know a lot of my colleagues.”

All interested University faculty and staff are invited to attend this year’s final presentation on Friday, May 2, in Room 439 in the Loyola Science Center. Refreshments will be served.

For more information and if you’re interested in presenting a seminar in the 2025-26 academic year, email Dr. Randich at amelia.randich@scranton.edu.

The Future Business Leaders of America, or FBLA, is an American institution.

While the organization was created over 80 years ago, however, it’s just in the last few years that The University of Scranton and club advisor David Mahalak, D. Eng., got involved with it.

Fostering a challenging, competitive and supportive environment, Dr. Mahalak’s fast-rising club recently had yet another successful showing at the State Leadership Conference (SLC) in Harrisburg.

Kaeli Romanowski, a finance major from Lake Ariel, won first place in Parliamentary Procedure. Joe Walas, an accounting major from West Islip, New York, earned second place in Sports Management and Marketing. Lamar Bishop, a management major from McDonough, Georgia, placed in two events. He took second in Future Business Executive and third in Parliamentary Procedure.

Additional Scranton placers include: Chaz DellaCorte, a finance major from The Villages, Florida, third place, Accounting Case Competition; Gary Mrozinski, a finance major from Taylor, third, Foundations of Accounting; Sean Fitzgerald, a finance major from Monroe Township, New Jersey, fourth, Foundations of Finance; and Connor Farrington, a business analytics major from Washington, New Jersey, fourth, Sports Management and Marketing.

“I have been the advisor for FBLA since the 2021-22 academic year and it has been an extremely enjoyable experience,” Dr. Mahalak said. “FBLA separates itself from many of the other student clubs and organizations in that it provides a competitive environment for students to apply what they learn in the classroom into real-world case competitions, objective tests and other events. Thus, students involved with FBLA are interested in being part of a group that invests more, beyond the traditional classroom, to better develop technical and soft skills, as well as network with others who share similar interests.

“It is a truly great opportunity for students to forge positive relationships that will help them with their future personal, professional and academic goals.”

After producing seven qualifiers for this year’s National Leadership Conference — to be held May 31-June 2 in Dallas, Texas — the University has now had 25 qualifiers in just five years.

The top officers for Scranton’s FBLA club are DellaCorte, president, and Bishop, vice president. This is DellaCorte’s third year qualifying for nationals and Bishop’s fourth.

“I certainly share many great memories with all of our FBLA students; however, this year’s graduating seniors hold a special place since two of our students have been with me for all four years at the University,” Dr. Mahalak said. “Chaz exhibits such passion for FBLA that it is no wonder why our chapter has experienced continued growth over his four years. Chaz is a great leader, always willing to help mentor our younger students and put in the extra effort to make sure that everyone’s set up for success. Lamar’s involvement as an officer at the state level, as PA FBLA-Collegiate State President, has inspired other students at the University to apply for such positions. He is our team’s first student to qualify for NLC in all four years, which is an amazing accomplishment. Lamar’s closing speech at SLC this year about FBLA and what it meant to him was truly moving and is something that I will always remember.”

For as great as it is to build relationships, learn and win — and travel, thanks to generous support from the Kania School of Management’s dean’s office — Dr. Mahalak recognizes that Scranton’s FBLA program is not the end destination but rather the beginning of prosperous careers for his students.

“As the club’s advisor, my primary passion is mentoring our students to help them develop the skills that are needed to be competitive at (states) and be better prepared for success in future endeavors,” Dr. Mahalak said. “I truly enjoy being part of FBLA at The University of Scranton because of our students. They are vested in continual growth and improvement.”

A clinician, program director, researcher and instructor whose career spans four decades, Deborah Budash’s, Ph.D., OTR/L, FAOTA, contributions to occupational therapy were recently recognized at the national level.

Dr. Budash, an assistant professor who joined The University of Scranton in 2019, earned membership to the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Roster of Fellows. She’s one of 62 new Fellows who earned the distinction at the organization’s Awards and Recognition Ceremony, held April 5.

“Her innate strengths of creativity, professionalism and kindness integrate to provide environments rich for learning, growth and achievement,” the AOTA said on its website. “By seeking to engage and empower all to utilize their unique abilities, Dr. Budash fosters a positive and uplifting community wherever she is.”

Dr. Budash is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, respectively. She earned a doctorate in education from Northcentral University in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The author of numerous articles, book chapters and reviews, as well as a book, “Achieving Persistence in Online Programs: Reflections of Graduate Learners and Faculty,” Dr. Budash previously worked from 2007 to 2019 at St. Francis University in Loretto as faculty, program director and chair of the Master of Medical Science and Master of Health Science programs.

The American Occupational Therapy Association represents nearly 250,000 professionals in the occupational therapy space, advancing its education, practice and research.

A team of 14 University of Scranton students recently competed — and earned a “Best” award — at the National Student Advertising Competition, the nation’s premier competition of its kind.

The students in Professor Stacy Smulowitz’s, Ph.D., COMM 460 Advertising Competition course were tasked with researching, strategizing, campaign building and content creating for their client AT&T. The process played out over two semesters, culminating with a pitch meeting on April 11-12 at Pace University in New York City.

The Scranton team earned the Best Evolution Award and also placed ninth in District 2, a competitive field whose colleges and universities are from the northeast United States. Achieving such success requires extraordinary attention to detail and numerous tasks big and small, such as conducting focus groups and preparing a campaign plans book that was submitted to the judges who hailed from major agencies in the New York area.

“It is an experience like no other and is considered as intense as an internship,” Dr. Smulowitz said.

Scranton’s roster included the following students: Ava Aversa, an advertising/public relations major from Old Forge; Tatiana Baide Franco, an advertising/public relations major from Lake Katrine, New York; Anna DiFiori, an advertising/public relations major from Newtown; Elise Doherty, an advertising/public relations major from Havertown; Mia Familetti, an English and philosophy major from Dalton; Caitlin Hannan, an advertising/public relations major from Massapequa, New York; Emma Hutzel, a marketing major from Bethpage, New York; Claire Koscinski, an advertising/public relations major from Coram, New York; Dominic LoCascio, an advertising/public relations major from Monroe, Connecticut; Erin McKearney, an advertising/public relations major from Pearl River, New York; Meagan McMahon, an advertising/public relations major from Tuckahoe, New York; Grace Quick, an advertising/public relations major from Yardley; Ferdinand Robles, an advertising/public relations major from Old Bridge, New Jersey; and Liz Vander Neut, an advertising/public relations major from Exton.

The competition, supported by the American Advertising Federation, provides more than 2,000 college students the real-world experience of creating an entire campaign for a corporate client and panel of professional judges.

To better understand the ethical challenges of today, two University of Scranton professors turned to the ancient past. And, it served them well.

Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A.'88, professor and chair of the Accounting Department and director of the University’s Ph.D. program, and Daniel P. Haggerty, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Philosophy Department and director of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, recently co-authored a paper on philosophy and professional ethics that earned the prestigious 2025 Curt Verschoor Ethics Feature of the Year. Selected by the Institute of Management Accountants’ Committee on Ethics and Strategic Finance, the article “Aristotle and Accounting: Building Virtue to Fight Fraud,” was written by Dr. Boyle, Dr. Haggerty, and Dana R. Hermanson, Ph.D., of Kennesaw State University.

This is the third time Dr. Boyle has won this prestigious national award, that annually recognizes one article “that focuses on the importance of ethics in business as a whole and finance and accounting in particular.” Dr. Boyle also won this coveted prize in 2020 and 2024.

The article draws “from the work of Aristotle and Plato, as well as research in psychology, to offer another approach to fighting fraud by developing employees and leaders with virtue,” seeking to “move anti-fraud tools beyond traditional approaches of punishment and internal controls.”

Referencing Aristotle, the article explains that “becoming virtuous requires practicing the virtues. … Practicing the virtue of courage, for example, is a matter of repeatedly aiming to hit the mark, … Such practices form character and consistent moral motivation. When you become proficient at hitting the bullseye, you can be counted on, and you can count on yourself to hit or come close to the mark reliably. Similarly, when you become habituated to the virtues, you can count on yourself and others can count on you to do the right thing, the honorable thing, consistently and reliably. Your moral motivation and discernment become habituated so that you do not even seriously entertain the idea of acting or living otherwise.”

The article includes comprehensive, practical guidance to promote virtue in organizations.

“Connecting philosophical reflection and insight, along with broader work in the humanities, to practical application and vocational purpose in service of the common good has been a hallmark of Jesuit education for nearly 500 years,” said Dr. Haggerty. He noted that the recognition this project received affirms that “the humanities are not removed from the practical interests and real-world concerns of business, individuals, and society today, but are, in fact, deeply relevant to them – as St. Ignatius said, to help souls and advance the greater glory of God.”

“Both in our undergraduate and graduate education at our Catholic, Jesuit institution, our faculty teach the importance of infusing our institutional values and commitment to the liberal arts into how our students are called to think, analyze, and conduct scholarship,” said Carolyn McNamara Barry, Ph.D., dean of the University’s College of Arts and Sciences. “ Drs. Haggerty’s and Boyle’s award-winning publication nicely illustrates their truly interdisciplinary and mission-filled commitment to the study of ethics, and in turn, practicing what they preach to our students.”

Dr. Haggerty has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, papers and book reviews. His research includes studies of classical theorists as well as contemporary thinkers in both the analytic and continental traditions. His publications in moral psychology, ethics and epistemology deal with such topics as emotions, affectivity, justification, virtue and reasons for acting. He has also received several grants to foster undergraduate research and publication in philosophy.

An award-winning teacher, Dr. Haggerty, Ph.D., was named Teacher of the Year by The University of Scranton’s Class of 2018. Dr. Haggerty received the University’s 2011 Alpha Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year Award (formally the Edward Gannon, S.J., Award for Teaching) and the Excellence in Adapting Classic Principles of Jesuit Pedagogy into the Curriculum: The Magis Award in 2016. Earlier in his teaching career, he received a Commendation for Outstanding Service and Dedication from St. Mary’s Seminary and University, among other awards and recognition.

Dr. Haggerty joined the faculty at Scranton in 2005 and has served as the director of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program since 2010. He earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Saint Joseph’s University and his doctorate in philosophy from Syracuse University.

Dr. Boyle is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant with more than 30 years of industry executive experience. He has served in executive roles in startup, middle market, and Fortune 500 companies, where he has held the positions of board chair, chief executive officer, president, chief operations officer and chief financial officer. An award-winning teacher and prolific researcher, Dr. Boyle ranked No. 2 in the world for accounting education publication volume in the past six years, according to the 2024 Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings. He was selected as the IMA Research Foundation Distinguished Scholar in 2022, 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. At Scranton, Dr. Boyle earned Provost Excellence Awards for University Service and Leadership in 2021, the Scholarship of Teaching in 2014 and Scholarly Publication in 2012, and the Faculty Senate’s Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award in 2019. He 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 received the KSOM Faculty Research Award for 2019 – 2020 and was twice recognized as the KSOM Teacher of the Year. He is the founder and director of the University’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program and recently worked with a team of alumni, colleagues and family members to open the West Scranton Youth Center, which provides free athletic and art programs for area children and teens.

Dr. Boyle earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, an MBA from Columbia University and a doctorate from Kennesaw State University.

“Aristotle and Accounting: Building Virtue to Fight Fraud” was published in Strategic Finance in March of 2025.

University of Scranton alumni Jacquelyn Dionne, R.N. ’89 and Monsignor Joseph G. Quinn, J.D., J.C.L. ’72 will receive honorary degrees from The University of Scranton at its undergraduate commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18.

A native of Scranton, Dionne became a registered nurse upon graduating from Community Medical Center in 1986 and received a bachelor’s degree in health administration from The University of Scranton in 1989. During her career as an intensive care nurse, she earned several certifications at Mount Auburn, a Harvard University teaching hospital, and later at the New Hampshire Heart Institute.

After staying at home for several years to raise a family, Dionne returned to the medical setting seven years ago and is currently the Health and Wellness Coordinator for Brookdale Senior Living in Wilton, Connecticut.

Dionne and her husband, John ’86, H’10, are co-chairs of the largest capital campaign in the University’s 137-year history, “A Fire That Kindles Other Fires: The Campaign To Advance Mission, Access & Excellence.” She has led and supported this and other significant campaigns to raise funds to advance the mission of the University.

Dionne and her husband were co-recipients of the 2013 University President’s Medal, which recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields and demonstrated extraordinary compassion for others. They were the driving force behind creating the Kania School Business Leader Hall of Fame and have generously donated to two honors programs in the business school.

In 2008, the University named its newly-created green at the heart of its campus in honor of Dionne and her husband.

Dionne has served on the University’s Board of Trustees for 14 years. She has served as co-vice chair of the board, chaired its advancement committee, and has also served on the executive committee and presidential and provost search committees. She is active in numerous charitable organizations, having served as vice president for the National Charity League, Westport Chapter, as well as Horizons Organization, Bridgeport Connecticut.

The Dionnes reside in Westport, Connecticut. They are the parents of three children: current Scranton student Jonathan Dionne ’28, Scranton graduate Kristen Rajbanshi ’22 and Courtney Fodero, and the grandparents of Giancarlo Fodero.

Monsignor Quinn, a priest who has served the Diocese of Scranton for more than 40 years, was named pastor emeritus of Our Lady of the Snows Parish in Clarks Summit upon his retirement in 2024.

After receiving a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University in 1972, he went on to earn a Doctorate in Jurisprudence from Seton Hall University School of Law. At the age of 25, he was appointed a Federal Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the youngest person in the country to serve in this position. 

After discerning his call to the priesthood, he entered the seminary in 1981, completing his studies at the North American College in Rome where he was awarded graduate degrees in theology from both the Gregorian University and the Angelicum University. Following his ordination, he was awarded dual degrees in canon law from the University of Ottawa and St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, Canada.  

Monsignor Quinn has served in key pastoral and administrative roles and special assignments in the Diocese of Scranton, including 16 years as rector of St. Peter’s Cathedral. He was dean of the Scranton Central Deanery of the Diocese, moderator of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal and chair of the Diocese’s 150^th Anniversary Committee. He served on the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, was a member of both the Diocesan College of Consultors and the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, and was chairman of the Diocesan Communications Commission.

For six years, he served as vice president for Mission and Ministry at Fordham University, New York, the first non-Jesuit to serve in this role.

Active in the life and mission of The University of Scranton, Monsignor Quinn was a member of the University’s Board of Trustees for 15 years, during which time he chaired the presidential search and enrollment management committees. He has been involved in numerous campus and alumni events and is the recipient of the Alumni Association’s Frank O’Hara Award. In 2020, Monsignor Quinn was awarded the University President’s Medal, which recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields and demonstrated extraordinary compassion for others.

Monsignor Quinn has served as a member of the Board of Advisors of the North American College in Rome, as the founding chairman of the Scranton Preparatory School Board of Trustees, founding chairman of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, and the first president of Scranton Tomorrow, in addition to service on numerous other boards.

His extensive work in the community has been acknowledged in many ways, including the Lackawanna Bar Association President’s Award, the B’nai B’rith Americanism Award, the Lackawanna Bar Association Chief Justice Michael J. Eagan Award and the Neighborhood Housing Services of Scranton Governor Robert P. Casey Medal for a Lifetime of Service Award. In 2018, he was awarded an honorary degree from Marywood University.

The University’s undergraduate commencement ceremony, including the awarding of the honorary degrees, will begin at 11 a.m. on May 18 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.

The University of Scranton will ceremonially light its gateway façade and hold an upcoming memorial Mass to honor the late Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pontiff.

“While our hearts are joined in mourning with the Church throughout the world, let us also look back with joy and thanksgiving for the life and legacy of Pope Francis and for the love that he so freely gave to all,” said Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president, in a message to the University community. “In the days to come, the Division of Mission and Ministry will have opportunities for prayer to commend his soul to our loving God, as well as examine his legacy from a reflective and intellectual standpoint.”

Father Marina will preside over an on-campus memorial Mass for Pope Francis at 12:05 p.m. Friday, April 25. The Mass will be held at Madonna Della Strada Chapel, which will be draped in black bunting.

“Francis’ leadership has been one of great consequence in the history of the Church,” Father Marina said. “From his very first moments in the public eye 12 years ago, Francis has governed the Church with humility and care. On the Loggia overlooking Saint Peter’s Square, he asked for the people gathered below and those watching around the world to pray for him. As a Catholic, Jesuit institution, we here at The University of Scranton have prayed for him every single day since then, both in the Eucharistic Prayer spoken at Mass, as well as in countless public and private prayers uttered in chapels, residence hall rooms, classrooms and outdoors.”

Also on Friday, April 25, the Jesuit Center will sponsor a presentation by Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for mission and ministry, on papal succession. The talk will begin at 2 p.m. in the PNC Auditorium of the Loyola Science Center.

The Vatican News recently published a preface Pope Francis had written this year for Cardinal Angelo Scola’s, Archbishop Emeritus of Milan, book, “Awaiting a New Beginning: Reflections on Old Age.”

In his preface, Pope Francis reflected on life and death, saying that death is not the end of everything but instead the beginning of something else.

“And it is precisely for this reason that it is a ‘new’ beginning,” he wrote, “because we will live something we have never fully lived before: eternity.”

The University’s Class of 2020 Gateway sign – a four-story landmark and one of the most visible points on campus, seen from blocks away on Linden Street – will display a white cross and gold background. White and gold, worn during Easter and Christmas by the Pope, symbolize the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the celebration of life.

What is the best thing about The University of Scranton?

Ask 10 people and you’ll probably receive 10 different answers, spanning events and experiences, friends and mentors, traditions and teams and so much more.

Let’s go right to the source — Iggy himself, the University mascot — for his opinion.

“The best thing about the University,” Iggy says, “is a transformational Jesuit education focused on the whole person.”

Well said, Iggy.

And if you’re wondering how we solicited Iggy’s opinion for this article, keep reading and you, too, can chat with him.

The University of Scranton recently launched an Iggy chatbot, powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Iggy, who can be accessed by clicking the chat icon on the bottom-right of the screen at scranton.edu, is designed to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the University, the admissions process and more.

Here’s what we learned from Iggy in a brief Q&A:

Q: I believe that just about everyone has a unique connection to The University of Scranton and a different response about their favorite things. Is that true?

A: That’s a great theory — and you’re absolutely right! At The University of Scranton, students often highlight a wide variety of favorite experiences, reflecting the diverse and vibrant campus life. Each student’s journey is unique and that’s what makes Scranton so special. Want help exploring what your favorite thing might be?

Q: Yes. Tell me your five favorite things.

A: Absolutely! Here are five standout things about The University of Scranton:

1. Passionate Faculty: Professors love what they teach — whether it’s Shakespeare or lighting design — and bring that energy into every class.
2. Jesuit Values: Rooted in cura personalis, the University emphasizes care for the whole person and the power of imagination.
3. Creative Opportunities: Students can act, write, design sets or publish in a literary magazine. Creativity thrives here!
4. Close-Knit Community: Students form lasting friendships through clubs, events and shared experiences on a welcoming campus.
5. Real-World Preparation: From writing portfolios to conference presentations, students gain skills that serve them well beyond graduation.

Q: Those all sound great. How about sports at Scranton?

A: The University of Scranton offers a vibrant sports scene! With 23 NCAA Division III varsity teams, plus club sports like rugby, crew and equestrian, and intramurals including dodgeball and soccer, there’s something for everyone — whether you’re competitive or just in it for fun.

Q: And how about the city itself?

A: Scranton, Pennsylvania – known as “The Electric City” – has a rich history rooted in industry and immigration. It rose to prominence during the Industrial Revolution as a hub for coal mining, railroad and iron production. Today, Downtown Scranton offers a vibrant mix of dining, shopping and cultural experiences just steps from The University of Scranton.

Q: OK, last question. This one might be challenging. Can you write a poem about Scranton?

A: Absolutely! Here's a fun and heartfelt poem about Scranton, inspired by the vibrant student life and local charm surrounding The University of Scranton.

Scranton, The Electric Heart ⚡

In valleys green where mountains rise,
Beneath the ever-changing skies,
There lies a town both bold and bright—
Scranton, glowing with electric light.

The first to hum with streetcar's song,
Its history deep, its roots are strong.
But now its spark comes not from wire,
But coffee shops and student fire.

From Dunder Mifflin’s famed delight,
To Montage Mountain’s music night,
From La Festa’s joyful, crowded streets,
To trails where nature’s calmness greets.

Downtown buzzes—First Fridays shine,
With art and music, food and wine.
A city close to nature’s grace,
Where every season finds its place.

Hike the trails or ski the snow,
Watch the minor leagues steal the show.
Grab a bite, explore, unwind—
In Scranton, joy is easy to find.

So here’s to Scranton, proud and true,
A home for dreams, both old and new.
Where students grow and friendships start—
The Electric City, with a heart. 💜⚡

On Friday, April 25, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring the University’s String Orchestra. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

The concert will feature pieces by a variety of composers from different eras, according to Performance Music Conductor and Co-Director, Janelle Decker. Featured composers include J. S. Bach, Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, Vaclav Nelhybel, Soon Hee Newbold, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

The University’s String Orchestra is a 40-plus member ensemble comprised of members of the university community from majors and departments spanning the curriculum – most of them undergraduate students – joined by a few graduate students, alumni and members of the faculty who are all brought together by their mutual love of music-making.

The primary focus of Performance Music at 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 String Orchestra and Ensembles, University Performance Choirs and Steel Drum Ensemble. A few members of the faculty and staff and alumni from the region also perform with the groups. Each year, hundreds of students participate in the ensembles.

Interested in Attending the Free Concert?

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

University of Scranton students majoring in criminal justice, cybercrime and homeland security or sociology will have the opportunity for internships at the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office through the new Crime Analysis and Investigation Program announced today. Guided by University faculty experts, the student interns will work alongside professionals in the District Attorney’s Office to investigate cybercrimes, analyze crime and related data, and offer evidence-based guidance for best practices.

“The broad scope of this program – providing students with experience in cybercrime investigation, crime analysis and evidence-based guidance – will give our students a unique learning experience that will set them apart,” said Michael Jenkins, Ph.D. '06, professor and chair of the University’s Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology, at the announcement.

“The partnership between the District Attorney’s Office and The University of Scranton represents a significant step forward in our efforts to combat cybercrime,” said Brian Gallagher, J.D., Lackawanna County district attorney, who is a 2008 graduate of The University of Scranton. “By teaming up with the University, we’re not only strengthening our ability to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes, but we’re also creating a talent pipeline of highly-trained professionals ready to take on the digital threats of tomorrow.”

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“This collaboration ensures that we remain proactive in addressing emerging digital threats and underscores our shared commitment to public safety and community resilience,” said District Attorney Gallagher. “It’s a win for public safety, education, innovation and Lackawanna County.”

District Attorney Gallagher noted that the interns would be considered volunteers and would not be considered employees of the county, nor would they be paid by the county.

“This partnership with the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office solidifies our already strong relationship with the DA’s office and utilizes our greatest strengths: faculty expertise; mentoring of our students; and our mission of service – by providing a helping hand for the District Attorney’s office to do their work more effectively and expeditiously,” said Carolyn McNamara Barry, Ph.D., dean of the University’s College of Arts and Sciences, at the announcement.

Dr. Jenkins said this new internship program builds on previous work done with the District Attorney’s office through the University’s Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime. Since 2017, University students and faculty have worked on a number of projects with the DA’s Office, the Scranton Police Department, and other local groups, which have provided “students with the valuable opportunity to put into practice concepts and theories learned in their coursework,” noted Dr. Jenkins.

University student Zoe Honney ’25, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Scranton, who will pursue a master’s degree in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity at the University, will be among the first students to participate in the program.

“I am extremely excited to be given an opportunity to be a part of the first round of students to intern as part of the collaboration between The University of Scranton and Lackawanna County. As someone who came into college undecided on a major, one of the factors that solidified my decision to declare a Cybercrime and Homeland Security major was the professors,” said Honney at the announcement, who talked about the theoretical and practical skills learned through the program. “I am eager and looking forward to utilizing these skills, under the guidance of these same professors, while also working alongside experts from the DA's office to assist with the collection of digital evidence and the analysis of open-source data.”

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The internship program will begin in the fall 2025 semester, with a planned capacity to serve up to 15 students at a time. Also, in the fall semester, the Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology will relocate to Weiss Hall, now under construction. The new building will include classrooms and labs for crime analysis/research, cyber-attack simulation, cyber forensics and a mock crime scene for traditional investigations. The space will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and can be used for additional training and workforce development of local practitioners.

Additional information about how students may apply for the internships will be provided later this semester by the Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology.

The Leahy College of Health Sciences building was buzzing on April 14 with students from Wallenpaupack Area High School on campus for Biomechanics Day.

As return visitors to the event, which celebrates the scientific study of the mechanics of biological and muscular activity, Wallenpaupack students toured the building and its programs.

The day's activities included visits to Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, the latter of which featured a demonstration on a life-sized, lifelike medical manikin.

The students also practiced on various pieces of high-tech equipment in Leahy Hall's downstairs biomechanics laboratory, where their motion skills — such as jumping, lifting and stretching — were measured with motion cameras, muscle sensors, balance analyzers and strength testers.

 

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As construction progresses on Weiss Hall, local and school media were on site last week to preview one of The University of Scranton’s most significant expansions to date.

On track to open at the start of the 2025-26 academic year, the four-story Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall, under construction on the 300 block of Madison Avenue, will support strategic efforts in education, workforce development, innovation and community engagement.

“I think it’s really exciting,” said Michael Jenkins, Ph.D. ’06, professor and chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology, as well as the faculty liaison for Weiss Hall. “Having been here, associated with the University for 23 years, seeing the growth of our programs and the growth of the other programs that are included in the building; and being able to move physically into a new space that honors the work of the faculty and the students that are going to be able to use this space is really exciting.”

One of Weiss Hall’s central features is a 10,000 square foot innovation hub on the first floor. This space is designed to foster collaboration among students and faculty, but it is also meant to bring regional partners in business, healthcare and manufacturing to campus.

Weiss Hall’s second floor will be the home of the University of Success and the University’s Small Business Development Center, which supports small businesses in eight counties. Space for the Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology includes offices, classrooms and labs for crime analysis/research, cyber-attack simulation, cyber forensics and a mock crime scene for traditional investigations.

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The third and fourth floors will feature additional classrooms, offices and laboratory spaces with scenic views of the city and campus. The building also includes a rooftop garden, an interfaith prayer room and rooftop prayer garden, among other multipurpose spaces.

Weiss Hall will also house the Psychology Department, the Center for Health, Education and Wellness and Student Health Services Departments.

Designed with large glass walls and windows, steel and stone, Weiss Hall blends historic features of Scranton’s campus into a modern design. It is designed to meet silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification requirements. Its architect is Hemmler and Camayd and the construction manager is Quandel Construction.

For additional coverage of Weiss Hall’s first look, visit WNEP and The Times-Tribune.

A pair of clubs at The University of Scranton are teaming up on Thursday, April 24, to celebrate two national initiatives: Citizen Science Month and World Amateur Radio Day.

The events begin with a look at the citizen science collaboration of a network of ham radio enthusiasts established by Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., associate professor physics and engineering at The University of Scranton.

A visionary collaborator in the HamSCI network, Rob Robinett, AI6VN, will present, “Next-Generation HamSCI Receive System – Advancing Space Weather Monitoring,” from 12 to 1 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center. Robinett is the founder of wsprdaemon.org, a powerful software application for ham radio enthusiasts.

Flying in from San Francisco for the occasion, Robinett’s lecture offers a rare chance to hear from a ham radio pioneer in revealing how radio enthusiasts are using advanced technology to track the atmosphere and space weather. Robinett was profiled with a Q&A in the first edition of the HamSCI newsletter, published in the fall of 2024. A graduate of Stanford University, Robinett detailed how he began using his software skills to develop the open-source Weak Signal Propagation Reporter system, which, he said, is “now used by most of the leading reporting WSPR stations in the world.”

Robinett’s lecture, offered free of charge, is jointly sponsored by the Amateur Radio Club W3USR and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) club.

From 4 to 9 p.m., the public is invited to a closer look at the University’s state-of-the-art Amateur Radio Club W3USR station on the fifth floor of the Loyola Science Center.

Clubs, including W3USR, will also be participating in the Evening of Environmental Science and Essay Awards, being held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Loyola Science Center Bell Lobby. The Evening of Environmental Science event is free to attend and for students in grades K-12. It will include hands-on educational environment displays and activities. The event will also include tours of the Loyola Science Center and the W3USR amateur radio station.

Last year, Dr. Frissell worked with Scranton students and an international network of ham radio operators to collect data and monitor changes in the ionosphere during the total solar eclipse on April 8. This project was one of just five Citizen Science Investigations selected by NASA for the study of the total solar eclipse.

Dr. Frissell recently appeared on the ARRL’s On the Air podcast to promote the push – by HamSCI, the National Association for Amateur Radio and SciStarter – to have amateur radio clubs nationwide hold amateur radio open houses.

 

The current Scranton Mayor and multiple challengers will be on The University of Scranton campus later this month for a pair of mayoral candidate debates.

Mayor Paige Cognetti will debate former Scranton School Board President Bob Sheridan in the Democratic primary candidate debate from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at the PNC Auditorium. The Republican primary candidate debate between accounting executive Patricia Beynon and business owner Lynn Labrosky will follow from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.

The debates are open to the public. Seating is first-come, first-served and subject to capacity limits. The PNC Auditorium is located inside the Loyola Science Center on the University’s Campus.

Both debates will be recorded by ECTV to be shown at a later date. The University’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service website will also post video of the debates.

Pennsylvania primary elections will occur Tuesday, May 20. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Nicole Young ’00, H’20, 16-time Emmy Award-winning senior producer for “60 Minutes,” will be the principal speaker at The University of Scranton’s 2025 undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 18.

“We are honored to have the senior producer of America’s most-watched news program return to her alma matter to share her vast knowledge and insights with our graduating class,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton. “Few television producers have achieved as much as Nicole Young. She has channeled her innate interest and skill of storytelling into compelling and acclaimed journalism with humanitarianism at its heart. Her concern for justice and passion for Jesuit education shine through in all that she does.”

Growing up in Hopatcong, New Jersey, Young was impacted by news stories of famine in Ethiopia. News from across the globe, combined with an interest in international events gleaned from summers spent in Jamaica with family, led Young to pursue a career in journalism as a way to effect positive change by creating awareness of the wrongs in the world.

After graduating from The University of Scranton in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in communication, Young earned a master’s degree in international journalism from City University of London.

She began her career at CBS News as an intern at 19, working in Washington, D.C., London and New York. She joined “60 Minutes” in 2004 as an assistant to correspondent Scott Pelley and became his producer a few years later. Over the years, Young has been the producer behind many of the major segments of the broadcast, which is now in its 57^th season. She has earned 16 News and Documentary Emmy Awards, three Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia Awards, eight Writers Guild Awards, five Edward R. Murrow Awards, two Gerald Loeb Awards, two Sigma Delta Chi Awards, six National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Salute to Excellence Awards, a George Foster Peabody Award, a George Polk Award, an Investigative Reporters & Editors Award, a Gracie Award, a Media for Liberty Award, and a Wilbur Award.

Young’s most recent “60 Minutes” assignments have taken her to cover critical global events, such as the war in Ukraine, the fall of Syria’s dictator, the devastating earthquakes in Turkey, the deadly tornadoes in Kentucky, and the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also covered social injustice, President Donald Trump and high-profile interviews with celebrities, including Cillian Murphy. She has produced in-depth stories on Syria's front lines, the famines in South Sudan and Yemen, and toxic electronic waste in China.

Her fearless reporting includes investigations on civilian deaths due to air strikes in Afghanistan, the gold mining conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and being on the ground after the tsunami in Japan. However, some of her most pivotal stories have focused on issues closer to home, such as job loss, poverty, homelessness and child hunger in the United States.

In addition to producing stories for “60 Minutes,” Young leads special projects for the newsmagazine, including the development of the broadcast’s first free streaming channel. She also held a senior producer position at CBS Evening News, covering such major events as the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington and the historic election choice of Pope Francis in Rome.

Young is a member of the University’s Board of Trustees and was awarded an honorary degree from Scranton in 2020. She resides in the New York area with her family.

The University’s 2025 undergraduate commencement ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on May 18 at the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.

Several of The University of Scranton’s graduate programs are prominently featured in new rankings by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to a part-time MBA program that is one of the nation’s fastest-rising offerings of its kind, the University has five graduate programs ranked in the nation’s top 50 and a handful of others ranked among the best in the country. 

According to the U.S. News “Best Graduate Schools” rankings, released April 8, the University’s part-time MBA program is tied for 80th nationally. Having jumped 30 spots from last year’s rankings, the University made the third-largest improvement among schools in the top 100. 

U.S. News placed five of Scranton’s graduate programs among the top 50 in the nation, ranking above such prestigious universities as Harvard, UCLA and Emory in some categories. In the rankings, Scranton’s programs in business analytics tied for 28th; finance, tied for 31st; and accounting, tied for 39th. Scranton is one of just 25 colleges and universities to have each of those three business graduate programs ranked in the top 40. The University’s graduate program in healthcare management tied for 46th and has remained in the top 50 for multiple years. The rehabilitation counseling graduate program tied for 49th.

Additionally, the University’s graduate program in occupational therapy tied for 79th, physical therapy tied for 105th and nursing-anesthesia tied for 111th. The University is also tied for No. 127 in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice. All rankings are national. 

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 offers more than 40 graduate programs across the Kania School of Management, the Leahy College of Health Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences.

The University’s graduate business programs include a Ph.D. in Accounting, Master of Accountancy (MAcc), Master of Science in Finance (MSF), Master of Science in Business Analytics (MS) and an MBA with specializations in accounting, business analytics, enterprise resource planning, finance, healthcare management, human resource management, international business, management information systems, marketing and supply chain management. The University also offers combined/accelerated bachelor’s and master’s level programs.

The University’s graduate programs include Healthcare Management, Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy; and in nursing: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN, and post-master’s certificate; Executive Nursing Leadership, MSN; and Nurse Anesthesia, DNP, and an accelerated MSN degree program. Beginning in the fall 2025 semester, the University will offer a new graduate degree program in Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner, DNP, MSN, and post-master’s certificate. The University also awards graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, clinical mental health counseling and school counseling, along with clinical rehabilitation counseling.

In recent U.S. News rankings, The University of Scranton for the 31st consecutive year placed as one of its top 10 regional universities in the north. Scranton was ranked sixth. Scranton also earned a “Best Value” label for the 11th straight year by U.S. News, which ranked it 53rd on its list, “Best Value Universities in the North.”

The University’s first destination survey for the graduate Class of 2023 found a 100% success rate for advanced degree recipients with a mean salary of nearly $90,000. 

Visit The University of Scranton’s graduate admissions website for more information.

The University of Scranton will welcome two guest composers/conductors – trombone legends and internationally acclaimed musicians, composers and educators Wycliffe Gordon (H ’06) and Jennifer Krupa – at its 42nd annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert on Saturday, April 12. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis at the Houlihan-McLean Center on campus.

The concert will feature the University’s Concert Band and Concert Choir performing the world premieres of commissioned works by Gordon and Krupa, written specifically for the student ensembles. Gordon will compose and conduct compositions for the SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass) mixed choir and trombone soloist Krupa. Gordon and Krupa will reverse roles with Gordon as the soloist for the band piece she composed and will conduct.

“Wycliffe Gordon has been an inspiration to me for decades – not just as a mentor, but as a dear friend,” Krupa said. “He introduced me to so many styles of music and pushed me to go beyond studying jazz history to develop my own voice. This concert band piece reflects just a few of the many ways he has influenced me, from introducing me to the worlds of Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton and gospel music, to encouraging me to write my own. The themes in this piece blend his influence with elements from my earliest compositions. I can’t wait to share the stage with Wycliffe and The University of Scranton Concert Band and Choir.”

Krupa’s “Cone Themes” for concert band and virtuosic trombonist will be premiered by the University’s Concert Band and soloist Gordon.

“There is no musician alive I am more in awe and amazement of than Wycliffe,” said Cheryl Y. Boga, conductor and director of Performance Music at the University.

Gordon’s three-piece choral cycle – “Blues Hymn,” “It is Spring” and “Ballad for Lena Mae” – will be premiered by the University’s Concert Choir, piano/bass/drums and soloist Krupa.

“Wycliffe and his music hold a very special place in the heart of the university and its students and alumni,” said Boga, who founded the World Premiere Composition Series in 1984. “Wycliffe’s impact musically and spiritually on every heart, ear and mind he touches is immeasurable. We are unbelievably fortunate to regularly benefit from his generosity and open-hearted and expressive musicality.”

Gordon is a regular guest at the University, where he was honored in 2006 with an honorary doctorate. An award-winning trombonist, composer, conductor, arranger and educator, Gordon has been a regular guest performer and teacher at the University for nearly 30 years. He has composed and premiered numerous compositions at Scranton through the University’s World Premiere Composition Series, as well as a piece composed and premiered for the celebration of the inauguration of University President Kevin Quinn, S.J. in 2016, and has performed as soloist with various student ensembles at Scranton.

Named the Jazz Journalists Association “Trombonist of the Year” for a record-breaking 15 times, Gordon has topped Downbeat Critics Poll for “Best Trombone” for an unprecedented six times (2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2013 and 2012). Recent awards include the “Louie Award,” the International Trombone Award and the Satchmo Award, among others. A prolific recording artist, Gordon can be heard on hundreds of recordings, soundtracks, live DVD’s and documentaries, and has an extensive catalog of original compositions that span the various timbres of jazz and chamber music.  His arrangement of the theme song to NPR’s “All Things Considered” is heard daily across the globe.  

Krupa is also a returning guest to the World Premiere and a regular guest artist at the University with student ensembles and her own quintet. An accomplished performer and educator, as well as a prolific arranger and composer who has contributed original works and arrangements to a wide variety of ensembles, Krupa’s extensive discography spans nearly 30 recordings with artists including Gordon. Renowned for her exceptional musicianship, transformative teaching, and dedicated service to the jazz community, her influence extends across generations of musicians and audiences worldwide.

Recently retired from a two-decade career with the United States Navy Jazz Commodores, where she served in a variety of roles, including lead trombonist and Music Director, Krupa is currently lead trombonist with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra. Krupa is also a faculty member at The Juilliard School. She has led guest clinics, masterclasses and adjudications nationwide, guest-conducted the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra, and presented at the Jazz Educators Network, Midwest Clinic and the International Trombone Festival.

“I am enjoying preparing the band for Jen’s arrival and am very much looking forward to meeting her, working with her, and hearing the piece come together with the band and Wycliffe under Jen’s direction,” said Janelle Decker, conductor and co-director of Performance Music.

Performance Music at The University of Scranton has now commissioned 100-plus musical works in the 42 years since the series was created. The primary focus of Performance Music at the University is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles.

All University students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for membership in the University bands, choirs, string ensembles and steel drum band. Hundreds of students, spanning the curriculum and bonded by a love of music, participate each year in the ensembles.

For more information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. Visit wycliffegordon.com for more information on Gordon and jenkrupa.com for more information on Krupa.

Rabbi Shlomo Brody, Ph.D., executive director of Ematai and columnist for the Jerusalem Post, will present “Jewish Ethical Perspectives on Civilian Casualties in War: A Tale of Two Sieges” at The University of Scranton’s Judaic Studies Institute lecture on April 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall. The lecture is free of charge and open to the public. It will be followed by comments by Patrick Clark, Ph.D., professor of theology and religious studies at Scranton, who will be presenting a Christian perspective.

As executive director of Ematai, Rabbi Brody leads an organization dedicated to helping people navigate ethical dilemmas relating to end-of-life care. He previously served as the founding director of the Tikvah Overseas Student Institute, a senior instructor at Yeshivat Hakotel rabbinic seminary, and as research fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute. 

Rabbi Brody’s career has focused on making Jewish texts accessible to broader audiences while applying them to contemporary social and ethical dilemmas. His writings have been cited in Israeli Supreme Court decisions and have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Public Discourse, City Journal, First Things and a range of popular and scholarly journals. His first book, A Guide to the Complex: Contemporary Halakhic Debates, received a National Jewish Book Award. His second book, Ethics of Our Fighters: A Jewish View on War and Morality, was published in 2024. 

A summa cum laude graduate of Harvard College, he received rabbinic ordination from the Israeli Chief Rabbinate, a master’s degree in Jewish philosophy at the Hebrew University, and Ph.D. from Bar Ilan University Law School. 

Dr. Clark joined the faculty at Scranton in 2010. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Duke University, a master’s degree from Boston College and a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame.

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.

Throughout the month of April, The University of Scranton will host multiple events focused on how students and community members can help the environment. From lectures to art shows to interactive events, there are many opportunities to learn about and celebrate Earth Day.

From Friday, April 4 to Wednesday, April 16, the Environmental Art Show themed “Engaging with the Natural World” will be displayed in the Weinberg Memorial Library’s Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room.

On Tuesday, April 15, the University will host an Earth Day Fair with interactive and research presentations by students, faculty and staff. The event, presented by the Office of Sustainability and open to the public free of charge, will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Atrium of the Loyola Science Center.

On Thursday, April 24, the Earth Day Essay Contest winners will be announced at an Evening of Environment Science. Participants, families, teachers and community members are invited to the event, which includes a display of essays submitted in addition to engaging hands-on experiments and games related to the environment and sustainability. Also, there will be tours of the University’s nationally recognized Loyola Science Center. The Princeton Review has named the University among the 25 “Best Science Lab Facilities” in the nation for eight years. This year’s tour will include an open house for the W3USR ham radio studio.

For faculty and staff at Scranton, the University’s Laudato Si’ Community Engagement Subcommittee and the University’s Staff Senate will host a Lunch and Learn lecture titled “Using Tax Credits for Sustainable Home Improvements” on April 11. Featured speakers for the discussion include Blair Buselli, business owner at Buselli Solutions; Thomas Spall, president at T. E. Spall and Son, LLC, and Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology. In answer to the call by Pope Francis to “Care for Our Common Home,” the University has begun an intensive seven-year journey to become designated as a Laudato Si’ University and is continuing to incorporate sustainability initiatives inspired by this call.

Earlier this semester, the University hosted several environmentally related events, such as collection exhibits at the Hope Horn Gallery, plant-based food events, World Water Day events and a Sustaining Democracy Teach-In.

The University of Scranton’s Jesuit Center held a Spirituality luncheon that featured a panel of faculty and staff who had recently participated in the Jesuit Center’s Educational Pilgrimage to El Salvador. In January, they visited Saint Romero’s memorial and learned about his impact on the people of El Salvador.

This year marks the 45^th St. Oscar Romero’s death. To honor the anniversary, the Jesuit Center has collaborated with the Library’s Special Collections to have an exhibit in the Heritage Room.

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Dozens of industries and nearly 90 organizations filled the Byron Center on March 27 for the Spring 2025 Career Expo.

The expo, presented by The University of Scranton’s Roche Family Center for Career Development, featured employers in aerospace, education, financial services, government, healthcare, law enforcement, real estate, tourism and other fields.

In total, 87 organizations, which includes employers and more than a dozen graduate schools, participated at the event as did hundreds of Scranton students.

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The University’s most recent first destination survey found a 99 percent success rate for graduates who earned a bachelor’s degree in the Class of 2023. Fifty-two percent of graduates secured full-time employment – with a mean annual salary of $61,360 – and 44 percent enrolled in continuing education.

By: Brendan Perez, student correspondent

Visitors to campus for an upcoming Graduate Open House on April 9 at The University of Scranton will learn about career advancement opportunities offered through the University's 40-plus advanced-degree programs.

Those considering graduate school, and current undergraduate students are invited to the University's DeNaples Center, 4th Floor. The Graduate Open House on April 9 will begin with registration at 5:30 p.m., followed by an alumni panel presentation at 6 p.m. Program-specific information sessions will run from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. Optional campus tours are available from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The event is offered free of charge.

Participants will meet with Scranton alumni, faculty, admissions representatives and current graduate students and learn about flexible on-campus and online program formats offered by the nationally recognized Jesuit university. 

Considering A Graduate Degree? Get All Your Questions Answered on April 9.

1. Explore graduate program offerings.
   
   
2. Meet faculty and current students.
   
   
3. Learn about the admissions process.
   
   
4. Get answers to your questions.
   
   

"We’ll also be sharing an event program and itinerary to our registrants, which will provide more details about the day's schedule," said Caitlyn Hollingshead '06, G'09, G'19, assistant vice president for graduate and international admissions. 

"This event is open to everyone! Whether you're curious about pursuing graduate school, interested in learning more about our graduate program offerings, or looking to connect with faculty from your prospective program, we encourage you to attend!"

New Program This Fall Will Prepare Royals For In-Demand Fields

The University offers a wide range of graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, education, health sciences, nursing, counseling and more. More details about each program can be found on the graduate website, or by attending the Graduate Open House.

"A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN, DNP, or PMC) program is launching, with classes beginning in fall 2025. This program will equip nurses with the specialized skills and credentials needed to provide comprehensive mental health care," said Hollingshead.

The demand for mental health professionals continues to rise due to increasing awareness of mental health issues, higher rates of mental illness and the growing recognition of the importance of mental healthcare.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of nurse practitioners, including PMHNPs, will grow much faster than the average for all occupations, with a projected growth rate of 40 percent from 2023 to 2033. Salary.com lists the median annual salary as $112,000 to $130,000, depending on specific job roles and locations.

In recent years, Scranton has added graduate programs in high in-demand fields, such as an online master’s degree program in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity, and a synchronous remote master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Scranton’s graduate programs are offered in formats that include on-campus and online options.

Scranton provides the highest-quality graduate education, with programs meeting the most rigorous state or national accreditations available within their professional fields. Graduate programs include physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, health care management, clinical rehabilitation counseling, business analytics and MBAs in several concentrations and other business disciplines.

Shown, Steven J. Szydlowski, DHA ’98, G’00, G’01, professor and chair of the Department of Health Administration and Human Resources at The University of Scranton. Dr. Szydlowski was recently selected as the 2025 Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)/Dolores Clement Fellow of the Year.

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Can't Make the April 9 Open House?  

If you're unable to attend the event, feel free to reach out to the University's Graduate Admissions office for more information. Contact them directly at 570-941-4416 or via email at gradadmissions@scranton.edu to schedule a one-on-one meeting or provide resources to learn more about the University's programs.

For more information or to make reservations, visit the Graduate Open House webpage or email gradadmissions@scranton.edu.

 

The University of Scranton was one of nearly 70 colleges and universities that recently sent a team – two students and one faculty advisor – to Lockheed Martin’s eighth annual Ethics in Engineering Case Competition.

Aryan Chandavarkar, Westborough, Massachusetts, an electrical engineering major, and Matthew Felicia, Medford, New Jersey, a computer engineering major, were joined by W. Andrew Berger, Ph.D., professor and chair of the University’s Physics and Engineering Department, on their trip to Lockheed Martin’s corporate headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland.

“It’s very fast-paced at times and you’re always held on the edge of anticipation,” Chandavarkar said in a video interview with Lockheed Martin. “I thought that it was a really good experience for us to hone our skills – not just the technical aspect, but how we can compete and how we can grow as individuals.”

The event, which took place earlier this semester, drew 66 teams tasked with solving complex engineering, business and ethics challenges. Among those ethical challenges was a hypothetical case in which students considered if and how to utilize advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, during wildfire management.

In addition to the competition, students had the opportunity to tour Lockheed Martin and meet its engineers, participate in workshops, attend a keynote address and participate in a live video call with Astronaut Suni Williams from the International Space Station.

See the University’s Physics and Engineering Department webpage for more information about its program. For more information about the Ethics in Engineering Case Competition, visit the event’s website.

Michael C. Munger, Ph.D., professor of economics, political science and public policy at Duke University, will be the principal speaker at the spring Henry George Seminar at The University of Scranton. Dr. Munger will present “Platforms, Giants and the Neo-Brandeisian Turn in Antitrust,” on Thursday, April 10, in the McIlhenny Ballroom of Scranton’s DeNaples Center. The event begins at 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Named after former Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, Neo-Brandeisianism is an approach that focuses less on consumer prices and more “on how large corporations can harm competition (particularly for small businesses) and stifle innovation,” according to The Lawverse.

A professor at Duke since 1997, Dr. Munger has won three university-wide teaching awards, the Howard Johnson Award, an NAACP Image Award for teaching about race and admission to the Bass Society of Teaching Fellows. He has also held teaching positions at Dartmouth College, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Early in his career, Dr. Munger was a staff economist at the Federal Trade Commission.

Much of Dr. Munger’s recent work has been in philosophy, examining the concept of truly voluntary exchange, a concept for which he coined the term “euvoluntary.”

Dr. Munger has written eight books, including “Tomorrow 3.0,” “Choosing in Groups” (coauthored with his son, Kevin) and “The Thing Itself.” He has also published more than 200 articles and papers in professional journals and edited volumes. He has been a member of the editorial boards of several professional journals, including the American Journal of Political Science (1998-2000), Constitutional Political Economy (2001-2003, 2005-present) and Public Choice (1994-1998, 1999-present).

Dr. Munger, who received his Ph.D. in economics at Washington University in St. Louis, is also a regular guest on the popular EconTalk podcast. Two of his episodes – “The Sharing Economy” in 2016 and “Slavery and the Origins of Racism” in 2018 – were the highest reader-rated EconTalk podcasts of their respective years.

The Henry George Lecture Series at Scranton is named in honor of the 19th century American economist and social reformer and is supported financially by a grant from the Progress and Poverty Institute (formerly the Schalkenbach Foundation). 

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

On Friday, April 4, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a recital entitled “Rhapsody in Blue at 100” featuring the acclaimed Frederick Hohman, D.M.A., premiering the first full organ transcription of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

According to Cheryl Y. Boga, conductor and director of Performance Music, this will be Dr. Hohman’s 4^th visit to Houlihan McLean to perform on its fully restored and historic Austin Opus 301 Symphonic Organ. “Every visit by Fred is what I like to call an organ adventure – he doesn’t just perform a concert, he shares his passion and knowledge of the instrument at every opportunity during his visit.”

In addition to being a concert organist of stunning musicality and virtuosity, Dr. Hohman is an award-winning composer of organ and choral music, a creator of organ transcriptions, an online educator, a musical instrument designer and a classical music audio-video producer. Hohman earned his performer’s certificate, Mus.B., M.M. and D.M.A. in the organ studio of David Craighead at The Eastman School. In 1984, he won First Prize in both the prestigious Clarence Mader and Arthur Poister competitions. This was the first step leading to decades of organ concert tours, taking him throughout the world, appearing in concert and religious venues, including appearances before regional and national conventions of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), The Organ Historical Society and The American Institute of Organbuilders.

Dr. Hohman founded the recording label Pro Organo in 1985 and has overseen the production and release of over 300 organ and choral music titles, including 16 releases, of which he is also the featured artist. Acclaimed by a critic with The Diapason magazine as “one of the symphonic organ's strongest exponents,” during the 1980s, Dr. Hohman championed a revival of the Symphonic School of organ-playing. His writings and recordings ignited a revival in symphonic organ literature and performance practices of the early 20th century, which led to his first organ transcription publications and several additional CD releases.

Dr. Hohman has served The American Guild of Organists (AGO) on its national committees focused upon education and was commissioned by them to appear as video instructor in a series of 30 AGO-produced videos entitled “Lessons for the New Organist,” which are free for all to view at AGO’s website. Hohman has also provided written guidance and encouragement to aspiring organists as an adjudicator in 20 national and international organ competitions.

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The University of Scranton’s Houlihan-McLean Center Austin Opus 301 symphonic organ was built in 1910 by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford Connecticut for the Immanuel Baptist Church in Scranton and was restored and re-dedicated by the university in 2005 in a recital performed by Thomas Murray of Yale University. Since then, many renowned organists have performed on the instrument in solo-recitals, and it has accompanied the university’s student ensembles in the performance of many major works of the choral and instrumental repertoires. The instrument is one of the few rare surviving original examples of early 20th-century organ building, and the impressive instrument possesses a total of 3,178 pipes, 45 ranks and four manuals. The instrument is currently maintained by Clem, Cole, Dan, and Steve, technicians/artists from Emery Brothers/Dieffenbach organs.

For further information on the recital, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Dr. Hohman, visit frederickhohman.net.

Twenty-one University of Scranton students participated in spring break service trips offered by the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice. The students helped to build and renovate homes and assist women and children experiencing homelessness at service projects in Los Angles, California, Martin, Kentucky and Juticalpa, Honduras.

The following students went to Los Angles, California to work with Homeboy Industries and Dolores Mission:

Erin Burch, Harleysville, a psychology major;

Abigail Casal, South Abington Township, an early and primary teacher education major;

Stefania Gomes, Staten Island, New York, a nursing major;

Cassidy Morganstern, Staten Island, New York, a counseling and human services major;

Samuel Peters, West Hartford, Connecticut, a theology and religious studies and philosophy major;

Ousmane Thiam, Dumont, New Jersey, a kinesiology major;

Maria Vyzaniaris, Furlong, a neuroscience major.

University graduate assistant Brooke McNabola ’24, Wallingford, Connecticut, and Christian Krokus, Ph.D., professor of theology and religious studies, served as chaperones.

Read more about the service trip to Honduras in this student story published in Royal News.

The following students went to Martin, Kentucky to work with the Christian Appalachian Project:

Brooke Dodge, Hackettstown, New Jersey, an occupational therapy major;

Zoe Honney, Scranton, a cybercrime and homeland security major;

Isabelle Kostiak, Ransom Township, an advertising/public relations and sociology major;

Theodore Krokus, Scranton, a history major;

Angelo Ledda, Bronx, New York, a computer science major;

Michael Peterson, North Wales, an environmental science major;

Morgan Tullio, Olyphant, a biochemistry major;

Regan Welsh, Philadelphia, an occupational therapy major;

Brian White, Brooklyn, New York, a biology and philosophy major.

University graduate assistant Isabella Wohlleber ’24, Hazleton, and Richard O’Hara, faculty specialists for the Accounting Department, served as chaperones.

The following students went to Juticalpa, Honduras to work with Olancho Aid Foundation:

Jack Burke, Scranton, a psychology major;

James Gammello, Hellertown, a criminal justice and history major;

Angelina Guido, Nashua, New Hampshire, a biology major;

Corinne Langowski, Delran, New Jersey, a communication sciences and disorders major;

Sara Wynne, Staten Island, New York, a forensic chemistry major.

Brian Snee, Ph.D., associate professor of communication and media, Amy Hoegan, campus minister for retreats, and Avianna Carilli, coordinator of domestic and international service trips, served as chaperones.

 

History, physics, writing, mathematics, world languages and neuroscience are among topics covered in academic competitions for area middle school and high school students offered at The University of Scranton during the spring semester. Upcoming competitions set for April include a state history competition, an Earth Day Essay Contest, the Hayes Family Science Competition for physics and engineering and the Integration Bee for mathematics.

Earlier this semester, the University hosted a regional history competition, the 2^nd Annual World Language Day and the Brain Bee for neuroscience.

Area students in grades five to 12 can participate in the University’s Earth Day Essay Contest. This year’s essay theme is “Students for a Sustainable World.” Submissions are due electronically by April 3. Visit the University’s Facilities Management webpage for the 2025 Earth Day Essay Contest Guidelines. 

Earth Day Essay Contest winners will be announced at an Evening of Environmental Science, which will take place on Thursday, April 24, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Loyola Science Center. The event, which is open to contest participants, their families and the general public, will include University interactive science experiments and an exhibit of essay contest submissions. Tours of the University’s amateur radio station will also be conducted during the event as part of a day-long Amateur Radio Open House at W3USR. For additional information about the Earth Day Essay Contest, call 570-941-6267.

On Thursday, April 10, the University will host its annual Hayes Family Science Competition for high school physics and engineering students. The theme for this year’s contest is “Whatever Floats Your Boat: The Forces Edition.” The event will cover topics including kinematics, forces, torque/statics and rotational dynamics, gravitation, energy, rotational motion, sound, waves, Kepler’s Laws and momentum. The daylong contest tests high school students’ knowledge of physics through a series of hands-on games and challenges. Students compete individually and as part of a team. Pre-registration is required. For additional information, contact Salisa Brown, administrative assistant for the Physics Department, at salisa.brown@scranton.edu or 570-941-7509.

On Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13, the University will host the National History Day competition for Pennsylvania. The competition allows students to compete in the categories of historical essays, performances, documentaries, websites and exhibits on a historical theme. Winners in the state contest have the potential to compete in the national championship in Maryland on June 8 to 12. Earlier in March, the University hosted the Region 2 of the National History Day competition on campus. For additional information the National History Day competition, contact Sean Brennan, Ph.D., associate professor of history, at sean.brennan@scranton.edu.

On Wednesday, April 23, the annual Math Integration Bee for high school students will take place at 4:30 p.m. in the DeNaples Center Ballroom. The competition, which is hosted by the Mathematics Department, can help high school students improve their skills for AP mathematics tests. The Bee is offered free of charge, registration is required. For more information, contact Stacey Muir, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics, at 570-941-6580 or stacey.muir@scranton.edu.

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Earlier this semester, the University’s Neuroscience Program hosted the 24th annual Northeast PA Brain Bee Competition for high school students in grades nine through 12. The competition encouraged the study of the brain and how it relates to intelligence, memory, emotions, movements, aging and other factors. In addition, the University hosted the 2^nd annual World Language Day event, which included rapid-fire lessons in Italian, Mandarin, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, German, French, Arabic and American Sign Language. Students learned about these languages and cultures through interactive activities and lessons from Fulbright visiting scholars and University of Scranton students and faculty.

Through April 11     Art Exhibit: “The Lackawanna River and Watershed: Art and Interpretation.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Through April 20    Art Exhibit: “Gems of Flourishing from The Zaner-Bloser Penmanship Collection.” Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free during library hours. Call 570-941-6341 or email michael.knies@scranton.edu.

April 3      5 p.m. 28^th Annual ACHE Healthcare Symposium: “Leading Through Mergers and Acquisitions.” McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Includes dinner, presentation and panel discussion. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4527 or email spencer.owens@scranton.edu. 

April 4      7:30 p.m. Performance Music: Rhapsody in Blue at 100 featuring Dr. Frederick Hohman premiering the first full organ transcription of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

April 5      9 a.m. Accepted Students Day for students and their families of The University of Scranton’s class of 2029. Meet representatives from academic departments, student activities/services, financial aid, athletics and tour campus. Various locations on campus. Call 570-941-7540 or email admissions@scranton.edu.

April 7-17   Environmental Art Show: “Engaging with the Natural World.” Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free during library hours. Call 570-941-4740 or email marleen.cloutier@scranton.edu.

April 9     5:30 p.m. Graduate Open House. DeNaples Center, 4^th floor. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email gradadmissions@scranton.edu.

April 10    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.

April 10    4 p.m. Spring Henry George Seminar "Platforms, Giants, and the Neo-Brandeisian Turn in Antitrust" presented by Michael C. Munger, Ph.D., Director, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Program, Duke University.  McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu.

April 10    6 p.m. Schemel Forum with the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Schumann: Music, Mood Swings and Madness” presented by Richard Kogan, M.D., professor of psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, and artistic director, Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Program. Performance, lecture and reception. Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine Street, Scranton. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

April 10-12     8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. Performance: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” presented by The University of Scranton Liva Arts Company. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Visit https://livaartscompany.ludus.com for tickets or email livartscompany@gmail.com.

April 12-13     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.

April 12    7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “42^nd Annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir premiering two new works by Dr. Wycliffe Gordon (H. ’06) and Jennifer Krupa, with the composers conducting. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

April 15    11 a.m. Earth Day Fair with interactive games, presentations and information related to the environment and sustainable practices. Atrium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.

April 23     3:45 p.m. Math Integration Bee. Calculus-based high school math competition. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. See https://www.scranton.edu/academics/cas/math/bee.shtml for more details or email stacey.muir@scranton.edu.  

April 24            noon Talk: “Next Generation HamSCI Receive System – Advancing Space Weather Monitoring” by HamSCI collaborator Rob Robinett as part of The University of Scranton’s participation in the national Amateur Radio Open House day. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-7509 or email w3usr@scranton.edu.

April 24            3 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Amateur Radio Open House at W3USR, The University of Scranton’s state-of-the-art student ham radio studio. Fifth Floor, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-7509 or email w3usr@scranton.edu.

April 24   5:30 p.m. Earth Day “Evening of Environmental Science” and Essay Award Presentation. 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. Atrium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email susan.falbo@scranton.edu.

April 24    7:30 p.m. Judaic Studies Institute Lecture: “Jewish Ethical Perspectives on Civilian Casualties in War: A Tale of Two Sieges” presented by Rabbi Shlomo Brody, Ph.D., executive director of Ematai and columnist for the Jerusalem Post, with a response focusing on Catholic perspectives by Patrick Clark, Ph.D., professor of theology/religious studies at Scranton. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall.  Free. 570-941-7956 or marc.shapiro@scranton.edu.

April 24    5 p.m. Campus Take Back the Night. Dionne Green. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email brandice.ricciardi@scranton.edu.

April 25    7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra and guest soloist TBA. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

April 26-27     9 a.m. Saturday; Noon Sunday. Friends of the Library Book Sale. Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Call 570-941-6195 or e-mail melisa.gallo@scranton.edu.

April 28 through May 9     Hope Horn Gallery Art Exhibit: “The University of Scranton Student Show Online.” Visit https://www.scranton.edu/academics/hope-horn-gallery/index.shtml or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu. 

April 30     11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Allergic: Our Irritated Bodies in a Changing World” presented by Theresa MacPhail, Ph.D., medical anthropologist, writer, and associate professor of science and technology studies at Steven Institute of Technology. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

April 30     noon. Celebration of Student Scholars. Displays and presentations of undergraduate and graduate student research and scholarly projects. Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-7653 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Six student musicians from The University of Scranton’s Performance Music participated and performed at the 77th Annual Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band Festival, hosted this year by Kutztown University from March 14 to March 16.

Scranton students who participated, accompanied by Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga and Co-Director Janelle Decker, and the instruments they played follows.

Joseph T. Dolan, Conshohocken, played the tenor saxophone. Dolan is a computer science major and a member of the University’s Class of 2026.

Danielle E. Fernandez, Chatham, New Jersey, played the flute. Fernandez is an occupational therapy major and a member of the University’s Class of 2025.

Sally M. Hopkins, East Stroudsburg, played the tuba. Hopkins is an advertising/public relations and journalism and electronic media double major and a member of the University's Class of 2026.

Thomas E. Marine, Cockeysville, Maryland, played the trumpet. Marine is a biochemistry major and a member of the University’s Class of 2026

Anthony I. Torres, New Milford, played the French horn. Torres is a biochemistry major and a member of the University’s Class of 2025. He is on Scranton’s pre-med track and is a member of the University’s Undergraduate Honors Program. Torres is also the recipient of a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship at Scranton. 

Caitlin E. Wilson, Harrisburg, played the French horn. Wilson is a biology major and member of the University’s Class of 2027. Wilson is also the recipient of a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship at Scranton. 

Selected students from colleges and universities throughout the state and their directors converge each spring on the campus of that year’s host school, having prepared their instrument’s parts for each composition on the program in advance. Upon arriving, they audition for seating order in their section and – after the seating of the band – rehearse intensively for two and a half days under the baton of a nationally known guest conductor, culminating in the gala festival concert on Sunday afternoon. This year’s guest conductor is Mary K. Schneider, professor of conducting and director of bands at Eastern Michigan University.

The festival is run by the Pennsylvania Collegiate Bandmasters Association, and The University of Scranton is one of the longest continuous participants in the festival, with student musicians selected for participation every one of the last forty-four years consecutively.

Boga has chaired the seating audition committee for the organization for thirty-three of those years, served multiple terms as president and vice president of the organization, and hosted the festival at Scranton’s Houlihan McLean Center in 1990 and 2000.

The primary focus of Performance Music at the University 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. Other programs within the department, including guest artist concerts, the 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. 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 festival and the University's 2025 spring concert schedule, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu  or visit scranton.edu/music.

Those considering graduate school and current undergraduate students can learn about the career advancement opportunities offered through The University of Scranton’s 40-plus advanced-degree programs at its Graduate Open House on Wednesday, April 9. Participants will meet with Scranton alumni, faculty, admissions representatives and current graduate students and learn about flexible on-campus and online program formats offered by the nationally recognized Jesuit university.

Scranton provides the highest-quality graduate education, with programs meeting the most rigorous state or national accreditations available within their professional fields. Graduate programs include physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, health care management, clinical rehabilitation counseling, business analytics and MBAs in several concentrations and other business disciplines. In recent years, Scranton has added graduate programs in high in-demand fields, such as an online master’s degree program in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity, and a synchronous remote master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Scranton also offers a synchronous and asynchronous graduate program in psychiatric mental health nursing. Scranton’s graduate programs are offered in formats that include on-campus and online options.

 

The Graduate Open House begins on April 9 with registration at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth floor of the DeNaples Center, followed by an alumni panel presentation at 6 p.m. Program-specific information sessions will run from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. Optional campus tours are available from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The event is offered free of charge.

For more information or to make reservations, visit the Graduate Open House webpage or email gradadmissions@scranton.edu.

Nearly 120 area students from Valley View, Riverside, Western Wayne, Wallenpaupack, West Scranton and Scranton high schools were introduced to eight languages and cultures in rapid-fire lessons at a World Languages Day event at The University of Scranton. Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, German, French, Arabic and American Sign Language were taught in 15-minute interactive lessons led by University faculty and Fulbright teaching assistants.

“If you thought high school students would never sit through 15-minute lessons of eight different languages, just check out our event. It’s absolutely amazing and that’s a testament to our instructors and our mission to bring the world to people,” said Amy Kuiken, The University of Scranton Language Learning Center coordinator in the World Languages and Culture Department.

View the Fox 56 news story about the World Languages Day event at The University of Scranton reported by Samantha Durante, a 2024 graduate of the University.

We have eight different languages going on in the background today, and we wanted people to come with a sense that all of those languages can be really powerful,” said Kuiken in a WBRE News story about the event. WVIA News also covered the event.

Language lessons were led by Marzia Caporale, Ph.D., chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures, for Italian; Professor Chih-Yi Wu, Taiwanese Government Chinese Language Instructor, for Mandarin Chinese; Professor Fabián Bizcocho, Spanish Language Fulbright Teaching Assistant from Spain, for Spanish; Professor Erii Unuma, ALLEX Foundation Japanese Language Instructor, for Japanese; Professor Oliwia Doroszko, German Language Fulbright Teaching Assistant from Germany, for German; Professor Emma Leclercq, French Language Fulbright Teaching Assistant from France, for French; Professor Rym Ben Rehouma, Arabic Language Fulbright Teaching Assistant from Tunisia, for Arabic; and Professor MaryAnn Stefko, University of Scranton ASL adjunct professor, for American Sign Language.

View Language Learning Center Coordinator Amy Kuiken, in a WBRE News story about the about the World Languages Day event at The University of Scranton

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The high school students also learned about these cultures through interactive activities.

The 2^nd Annual World Language Day at Scranton was hosted by the Department of World Languages and Cultures with assistance from the Office of Admissions. This event was on March 4 in the Rose Room in Brennan Hall.

View photos and read more about The University of Scranton World Languages Day event at WVIA News. (Photo courtesy Aimee Dilger/WVIA News) 

The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum will offer collaborative programs featuring fascinating topics in the areas of literature, culture, music and wine education during the spring semester.

On Monday, March 31, the Schemel Forum will partner with Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library for an evening celebrating the legacy of Umberto Eco with the premiere of “Umberto Eco: A Library of the World.”

This engaging documentary explores Eco’s life as a scholar, novelist and philosopher, highlighting his insatiable curiosity and deep connection to libraries. Following the screening, a panel of University of Scranton faculty members will delve into Eco’s influence on literature, philosophy and culture, examining his interdisciplinary approach and the enduring relevance of his work in a rapidly changing world. Panelists will be George J. Aulisio, Ph.D., dean and professor, Weinberg Memorial Library, Virgina Picchietti, Ph.D., professor of Italian, and Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., associate professor of English and Theatre.

The event, which will begin at 6 p.m. in Brennan Hall Pearn Auditorium, is free and open to the public.

On Thursday, April 10, the Schemel Forum and the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) will present the concert lecture “Schumann: Music, Mood Swings & Madness.” Richard Kogan, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and artistic director of Weill Cornell Music and Medicine, will discuss how creative artists are especially vulnerable to mental illness. The German composer Robert Schumann is one of the finest examples of the blurred boundary between genius and insanity. Dr. Kogan will explore how the racing thoughts, flight of ideas and sharpened imagination of Schumann’s hypomanic states induced prodigious bursts of creativity until the onset of psychosis led to his tragic final years in an insane asylum.

 The event will begin at 6 p.m. at GCSOM, 525 Pine St., Scranton. Admission to the event, which includes a reception, is $40 for the general public. The event is free for Schemel Forum members and University of Scranton and GCSOM employees and students.

On Friday, June 6, the Schemel Forum will pilot a new program, “Vinho and Views: Exploring Portugal’s Wine Heritage.” This hands-on wine education event will feature a four-course wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, a presentation on Portuguese wines, and an interactive discussion led by wine writer David Falchek.

Participants will discover the rich history and vibrant flavors of Portugal’s wine and will explore the unique challenges of indigenous grape varieties, the connection between Madeira and the Founding Fathers, and how the Portuguese celebrate their wines.

Falchek has been published in Beverage Media, Vineyard and Winery Management and others, and writes a drinks column for The Scranton Times. He is the former executive director of the American Wine Society.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. in Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library.

The cost for the wine tasting, hors d’oeuvre and lecture is $60 per person, $100 per couple for non-Schemel Forum members. There is no additional fee for Schemel Forum Members, Angels, and Archangels to attend this event. University of Scranton and GCSOM students, staff, and faculty must purchase tickets for this event and participants must be 21 years or older.

For additional information or registration information, contact Rose Merritt at 570-941-4740 or rose.merritt@scranton.edu

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

The University of Scranton’s Weinberg Memorial Library is seeking donations and volunteers for its annual book sale. The library will accept donations of clean, properly stored books and unscratched CDs and DVDs. A library staff member can assist with donation drop-offs, by appointment. For details, contact Melisa Gallo at 570-941-6195. Donations will be accepted until Friday, April 18.

All proceeds from the book sale will benefit the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Endowment, which supports library collections and services. The event is organized by The Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library, library staff and volunteers.

The book sale is scheduled for Saturday, April. 26, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, from noon to 4 p.m. for the general public. A special preview sale for current members of the Friends of the Library will be held on Friday, April 25, from 4 to 9 p.m. The sale will occur in the fifth-floor Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library.

For additional information or to volunteer, please contact Melisa Gallo, chair of the library book sale committee, at 570-941-6195. To check your Friends Membership status, please contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816.

Jordan Levin, who attends Council Rock High School in Holland, came in first place in The University of Scranton’s 24th annual Northeast PA Brain Bee competition, held on campus in February. Rishi Shah, who attends Livingston High School in Livingston, New Jersey, came in second place, and Vaishnavi Kakani, who attends Chantilly High School in Herndon, Virginia, came in third place.

The academic competition for high school students in grades nine through 12 was offered free of charge. The event was sponsored by the Neuroscience Program at the University and the Scranton Neuroscience Society.

For more information about next year’s Northeast PA Brain Bee competition, contact Robert Waldeck, Ph.D., neuroscience program director and associate professor of biology, at 570-941-4324 or robert.waldeck@scranton.edu.

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Eighteen undergraduate students, four recent graduates and seven professors will present research at the 2025 Eastern Psychological Association conference in Philadelphia on March 5 - 9. In total, 13 research posters and papers will be presented by University of Scranton students and professors.

The Eastern Psychological Association, founded in 1896, is the oldest of the regional Psychological Associations in the United States.

A list of students whose research will be presented at the conference, their project and the faculty members they worked with on their project follows.

Gianna M. Assuncao ’26, a physiology major from Clark, New Jersey, presented research titled “Perceptions of Mental Illness” with faculty member Patrick Orr, Ph.D. associate professor of psychology. Assuncao also presented research titled “Misinformation Concerning the H.M. Case Study: A Temporal-Lobe Focused Seizure?” with Dr. Orr.

Joseph R. Battaglia ’26, a neuroscience major from Campbell Hall, New York, presented research titled “Perceptions of Mental Illness” with faculty member Patrick Orr, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology. Additionally, Battaglia presented research titled “Misinformation Concerning the H.M. Case Study: A Temporal-Lobe Focused Seizure?” with Dr. Orr.

Nickalia C. Beckford ’25, a psychology major from Mount Vernon, New York, presented research titled “Out of Bounds: Gender Differences in The Recognition of Microaggressions” with faculty member Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology. Additionally, Beckford presented research titled “‘He Should Have Been More Respectful.’ Blaming The Targets of Racial Microaggressions” with Dr. Karpiak and Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology.

Madeline R. Bull ’25, a psychology major from Mendham, New Jersey, presented research titled “Siding with the Aggressor: Authoritarianism in Judgments of Racial Microaggressions” with faculty members Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology and Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology. Bull also presented research titled “‘He Should Have Been More Respectful.’ Blaming The Targets of Racial Microaggressions” with Dr. Karpiak and Dr. Betancourt.

Emma S. Caldwell ’26, a psychology major from Little Neck, New York, presented research titled “Perceptions of Mental Illness” with faculty member Patrick Orr, Ph.D. associate professor of psychology. Caldwell presented research titled “Misinformation Concerning the H.M. Case Study: A Temporal-Lobe Focused Seizure?” with Dr. Orr.

Erica C. Czerwinski ’26, a psychology and philosophy major from Burlington, Massachusetts, presented research titled “The Effect of Visual Working Memory Load on Joke Comprehension” with faculty member Jill Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology.

Sophia da Costa ’26, a neuroscience major from Ambler, presented research titled “Perceptions of Mental Illness” with faculty member Patrick Orr, Ph.D. associate professor of psychology. Da Costa also presented research titled “Misinformation Concerning the H.M. Case Study: A Temporal-Lobe Focused Seizure?” with Dr. Orr.

My Kim Thi Dang ’25, a psychology major from Scranton, presented research titled “The Effect of Visual Working Memory Load on Joke Comprehension” with faculty member Jill Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology.

Jianna E. Eike ’25, a neuroscience major from Pittston, presented research titled “Examining the Misinformation Effect for Mundane and Unexpected Events” with faculty member Jill Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology.

Anna F. Gowarty ’26, a psychology and criminal justice major from Scranton, presented research titled “Examination of Perceptions of Intellectual Disability and Age in False Confession Cases” with faculty member Joshua Reynolds, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of psychology.

Kaleia A. Hamilton ’25, a psychology major from Farmingville, New York, presented research titled “Out of Bounds: Gender Differences in The Recognition of Microaggressions” with faculty members Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology and Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology. Hamilton also presented research titled “‘He Should Have Been More Respectful.’ Blaming The Targets of Racial Microaggressions” with Dr. Karpiak, and Dr. Betancourt.

Gabrielle J. Jamieson ’25, a psychology major from Bradley Beach, New Jersey, presented research titled “Siding with the Aggressor: Authoritarianism in Judgments of Racial Microaggressions” with faculty members Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology and Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology. Jamieson also presented research titled “Using Social Norms Marketing to Reduce Stigmatization of Mental Health and Self- Disclosure” with faculty members Patrick Orr, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology.

Morgan E. Jones ’25, a psychology major from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, presented research titled “Perceptions of Mental Illness” with faculty member Patrick Orr, Ph.D. associate professor of psychology. Jones also presented research titled presented research titled “Misinformation Concerning the H.M. Case Study: A Temporal-Lobe Focused Seizure?” with Dr. Orr. In addition, Jones presented research titled “Effect of Gender and Speech Disfluencies on Deception Perception and Memory” with faculty member Jill Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology.

Camryn A. Nagle ’25, a psychology major from Hillsdale, New Jersey, presented research titled “Perceptions of Mental Illness” with faculty member Patrick Orr, Ph.D. associate professor of psychology. Nagle also presented research titled “Sports, Classrooms, Peers and Authorities: How Context Influences Perceptions of Microaggressions” with faculty members Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology and Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology. Additionally, Nagle presented research titled “Misinformation Concerning the H.M. Case Study: A Temporal-Lobe Focused Seizure?” with Dr. Orr.

Bryce D. Rahynes ’25, a psychology major from Freeport, New York, presented research titled “Sports, Classrooms, Peers and Authorities: How Context Influences Perceptions of Microaggressions” with faculty members Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology and Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology. Rahynes also presented research titled “Out of Bounds: Gender Differences in The Recognition of Microaggressions” with Dr. Karpiak.

Rebecca J. Russo ’27, a psychology major from Somerset New Jersey, presented research titled “Siding with the Aggressor: Authoritarianism in Judgments of Racial Microaggressions” with faculty members Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology and Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology.

Joseph T. Vazquez ’26, a psychology and philosophy major from Nutley, New Jersey, presented research titled “Climate Change in The Introductory Psychology Classroom” with faculty members Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology, Christopher Holland, Ph.D, visiting assistant professor of psychology at The College of New Jersey, and Alexandra Hadd, data analysis at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.

Madeline S. Williams ’25, a psychology and philosophy major from Wall Township, New Jersey, presented research titled “Examination of Perceptions of Intellectual Disability and Age in False Confession Cases” with faculty member Joshua Reynolds, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology.

Recent graduates of the University who presented research include

Emily Burgers ’24, an environmental science major from Wayne, New Jersey, who presented research titled “Climate Change in The Introductory Psychology Classroom” with faculty members Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology, Christopher Holland, Ph.D, visiting assistant professor of psychology at The College of New Jersey, and Alexandra Hadd, data analysis at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.

Claire Carrera ’22, a psychology major from North Bergen, New Jersey, presented research titled “Sports, Classrooms, Peers and Authorities: How Context Influences Perceptions of Microaggressions” with faculty members Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology and Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology.

Elise Koegler ’24, a psychology major from Scranton, presented research titled “Climate Change in The Introductory Psychology Classroom” with faculty members Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology, Christopher Holland, Ph.D, visiting assistant professor of psychology at The College of New Jersey, and Alexandra Hadd, data analysis at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.

Emma Trautfetter ’24, a psychology major from Cedar Grove, New Jersey, presented research titled “Climate Change in The Introductory Psychology Classroom” with faculty members Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology, Christopher Holland, Ph.D, visiting assistant professor of psychology at The College of New Jersey, and Alexandra Hadd, data analysis at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Trautfetter also presented research titled “Examining the Misinformation Effect for Mundane and Unexpected Events” with faculty member Jill Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology.

In addition, Mary Tabit, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology, presented research titled “Adapting A Cannabis Harm Reduction Workshop for Peer-Delivery in Collegiate Settings”

Additional information about undergraduate research opportunities offered by the Psychology Department at The University of Scranton can be found on the department’s webpage.

On Saturday, March 8, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a recital by critically and popularly acclaimed pianist, Jeremy Ajani Jordan. Presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton, the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

This will be Jordan’s second time at Scranton as a solo pianist, and he has appeared on two other occasions in trio and quartet performances. According to Cheryl Y. Boga, conductor and director of Performance Music at the University, “Jeremy possesses the rare combination of startling technical prowess and stunning musicality that is riveting for audiences. It is no surprise that his career has taken him to concert venues throughout the world performing music from across genres, ranging from classical and jazz to experimental.”

“A clear technical virtuoso,” “a rare talent,” and “a true Wunderkind,” Chicago-born Jordan burst onto the music scene at age nine playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in a live televised performance. Jordan was born into a musical family where his mother and father were his first instructors. They ensured that his burgeoning talent was nurtured by providing a strong foundation in classical training and also encouraged his study of improvised music and composition. Jordan went on to appear on the acclaimed radio program “From The Top” and “From The Top: Live from Carnegie Hall” performing Liszt. Since then, Jordan has made his solo Carnegie Hall debut performing Chopin, Liszt, Schubert, and Wagner.

After winning the 2006 Steinway Concerto Competition playing the Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 1, Jordan delivered acclaimed performances with the Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra and concerto performances and recordings with the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. Following studies at The Juilliard School, Jordan received his undergraduate and graduate degrees on the Van Cliburn and Irene Diamond scholarships there. Acclaimed for his virtuosic deliveries of his Liszt/Horowitz, Wagner, and Saint-Saëns transcriptions, Jordan has also performed to thunderous applause in appearances at the United Nations Arts Council, the American Liszt Society, Concertgebouw, Tokyo Opera City, Prague’s Rudolfinum and Chicago’s Ravinia Festival. He has appeared as a chamber musician in tours throughout North America, Europe, and Japan.

Jordan continues to compose solo piano music, chamber music, orchestral music and electronic music. His compositions have debuted on National Public Radio and have received world premieres at Seattle’s Emerald City Music Festival, New York’s National Sawdust and Ireland’s Sounds From a Safe Harbour. His most recent album For Flint featured several original jazz compositions and raised money to purchase clean water for families affected by the Flint Water Crisis.

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

Author Jeffery D. Long, Ph.D, the Carl W. Zeigler professor of religion, philosophy and Asian studies at Elizabethtown College, discussed peace, love and God-consciousness and how they relate to Hinduism, George Harrison and The Beatles at The University of Scranton on March 3. Dr. Long has written several books and has presented numerous lectures about world theologies and philosophies.

The lecture was sponsored by the University’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities, Jesuit Center, Department of Theology/Religious Studies, Asian Studies Concentration, and Peace and Justice Studies Concentration.

The lecture took place in the Pearn Auditorium in Brennan Hall.

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Bernard Schanzer, M.D., and Henry Schanzer, J.D., will present “A Twin Tale of Survival in the Holocaust” for The University of Scranton’s Judaic Studies Institute Lecture on Wednesday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall. The Schanzers will tell their story of survival, which was made possible through the help of a righteous non-Jew.

Twin brothers, the Schanzers were born in 1935 in Belgium. Their family was forced to flee from the German invasion in 1940, eventually settling in St. Etienne, France. However, by 1942, the French government began participating in the arrest and transportation of Jews, and for their safety, their parents sent the twins to live with a Christian acquaintance and sent their older sister, Anna, to a boarding school in Lyon. Shortly after, their apartment in St. Etienne was seized, and their father, Bruno, was sent to a French detention camp and ultimately died in Auschwitz.

The twins shuffled from place to place until their mother found them an arrangement at the farm of Adolphine Dorel in St. Pal de Mons, whom they came to love. They remained there until the end of the war, after which they reunited with their mother and sister. Finally, in 1946, the family moved across an ocean to New York City. Bernard eventually became a neurologist, and Henry, a patent lawyer.

The Schanzers have lectured nationwide, sharing their story. They have spoken at Baylor College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, the New Jersey Holocaust Commemoration (Yom HaShoah) Program, Torah Links of Middlesex County and The University of Scranton.

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.

On Wednesday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m., Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a General Recital featuring vocal and instrumental small ensembles, including the Steel Drum Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, String Quartet, Sax Quintet, clarinet duo, tuba trio, and more, featuring students from the large ensembles of Performance Music. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. The concert is open to the public, and admission is free. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

The concert will feature a variety of songs in a wide array of small instrumentations. Small ensembles are made up of members from within the large ensembles, such as the Concert/Symphonic Band, Concert Choir/Singers, String Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble (big band format), and Steel Drum Ensemble. The small ensemble performing opportunities offered by Performance Music vary by semester, and often include groups such as String Quartets, Flute Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Low Brass Sextet, Trumpet Choir, Clarinet Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Percussion Ensemble, and small vocal groups in various formats.

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.

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.

Sursum Corda Awards were presented to four staff members by University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., who also delivered his State of the University address at the Spring Convocation. The event took place in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center in February. Staff members who joined the University between Feb. 1, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2025, were also recognized at the event.

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: Stephanie Adamec, assistant dean for student wellness at the University’s Center for Health Education and Wellness; Rose Corrigan, administrative assistant for the vice president for University Advancement; Brian Loughney, human resources manager; and Susan Shoemaker, zone supervisor for campus housing.

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“Sursum Corda, or lift up your hearts, what a great name for these awards and how fitting they are for Susie, Rose, Stephanie and Brian,” said Father Marina. “Seventy-four years of service when you add them up, across the areas of advancement, facilities, student life and human resources. All that good work directed toward one goal: helping our beloved University move forward in its mission. That is why these awards are so well deserved.”

Speaking to the more than 300 University employees attending the event, Father Marina said, “You are all here as living testimony to support for our mission, and so certainly I am grateful for the work of our awardees today, but also for your work and for your love, of our students and our mission.”

Also speaking at the convocation were Tracy Stewart, Ph.D., interim senior provost and vice president for academic affairs, and Peggy Doolittle, advancement coordinator, Office of Annual Giving.

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Through Apr. 20    Art Exhibit: “Gems of Flourishing from The Zaner-Bloser Penmanship Collection.” Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free during library hours. Call 570-941-6341 or email michael.knies@scranton.edu.

Through March 14     Art Exhibit: “Hudson River and Delaware Valley: Selections from the Mark Biedlingmaier Collection.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

March 1-2     8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Performance: “Little Shop of Horrors.” Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken, (musical) presented by The University of Scranton Players. Royal Theatre, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 (voice mail reservations) or email players@scranton.edu.

March 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.

March 4     8:30 a.m. 2nd Annual World Language Day: “Hacking the Power of Language.” The Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration open to University of Scranton students and local high school students/teachers in world language programs. Refreshments, interactive exhibits, and lightning-round beginner lessons in seven languages with a chance to meet world languages and cultures instructors from Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Tunisia, Taiwan, and Japan. Call 570-941-4711 or email amy.kuiken@scranton.edu.

March 4     7:30 p.m. Judaic Studies Institute Lecture: “How the State of Israel Became ‘the Jew’ Writ Large” by Adam Gregerman, Ph.D., professor of Jewish Studies and associate director of the Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations at Saint Joseph's University.  Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall.  Free. 570-941-7956 or marc.shapiro@scranton.edu.

March 5     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “General Recital” featuring student musicians. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

March 8     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Jeremy Ajani Jordan, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

March 12    11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “How Dogs Save Our Lives” presented by Cynthia M. Otto, DVM, Ph.D., director, Penn Vet Working Dog Center and professor of working dog sciences and sports medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

March 12    5 p.m. Slattery Center Lecture: “Ethics in The Good Place” presented by Todd May, Ph.D. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

March 24 through April 11     Art Exhibit: “The Lackawanna River and Watershed: Art and Interpretation.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

March 26    7:30 p.m. Judaic Studies Institute Lecture: “A Twin Tale of Survival in the Holocaust” by Bernard Schanzer, M.D., and Henry Schanzer, J.D.  Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall.  Free. 570-941-7956 or marc.shapiro@scranton.edu.

March 28    11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The United States Institute of Peace: Strengthening U.S. Capacity to Prevent, Mitigate, and Resolve Violent Conflict” presented by Lauren Baillie, J.D., M.A., senior program officer, Atrocity Prevention, U.S. Institute of Peace. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

March 28    5 p.m. Art Gallery Curator’s Lecture: “The Lackawanna River and Watershed: Art and Interpretation.” Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Reception to follow at the Hope Horn Gallery. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

March 29    9 a.m. Accepted Students Day for students and their families of The University of Scranton’s class of 2029. Meet representatives from academic departments, student activities/services, financial aid, athletics and tour campus. Various locations on campus. Call 570-941-7540 or email admissions@scranton.edu.

March 31    6 p.m. Schemel Forum with the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Collaborative Program: “Umberto Eco: A Library of the World and Panel Discussion” presented by George J. Aulisio, Ph.D., dean and professor, Weinberg Memorial Library, Virginia Picchietti, Ph.D., professor of Italian, and Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., associate professor of English and theater. Documentary screening, panel discussion and Q&A. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Schemel Forum Courses

Wednesdays: March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30     6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Defining Justice: Western Perspectives from Ancient Wisdom to Modern Thought” presented by George Aulisio, Ph.D., dean and professor, Weinberg Memorial Library, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Melissa Anyiwo, Ph.D., associate professor of history and director of the Black Studies Concentration at The University of Scranton, discussed the Black American Superheroes course she is teaching this semester for a WBRE news segment on Black History Month.

“I think the biggest part is celebrating black success,” said Dr. Anyiwo in the news segment. “What I tend to focus on is the ways in which people of African descent have excelled and exceeded in America, and that’s really driven my teaching.”

University student Serena Martin, a political science major from the Bronx, New York, and president of the Lewis Stanley Brown Black Student Union, is also interviewed in this segment. A Dean’s List student, Martin is also a member of the University’s Undergraduate Honors Program.

In addition, Dr. Anyiwo introduced the film “The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster” at its screening on campus as part of the University’s Black History Month events.

During February, the University hosted lectures, panel discussions, social events, film screenings and other events to celebrate Black History Month. The University’s Cultural Center, the Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union, the Black Studies Concentration, the Jesuit Center, the Weinberg Memorial Library, the Office of Alumni Relations, the Roche Family Center for Career Development and the Jane Kopas Women’s Center were among those planning Black History Month events.

On Friday, Feb. 28, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will host trumpeter Peter Evans with Ron Stabinsky (piano) in recital as part Performance Music’s spring 2025 schedule. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

According to Cheryl Y. Boga, conductor and director of Performance Music at the University, “When my son tells me that Peter is not only a virtuoso but is without question the most creative trumpeter alive, I listen. And, of course, pair him with our Houlihan McLean hero, Ron Stabinsky, and we are all in.”

Evans is a composer, trumpet player, bandleader and educator based in New York City. For 20 years, he has been pushing the boundaries of creative music in formats as divergent as solo trumpet improvisation, symphony orchestras, jazz ensembles, noise/electronic music and through-composed works. He has received awards and commissions worldwide, including the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship in 2022. Additionally, he has released 20 albums of original music, including the critically acclaimed Ghosts, Lifeblood and Being and Becoming.

A prolific composer and performer, Evans tours regularly with his groups Being and Becoming, SYMPHONY, and Forever 21, and as a soloist and collaborator with some of the leading lights of modern music. As an educator, Evans has given masterclasses and conducted workshops on improvisation, composition, instrumental practice, and creativity at The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, New School for Social Research, Cleveland Institute of Music, Oberlin Conservatory and many more.

Stabinsky is probably best known nationally as a member of the band “Mostly Other People Do The Killing,” the reunited rock band “Meat Puppets,” Relache Ensemble and The Peter Evans Ensemble. He has the distinction of performing as a classical solo and orchestral pianist, a straight-ahead jazz musician, occasionally a rock musician, and regularly as an accomplished free improviser. In addition to solo piano improvisation, he enjoys working on music in stylistically diverse situations throughout the United States and Europe with a variety of other musicians and ensembles. His first solo album Free for One received four stars in DownBeat and tied for number one debut of the year in the 2016 NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll. His festival appearances include Newport Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival (Netherlands), Moers Festival (Germany), Jazzfestival Saalfelden (Austria), Outreach Festival (Austria) and Jazz and More Festival Sibiu (Romania).

For information on educational offerings related to this event for musicians ranging from students aged 16 and older through to professionals, contact music@scranton.edu or call (570) 941-7624. School groups are welcome.

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

Thirty-two education majors at the University of Scranton began their spring semester teaching in the following 12 districts: Dunmore, Lake Lehman, Mid Valley, Mountain View, NEIU 19, North Pocono, Riverside, Scranton, Scranton Preparatory School, Valley View, West Scranton and Western Wayne.

The following is a list of undergraduate and graduate students who are serving as student teachers this semester and the schools they have been assigned to for the semester.

Sebastian V. Andrade of White Plains, New York, will teach at Riverside Junior Senior High School;

Taylor E. Bachman of Canton, Connecticut, will teach at Valley View Intermediate School;

Joseph M. Barbera of Staten Island, New York, will teach at West Scranton Intermediate School;

Alexandra N. Buck of Westbury, New York, will teach at Dunmore Elementary Center;

Meghan L. Callahan of Cranbury, New Jersey, will teach at Evergreen Elementary School;

John M. Christiansen of Honesdale will teach at Valley View Middle School;

Jenyah A. Cunningham of Brooklyn, New York, will teach at Dunmore Junior Senior High School;

Wences De La Cruz Garcia of Scranton will teach at West Scranton Intermediate School;

Jenna M. Delavan of Walden, New York, will teach at West Scranton High School;

Alexis R. DeMartino of Whiting, New Jersey, will teach at Valley View Middle School;

Grace P. DiGiacomo of Staten Island, New York, will teach at John G. Whittier Elementary School;

Alexandra Dipre of Wayne, New Jersey, will teach at Robert Morris Elementary School;

Kaylee L. Evans of South Gibson will teach at Neil Armstrong Elementary School;

Mary Virginia Farrell of Scranton will teach at Scranton Preparatory School;

Cara E. Galli of Carmel, New York, will teach at Dunmore Elementary Center;

Cecelia G. Kovatch of Pleasantville, New York, will teach at West Scranton High School;

Madelyn E. Ligos of Long Valley, New Jersey, will teach at Neil Armstrong Elementary School;

John P. McDonough of Waverly Township will teach at Valley View Middle School;

Erin McLaughlin of Sweet Valley will teach at Ross Elementary School;

Anthony Muclada of Frackville will teach at Riverside Junior Senior High School;

Grace A. Nitowski of Pilesgrove, New Jersey, will teach at Mid Valley Secondary Center;

Devang R. Patel of Scranton will teach at West Scranton High School;

Joseph Phillips of Wilkes Barre will teach at Dunmore Junior Senior High School;

Zane E. Price of Scranton will teach at Dunmore Junior Senior High School;

Natalie M. Robinson of Scranton will teach at Moscow Elementary Center;

Sabina M. Staab of Glendale, New York, will teach at Evergreen Elementary School;

Jessica B. Stadler of Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, will teach at John G. Whittier Elementary School;

Kayla M. Sullivan of Elkins Park will teach at John F. Kennedy Elementary School;

Annaise N. Vazquez of Piscataway, New Jersey, will teach at Dunmore Learning Campus;

Britney L. Walsh of Factoryville will teach at Mountain View Junior Senior High School;

Gina M. Yanni of Scranton will teach at Scranton Preparatory School;

Lucas J. Yavorosky of Scranton will teach at Scranton Preparatory School. 

Below, first row, from left are Lucas Yavorosky and Mary Farrell. Second row: Alexandra Buck, Joseph Phillips, Gina Yanni and Cara Galli. Absent from both photos are Meghan Callahan, John Christiansen, Grace DiGiacomo, Kaylee Evans, Madelyn Ligos, Sabina Staab, Jessica Stadler and Annaise Vazquez.  

The University of Scranton’s Asian Studies Program, Department of World Languages and Cultures, and Asia Club hosted an Asian New Year Festival and Workshop for students and area residents on campus on Feb. 12. At the celebration of the Year of the Snake, guests were treated to traditional Asian food and learned about Chinese calligraphy, Japanese origami, and other traditions through presentations and hands-on activities. The event also included a chopstick competition

For more information about the Asian New Year Festival and Workshop, contact the Asian Studies Program at or asianstudies@scranton.edu.

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The University of Scranton is among just 469 higher education institutions and organizations in the nation to be named a Campus Prevention Network 2024 Honoree for its exemplary use of comprehensive, research-based digital programs focused on student safety and well-being. The list of just 12 percent of colleges, universities, and national organizations, which was published in January of 2025, was compiled by Vector Solutions, an industry leader in post-secondary safety and prevention training.

According to Vector Solutions, each honoree has “taken action to create a safer, more inclusive campus through comprehensive, evidence-based digital prevention education on issues such as sexual assault, alcohol misuse, mental health, and discrimination.”

The standards Vector Solutions used to determine its Campus Prevention Network 2024 Honoree list included digital programs that contained a variety of learning approaches to increase and improve knowledge and awareness, attitudes and beliefs, and behaviors and skills; were based on evidence and theory and/or had been demonstrated to be efficacious based on peer-reviewed research; and were offered strategically and intentionally to address specific population needs at known high-impact times. Standards also looked for programs that integrated surveys to assess efficacy and gather institution-specific insights on community strengths and focus areas, as well as the comprehensiveness of the programs in covering a range of key prevention topics, in addition to other criteria.

At Scranton, digital Campus Prevention Programs include AlcoholEdu for College, which is administered to students by the Division of Student Life, through the Center for Health Education and Wellness and the Dean of Students Office.

“Putting the right resources in place to prioritize student well-being makes a tangible impact on their entire college experience, both inside and outside the classroom,” said Rob Buelow, vice president and general manager of education at Vector Solutions. “The Campus Prevention Network Seal of Prevention allows us to shine a spotlight on schools that are leading the way with their evidence-based prevention programs. This designation highlights the difference these efforts make in the safety and success of their learners, and their institutions.”

The Campus Prevention Network 2024 Honoree list can be seen here.

Area students in grades five to 12 can participate in The University of Scranton’s Earth Day Essay Contest 2025. The contest is free of charge. This year’s essay theme is “Students for a Sustainable World.”

When considering the theme, Mark Murphy, the director of sustainability and energy management at the University, collaborated with work-study students in the University’s Office of Sustainability Amelia Farry, a senior from South Abington Township, and Samantha Kosmark, a junior from Old Tappan, New Jersey.

Farry said that through working at the Office of Sustainability and attending the annual essay contest events, she has seen “how vital it is to involve students in creating a sustainable world.”  

“By emphasizing that they are future leaders, we are empowering them to shape a world that values long-term ecological health, economic prosperity, and a better world for all,” said Farry about selecting this year’s essay contest theme. 

Topics students can address in their essays include conservation, recycling, access to healthy eating, factory farming, renewable energy, single use containers, public transportation, vertical planting, plant-based meals, composting, LEDs, gardening, biking and walking among other topics.  

Essays for students in grades five and six must be between 200 and 400 words. Essays for students in grades seven, eight and nine must be between 300 and 500 words. Essays for students in grades 10 and 12 must be between 500 and 700 words. Electronic submissions must be sent to susan.falbo@scranton.edu on or before April 4. Mail-in entries must be postmarked on or by April 3 to be considered and can be sent to: The University of Scranton, Office of Sustainability, Smurfit Arts Center, 445 Madison Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510, Attn: Earth Day Essay Contest.  

Visit the University’s Facilities Management webpage for the 2025 Earth Day Essay Contest Guidelines. 

Winners of the Earth Day Essay Contest will be announced by the University’s Evening of Environmental Science event for participants and their families and teachers on Thursday, April 24. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Atrium of the Loyola Science Center on campus, and includes a display of the essays received.

The University of Scranton Jazz Band will take the stage Saturday, Feb. 22, with acclaimed saxophonist Ted Nash joining them as the evening’s featured guest. Presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton, the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Nash will also offer a free masterclass for participants ranging from students (ages 16 and older) to professionals the same day, beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the Houlihan McLean Center. Those wishing to attend the masterclass should email music@scranton.edu or call 570-941-7624 for more information. (Younger students may attend accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.)

At the concert, the University’s student jazz ensemble will perform works featuring Nash. According to Performance Music Conductor and Co-Director Janelle Decker, “the program will showcase Ted’s versatility and outstanding mastery as a multi-instrumentalist through a variety of works performed by his own duo as well as together with the university’s jazz band.”

Nash is a two-time Grammy Award winner known for his uncanny ability to mix freedom with substance, blues with intellect, and risk-taking with clarity. His father, Dick Nash, and uncle, the late Ted Nash, were both well-known jazz and studio musicians. Nash recently retired from a long-standing career as a member of Wynton Marsalis’s Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He has become one of the most significant jazz composers of the 21st century, and his recordings have received wide critical acclaim, appearing on the “best-of” lists in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Village Voice and The Boston Globe. Portrait in Seven Shades, his first big band recording, garnered two Grammy nominations, and the JLCO recording of his composition Presidential Suite; Eight Variations on Freedom won a Grammy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.

Nash is co-founder of the New York-based Jazz Composers Collective, a musician-run, non-profit innovative entity dedicated to presenting the original works of composers pushing the boundaries of self-expression.

The University of Scranton Jazz Band is a 24-member ensemble of big band style instrumentation, made up of University of Scranton student musicians from majors spanning the curriculum. They perform five or more times per year, and the majority of their performances are open to the public, free of admission charge, and often feature a nationally or internationally renowned guest soloist.

For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Nash, visit tednash.com.

The University of Scranton Accounting Department ranked No. 2 (tied) internationally for accounting education research published in peer-reviewed accounting journals during the most recent six-year period, according to the 2024 Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings just published.

The 2024 report also ranked Douglas M. Boyle, DBA '88, professor and chair of the Accounting Department and director of the Ph.D. program, No. 2 in the world for accounting education publication volume in the past six years, and No. 91 (tied) for Accounting Information System Research. Accounting faculty members James F. Boyle DBA '86, G'04, associate professor and director of the Master of Accountancy program, was ranked No. 10 (tied); and Amanda Marcy, Ph.D. ’10, G’11, assistant professor, and Ashley Stampone, Ph.D. ’10, G’11, PHD'22, assistant professor, were ranked No. 79 (tied) worldwide. Dr. Stampone was also ranked No. 91 (tied) for Accounting Information System Research.

The Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings are considered to be the gold standard in accounting disciplines.

“The international recognition for education research published by our Accounting Department faculty is a testament to their steadfast commitment to not only teach accounting students at Scranton but to advance further learning and knowledge for the betterment of the accounting profession,” said Mark Higgins, Ph.D., dean of the University’s Kania School of Management and professor of accounting, who noted that all four professors recognized are graduates of The University of Scranton. “It is also a testament to the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service, which is embodied in each of these outstanding professors.”

This is the fifth consecutive year the University’s Accounting Department was ranked among the top research publishers in the world in the prestigious Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings. The report ranks accounting programs and faculty throughout the world based on their success in publishing in top-tier, peer-reviewed accounting journals. The report is updated annually and includes ranks for specific categories of research and for specific time periods.

Dr. Douglas Boyle is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant with more than 30 years of industry executive experience. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 2009. An award-winning researcher and teacher, Dr. Boyle has received the Institute of Management Accountants’ (IMA) Committee on Ethics and Strategic Finance Curt Verschoor Ethics Feature of the Year Award three times and was also selected as the IMA Research Foundation Distinguished Scholar in 2022, among numerous other awards. At Scranton, Dr. Boyle earned Provost Excellence Awards for University Service and Leadership, Scholarship of Teaching and Scholarly Publication; and the Faculty Senate’s Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award. He was named the Kania School of Management’s Alperin Teaching Fellow for 2015 to 2018 and received their Advisory Board’s Award for Curriculum Innovation for 2017-2018. He was twice recognized as the KSOM Teacher of the Year. He is the founder and director of the University’s Ph.D. in Accounting and Nonprofit Leadership Certificate programs. He earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, an MBA from Columbia University and a doctorate from Kennesaw State University.

A Certified Public Accountant with significant professional experience working in public accounting and in internal auditing, Dr. James F. Boyle has taught part-time at the University since 2009 and full-time since 2012. He serves as faculty advisor for Accounting Internships at Scranton. He has co-authored articles published in many peer-reviewed academic and practitioner journals, including The Accounting Educators’ Journal, The CPA Journal, Strategic Finance, The Journal of Forensic and Investigative Accounting, and Internal Auditing. He received several publishing awards, including the 2015 IMA’s Lybrand Silver Medal and the 2016 IMA Certificate of Merit Award. He earned a bachelor’s degree and an MBA from The University of Scranton and a D.B.A. in Accounting from Kennesaw State University.

A Certified Public Accountant, Dr. Marcy has twice received the Curt Verschoor Ethics Feature of the Year Award from the IMA’s Committee on Ethics and Strategic Finance. She was named assistant professor of accounting at Scranton in 2018 and previously served as a faculty specialist in the department. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American Accounting Association and the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Dr. Marcy earned a bachelor’s degree, an MBA and a Ph.D. in accounting from The University of Scranton.

An award-winning teacher, Dr. Stampone was selected by students of Scranton’s Business Club as the Kania School of Management Professor of the Year four of the last five years. Since joining Scranton’s faculty in 2016, Dr. Stampone has garnered numerous state and national awards and professional honors. In 2019, she was given the IMA’s Faculty Leadership Award, and 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 and student members in particular. Dr. Stampone earned a bachelor’s degree, an MBA and a Ph.D. from The University of Scranton.

Adam Gregerman, Ph.D., an accomplished professor, author and scholar of Jewish-Christian studies, will present a Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute Lecture titled “How the State of Israel Became ‘the Jew’ Writ Large.”  The lecture will take place on Tuesday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall and is free and open to the public.

Dr. Gregerman is a professor of Jewish Studies in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies and associate director of the Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

He studies and teaches courses on Jewish-Christian Relations and focuses on Christian theologies of Judaism in diverse settings, from antiquity to the present. He is the author of Building on the Ruins of the Temple: Apologetics and Polemics in Early Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism. His published works include recent chapters in the Encyclopedia of Jewish-Christian Relations and The Cambridge Companion to Law and the Hebrew Bible and articles in Modern Theology, Journal of Ecumenical Studies, Theological Studies and Studies in Christian-Jewish Relations.

Dr. Gregerman has also written on topics such as mission and conversion, theodicy, biblical interpretation and theologies of the land of Israel. He serves as chair of the Council of Centers on Jewish-Christian Relations and is on the board of the National Council of Synagogues and the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultation. 

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.

The University of Scranton’s Black History Month events included a lecture by Shannen Dee Williams, Ph.D., associate professor of history at the University of Dayton, who discussed “In the Shadow of the Cross: Excavating the Hidden History of Black Catholic Nuns in the United States.” Presented by the University’s Jesuit Center, the lecture explored the rich archival and visual history of Black Catholic Nuns in the United States. The lecture took place on Feb. 5.

During February, the University will host lectures, panel discussions, social events, film screenings and other events to celebrate Black History Month.

For more information about the University’s Black History Month events and lectures, contact the Multicultural Center at 570-941-5904 or mulicultural@scranton.edu.

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A $10,000 grant from the Frankford Radio Club will support the development of a contest dashboard by University of Scranton students and physics faculty members that will be used by students and amateur radio operators including some who have served as citizen scientists for space research projects led by Scranton physics professor Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D. Through the project, Dr. Frissell hopes the University’s W3USR Amateur Radio Club members, present and future, will become active radio contesters.

“The amateur radio contesters are one of the most enthusiastic subset of ham radio operators, and participants span a range of ages from teenagers to over 90,” said Ray Sokola, past president of the 100-plus-year-old Frankford Radio Club, which is centered near the Borough of Alburtis in Lehigh County and covers a radius that includes parts of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and other adjacent states. In addition to expanding interest in ham radio and radio contesting, Sokola hopes the grant will continue the tradition of scientific contributions made by amateur radio operators over the past century.

A lifelong ham radio operator now in his 70s, Sokola was among the first engineers to work on cellphone technology during his career at Motorola. He said ham radio operators have made numerous contributions to technology and science as they tried to understand and improve radio frequency communications, which is often relied on for crisis communications during natural disasters.

“Ham radio competitions actually grew out of ham radio operators trying to improve emergency communication and keep their skills sharp during non-emergency time periods,” said Sokola, who explained contests for amateur radio operators include challenges to contact as many stations as possible during a set period of time, as well as ‘DXing,’ or challenges to make contact with distant ham radio stations, or a combination of both.

Dr. Frissell sees radio contesting as a way of engaging more students on campus and people in the region - especially the next generation of amateur radio enthusiasts.

“There is a community educational component to this project, in addition to the academic research and development components,” said Dr. Frissell, principal researcher for this grant, who noted the University’s new state-of-the-art ham radio station in the Loyola Science Center is already open to Scranton area community members each Thursday, from 7 to 9 p.m. The grant will allow for further outreach with the Scranton-area community.

Sokola echoes that hope to expand interest in amateur radio and radio contesting, noting that the skillset developed through computer gaming transfers well to radio competitions.

Through the grant, a team of University students, faculty and Frankford Radio Club members, along HamSCI community members, will collaborate to develop a real-time Contesting/DXing Dashboard for the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station (PSWS). The PSWS is a modular, ground-based system that measures space weather impacts on the Earth’s ionosphere. The system was distributed to a network of ham radio operators developed by Dr. Frissell through a 2019 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant and support from NASA, Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) and others. The Frankford Radio Club grant will fund a University student researcher, Owen Ruzanski of Shohola, a first-year computer engineering major, for the summer and fall 2025 semesters to help develop the contest dashboard.

“While the HamSCI PSWS network has and continues to enjoy great scientific success and support, relatively little work has been done to make this a valuable tool for real-time amateur radio applications, such as contesting, DXing and public service,” said Dr. Frissell. “Ideally, the PSWS network should equally benefit both the amateur radio and professional scientific communities, as this is a core objective of the HamSCI initiative.”

Dr. Frissell said the Contesting and DXing Dashboard would also aid amateur ham radio operators in understanding the high-frequency propagation happening at their local stations in real-time.

In addition to grant support, members of the Frankford Radio Club will meet with students in Dr. Frissell's advanced, 400-level Communications Systems course and with members of the University’s W3USR Amateur Radio Club to introduce them to contests and DXing.

The project will begin in the spring 2025 semester and is expected to conclude in the spring semester of 2026.

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The University of Scranton is one of just 44 colleges, universities and other postsecondary institutions in Pennsylvania to receive a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to help combat sexual assault.

The University received a $40,000 It’s On Us PA grant in December. It’s On Us PA is part of the national It’s On Us Campaign, a statewide campaign that invites education leaders and all Pennsylvanians to join the solution to protect students from sexual violence. 

“This funding will empower the University to expand its innovative programming aimed at fostering a safer and more inclusive campus environment through prevention education and resources,” said Brandice Ricciardi, assistant director of the Cultural Centers.

In addition to continuing to support prevention education and resources, grant funds will focus on delivering more support and training for healthy relationships in all forms. The Cultural Centers will seek to make training available to and relevant for each year of the student experience. 

The grant funds will allow the University to further support dedicated student peer facilitators in the PACT (Promoting Awareness of the College Transition) Program.

Designed to assist first-year students in navigating the transition from high school to college at the start of their first semester, PACT introduces essential topics such as healthy relationships, assertive communication, affirmative consent, alcohol and drug-related misconduct, reporting options and bystander engagement. The program is led by highly trained student facilitators who act as role models and engage their peers in meaningful, confidence-building discussions.

“Research has shown that peer-led models are particularly effective in reaching first-year students, making their contributions invaluable,” said Ricciardi. “The grant will enable the University to better acknowledge the significant time and commitment required for training and facilitation, ensuring these students are equipped to lead impactful conversations.”

Beyond PACT, the grant will also fund the expansion of the Second-Year Experience, a program aimed at deepening students’ understanding of consent, healthy relationships and violence prevention. Recognizing the importance of a comprehensive approach to prevention education, the University plans to extend its initiatives to all class years.

Development is underway for a Bystander Intervention Program tailored specifically for third-year students, designed to equip them with the tools to identify and effectively address potentially harmful situations. As part of this initiative, the University will introduce a new campus-wide event, It’s On Us Day, designed to raise awareness about the national It’s On Us Campaign and reinforce the importance of healthy relationships, consent and bystander engagement. The event will also serve as an opportunity to remind students of the University’s policies and the resources available to them.

“By combining education with interactive, engaging activities, we hope to inspire students to take action, whether through making the pledge, learning about bystander engagement, or seeking out resources,” said Ricciardi.

The grant will also provide resources to bring a professional speaker to campus to engage students on critical topics related to healthy relationships, consent and preventing violence. Additional initiatives supported by the grant will include the creation of an educational and informational campaign on social media, online training modules for students and additional training for faculty and staff.

The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum will feature informative and energizing discussions on pressing global and cultural topics during the spring semester World Affairs Luncheon Seminars.

The series will feature six seminars in total. All will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be held on the University’s campus. In addition, a Zoom link will be provided for those who wish to attend remotely. The luncheon series is sponsored by Munley Law.

The series opens Thursday, Feb. 13, with “Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine: Humanitarian Responses and Challenges” presented by Richard Greene, former senior advisor and counselor to UNICEF Executive Director. The luncheon seminar will be held in Brennan Hall, Rose Room.

With a decades-long career in government and nonprofit service, Greene most recently worked supporting UNICEF’s emergency humanitarian response efforts worldwide, particularly in the Middle East, Africa and Central America. Greene will highlight realities in key places of conflict and crisis and discuss the challenges facing humanitarian responses today.

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, Steven D. Hales, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, will present “Values and Choices in Art Restoration.” The luncheon seminar will be held in the DeNaples Center, McIlhenny Ballroom.

Dr. Hales has published 13 books and several dozen articles, and was recently visiting senior professor at the University of Cambridge in England. A professional-level hand bookbinder and restorer, Dr. Hales developed an interest in the restoration of books while in graduate studies at Brown University. There, he met a rare book binder who taught him the age-old skill of hand-binding books from his private studio. That experience, said Dr. Hales, “got me thinking about issues in restoration of books … and the interplay among different values that restorers have to consider.”

During the luncheon presentation, Dr. Hales will engage the audience in discussion about three salient types of value to consider in the restoration of any type of art or artifacts: relic, aesthetic and practical. While these are all legitimate values, a restorer can’t maximize them all, said Dr. Hales. Typically, as you maximize one value, you devalue the others.

The restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral following its tragic fire demonstrates the careful balancing of restoration values, said Dr. Hales. The Cathedral has been restored back to the period in which it was built using construction techniques of that time, yet its restoration gives a nod to modern concerns such as fire prevention in building elements.

The spring luncheon series continues Wednesday, March 12, with the seminar “How Dogs Save Our Lives.” The seminar will be presented by Cynthia M. Otto, DVM, Ph.D., director, Penn Vet Working Dog Center and professor of Working Dog Sciences and Sports Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and will be held in Brennan Hall, Rose Room.

In her work as a veterinarian, Dr. Otto began working in emergency and critical care. This led to an interest in search and rescue dogs, which ultimately placed her at the site of the World Trade Center following 9/11 and “impacted my view of what dogs can do,” she said.

During the presentation, Dr. Otto will discuss how dogs use their sense of smell, how they communicate that to us, and how it helps us in a wide range of situations, from search and rescue to cancer diagnosis and conservation, among other areas.

“There are so many ways to partner with dogs to use their noses to give insight into a world we cannot see,” she said.

Dr. Otto will also discuss what dog owners can do to help with mental stimulation, fitness and health of pets to enhance their quality of life and longevity.

You don’t need to be a dog owner, or even a dog lover, to appreciate this seminar, said Dr. Otto. “If you’re curious about life and things around you, it’s going to be of interest to you.”

On Friday, March 28, Lauren Baillie, J.D., senior program officer, Atrocity Prevention, U.S. Institute of Peace, will present “The United States Institute of Peace: Strengthening U.S. Capacity to Prevent, Mitigate, and Resolve Violent Conflict.” The luncheon seminar will be held in Brennan Hall, Rose Room.

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical and essential for U.S. and global security. This lecture will introduce USIP’s efforts to prevent and respond to mass atrocities.

On Wednesday, April 30, the luncheon series will explore the topic “Allergic: Our Irritated Bodies in a Changing World,” presented by Theresa MacPhail, Ph.D., medical anthropologist, writer and associate professor of Science and Technology Studies at Stevens Institute of Technology. The luncheon seminar will be held in Brennan Hall, Rose Room.

In her new book, Dr. MacPhail sets out to unravel the mystery of why the number of people diagnosed with allergies has been steadily increasing over the last half-century, placing a growing medical burden on individuals, communities, families and our healthcare system. Through a holistic and historical examination of allergies, Dr. MacPhail will discuss allergies from their first medical description in 1819 to recent innovations. She will present surprising discoveries and connections among climate change, pollution and biologists, underscoring how interconnected our bodies are to our environments.

“I hope that attendees will take away a better understanding of the relationship between their immune cells and the invisible worlds around them, and marvel at how ancient and intricate our immune systems really are,” Dr. MacPhail said.

The spring luncheon series wraps up on Friday, May 9, with Jill Dougherty, Russia expert, former CNN Moscow Bureau Chief, and adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s Center for Eurasian, Russian, and East European Studies. Dougherty will discuss “My Russia: What I Saw in the Kremlin” at the luncheon, which will be held in the DeNaples Center, McIlhenny Ballroom.

At the height of the Cold War, Dougherty and her twin sister began studying the Russian language. It launched her on a journalistic career that would span half a century, reporting on Russia for CNN from the White House, the U.S. State Department and Moscow. In her new book, My Russia: What I Saw in the Kremlin, Dougherty recounts her experiences in Russia, her reporting on Russia’s leaders, and her encounters with Vladimir Putin. During the luncheon, she will present her book and predictions for where Russia is headed.

Admission to the seminars is free for University of Scranton and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students, faculty, staff and Schemel Forum members. For non-members, the seminars are $30 in-person (buffet lunch included) and $15 for remote access.

To register for the seminars, call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu. Or, to pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

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

The 2025 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” highlights and celebrates the significant contributions of African Americans in all occupations and public service while acknowledging their past labor struggles.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History wrote of this year’s theme: “Considering Black people’s work through the widest perspectives provides versatile and insightful platforms for examining Black life and culture through time and space. In this instance, the notion of work constitutes compensated labor in factories, the military, government agencies, office buildings, public service, and private homes. But it also includes the community building of social justice activists, voluntary workers serving others, and institution building in churches, community groups, and social clubs and organizations. In each of these instances, the work Black people do and have done has been instrumental in shaping the lives, cultures and histories of Black people and the societies in which they live.”

This year’s theme is reflected in many of the events that will take place throughout the month at The University of Scranton. Many of the events are open to the general public.

Events begin on Monday, Feb. 3, with a table sit titled “Black History Month 2025 Theme: African Americans and Labor” which will provide more information to faculty, staff, students and the public about this year’s theme. This event will be on the first floor of the DeNaples Center, near the Multicultural Center, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shannen Dee Williams, Ph.D., associate professor of history of the University of Dayton will present “In the Shadow of the Cross: Excavating the Hidden History of Black Catholic Nuns in the United States.” The lecture is open to the community and will take place in the Moskovitz Theater, in the DeNaples Center on Feb. 5, beginning at 5 p.m.

The Black History Month Film Series begins on Feb. 10 with “The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster” directed by Bomani J. Story. The film screening will include an introduction by University of Scranton Associate Professor of History Melissa Anyiwo, Ph.D., director of the University’s Black Studies Concentration. On Feb. 24, the film “Beauty Shop,” directed by Billie Woodruff, will be screened with an introductory talk by Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology at Scranton. Both movie events begin at 7 p.m. in Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall, and are open to the general public and the campus community.

Several events are also planned for University students, faculty and staff, including a Networking Social at 5 p.m. followed by an Alumni Panel Discussion at 6 p.m. on Feb. 19. The Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union will host its annual Freedom Fest in February; the event aims to share and celebrate Black culture. The event will feature informational tables, dance performances, an open mic, food and raffle prizes. The Jane Kopas Women’s Center will host a “Black Women Built That” table sit to discuss the many contributions of Black women’s work both compensated and uncompensated to our society on Feb. 25. The Center will also host an event in collaboration with the Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union titled “Who Built That? The Impact of Black Innovators,” with interactive games for students to learn about the contributions of African Americans that impact lives today. This game night is planned for Feb. 26.

The Cultural Center, the Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union, the Black Studies Concentration, the Jesuit Center, the Weinberg Memorial Library, the Office of Alumni Relations, the Roche Family Center for Career Development and the Jane Kopas Women’s Center are among those planning the University's Black History Month events.

For more information about the events and lectures, contact the Multicultural Center at 570-941-5904 or mulicultural@scranton.edu.

Relatively recent advances in computational computer analysis have made possible sophisticated modeling concepts related to the Earth’s atmosphere and its interactions with electromagnetic waves. At the same time, worldwide data on the Earth’s ionosphere collected by a network of amateur ham radio operators developed by a University of Scranton physics and engineering professor provides a unique opportunity to test some of these advanced modeling theories.

A research project to validate space plasma models and effects on ground high frequency (HF) communication developed through the studies of Eun-Hwa Kim, Ph.D., principal research physicist at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and physics research professor at Andrews University, will do just that.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a nearly $120,000 collaborative grant to Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., associate professor physics and engineering at Scranton, to be part of a research project led by Dr. Kim. The project encompasses data collected on the ionosphere by the HamSCI network of ham amateur radio citizen scientists organized by Dr. Frissell to validate the effects of space plasma irregularities on ground HF communications developed through Dr. Kim’s research.

Kornyanat Kukkai Hozumi, Ph.D., a post-doctoral research associate with The University of Scranton whose area of specialty is the Earth’s Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPB) and radio wave propagation, will work with Dr. Frissell and Dr. Kim and her team on this project.

“The EPB is an irregularity in the magnetic lower latitude region of the ionosphere.  The nighttime phenomenon often occurs in the ionospheric region over both land and ocean” said Dr. Hozumi, who noted this project will also look at the effect on ground HF communications related to polar cap patches, which are irregularities in the ionosphere in the polar region.

“The research project will compare simulation results of the way high-frequency waves react to these irregularities from the EPB and polar cap models with the real-world data collected by the HamSCI network in these hard-to-reach areas of the world,” said Dr. Hozumi.

The HamSCI network, developed by Dr. Frissell and supported by multiple six- and seven-figure grants from NSF, NASA and other organizations, is a worldwide group of licensed amateur radio operators who gather data to measure the effects of weather in the ionosphere.

“The data collected by this network over the past several years spans the ocean and other parts of the globe, such as the polar regions, where it is difficult to install equipment able to capture these modulations in the ionosphere,” said Dr. Hozumi, who also noted that the HamSCI data gathered is openly shared with the public.

“The data creates a high potential for study of the plasma bubble and polar regions,” said Dr. Hozumi.

Dr. Hozumi earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Thailand, and her Ph.D. from Kyoto University in Japan. Before becoming a post-doctoral research associate with Scranton, she worked as a researcher at the Space Environment Laboratory, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology in Japan.

Dr. Frissell will serve as The University of Scranton institutional lead principal investigator for the collaborative grant, which is part of the NSF’s Coupling, Energetics, and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions (CEDAR) research and is titled “Effects of Ionospheric Density Irregularities on High-Frequency Radio Wave Propagation.”

Dr. Frissell joined the faculty at Scranton in 2019. A space physicist, Dr. Frissell’s research focuses on the ionosphere. Through numerous grants he has received in the past five years from the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) foundation and other organizations, Dr. Frissell, physics and engineering faculty and students, as well as community volunteers, have been involved in numerous space research projects, including one of just five projects selected by NASA’s Citizen Science Investigations to study the effects of the total solar eclipse on the earth’s ionosphere. Most recently, he was awarded a $1.8 million NSF grant to further develop the scientific measuring capabilities for data collection of the HamSCI network.

Grants have also supported the development of state-of-the-art amateur radio station W3USR on the fifth floor of the Loyola Science Center on The University of Scranton’s campus.

Dr. Frissell earned his bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and his master’s degree and doctorate from Virginia Tech.

Student volunteers, free performances and lectures, academic engagement through community-based learning courses and partnerships, in addition to the economic impact of expenditures and building construction, are among the numerous qualitative and quantitative ways in which The University of Scranton makes a positive economic and community impact on the City of Scranton and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The 2024 Community and Economic Impact Report, produced by the University’s Office of Community Relations, highlights the University’s substantial contributions to the community through many initiatives and outcomes, from service, community engagement and cultural enrichment to a multitude of community partnerships and the impact of the University’s economic engine.

“Within this report, we see the good works of students, faculty and staff together with community partners in a shared effort to improve this place that we all call home,” said University President Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J.

Commitment to the Community

Inspired by the words of St. Oscar Romero, members of the University community “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.”

Key among the contributions are the ways in which the University collaborates with the community in pursuit of the common good.

Community-Based Learning

The Office of Community-Based Learning (CBL) supports faculty teaching academic courses and running academic programs that involve students working with individuals, groups or organizations in ways structured to meet community-defined needs.

In 2023-2024, 87 community-based learning classes were conducted. In total, 2,362 students engaged in community-based learning, through these classes or in activities related to their academic program, for a total of 31,373 hours. This includes 2,129 students from the Leahy College of Health Sciences, which requires 80 service hours for graduation.

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Student Volunteer Programs

In 2023-2024, University students provided tens of thousands of hours of service, much of it in Northeastern Pennsylvania, including 94 student clubs, as of 2024, required to complete three community service activities per year.

The University’s Center for Service and Social Justice works regularly with more than 120 Scranton area non-profit organizations to engage students in addressing community needs through special programs including: spring and fall break service trips; food, clothing, holiday gift and blood drives; mentoring and summer camp programs for area youth and other special events for area children. Program highlights include The We Care Program, first begun in 2020 during the pandemic, involves preparing and packaging 50-100 meals weekly for community members in need.

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The Edward R. Leahy Jr. Center Clinic for the Uninsured

In the spring of 2024, in a groundbreaking initiative, teams from The University of Scranton and the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) joined forces to reimagine and revitalize the Leahy Clinic for the Uninsured medical clinic.

Since reopening, the Leahy Clinic provided care to 202 patients across 474 visits in the spring of 2024 alone, demonstrating the critical need for its service and the pivotal role in the region’s healthcare safety net. Specialized services include the Physical Therapy Clinic, Counseling and Behavioral Health Clinic and Low-Vision Occupational Therapy Clinic. Each of these clinics is run by University faculty and students.

An Economic Engine

According to a study conducted by the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development in 2024 based on data from the 2022-2023 academic year, The University of Scranton's overall economic impact on Northeastern Pennsylvania totals $ 277,019,748. The University of Scranton's direct expenditures in goods and services were $162,853,514, and its total value added of indirect and induced impact was $114,166,233. In addition, operations and spending generated over $21.3 million in federal taxes and over $7.1 million in state and local taxes.

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The following are key highlights of the University’s economic impact on the community.

• The University invested $7.1 million dollars in campus construction projects in 2022-2023 and paid $107,381 in construction related permits and fees. The total economic impact of construction totaled $11.4 million and tax impact of construction amounted to $1.2 million.
• As part of the University’s economic impact, student spending impact amounted to an estimated $1.9 million and visitor spending impact amounted to $214,432.
• The University awarded $103 million in institutional student aid in the form of scholarships and grants in 2023-2024.The University of Scranton is the seventh-largest employer in Lackawanna County, according to a 2024 report by Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry. Through the University’s direct employment and its indirect and induced impact, 2,860 jobs are supported in the region in a variety of sectors.

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In addition, the report highlights many other ways the University engages locally, such as cultural events offered free to the public; activities to engage K-12 youth; a periodic Living Wage study that highlights the region’s socio-economic status; programs that support small businesses; projects in solidarity with local refugee and immigrant populations; a prison education program that recently graduated its second cohort; and the Scranton Stories oral histories initiative that shares the stories of 33 local residents.

Looking ahead, President Father Marina said, “I look forward to the ways in which the University and Scranton will continue to work together, with the help of God’s grace, to help our community flourish.”

The full 2024 Community and Economic Impact Report can be seen online.

For additional information, contact the Office of Community Relations at 570-941-4419.

Through April 20    Art Exhibit: “Gems of Flourishing from The Zaner-Bloser Penmanship Collection.” Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free during library hours. Call 570-941-6341 or email michael.knies@scranton.edu.

Feb. 3 through March 14     Art Exhibit: “Hudson River and Delaware Valley: Selections from the Mark Biedlingmaier Collection.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Feb. 3    11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Black History Month Table Sit for awareness about the 2025 theme: “African Americans and Labor,” sponsored by the Multicultural Center. First Floor DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-5904 or email multicultural@scranton.edu.

Feb. 5     5 p.m. Lecture: “In the Shadow of the Cross: Excavating the Hidden History of Black Catholic Nuns in the United States” by Shannen Dee Williams, Ph.D., associate professor of history, University of Dayton Moscovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-6480 or email info@scranton.edu.

Feb. 7     5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “Hudson River and Delaware Valley: Selections from the Mark Biedlingmaier Collection.” 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. 10    7 p.m. Black History Month Film: “The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster” with introductory talk by Melissa Anyiwo, Ph.D. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Feb. 12    6:30 p.m. Asian New Year Celebration and Workshop. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Free. Registration required at https://tinyurl.com/AsianNewYearUofS2025. Email asianstudies@scranton.edu for questions.

Feb. 13    11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine: Humanitarian Responses & Challenges” presented by Richard Greene, former senior advisor and counselor to UNICEF executive director. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Feb. 19    5 p.m. Slattery Center Lecture: “Culture and Conflict: New England, Old England, and the Civil War” presented by Len Gougeon, Ph.D. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

Feb. 21-23     8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Performance: “Little Shop of Horrors.” Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken, (musical) presented by The University of Scranton Players. Royal Theatre, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 (voice mail reservations) or email players@scranton.edu.

Feb. 22    12:30 p.m. 24^th Annual Northeast PA Brain Bee sponsored by the Neuroscience Program at The University of Scranton. Snow date Feb. 23. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Pre-registration required. Call 570-941-4324 or email robert.waldeck@scranton.edu.

Feb. 22    7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The Ted Nash Duo and The University of Scranton Jazz Ensemble. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Feb. 24    7 p.m. Black History Month Film: “Beauty Shop” with introductory talk by Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Feb. 26    11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Values and Choices in Art Restoration” presented by Steven D. Hales, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, author, recent Visiting Senior Professor at the University of Cambridge, and a professional-level hand bookbinder and restorer. McIlhenny Ballroom, The DeNaples Center. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Feb. 28    7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Peter Evans, trumpet with Ron Stabinsky, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Feb. 28, March 1-2     8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Performance: “Little Shop of Horrors.” Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken, (musical) presented by The University of Scranton Players. Royal Theatre, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 (voice mail reservations) or email players@scranton.edu.

March 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.

March 4     8:30 a.m. 2nd Annual World Language Day: “Hacking the Power of Language.” The Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration open to University of Scranton students and local high school students/teachers in world language programs. Refreshments, interactive exhibits, and lightning-round beginner lessons in seven languages with a chance to meet world languages and cultures instructors from Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Tunisia, Taiwan and Japan. Call 570-941-4711 or email amy.kuiken@scranton.edu.

March 4     7:30 p.m. Judaic Studies Institute Lecture: “How the State of Israel Became ‘the Jew’ Writ Large” by Adam Gregerman, Ph.D., professor of Jewish Studies and associate director of the Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations at Saint Joseph's University.  Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall.  Free. 570-941-7956 or marc.shapiro@scranton.edu.

March 5     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “General Recital” featuring student musicians. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

March 8     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Jeremy Ajani Jordan, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

March 12    11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “How Dogs Save Our Lives” presented by Cynthia M. Otto, DVM, Ph.D., director, Penn Vet Working Dog Center and professor of working dog sciences and sports medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

March 12    5 p.m. Slattery Center Lecture: “Ethics in The Good Place” presented by Todd May, Ph.D. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

March 24 through April 11     Art Exhibit: “The Lackawanna River and Watershed: Art and Interpretation.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

March 26    7:30 p.m. Judaic Studies Institute Lecture: “A Twin Tale of Survival in the Holocaust” by Bernard Schanzer, M.D., and Henry Schanzer, J.D.  Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall.  Free. 570-941-7956 or marc.shapiro@scranton.edu.

March 28    11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The United States Institute of Peace: Strengthening U.S. Capacity to Prevent, Mitigate, and Resolve Violent Conflict” presented by Lauren Baillie, J.D., M.A., senior program officer, Atrocity Prevention, U.S. Institute of Peace. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

March 28    5 p.m. Art Gallery Curator’s Lecture: “The Lackawanna River and Watershed: Art and Interpretation.” Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Reception to follow at the Hope Horn Gallery. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

March 29    9 a.m. Accepted Students Day for students and their families of The University of Scranton’s class of 2029. Meet representatives from academic departments, student activities/services, financial aid, athletics and tour campus. Various locations on campus. Call 570-941-7540 or email admissions@scranton.edu.

March 31    6 p.m. Schemel Forum with the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Collaborative Program: “Umberto Eco: A Library of the World and Panel Discussion” presented by George J. Aulisio, Ph.D., dean and professor, Weinberg Memorial Library, Virginia Picchietti, Ph.D., professor of Italian, and Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., associate professor of English and theater. Documentary screening, panel discussion and Q&A. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

April 3      5 p.m. 28^th Annual ACHE Healthcare Symposium: “Leading Through Mergers and Acquisitions.” McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Includes dinner, presentation and panel discussion. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4527 or email spencer.owens@scranton.edu. 

April 4      7:30 p.m. Performance Music: Rhapsody in Blue at 100 featuring Dr. Frederick Hohman premiering the first full organ transcription of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

April 5      9 a.m. Accepted Students Day for students and their families of The University of Scranton’s class of 2029. Meet representatives from academic departments, student activities/services, financial aid, athletics and tour campus. Various locations on campus. Call 570-941-7540 or email admissions@scranton.edu.

April 7-17   Environmental Art Show: “Engaging with the Natural World.” Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free during library hours. Call 570-941-4740 or email marleen.cloutier@scranton.edu.

April 9     5:30 p.m. Graduate Open House. DeNaples Center, 4^th floor. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email gradadmissions@scranton.edu.

April 10    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.

April 10    4 p.m. Spring Henry George Seminar "Platforms, Giants, and the Neo-Brandeisian Turn in Antitrust" presented by Michael C. Munger, Ph.D., Director, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Program, Duke University.  McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu.

April 10    6 p.m. Schemel Forum with the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Schumann: Music, Mood Swings and Madness” presented by Richard Kogan, M.D., professor of psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, and artistic director, Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Program. Performance, lecture and reception. Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine Street, Scranton. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

April 10-12     8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. Performance: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” presented by The University of Scranton Liva Arts Company. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Visit https://livaartscompany.ludus.com for tickets or email livartscompany@gmail.com.

April 12-13     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.

April 12    7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “42^nd Annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir premiering two new works by Dr. Wycliffe Gordon (H. ’06) and Jennifer Krupa, with the composers conducting. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

April 15    11 a.m. Earth Day Fair with interactive games, presentations and information related to the environment and sustainable practices. Atrium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.

April 24   5:30 p.m. Earth Day “Evening of Environmental Science” and Essay Award Presentation. 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. Atrium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email susan.falbo@scranton.edu. 

April 24    7:30 p.m. Judaic Studies Institute Lecture: “Jewish Ethical Perspectives on Civilian Casualties in War: A Tale of Two Sieges” presented by Rabbi Shlomo Brody, Ph.D., executive director of Ematai and columnist for the Jerusalem Post, with a response focusing on Catholic perspectives by Patrick Clark, Ph.D., professor of theology/religious studies at Scranton. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall.  Free. 570-941-7956 or marc.shapiro@scranton.edu.

April 24    5 p.m. Campus Take Back the Night. Dionne Green. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email brandice.ricciardi@scranton.edu.

April 25    7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra and guest soloist TBA. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

April 26-27     9 a.m. Saturday; Noon Sunday. Friends of the Library Book Sale. Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Call 570-941-6195 or e-mail melisa.gallo@scranton.edu.

April 28 through May 9     Hope Horn Gallery Art Exhibit: “The University of Scranton Student Show Online.” Visit https://www.scranton.edu/academics/hope-horn-gallery/index.shtml or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

April 30     11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Allergic: Our Irritated Bodies in a Changing World” presented by Theresa MacPhail, Ph.D., medical anthropologist, writer, and associate professor of science and technology studies at Steven Institute of Technology. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

April 30     noon. Celebration of Student Scholars. Displays and presentations of undergraduate and graduate student research and scholarly projects. Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-7653 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

May 4      7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The Scranton Brass Orchestra and The University of Scranton Singers. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

May 9      11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “My Russia: What I saw in the Kremlin” presented by Jill Dougherty, Russia expert, former CNN Moscow bureau chief, and adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies. McIlhenny Ballroom, The DeNaples Center. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

May 9      7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band with guest soloist Joel Ross, percussion. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

May 17    4 p.m. Commencement Baccalaureate Mass. Byron Recreation Complex. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

May 18    11 a.m. Undergraduate Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

May 18    4:30 p.m. Graduate Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

June 6     6 p.m. Schemel Forum: “Vinho and Views: Exploring Portugal’s Wine Heritage” presented by David Falchek, CAE, IOM, CMP, wine writer, author, and writes a drinks column for The Scranton Times, former executive director of the American Wine Society. Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, lecture, and discussion. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Schemel Forum Courses

Mondays: Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10     6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Short Science Fiction, Utopia, and Dystopia: Origins and Innovations” presented by Madeline Gangnes, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of English and Theatre, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Wednesdays: March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30     6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Defining Justice: Western Perspectives from Ancient Wisdom to Modern Thought” presented by George Aulisio, Ph.D., dean and professor, Weinberg Memorial Library, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Mondays: April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6     6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Italy’s Dolce Vita in a Historical Framework” presented by Roy Domenico, Ph.D., professor, Department of History, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

More than 1,650 students were named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2024 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 the Leahy College of Health Sciences.

A list of students making the fall 2024 Dean’s List can be seen here.

The following students were added to The University of Scranton Dean’s List for the spring 2024 semester after publication of the list in June of 2024.

The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence during the 2024 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 Leahy College of Health Sciences (formerly the Panuska College of Professional Studies).

Students added to the spring 2024 Dean’s List are:

Sophia Corrado, Mount Laurel, New Jersey;

Cassidy A. Pfeiffer, Old Forge;

Madison M. Ryan, West Chester;

Maria I. Viola, Monroe, New York;

Lauren M. Wall, Olyphant.

The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum spring courses feature three evening series examining the origins of science fiction and speculative narratives, the evolution of justice across Western thought, and Italy’s cultural transformation after World War II.  

The courses begin on a rolling basis beginning Monday, Feb. 3, and will be presented in six weekly sessions in the Weinberg Memorial Library.

Literature enthusiasts and casual readers alike will delight in discussions surrounding the topic “Short Science Fiction, Utopia and Dystopia: Origins and Innovations,” taught by Madeline Gangnes, Ph.D., assistant professor of English and theatre at Scranton. Classes will be held Mondays, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24, and March 3 and 10 from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

The six-week course draws from an undergraduate literature class taught by Dr. Gangnes and explores what she describes as the “very broad” subject of science fiction.

Noting that science fiction is “not just about time travelers and aliens,” Dr. Gangnes said participants will be pleasantly surprised by a course that is both serious and fun as they explore wide-ranging themes that are applicable to our daily lives. A genre of literature that has been around since the 1800s science fiction intersects with themes of utopia, or ideal worlds, and dystopia, or tumultuous worlds. During the course, Dr. Gangnes will use a discussion-based format for participants to step a little bit out of their comfort zone to study the unrealistic nature of stories that can give rise to conversations about some of the most difficult topics in our society.

“These stories have a lot to offer if we just give them a chance,” she said, noting that science fiction isn’t just fun and fantasy. Rather, it is “inspired by circumstances in which the author is living” and is “more applicable to our lives than we might imagine.” Moving from the nineteenth century through to the present day, participants will examine how authors use speculative elements to express the conditions and concerns of their historical moments through a discussion-based class format.

Dr. Gangnes conducts research and teaches at the intersections of nineteenth-century British literature and culture, visual studies, digital humanities, and book history. She is the recipient of the Excellence in Integrating Sustainability into the Curriculum Award at Scranton and has introduced a new course in Climate Fiction.

In the next offering of the spring semester, George Aulisio, Ph.D., dean and professor of the Weinberg Memorial Library, will teach a Schemel Forum course for the first time since becoming director of the Schemel Forum.

Dean Aulisio will present “Defining Justice: Western Perspectives from Ancient Wisdom to Modern Thought” on Wednesdays, March 26 and April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Dean Aulisio, who has a Ph.D. in and teaches philosophy, said teaching a Schemel Forum course has been in the back of his mind for a while. During his first job at the University, he worked as an adjunct librarian and provided part-time clerical support to the Schemel Forum. Being able to attend evening Schemel courses allowed him to see firsthand “how fantastic these opportunities are for the community.” Today, Dean Aulisio oversees all aspects of the Weinberg Memorial Library and administers the Hope Horn Art Gallery and the Schemel Forum. He is an active scholar of philosophy and library and information science.

Dean Aulisio said justice is a timely topic for the Schemel Forum community because of its “practical interest to contemporary events and the Jesuit mission.

“The theme of justice is both timeless and timely,” he said. “It has interested people for millennia.”

During this course, participants will explore the concept of justice through foundational texts from ancient Greece and Rome to the modern period. Participants will examine justice through six key themes – order, harmony, virtue, responsibility, progress and love – to better understand the rich concept of justice and go beyond the idea that justice is defined only by the legal system. 

“We’ll explore what justice is and how it gets defined differently at different times,” said Dean Aulisio, noting that by the end of the course, participants will make informed decisions about which perspectives are most important to them.

The spring semester will wrap up with the course “Italy’s Dolce Vita in a Historical Framework” taught by Roy Domenico, Ph.D., professor of History at The University of Scranton. Classes will be held Tuesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 and May 6 from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

The Italian “dolce vita” is usually associated with Federico Fellini’s famous movie of the same name. While illustrating some of the peculiarly American connections, this series of talks will explore the “dolce vita” as part of a broad social and cultural transformation that overtook Italy in the decades after World War II.

A longtime faculty member at Scranton, Dr. Domenico’s research and teaching interests are in 19th- and 20th-century European politics and culture, with a focus on Italy. He has received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the American Catholic Historical Association and has been named executive secretary of the Society for Italian Historical Studies of the American Historical Association.

To register for the courses, or for more information on the Schemel Forum, call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu. Registration is free for University of Scranton and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students, faculty, staff and Schemel Forum members; and $100 per person and $175 per couple for non-members. To pay for courses online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

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

U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Online Graduate Programs” ranked The University of Scranton’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 51 and its online MBA program at No. 128 in the nation.

In addition to an overall rank, U.S. News also ranked programs by the criteria categories used in its methodology. For online master’s degree programs in business, Scranton ranked No. 28 for the “student excellence” category, which looked at acceptance rates and the work experience and undergraduate GPA of students, and No. 33 for the “student engagement” category, which looked at graduation rates, class size, one-year retention rates and best practices such as accreditation by AACSB International, among other factors. For the MBA program, Scranton ranked No. 105 for “student excellence.”

This is the 14^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 2025 Best Online Programs ranking, which published Jan. 21, U.S. News reviewed statistical information submitted by schools. The criteria used by U.S. News to rank online business and MBA programs included student engagement (30 percent); peer reputation score (25 percent); faculty credentials and training (15 percent); student excellence (15 percent); and student services and technology (15 percent).

Scranton offers online MBA degrees in accounting, business analytics, enterprise resource planning, finance, healthcare management, human resources management, international business and supply chain management; master’s degrees in accountancy, applied behavior analysis, business analytics, cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity, finance, health administration, health informatics, human resources management, dual MBA/MHA degree, nursing and speech-language pathology, in addition to graduate certificates.

In other U.S. News publications, Scranton has been ranked among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 31 consecutive years. U.S. News ranked Scranton No. 6 among regional universities in the north in its 2025 guidebook and No. 6 for “Best Undergraduate Teaching,” a selection of the top colleges in the nation that express a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.

Steven J. Szydlowski, DHA ’98, G’00, G’01, professor and chair of the Department of Health Administration and Human Resources at The University of Scranton, was selected as the 2025 Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)/Dolores Clement Fellow of the Year.

The award by the prestigious accrediting body recognizes a CAHME fellow who has a history of service and helping programs to succeed and a demonstrated commitment to advance the quality of healthcare management education. A panel of Master Fellows selected Szydlowski as this year’s award recipient based on his active involvement as a Fellow and his significant contributions to the accreditation process.

A three-time graduate of The University of Scranton, Dr. Szydlowski joined the faculty at Scranton in 2004. His research interests include integrative medicine and community health. He has published articles in scholarly and professional journals and has given presentations and served as a panelist at international academic and practitioner conferences on topics that include global health issues, healthcare management and community health. He has also facilitated management development workshops and strategic planning sessions in several countries.

Dr. Szydlowski serves as director of the University’s Master of Health Administration (MHA) program, which received the 2018 Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)/Canon Award for Sustainability in Healthcare Management Education and Practice. The national award from CAHME and Canon Solutions America recognized Scranton’s MHA program for its sustainability initiatives in the context of corporate responsibility and Jesuit pedagogy.

Also in 2018, Dr. Szydlowski received the University’s Excellence in Advancing Global Learning Award, presented to faculty members who integrate international issues and perspectives into the curriculum.

Dr. Szydlowski has held executive positions at a community hospital, integrative medicine clinic, and physician group practices and works with the Healthy Northeast Pennsylvania Initiative.

Dr. Szydlowski earned his bachelor’s degree, MBA and MHA from The University of Scranton and his doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina.

CAHME is an interdisciplinary group of educational, professional, clinical and other health sector organizations devoted to quality improvement of education for healthcare management and administration professionals. Additionally, CAHME accreditation establishes the standard of measurement of graduate healthcare management education for the world community

Lackawanna and Wayne County residents whose households earned $67,000 or less in 2024 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 Monday, Feb. 3. The VITA service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis during scheduled hours. Appointments are not available at the University.

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. 

VITA service begins on Monday, Feb. 3, and continues to Friday, Apr. 4, except for the week of Mar. 17 to Mar. 21, when the University is closed for Spring Break.

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 can schedule appointments at other locations by contacting the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties by visiting www.uwlc.net or calling 570-602-3133, or 1-866-662-8887, 211. 

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.

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

The University of Scranton’s University of Success, a four-year pre-college mentorship program, is now accepting applications for the upcoming 2025 academic year that begins this summer. Students who are currently in the eighth grade are eligible to apply.

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 college-bound students to successfully complete high school and gain entrance into a college or university.

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 Sunday, July 6, to Friday, July 18. 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 Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Applications may be obtained by emailing Margaret Loughney, University of Success program director, at margaret.loughney@scranton.edu. Applications may also be obtained online on the University of Success website.

The University of Scranton will offer the 24th annual Northeast PA Brain Bee open to high school students aged 13 to 19 on Saturday, Feb. 22. The competition begins at 12:30 p.m. in the PNC Auditorium of the Loyola Science Center on the University’s campus.

Sponsored by the Neuroscience Program at the University and the Scranton Neuroscience Society, the Brain Bee is offered free of charge. Registration is required to participate. The registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 21. The snow date for the competition is Sunday, Feb. 23.

The competition encourages high school students to study the brain and how it relates to intelligence, memory, emotions, sensations, movements, stress, aging, sleep and brain disorders. All questions for the competition will be drawn from “Brain Facts,” a book about the brain and nervous system published by the Society for Neuroscience.

The winner of the Northeast PA Brain Bee will be invited to compete in the 2025 National Brain Bee.

The Northeast PA Brain Bee competition is dedicated to the memory of J. Timothy Cannon, Ph.D., founder of the University’s Neuroscience Program, who was the coordinator for Brain Bee for 11 years and served as a Brain Bee judge for 20 years.

For more information or to register online, visit the 24^th Annual Northeast PA Brain Bee website, or contact Robert Waldeck, Ph.D., neuroscience program director and associate professor of biology at the University, at 570-941-4324 or robert.waldeck@scranton.edu.

University of Scranton graduate U.S. Rep. Robert P. Bresnahan Jr. ’12 was sworn in as a member of the 119^th U.S. Congress, becoming the second Scranton alumnus to serve in the House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8^th Congressional District.

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Rep. Bresnahan, Dallas Township, earned a degree in business administration from Scranton and was a four-year member of Scranton’s golf team.

“The University of Scranton was instrumental in shaping who I am today. I am incredibly grateful to the people I met along the way and my experiences at school. As The University of Scranton’s second Member of Congress, I am honored to represent the University and all of NEPA in Washington, D.C.,” said Rep. Bresnahan.

A native of Kingston, Rep. Bresnahan was CEO of Kuharchik Construction, a third-generation family-owned electrical contracting company, and founder of RPB Ventures, both located in Luzerne County.

He is the second Scranton alumnus to serve as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. U.S. Rep. Patrick Joseph Boland, who attended St. Thomas College (now The University of Scranton), served six terms as a United States Representative for Pennsylvania’s 11th District. Rep. Boland was elected to the House of Representatives in 1930 and served until his death in 1942.

According to a Scranton Times-Tribune article about “150 people who made Scranton great” by Chris Kelly, “in 1935, after just four years in Congress, Rep. Boland became the first Pennsylvanian to be appointed House Minority Whip. It was his job to line up votes for (President) Roosevelt’s programs. Fewer than four months later, the House voted 372 to 33 to adopt the Social Security Act of 1935. Rep. Boland had a hand in every New Deal bill that became law. He died of a heart attack in 1942 at age 62. His second wife, Veronica Grace, won a special election to serve out the rest of his term, becoming Pennsylvania’s first congresswoman.”

The University of Scranton welcomed a new cohort of students into its Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program. Classes for the 13-month program, which seeks to develop future executives to serve area nonprofit institutions. Classes began in January 2025.

The University’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program, housed in the Kania School of Management, seeks to support and advance nonprofit organizations through a comprehensive and academically rigorous leadership program to develop future executives to serve at NEPA nonprofit institutions.

“The program was founded and has grown through a close collaboration between The University of Scranton’s faculty and community nonprofit leaders. This close connection to the community has resulted in significant and sustained positive outcomes,” said Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of the Accounting Department at Scranton and director of the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program and the University’s Ph.D. program.

Since the program’s inception in 2017, 68 nonprofit professionals from more than 50 regional organizations have graduated from the program.

“The program has created a network of high-performing individuals serving at nonprofit institutions, in addition to building an informal regional network of mentors and coaches for emerging nonprofit leaders,” said Kurt R. Bauman, co-director of the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program and executive director of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofit and Community Assistance Center.

“Courses for the program, taught in person by Kania School of Management faculty with significant expertise in practice and nonprofit organizations, include experiential learning, peer group work and coaching and mentorship components,” said Jesse J. Ergott, chief advancement officer for AllOne Foundation and Charities.

Members of the 2025 cohort of Scranton’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program and the organizations they represent are:

Pam Anslinger, director of homeownership services, NeighborWorks NEPA;

Jessica Baab, philanthropic services coordinator, The Luzerne Foundation;

Jessica Freyne, executive director, Providence Pregnancy Center;

Rossanna Gabriel, executive director, Hazleton Integration Project, Inc.;

Heather Greene, business manager, Jewish Family Services;

Nicole Guzenski, director of programs, The Catherine McAuley Center;

Jennifer Hayes Housel, executive director, Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers;

Eileen Howells, designated institutional administrator, The Wright Center;

Tara B. Jones, executive director, Lackawanna River Conservation Association;

Alyse Kerr, executive director, Integrative Mind and Body;

Marianne Linko, deputy chief operating officer, The Wright Center for Community Health;

Amanda Masters, youth program manager, The Cooperage;

Christine S. Pirillo, DHA, senior director laboratory medicine, Geisinger Health System;

Dani Ruhf, chief executive officer and founder, Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP);

Helen Schmid, president and chief executive officer, Telespond Senior Services;

Connor Simon, grants and outreach manager, Wayne County Community Foundation;

Rachael Stark, NEPA program coordinator, Pennsylvania Environmental Council;

Jill Avery Stoss, chief operating officer, The Institute;

Gina Suydam, executive director, Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce.

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

The University of Scranton awarded 2025 faculty development intersession grants to 13 faculty members.

Michael Azar, Ph.D., professor of theology and religious studies,     received a grant to research “The Gospel of John and the Development of Jewish-Christian Passover.” Dr. Azar received a bachelor’s degree from Colorado Christian University and a master’s degree from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. He also received a master’s degree and a doctoral degree from Fordham University. He has worked for the University since 2013.

Ovidiu Cocieru, Ph.D., assistant professor of management and marketing, received a grant to research “An exploration of educator experience in an externally oriented Classroom-as-Organization.” He received a bachelor’s degree from Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Romania, a master’s degree and a doctoral degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 2019.

Megan Heeder, Ph.D., assistant professor of theology and religious studies, received a grant to support the publishing of “Christocentric Ethics, Misguided Moralism, and Eating Disorders: Veritatis Splendor’s Contribution to Understanding Eating Disorders in the Age of Social Media” in the 30th anniversary of Veritatis Splendor Special Issue, spring 2025. She received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Theological Studies degree from Boston College, and a Ph.D. from Marquette University. She joined the faculty at Scranton in 2024.

Vanessa Ann Jensen, Ed.D., associate professor of counseling and human services, received a grant to research “Realignment of Applied Behavior Analysis Curriculum to Meet Accreditation Standards and Support Student Success on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board Exam.” She serves as co-director of the University’s Office of Educational Assessment. She earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from The University of Scranton and a doctoral degree from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She joined the faculty at Scranton in 2005.

Joseph Klobusicky, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics, received a grant to research “Generating microstructure with machine learning.” He received a bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University, and a master’s degree and doctoral degree from Brown University. He Joined the faculty at Scranton in 2020.

Jinqing Liu, Ph.D., assistant professor of education, received a grant to research “From Ritual to Explorative: The Impact of Writing Collective Arguments on Preservice Teachers’ Fraction Knowledge Development.” She received a bachelor’s degree from the Zhanjiang Normal University in China, a master’s degree from Tsinghua University in China, and a Ph.D. from the University of Indiana, Bloomington. She joined the faculty at Scranton in 2024.

Ehsan Mahyari, Ph.D., assistant professor of operations and analytics, received a grant to research “Optimal Charging Control for Autonomous Electric Ride-Sharing Fleet.” He received a bachelor’s degree from Sharif University of Technology, Golpayegan, Isfahan, a master’s degree from Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, and a doctorate from the University of Alabama. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 2024.

Krzysztof Plotka, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, received a grant to research “Large Multiplicative Groups within the class of Hamel Functions.” He received a master’s degree from the University of Gdansk in Poland and a doctoral degree from West Virginia University. He has worked for the University since 2001.

Sheli Pratt-McHugh, associate professor and chair of the Weinberg Memorial Library, received a grant to research “Gun Violence Prevention and Librarians.” Professor McHugh earned a bachelor’s from The Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree from Clarion University. She has worked at the University since 2010.

Yamile Silva, Ph.D., professor of world languages and cultures, received a grant to research “Unearthing a Hidden Voice: Abigail Mejia’s Literary Response to the US Occupation (1916-1924).” She received a bachelor’s degree from Los Andes University and a master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She joined the faculty at Scranton in 2009.

Nabil Tamimi, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Operations and Analytics, received a grant to research “Employing Optimization Techniques to Compute Perfect Withdrawal Rates of Immediate Fixed Annuities Under Various Interest Rates and Life Expectancies.” He earned a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, an MBA degree from The University of Scranton and a doctoral degree from Temple University. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 1993.

Mehmet A Yetim, Ph.D., assistant professor of mangement and marketing, received a grant to research “Empathy as a Strategic Asset: Creating Multi-dimensional Value in Organizations.” He earned a bachelor’s degree from Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey, a master’s degree from New York University and a doctoral degree from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 2024.

Xinyu Zhou, Ph.D., assistant professor of management and marketing, received a grant to research “Navigating Uncertainty: Mitigating Negative Effects through a Social Norm Perspective.” She earned a bachelor’s degree from China University of Geosciences in Wuhan, China, a master’s degree from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, China, and a doctoral degree from New Mexico State University. She joined the faculty at Scranton in 2024.

Eight University of Scranton undergraduate and graduate students, along with physics and engineering faculty members Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., and Argyrios Varonides, Ph.D., and Post-Doctoral Research Associate Kornyanat Hozumi, Ph.D., presented research at the American Geophysical Union Meeting in Washington, D.C., in December. The annual meeting is the largest gathering of Earth and space scientists worldwide, with more than 25,000 attendees representing more than 100 countries.

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The following University of Scranton students presented at the conference.

James P. Fox, Hillsborough, New Jersey, a computer science major at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “A Solar Cycle of Medium Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Observed Using SuperDARN Radars in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.”

Nicholas Guerra ’24, Scranton, who earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Scranton in 2024 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering at the University, presented his research poster titled “Integration and Validation of a Standardized Library and File Format for PyDARNMUSIC and DARNtids: Migrating From Legacy Pickle Files to HDF5 and Implementing a Comprehensive Testing Suite.”

Michael Molzen, Bloomsbury, New Jersey, a physics major at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “Investigating North American SuperDARN Observations of Medium-Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances During January 2016.”

Cuong Nguyen ’23, Ashley, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering and computer science from Scranton in 2023 and is now pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering at the University, presented his research poster titled “High-Frequency Radio Receivers for Ionospheric Observations in the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station Network.”

Alexandros Papadopoulos, Scotrun, a computer engineering major at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “Analysis of the HamSCI Solar Eclipse High-Frequency Time Difference of Arrival Experiment Observations Using Automated Techniques.”

Gerard N. Piccini, Monroe Township, New Jersey, an electrical engineering major at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “A Low-Cost Low-Power Chirp Ionosonde for Studying Eclipse Ionospheric Impacts.”

Thomas J. Pisano, Staten Island, New York, an electrical engineering major at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “Forward Modeling of SuperDARN Medium Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbance Measurements Using High-Frequency Raytracing and the PyDARN-MUSIC Toolkit.”

Diego Sanchez, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, who is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “A Multi-Year Climatology of 14 MHz Amateur Radio Large-Scale Traveling Ionosphere Disturbances Made Using a Novel Automated Detection Technique.”

Members of the University’s Physics and Engineering Department also presented research at the 2024 conference. Dr. Hozumi presented research titled “HamSCI as a Novel Dataset to Validate Ionospheric Models.” Dr. Varonides presented research titled “New modeling of Schottky Diode current-degradation due to proton irradiation on the lunar surface (parts I and II).” Dr. Frissell presented research studies titled “Results from the 2023/2024 HamSCI Festivals of Eclipse Ionospheric Science and What Comes Next,” “First Observations Linking Large-Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances to Polar Vortex Strength,” and “HamSCI Festivals of Eclipse Ionospheric Science: Creating an International Community of Volunteers to Study the Ionospheric Impacts of the 2023/2024 North American Solar Eclipses and Beyond” as an invited presentation. He also participated in the NASA Solar Eclipse Science Press Conference, which has since generated several stories in news and science outlets, including NASA Science.

In addition, Scranton physics and engineering professor Robert Spalletta, Ph.D., also attended the conference.

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University of Scranton students, faculty and staff participated in annual Christmas gift-giving programs organized by the Center for Service and Social Justice. Toys donated through the Giving Tree from students, staff and faculty, as well as Scranton Baseball, the Psychology Club and Performance Music’s Empty Stocking Concert, were collected and sorted by the Center for Service and Social Justice. The toys will be donated to the Gifts for Kids giveaway, a program with the Catherine McAuley Center, Friends of the Poor, the Salvation Army and Catholic Social Services. The event will be hosted at the University’s Byron Recreation Complex on Dec. 15 and 16.

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The University of Scranton recently honored students and their high school teachers, who they credit with contributing to their success, with Rose Kelly Awards at a 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 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.

Leahy College of Health Sciences

Hannah S. Popadin-Lesniak, Wantagh, New York, received the Rose Kelly Award for the Leahy College of Health Sciences. She honored Diane Pudell, her teacher for an Algebra II class and a College-Level Statistics class at Wantagh High School. A Dean’s List student, Popadin-Lesniak is a nursing major in her junior year at Scranton. On campus, she is a tour guide for the Admissions Office, a peer health educator with the Center for Health Education and Wellness (CHEW), and a member of the Scranton Contemporary Dance Team, the Student Nurses Association and Scranton’s Orthodox Christian Fellowship. She also serves as the junior class representative on the Enrollment Management Committee for the Nursing Program.

Kania School of Management

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From left: Rose Kelly Award recipient for the Kania School of Management Ryan Hanley and Murli Rajan, Ph.D., associate dean of the Kania School of Management. Michael Force, Hanley’s teacher at Dumont High School was absent from the photo.

Ryan Hanley, Dumont, New Jersey, received the Rose Kelly Award for the Kania School of Management. He honored Michael Force, his teacher for a ninth-grade College, Career and Finance class and a Sports Marketing and Management class at Dumont High School. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, Hanley is a double major in accounting and finance in his junior year. He is co-president of the PRISM, the University’s investment club; president of the University’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor society for financial information students and professionals; and president and outreach officer of the University’s Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Student Chapter. He was a CFO advisory intern with Wiss and Company in Florham Park, New Jersey, and, this summer, will intern in audit/assurance at EY in New York City.

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From left: Rose Kelly Award recipients from the College of Arts and Sciences Mike Redmond and Jeff Kuphal, his teacher at Hunterdon Central Regional High School; and Carolyn Barry, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Mike Redmond, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, received the Rose Kelly Award for the College of Arts and Sciences. He honored Jeff Kuphal, who was his pre-calculus teacher during his sophomore year at Hunterdon Central Regional High School. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, Redmond is a double major in accounting and finance in his junior year. He is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. He is president of the Men’s Ice Hockey Club. In November 2023, he was among the University students who participated in the PwC’s Case Competition on campus.

Frank O’Hara awards 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 Leahy College of Health Sciences for the 2023-24 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 in December on campus.

College of Arts and Sciences

Matthew W. Rakauskas, Factoryville, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for his freshman year in the College of Arts and Sciences. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, he is currently in his sophomore year at Scranton, pursuing a double major in computer science and mathematics. He is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, he has also been involved in student organizations and activities on campus. He currently serves as the treasurer of the Computer Science Club and as vice president of the Philosophy Society. He is also a tutor with the University’s Office of Student Support and Success.

Alyssa M. Cosklo, Fell Township, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her sophomore year in the College of Arts and Sciences. A member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, she is currently in her junior year at Scranton, majoring in biology. She is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she has conducted and presented research on a project titled “Henricelle pelegia and henriciella mobilis unexpectedly tip-budding bacteria” with faculty mentor Amelia Randich, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at the University. On campus, she is a resident assistant, vice president of the Biology Club, a tutor with the Office of Student Support and Success, and regularly volunteers with the Center for Service and Social Justice. She also serves as a medical scribe at Geisinger Community Medical Center, and volunteers at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital through the Hospital Elder Life Program.

Matthew F. Schade, Hadden Heights, New Jersey, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for his junior year in the College of Arts and Sciences. A member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, he is currently in his senior year at Scranton, majoring in mathematical sciences. He is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, he also serves as a resident assistant and has been involved with intramural sports programs offered on campus. In the summer of 2024, he served as an actuarial intern at Guy Carpenter.

Kania School of Management

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From left: O’Hara Award recipients for the Kania School of Management Jessieca Moira Aguasin, Dean Finan and Grace Boyle; and Murli Rajan, Ph.D., associate dean of the Kania School of Management.

Jessieca Moira C. Aguasin, Honesdale, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her freshman year in the Kania School of Management. A member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program, she is currently in her sophomore year at Scranton, majoring in accounting. She is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is a member of Kania Women in Business and the Commuter Students Association and participates in the University’s Meaningful Opportunity for Student Access, Inclusion, and Community (MOSAIC) program.

Dean J. Finan, Malvern, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for his sophomore year in the Kania School of Management. A member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Program, he is currently in his junior year at Scranton pursuing a double major in finance and business analytics with a minor in business leadership. He is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, he is also a member of Scranton’s Men’s Soccer team. He serves as president of the Kania Student Advisory Board and as sector head for consumer staples and industrials for PRISM, the University’s investment club. On campus, he volunteers with the Center for Service and Social Justice. In the summer of 2023, he worked as a finance intern for Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., where he also worked as a project intern. In the summer of 2024, he worked as an accounting support intern for Mutual Capital Services.

Grace Boyle, Clarks Summit, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her junior year in the Kania School of Management. A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, she is currently a senior majoring in finance with a concentration in corporate finance and is member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she received the University’s O’Hara Award in 2023 for her sophomore year. On campus, she is vice president of Omega Beta Sigma, the women’s business honor society, and is a member of the PRISM Investment Club. She volunteers with the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice. During the summer months, she has worked as a consulting intern at the University of Scranton’s Small Business Development Center; a corporate finance and business analytics intern at Candela Medical; and as a corporate finance intern at Edelman Financial Engines in Boston. During the school year, she works part-time as a receptionist at her family’s business, Boyle Eye Specialists.

Leahy College of Health Sciences

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From left: O’Hara Award recipients for the Leahy College of Health Sciences Allie Dean, Sarah Lyons and Elizabeth  McKechney; and Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Leahy College of Health Sciences.

Sarah A. Lyons, Moosic, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her freshman year in the Leahy College of Health Sciences. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is currently a sophomore majoring in nursing. She is a peer health educator with the University’s Center for Health Education and Wellness, a tutor with the Office of Student Support and Success, and has served as a student panel member for the Nursing Department for the University’s Open House. She volunteers with the Nursing Department’s Period Poverty Project. She also volunteers with Hospice of the Sacred Heart and with the Nativity of Our Lord Parish. Lyons works part time as a spin instructor.

Allie D. Dean, Endicott, New York, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her sophomore year in the Leahy College of Health Sciences. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is currently a junior majoring in nursing. She is member of the University’s Student Nursing Association, a note taker for the University’s Office of Student Support and Success, and a referee for the University’s intramural volleyball. She also volunteers at the St. Francis of Assisi kitchen. She works for Broome Oncology in New York.

Elizabeth P. McKechney, Fairport, New York, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her junior year in the Leahy College of Health Sciences. She is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is currently a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders with a minor in counseling and human services. She is recording secretary in the University’s chapter of the National Student-Speech-Language Hearing Association, a tutor in the Office of Student Support and Success, and lead vocalist and guitarist for the Praise and Worship Club. As a member of the University’s church choir, she serves as a cantor and as organizer and leader of the music for Mass with Marina. Off campus, she volunteers with the Clothesline for Men, the Scranton School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children and as an ASL Story Time assistant at the Abington Community Library.

Less than a week after its beloved Noel Night, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will continue in the holiday spirit at its 23rd Annual Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Concert, this year featuring the Scranton Brass Orchestra, on Wednesday, Dec. 11. 

This year’s concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the University’s Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.

The event is open to the public, with attendees asked to bring either a new unwrapped toy, new piece of child’s clothing, 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.

Founded by Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga and University Professor Emeritus Hal Baillie, Ph.D., and now in its 12^th season, Scranton Brass Orchestra is a fully professional 28-member ensemble comprised of brass and percussion players/teachers from across the region. Since its founding in June 2011, the group’s performances have been free and open to the public, and have featured nationally and internationally acclaimed guests, among them some of the most acclaimed brass players of our time. Some of the goals of the group include to provide high-level, large brass ensemble performance and listening opportunities, serve as an aural and visual model to aid in the tonal and technical development of student brass players and as a professional development resource for brass performers and teachers in the region, and give participating regional brass musicians and teachers opportunities to work with and observe masters of the art of brass playing.

The Empty Stocking Fund concert traces its origins back to 1999, when Boga’s friend, Alan Drake, the former chairman of the music department at Georgia’s Augusta University, told her about a benefit Christmas concert held there. Boga was intrigued, and Drake gave his blessing for her to bring the concept back to Scranton for the following year.

For the inaugural year, she and Drake waged a friendly competition to see which concert could raise the most money. Scranton won, and an annual tradition was born.

The concert’s charitable mission makes it particularly special, and Decker and Boga and their students are always moved when they see the donated items out on display the night of the show. Meanwhile, the performance itself never fails to produce an abundance of yuletide cheer – by the end of it, “you can really see people starting to feel the Christmas spirit,” Decker said. Audience members are encouraged to wear their Santa hats, reindeer antlers and other accessories of the season.

For those who are unable to attend the concert but would still like to drop off a toy or other donation, they will be accepted at the Houlihan McLean Center from now up to and including the day of the concert from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (before the day of the concert, please use the Jefferson Ave. entrance. For additional daytime hours, please call first: 570-941–7624.

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

Rabbi Sholomo Ben Levy, professor of history at Northampton Community College, presented “Black Jews in America: Diversity and Identity” at The University of Scranton’s Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute Lecture on campus in November. The lecture was co-sponsored by the University’s Black Studies Concentration.

Rabbi Levy serves as president of the International Israelite Board of Rabbis, Inc., an organization of black rabbis representing congregations throughout the United States, Caribbean, and Africa. He is Rabbi and Spiritual Leader of the Beth Elohim Hebrew Congregation, Saint Albans, New York.

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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.

University of Scranton biology professors offer some tips to make your holiday gift-giving and season a little more “green” from a sustainability perspective – with many tips also saving some “green” in your wallet.

Greening Your Gifts

Janice Voltzow, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Biology Department and director of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, suggests “giving personal gift certificates good for babysitting, a home-cooked meal, or house cleaning rather than buying more stuff that will accumulate. The certificates can be written on scraps of fancy paper or old wrapping paper.”

David Ingber, Ph.D., faculty specialist in the Biology Department, suggests gifting “experiences instead of items. Things like concert or event tickets, spa gift cards, cooking/art class sign ups, or park memberships can be impactful and have no upfront material costs.”

He also suggests considering digital memberships which can be customized based on the personal interests of the recipient.

“It’s another great way to go really niche and tailor a gift to the person you are giving it to, while avoiding upfront environmental costs,” said Dr. Ingber. He also suggests gifting baked goods – or even going “fossil hunting or rock hounding” for friends interested in geology or paleontology.

Both Drs. Voltzow and Ingber suggest wrapping presents in cloth sacks or re-using wrapping paper, tissue paper, ribbons and gift bags.

“This keeps them out of the landfill and prevents buying more every year. You can tear the front off of holiday cards you receive this year and use them as gift tags next year,” said Dr. Voltzow.

Greening Your Holiday

For “greening” your holiday, Dr. Voltzow’s suggestions include buying a locally-grown live tree and decorating it with re-useable, non-plastic ornaments, or with ornaments you crafted from natural, compostable materials.

Dr. Ingber suggests avoiding food waste and being mindful of leftovers.

“Don’t let good food go to waste, keep an eye on what leftovers you have in the fridge, rotating the oldest to the front so they are easily accessible. This way, you’re not letting any delicious morsels go bad, and you can cook less overall, which saves energy and money,” said Dr. Ingber.

The professors also suggest using food from local farms for your meals – and putting your outdoor lights on a timer.

“Spread all the holiday cheer you want, but fewer people are going to see your outdoor decorations at 3 a.m. Setting a timer to shut down your lights and decorations in the wee hours and then turning them back on the following evening can save you energy and effort,” said Dr. Ingber.

Bonus Holiday Health Tip

Maintaining weight between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is the optimum goal, according to an OpEd published in Healthcare Business Today by Joan Grossman, Ph.D., associate professor of health and human performance at The University of Scranton.

Continuing a beloved holiday season tradition, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present its 57^th Annual Noel Night concert on Saturday, Dec. 7.  The concert will begin at 8 p.m. in the University’s Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Doors will open at 7 p.m. with a prelude beginning at 7:05 p.m. Admission is free, and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Considered the University’s Christmas gift to the community, Noel Night has been a must-attend event for many Scranton-area residents since its founding almost 60 years ago by the Rev. Edward Gannon, S.J.

Noel Night features The University of Scranton Singers, with preludes this year performed by the String Orchestra and organ. Outdoor instrumental caroling by members of the University Bands will greet audience members as they arrive.

According to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga, the program will include a variety of sacred selections interspersed with readings of Nativity texts. Included in the program are musical works by John Leavitt, Felix Mendelssohn, Vaclav Nelhybel, Camille Saint-Saëns, Mark Sirett and others. Pianist for the evening is Ron Stabinsky, and Christopher Johnson is organist.

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 University of Scranton students are eligible for membership in the bands, choirs, and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year.

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

High school students from Carbondale Area, Mid Valley, Scranton Prep and Valley View participated in The University of Scranton’s inaugural Data Science Day Competition. Supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant awarded to University mathematics professor Joseph Klobusicky, Ph.D., the interactive competition included a tutorial introduction to data science and the computer software that would be used during the competition. The day also included a luncheon keynote address by Melinda Kleczynski, Ph.D., a post-doctoral scholar at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and remarks from Carolyn Barry, Ph.D., dean of Scranton’s College of Arts and Sciences. University students majoring in mathematics and other fields assisted with the competition.

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University students majoring in mathematics and other fields assisted with the competition.

The high school students competed in an individual and a doubles division.

 In the individual division, Scranton Prep seniors Ethan Fenner from Forty Fort came in first place; Vincent You from Jessup placed second and Ryan Flaim from Wilkes-Barre placed third.

In the doubles division, sophomores from Mid Valley Secondary Center Giada Vagni, Olyphant, and Zackary Buza, Throop, came in first place. Seniors from Scranton Prep Logan Dixon, Factoryville, and Sam DeNaples, Moscow, placed second.

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Data Science is a growing, much-in-demand field. A knowledge of probability and statistics is crucial, as they are considered the “mathematical back bone” of data analysis, according to Dr. Klobusicky.

For graduates of Scranton’s class of 2023, those majoring in data analysis had one of the highest salaries reported ($70,800) in its post-graduate survey.

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

Pictured below, from left, are the winners of the doubles division of The University of Scranton’s Data Science Day Competition: placing second, from Scranton Preparatory School, seniors Logan Dixon and Sam DeNaples; and placing first from Mid Valley Secondary Center, sophomores Giada Vagni and Zackary Buza; and Dr. Klobusicky.

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.

University students gathered at the Friends of the Poor warehouse in South Scranton on Nov. 24 to prepare the food baskets, which they later delivered to families at Hilltop Manor and Valley View Terrace in Scranton.

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Future entrepreneurs Maria Bonacci, Waverly; Geneen Brown, Scranton; Brigid Lawrence, Jermyn; Nesha Parker, Kunkletown; Cheyanne Peaten-Holder, Jessup; Claudette Polidoro, Clarks Summit; Megan Poremba, Dunmore; Melanie Van Ommeren, Cresco; and Jill White, Jefferson Township, completed The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Women’s Entrepreneurship Center StartUP Fall Program sponsored by Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance Business Finance Corporation.

Facilitated by experienced business consultants from The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC), this six-week certificate series is designed for women with lower incomes, women experiencing a life transition or women trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. The StartUP program offers women support and guidance in determining if entrepreneurship is an option for them. The program also encompasses teaching business startup basics, legal and insurance considerations, marketing and social media essentials, business plan development, accounting and budget skills, financing options and goal setting.

The fall StartUP series was sponsored by Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance Business Finance Corporation. Representatives from NEPA Alliance and University student interns of the SBDC’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Center also played a role in the program, sharing information and resources with participants.

Housed in the Kania School of Management, The University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center (WEC) is a program of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). WEC student interns and SBDC staff offer business startup information, guidance and encouragement. For more information, visit www.scrantonsbdc.com.

Scranton’s SBDC serves eight counties in Northeastern and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.

Joan Grossman, Ph.D., associate professor of health and human performance at The University of Scranton, has discussed her research on an effective exercise method for post-menopausal women in several publications recently.

“The average female gains 35 pounds between ages 25 and 50, and then at age 51, most women experience menopause. With the childbearing years over, hot flashes begin and hormone levels change, creating a perfect storm for more weight gain,” said Dr. Grossman in an Academic Minute segment published on Nov. 20. “My research shows that there is an effective exercise method that can help. Since many women spend most of their time caring for others, my work focuses on quick exercise routines compared to hours at the gym or going for long walks.”

Dr. Grossman discussed her studies on the effectiveness of high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts for post-menopausal women in an article published in Women’s World in July, and in the fall in podcasts Age Better and MD for You, in addition to Academic Minute.

Academic Minute, produced by WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, a regional public radio network serving parts of New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, is hosted by Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities.

Dr. Grossman joined the faculty at the University in 2010. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Dr. Grossman earned her bachelor’s degree from King’s College, her master’s degree from Colorado State University and her Ph.D. from Marywood University.

Holiday Health Tip:

Maintaining weight between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is the optimum goal, according to an OpEd published in Healthcare Business Today by Joan Grossman, Ph.D., associate professor of health and human performance at The University of Scranton.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Author, historian and medical humanities scholar Brandy Schillace, Ph.D., received The University of Scranton’s Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library 2024 Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award. University of Scranton alumnus Christopher Banks ’86, president and chief executive officer of the Autism Society of America, served as Toastmaster at the event, which included a cocktail reception, dinner, award presentation and Distinguished Author keynote address.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of the Library Endowment Fund, which supports special gifts for the Weinberg Memorial Library collections and services.

Dr. Schillace’s novels include “The Framed Women of Ardemore House” (Hanover Square Press), “Mr. Humble and Dr. Butcher” (Simon & Schuster), “Death’s Summer Coat” (Pegasus Books) and “Clockwork Futures” (Pegasus Books).

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 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.

Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company contributed $5,000 through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program to support The University of Scranton’s University of Success, a four-year, pre-college mentoring program.

An academic and enrichment program, the ultimate goal of the University of Success is to assist participating students to successfully complete high school and gain entrance into a college or university. Students enter the program after the eighth grade and continue through their high school years. Enrichment courses offered through the University of Success include study skills, SAT prep, public speaking, math, science, art and cultural activities, financial aid and wellness seminars.

The University of Success offered free of charge to participants, is funded almost entirely by corporate and foundation grants. Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company has provided continuous support of this program since 2013.

For additional information, visit the University of Success web site.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring the University’s Symphonic Band. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

The program will include a variety of symphonic band works including pieces by contemporary composers like Eric Ewazen, arrangements and transcriptions of works by Malcolm Arnold and Dmitri Shostakovich, as well as a composition by Performance Music’s late composer in residence, Vaclav Nelhybel.

According to Performance Music Conductor and Co-Director Janelle Decker, “In programming this concert, Cheryl Boga and I selected works that showcase the ensemble while also challenging them both technically and musically. We have chosen repertoire for the symphonic band that ranges from original pieces to works that have been transcribed for band to provide what we hope will be an enriching musical experience for both our student musicians and our audience.”

The University of Scranton Symphonic Band is a 65-plus member ensemble comprised of members of the University community from majors and departments spanning the curriculum – the vast majority of them undergraduate students – joined by a few graduate students and members of the faculty, staff, alumni and Scranton Brass Orchestra, who are all brought together by their mutual 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 the Steel Drum Ensemble. A few members of the faculty and staff and alumni from the region also perform with the groups. Each year, hundreds of students participate in the ensembles.

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

“Did you know that your brain runs on only 25 watts of electricity – enough to power an LED light bulb? Or that there are nearly 10,000 different types of neurons in your brain?”

Well, high school students preparing for 24th annual Northeast PA Brain Bee know these facts and others contained in the book “Brain Facts,” which is published by the Society for Neuroscience. This book will be the source for the questions for the annual competition hosted at The University of Scranton on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. The competition begins at 12:30 p.m. in the PNC Auditorium of the Loyola Science Center.

Sponsored by the Neuroscience Program at the University and the Scranton Neuroscience Society, the Brain Bee is offered free of charge. Registration is required to participate. The registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 21. The snow date is Sunday, Feb. 23.

The competition, open to high school students aged 13 to 19, encourages the study of the brain and how it relates to intelligence, memory, emotions, sensations, movements, stress, aging, sleep and brain disorders.

The winner of the NEPA Brain Bee will be invited to compete in the 2025 National Brain Bee.

The NEPA Brain Bee competition is dedicated to the memory of J. Timothy Cannon, Ph.D., founder of the University’s Neuroscience Program, who coordinator for Brain Bee for 11 years and served as a Brain Bee judge for 20 years.

In previous years, students competing represented schools from throughout Northeast Pennsylvania, including: Abington Heights High School, Lackawanna Trail High School, MMI Preparatory School, Parkland High School, Pittston Area High School, Pocono Mountain East High School, Riverside Junior/Senior High School, Stroudsburg Area High School, Wallenpaupack Area High School, Western Wayne High School, Wyoming Area High School and Valley View High School, among others.

For more information or to register online, visit the 24^th Annual Northeast PA Brain Bee website, or contact Robert Waldeck, Ph.D., neuroscience program director and associate professor of biology at the University, at 570-941-4324 or robert.waldeck@scranton.edu.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vibrant views of Jesuit education already occurring at The University of Scranton’s state-of-the-art amateur radio station were celebrated at the formal dedication of the facility located on the fifth floor of the Loyola Science Center.

University of Scranton President, Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., referenced the teaching, research and engagement with students and the greater community already taking place at the station in his remarks at the ceremony.

“Dr. Frissell and his colleagues in the Physics and Engineering Department have sparked the curiosity of students – starting a student amateur radio club (W3USR), leveraging the station’s capacities in courses, and involving students in research projects,” said Father Marina, who also blessed the station at the ceremony. “True to a Jesuit education, the station’s resources have turned outward in service to others – whether inviting Cub Scouts in to encourage interest in science or leveraging the station’s capabilities for the emergency communication needs of area agencies.”

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Father Marina also mentioned the numerous research projects led by Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., associate professor of physics and engineering at the University, and his colleagues in the Physics and Engineering Department.

“The research has supported projects with NASA with students sharing their discoveries in presentations at national conferences. Research has involved partnerships with other colleges, such as Case Western, the New Jersey Institute of Technology and the University of Alabama,” said Father Marina.

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At the dedication, Dr. Frissell (W2NAF) provided an overview of the station’s state-of-the-art antennas and communication equipment, as well as some of the research projects that have leveraged the station’s capacities, including the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) network he developed through projects supported by National Science Foundation grants, including the University’s participation in NASA’s Citizen Science Investigations that studied the effects of the recent total solar eclipse on the earth’s ionosphere. Dr. Frissell also acknowledged the generous grant the station received from the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) foundation, with additional support from Mary Lou West, Ph.D., (KC2NMC), Edward Hayes (N6XEM), Jeffrey DePolo (WN3A), DXEngineering, and the NSF.

Speaking at the dedication were University of Scranton student Alexandros Papadopoulos, (KC3WUD) Scotrun, a computer engineering major at Scranton, and Steve Cerwin, (WA5FRF) a community volunteer and retired scientist at Southwest Research Institute, who discussed research projects they have conducted using data gathered from these projects.

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The dedication included a presentation by Bob Inderbitzen, (NQ1R) director of marketing and innovation for the National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL), who granted W3USR Student Amateur Club ARRL Affiliated Club status. Since its inception in 1918, the Affiliated Club Program has united amateur radio clubs to enhance the Amateur Radio Service, recognizing their crucial role in developing active radio operators and serving local communities. The formal presentation of a certificate of membership was made to University student and W3USR Student Amateur Club president Gerard Piccini, (KD2ZHK) Monroe Township, New Jersey, who is majoring in electrical engineering at Scranton.

“You are now part of a thriving network of college ham radio stations across the country, each contributing to a larger tapestry of knowledge, innovation, and fun,” said Inderbitzen, who also serves as staff advisor the ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Program

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Also speaking at the ceremony were Rosy Schechter, KJ7RYV, executive director of ARDC and Shikha Raizada, Ph.D., (WP4PYE) NSF aeronomy program director; and Tracy Stewart, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at The University of Scranton.

Immediately following the ceremony, students presented posters of their research projects and tours of the radio station were conducted.

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Located on the fifth floor (penthouse suite) of the Loyola Science Center, the main station has floor to ceiling glass walls with sweeping views of the city of Scranton. Last academic year, a 40-foot tower with a Skyhawk High Frequency antenna for 14, 21, and 28 MHz, as well as VHF/UHF satellite and microwave antennas, some with rotating mounts were installed, in addition to heavy-duty controllers, all-mode transceivers, speakers, desktop microphones and other components.

A dinner reception concluded the dedication events.

WVIA news reporter Sarah Hofius Hall spoke to Dr. Frissell about the amateur radio station at a recent community session. The station is open to members of the general public Thursday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the spring and fall semesters.

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On Friday, Nov. 15, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring the University’s String Orchestra. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

The program will include a variety of string orchestra pieces by contemporary composers as well as arrangements of classical orchestra works by Bartók, Brahms, Dvořák and Moussorgsky, according to Performance Music Conductor and Co-Director, Janelle Decker.  

“The repertoire for this fall concert is inspired by dances from around the world. The string orchestra will be performing pieces that vary greatly in style with many distinctive cultural influences, but everything can be related back to the overarching theme of dance,” stated Decker.   

The University of Scranton String Orchestra is a 40-plus member ensemble comprised of members of the University community from majors and departments spanning the curriculum – most of them undergraduate students, joined by a few graduate students, alumni and members of the faculty brought together by their mutual 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 few members of the faculty and staff and alumni from the region also perform with the groups. Each year, hundreds of students participate in the ensembles.

For additional information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu  or visit http://scranton.edu/music  .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Marc Melitz, Ph.D., the David A. Wells Professor of Political Economy at Harvard University, delivered The University of Scranton’s fall 2024 Henry George Lecture titled “Global Production and Innovation Networks: Consequences for Trade and Industrial Policy.” The lecture took place Oct. 24 in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on campus.

Dr. Melitz’s primary research interests are in international trade and investment. Theories which he introduced in 2003, now called the “Melitz model,” have been widely adapted by economists. Melitz’s theory holds that only the largest and strongest companies in an industry engage in international trade because of the significant resources required to conduct business in foreign markets.

A fellow of the Econometric Society, Dr. Melitz is affiliated with the National Bureau of Economic Research, the Centre for Economic Policy Research and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. He was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Science in 2017. In 2008, the Economist magazine named him among the best of a new generation of economists.

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Considered the preeminent public lecture series on economics in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Henry George Lecture Series is presented by the University’s Department of Economics, Finance and International Business and the campus chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international honor society for economics. Twelve winners of the Nobel Prize in Economics are among the distinguished list of speakers who have spoken at previous lectures. 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.

Rabbi Sholomo Ben Levy, professor of history at Northampton Community College, will present “Black Jews in America: Diversity and Identity” at The University of Scranton’s Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute Lecture on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the PNC Auditorium of the Loyola Science Center. The lecture, co-sponsored by the University’s Black Studies Concentration, is presented free of charge and open to the public.

Rabbi Levy serves as president of the International Israelite Board of Rabbis, Inc., an organization of black rabbis representing congregations throughout the United States, Caribbean, and Africa. He is Rabbi and Spiritual Leader of the Beth Elohim Hebrew Congregation, Saint Albans, New York.

Rabbi Levy has participated on academic panels at Chapel Hill University, Harvard Divinity School, DuDable Museum of African American History, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and the annual conference of the American Academy of Religion. Articles about him and his work have appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, The Root, and Jewish Forward. He has been referenced in numerous books and collections at the Jewish Museum of New York and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Smithsonian. Many of his sermons and lectures can be found on YouTube.

Earlier in his career, Rabbi Levy worked at Harvard University in the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute of the Department of Afro-American Studies as an associate editor of African American Lives (2004) and the African American National Biography, a ten-volume reference work. He published over thirty biographical entries for these books including the entries for Rabbi W.A. Matthew, Rabbi Arnold J. Ford, Father Divine, Maya Angelou, Louis Farrakhan, Tiger Woods and Amy E.J. Garvey. Rabbi Levy served as the editor and was a frequent contributor to the Hakol newsletter and was editor of the website www.blackjews.org.

Prior to joining the faculty of Northampton Community College in 2005, Rabbi Levy taught college courses on various aspects of American and African American history at LaGuardia Community College, at the Brooklyn campus of Long Island University, Medgar Evers College, and Middlebury College.

Rabbi Levy has received many awards and citations. Most significantly, he has received proclamations from the New York City Council (2002) and the New York State Senate (2019) honoring him for his humanitarian work, commitment to social justice, and for promoting peace and brotherhood among all people.

Rabbi Levy earned a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College, a master’s degree in African-American Studies from Yale University, and a master’s degree in American history from Columbia University. He graduated from the Israelite Rabbinical Academy in 1985 and was ordained a rabbi. Part of his rabbinic and secular studies were completed at Tel Aviv University in Israel.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zakiyyah Smith, business consultant for The University of Scranton’s Small Business Development Center, was named to America’s SBDC 40 Under 40 list, which recognizes outstanding individuals under 40 in the SBDC Network “for their mastery of commerce, sparks of innovation, and steadfast dedication to nurturing the growth and prosperity of their communities.”

“These ambitious leaders are changing communities and employing unique perspectives and strategies that resonate with a modern workforce,” said Charles “Tee” Rowe, president and CEO, America’s SBDC, of the recipients. The award was presented at the 45th annual America’s SBDC Conference, which was held in September in Atlanta, Georgia.

Smith joined The University of Scranton SBDC in 2023. She provides business consulting services to start-up and existing small business clients within Pike County and SBDC’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Center. She brings to the SBDC a diverse background of experience working in client facing and account management related roles within the financial services and insurance industries. Her three areas of specialty interest are brand awareness, digital marketing strategy and time management.

A small business owner herself, Smith has facilitated the Women’s Entrepreneurship Center StartUP Program, a six-week certificate series is designed to provide women with the skills and knowledge needed to start their own businesses, with a focus on serving women in a life transition or those trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. This program offers participants education, support and guidance in determining if entrepreneurship is an option for them while teaching business startup basics, legal and insurance considerations, marketing and social media essentials, business plan development, accounting and budget skills, financing options and goal setting.

Last February, Smith facilitated a Fireside Chat with Black Women Business Owners, hosted by The University of Scranton SBDC and sponsored by NEPA Alliance APEX Accelerator.

Smith earned a bachelor’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and holds Google certification in digital marketing and e-commerce.

The SBDC at The University of Scranton serves small business clients in Bradford, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

The Princeton Review listed The University of Scranton among just 511 colleges in the world “selected for their exceptional programs, policies and practices related to sustainability and the environment” for inclusion in its 2025 edition of its “Guide to Green Colleges,” which was published online in October. This is the sixth year that Scranton has made this listing.

The Princeton Review analyzed more than 25 data points to choose the colleges for this year’s guide based on its 2023–2024 survey of administrators about their institutions’ sustainability-related policies, practices and programs, as well as surveys of students attending those colleges about their “green” campus experiences.

“We are seeing substantive interest among college applicants in attending green colleges,” said Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review. According to the Princeton Review, 61 percent of the high school students participating in their 2024 “College Hopes and Worries Survey” indicated that “having information about a college’s commitment to the environment would affect their decision to apply to or attend the school.”

The Princeton Review also noted that, as a group, “the schools in the 2025 Edition of the Guide to Green Colleges have impressive sustainability-related statistics: 28 percent of their energy comes from clean and renewable sources; 46 percent of their waste is diverted from incinerators or solid-waste landfills; 98 percent offer a sustainability focused undergraduate major or degree; and 100 percent have a sustainability officer.”

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. Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall, currently under construction, is design intended to meet silver LEED certification requirements.

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In addition, inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical titled “On Care for Our Common Home,” the University is participating in a seven-year initiative to be recognized by the Vatican as a Laudato Si’ University.

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To be designated as a Laudato Si University, colleges must evaluate comprehensively current environmental and sustainability programs, then improve and develop further initiatives to address seven goals outlined by the Pope. The goals to be addressed are: to respond to the cries of the Earth; to respond to the call of the poor; to apply ecological economics; to adopt sustainable lifestyles; to implement ecological education programs; to develop ecological spirituality efforts; and to develop of programs to address community resilience and empowerment.

In addition to its “Guide to Green Colleges,” The Princeton Review has listed Scranton in its “Best Colleges” guidebooks for 23 consecutive years, also ranking Scranton among the nation’s “Best Science Lab Facilities” (No. 17) for the eighth year.

Award-winning author Stephanie Saldaña discussed her book “What We Remember Will Be Saved” at The University of Scranton’s 2024 Ignatian Values in Action Lecture, which took place on campus on Oct. 10.

Saldaña’s book, “What We Remember Will Be Saved: A Story of Refugees and the Things They Carry,” was selected for the University’s “Royal Reads” program for the incoming class of 2028.

The Royal Reads program encourages all incoming students to read a designated book during the summer and to attend the lecture in order to create a shared experience among the students and expose them to the Ignatian values at the core of the University’s mission. Throughout their first-year students will encounter themes of the “Royals Read” selection repeated in classes, extracurricular opportunities and other special events.

A recording of the 2024 Ignatian Values in Action Lecture can be seen here.

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University of Scranton students won an American Advertising Federation NEPA interactive competition that is modeled after the Food Network Show Cropped. For the competition, teams of three to four college students were paired with local advertising professionals to create an advertising campaign for a local nonprofit organization. The competition, hosted at the University, included the development of a logo, tagline and media tactics.

A panel of adverting professionals served as judges to review the participants submissions, and to eliminate teams at the end of each round. The team winning the competition will work with their agency partners at Posture Interactive to complete the campaign, tagline and logo for the Willow Foundation, which provides services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and/or food insecurity in Luzerne County.

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Members of the winning team were: University of Scranton students Morgan T. Masters, Jessup, a journalism and electronic media major; Vincenzo J. Angeloni, Jessup, a journalism and electronic media major; Tatiana L. Baide Franco, Lake Katrine, New York, an advertising/public relations major; and Cameron J. Moczulski, Carbondale, a journalism and electronic media major, and Posture Interactive professional partners: Kathryn Bondi, creative director; and Joey Zarcone, vice president.

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This is the third time that AAF NEPA has offered this competition and is the third time that Scranton students were members of the winning team.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $1.8 million collaborative grant to Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., associate professor physics and engineering at The University of Scranton, to provide sophisticated atmospheric measuring equipment to a nationwide network of ham radio enthusiast and citizen scientists that he developed. Dr. Frissell will serve as the lead principal investigator of the collaborative grant and will work with colleagues at Case Western Reserve University, the University of Alabama and the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

The grant will further the collective data gathering capabilities of the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation project led by Dr. Frissell.

“The grant will establish the only wide-spread, coordinated high frequency, very low frequency and ground magnetometer measurement network that is distributed primarily across the midlatitude region,” said Dr. Frissell.

According to Dr. Frissell, the grant supports the development of a network of 30 standardized receive stations capable of observing high frequency (HF) Doppler shifts, HF amateur radio Weak Signal Propagation Reporter (WSPR, pronounced “whisper”) transmissions, very low frequency (VLF) transmissions and natural radio emissions, and the geomagnetic field.

The enhanced capabilities to collect data on the Earth’s ionosphere for this project builds on the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station network of licensed amateur radio operators who have helped measure the effects of weather in the upper levels of Earth’s atmosphere through a $1.3 million NSF funded project previously awarded to Dr. Frissell.

According to Dr. Frissell, the new NSF grant will support systems that will be deployed to high-quality, low-noise sites throughout the previously established U.S. personal weather station sites that are most suitable to increasing measurement density and the quality of the current network.

“Priority will be given to locations that can simultaneously and effectively operate all three HF, VLF, and magnetometer instruments,” said Dr. Frissell.

The grant also supports ten fully-automated, Global Positioning System (GPS) disciplined amateur radio WSPRSonde transmitters to serve as a new source of GPS- stabilized high frequency beacon signals.

“These signals will be utilized not only by this project’s personal weather station receivers, but also by the existing global WSPR amateur radio receiver network that provides millions of daily observations,” said Dr. Frissell who explained data collected from all the instruments will be uploaded for HamSCI research. He said the data will also be publicly available.

Collaborators for the project include: Majid Mokhtari, senior laboratory engineer for the Physics and Engineering Department, The University of Scranton; Christian Zorman, Ph.D., associate dean for research, and professor of electrical, computer and systems engineering, Case Western Reserve University; Kristina Collins, Ph.D., research scientist, Space Science Institute; Travis Atkison, Ph.D., associate professor of computer science, University of Alabama; William Engelke, chief architect and engineer of the Personal Space Weather Station (PSWS) project, University of Alabama; Hyomin Kim, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics, New Jersey Institute of Technology; and Gareth Perry, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics New Jersey Institute of Technology; in addition to HamSCI volunteers and collaborators.

A space physicist, Dr. Frissell’s research focuses on the ionosphere, which is an atmospheric region that extends from about 50 to 600 miles above the earth’s surface. According to Dr. Frissell, changes in the ionosphere alter the behavior of radio wave propagation and greatly affect the radio communications and global navigation satellite systems. Understanding ionospheric structures and processes will lead to an increased understanding and prediction of these effects.

Through numerous grants he has received in the past five years from the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) foundation and other organizations, Dr. Frissell, physics and engineering faculty and students, as well as community volunteers, have been involved in numerous research projects, including one of just five projects selected by NASA’s Citizen Science Investigations to study the effects of the total solar eclipse on the earth’s ionosphere.

Grants have also supported the development of state-of-the-art amateur radio station W3USR on the fifth floor of the Loyola Science Center on campus.

Dr. Frissell joined the faculty at Scranton in 2019. He received his bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University, and his master’s degree and doctorate from Virginia Tech.

The University of Scranton’s Nu Kappa chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor society for financial information students and professionals, achieved Gold Chapter status for the 2023-2024 academic year. This is the chapter’s second time achieving this status, having earned it for the 2022-2023 academic year, following silver status for the 2021-2022 academic year. The chapter began at Scranton in 2015.

In notifying the University of the Gold Chapter Status, the president of Beta Alpha Psi, Patricia Poli, Ph.D., commended the “exceptional leadership” shown by the moderator of Scranton’s chapter, Amanda Marcy ’10, G’11, Ph.D. ’20, assistant professor of accounting, as well as “the dedication and excellence” of the University’s Accounting Department.

“Under the inspiring stewardship of these faculty advisors, your chapter has far exceeded Beta Alpha Psi’s baseline requirements, excelling in academics, professionalism and ethical leadership,” wrote Dr. Poli.

To receive an award status, Beta Alpha Psi chapters and their members must go above and beyond minimum chapter requirements with regard to professional, service and outreach activities. The members participate in a variety of professional activities, including professional panels and information sessions, internship panels, certification information sessions, career readiness sessions, skill-building workshops, CPA and CMA mock exams and industry site visits.

The more than a dozen professional development programs hosted by Scranton’s Beta Alpha Psi honor society chapter in 2023-2024 included: Withum: Preparing for a Career Fair; Baker Tilly: Interpersonal Skills at the Workplace UWorld: CPA Exam Evolution and Navigating the New CPA Exam; PwC: Service in a Professional Career; Forvis Mazars: Demystifying Digital Assets; EY: DEI in the Workplace; ForvisMazars: Recruitment and Interviewing Process; and CLA: Effective Communication Skills Workshop, in addition to participation in accounting and finance internship and young professional panel discussions, among other activities.

Service activities included making Christmas cards for veterans, hosting a prospective accounting student networking event and conducting a children’s book drive, among other projects.

In addition, student members attended and presented at the Beta Alpha Psi Mid-Year and Annual meetings, allowing them to network with Beta Alpha Psi members and professionals from across the globe.

Officers for the University’s Beta Alpha Psi honor society chapter for the 2023-2024 academic year were:

Kaleigh E. Timmons, Bergenfield, New Jersey, president, who graduated from the University in 2024 as an accounting and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program, Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program, and Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program;

Madelyn G. Ronan, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, vice president, who graduated from the University in 2024 as an accounting and finance double major and member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program;

John J. Sheehan, Dumont, New Jersey, treasurer, who graduated from the University in 2024 as an accounting major and member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program;

Nina J. Figetakis, Little Neck, New York, secretary, who graduated from the University in 2024 as an accounting major and member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and is currently pursuing a MBA degree in accounting at Scranton;

Brianna M. Kerrane, New Hyde Park, New York, social engagement director, who graduated from the University in 2024 as an accounting major and member of the University’s Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program and is currently pursuing a Master in Accountancy degree at Scranton;

Ryan W. Hanley, Dumont, New Jersey, junior officer, who is an accounting and finance double major at Scranton.

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Beta Alpha Psi is an international honors organization for financial information students and professionals with over 300 chapters on AACSB accredited college and university campuses with more than 300,000 initiated members. The organization recognizes academic excellence in accounting, finance and business analytics, and complements members’ formal education by providing interaction among students, faculty and professionals. Members must achieve a personal record of superior scholarship in their academic endeavors and demonstrate active engagement in all chapter activities. Members in good standing at the completion of their senior year receive honors cords and pins upon graduation.

Alumni or professional partners interested in volunteering or sponsoring a Beta Alpha Psi event or activity can contact Dr. Marcy at amanda.marcy@scranton.edu.

The University of Scranton Jazz Band will take the stage Saturday, Oct. 26, with acclaimed drummer Alvin Atkinson joining them as the evening’s guest soloist. Presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton, the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Atkinson will also offer a free drumset masterclass for set drummers ranging from students (ages 16 and older) to professionals on Oct. 26 at 3:30 p.m. in the Houlihan McLean Center. Drummers wishing to attend should email music@scranton.edu or call 570-941-7624 for more information. (Younger drummers may attend accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.)

At the concert, the University’s student jazz ensemble will perform a variety of works that prominently feature Atkinson on drums. According to Performance Music Conductor and Co-Director Janelle Decker, “the program will feature music representing the work of numerous jazz giants in a variety of styles, all selected to showcase the versatility of our guest artist and maximize the musical and educational experience of our student musicians.”

Performance Music Conductor and Director, Cheryl Y. Boga first met Atkinson through his association with Wycliffe Gordon H ’06. She explains that “not only is Alvin’s mastery of musically and rhythmically ‘driving’ a jazz band always evident, but he is also a committed teacher who is experienced at conveying complex concepts in a straightforward yet enthusiastic manner.”

A member of Wycliffe Gordon’s International All-Stars, Atkinson is a six-time U.S. Jazz Ambassador and has traveled the globe performing America’s classical music. His own group, Alvin Atkinson and the Sound Merchants, has appeared in South America, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Russia. Known for his dynamic playing style and versatility across various genres, he has recorded and performed with jazz legends Wycliffe Gordon, Vanessa Ruben, Paquito D’Rivera, Ellis Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Cecil Bridgewater, Jimmy Heath, Cedar Walton, Reggie Workman, Roy Hargrove, Cyrus Chestnut, Gerri Allen, Eddie Henderson, ELEW, Maceo Parker, Shirley Scott and many others.

As an educator, Atkinson has conducted classes, clinics and workshops worldwide through the U.S. State Department, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Midori and Friends and many others. He is also an artist-teacher at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Middle School Jazz Academy and is assistant director of Arts at Harlem Children Zone Promise Academies.

The University of Scranton Jazz Band is a 25-member ensemble of big band style instrumentation, made up of University of Scranton student musicians from majors spanning the curriculum. They perform five or more times per year, and the majority of their performances are open to the public, free of admission charge, and often feature a nationally or internationally renowned guest soloist.

For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Atkinson, visit alvinatkinson.com.

The 23rd Annual U.S. Conference on Disability at The University of Scranton, titled “The Rehabilitation Act: Learning From Our Past, Knowing Our Present, and Building Our Future,” featured nationally respected speakers addressing access, advocacy and employment in the age of artificial intelligence.

Lori Bruch, Ed.D, associate professor, Counseling and Human Services Department, and faculty fellow, Office of the Provost, received the inaugural Ralph N. Pacinelli, Ed.D., Award, presented at the conference in honor of the lifelong leader in vocational rehabilitation.

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Dr. Bruch joined the University faculty full-time in 1995, having previously served as an adjunct professor at Scranton since 1989. She has served as chair of the Counseling and Human Services Department since 2015. She also served as co-chair of the University’s annual Conference on Disability for more than a decade.

Earlier this year, she received the University’s Excellence for University Service and Leadership Award, which recognizes a faculty member who has contributed service to the University community, particularly those who demonstrate academic leadership by effectively mentoring their junior colleagues.

Dr. Bruch’s research interests include the American’s with Disabilities Act, employment of individuals with disabilities, attitudes towards persons with disabilities, professional identity for rehabilitation counselors, rehabilitation counseling curriculum, supervision and accreditation, and life span development. She has published nearly 20 articles in academic journals and had presented at more than 40 conferences and meetings.

Dr. Bruch is a member of many national and regional organizations, having served as a board member and chair of the Council on Rehabilitation Education, president of the National Association of Rehabilitation Leadership and president of the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Association, to name just a few.

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Speakers at the Conference on Disability included Carol Dobak, deputy commissioner of the U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; Alison Levy, director of the Office of Technical and Information Services at the U.S. Access Board; Kathy West-Evans, director of business relations for the National Employment Team of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation; John Evans, recently retired Vocational Rehabilitation program administrator for employee relations for the State of Washington Department Social Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; and Gary Karp disability awareness speaker, trainer, consultant and author of “Life On Wheels: For the Active Wheelchair User.” University of Scranton professors Kathy Stefanelli, Ph.D., counseling and human services and Renée Hakim, Ph.D., chair and program director of physical therapy at Scranton, also presented at the conference.

The conference was presented by the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences and the Edward R. Leahy Jr. Endowment. Conference co-chairs were Rebecca Dalgin, Ph.D., professor and chair of the University’s Department of Counseling and Human Services, and Dr. Bruch. University benefactors Edward R. and Patricia Leahy served as honorary conference co-chairs.

The Pennsylvania Library Association presented The University of Scranton’s Weinberg Memorial Library with the 2024 Library of the Year Award at a virtual ceremony on Oct. 15.

The annual award recognizes an individual library in Pennsylvania that has, in the previous 18-month period, exhibited excellence in: service to public or academic community; advancing staff development; innovation in a special project, partnership, or solution to a challenge; and leadership in and support of the PA Library Association activities.

“It’s an incredible honor for us to be selected for this award, especially considering the many outstanding libraries across Pennsylvania, from colleges and universities to public libraries in large cities and small communities,” said George Aulisio, Ph.D., dean of the University’s Weinberg Memorial Library. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our library’s staff and faculty. We’re committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment while meeting the needs of our entire community—students, faculty, staff, and area residents who utilize our library’s public resources.”

In presenting the award, the Pennsylvania Library Association noted the vision of the University’s Weinberg Memorial Library to promote “an accessible, inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment where everyone can learn and grow creatively, intellectually, and spiritually.” The association said that the Weinberg Library’s “staff embodies this vision in their day-to-day operations, and prides themselves on service to the community, professional development and service to the Pennsylvania Library Association.”

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Dean Aulisio said that the Weinberg Library’s success “is rooted in the University’s Jesuit identity and its longstanding investment in its library.”

“We are guided by the principle of magis—striving to do more and be greater. This drives our commitment to the professional development of our staff and faculty, ensuring that our team remains at the forefront of best practices in librarianship. We are also deeply committed to advancing social justice by ensuring our library meets the needs of all who come through our doors, adapting to the unique learning styles and needs of each member of our community. This award reflects our dedication to inclusivity and excellence,” said Dean Aulisio.

The PA Library Association noted the Weinberg Library’s DEI efforts and the collaborative programming offered with campus groups that included host a series of films to celebrate Black History, Arab American Heritage, and Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander months for both students and the Scranton community at large. The association also noted the new research guides for gender and sexuality and accessibility developed by Weinberg Library staff, and a an Accessibility/Sensory Map to highlight the spaces and features with general accessibility, types of lighting, and noise level of the University’s library.

“Service is also a cornerstone of a Jesuit education, and we lead by example. Many of our staff and faculty volunteer in the community, on campus, and with professional organizations such as the Pennsylvania Library Association,” said Dean Aulisio. “This allows us to support the library profession and  continue learning about successful innovations in library practices.”

Multiple members of the Weinberg Memorial Library staff and faculty have been actively involved with the PA Library Association. Sylvia Orner, assistant professor and the University’s collections and resource management librarian, served as the conference chair in 2020 and is currently president. Kate Cummings, assistant professor and the University’s research and instruction librarian for business, was previously treasurer on the statewide board of directors and is now serving as chair of its Intellectual Freedom Committee. Rebecca Dzikowski, cataloging assistant at the University, is the current chair of the Mentorship Subcommittee. Ian O’Hara, associate professor and the University’s research and instruction librarian for health sciences, serves as the College and Research Division grant funds manager and is on the EDI Committee. Sheli Pratt-McHugh, associate professor, department chair, learning commons coordinator and research and instruction librarian for technology and outreach at the University, was third vice-president, Membership Committee chair, and is currently on the Conference Committee and EDI Committee. Marleen Cloutier, associate professor and the University’s cataloging and metadata librarian, was the 2023 Conference chair for technical arrangements and is now the vice-chair elect for the Technical Services Round Table.  Melisa Gallo, the University’s interlibrary loan and collections assistant, is the treasurer for the Northeast Chapter.

The Pennsylvania Library Association is the state’s oldest professional library organization, representing more than 1,200 personal, institutional and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special and school libraries throughout the Commonwealth.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded a $1,321,980 grant to The University of Scranton to support its Technology-Driven Transformation in Workforce Development and Innovation project. The grant leverages opportunities for outreach and collaboration, including with area small businesses, that will be created by the August 2025 opening of the nearly 90,000-square-foot Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall now under construction.

ARC announced awards of $68.2 million for 65 projects through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. POWER directs federal resources to economic diversification and revitalization projects in Appalachian communities affected by the downturn of the coal industry. The awards, announced on Oct. 16, amount to ARC’s largest POWER investment since the initiative was launched in 2015. The projects funded impact 188 counties in 10 Appalachian states: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Scranton is one of just 20 projects in Pennsylvania selected to receive ARC awards. Scranton received the seventh largest award in the Commonwealth.

The ARC grant funding leverages the workforce development, applied research and community outreach opportunities that will be created in the four-story Weiss Hall, including the expanded and dedicated space for the University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The new space furthers the development of SBDC programming and encourage new collaborations with academic departments housed in the new building.

The ARC grant will support the development of the Small Business Ready program that builds on the success of the existing Small Business Development Center’s Internship Program. 

Small Business Ready involves the development of a specialized training program tailored to the unique needs of small business for student interns. The training program will address the development of soft skills, such as interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, leadership and written and oral communication, which were identified by employers as often lacking in new hires. The program will also seek to foster an entrepreneurial mindset and nurture creativity and innovation among University students and provide practical training on business planning, management fundamentals, cybersecurity basics, marketing and social media strategies, accounting, and finance principles. SBDC consultants will develop the training program in collaboration with local small business owners, and the University’s career development staff and faculty. The program will leverage specialized equipment and technology that will be available in a 10,000-square-foot innovation hub on the first floor of Weiss Hall, which includes a virtual reality/augmented reality training laboratory.

The ARC grant will also establish a networking program to facilitate more meaningful connections between students and small business owners and representatives. University students will take the lead in organizing and coordinating events and activities related to this initiative. In addition, the grant supports the development of initiatives for two of the University’s academic programs housed in Weiss Hall: the Psychology Department Experiential Learning and Outreach; and the Cybersecurity, Crime Analysis, Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Education, Training and Outreach.

The University anticipates 159 students, 10 businesses and 137 participants will be impacted through the ARC grant.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. Since 2015, ARC has invested $484.7 million in 564 projects impacting 365 coal-impacted counties. Collectively, these investments are projected to support nearly 54,000 jobs and prepare nearly 170,000 workers and students for new opportunities in growing industries.

Jonathan Conyers, author of “I Wasn’t Supposed to Be Here,” spoke at the Oct. 8 University of Scranton Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon Seminar.

Founder of Conyers Media, host of The Professional Winner Podcast, and co-founder of the Brooklyn Debate League, Conyers discussed “The Power of Storytelling” at the luncheon.

Born to two parents addicted to crack cocaine, Conyers’ childhood was defined by both tragedy and triumph.

“Writing has taught me so much about my life and journey,” Conyers said. “Things that happen to you don’t define you. You always have a chance to rewrite your story, and you can decide which chapter it will start with.”

The luncheon series features distinguished speakers that include authors, scholars and artists discussing a variety of timely topics. The luncheon series is sponsored by Munley Law. The seminars take place on campus. Admission is free for University of Scranton and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students, faculty, staff and Schemel Forum members. For non-members, the seminars are $30 in-person (buffet lunch included) and $15 for remote access.

To register for the seminars, call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu. Or, to pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

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

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On Friday, Oct. 18, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will host Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks in an exciting mid-season concert as part of its fall 2024 schedule. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free. The concert is open to the public, and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

“We are deeply honored that Mr. Giordano and the Nighthawks will be performing in our concert hall,” according to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga, whose son, Joseph, is a trumpeter with the group. “Mr. Giordano and his band have for decades enthralled legions of fans throughout the nation - many of them here in our region - who normally must travel to NYC to hear them perform live.”

For over 50 years, Grammy-winner, New York native, and multi-instrumentalist Vince Giordano has almost single-handedly kept alive a wonderful genre of American music that continues to spread the joy and pathos of an era that shaped our nation. Giordano’s passion, commitment to authenticity, and knowledge led him to create a sensational band of like-minded players, the Nighthawks. Each member of the ensemble is a virtuosic player on their instrument and an expert historical performer.

Giordano and his band have performed in top New York nightclubs and concert halls including Birdland, The Town Hall, Jazz At Lincoln Center, Newport Jazz Festival, 92nd Street Y, and many others for the past five decades. They have recorded soundtracks for numerous filmmakers, including Martin Scorcese, Robert DeNiro, Tamara Jenkins and Woody Allen, and have performed and/or recorded with singers from a wide variety of genres, such as Elvis Costello, Michael Feinstein, Patti Smith, Leon Redbone, Liza Minelli and too many more to list. Their extensive filmography includes “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “The Cotton Club,” “The Aviator,” “Revolutionary Road,” “Café Society,” “The Joker,” “The Irishman,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and a long list of others.

A Hudson West Productions feature documentary, “Vince Giordano – There’s a Future in the Past,” opened in theaters in 2017. Giordano’s passion for music from the 1920s and 30s and the people that made it led him to amass an amazing collection of over 64,000 band arrangements and sheet music, 1920s and 30s films, 78 rpm recordings, and jazz-age memorabilia. In addition to their extensive recording discography, several tunes recorded by Giordano and the Nighthawks are used in video games: BioShock, Fallout 3, and Fallout 4.

Also on Oct. 18, Giordano will present a lecture entitled “There’s A Future In The Past” as part of the Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminars at the University. For more information on that event, visit www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

For additional information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more on Giordano and his Nighthawks, visit vincegiordano.com. 

Vince Giordano speak about Scranton Sirens and other musical legacies with WVIA’s Erika Funke.

Brandy Schillace, Ph.D., author, historian and medical humanities scholar, will be presented with the 2024 Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award by The University of Scranton’s Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library on Saturday, Nov. 16. Proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of the Library Endowment Fund, which supports special gifts for the Weinberg Memorial Library collections and services.

Dr. Schillace’s work has been widely recognized for its interdisciplinary approach, blending science, history and storytelling to explore the human experience of medicine and mortality. Her recent novel, “The Framed Women of Ardemore House” (Hanover Square Press), has gained critical acclaim. She is the author of several other acclaimed non-fiction books, including “Mr. Humble and Dr. Butcher” (Simon & Schuster), “Death’s Summer Coat” (Pegasus Books) and “Clockwork Futures” (Pegasus Books).

As a medical historian, Dr. Schillace has made significant contributions to the field, shedding light on the social, cultural and political aspects of medicine throughout history. Her work has been supported by grants from prestigious institutions such as the Arthur P. Sloan Foundation for Science Communication and the Ohio Arts Council.

The Distinguished Author Award event will take place in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on the University’s campus beginning at 5 p.m. and includes a cocktail reception, dinner, award presentation and Distinguished Author keynote. University of Scranton alumnus Christopher Banks ’86, president and chief executive officer of the Autism Society of America, will serve as Toastmaster for the event.

Tickets for the Distinguished Author event are $100 per person. Special pricing is available for Friends of the Library, Schemel Forum members and students. Schemel Forum Archangels may attend for free.

In addition to the award event, there will be a book signing open to the public from 4 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 16 in the DeNaples Center second floor lobby.

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 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.

For additional information or registration information, visit the Distinguished Author webpage or contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816 or kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

State-of-the-art biological instrumentation will soon be added to The University of Scranton’s science laboratories, which are already recognized among best facilities in America, courtesy of a half-million-dollar plus National Science Foundation (NSF) grant.

University biology professors were awarded a $551,957 NSF Major Research Instrumentation grant for the purchase an Olympus FV4000 Confocal Microscope System that will be used to enhance teaching and cutting-edge research in multiple biological fields for undergraduate and graduate students.

Ashley Driver, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, is the principal investigator for the grant. Her colleagues in the University’s Biology Department are co-principal investigators: Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology; Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., associate professor of biology; and Joseph Brague, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology.

“The confocal microscope system will allow for higher resolution and more rapid imaging of cells and tissues, as well as time-lapse imaging, and controlled-culture conditions that will support multiple research programs investigating questions in cellular biology, neurobiology, microbiology, molecular biology, parasitology and physiology,” said Dr. Driver, who noted the instrument will be integrated into multiple upper-level biology courses to enhance research experiences to undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields.

“The use of this equipment by our students in their coursework and research projects will give them advanced microscopy experience at the undergraduate level,” said Dr. Driver. “It will make our students competitive for top-tiered graduate programs, as well as positioning them well for industry research positions.”

Dr. Driver said the microscope system’s efficiency in image acquisition and analysis of multiple sample types will broaden the access for students to learn directly from their experiments conducted in lab courses.

“We chose the system that was most amenable for student use in order to allow them hands-on experience in obtaining meaningful information for their course laboratory experiments, as well as in their independent research projects,” said Dr. Driver. “We are training students, our future scientists, to be drivers of research. This instrumentation system will further enhance their learning experience at Scranton.”

According to Dr. Driver, the microscope system will also be accessible to faculty members at other universities in the Scranton area who lack access to this type of equipment. The instrument will also be incorporated into workshops and summer research programs for high school students.

Dr. Driver joined the University in 2020. She received a bachelor’s degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Brague joined the faculty at Scranton in 2022. He received a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton and a Ph.D. from Lehigh University. Dr. Seid joined the faculty at the University in 2010. He received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Brigham Young University, and a Ph.D. from Boston University. Dr. Son joined the faculty at Scranton in 2017. He received a bachelor’s degree from Dankook University, a master’s degree from Western Illinois University, and a Ph.D. from Texas A and M University of the Health Sciences.

The Olympus FV4000 Confocal Microscope System is expected to be installed later this semester.

The University of Scranton has long been known for its success in placing graduates in medical and other health professions schools. Its acceptance rate to these schools falls consistently higher than the national acceptance rate.

In addition to MDs, DOs and DDMs, Scranton has also been quietly producing Ph.D.s in the sciences at a rate that places the University among the top Catholic colleges and universities in the nation.

Among Catholic undergraduate colleges and universities in the U.S. ranked for producing Ph.D. recipients from 2016 to 2022, The University of Scranton ranked No. 3 in the area mathematics and statistics; No. 10 for biological and biomedical sciences; No.10 for chemistry; and No. 16 for health sciences.

“Scranton’s strong placement alongside much larger and more graduate-focused Catholic institutions in the nation highlights not only our rigorous curriculum; but the ability of and commitment by our faculty to mentoring our students in research,” said Carolyn Barry, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University.

Scranton also ranked high among Catholic institutions in the nation for producing doctoral recipients in the areas of education administration (No. 10); history (No. 20); and psychology (No. 38).

The doctoral data, which originated from National Science Foundation, is presented in an interactive format for easy comparisons by Higher Ed Data Stories.

Read about the University’s success in placing women in fully-funded Ph.D. programs in philosophy in the Scranton Journal article.

In another recent national ranking, The Princeton Review “Best Colleges” list ranked The University of Scranton No. 17 in the nation for “Best Science Lab Facilities,” among other lists.

The University of Scranton will dedicate a state-of-the-art amateur radio station that serves students in the University’s W3USR Amateur Radio Club and is also used for physics courses and research by students and faculty participating with the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) project led by Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., associate professor of physics and engineering at Scranton. Research conducted using the facility has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) foundation and other organizations.

Located on the fifth floor of the Loyola Science Center, the main station has floor to ceiling glass walls with sweeping views of the city of Scranton. Last academic year, a 40-foot tower with a Skyhawk High Frequency antenna for 14, 21, and 28 MHz, as well as VHF/UHF satellite and microwave antennas, some with rotating mounts were installed, in addition to heavy-duty controllers, all-mode transceivers, speakers, desktop microphones and other components.

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In April of 2024, Dr. Frissell, University students and community volunteers used the capabilities of the station to participate in NASA’s Citizen Science Investigations to study the effects of the total solar eclipse on the earth’s ionosphere. Dr. Frissell, University students and faculty have already presented research supported by use of the facility at conferences including, most recently, at the National Science Foundation CEDAR (Coupling, Energetics, and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions) Workshop.

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W3USR is part of the University of Scranton Physics and Engineering Department. Major support for the amateur radio station was made possible through a generous grant from the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) foundation, with additional support from Mary Lou West, Ph.D., (KC2NMC), Edward Hayes (N6XEM), Jeffrey DePolo (WN3A), DXEngineering, and the National Science Foundation.

The dedication ceremony will begin at 3:10 p.m. in the PNC Auditorium of the Loyola Science Center with a presentation about the station by Dr. Frissell (W2NAF) and student members of the W3USR Amateur Radio Club, followed an open house for the station on the fifth floor of Loyola Science Center and a reception with light refreshments and student poster presentations in the Atrium of the Loyola Science Center. The dedication presentation, station open house and reception are free of charge and open to the public.

A ticketed buffet dinner that begins at 6:15 p.m. will conclude the dedication events planned for Oct. 25. Tickets for the buffet dinner are $30 and are available scranton.edu/w3usr-dedication. For additional information, call 570-941-7509 or email w3usr@scranton.edu.

The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum will feature two noted authors during the Collaborative Programs planned for the fall semester.

On Monday, Oct. 21, the Schemel Forum will partner with the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities for a presentation on “What Can a Body Do? How We Meet the Built World” by Sara Hendren, associate professor in Art and Design with a joint appointment in the School of Architecture, at Northeastern University.

Hendren’s art and design works have been exhibited on the White House lawn and at the Seoul Museum of Art, along with many other museums. Her work is held in the permanent collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Cooper Hewitt Museum. She is the co-founder of the Accessible Icon Project, a free icon in the public domain that redesigned the International Symbol of Access.

Her book “What Can a Body Do? How We Meet the Built World”(Riverhead/Penguin Random House) explores the places where disability shows up in design at all scales: assistive technology, furniture, architecture, urban planning and more. It was named one of the Best Books of 2020 by NPR, a finalist for the Massachusetts Book Award, and won the 2021 Science in Society Journalism book prize.

The event, which will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Weinberg Memorial Library’s Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, will include a reception and is free and open to the public.

Then, on Saturday, Nov. 16, the Schemel Forum and Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library will honor celebrated author, historian and medical humanities scholar Brandy Schillace, Ph.D. with the 2024 Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award.

Her recent novel, “The Framed Women of Ardemore House”(Hanover Square Press), has gained critical acclaim. Library Journal has named it a Recommended Read for Autism Acceptance Month, while The Washington Post notes that “The book is more than just a mystery: It’s an autistic woman’s journey of self-discovery.” Publisher’s Weekly writes that that “Schillace, who’s autistic herself, draws a marvelously believable heroine in Jo, and sets her up with an expertly constructed mystery. Readers will be hungry for a sequel.”

Dr. Schillace is also the author of several acclaimed non-fiction books, including “Mr. Humble and Dr. Butcher” (Simon & Schuster), both of which received glowing reviews from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. She is also the author of “Death's Summer Coat” (Pegasus Books) and “Clockwork Futures” (Pegasus Books).

The event will take place in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on the University’s campus beginning at 5 p.m. and includes a cocktail reception, dinner, award presentation and Distinguished Author keynote. Toastmaster will be University of Scranton alumnus Christopher Banks ’86, president and chief executive officer of the Autism Society of America.

Tickets are $100 per person. Special pricing is available for several groups: $80 for Friends of the Library, $60 for Schemel Forum members, $30 for Schemel Forum Angel Members and $40 for students. Schemel Forum Archangels may attend for free. Proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of the Library Endowment Fund, which supports special gifts for the Weinberg Library collections and services.

In addition, there will be a book signing open to the public from 4 to 5 p.m. in the DeNaples Center second floor lobby.

For additional information or registration information, contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816 or kym.fetsko@scranton.edu

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

Award-winning author Stephanie Saldaña will discuss her book “What We Remember Will Be Saved” at The University of Scranton’s 2024 Ignatian Values in Action Lecture on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the Byron Recreation Complex on campus.

The lecture is free of charge and open to the public.

Saldaña’s book, “What We Remember Will Be Saved: A Story of Refugees and the Things They Carry,” narrates the experiences of Syrian and Iraqi refugees through their stories and the belongings they carry.

“What We Remember Will Be Saved” was the 2023 Christopher Award Winner and 2024 Excellence in Religion Reporting Award Winner for Nonfiction. A journalist and scholar, Saldaña other books are “The Bread of Angels: A Journey to Love and Faith” and “A Country Between: Making a Home Where Both Sides of Jerusalem Collide.”

For information about the event, call 570-941-7520.

Named one of the “Best 300 Professors in the U.S.” by The Princeton Review, Bryan W. Van Norden, Ph.D., discussed “Learning from Chinese Philosophy” at a Humanities Forum Lecture, presented The University of Scranton Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities and the Asian Studies Program. Dr. Van Norden is the best-selling author of “Taking Back Philosophy: A Multicultural Manifesto.” He is the James Monroe Taylor Chair in Philosophy at Vassar College and chair professor in the School of Philosophy at Wuhan University in China.

The lecture took place in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall on campus in September.

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The spirit of generosity at The University of Scranton was on full display at the President’s Medal Gala in Manhattan, proceeds from which support the University’s Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund. After honoring James M. Slattery ’86, H’23, former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and head of North America for Rosebank Industries PLC, with the President’s Medal, the University received three anonymous six-figure donations totaling more than $700,000 in less than 20 minutes; by the evening’s end, more than $2.3 million was raised. The total is the most money raised for Presidential Scholarships in the more than 20-year history of the President’s Medal events, which started in 2002.

“We are here at beautiful Chelsea Piers for the best possible purpose: to celebrate our students, to celebrate our mission, and to celebrate our wonderful benefactors for their generosity, especially tonight’s honoree and former chair of the Board of Trustees, Jim Slattery,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, at the gala, which was chaired by John D. Dionne ’86, H’10. “In the gospel of John, Jesus says to his disciples: Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. Jim Slattery is one who follows Jesus. There is no question about it. And where Jesus is, there also is Jim.”

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.

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"We are here tonight for these wonderful students … and for all those that will follow in their footsteps,” said Slattery upon accepting the medal. “As Royals or supporters of Royals, we are all called to do what we can to support the mission, vision and outcomes of the University.

“The University of Scranton is a special place and, in many ways, a sacred place where God’s work is happening every day. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t thank God for letting me discover this University close to 40 years ago.”

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A certified public accountant, Slattery is the head of North America for Rosebank Industries PLC, a company that buys, improves and sells companies. Prior to joining Rosebank Industries PLC, he was the chief operating officer at Melrose PLC. Previously, Slattery served as chief financial officer for McKechnie Aerospace, CFO for 180s, Struever Bros. Eccles and Rouse and DAP Products, Inc., and as controller for Wassall PLC. He began his career with Coopers and Lybrand.

Slattery earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from The University of Scranton. He served as the chair of the University’s President’s Business Council Annual Award Dinner in 2013. He joined the University's Board of Trustees in 2015 and served as its chair from 2019-2022. He and his wife, Betsy, established the University’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities, named in honor of his parents, who instilled in him a commitment to Catholic higher education. He received an honorary degree from the University in 2023.

Slattery resides in Atlanta, Georgia. He and his wife are the proud parents of three sons: John Michael, Daniel and Shane.

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Alexandra Shomali ’25, a mathematical sciences and philosophy double major at Scranton, spoke on behalf of the Presidential Scholars at the event. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the research-based University Honors Program, Shomali said the full-tuition Presidential Scholarship she and 18 of her classmates received afforded them the flexibility to freely pursue courses of interest and to become active on- and off-campus.

“Presidential scholars are leaders both in and out of the classroom. In the classroom, we are top students – we collaborate with others; we become teaching assistants, mentors and tutors to those who need extra help. Outside the classroom, we are presidents of clubs, captains of sports teams, officers in student government, and coordinators of service projects. We have the financial freedom to follow our passions and explore all kinds of unique scholastic and extracurricular activities,” said Shomali, of Ellicott City, Maryland.

Other Presidential Scholars of the University’s class of 2025 are: Gabrielle M. Bingener, Barto, a neuroscience major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM and University Honors Program; Grace E. Boyle, Clarks Summit, a finance major and member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program; Stephen J. Butler, Telford, a neuroscience major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM; Amanda E. Campbell, Farmingville, New York, a nursing major; Cabre A. Capalongo, Scranton, a biology major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program; Arissa J. Chambers, Henryville, a biology and philosophy major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM; Bella M. Davis, Atlantic Beach, New York, a kinesiology major; Patrick D. DelBalso, Plains, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program; Nicolas M. Hipolito Jr., Scranton, a mathematics major; Samantha G. Hoffmann, Millington, New Jersey, a nursing major;  Michael J. Howard, Mayfield, a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM; Mary E. Krichbaum, Endicott, New York, a mathematics and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Magis Honors Program in STEM and University Honors Program; Grace K. McDonald, Jamison, a biochemistry major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM and University Honors Program; Elizabeth P. McKechney, Fairport, New York, a communication sciences and disorders major; Liam P. Moran, Scranton, a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM; Theresa Pham, Philadelphia, a biology major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM; Anthony I. Torres, New Milford, a biochemistry major; Grace E. Washney, West Wyoming, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM.

“Scholarships are nothing less than life-changing so thank you for changing lives,” said Father Marina to those attending the event that raises funds to support Presidential Scholarships at Scranton.

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To see more photos from the event, visit this link. For more information about the President’s Business Council, contact Eric Eckenrode, associate vice president of development, at eric.eckenrode@scranton.edu or Brad Troy ’02, executive director of Advancement for Campus Engagement, at bradley.troy@scranton.edu.

The University of Scranton has appointed 22 new full-time faculty members for the 2024-2025 academic year.

            Michael Catalano, Ph.D., was named an assistant professor in the Political Science Department. He was most recently a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Binghamton University, where he also had been a pre-law advising associate, pre-law advisor and an instructor of record. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and environmental studies at Gettysburg College and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in political science at Binghamton University (SUNY). He has an extensive publication history that includes peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, working papers, book reviews and conference presentations.

            Kristina Dorkoski, DPT, was named a faculty specialist in the Physical Therapy Department. She is a board-certified neurologic clinical specialist (NCS) and a certified exercise expert for aging adults (CEEAA). She served as the senior physical therapist on the neurologic team at Allied Services. She earned a bachelor’s degree in health science and master’s degree in physical therapy at Misericordia University and a doctorate in physical therapy at Temple University, Philadelphia. She also earned an Advanced Vestibular Physical Therapist certificate at the University of Pittsburgh. She has been a panelist, speaker, facilitator and guest author in numerous community forums on topics ranging from Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis to fall prevention and post-stroke recovery.

                                      Krisy Elrod, Ph.D., previously a University of Scranton lecturer, was named an assistant professor in the Counseling and Human Services Department. A licensed marriage and family therapist and registered play therapist-supervisor, Dr. Elrod has been an adjunct professor, a clinician in private practice, a subject matter expert for the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, a clinical supervisor, an advocate, a CACREP site visitor, a Red Cross disaster mental health counselor and a psychiatric social worker. She earned a master’s degree in professional counseling at Texas State University and a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision at Oregon State University. She has a certificate in medical trauma counseling from Xavier University and a certificate in mindful self-awareness.

            Anna Grippi, previously a University of Scranton lecturer, was named a faculty specialist in the Nursing Department. Prior to joining the University, she worked as health coordinator for the Scranton Lackawanna Human Development Agency. She has been a clinical navigator, nurse reviewer for Federal Hearings and Appeals, a team nurse in mental health for the Scranton Counseling Center and a registered nurse on the neurological/trauma floor for Geisinger Community Medical Center. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Marywood University and her Master of Science in nursing at Aspen University with a specialization in nursing education.

                                   Megan Heeder, Ph.D., was named an assistant professor in the Theology/Religious Studies Department. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the Program of Liberal Studies and her master’s degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Theological Studies degree from Boston College, and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies, Ethics/Systematics, from Marquette University. She also earned a certificate in Ignatian pedagogy at Marquette. She has a seven-plus-year publication and presentation history and has taught since 2015. She is fluent in Spanish and can read French, German and Latin.

           Anna Jaskiewicz, Ph.D., was named an assistant professor in the Economics, Finance and International Business Department. She most recently served as a teaching assistant and teaching associate at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She earned her bachelor’s degree in economics at New York University in Shanghai and her master’s and Ph.D. in economics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her fields of interest are applied microeconomics, demography and health and crime economics. Her research projects include work on anti-Black hate crimes and health outcomes, gunshot noise and birth outcomes and the effect of leaderboards on student study plans.

             Julieann Kane, DNP, was named an instructor in the Nursing Department. She was most recently a certified registered nurse practitioner in gastroenterology at Commonwealth Health Physician Network in Plains Township and had been a CRNP in endocrinology at Intermountain Medical Group, Kingston, a registered nurse in the Infectious Disease Clinic at the Wright Center for Primary Care in Scranton, and a cardiac intensive care nurse for the Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown. She also has worked in home health and hospice. She previously taught at Wilkes University. She earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in nursing at The University of Scranton and her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Wilkes University. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in nursing at Barry University. 

              Elyse Kay, OTD, was named a faculty specialist in the Occupational Therapy Department. She most recently taught at Binghamton University, prior to which she completed clinical details at Residential Home Health and Fox Rehabilitation. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sport and exercise science at DeSales University, her master’s degree in occupational therapy at Philadelphia University, and her doctorate in occupational therapy at Gannon University, where she was named Outstanding Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate Student. She has made numerous academic presentations and served as a reviewer for several conference proposals.

               Margaret Lakomy, Ph.D., was named a visiting assistant professor in the Chemistry Department. She most recently taught chemistry at Pennsylvania State University, where she earned the Harold F. Martin Graduate Assistant Outstanding Teaching Award, and where she conducted research in the Giri Group on novel functionalization methods of organic compounds. Her notable community service record includes STEM programs for young women as well as raising and training future guide dogs for the blind. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Ohio State University and her doctoral degree in chemistry at Pennsylvania State University.

                                         Courtney Lancia, OTD, was named a faculty specialist in the Occupational Therapy Department, for which she had been an academic fieldwork coordinator since 2014 and an adjunct faculty member since 2012. She was employed for 10 years as a staff occupational therapist at Clarks Summit State Hospital. She also served as Capstone advisor in occupational therapy at Gannon University and as an adjunct faculty member in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Lackawanna College. She earned her bachelor’s degree in health sciences and master’s degree in occupational therapy at The University of Scranton and her post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate at Gannon University.

                Chi Hou Lei, Ph.D., was named an assistant professor in the Physics and Engineering Department. He joined the faculty in January 2024, prior to which he had been an assistant professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering at St. Louis University. He also had been a post-doctoral research associate and instructor at the University of Washington in Seattle. He earned Excellence in Teaching Awards at both institutions. He earned bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and mathematics at National Taiwan University, Taipei City, Taiwan, a master’s degree in mathematics at Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of Washington.

                  Jinqing Liu, Ph.D., was named an assistant professor in the Education Department. She was most recently a postdoctoral scholar in the School of Education for the University of California, Irvine, and a postdoctoral fellow for the University of New Hampshire. She previously was an instructor of record for The University of New Hampshire and The University of Indiana and had been a K-12 math teacher in China and Indiana. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and statistics at Zhanjiang Normal University in China, her master’s degree in higher education at the Tsinghua University in China, and her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction at the University of Indiana, Bloomington.

             David Mahalak, D.Eng., a faculty specialist for three years, was named an assistant professor in the Operations and Analytics Department. He previously had been a visiting assistant and adjunct professor at Wilkes University and an adjunct professor at Penn State University, Hazleton. He worked as a strategic business management consultant at Applied Logistics Integration Consulting LLC in Dallas and as a logistics analyst at Alion Science and Technology in Fort Lee, Virginia. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Wilkes University, a master’s in operations research at Northeastern University in Boston, and a Doctor of Engineering in engineering management at The George Washington University. He has a master’s certificate in supply chain management from Michigan State University and a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Certificate from Villanova University.

                 Ehsan Mahyari, Ph.D., was named an assistant professor in the Operations & Analytics Department. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering at Sharif University of Technology, Golpayegan, Isfahan, a master’s degree in industrial engineering in logistics and supply chain at Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, and a doctorate in operations management at the University of Alabama, where he was honored as Outstanding Operations Management Ph.D. student and defended his dissertation on electric vehicle fleet charging management. As an intern at bp pulse, formerly AMPLY Power, his key project was Electric Vehicle Fleet Charge Scheduling Optimization. He is certified in International Hospital Management by the SDA Bocconi School of Management, Tehran, Iran.

                 William Miller, Ph.D., previously a graduate and undergraduate faculty specialist for nine years, was named an assistant professor in the Health Administration and Human Resources Department. He earned a bachelor’s degree in health science at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, a master’s in health administration at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, and a doctorate in human development-health promotion at Marywood University. He had previously been employed as a clinical assistant professor of family medicine at the Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, a distance education compliance officer and graduate program coordinator in the School of Nursing at Wilkes University, and a graduate assistant in the School of Social Work and Administrative Studies at Marywood University.

                 Hiva Samadian, Ph.D., was named an assistant professor in the Computing Sciences Department. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Amir Kabir University, Tehran, Iran, an MSc in information technology from Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, and a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Puerto Rico. He was previously an assistant professor at King’s College, a visiting assistant professor at Colgate University, a lecturer, lab instructor and research assistant at the University of Puerto Rico and a teaching assistant at Ohio State University, Columbus, and the University of Puerto Rico. He also had been a teacher and mentor at Amir Kabir University and a research assistant at Tarbiat Modares University.

                 Mary Tabit, Psy.D., was named assistant professor in the Psychology Department at The University of Scranton. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Tabit served as the director of clinical training and assistant professor in the Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program at Immaculata University. Dr. Tabit has also taught at The Pennsylvania State University in Abington and James Madison University. Throughout her career, Dr. Tabit has worked to improve public health outcomes through diverse research and evaluation projects as a senior project director at Public Health Management Corporation in Philadelphia, and appointments at the Treatment Research Institute and Aaron T. Beck Psychopathology Research Center at the University of Pennsylvania. She earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology at Saint Joseph’s University, a Master of Science in Clinical Health and Counseling Psychology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, a post-baccalaureate certificate in marketing from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical and School Psychology at James Madison University.

                  Paul Tierney, Ph.D., was named an assistant professor in the Counseling and Human Services Department. He earned a Master of Education in school counseling at the University of Montevallo and a Ph.D. in counselor education at Auburn University, both in Alabama. He was previously an adjunct instructor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a graduate teaching assistant at Auburn University. He worked in children’s health in Birmingham and for the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation as a counselor and clinical director for the substance abuse program. He is a licensed professional counselor and licensed professional counselor-supervisor.

                   Jennifer Whittaker, Ph.D., was named an assistant professor in the Occupational Therapy Department. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in occupational therapy at The University of Scranton and her master’s degree in health studies and her Ph.D. in occupational therapy at Texas Woman’s University. She previously was an adjunct faculty member at The University of Scranton and a teaching fellow at Texas Woman’s University. She serves as an occupational therapist at Allied Services Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Scranton and as a school-based occupational therapist for the Luzerne Intermediate Educational Unit.

                    Mehmet Ali Yetim, Ph.D., was named an assistant professor in the Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department. He earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration at Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey, where he was valedictorian; a master’s degree in management and systems at New York University and a doctorate in management at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, where he was awarded the Bedeian Award for Excellence in Research. At Louisiana State University, Dr. Yetim was an instructor of record in the E.J. Ourso College of Business and there he was awarded the James Reddoch Graduate Student Award for Excellence in Teaching.

                  Xinyu Zhou, Ph.D., was named an assistant professor in the Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing at China University of Geosciences in Wuhan, China, a master’s in marketing at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, China, and a doctorate in marketing at New Mexico State University. She has been an adjunct professor at Wuhan Vocational College of Software and Engineering and a graduate assistant and course instructor at New Mexico State University.

                  Aaron Ziegler, Ph.D., was named an assistant professor in the Health and Human Performance Department. He holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP). He has taught part time at The University of Scranton since August 2023 and is an academic support volunteer at the University of Ghana. Previously, he was an adjunct assistant professor at Pacific University and a clinical assistant professor at Portland State University. Dr. Ziegler also had been a postdoctoral fellow and speech-language pathologist at Oregon Health and Science University, a tenure-track acting assistant professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and an adjunct faculty member at Columbia College in Chicago. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish (Latin American Studies) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance with an acting emphasis at the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in speech-language pathology at Northwestern University, and a doctorate in communication science and disorders at the University of Pittsburgh. He has professional voice and speech training and is the founder and president of Bjorn This Way, a Portland, Oregon, nonprofit; and the co-founder and co-owner of PhoRTE® Voice Therapy. He has been an assistant professor and speech-language pathologist at Oregon Health and Science University, an expert consultant in speech-language pathology at Tripler Army Medical Center, a speech-language pathologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, a clinical fellow in speech-language pathology at Emory University and a performing arts, singing and creative movement teacher in Hong Kong.

Marc Melitz, Ph.D., the David A. Wells Professor of Political Economy at Harvard University, will deliver The University of Scranton’s fall 2024 Henry George Lecture titled “Global Production and Innovation Networks: Consequences for Trade and Industrial Policy.” The lecture will take place Thursday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on campus.

Dr. Melitz’s primary research interests are in international trade and investment. Theories which he introduced in 2003, now called the “Melitz model,” have been widely adapted by economists. Melitz’s theory holds that only the largest and strongest companies in an industry engage in international trade because of the significant resources required to conduct business in foreign markets.

Dr. Melitz’s research has been published in several of the leading economics journals, including the American Economic Review, the Journal of International Economics, The Review of Economic Studies, the Journal of Political Economy, The Review of Economics and Statistics and the Journal of Economic Perspectives. He is a co-author, with Paul Krugman and Maury Obstfeld, of the textbook International Economics: Theory and Policy.

A fellow of the Econometric Society, Dr. Melitz is affiliated with the National Bureau of Economic Research, the Centre for Economic Policy Research and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. His research has been funded by the Sloan Foundation and the National Science Foundation. He was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Science in 2017. In 2008, the Economist magazine named him among the best of a new generation of economists.

Dr. Melitz has been a professor in the Economics Department at Harvard University since 2009.  Previously he was professor of economics and international affairs in the Department of Economics and the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University from 2007 to 2009.

Dr. Melitz served as an associate editor of the American Economic Journal: Microeconomics, from 2007 to 2010, the foreign editor of The Review of Economic Studies from 2007 to 2010, an associate editor of the Journal of International Economics from 2005 to 2011 and an associate editor of the Economic Journal from 2004 to 2008.

Dr. Melitz received a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Michigan. He received a bachelor’s degree from Haverford College and a master’s degree from the Robert Smith School of Business of the University of Maryland.

Considered the preeminent public lecture series on economics in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Henry George Lecture Series is presented by the University’s Department of Economics, Finance and International Business 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 12 winners of the Nobel Prize in Economics: Daron Acemoglu (2024), David Card (2021) Paul Romer (2018), Robert Shiller (2013), Tom Sargent (2011), Peter Diamond (2010), Paul Krugman (2008), Joseph Stiglitz (2001), George Akerlof (2001), Amartya Sen (1998), Robert Lucas (1995) and Robert Solow (1987). The lecture series is named in honor of the 19th century American economist and social reformer and is supported financially by a grant from the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation.

The Henry George Lecture is presented free of charge and is open to the public. For more information, call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu.

Yamile Silva, Ph.D., professor of world languages and cultures at The University of Scranton, was appointed general editor of the academic Journal of Gender and Sexuality Studies/ Revista de Estudio de Género y Sexualidades, which is published by Michigan State University Press. She will serve as general editor for five years, beginning in 2025.

In addition, a dossier she co-edited was selected as the best scholarly collaborative project by the international professional organization GEMELA (Grupo de Estudios de la Mujer en España y las Américas pre-1800). The dossier, “‘Yo llana estoy’: Jerarquías, transgresiones y despliegues de género en América hispana colonial (1492-1898),” was co-edited with Ana María Díaz Burgos, Ph.D., the Eric and Jane Nord Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies and chair of Hispanic Studies at Oberlin College. It included an introduction, five essays, and two academic interviews for a total of 50,000 words.

Dr. Silva’s research and publications focus in the areas of 17^th and 20^th century Spanish women writers, Spanish American literature (colonial and contemporary), women's studies, historical textualities and transatlantic studies. Her recent books include Agencia, Historia y Empoderamiento Femenino (2018) coedited with Diane Martin, Ph.D., and Eva Paris, Ph.D.; La sonrisa del paisaje. Diarios de Abigail Mejía (2020); the anthology Palabras: Dispatches from the Festival de la Palabra (2014), coedited with Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., associate professor of English and theatre at The University of Scranton; the monograph issues Raza, género y diáspora en el Caribe (2017) and Las utopias en la literatura (2018), both co-edited with Daniel Torres, Ph.D. In addition to articles published in academic journals, she has published book chapters in Women's Negotiations and Textual Agency (2017), Gendering Citizenship and Globalization (2011) and La constitución de identidades subalternas en el discurso jurídico (2008).

Dr. Silva joined the faculty at Scranton in 2009. She serves as director of Latin American and Latinx studies at Scranton. She has been an associated faculty member of the Women Studies Program since 2010. She served as director of the University’s Intersession Study Abroad Program in Puebla, México (Universidad Iberoamericana) and the Summer Spain Program (Universidad de Navarra). Dr. Silva received the University’s Excellence in Advancing Global Learning Award in 2014.

Dr. Silva is a member of the Executive Council of the Colonial Section, Latin American Studies Association, the largest professional association in the world for individuals and institutions engaged in the study of Latin America.

Dr. Silva received a bachelor’s degree from Los Andes University, and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

U.S. News & World Report has once again ranked The University of Scranton among the top 10 regional universities in the north, placing Scranton No. 6 in its 2025 edition of the “Best Colleges” guidebook, which became available online today. This marks the 31^st consecutive year the U.S. News has ranked Scranton in the top 10 in its category.

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.

Three of Scranton’s academic programs were among the top 50 in the nation. U.S. News ranked Scranton among the nation’s “Best Undergraduate Programs in Analytics” at No. 26; “Best Undergraduate Programs in Accounting” at No. 41; and among the “Best Undergraduate Programs in Finance” at No. 43. Other programs also received national recognition: “Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs” at No. 149; and among “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs” at No. 190 (where a doctorate is not offered). Scranton’s was also listed among the 584 “Best Undergraduate Computer Science Programs” in the nation. Scranton also ranked No. 248 among America’s “Best Undergraduate Business Programs,” which listed only 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.

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In addition, U.S. News ranked Scranton No. 53 as a “Best Value Regional University in the North,” which compares academic quality of programs to cost of attendance. This is the 11^th consecutive year U.S. News has recognized Scranton as a “Best Value” school. Scranton was ranked No. 116 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 nearly 20 measures of academic quality to rank bachelor’s degree colleges in America. For its rankings, U.S. News considers a range of quality indicators that include a peer assessment of academic excellence; faculty resources; financial resources; graduate indebtedness; freshman retention; graduation rates; Pell graduation rates, and graduation performance rates, which compares a school’s actual graduation rates with predicted graduation rates based on characteristics of the incoming class. U.S. News ranking analysis also includes student selectivity, 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 2025 U.S. News “Best Colleges” rankings became available online Sept. 24.

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The University of Scranton named three new members to its Board of Trustees: Charles Carey, J.D. ’75, James Harrington, J.D. ’83 and Patrick Haveron, ’83.

Charles Carey, J.D. ’75

Charles Carey, Esq., is a member emeritus of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris Glovsky and Popeo, P.C., a full-service, multi-disciplinary law firm with over 500 attorneys and senior professionals in offices across the United States and in Toronto, Canada.

Nationally recognized in the area of municipal finance with an emphasis on the financing of both private activity and governmental facilities, Atty. Carey has been a frequent speaker at national conferences concerning the financing of affordable housing and securities law. He has been recognized among the top attorneys in the Boston and New York editions of Super Lawyers and was recently included in the current edition of The Best Lawyers in America. He has been an active member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers and is admitted to practice law in New York, California and Massachusetts. He is a co-author of “A Guide to Municipal Official Statements.”

Atty. Carey received his bachelor’s degree in political science from The University of Scranton in 1975. He began working with the law firm Mudge Rose Guthrie Alexander and Ferdon, L.L.P., shortly after graduation and attended St. John’s University Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor degree in 1979. He advanced through the ranks at Mudge Rose before joining Mintz in 1995. Atty. Carey’s clients include leading municipal agencies and prestigious securities and banking firms. He has worked with the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency for over 45 years. He also served as bond and underwriters’ counsel in connection with numerous financings with the New York State Housing Finance Agency, and worked with the New York Yankees and New York Mets in connection with the financing of the new Yankee Stadium and Citi Field.

An active member of the Alumni Society and the President’s Business Council at Scranton, Atty. Carey and his wife, Kathleen, established The Carey Family Scholarship to recognize the extraordinary efforts of his mother, Catharine Daley Carey, to fund educational opportunities for her two sons. This scholarship is awarded to students of single parent households. Carey and his wife have been married for 45 years and are the parents of two children, Chas (Charles, Jr.) and Sean.

James Harrington, J.D. ’83

James Harrington, Esq., has extensive experience as an intellectual property strategist and litigator, and in-house counsel in demanding business, legal, economic and regulatory environments, including global pharmaceutical corporations, mid-sized businesses, government and law firms. Highly successful in collaborating with executive teams and all levels of legal and non-legal personnel across the globe, Atty. Harrington led a legal team that was undefeated in intellectual property litigation during an 11-year period. He is considered a leading expert in Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act (Hatch-Waxman Act) litigation, and is also a leader in the use of data analytics in trial strategy and jury selection.

Atty. Harrington is currently chief intellectual property counsel at Radius Health, a science-driven biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes innovative endocrine therapeutics. He advises the organization on a wide range of intellectual property matters, provides IP counseling to clients, and manages products through development, marketing approval and post-approval. Prior to joining Radius, he was retained by both Novartis and Takeda Pharmaceuticals in interim roles to help manage the divestiture of the block-buster dry eye drug Xiidra and to oversee the integration of Shire Pharmaceutical’s intellectual property group following Takeda’s acquisition of Shire. Previously, he served for 15 years as senior vice president, global chief intellectual property counsel at Shire, a $46 billion market cap, global bio-pharmaceutical company. Atty. Harrington was a two-time recipient of the “CEO Award,” Shire’s highest honor, for his outstanding work in managing and settling important patent litigation.

Prior to joining Shire, Atty. Harrington spent five years in Belgium with Johnson & Johnson, where he established the European Patent Law Department. He received Johnson & Johnson’s prestigious “Standard of Leadership” award for his success in managing multiple acquisitions and cross-border multinational patent litigations.

Atty. Harrington earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from The University of Scranton in 1983. He holds a graduate degree in international business management from New York University, a Juris Doctor from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, and a master’s degree in forensic science from the City University of New York. He is admitted to the bar in the State of New Jersey, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Atty. Harrington and his wife Amy, have three sons, James ’24, Daniel ’23 and John ’26.  

Patrick Haveron ’83

Patrick Haveron is chief executive officer and chief financial officer at Maiden Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based holding company specializing in ownership and management of businesses and assets in the reinsurance, insurance and related financial services industries in addition to select strategic investments.

Haveron joined Maiden as executive vice president in 2009 and has served in a variety of executive and financial leadership roles with the company. He continued to rise to top executive positions with Maiden Holdings, being named president in 2018, then co-chief executive officer and chief financial officer in 2020, and finally his current position as chief executive officer and chief financial officer in 2023.

Prior to Maiden, Haveron was president and chief executive officer of Preserver Group, Inc., a publicly traded property and casualty insurer, after having served in a variety of financial and executive leadership roles since 1988. After Preserver’s acquisition by Tower Group in 2007, he also served as Tower’s senior vice president and chief operating officer from 2007 to 2009. He began his career as a certified public accountant at Coopers and Lybrand.

Haveron earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from The University of Scranton in 1983. While a student at Scranton, he was a member of the baseball team and one of the team captains as a senior. An active and loyal alumnus, Haveron continues to share his acumen for business and finance with students and other alumni. He is an executive committee member of the President’s Business Council, a career coach, a member of the Accounting Department’s Professional Council, and a former member of the Parents’ Executive Council.

He and his wife, Mary ’85, established the Haveron Family Scholarship, a need-based award that benefits students from the greater Scranton region pursuing undergraduate degrees in accounting at the University. The couple have been married 38 years and have three children, Matthew, Andrew and Sean ’18.

Through Oct. 11    Art Exhibit: “The Lackawanna River and Watershed: History and Environment.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 2    5 p.m. Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities: “An American Icon in Puerto Rico: Barbie, Girlhood, and Colonialism at Play,” presented by Emily Aguilo Perez. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu. 

Oct. 5   9 a.m. Empower Her: Political Pathways for Women, a non-partisan program to helping women in NEPA become more politically active hosted by The University of Scranton’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service. DeNaples Center. $15 fee. Reservations required. Call 570-941-6326 or email ceeps@scranton.edu.

Oct. 8     11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “The Power of Storytelling” presented by Jonathan Conyers, acclaimed author of the memoir “I Wasn’t Supposed to Be Here.” Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Oct. 9       8:30 a.m. 23rd Annual U.S. Conference on DISABILITY “The Rehabilitation Act: Learning From Our Past, Knowing Our Present & Building Our Future.” McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Free. Call 570-941-4308 or visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference.

Oct. 9     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “General Recital” featuring student musicians from Performance Music. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Oct. 10    7:30 p.m. Ignatian Values in Action Lecture: “What We Remember Will Be Saved” presented by Stephanie Saldaña, author of “What We Remember Will Be Saved.” Byron Recreation Complex. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email linda.walsh@scranton.edu.

Oct. 18     11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “There’s a Future in the Past: Leading a Repertory Orchestra/Band in the 21^st Century” presented by Vince Giordano, Grammy-winner, multi-instrumentalist and band leader. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Oct. 18     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks!” Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Oct. 21-Nov. 22     Art Exhibit: “Hudson River and Delaware Valley: Selections from the Paul Biedlingmaier Jr. Collection.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 21    5:30 p.m. Schemel Forum with the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities Collaborative Program. Myers Distinguished Visiting Fellow in the Humanities and Civic Engagement Lecture: “What Can a Body Do? How We Meet the Built World” presented by Sara Hendren, associate professor of art, design and architecture, Northeastern University. Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Free, courtesy of the Myers Fellowship. Reception follows. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Oct. 21     6:30 p.m. Scranton Stories: “Hispanic/Latinx Voices: Screening and Panel Discussion.” Main Auditorium, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine Street, Scranton. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email daysi.carreto@scranton.edu.

Oct. 24    5 p.m. Ethics Across the Curriculum Speaker: “Beyond the 3Rs: How to Shift the Current Animal Research Paradigm” presented by Kathrin Herrmann. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

Oct. 24    7:30 p.m. Henry George Lecture: “Global Production and Innovation Networks: Consequences for Trade and Industrial Policy” presented by Marc Melitz, Ph.D., the David L. Wells Professor of Political Economy at Harvard University. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu.

Oct. 25     11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Bridge Over Troubled Water: Harnessing the Power of Music, Art, and the Humanities for Better Health” presented by Olapeju Simoyan, M.D., professor of psychiatry, Drexel University College of Medicine. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Oct. 25            3:10 p.m. Dedication of W3USR Amateur Ham Radio Station, followed by open house of new radio station, research poster display and reception with light refreshments. Loyola Science Center PNC Auditorium, Atrium and Amateur Radio Station. Free. Call 570-941-7509 or email w3usr@scranton.edu.

Oct. 25            6:15 p.m. Ham Radio Station W3USR Dedication Dinner Buffet. Loyola Science Center Atrium. $30. Tickets Required to Attend. Visit scranton.edu/w3usr-dedication. Call 570-941-7509 or email w3usr@scranton.edu.

Oct. 25    5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “Hudson River and Delaware Valley: Selections from the Paul Biedlingmaier Jr. Collection.” Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 25-27 and Nov. 1-3     8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” 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. 26     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert: The University of Scranton Jazz Band” with guest soloist Alvin Atkinson, drums. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Oct. 27    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.

Schemel Courses:

Wednesdays: Oct. 16, 23, 30 and Nov. 6, 13, 20      6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “From Caligari to Hitler: Cinema and Politics during the Weimar Republic 1918-1933” presented by Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., professor, department of philosophy, The University of Scranton. Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

 

“There are always hidden historians among the survivors of war. These are the people who carry the stories of what happened with them when they escape, so that the past can be remembered,” wrote author Stephanie Saldaña in the prologue to her award-winning book “What We Remember Will Be Saved.” “(T)hey carry these stories not in books but through little things. A sapling, a spoon, a scarf, a recipe for eggplants stuffed with walnuts, a prayer in a dying language.”

Saldaña will speak about her book at The University of Scranton at the 2024 Ignatian Values in Action Lecture on Thursday, Oct. 10. The event, which is offered free of charge and open to the public, will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Byron Recreation Complex on campus.

The book was selected for the University’s Royal Reads program for the incoming Class of 2028. The program encourages all incoming students to read a designated book during the summer and to attend the lecture in order to create a shared experience among the students and expose them to the Ignatian values at the core of the University’s mission. Throughout their first year, students will encounter themes of the Royals Reads selection repeated in classes, extracurricular opportunities and other special events.

Saldaña’s book, “What We Remember Will Be Saved: A Story of Refugees and the Things They Carry,” narrates the experiences of Syrian and Iraqi refugees through their stories and the belongings they carry.

 “I have met those who save the past simply by speaking it aloud, who write the dead into living by planting a tree. This book is about these historians and the stories they rescue. It is also a chronicle of war and migration told to me by those who managed to stay alive,” wrote Saldaña, who traveled to nine countries to learn the stories of Syrian and Iraqi refugees.

“In time, I began to hear stories: Of a young musician from Homs, Syria, who crossed the sea with his violin wrapped in cellophane. Of Syrian mothers teaching their children recipes for eggplant jam in the refugee camps of Lebanon. … (T)he small things they salvaged not mere fragments but windows into the histories they were now entrusted with remembering and transmitting to future generations,” wrote Saldaña.

“What We Remember Will Be Saved” was the 2023 Christopher Award Winner and 2024 Excellence in Religion Reporting Award Winner for Nonfiction. A journalist and scholar, Saldaña discussed her book “The Bread of Angels: A Journey to Love and Faith,” at the University’s Ignatian Values in Action Lecture in 2019. The book was selected for the Royals Read program for Scranton’s Class of 2023. She also wrote “A Country Between: Making a Home Where Both Sides of Jerusalem Collide,” which was published in 2017.

The Ignatian Values in Action Lecture series is meant to introduce students, and the larger community, to the mission and core values of the University. Since 2012, the annual event has invited individuals to speak on topics related to the tradition of meaningful service inspired by Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. 

First Year Seminar students at the University are required to attend the Ignatian Values in Action lecture. Students will swipe their ID cards at entrance stations to be counted in attendance. 

For information about the event, call 570-941-7520.

The University of Scranton and Symbiosis International, a top-ranked, “Deemed University” in India, have signed a memorandum of understanding that will allow for the future development of exchange programs for faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students, as well as possible joint research projects and curricular and education programs. The University Grants Commission in India grants “Deemed University” status to high-performing educational institutions and research organizations that meet specific criteria.

An internationally recognized, multi-disciplinary university, Symbiosis International attracts students from more than 85 countries.

The memorandum of understanding between Scranton and Symbiosis International commonly sets into motion the future development of exchange programs for faculty for conducting jointly organized courses or scholarly research, and administrative staff for training courses. The agreement also allows for future undergraduate and graduate students exchange programs for education or internships, with the possibility of developing joint educational programs and curriculum, including programs that would award double-diplomas from both schools.

Symbiosis International has campuses in six cities in India, with a planned campus in Dubai, U.A.E., in the future. Founded in 1971, Symbiosis International University is a private institution built on the principles of Vedic thought, promoting the idea of “World as One Family.” The university provides high-quality education and fostering international understanding. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council of India has awarded it an “A++” grade. Internationally, the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject placed Symbiosis International 140th globally and sixth in India in business and management studies; 389th globally and 10th in India in social sciences and management; and in the 551-600 grouping globally and 12th in India in computer science and information systems. This memorandum of understanding will mark a significant collaboration with Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development, which is a constituent of Symbiosis International University and is AACSB accredited with the Financial Times – Master in Management rank of 76th Globally and 8th in India in the year 2024.

The University of Scranton has been consistently ranked among the top colleges in the U.S., including being ranked by U.S. News in the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 31 consecutive years.

Forbes ranked The University of Scranton among “America’s Top Colleges” in its 2024-2025 ranking, published in September. This marks the 16^th year Scranton was included in the list of the nation’s elite schools. Scranton is the only college in Northeast Pennsylvania to be named among the just 500 colleges in the nation listed. Scranton, ranked No. 399, was among just 27 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 six years and 10 years 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 calculated a “return on investment” (15 percent) based on net cost for a college and the “post-enrollment earnings boost” compared to high school graduates in that state. Forbes also looked at retention rate (10 percent) and academic success (10 percent), as measured by alumni winning prestigious academic scholarships, such as Fulbright and Truman scholarships.

In other recent national rankings, The Princeton Review included Scranton in its list of “Best Colleges” for 23 consecutive years, and ranked the University No. 17 in the nation for “Best Science Lab Facilities,” No. 23 in the nation for “Students Most Engaged in Community Service” and No. 23 in the country for “Best-Run Colleges.”

Gretchen J. Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor in the Political Science Department at The University of Scranton, received the John L. Earl III Award for service to the University, the faculty and the wider community. The 2024 John L. Earl III Award was presented at the University’s annual Fall Convocation, which took place on campus on Sept. 6.

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.

Stephen E. Whittaker, Ph.D., professor of English and theatre and the 2023 John L. Earl III Award recipient, read the citation for Dr. Van Dyke, which described her as “a person with and for others” who has “generously embraced her duties as a department member, faculty colleague and advisor to administrators and students.” In presenting the award to Dr. Van Dyke, he said that she “has fully engaged in the academic and social fabric of the greater University community since her first arrival on campus.”

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At Scranton, Dr. Van Dyke has served as the Truman Scholarship advisor, a faculty mentor in the University Honors Program and member of the Honors Council, and as a member of the University’s Fulbright committee and the First-Year Seminar program. She created the popular political science European Union simulation preparatory course, the students of which have participated since 1996 in the annual intercollegiate Mid-Atlantic European Simulation in Washington, DC. She has also developed and taught courses that address contemporary questions of war and peace, global justice and humanitarianism. Dr. Van Dyke received the University’s 2020 “Excellence in Advancing Global Learning Award,” which 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 University’s Provost Award for “Excellence in Integrating Mission and Justice into the Curriculum.”

Dr. Van Dyke has served as a vice-chair and grievance officer on the Faculty Affairs Council, a 15-year member of faculty handbook committee and a faculty marshal and member of the University’s Commencement Committee since 2004. In 2012, she became the first University faculty member to complete the 18-month Ignatian Colleagues Program of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Since 2000, she has served as the University’s faculty representative to the Lilly Network of Church-Related Colleges and Universities. She currently is a member of both the Lilly Network National Board and the Friendship House Board of Directors here in Scranton.

Dr. Van Dyke joined the faculty at Scranton in 1994. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Trinity College in Washington, D.C., and her master’s degree and Ph.D. in foreign affairs at the University of Virginia.

At the Convocation, University President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., congratulated Dr. Van Dyke on her “well-deserved” award.

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In his State of the University address, Father Marina took inspiration from words engraved on a plaque he received from Providence University, a Catholic university in Taiwan that he visited last year. “‘Love your students, then teach them;’ six words so simple, yet so powerful and which help us to stay focused on why we came here and why we remain,” said Father Marina. He recalled multiple instances throughout the 2023-2024 academic year when he saw that simple mantra expressed at Scranton, including the commencement address of Shabana Basij-Rasikh, the co-founder and president of the School of Leadership Afghanistan, whom the University recognized with an honorary degree.

In the commencement address, which roused a standing ovation, Basij-Rasikh called Scranton’s class of 2024 graduates to “seek knowledge even to the ends of the earth.” Father Marina said, quoting from Basij-Rasikh remarks, that this call is to all of us “‘to be curious, to be fearless, to ask hard questions of others and yourselves, and with your knowledge, with compassion and with confidence be the actors who can finally create a better world.’ All of that, and so much more, should easily propel us forward with strength and community to ‘love our students and then teach them.’ This is who we are,” said Father Marina of The University of Scranton community.

Also speaking at the convocation were: David Marx, Ph.D., acting provost and senior vice president of academic affairs; Mary Elizabeth Moylan, faculty emeritus; Carolyn Barry, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Leahy College of Health Sciences; Murli Rajan, Ph.D., associate dean of the Kania School of Management; and George Aulisio, Ph.D., dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library.

Faculty who joined the University this academic year were also recognized at the event.

Twenty University of Scranton education majors are serving as student teachers during the fall semester at 12 local schools in the following eight school districts: Dunmore, Lackawanna Trail, Lakeland, North Pocono, Scranton, Valley View, Wayne Highlands and Western Wayne.

The following is a list of graduate and undergraduate students who are serving as student teachers and the schools to which they have been assigned during the fall semester.

Valerie Alfaro, a graduate student majoring in special education from Deer Park, New York, will teach at Dunmore Elementary School in the Dunmore School District.

Abigail F. Casal, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from South Abington Township, will teach at Jefferson Elementary Center in the North Pocono School District.

Grace A. Chadwick, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from North Wales, will teach at Whittier Elementary School in the Scranton School District.

Christina A. Costa, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Morganville, New Jersey, will teach at Prescott Elementary School in the Scranton School District.

Laura N. Echausse, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Mineola, New York, will teach at Lakeside Elementary School in the Wayne Highlands School District.

Faith M. Kwasnik, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Fair Lawn, New Jersey, will teach at Isaac Tripp Elementary School in the Scranton School District.

Julianna R. Lorenz, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Feasterville Trevose, will teach at Valley View Elementary School in the Valley View School District.

Molly C. McCarren, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Suffern, New York, will teach at Dunmore Elementary School in the Dunmore School District.

Jessica M. Middleman, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Huntingdon Valley, will teach at Adams Elementary School in the Scranton School District.

Riley K. Miller, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Manhasset, New York, will teach at EverGreen Elementary in the Western Wayne School District.

Alana D. Millevoi, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Richboro, will teach at Armstrong Elementary School in the Scranton School District.

Katrina Murray, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from East Northport, New York, will teach at Lakeside Elementary School in the Wayne Highlands School District.

Alexis F. Nardella, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from South Setauket, New York, will teach at Dunmore Elementary School in the Dunmore School District.

Emma G. O’Hara, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Commack, New York, will teach at Adams Elementary School in the Scranton School District.

Brigid E. O’Mara, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Pleasantville, New York, will teach at EverGreen Elementary in the Western Wayne School District.

Madison M. Ryan, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from West Chester, will teach at Lakeland Elementary School in the Lakeland School District.

Margaret A. Schairer, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Allentown, will teach at Jefferson Elementary Center in the North Pocono School District.

Kristie E. Schieck, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Rockville Centre, New York, will teach at Valley View Elementary School in the Valley View School District.

Kiley A. Yanochik, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Dunmore, will teach at Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center in the Lackawanna Trail School District.

Julia E. Yukniewicz, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Chatham, New Jersey, will teach at Lakeland Elementary School in the Lakeland School District.

Danté Q. Allen, the commissioner of the U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, will be the featured speaker at the 23rd Annual U.S. Conference on Disability at The University of Scranton on Oct. 9. The day-long conference will feature nationally respected speakers addressing access, advocacy and employment in the age of artificial intelligence.

Also speaking at the conference will be Alison Levy, director of the Office of Technical and Information Services at the U.S. Access Board; Kathy West-Evans, director of business relations for the National Employment Team of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation; John Evans, recently retired Vocational Rehabilitation program administrator for employee relations for the State of Washington Department Social Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; Gary Karp disability awareness speaker, trainer, consultant and author of “Life On Wheels: For the Active Wheelchair User,” among other notable speakers.

The annual conference seeks to educate and enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. The theme for this year’s conference is “The Rehabilitation Act: Learning From Our Past, Knowing Our Present, and Building Our Future.”

Commissioner Allen will speak at the opening session of the conference, which begins at 8:30 a.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on campus. Allen oversees the Rehabilitation Services Administration that provides leadership and resources to assist state and other agencies in providing vocational rehabilitation and other services to individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and integration into the community and the competitive labor market.

Born with Spina bifida, Allen is a fulltime wheelchair user, and a staunch proponent of disability rights and equity. He has been a champion in advocating for the awareness of the reduction of healthcare and financial disparities especially among people of color and people with disabilities. He serves as a board member for Resources for Independent Living, Sacramento, a nonprofit that supports the needs of people with disabilities to live as independently as possible.

Levy will speak at 10:15 a.m. As a person with disabilities, and with over 30 years of experience in the disability profession, Levy has worked toward improving workplace attitudes and accessibility, and in providing equal opportunity in the post-secondary, public and private sectors. Created in 1973 to ensure access to federally funded facilities, the Access Board, where she serves, is an independent federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards. The agency also provides technical assistance and training on requirements and on accessible design.

Kathy West-Evans and John Evans will speak together at the session beginning at 1:30 p.m.

West-Evans plays a leadership role with the National Employment Team, a cross-state team of vocational rehabilitation business specialists working through a dual customer approach to develop strategies with business (private, public, and non-profit) to employ and retain the talents of individuals with disabilities across the company or organization. She is a past chair of the Veterans Advisory Council on Rehabilitation and a former commissioner on the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. She is a frequent speaker and has co-authored articles focused on working with business to employ the talents of individuals with disabilities.

Born with profound congenital deafness, Evans spent 31 years of public service in the fields of vocational rehabilitation; labor relations; human resource development; disability integration; and the employment of people with disabilities in the workplace.

The closing session, which begins at 3 p.m., will feature Karp, whose spinal cord was injured from falling from a tree when he was 18 years old. The author of four books, Karp’s early career was in computer graphics and he later established an ergonomics consultancy. In 2007, he was inducted into the Spinal Cord Injury Hall of Fame as a disability educator. He was sponsored by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center to speak at rehabilitation centers and to college students across the United States. Most recently, Karp has been an emergency manager and trainer, and currently serves as a reservist for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, through which he was deployed to multiple disasters to help people with disabilities access recovery resources and assistance.

The Conference on Disability will open at 8:30 a.m. with remarks from University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J.; Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., Dean of the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences; and Edward R. and Patricia Leahy, honorary conference co-chairs, followed by remarks by Allen. Kathy Stefanelli, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling and human services at The University of Scranton, will also speak at the conference, during the 11:30 a.m. session, and Renée Hakim, Ph.D., professor chair and program director of physical therapy at the University, will discuss “Advances in Rehabilitation Technology to Improve Human Mobility.” A noon luncheon will include an award ceremony and tribute to the late Ralph N. Pacinelli, Ed.D., a lifelong leader in vocational rehabilitation.

The conference, which is presented by the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences and the Edward R. Leahy Jr. Endowment, is free of charge and open to the general public. However, registration is required. Continuing education credits are also offered for some sessions. More detailed information and registration can be found on the disAbility Conference website. For additional questions, contact conference co-chairs Rebecca Dalgin, Ph.D., professor and chair of the University’s Department of Counseling and Human Services, at Rebecca.dalgin@scranton.edu or Lori Bruch, Ed.D, associate professor and faculty fellow, Office of the Provost, at lori.bruch@scranton.edu.

Representatives from more than 60 non-profit organizations from the area participated in The University of Scranton’s annual Volunteer Fair to pitch service opportunities available to the more than 750 students who attended looking for ways to give back to the local community.

Anthracite Heritage Museum, Big Brothers and Sisters of NEPA, Catholic Social Services, Children’s Advocacy Center, Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, Junior Achievement of NEPA, Meals on Wheels, NeighborWorks NEPA, REACH-HEI Pathway Program of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Saint Francis Kitchen and Steamtown National Historic Site were among the non-profit organizations whose representatives met with University students at Volunteer Fair held on campus Sept. 10.

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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.

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

WNEP-TV and FOX 56 interviewed participants of the fair in news stories published on their websites.

University of Scranton students from the International Relations course taught by Gretchen Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, posed thought-provoking questions on the upcoming presidential election to panelists at an event hosted by Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) on campus. The panel discussion will air on PCN stations across the commonwealth on Monday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. It will also be posted to their website.

Scranton was one of just four colleges from across Pennsylvania selected to participate in PCN’s panel discussions about the election. The college panel discussions from the other schools will air at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 17-19.

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Panelists participating in Scranton’s discussion were: Jean Wahl Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science at the University; Borys Krawczeniuk, a reporter with WVIA; Brit Crampsie, principal for Brit Crampsie Communications; and Christopher Nicholas, principal for Eagle Consulting. Francine Schertzer, senior vice president and chief content officer for PCN-TV, was the moderator.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring Joseph Boga and the Scranton Ramblers with guitarist Stephane Wrembel, as part of the University’s annual Family Weekend festivities.

The concert, which will also include an appearance by The University of Scranton Concert Choir, begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

“All of us in Performance Music are delighted to present such an outstanding Family Weekend concert, especially where our choir gets to perform a piece alongside musical powerhouses Joseph Boga and Stephane Wrembel,” said Janelle Decker, conductor and co-director of Performance Music at Scranton.

Boga, an area native, is a member of the legendary group Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, which appears in New York City every Monday in their roost – Birdland. In addition to his work with Giordano and The Nighthawks, Boga also leads his own groups and has performed and/or recorded with a variety of other ensembles such as Stephane Wrembel’s Django New Orleans, David Ostwald’s Louis Armstrong Eternity Band, Jazz Museum in Harlem All-Stars, James Langton’s New York All-Star Big Band and The Kyle Athayde Dance Party, as well as with artists such as Stephane Wrembel, Wycliffe Gordon, Adrian Cunningham, Loren Schoenberg, Wynton Marsalis and many others. His film appearances include Killers of the Flower Moon, season 2 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Capote vs. The Swans and others.

Stephane Wrembel is quite simply one of the finest guitar players in the world. Though specializing in the Django Reinhardt style, he revels in transcending and expanding, and the breadth and range of his playing and compositions are unmatched. His music incorporates jazz, blues, classical, swing, flamenco and rock. All of these influences come together as a genre identifiable only as Stephane Wrembel. This prolific musician, composer, educator and musical director has released a steady stream of music since 2002, truly making his mark as one of the most original guitar voices in contemporary music. He tours the world and has headlined venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, The Town Hall in N.Y.C. and The Lyon Opera House in France, and has dazzled audiences at events like Montreal Jazz Festival, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Django Reinhardt Festival in France, Ellnora Guitar Festival, Caramoor Jazz Festival and many others. Wrembel won a Grammy award for his tune Bistro Fada, which Woody Allen used as the theme song for his 2011 Oscar-winning film, Midnight in Paris.

Other musicians performing with The Scranton Ramblers for the concert will include trombonist Sam Chess; guitarist Roy Williams (a native and current resident of the Scranton area); Will Reardon-Anderson, alto sax and clarinet; and Jay Rattman, bass saxophonist (a native of the Delaware Water Gap area.

The University of Scranton Concert Choir is an soprano, alto, tenor and bass (SATB) mixed choir comprised of members of the University community from majors and departments spanning the curriculum – none of whom are music majors – who are brought together by their mutual love for making music. They will be performing “La Vie En Rose” with the featured guest ensemble.

For further information on the performance, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit the Performance Music website. For more on Boga, visit josephboga.com, and for more info on Wrembel, visit stephanewrembel.com.

Students from the Political Science Club, College Democrats and College Republicans jointly hosted a Debate Watch for the presidential candidates on campus Sept. 10. More than 100 students – republicans, democrats and independents – attended the event.

Students were encouraged to vote for the candidate of their choice. It was the vote – or expression of their voice – that was emphasized at the event. The event was marked by an incredible sense of congeniality, community and respect, even though political opinions of those attending differed.

Reporters from WNEP-TV and the Scranton Times-Tribune covered the Debate Watch and interviewed students in attendance, including officers of the University clubs hosting the event.

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Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, served a principal celebrant and homilist for The University of Scranton’s Mass of the Holy Spirit.

Hundreds of students, faculty and staff attended the Mass, which is celebrated at the beginning of the semester at Jesuit universities throughout the world.

 

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University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., described the way in which Scranton expresses its Jesuit mission as “excellence wrapped in faith, service and justice” in an interview with the Diocese of Scranton Catholic television station following the Mass of the Holy Spirit. University students Jenna Kotlar, Branchburg, New Jersey, and Maria Stephen, Huntington Valley, were also interviewed in the CTV story.

The liturgy was held in the Byron Recreation Center Sept. 5. A picnic on the Dionne Campus Green and DeNaples Patio immediately followed Mass.

Empower Her: Political Pathways for Women, a half-day program dedicated to helping women in NEPA become more politically active, is set for Saturday, Oct. 5, at The University of Scranton. Hosted by the University’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service, the non-partisan event begins with opening remarks at 9 a.m. and concludes at 12:30 p.m.

“Empower Her seeks to inspire and inform women who are interested in becoming more involved in their communities, whether that is getting involved in advocacy efforts or running for office,” said JoyAnna S. Hopper, Ph.D., director of the University’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service and associate professor of Political Science. “The program’s focus is on helping women in NEPA see the value that their lived experiences can bring to government and activism, and to help women to figure out how to use their day-to-day experiences, education, and skillsets to become more involved.”

According to Dr. Hopper, women continue to be underrepresented in politics at the national, state and local levels.

“We know that this underrepresentation is partly due to fewer programs and opportunities focused on encouraging and helping women to run for office. A healthy democracy is one that includes fair representation for women and women’s issues. Programs like Empower Her and Ready to Run are aimed at helping us get closer to a more effective and representative government in NEPA,” said Dr. Hopper.

Empower Her is part of the Ready to Run Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA) program that is run by Scranton’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service, in collaboration with the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, which offers 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 participation fee for Empower Her: Political Pathways for Women is $15. Some scholarships are available, and students can attend free of charge. The event will take place in in room 405 of the DeNaples Center on campus.

To register, visit www.scranton.edu/readytorun or email at ceeps@scranton.edu. 

The University of Scranton will test its emergency notification system on Thursday, Sept. 12.

The University uses Everbridge to send notices of emergencies, school closing and weather delays to members of the campus community via employee office phones, Scranton email addresses and numbers registered by employees and students to receive these notices on cell phones by voice or text.

Members of the University community are reminded to register, verify or update contact information for emergency notices, which can be done through the My.Scranton portal. Just choose “Emergency Notification” Link in the announcement at the top of the page, or choose “discover” and search for “Emergency Notification System Registration.”

The University’s emergency text alerts originate from 893-61 or 878-44. The email address for alerts is alerts@scranton.edu and Phone alerts will also display 570-941-5427. Students, faculty and staff are asked to save these to their contacts in order to identify future emergency notification alerts.

The Princeton Review has named The University of Scranton as one of the best colleges in the nation for the 23^rd consecutive year. The well-known college guidebook also ranked Scranton among the “Best Science Lab Facilities” (No. 17) in the country. This is the eighth year Scranton has made this national list of just 25 schools deemed to have the finest laboratory facilities.

The Princeton Review also ranked the school No. 23 in the nation for “Students Most Engaged in Community Service” and No. 23 in the country for “Best-Run Colleges.”

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Students quoted by The Princeton Review praise the University’s outstanding facilities, approachable faculty and supportive alumni network.

Students noted the investment the University has made in laboratory and simulation spaces that resulted in “academic buildings [that] are the greatest strength of the school because most have nice classrooms and places to study that foster learning.”

The students also mentioned the small class sizes, capped at around 35 students, that ensure “the professor [is] able to know your name and take an investment in each individual.” According to Princeton Review, many Scranton students describe professors as being “very easy to reach” and “truly [caring] about their students.”

Students also said that alumni can be counted on to keep looking out for Scranton students and graduates, which the Princeton Review credited for helping to explain the University’s consistently high 99 percent graduate job-placement rate.

Scranton is among just 14 percent of schools in the nation to be listed in the 2025 edition of the “Best 390 Colleges” guidebook to be selected and recommended by The Princeton Review as one of the top colleges in the country.

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 168,000 students at the 390 colleges included in the book. Information from the surveys is also used in the profiles included about each school in the publication.

The 2025 edition of the guidebook published online on Aug. 27.

In addition to The Princeton Review, U.S. News has ranked Scranton among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 30 consecutive years, placing the University No. 5 among the “Best Regional Universities in the North” its 2024 edition of the “Best Colleges” guidebook.

Ninety-nine percent of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2023 bachelor-degree graduates, and 100 percent of its post-baccalaureate class of 2023 graduates, reported being successful in their choice of career path within 12 months of graduation. The “First Destination Survey” report by Scranton’s Roche Family Center for Career Development is based on career success data obtained for 85 percent of the undergraduate class and 72 percent of its graduate class. This “knowledge rate,” or percentage of graduates for whom their career outcome is known, exceeds the National Association of College Employers recommended rate of 65 percent six months after graduation.

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For members of University’s Class of 2023 earning a bachelor’s degree, 49 percent of graduates had the goal of obtaining full-time employment and 98 percent of these graduates succeed with that goal. Forty-four percent of graduates had the goal of attending graduate or professional school and 99 percent of graduates successfully achieved that goal. Other graduates were seeking part-time employment or pursued other intentional paths such as a gap year.

The average (mean) salary is $61,360, based on the bachelor’s degree graduates that provided salary information. The average salary varied by major. The highest average salaries reported are in computer science ($83,440), nursing ($80,791), finance ($75,961), mathematics ($75,000) and business analytics ($70,800).

Geographically, of those employed, 83 percent reported working in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

Eighty-one percent of the undergraduate Class of 2023 reported completing at least one experiential learning opportunity during their education at the University, which includes internships, research, student teaching, observations, clinicals, externships and residencies. In addition, 86 percent of the graduates engaged with the Center for Career Development during their time at Scranton.

As mentioned, Scranton’s Class of 2023 master’s and doctoral degree graduates had a 100 percent overall success rate. The report shows 94 percent of graduates were employed full-time; three percent were employed part-time; two percent were pursuing additional education; and one percent were seeking another goal, such as travel or taking a gap year. The average (mean) salary for 2023 graduate-degree graduates is $89,891, based on the graduates that provided salary information. Salaries reported vary by degree programs. The highest average salaries reported are for graduates with master’s degrees in nurse anesthesia ($213,462), healthcare management MBA ($140,960) and MBA-international business ($107,000). Of those employed, 71 percent are working in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

The surveys over the past three years indicate a significant average salary increase at the graduate degree level. The average salary reported for post-baccalaureate graduates in 2021 was $71,827; $81,045 for Class 2022 graduates; and $89,891 for Class of 2023 graduates.

The Roche Family Center for Career Development is located on the second floor of the Loyola Science Center.

Celebrated author, historian and medical humanities scholar Brandy Schillace, Ph.D., will be presented with the 2024 Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award by The University of Scranton’s Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library on Saturday, Nov. 16. Early bird tickets at a special rate are now available for a limited time.

Dr. Schillace’s work has been widely recognized for its interdisciplinary approach, blending science, history and storytelling to explore the human experience of medicine and mortality.

Her recent novel, “The Framed Women of Ardemore House” (Hanover Square Press), has gained critical acclaim. Library Journal has named it a Recommended Read for Autism Acceptance Month, while The Washington Post notes that “The book is more than just a mystery: It’s an autistic woman’s journey of self-discovery.” Publisher’s Weekly writes that “Schillace, who’s autistic herself, draws a marvelously believable heroine in Jo, and sets her up with an expertly constructed mystery. Readers will be hungry for a sequel.”

Dr. Schillace is also the author of several acclaimed non-fiction books, including “Mr. Humble and Dr. Butcher” (Simon & Schuster), which received glowing reviews from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. She is also the author of “Death's Summer Coat” (Pegasus Books) and “Clockwork Futures” (Pegasus Books).

As a medical historian, Dr. Schillace has made significant contributions to the field, shedding light on the social, cultural, and political aspects of medicine throughout history. Her work has been supported by grants from prestigious institutions such as the Arthur P. Sloan Foundation for Science Communication and the Ohio Arts Council.

The event will take place in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on the University’s campus beginning at 5 p.m. and includes a cocktail reception, dinner, award presentation and Distinguished Author keynote.

Toastmaster will be University of Scranton alumnus Christopher Banks ’86, president and chief executive officer of the Autism Society of America. Banks has been providing executive direction for the Autism Society since the beginning of 2020. Under his leadership, the organization has become a resource, service and support enterprise for its affiliates, and individuals and families. Banks has recently shepherded the organization through a strategic planning process that led to the creation of new programs and the establishment of a justice center.

Early bird tickets for the Distinguished Author event are $90 per person until Sept. 30. After that, tickets are $100 per person. Special pricing is also available for Friends of the Library, Schemel Forum members and students. Schemel Forum Archangels may attend for free. Proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of the Library Endowment Fund, which supports special gifts for the Weinberg Memorial Library collections and services.

In addition, there will be a book signing open to the public from 4 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 16 in the DeNaples Center second floor lobby.

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 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.

For additional information or registration information, visit the Distinguished Author webpage or contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816 or kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

The University of Scranton and Providence University, a Catholic co-educational institution in Taichung City, Taiwan, have signed an Accelerated 4+1 Agreement that will allow qualified students at Providence to earn an MBA from Scranton in as little as one year after completing their undergraduate degree. Through the agreement, students can take graduate-level courses at Providence during their senior year, which will be recognized at Scranton and allow the students to earn an MBA from Scranton at an accelerated pace.

Similar to the Jesuit principles of Cura Personalis and educating students to becoming “men and women for others,” Providence University is committed to the education of each student as a whole person, striving to assist its students “in the development of lifelong values, research and critical thinking skills so that they may effect positive changes in society.” Its school motto is “Virtus cum Scientia” or “Virtue with Knowledge.”

Providence University traces its origin to the elementary and high school established in the Henan Province of China in 1921 by the Sisters of Providence. It was one of the first schools for girls in China. During the Communist Party war in China in 1948, the Sisters relocated to Taiwan. Over time, the school developed into a junior college for women, gaining accreditation from the Ministry of Education in 1956. The college continue to grow and establish additional programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. The college gained University status in 1989 and began to enroll men in 1993.

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For more than a decade, The University of Scranton has established partnerships with agencies in Taiwan, including with several divisions in the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in New York, the Taiwan Ministry of Education and the Taiwan Ministry of Culture. In 2014, Scranton became the only higher education institution in the world to receive a replica of the Kinmen Peace Bell, which is displayed in the Atrium of the Loyola Science Center. 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.

The University also has a 4+1 MBA degree articulation agreement with Fu Jen Catholic University, a Jesuit university in Taiwan.

For additional information about the Accelerated 4+1 Agreement with Providence University, contact Murli Rajan, Ph.D., associate dean, Kania School of Management at murli.rajan@scranton.edu or 570-941-4208, Ann Pang-White, Ph.D., professor of philosophy and director of Asian Studies at Scranton, at ann.pang-white@scranton.edu or 570-941-6312. 

Performance Music at The University of Scranton will introduce its Fall 2024 concert schedule Friday, Sept. 6, with a performance by “Duo Corgano” featuring award-winning performers Trevor Nuckols, horn, and David Ball, organ.

The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

“Trevor and David both play their instruments with an unmatched combination of musical prowess – technically and artistically - and excitement,” said Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga. “Their impact on audiences and student musicians is both entertaining and enlightening.”

Ball, an award-winning Juilliard-trained performer, has performed and recorded on many of the world’s leading concert hall and church instruments, both in the U.S. and abroad. He has been featured in Diapason and American Organist; broadcasted on “PipeDreams” and WQXR; appeared in Juilliard’s FOCUS! Festival; won the AGO/Quimby Regional Competition for Young Organists; and was named one of The Diapason’s 2017 Class of 20 under 30, a peer-selected group of young people at the forefront of the organ field. 

Ball serves as Cathedral organist and head of music ministry at Christ Cathedral in the Diocese of Orange, California (formerly the Crystal Cathedral), where he is primary steward of the Hazel Wright Organ, the fifth largest organ in the world, and serves as musical director of a variety of concert series there. 

Nuckols performs as a leading soloist, chamber musician and orchestral performer across the globe. The New York Times hailed Nuckols as “outstanding” and an “excellent soloist.” He has performed and recorded as solo horn of the Münchener Kammerorchester and with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. He has also performed as guest principal horn with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Bad Reinchenhall Philharmoniker and the Philharmonie Salzburg. He earned his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from The Juilliard School, and a postgraduate diploma from the Universität Mozarteum Salzburg. He won first prize at The International Horn Society’s Premiere Soloist Competition, The Juilliard Concerto Competition, the Music Academy of the West Concerto Competition, and was winner of The International Horn Society Barry Tuckwell Award.

The University of Scranton’s Houlihan McLean Center Austin Opus 301 symphonic organ was built in 1910 by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford Connecticut for the Immanuel Baptist Church in Scranton and was restored and re-dedicated by the University in 2005 in a recital performed by Thomas Murray of Yale University. Since then, many renowned organists have performed on the instrument in solo-recitals, and it has accompanied the university’s student ensembles in the performance of many major works of the choral and instrumental repertoires. The instrument is one of the few rare surviving original examples of early 20th-century organ building, and the impressive instrument possesses a total of 3,178 pipes, 45 ranks and four manuals. The instrument is currently maintained by Clem, Cole, Dan and Steve, technician/artists from Emery Brothers/Dieffenbach organs.

For further information on the performance, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit the Performance Music website. 

After a hiatus of several years, University for a Day returns to the Schemel Forum this fall with a daylong series of talks and discussions about topics related to current trends and their implications for the future.

The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center on the University’s campus. In addition to the usual Schemel Forum audience, this year’s University for a Day event will be offered to youth in the area.

“The first 50 high school juniors and seniors to sign up will attend the day for free,” said George J. Aulisio, Ph.D., dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library and director of the Schemel Forum. High School students must register in advance.

The day opens with a presentation by Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., professor of philosophy at The University of Scranton, who will discuss “The Philosophy behind JD Vance, Project 2025 and the Rise of Christian Nationalism.” Dr. Meyer’s talk will critically examine the ideas that have reshaped conservatism in the United States and even across the world, influencing a figure like JD Vance, the 2025 project, and giving rise to Christian nationalism.

Next, Sarah Kenehan, Ph.D., executive director of the Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities at the University, will discuss “Climate Justice: Theory, Hurdles and Opportunities.”

“The vast majority of Americans now believe that climate change is real, that it’s a problem and that it’s a manmade problem,” said Dr. Kenehan. “Climate justice looks back at who caused the problem and looks ahead to who will suffer the most consequences.”

While there are questions about what we can do as individuals and communities to address climate change, Dr. Kenehan believes that “everything we can do is impactful.”

For high school students attending University for a Day, Dr. Kenehan hopes to impart a hopeful message. “Their voice matters,” she said. “From the careers they will have and the cars they drive, to the food they eat, they can make a difference.”

In her talk, Dr. Kenehan will discuss how climate control is not just a political problem, but a moral responsibility, and whether you are a high school student or a retiree, there’s something everyone can do to help.

Sinchul Back, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Cybercrime and Homeland Security Program at the University, will discuss “AI, Cybercrime and Community Safety.” This special lecture delves into the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), cybercrime and community safety, providing a comprehensive overview of how modern criminals leverage cutting-edge technologies to exploit vulnerabilities in our digital and physical worlds. This course is designed for students, community members, the elderly and anyone interested in understanding the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the importance of proactive safety measures. Participants with computers will be able to participate in hands-on practices.

Rounding out the day of presentations will be a talk by Renée M. Hakim, Ph.D., professor chair and program director of physical therapy at the University. A board-certified clinical specialist emeritus in neurologic physical therapy, Dr. Hakim will present “Advances in Rehabilitation Technology to Improve Human Mobility.” Rehabilitation technology, a relatively new and expanding field, includes devices that help people regain and improve function after injury or illness. Dr. Hakim will discuss various systems, including robotics, virtual/augmented reality and wearable sensors, and will provide an overview of implications for motor learning and recovery.

To register for University for a Day, or for more information on the Schemel Forum, call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu. Registration is free for University of Scranton and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students, faculty, staff and Schemel Forum members; and $55 per person and $100 per couple for non-members. The first 50 high school juniors and seniors to sign up may attend free of charge. Continental breakfast and buffet lunch are included. To pay for courses online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

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

University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., penned a note of thanks to benefactors Robert and Marilyn Weiss on a steel beam moments before a crane lifted it to the top of the new hall that bears their name.

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The University of Scranton held an informal “topping out” ceremony for the nearly 90,000 square foot building now under construction on Madison Avenue on campus. This spring, the University received a $10.5 million gift from Robert ’68 and Marilyn Weiss, which is the largest single donation in the University has received, and announced the University’s newest building will be named Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall in their honor.

The four-story building will act as a center for workforce development, applied research and community outreach, and includes a 10,000 sq. ft. innovation hub. Weiss Hall also includes laboratories, classrooms, offices and meeting spaces for the University’s Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology and the Psychology Department, as well as space for The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, the University of Success and University’s Student Health Services and Center for Health Education and Wellness.

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Joining Father Marina in signing the beam were representatives of the departments that will be housed in the new facility, members of cabinet and those involved in the building’s construction.

Hemmler and Camayd (HC Architects) are the architects of the building, which incorporates glass walls, steel and stone into a modern design intended to meet silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification requirements. Quandel Construction is the construction manager.

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Father Marina recorded the beam being placed on Weiss Hall. He also spoke about Weiss Hall in this WBRE news story about the topping out ceremony.

The University plans to begin use of the building for the fall 2025 semester.

Sept. 3-Oct. 11    Art Exhibit: “The Lackawanna River and Watershed: History and Environment.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Sept. 6     11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Living to Grow Up: How Childhood Death Became “Unnatural” presented by Perri Klass, M.D., professor of journalism and pediatrics at New York University, national medical director of Reach Out and Read and author of “The Best Medicine: How Science and Public Health Gave Children a Future.” Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

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Sept. 6     5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “The Lackawanna River and Watershed: History and Environment.” Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery. The reception is part of Scranton’s First Fridays event. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Sept. 6     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital: Duo Corgano” featuring David Lao Ball, organ and Trevor Nuckols, horn. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Sept. 10   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. 12     1 p.m. PCN 2024 Election Panel Discussion. Pennsylvania Cable Network college tour panel discussion on the 2024 President, U.S. Senate and key Congressional races. Panelists include Jean Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science at The University of Scranton, Borys Krawczeniuk, multimedia journalist with WVIA News Team, Brittany Crampsie from Brit Crampsie Communications, and Christopher Nicholas from Eagle Consulting. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

Sept. 12     6:30 p.m. Scranton Stories: “What are your Hopes for the Nation? A Scranton Conversation.” Albright Memorial Library, 500 Vine Street, Scranton. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email daysi.carreto@scranton.edu.

Sept. 14     8:30 a.m. Schemel Forum “University for a Day.” Topics discussed: “The Philosophy behind JD Vance, Project 2025, and the Rise of Christian Nationalism,” “Climate Justice: Theory, Hurdles, and Opportunities,” “AI, Cybercrime, and Community Safety,” and “Advances in Rehabilitation Technology to Improve Human Mobility.” Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Registration required. $55. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Sept. 14     7 p.m. Humanities Forum Event: “Countering the Big Business of Education by emphasizing Cura Personalis” presented by Samantha Morales, actor and director. Room 104, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

Sept. 19-22      8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. “What the Constitution Means to Me” presented by The University Players. Studio Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu

Sept. 20           6 p.m. President’s Medal Gala honoring James M. Slattery, head of North America, Rosebank Industries PLC., at Pier Sixty, New York City. Proceeds from the dinner support the University’s Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund. Black Tie. Tickets required. Call 570-941-7719 or email eric.eckenrode@scranton.edu.

 

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Sept. 21-22     The University of Scranton Family Weekend 2023. Various campus locations. Call 570-941-4222 or email familyweekend@scranton.edu.

Sept. 21      7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Family Weekend Concert” featuring Joseph Boga and The Scranton Ramblers (featuring guitarist Stephane Wrembel) with an appearance by The University of Scranton Concert Choir. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Sept. 25     5 p.m. Asian Studies and the Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities Lecture: “Learning from Chinese Philosophy” presented by Bryan W. Van Norden, Ph.D., best-selling author and The Best 300 Professors in the US by The Princeton Review, James Monroe Taylor Chair in Philosophy at Vassar College (USA), and chair professor in the School of Philosophy at Wuhan University (China). Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu.

Sept. 26     11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “What Do Children Deserve” presented by Adam Benforado, J.D., professor of law, Thomas R. Kline School of Law, Drexel University, New York Times best-selling author, and children’s rights activist. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Oct. 2    5 p.m. Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities: “An American Icon in Puerto Rico: Barbie, Girlhood, and Colonialism at Play” presented by Emily Aguilo Perez. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu. 

Oct. 5   9 a.m. Empower Her: Political Pathways for Women, a non-partisan program to helping women in NEPA become more politically active hosted by The University of Scranton’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service. DeNaples Center. $15 fee. Reservations required. Call 570-941-6326 or email ceeps@scranton.edu.

Oct. 8     11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “The Power of Storytelling” presented by Jonathan Conyers, acclaimed author of the memoir “I Wasn’t Supposed to Be Here.” Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu

Oct. 9       8:30 a.m. 23rd Annual U.S. Conference on DISABILITY “The Rehabilitation Act: Learning From Our Past, Knowing Our Present & Building Our Future.” McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Free. Call 570-941-4308 or visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference.

Oct. 9     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “General Recital” featuring student musicians from Performance Music. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

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Oct. 10    7:30 p.m. Ignatian Values in Action Lecture: “What We Remember Will Be Saved” presented by Stephanie Saldaña, author of “What We Remember Will Be Saved.” Byron Recreation Complex. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email linda.walsh@scranton.edu

Oct. 18     11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “There’s a Future in the Past: Leading a Repertory Orchestra/Band in the 21^st Century” presented by Vince Giordano, Grammy-winner, multi-instrumentalist and band leader. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Oct. 18     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks!” Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Oct. 21-Nov. 22     Art Exhibit: “Hudson River and Delaware Valley: Selections from the Paul Biedlingmaier Jr. Collection.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 21    5:30 p.m. Schemel Forum with the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities Collaborative Program. Myers Distinguished Visiting Fellow in the Humanities and Civic Engagement Lecture: “What Can a Body Do? How We Meet the Built World” presented by Sara Hendren, associate professor of art, design and architecture, Northeastern University. Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Free, courtesy of the Myers Fellowship. Reception follows. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Oct. 21     6:30 p.m. Scranton Stories: “Hispanic/Latinx Voices: Screening and Panel Discussion.” Main Auditorium, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine Street, Scranton. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email daysi.carreto@scranton.edu.

Oct. 24    5 p.m. Ethics Across the Curriculum Speaker: “Beyond the 3Rs: How to Shift the Current Animal Research Paradigm” presented by Kathrin Herrmann. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

Oct. 24    7:30 p.m. Henry George Lecture: “Global Production and Innovation Networks: Consequences for Trade and Industrial Policy” presented by Marc Melitz, Ph.D., the David L. Wells Professor of Political Economy at Harvard University. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu.

Oct. 25     11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Bridge Over Troubled Water: Harnessing the Power of Music, Art, and the Humanities for Better Health” presented by Olapeju Simoyan, M.D., professor of psychiatry, Drexel University College of Medicine. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Oct. 25    5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “Hudson River and Delaware Valley: Selections from the Paul Biedlingmaier Jr. Collection.” Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 25-27 and Nov. 1-3     8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” 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. 26     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert: The University of Scranton Jazz Band” with guest soloist Alvin Atkinson, drums. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

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Oct. 27    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. 10    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. 15     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert: The University of Scranton String Orchestra.” Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Nov. 16    5 p.m. Schemel Forum with the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Collaborative Program: Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award Honors Brandy Schillache, Ph.D. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Nov. 19           7:30 p.m. Judaic Studies Institute Lecture: “Black Jews in America: Diversity and Identity” presented by Sholomo Levy, professor of history at Northampton Community College. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. Free. 570-941-7956 or marc.shapiro@scranton.edu.

Nov. 21     8:30 a.m. Data Science Day featuring programming tutorial, a keynote speaker and a data science competition for high school students. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required at https://scrantondatacontest.netlify.app/. Call 570-941-6486 or email joseph.klobusicky@scranton.edu.

Nov. 21     11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Ancient Egypt in Pennsylvania: Excavations, Collections, and New Discoveries” presented by Joseph Wegner, Ph.D., professor of Egyptian archaeology; chair, department of Middle Eastern languages and cultures and curator, Egyptian section, Penn Museum, University of Pennsylvania. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Nov. 21-23     8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. “Urinetown” presented by Liva Arts Company. The Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. $5. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.livaartscompany.ludus.com or email livaartscompany@gmail.com. 

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

Dec. 7     8 p.m. Performance Music: “57^th Annual Noel Night” featuring The University of Scranton Singers, String Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Dec. 11    7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Concert.” Performance Music student musicians perform solo, duo, 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:

Tuesdays: Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24 and Oct. 1, 8   6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “Positive Psychology: A Scientific Primer on Happiness and Flourishing” presented by John C. Norcross, Ph.D., ABPP, Distinguished Professor and chair of psychology, The University of Scranton and Colleen M. Phillips, M.S., Lackawanna County Mental Health Court coordinator and adjunct psychology faculty, The University of Scranton. Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Thursdays: Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Oct. 3, 10            6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien: Christian Mythology in Literature and Film” presented by Sean Brennan, Ph.D., professor, department of history, The University of Scranton. Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Wednesdays: Oct. 16, 23, 30 and Nov. 6, 13, 20      6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “From Caligari to Hitler: Cinema and Politics during the Weimar Republic 1918-1933” presented by Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., professor, department of philosophy, The University of Scranton. Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

The University of Scranton granted promotions and/or tenure to 17 faculty members effective at the start of the 2024-25 academic year.

Six faculty members have been promoted to professor: Michael Azar, Ph.D., theology and religious studies; Michael Fennie, Ph.D., chemistry; Debra Fetherman, Ph.D., health and human performance; Jason Graham, Ph.D., mathematics; David Salerno, Ph.D., accounting; and Benjamin Willis, Ph.D., counseling and human services.

Five faculty members were named associate professor: Sinchul Back, Ph.D., cybercrime, criminal justice and sociology; Hope Baylow, D.A., health and human performance; Marleen Cloutier, library; Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., physics and electrical engineering; and Ian O’Hara, library.

Two faculty members were named associate professor and granted tenure: Colleen Farry, library; and Anne Royer, Ph.D., biology.

Four faculty members were granted tenure: Anthony Carusotto, D.P.T., physical therapy; Chris Haw, Ph.D., theology and religious studies; Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., biology; and Billie Tadros, Ph.D., English and theatre.

Dr. Azar received a bachelor’s degree from Colorado Christian University, a master’s degree from St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. He also received a master’s degree and a doctoral degree from Fordham University. He has worked for the University since 2013.

Dr. Fennie received a bachelor’s degree from the Canisius University and a doctoral degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He has worked for the University since 2012.

Dr. Fetherman received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University, a master’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas and a doctorate from Marywood University. She has worked for the University since 2005.

Dr. Graham received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston, master’s degrees from Southern Methodist University and the University of Iowa. He also received a doctoral degree from the University of Iowa. He has worked for the University since 2012.

Dr. Salerno received a bachelor’s degree and MBA from The University of Scranton and a doctoral degree from Kent State University. He has worked for the University since 2007.

Dr. Willis received a bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of North Carolina. He has worked at the University since 2013.

Dr. Back received a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University, a master’s degree from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in South Korea, a master’s degree from Bridgewater State University, and a doctoral degree from Florida International University. He has worked at the University since 2019.

Dr. Baylow received a bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University, a master’s degree from Long Island University, and a doctoral degree from Adelphi University. She has worked at the University since 2020.

Prof. Cloutier received a bachelor’s degree from the Wentworth Institute of Technology, a master’s degree from Drexel University, and a master’s degree from The University of Scranton. She has worked at the University since 2019.

Dr. Frissell received bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University, and a master’s degree and a doctorate from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He has worked at the University since 2019.

Prof. O’Hara received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from The University of Scranton, and a master’s degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. He has worked at the University since 2013.

Prof. Farry received a bachelor’s degree from Marywood University; two master’s degrees from Syracuse University; and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois. She has worked at the University since 2015.

Dr. Royer receive a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College and a doctoral degree from Michigan State University. She has worked the University since 2017.

Dr. Carusotto receive a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and a doctoral degree from Misericordia University. He has worked at the University since 2018.

Dr. Haw received a bachelor’s degree from Eastern University, a master’s degree from Villanova University and a doctoral degree from the University of Notre Dame. He has worked at Scranton since 2018.

Dr. Son received a bachelor’s degree from Dankook University, a master’s degree from Western Illinois University, and a doctoral degree from Texas A and M University of the Health Sciences. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 2017.

Dr. Tadros received a bachelor’s degree from Susquehanna University, a master’s degree from Sarah Lawrence College, and a doctoral degree from the University of Louisiana. She joined the faculty at Scranton in 2018.

The University of Scranton is accepting applications for its Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program for the course that begins in January 2025. The deadline to apply is Sept. 20, 2024.

The University’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program, housed in the Kania School of Management, seeks to support and advance nonprofit organizations through a comprehensive and academically rigorous leadership program to develop future executives to serve at NEPA nonprofit institutions.

Since the program’s inception in 2017, 67 nonprofit professionals from more than 50 regional organizations have graduated from the program. The program has created a network of high-performing individuals serving at nonprofit institutions, in addition to building an informal regional network of mentors and coaches for emerging nonprofit leaders.

“The program was founded and grown through a close collaboration between the University of Scranton’s faculty and community nonprofit leaders. This close connection to the community has resulted in significant and sustained positive outcomes. Working with Kurt R. Bauman, vice president, community and economic development services, NEPA Alliance, and Jesse J. Ergott, chief advancement officer, AllOne Foundation and Charities, has ensured the program addresses the specific needs of our community,” said Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of the Accounting Department and co-founder and co-director of the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program.

 Courses for the program are taught in-person by Kania School of Management faculty with expertise in nonprofit organizations include experiential learning, peer group work, and coaching and mentorship components. 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.

Informational webinars about the program will take place Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and on Friday, Sept. 6, from 12 p.m. (noon) to 1 p.m. During the webinars, representatives of the program will be available to answer questions from prospective applicants.

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

The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum features a distinguished group of thinkers, authors and a Grammy award-winning musician for its fall semester World Affairs Luncheon Seminars.

The series will feature six seminars in total. All take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be held in Brennan Hall’s Rose Room on the University’s campus. In addition, a Zoom link will be provided for those who wish to attend remotely. The luncheon series is sponsored by Munley Law.

“While we didn’t go into this fall’s luncheon series with a specific theme in mind, it’s easy to make connections among the topics, which should be of interest to Schemel Forum members and to people interested in joining a luncheon or the series for the first time,” said George J. Aulisio, Ph.D., dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library and director of the Schemel Forum.

The series opens Friday, Sept. 6, with “Living to Grow Up: How Childhood Death Became ‘Unnatural’,” presented by Perri Klass, M.D., professor of journalism and pediatrics at New York University, national medical director of Reach Out and Read, and author of “The Best Medicine.” Recipient of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award, Dr. Klass will discuss the remarkable human victories over child and infant mortality.

Trained as a pediatrician in Boston during the 1980s, “there was a guiding principle that it’s not acceptable for children to die,” said Dr. Klass. At the beginning of the 20^th century, one in ten children died. Today, thanks to advances in science, medicine, public health and social welfare, that has changed.

“To me, this seems like a huge change in the human condition,” said Dr. Klass. “It might be the best thing we ever did as a human species.”

Dr. Klass will talk about the ways that so many different fields of human endeavor had to work together to change the odds that children would survive. As a society, “we did this,” Dr. Klass said. “Looking at this through a historical lens, parents today can appreciate the incredibly good fortune of being able to keep our children safe.”

Next, on Thursday, Sept. 26, Adam Benforado, J.D., professor of law at the Thomas R. Kline School of Law, Drexel University, New York Times best-selling author, and children’s rights activist, will present “What Do Children Deserve?”. In his acclaimed new book, “A Minor Revolution,” professor Benforado offers a sharp indictment of America’s failure to protect, invest in, and empower children. Through this talk, he will examine how this is not only a moral problem, but also an economic and social one: by neglecting kids today, we doom ourselves in the years ahead.

The fall luncheon series continues Tuesday, Oct. 8, with Jonathan Conyers, acclaimed author of the memoir “I Wasn’t Supposed to Be Here.”  Founder of Conyers Media, host of The Professional Winner Podcast, and co-founder of the Brooklyn Debate League, Conyers will share “The Power of Storytelling.” Speaking from the personal experience of lifting himself out of life’s struggles, Conyers will share how the stories of each and every person matter.

Born to two parents addicted to crack cocaine, Conyers’ childhood was defined by both tragedy and triumph. “Now that I’m on the other side, I look back on what happened as an advantage,” Conyers said.

“Writing has taught me so much about my life and journey,” Conyers said. “Things that happen to you don’t define you. You always have a chance to rewrite your story, and you can decide which chapter it will start with.”

On Friday, Oct. 18, Vince Giordano, Grammy-winner, multi-instrumentalist and band leader, will present “There’s a Future in the Past: Leading a Repertory Orchestra /Band in the 21st Century.” Giordano has brought 1920s and 30s jazz to life for nearly five decades. He and his band, Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, have been featured in films including The Cotton Club, The Aviator, and Boardwalk Empire, and have performed at the Town Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Newport Jazz Festival and the 92nd St Y for the past five decades.

Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks will perform in a free and open-to-the-public concert on Friday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McClean Center. For more details, visit www.scranton.edu/music.

“Giordano’s luncheon presentation and concert give a new breadth and depth to the Schemel Forum programming and allow us to partner with the excellent programs hosted by Performance Music on campus,” said Dean Aulisio.

On Friday, Oct. 25, Olapeju Simoyan, M.D., professor of psychiatry, Drexel University College of Medicine, will present “Bridge Over Troubled Water: Harnessing the Power of Music, Art and the Humanities for Better Health.” The health care community has grown increasingly interested in the humanities and creative arts over the past decade. In this discussion, Dr. Simoyan will address numerous ways in which music, art and the humanities are used to bridge the gap between the science and art of health care.

The fall season will conclude Thursday, Nov. 21, with Josef Wegner, Ph.D., professor of Egyptian archaeology, chair of the Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, and curator of the Egyptian Section, Penn Museum, University of Pennsylvania.

 Dr. Wegner will present “Ancient Egypt in Pennsylvania: Excavations, Collections, and New Discoveries.” In what Weinberg Library Dean Aulisio describes as “one of the most unique luncheon programs we have done with the Schemel Forum,” Dr. Wegner will look at recent discoveries in Egypt, as well as the history of Penn’s work and the new galleries which will showcase Ancient Egypt’s legacy in Pennsylvania.

Admission to the seminars is free for University of Scranton and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students, faculty, staff and Schemel Forum members. For non-members, the seminars are $30 in-person (buffet lunch included) and $15 for remote access.

To register for the seminars, call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu. Or, to pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

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

The University of Scranton awarded seven undergraduate students President’s Fellowships for Summer Research for 2024. The fellowships, administered by the Provost Office, offer each student the chance to partner with a faculty mentor to complete a research project during the summer. Each project was proposed and designed by the student and their faculty mentor.

The following is a list of the students who were awarded 2024 summer research fellowships, their projects and faculty mentors.

Noah A. Abdulqawi researched “The effect of memantine on the extinction of drug-seeking behavior in Camponotus floridanus” with faculty mentor Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology.

Madelyne M. Gasper researched “Investigating the Role of the Telencephalon on the Startle Response in Goldfish, Carassius auratus” with faculty mentor Robert Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology.

Michael J. Howard researched “The effects of an Alkaloid-based diet on metabolic rate in the poison frog species Ranitomeya Variabilis” with faculty mentor Vincent Farallo, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology.

Gabrielle J. Jamieson researched “Using social norms to reduce the stigmatization of mental illness and self-disclosure” with faculty mentor Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology.

Brandon M. King researched “Metabolic Rates of Red-backed Salamanders Inhabiting Thermally Contrasting Landscapes: Impacts of Prescribed Fire” with faculty mentor Christopher Howey, Ph.D., associate professor of biology.

Grace K. McDonald researched “Investigation of Cytoskeletal Protein Hydrophobicity in the Brain” with faculty mentor Timothy Foley, Ph.D., professor of chemistry.

Brian L. White researched “An Investigation into the Abundance and Diversity of Wolbachia in Blood-feeding Disease Vectors in Northeastern Pennsylvania” with faculty mentor Spencer Galen, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology.

University of Scranton students the Social Media Campaigns course taught by Brian Snee, Ph.D., associate professor of communication and media, won third place in the Gift of Life 2024 Students Save Lives College Challenge.

The annual competition invites organizations and clubs at universities and colleges across Gift of Life’s region to help increase organ donor awareness and registration among students, faculty, and staff on campus. Fifteen Pennsylvania and New Jersey colleges participated in the challenge this year’s challenge, registering a total of 304 people as organ and tissue donors.

Scranton students who participated in the Social Media Campaigns class held multiple “awareness table sits,” as well as a variety of special events and an online campaign. Special events included a cornhole tournament and an on-campus public painting event by an artist. The students utilized social media to post fun facts about organ donation.

The following 21 University students participated and won third place in the 2024 Students Save Lives College Challenge:

Nicholas D. Addamo, a business communication major from Holbrook, New York;

Shannon Bunn, a social media strategies major from Norristown;

Isabella V. Chungata, a social media strategies major from Valley Stream, New York;

Robert B. Correas-Rivera, a journalism and electronic media major from Reading;

Ashlee N. Dalrymple, a social media strategies major from Westport, Connecticut;

Courtney A. Delehanty, an advertising/public relations major from Brookfield, Connecticut;

Nicolette C. DeVito, a social media strategies and advertising/public relations double major from Rumson, New Jersey;

Kieran J. Egan, a journalism and electronic media major from Glen Rock, New Jersey;

Emma O. Graff, an advertising/public relations major from Melville, New York;

Chaewon Hong, an undeclared major from Gwangiu, South Korea;

Maggie E. Hoerz, an advertising/public relations and social media strategies double major from King of Prussia;

Mikaela A. Jennings, a communication major from Mahopac, New York;

James F. Kranick, a business communication major from Havertown;

Jason A. Opferman, a health promotion major from Newtown;

Fidelis N. Osuoha, a social media strategies major from Bensalem;

Davida F. Padi, a social media strategies major from Parsippany, New Jersey;

Thomas J. Plunkett, a communication major from Mamaroneck, New York;

Sofia L. Salazar, an advertising/public relations major from Pocono Pines;

Siena G. Testa, a marketing major from Newtown Square;

Mollie M. Veres, a communication major from Glendon;

Gina M. Wesler, an advertising/public relations major from New Hyde Park, New York.

The University of Scranton will welcome more than 1,225 incoming students for the fall semester.

Incoming University students include more than 890 members of its undergraduate class of 2028, in addition to nearly 60 transfer students and more than 275 graduate students, both on-campus and online.

The University’s undergraduate class of 2028 was selected from a pool of 9,670 applicants. The class represents more than 400 high schools, has an average SAT score of 1,236. Twenty-one percent of incoming students identify as a person of color. Nearly 30 percent of the incoming class identify as first-generation college students. Members of the class of 2028 represent 16 states, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, as well as the countries Dominican Republic, Ireland, Marshall Islands and Mexico. Nearly 24 percent of the class is from Northeast Pennsylvania. The most common majors chosen by members of the incoming class are biology, nursing, finance, kinesiology, psychology and occupational therapy, with a number of students also enrolling as undeclared majors in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The class of 2028 also includes 78 legacy children whose parents are University of Scranton alumni.

In addition to the undergraduate class of 2028, Scranton will also welcome more than 50 new graduate degree-seeking international students starting this fall. Incoming graduate students represent several countries, including Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan.

The University’s Fall Welcome events on August 24 and 25 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 this weekend.

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Nearly 40 members of the University’s undergraduate class arrived earlier this week to participate in FIRST (Freshmen Involved in Reflective Service Together), a reflective service immersion program at Scranton. Class of 2028 FIRST participants volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of NEPA, Friends of the Poor, the Gino Merli Veterans Center, Neighborworks, the Weinberg Memorial Food Bank and the University’s We Care program. WBRE News aired a story on the FIRST program, featuring students at one of the Neighborworks locations.

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Incoming students also arrived early to participate in the MOSAIC (Meaningful Opportunities for Student Access, Inclusion and Community) program. MOSAIC included a tour of downtown Scranton and resources on campus, panel discussions with faculty, staff and administrators, and students, as well as sessions on the transition to college and opportunities to meet with other students and each other.

Fall semester classes on campus begin Monday, Aug. 26.

The first cohort of graduate students in The University of Scranton’sSpeech-Language Pathology Program master’s degree program learned more than they expected at their first eight-week clinical rotation at a Summer Academy for Speech and Language Enrichment at the Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children (SSDHHC).

Although the experience surprised the students, the unique learning opportunities offered through the summer academy were deliberately orchestrated by the program’s director Hope E. Baylow, D.A., assistant professor and director of the University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Program, and Tara Carito, the University’s clinical education coordinator for the Speech-Language Pathology Program.

“The Summer Academy for Speech and Language Enrichment is an immersive program designed to provide hands-on experience and advanced training in working with children with communication disorders, including those who are deaf and hard of hearing. This academy offers a unique opportunity for SLP students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings under the guidance of experienced clinicians while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with diverse communication needs.

"Through interactive sessions, collaborative projects, and direct clinical practice, participants gain valuable skills and insights that prepare them for their future roles as compassionate and effective speech-language pathologists,” said Dr. Baylow.

Dr. Baylow explained that the summer academy consisted of three sessions that ran daily from Monday through Thursday. At the academy, the graduate students were assigned a single child for each session. They worked with the same child throughout the day in individual speech and language enrichment sessions, as well as in group sessions in art and other modalities to allow the children at the academy to interact with each other.

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“Individual speech therapy sessions focused on one-on-one interaction between the speech-language pathology graduate intern and the child, allowing for personalized attention and tailored interventions that directly addressed the specific needs and goals of the individual. These sessions provided a concentrated environment where progress was closely monitored and adjustments made in real-time, optimizing the therapy process,” said Dr. Baylow.

“In contrast, group speech therapy sessions involved multiple clients working together under the guidance of an SLP. These sessions fostered social interaction, peer support, and communication practice in a more dynamic setting. Group therapy allowed the children to develop their communication skills in a social context, providing opportunities to generalize skills learned in individual sessions while also benefiting from the diverse experiences and feedback of their peers,” said Dr. Baylow.

The academy also allowed the students to experience different modalities of communication: verbal, American Sign Language (ASL) and Augmented Alternative Communication Devices (AAC).

“One of the children I worked with had bilateral hearing loss, so it really sharpened my ASL skills,” said graduate student Ashton Armstrong, Okeechobee, Florida, who, along with the other students, learned ASL before starting the academy. “I was surprised by how quickly we learned signs from each other.”

The University’s 63-credit Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program is offered in a blended learning environment that combines synchronous remote academic coursework with experiential learning. More than 75 percent of the program is conducted remotely. The first year of courses was offered in an online format, so the summer academy externship experience was also the first time the cohort was together in person.

“The collaboration is phenomenal. We are flourishing, learning from each other at a fast pace,” said Destiny Carpitella’ 22, Brooklyn, New York, who earned her bachelor’s degree in early and childhood education from Scranton.

The online format attracted Armstrong to the program. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, Armstrong didn’t want to have to move to a college campus for a master’s degree program. The online format allowed her to stay where she resided in Florida.

Carpitella liked the flexibility the online format provided, allowing her to study at her own pace.

Both said the summer clinical experience was a bonus to the program. In addition to allowing the students to bond, it allowed them to “get to know our professors better,” said Armstrong.

Carito, the University’s clinical education coordinator, said she has seen the graduate students develop skills and confidence during the academy as she watched the students interact with the children with competence and grace.

Carpitella summed up the clinical rotation in just three words, calling it a “positive learning experience.”

The Master of Science (M.S.) Education Program in speech-language pathology (distance education) at The University of Scranton is a candidate for accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.

For more information about the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program at The University of Scranton, contact Dr. Baylow at hope.baylow@scranton.edu, or visit the program’s webpage.

The Royal Experience Summer Internship Program and the Royal Psychology Summer Internship Program provided six University of Scranton students, selected from a competitive pool, a stipend of up to $2,000 to support their participation in a meaningful unpaid internship for the summer of 2024.

The Royal Experience program began in 2016 through funding by the University’s Parents’ Executive Council and the donations of alumni and friends of the University. The Royal Psychology program is funded by the University’s Psychology Department.

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

The following is a list of students who participated in the 2024 Royal Experience Summer Internship Program.

Bailey Cornish, a political science major from Frederick, Maryland, was the intern with Berger Hirschberg Strategies, LLC in Washington, D.C.

Chelsea C. Curran, a political science major from Jamison, was the intern with Bucks County Public Defender’s Office in Doylestown.

Justin T. Matzner, an occupational therapy major from Stony Brook, New York, was the therapy intern with Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo, Florida.

Julianne May, a biology major from Scranton, was the intern with Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Dalton.

Madeline S. Williams, a psychology and philosophy double major from Wall Township, New Jersey, was the Children and Youth Programming Intern with Church World Service in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The 2024 Royal Psychology Summer Internship Program recipient was My-Kim Dang, a psychology and counseling and human services double major from Scranton, who was the intern with the Community School-Based Behavioral Health team with Scranton Counseling Center in Scranton.

Six University of Scranton students participated in the National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference held at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, this summer.

The national conference, held at a different Jesuit University each summer, entails group discussions, a day of service and various workshops focused on furthering the development of students’ leadership from a Jesuit perspective.  

Kayla Betacchini, assistant director of the Center for Student Engagement, and Julie Chropowicki, assistant director of the Center for Student Engagement, served as chaperones at the conference.

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Scranton students who participated in the leadership conference and the University department they represented were as follows.

David P. Banko, a biochemistry major from Wind Gap, represented Orientation.

Edward R. Drong, an occupational therapy major from Flemington, New Jersey, represented Residence Life and Orientation.

Mary Katharine McDade, a marketing and management double major from Glenside, represented Residence Life and Student Programming.

Lila J. Naccari, an occupational therapy major from Rockville Centre, New York, represented Orientation.

Buse Z. Onat, a cybercrime and homeland security and philosophy double major from South Abington Township, represented Student Government, Residence Life and Orientation.

Maria Stephen, a political science, history and philosophy triple major from Huntingdon Valley, represented Student Government.

University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum fall courses feature three nighttime series exploring topics ranging from positive psychology to Christian mythology and the visual literacy in the Weimer Republic.

Taught by three University faculty members, the courses begin on a rolling basis Tuesday, Aug. 27, and will be presented in six weekly sessions in the Weinberg Memorial Library.

Opening the fall course offerings will be a seminar on “Positive Psychology: A Scientific Primer on Happiness and Flourishing.” The six-week series will be taught by John C. Norcross, Ph.D., ABPP, distinguished professor and chair of the Psychology Department at The University of Scranton, clinical professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University, and a board-certified clinical psychologist; and Colleen M. Phillips, Lackawanna County Mental Health Court Coordinator and adjunct psychology faculty at The University of Scranton. Classes will be held Tuesdays, Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24 and Oct. 1 and 8 from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

Dr. Norcross is an award-winning, internationally recognized expert on behavior change and psychotherapy. Author of more than 400 scholarly publications, Dr. Norcross has co-written or edited 22 books, most of them in multiple editions. As a mental health coordinator for Lackawanna County, Phillips’ work focuses on assisting those with severe and persistent mental illness within the criminal justice system.

According to Dr. Norcross, psychology has been long preoccupied with human limitations and mental disorders. Positive psychology, by contrast, is the scientific study of how individuals thrive, and communities flourish. “This seminar focuses on understanding, predicting, and improving subjective well-being,” he said.

Students will participate in brief, confidential assessments and research-supported experiential activities designed to enhance their strengths, virtues, and happiness. “In other words, you will learn a lot of positive psychology and apply it to yourself and your community,” said Professor Phillips.

This class is capped at 18 students and is expected to fill quickly. Preference will be given to Schemel Forum Archangel and Angel members first, then open for a la carte registrations on a first-come, first-served basis.

The next two courses, while not tied to a specific theme, have a common thread between them, said George J. Aulisio, Ph.D., dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library and director of the Schemel Forum. “The courses offered by both faculty members will explore popular media within the context of their respective areas of study and scholarship,” said Dean Aulisio.

Sean Brennan, Ph.D., professor in the Department of History at Scranton, will present “CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien: Christian Mythology in Literature and Film” on Thursdays, Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 and Oct. 3 and 10 from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

A historian of 20^th Century Europe and a frequent presenter of the Schemel Forum, Dr. Brennan notes that the title of the course should not be misunderstood as Christianity being a myth. Rather, he said, Christian mythology “is the use of mythological stories to convey Christian messages outside of the Bible.”

During the course, Dr. Brennan will discuss “how both Tolkien and Lewis saw fantasy literature as a way to present Christian theological teachings.” The course will examine the different faith journeys of both men, the most important examples of Christian theology in their novels, and finally, how the recent cinematic adaptations of their works have maintained and, at other times, discarded the Christian teachings of Lewis and Tolkien.

Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Philosophy, will present “From Caligari to Hitler: Cinema and Politics during the Weimar Republic 1918-1933.”

This course will use Siegfried Kracauer’s classic study, From Caligari to Hitler: A Psychological History of the German Film (1947), to explore the culture and politics of the Weimar Republic.

“It’s an academic attempt to understand the culture of this time – a very volatile time between World War I and II,” said Dr. LaZella. “Both then and now, the way in which we consume and process visual literacy has similarities, but we don’t always look at all of the factors that go into the cultural commodity of what is produced,” said Dr. LaZella, adding that smart phones, technology and Artificial Intelligence have changed how we process visual literacy.

According to Dr. LaZella, there are interesting parallels between apolitical films of the Weimar Republic and today.

“Hollywood cinema has a steady output of superhero films,” said Dr. LaZella, noting that there is something to be learned from that.

Dr. LaZella’s course was inspired through a research project with a Scranton student. “It was a wonderful experience, and I’ve always wanted to do more with it (the topic). I thought the Schemel audience would be familiar with the films of this period. As is the case with most of my Schemel Forum courses, I hope to curate a conversation as a fellow collaborator,” said Dr. LaZella.

To register for the courses, or for more information on the Schemel Forum, call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu . Registration is free for University of Scranton and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students, faculty, staff and Schemel Forum members; and $100 per person and $175 per couple for non-members. To pay for courses online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

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

Patricia Vaccaro, director of the Center for Service and Social Justice at The University of Scranton, received a 2024 Alpha Sigma Nu Magis Award. The national award recognizes lay members of the national Jesuit honor society who “best exemplify scholarship, loyalty and service in their work to better the world.”

Vaccaro joined the University staff in 1987 as director of collegiate volunteers. Under Vaccaro’s leadership, the volunteer service opportunities offered to University students greatly expanded through long-established partnerships with area nonprofit organizations, as well as through the development of innovative programs and initiatives to address the needs of individuals in the greater Scranton area.

University service programs created during Vaccaro’s tenure as director include FIRST (First-years Involved in Reflective Service Together), a reflective service immersion program now in its 21^st year, through which a about 40 incoming students at Scranton arrive a week earlier than their classmates to volunteer at area nonprofit organizations and then reflect on their service experiences. The Meg Cullen-Brown SMART program, a mentoring program that has been in existence for more than a decade, pairs University students with high school students in the Scranton School District. The SPARK summer camp is a collaborative program with Scranton Preparatory School that began in 2012 and serves area teens who are at risk. More recent programs offered by the Center for Service and Social Justice include the We Care Program, through which students prepare between 50 to 100 meals weekly for community members in need; Crafts for a Cause, through which students create cards, crochet hats and other items and make jewelry that is donated to the Catherine McAuley Center and Friends of the Poor, and Teen Threads, a student run program in which students collect clothing for teens and then organize “pop-up” giveaways at area high schools.

In addition, The Center for Service and Social Justice, which Vaccaro directs and organizes, with staff from the Center, an annual Volunteer and Service Fair for area nonprofit organizations looking for student volunteers;  Safe Trick or Treat events in residence halls; annual Thanksgiving food and Christmas toy drives; and end-of-year drives that collect thousands of items annually from students as they leave campus. The items collected during move-out are donated to housing developments and area nonprofit organizations. The Center also coordinates domestic and international service programs and offers numerous other service opportunities for University students throughout the year.

Vaccaro has also helped to initiate several popular retreats offered through the Campus Ministry Office during the academic year, including the Mother Daughter retreat.

Vaccaro received the University’s 2009 Sursum Corda (Lift Up Your Hearts) Award, which recognizes staff members who have made outstanding contributions to the life and mission of the University. She was inducted as a member of Alpha Sigma Nu in 2000.

In the greater Scranton area, Vaccaro was a founding member of the Habitat for Humanity of Lackawanna County Chapter. She has served on several boards in the region, including Voluntary Action Center of NEPA and Catholic Social Services.

Vaccaro earned a bachelor’s degree from Marywood University and a master’s degree from The University of Scranton.

The University of Scranton, one of America’s premier colleges, will host two Open House events for prospective students and their families on Sunday, Oct. 27, and Sunday, Nov. 10.

Inspired by its Catholic and Jesuit mission, Scranton provides a rigorous, in-depth education designed for personal and professional success. For 30 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 22 consecutive years and in its ranking of the nation’s “Best Science Labs” (No. 18) for seven years, among other rankings.

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At the Open House, participants can learn about Scranton’s 69 undergraduate majors, meet with faculty, students, admissions counselors and financial aid representatives. Participants can also learn about Scranton’s five honors programs, pre-law, pre-medical and pre-health professions programs. Student-led tours of the campus, located in Northeast Pennsylvania, will be conducted throughout the day and will include residence halls, dining halls, computer labs, science labs and academic facilities.

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

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

Ten 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. In addition, five faculty members who are retiring were also recognized at the event held recently on campus.

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Michael Allison, Ph.D., received the Advancing Global Learning Award, which is presented to a faculty member who has demonstrated noteworthy academic leadership in integrating international issues/perspectives into the curriculum and through whose efforts, students have acquired the competencies, attributes and insights required to meaningfully and successfully participate in an increasingly interdependent world. 

Dr. Allison, professor and chair of the Department of Political Science, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2006. He has served as department chair for a decade and served as coordinator of the University’s Ellacuría Initiative from 2011 to 2019. The courses he teaches at Scranton cover American government and international relations and include “Central and South America,” “United States-Latin American Relations,” “Human Rights,” “Comparative Civil Wars,” and “September 11th and Beyond.” His areas of research interests include the comparative study of civil war and civil war resolution, particularly as it relates to the transition of rebel groups to political parties in Central and South America.

Dr. Allison is a two-time recipient of Fulbright awards. In 1997 he received a Fulbright Student Scholarship to El Salvador and in 2013 he received a Fulbright Faculty Scholarship to Guatemala, where he researched the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unit and its transition to political party as well as United States-Central American relations in the post-Cold War period. Dr. Allison has also been an active member of the University’s Fulbright Committee, assisting students with the competitive application process.

Dr. Allison is a member of the Jesuit Universities Humanitarian Action Network (JUHAN) and co-organized the JUHAN Student Leadership Conference held at Scranton to help provide our students with opportunities to develop global competencies. He has also led student groups to the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice which has a history of honoring the Salvadorian Martyrs from 1989.

Dr. Allison earned a bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University and a master’s degree and doctorate from Florida State University.

Mehmet F. Bastug, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology Department, 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. Bastug, who joined the faculty at Scranton in 2020, serves as director of the Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity Master of Science Program. He teaches courses in cybersecurity and homeland security at the undergraduate and graduate levels. His research focuses on cybersecurity, cyberterrorism, online radicalization, and violent extremism. He has presented at conferences and has co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.

In 2021, Dr. Bastug was named to the 100-member Certified Ethical Hacker Hall of Fame by the EC-Council, the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants. The Hall of Fame celebrates some of the most accomplished Certified Ethical Hackers (CEHs) around the world.

Dr. Bastug earned a bachelor’s degree from the Turkish National Police University in Ankara. He earned a master’s degree from Akdeniz University in Antalya, Turkey, and a master’s degree and doctorate from Rutgers University. He completed postdoctoral research at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT).

Lori Bruch, Ed.D., associate professor and chair of the Counseling and Human Services Department and Satyajit Ghosh, Ph.D., professor in the Economics, Finance and International Business Department, received the Excellence for University Service and Leadership Award, which recognizes faculty who have contributed service to the University community, particularly those who demonstrate academic leadership by effectively mentoring their junior colleagues.

Dr. Bruch joined the University faculty full-time in 1995, having previously served as an adjunct professor at Scranton since 1989. She has served as chair of the Counseling and Human Services Department since 2015. She also served as co-chair of the University’s annual Conference on Disability for more than a decade.

Dr. Bruch’s research interests include the Americans with Disabilities Act, employment of individuals with disabilities, attitudes towards persons with disabilities, professional identity for rehabilitation counselors, rehabilitation counseling curriculum, supervision and accreditation, and lifespan development. She has published nearly 20 articles in academic journals and had presented at more than 40 conferences and meetings.

Dr. Bruch is a member of many national and regional organizations, having served as a board member and chair of the Council on Rehabilitation Education, president of the National Association of Rehabilitation Leadership and president of the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Association, to name just a few.

Dr. Bruch earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the Pennsylvania State University, a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, Stout, and a doctorate from George Washington University.

Dr. Ghosh joined the faculty at the University in 1986. During his tenure at Scranton, he has served on numerous committees, including AACSB accreditation steering committees, Presidential search committees, several terms on the Board of Rank and Tenure, the Faculty Senate and the Curriculum Committee of the Senate, the KSOM Assessment Committee, the Henry George Lecture Committee and many more. Since 2020, Dr. Ghosh has been an active member of the General Education Review Committee. He is currently serving as the General Education Assessment Coordinator. Dr. Ghosh was instrumental in setting up the Office of Educational Assessment and currently serves as its co-director and as a faculty fellow. He also served as chair of the Economics and Finance Department for 15 years.

Dr. Ghosh and Aram Balagyozyan, Ph.D, associate professor of economics, finance and international business, have researched and published multiple issues of the Brennan Barometer, which looks specifically at the economy of NEPA’s Wyoming Valley. The publication analyzes the Wyoming Valley’s job and housing market, as well as the cost-of-living impact inflation has had on household purchasing power in the region, among other factors. Dr. Ghosh is frequently quoted in local, regional and even national media outlets discussing the NEPA economy.

Dr. Ghosh earned a bachelor’s degree from Presidency College in India, a master’s degree from the University of Calcutta and a master’s and doctorate from State University of New York, Buffalo.

Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., received the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award, which is presented to a faculty member who makes extraordinary efforts to enhance student learning and who practices teaching as a form of scholarship.

In 2023, Dr. Dumancas received the University’s 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. Also in 2023, he was selected as a Visiting Faculty Fellow by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Dr. Dumancas, associate professor of chemistry, joined the faculty at Scranton in the spring of 2022. Over the course of his academic career, he has generated more than $2 million in external research funding from the NSF, Louisiana State University and the Louisiana Board of Regents. He has published nearly 100 research products in the form of journal articles, book chapters, books and intellectual property disclosures related to his research in the development and applications of chemometrics and spectroscopic techniques in food and biological applications. He is the recipient of a five-year, $1.158 million National Science Foundation funded Noyce Scholars grant to support future STEM high school teachers in high-need school districts.

At Scranton, Dr. Dumancas serves as a faculty fellow in the Office of Education Assessment and as a community-based learning faculty fellow, where he is collaborating with the Lackawanna River Conservation Association and is combining research and teaching by implementing novel analytical chemistry experiments for use in his lab classes.

In addition, Dr. Dumancas is serving as the faculty lead for a Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation grant, which is a program that takes a comprehensive approach to student development and retention. Particular emphasis is placed on transforming undergraduate STEM education through innovative, evidence-based recruitment and retention strategies, and relevant educational experiences in support of racial and ethnic groups historically underrepresented in STEM disciplines.

Dr. Dumancas earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of the Philippines and a doctorate from Oklahoma State University.

Madeline Gangnes, Ph.D., received the Sustainability Award, which recognizes the efforts of a faculty member who strives for excellence in teaching about sustainability and who makes extraordinary efforts to introduce that essential concept into the curriculum.

Dr. Gangnes joined the University faculty in 2020 as an assistant professor in the Department of English and Theatre. She serves as co-moderator of the University’s Mu Omicron Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the national English honor society. She is also a member of the University’s Ecological Education working group and the Cry for the Poor working group, both of which support the University’s Laudato Si’ initiative. At Scranton, she has developed two courses that support the newly revised environmental science major and the environmental and sustainability studies concentration: “Literature and the Environment” and “Climate Fiction.”

Her research interests include the intersections of 19th-century British literature and culture, visual studies, digital humanities and book history. She is particularly interested in the image textuality of Victorian periodicals, especially illustrated serialized fiction. Her scholarly work has been published in journals and collected volumes, including the Victorian Periodicals Review, the Journal of Graphic Novels and Comic, INKS: The Journal of the Comics Studies Society, Studies in Comics and Art and Science in Word and Image: Exploration and Discovery. She has served as the assistant editor of Studies in Comics and as the editor of Sequentials.

Dr. Gangnes earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Puget Sound, a master’s degree from the University of Dundee in Scotland and a doctorate from the University of Florida.

Michael Landram., Ph.D., received the Community-Based Learning Award, which is presented to a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in community-based learning (CBL) pedagogy as demonstrated by meaningful integration with course or program content that incorporates integration of theory with practice, direct engagement with community members, and personal and critical academic reflection.

Dr. Landram, associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2015. His research interests include the measurement of the neurological and cardiovascular stresses associated with various training loads, competitive endeavors, and recovery in athletic and clinical populations.

At Scranton. Dr. Landram has developed an ongoing community partnership with the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Scranton, through which, for nearly a decade, senior students in the kinesiology program engage in meaningful learning experiences while helping older adults meet their physical activity needs. During this Community-Based-Learning (CBL) experience, students are matched with a JCC participant to design an individualized physical activity program based on their fitness assessment, a needs-based analysis and their physical activity goals. Over the course of 12 weeks each semester, students, along with their faculty mentor, evaluate and monitor individual physical activity sessions and review and modify goals as appropriate. Dr. Landram also incorporated into the course meaningful opportunities for student and participant reflection.

Each year, this CBL project serves 50-60 of our students and 35-40 adult participants from the JCC, providing at least 1,000 contact hours per year.

Dr. Landram is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Physiological Society, and is a certified USA Olympic weightlifting coach.

Dr. Landram earned a bachelor’s degree from Truman State University, a master’s degree from Appalachian State University and a doctorate from University of Rome “Foro Italico” in Italy.

Prof. Ian O’Hara 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.

Prof. O’Hara, assistant professor and research and instruction librarian in the Weinberg Memorial Library, has created several research guides for the University, including the Ability, Disability, and Accessibility Resources Guide and the Race, Racism and Anti-Racism Resources Guide.

Prof. O’Hara serves on the Library’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee, and has been influential in the establishment of several innovations in the library that make it a more equitable and welcoming environment. His research interests include critical information literacy, new and emerging technologies, principles and applications of software design and web application development, among other areas.

Prof. O’Hara joined the staff at Scranton as a serials/electronic resources clerk in 2013. He earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton and a master’s degree in software engineering from Scranton. He also earned a master’s degree in library science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

Kimberly Pavlick, Ph.D., received the Integrating Mission and Justice into the Curriculum Award, which recognizes a faculty member whose special efforts ensure that students have a keen understanding and appreciation of the realities of the world, including pressing justice issues in a local, national and global context.

Dr. Pavlick, assistant professor in the Department of Communication and Media, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2005. Her teaching and research focuses on effective writing for various media platforms, journalism and broadcasting. Well known with students for her boundless energy and exacting standards, Dr. Pavlick includes in her courses projects that simulate the realities of professional communication fields and stimulate the interest and motivation of the students. She ensures students have a keen understanding of the realities of the world including pressing justice issues in a local, national and global context. She integrates seminal issues of justice into her teaching as well, so that students possess the awareness, competence, skills and insights to critically reflect on prevailing social, political, economic and cultural issues, and be able and willing to take action on behalf of justice.

Most recently, Dr. Pavlick has established an ongoing relationship with the Gino Merli Center to record the stories of Scranton area veterans. Through the Community-Based-Learning (CBL) project, students meet with veterans and practice the skills that they have learned in her course by documenting and recording their experiences. Feedback on the project indicates that the veterans appreciate the opportunity to speak with young people, while the students learn of real-world events through the eyes of those who have experienced them.

At Scranton, Dr. Pavlick has served as the NCAA faculty athletics representative and as a faculty mentor for the field hockey team.

Dr. Pavlick earned a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University, a master’s degree from The University of Scranton and a doctorate from Marywood University.

Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Scholarly Publication Award, which is presented to a faculty member who has attained distinction in scholarship or creative activity.

An associate professor in the Department of English and Theatre at Scranton, Dr. Willenbrink’s most recent book, “Performing for the Don: Theatres of Faith on the Trump Era,” was published by Rutledge Press in 2023 and is the culmination of several years of scholarly work. His scholarly research focuses on religious performance and playwriting.

In addition to academic research, Dr. Willenbrink is a creative writer and performer. His play, “The Boat in the Tiger Suit” premiered at The Brick in New York City on 2013 and was published by Original Works Publishing in 2014. His play “18” won the Corwin Award for Best Short Play from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. His monologues have been featured in Monologues for Men by Men, More Monologues for Men by Men, and Best Men’s Stage Monologues of 2014.

At Scranton, Dr. Willenbrink has developed and led three interdisciplinary, community-engaged projects featuring students: “Proprioception” in 2015; “The Porches Project” in 2019; and “1902” in 2023. In each project, student writers performed research on their community through historical documentation or via community story gatherings. The research collected was then used to create dramatic works, which were developed and performed.

Dr. Willenbrink joined the faculty at Scranton in 2004. He has served as director of the Theatre Program and director of First Year Seminar Development. He has served on numerous committees including the Slattery Center Faculty Executive Committee and Humanities Initiative, Honors Council: Community-based Learning Advisory Board and Laudato Si' Education for the Environment Working Group.

Dr. Willlenbrink earned a bachelor’s from Colgate University, a master’s degree from the University of Vermont, and a doctorate from Syracuse University.

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Also recognized at the award ceremony were five retiring faculty members, each of whom have served the University for decades: Brigid Curtin Frein, Ph.D., associate professor, in the Theology/Religious Studies Department, who joined the faculty at Scranton in 1988; Irene Goll, Ph.D., associate professor in the Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department, who joined the faculty at Scranton in 1988; Edward M. Scahill, Ph.D., associate professor in the Economics, Finance and International Business Department, who joined the faculty at Scranton in 1989; Daniel J. West, Ph.D., professor in the Health Administration and Human Resources Department, who joined the faculty at Scranton in 1990; and Michael M. Costello, J.D., faculty specialist in the Health Administration and Human Resources Department, who joined the faculty at Scranton full-time in 2014, having previously served as an adjunct professor.

During her tenure at Scranton, Dr. Frein served as departmental chair; interim associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and coordinator for freshman seminar for the College of Arts and Sciences, among other committees and positions. Her research interests specialize in the New Testament and she has published numerous articles on the Gospels. She is an active member of the Catholic Biblical Association. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University and a doctorate from Saint Louis University.

Dr. Goll was named as a Alperin Teaching Fellow and a Burkavage Fellow at Scranton. She has published numerous articles that examine corporate social responsibility as an important component of a firm’s culture, philosophy or ideology in prestigious management journals such as Organization Studies and Industrial Relations. Dr. Goll earned a bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University, a master’s degree from the University of Illinois and a doctorate from Temple University.

Dr. Scahill served as the director of the University’s Center for Economic Education for decades. He has published articles in numerous journals, including the Journal of Economics Teaching, Journal of Economics and Economic Education, Journal of Finance and Economics and the International Review of Economics Education. He has made contributions to “Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics” (all eight editions), “Intermediate Macroeconomics” and “Money and Banking,” co-authored by R. Glenn Hubbard and Anthony Patrick O’Brien. He was also named as a regular contributor on microeconomics to The Wall Street Journal’s Weekly Review. Dr. Scahill received the University’s Alperin Teaching Fellowship and the Leavey Award for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education from the Freedoms Foundation for his program, “Teaching Economics by Teaching Baseball.” He earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s degree and a doctorate from The State University of New York at Binghamton.

Dr. West served as the chair the Health Administration and Human Resources Department for two decades, in addition to serving a several University committees. During his tenure at Scranton, he planned and conducted dozens of study abroad tours for graduate students and faculty to countries as diverse as Bolivia, Slovakia, Haiti and China. A well-respected teacher and scholar with specialization in international health care, globalization, multiculturalism and diversity management, Dr. West holds a professor in public health appointment at Trnava University, as well as a visiting professor appointment at the University of Matej Bel, Slovakia and affiliated faculty at Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. In 2019, he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Trnava University, Slovakia. He was recognized as an International Fellow at Scranton and received the John L. Earl III Award for service to the University, the faculty and the wider community in 2021. Dr. West earned a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree and a doctoral degree from the Pennsylvania State University.

Prof. Costello served as program director of the University’s Graduate MHA Online program. During his tenure at Scranton, he received the Faculty Service Award from Hanley College and the Provost’s part-time Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence, as well as the University’s Frank O’Hara Award for University service. He also served as president of the University of Scranton Alumni Society. His teaching and publishing interests are in the areas of health law and policy, health economics, international health care, long-term care administration, and clinical and administrative ethics. He holds an adjunct faculty appointment at The Commonwealth Medical College and the University of Central Florida. He also holds visiting professorships at Trnava and St. Elizabeth Universities in Slovakia and the University of Georgia in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, a master’s degree from Ohio University, an MBA from The University of Scranton, and a juris doctorate from Southland University.

A warm welcome greeted Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., H’04, the 23^rd President of The University of Scranton, on his return to campus to begin service as the new Superior for the Scranton Jesuit Community. Faculty, staff, administrators, current and former trustees and the University’s current President, Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., joined him at a reception held in the Weinberg Memorial Library on July 31, following a Mass on the Feast Day of St. Ignatius.

“I encounter with every face I look at memories which are good,” said Father McShane, who spoke of “faculty who are compelling and never gave up on students; faculty who believed in students more than the students believed in themselves.” Father McShane spoke of staff members who have conscientiously cared for and cherished the University.

 

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Father McShane also said that, together, faculty and staff at Scranton have “defined and maintained a great sense of community and of mission and, throughout, have also maintained a great sense of humility. Part of the great charm and the great grace of Scranton is its excellence, combined with a humble human touch. I want to learn from all of you.”

In a campus announcement regarding his appointment by Rev. Joseph M. O’Keefe, S.J., Provincial of the USA East Province, as Superior for the Scranton Jesuit Community, Father Marina noted Father McShane’s numerous contributions to Scranton during his time as President from 1998 to 2003.

“During his tenure at Scranton, Fr. McShane’s many accomplishments included efforts to celebrate student academic achievements and to assist students in successfully competing for prestigious fellowships and scholarships,” wrote Father Marina. “The University renovated O’Hara Hall, built Brennan Hall, the home of the Kania School of Management, Romero Plaza and Madison Square, successfully completed the Campaign for Scranton (a $48.5 million capital campaign), inaugurated the President's Business Council, and created Founder’s Green.”

Father McShane left Scranton to serve as the 32nd President of Fordham University. During his tenure as President there from 2003 to his retirement in 2022, Fordham University invested $1 billion in new construction and infrastructure improvements, raised more than $1 billion in donations, and increased its endowment to more than $1 billion, among other accomplishments. In 2022, Fordham’s Board of Trustees elected Father McShane as President Emeritus.

A native of New York, Father McShane entered the Society of Jesus in 1967 and was ordained a priest in 1977. He received both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Boston College, and master's degrees in theology from the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley in 1977. He completed his doctorate, in the history of Christianity, at the University of Chicago in 1981.

Father McShane served as a member of the Department of Religious Studies at LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New York, from 1981 to 1992. He served as the dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill from 1992 to 1998. After his service as President of The University of Scranton and his retirement as President of Fordham University, Father McShane served as special assistant to the President of Canisius University in Buffalo, New York, until starting as Superior of the Jesuit Community at Scranton on July 31. He serves on the boards of Santa Clara University and the University of Detroit Mercy.

The University of Scranton bestowed an honorary degree upon Father McShane in 2004 and dedicated the Executive Education Center on the fifth floor of Brennan Hall in his honor in 2005.

Among his more recent honors, Father McShane received the 2024 Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, CSC, Award from the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, in recognition of his many contributions to Catholic higher education.

The University of Scranton awarded faculty development summer grants for 2024 to seven faculty members.

Anthony Carusotto, Ed.D., DPT, assistant professor of physical therapy, received a grant to research “Enhancing knowledge and formal training to improve cardiopulmonary curricular mapping within the Doctoral of Physical Therapy program at The University of Scranton.” He joined the faculty at the University in 2018. He earned a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Misericorida University, and a Ed.D. degree from Drexel University.

Michael Crowell, DPT, D.Sc., associate professor of physical therapy, received a grant to research “Exploring relationships between psychological readiness to return to play, neuromuscular asymmetries, graft type, and collegiate athletic skill level after ACL reconstruction.” He joined the faculty in 2023. He earned a bachelor’s degree at the United States Military Academy and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and a Doctor of Science degree from Baylor University.

Ashley Driver, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, received a grant to research “Characterizing the role of Hsd17b7 on cellular survival and autophagy in mammalian cells.” She joined the University in 2020. She received a bachelor’s degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Colleen Farry, assistant professor and digital services librarian, Weinberg Memorial Library, received a grant to research “Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Archival Workflows.” She joined the University in 2015. She received a bachelor’s degree from Marywood University, a master’s degree from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in library science from the University of Illinois.

Bibi Rafeiza Khan, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, received a grant to research “Identification of the Mutated Gene in Latrunculin B Resistant 2 (LBR2) Arabidopsis thaliana Seedlings by Map-based Cloning.” She joined the University in 2021. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Guyana, a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Riddhiman Medhi, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry, received a grant to research “Metal Oxide Nanowire Arrays for Photocatalytic Degradation of Water Pollutants.” He joined the University in 2021. He received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Gauhati University in Guwahati, India, and a Ph.D. from the University of Houston

Susan Poulson, Ph.D., professor of history, received a grant to research “Insanity: Murder and Madness in a Troubled America.” She joined the University in 1990. She received a bachelor’s degree from George Washington University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Georgetown University.

The Center for Service and Social Justice at The University of Scranton will hold its annual Volunteer and Service Fair for local nonprofit organizations from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, 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.

Each year, more than 600 students attend the fair. Annually, more than 2,800 Scranton students volunteer for more than 175,000 hours of service.

There is no cost for a nonprofit organization to participate in the fair, however, registration is required. To register, email ellen.judge@scranton.edu or call 570-941-7429. The deadline to register for the Volunteer and Service Fair is Thursday, Sept. 5.

Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president for community engagement and government affairs at The University of Scranton, was among the 50 Higher Education Trailblazers named by City and State Pennsylvania, a multimedia news organization that focuses on the commonwealth.

At Scranton, Cohen leads a variety of community and civic initiatives. She served as project director of “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story,” a project that garnered a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. A multiple-year, community-wide project, “Scranton’s Story” explored themes of history, belonging, identity, community and democracy through a series of humanities-based programs culminating in a fall 2023 oral history collection.

“These Scranton Stories give voice to a broad array of Scranton experiences - bringing underrepresented and long-told narratives together - to create a new mosaic that connects Scranton to our nation’s ongoing story prior to its 250^th anniversary,” said Cohen of the project.

In 2022, Cohen coordinated The University of Scranton’s third Living Wage Study rooted in the Catholic social justice tradition that details problems and solutions related to economic insecurity in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She chairs the University’s Community-Based Learning Board, which involves academic, course-based programs through which students work with individuals or organizations on projects that address community needs in such areas as poverty, neighborhood revitalization, refugee solidarity, and non-profit capacity building. She also chairs the University’s Political Dialogue Initiative, which encourages reflective, structured discussion for students around contentious issues such as immigration, guns, upcoming elections, foreign policy and more. Cohen serves on several Scranton area boards, including Scranton Tomorrow, Valley in Motion and First Friday. She co-chairs the city of Scranton’s World Refugee Day.

Cohen joined the University in 2010. During her tenure, she has spearheaded a new downtown Scranton student-engagement initiatives and built collaborative relationships with community, neighborhood and government leaders and organizations. Together with community and faculty partners, she has helped to create refugee solidarity programming. From 2016-2019, Cohen served as co-chair of the University’s Middle States Self-Study for reaccreditation. She has written editorials and articles that have appeared in the Scranton Times-Tribune, America, Connections, Conversations and the Journal of Ecumenical Studies.

Prior to Scranton, Cohen served as deputy director of Churches for Middle East Peace, a coalition of church bodies that works to advance Israeli-Palestinian peace, among other roles with cross-cultural and social justice organizations. She is currently a member of the Catholic Advisory Council of Churches for Middle East Peace and the board of the Foundation for Middle East Peace and has been active this past year in organizing educational programs and activities on the Gaza-Israel crisis to discuss how to end the current hostilities and foster a just peace.

Cohen earned a bachelor’s degree in political studies and English literature from Gordon College and a Master of Public Administration from Villanova University. Currently, she is pursuing a political science doctoral degree at Temple University.

Twenty-one 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.

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The summer program featured presentations by University faculty, staff and students, including hands-on demonstrations by University professors Declan Mulhall, Ph.D., in physics and engineering; Michael Fennie, Ph.D., in chemistry; and Spencer Galen, Ph.D., in biology. At the institute, students learned about alternate renewable energy sources, sustainability and climate change, among other topics. Counselors from Lackawanna County Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center also presented. 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 service project at the St. Francis of Assisi Soup Kitchen.            

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, Charles A. Frueauff Foundation, Carl and JoAnne Kuehner, Overlook Estate Foundation, Peoples Security Bank and Trust, PPL Foundation, Lisa A. Thomas, M.D., and Waste Management.

Students entering the University of Success program are as follows:

Tyler Amorim, who attended Scranton STEM Academy;

Stacey Aracena, who attended West Scranton Middle School;

Jordan Ayala, who attended Scranton STEM Academy;

Ali Callahan, who attended Lackawanna Trail Junior-Senior High School;

Liz Cruz, who attended Carbondale Area Junior Senior High School;

Symanys Cuadro, who attended Riverside Junior Senior High School;

Lindsey Fuentez, who attended Riverside Junior Senior High School;

Nashad Gamin, who attended Riverside Junior Senior High School;

Loanny Gonzalez, who attended South Scranton Intermediate;

Lorena Gonzalez, who attended South Scranton Intermediate;

Jazmarae Green, who attended South Scranton Intermediate;

Amaya Harris, who attended West Scranton Middle School;

Kiara Hughes, who attended Mid Valley Secondary Center;

Elana Jones, who attended Abington Heights Middle School;

Kodi Jordan, who attended Dunmore Junior Senior High School;

Andrew Lopez, who attended West Scranton Middle School;

Noah Marin-Salvador, who attended Mid Valley Secondary Center;

Diana Moreno, who attended South Scranton Intermediate;

Davi Motta, who attended Wyoming Valley West Middle School;

William Paneto-Quiles, who attended North Pocono Middle School;

Will Young, who attended Carbondale Area Junior Senior High School.

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Margaret Loughney serves as the program director for the University of Success.

For additional information, visit the University of Success web site.

The University of Scranton received a $1,000 community events grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The grant will support an interactive field trip for fourth grade students at McNichols Plaza Elementary School in South Scranton to the University’s Loyola Science Center to learn more about STEM fields.

Under the guidance of University of Scranton professors, University students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields will plan and run learning stations for the fourth-grade students that focus on age-appropriate lessons in the biological sciences about wildlife and the environment.

The University has partnered with McNichols Plaza Elementary School in the Scranton School District for several years to offer programing that connects the University’s resources in the sciences with area children to introduce them to the STEM fields.

The mission of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, a public 501c3 community foundation, is to enhance the quality of life for all people in Northeastern Pennsylvania through the development of organized philanthropy. According to its website, the foundation serves as a steward, a grant-maker, a charitable resource and a catalyst for change. The foundation manages more than 300 charitable funds established by philanthropic individuals in our community and have granted more than $20 million to assist the educational, human service, environmental, civic, and arts and cultural organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The University of Scranton and Xavier High School in New York City have signed an agreement that creates a pathway for students who meet eligibility requirements to earn their high school diploma and bachelor’s degree in seven years. The agreement with Xavier will begin in the 2025-2026 academic year.

“I am delighted and grateful to see Scranton and Xavier working together on establishing this new linkage,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton. “Having served on Xavier’s board of trustees in the past and as pastor of the Church of St. Francis Xavier right next door, I know first-hand how seriously Xavier takes its Jesuit mission. Its students are of the highest caliber, and they are exactly the type of students we wish to attract to the University. This new avenue for both of our institutions will provide a more efficient and cost-effective pathway to higher education and bond the Jesuit charisms of our schools in a new and creative way.”

Founded in 1847, Xavier High School is an academically rigorous, Catholic, Jesuit, college preparatory school in New York City that educates intelligent, motivated young men of diverse backgrounds and means. Today, 43 percent of its student body are students of color and 59 percent of Xavier’s students are enrolled in AP or honors courses.

“I am delighted by this deepening of our relationship with The University of Scranton. Over the decades, scores of Xavier graduates have continued their education at Scranton because of the University’s academic rigor and deep commitment to her Jesuit mission and identity,” said Jack Raslowsky, president of Xavier High School. “This relationship will allow and encourage new generations of students to do the same and will prepare them to go forth to transform the world for God’s great glory.”

The agreement allows students from Xavier High School who meet eligibility requirements to gain college credit at The University of Scranton for courses taken in high school. To be eligible for the program, Xavier students must have a final cumulative grade point average of 87 or higher. They must attain a minimum SAT score of 530 in mathematics and 550 in evidence-based reading and mathematics or a minimum ACT composite score of 22. In addition to other requirements, students must also have a cumulative grade of 87 or higher in the individual courses transferred for credit. Students accepted into the University will receive academic credit for eligible courses taken through the program and will be considered for merit- and need-based financial aid.

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For more information about the seven-year program, email Xavier High School at admissions@xavierhs.org. or contact The University of Scranton at admissions@scranton.edu or 1-888-SCRANTON.

Eight University of Scranton students and physics and engineering faculty member Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., presented research at the National Science Foundation CEDAR (Coupling, Energetics, and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions) Workshop in San Diego, California, in June. Additionally, four of the students joined Dr. Frissell to attend and present research at the NASA Living with a Star Interhemispheric Asymmetries Meeting at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder, Colorado, in May.

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James P. Fox, Hillsborough, New Jersey, a computer science major at Scranton, presented his research titled “Detection of SuperDARN-Observed Medium Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances in the Southern Hemisphere” in poster and oral presentation formats at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop. He also attended and presented with Dr. Frissell at the NASA Living with a Star Interhemispheric Asymmetries Meeting at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder, Colorado.

Nicholas Guerra ’24, Scranton, who earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Scranton in 2024 and is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering here, presented his research poster titled “Implementation of the Revised SuperDARN MSTID MUSIC Algorithm in the DARNtids Analysis Toolkit” at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop. He also attended and presented with Dr. Frissell at the NASA Living with a Star Interhemispheric Asymmetries Meeting at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder, Colorado.

Michael Molzen, Bloomsbury, New Jersey, a physics major at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “MSTID Activity During January 2016 Detected by the SuperDARN MUSIC Algorithm” at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop. He also attended and presented with Dr. Frissell at the NASA Living with a Star Interhemispheric Asymmetries Meeting at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder, Colorado.

Cuong Nguyen ’23, Ashley, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering and computer science from Scranton in 2023 and is now pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering. He presented his research titled “Software Development for the Grape Personal Weather Station v2” in poster and oral presentation formats at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop.

Alexandros Papadopoulos, Scotrun, a computer engineering major at Scranton, presented his research titled “Analysis of the HamSCI Solar Eclipse High Frequency Time Difference of Arrival Experiment Observations Using Automated Techniques” in poster and oral presentation formats at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop.

Gerard N. Piccini, Monroe Township, New Jersey, an electrical engineering major at Scranton, presented his research titled “A Low-Cost Low-Power Chirp Ionosonde for Studying Eclipse Ionospheric Impacts” in poster and oral presentation formats at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop.

Thomas J. Pisano, Staten Island, New York, an electrical engineering major at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “Investigating Bias from MSTID Wavenumber Spectrum mapping within the pyDARN MUSIC Algorithm” at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop. He also attended and presented with Dr. Frissell at the NASA Living with a Star Interhemispheric Asymmetries Meeting at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder, Colorado.

Diego Sanchez, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, who is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “Possible Drivers of Large Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances by Analysis of Ham Radio Contacts” at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop.

Dr. Frissell also presented his research at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop and, along with students and volunteer scientist and University of Scranton benefactor Mary Lou West, Ph.D., Columbia University and Professor Emerita at Montclair State University, presented research at the NASA Living with a Star Interhemispheric Asymmetries Meeting at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics.

In addition to Dr. Frissell, University of Scranton physics and engineering professor Robert Spalletta, Ph.D., mathematics professor Joseph Klobusicky, Ph.D., and computing sciences professor Mark Fenner, Ph.D., worked with several of the students on their research projects presented at the conferences.

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The University of Scranton’s Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Clinic for the Uninsured received a $10,000 critical needs grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The grant will be used to support the free services offered to uninsured members of Lackawanna County through the clinic, which include counseling, physical therapy and vision therapy, as well as a medical clinic that offers “non-emergency” health care through a partnership with Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM).

As the only completely free medical clinic in Lackawanna County providing primary and specialty care to adults, the Leahy Clinic improves the health of our community by increasing access to health care for our most vulnerable members who may otherwise forego vital care due to cost or seek care in hospital emergency rooms. The clinic is an indispensable part of the area’s health care “safety net,” offering longitudinal care that includes routine physical examinations, primary care, pre-work physical examinations, adult pre-education physical examinations and sick visits.

The Leahy Clinic also offers opportunities for teaching, research, learning and service to University of Scranton and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine faculty, students and volunteers. The clinic follows a student-run model of operation, with medical oversight provided by Geisinger, expanding opportunities for practical experience in patient care, clinic management and other aspects of healthcare for students at both schools. 

In addition to serving neighbors in need, the clinic offers hands-on teaching and learning opportunities for medical students, nursing students, counseling students and occupational therapy and physical therapy students. Students also receive management and operations experiences by running the clinic.

The mission of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, a public 501c3 community foundation, is to enhance the quality of life for all people in Northeastern Pennsylvania through the development of organized philanthropy. According to its website, the foundation serves as a steward, a grant-maker, a charitable resource and a catalyst for change. The foundation manages more than 300 charitable funds established by philanthropic individuals in our community and have granted more than $20 million to assist the educational, human service, environmental, civic, and arts and cultural organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Eleven University of Scranton Students participated in a study abroad program in South Korea that provided an in-depth exploration of the criminal justice systems in both South Korea and the United States and allowed the students to compete with international teams in a cybercrime investigation challenge.

Through the course led by professors in the University’s Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology Michael Jenkins, Ph.D., and Sinchul Back, Ph.D., who previously served as a captain in the South Korean Marine Corps, the students visited several key institutions to gain a comprehensive understanding of South Korea’s criminal justice and national security systems. Students visited the Blue House (South Korea’s presidential residence akin to the White House), Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Demilitarized Zone at a Republic of Korea Marine base camp, the Korean National Police Agency, Korean National Police University, Korean Supreme Prosecution Office and the Korean Defense Counterintelligence Agency.

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Highlighting their trip, the students participated as a cybercrime investigation team in the 2024 International White Hat Conference, hosted by Boston University. The conference, themed “AI and Robotics Frontier: Mastering Cybercrime Defense in the Digital Age,” focused on advanced applications of AI and robotics in cybersecurity and cybercrime defense. Scranton teams excelled in the cybercrime investigation capture-the-flag (CTF) challenge, securing fifth, sixth, and eighth places among the international teams participating, including many teams of professionals currently working in the field of cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity.

In addition, four Scranton students were invited to present their research and projects related to cybercrime investigation at the student poster session of the conference that provided a platform to engage with experts and showcase their work, as well as a way to learn about the latest developments in cybersecurity. Dr. Back was the faculty co-author on the research studies presented.

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University students who participated in a study abroad program in South Korea were:

Justin K. Bauer, a criminal justice major from Staten Island, New York, and member of the University’s class of 2025;

Jacob Haley, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Pembroke, Massachusetts, and member of the University’s class of 2026;

Anthony M. Knof, a criminal justice major from Pompton Plains, New Jersey, and member of the University’s class of 2026;

John F. Mahoney, a criminal justice major from Rockaway Point, New York, and member of the University’s class of 2026;

Victor A. Romanek, a criminal justice major from Hampton, New Jersey, and member of the University’s class of 2025, who also presented his study titled “Cyber Bullying and Offender age” at the student poster session of the 2024 International White Hat Conference;

Brigida M. Sarcona, a criminal justice major from Staten Island, New York, and member of the University’s class of 2026, who also presented her research titled “Exploring Criminal Offender Age and Motivation in Cyberstalking: An Application of Cyber-Situational Crime Prevention Theory” at the student poster session of the 2024 International White Hat Conference;

Jessica M. Sommo, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Commack, New York, and member of the University’s class of 2026;

Adam J. Steidle, a history major from Stewartsville, New Jersey, and member of the University’s class of 2026;

Colin A. Straub, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Royersford, and member of the University’s class of 2025, who also presented his study titled “DDoS Attacks: Motivation and Accomplices” at the student poster session of the 2024 International White Hat Conference;

Christopher G. Villa, a biology major from Abington in his senior year at Scranton, who also presented his research titled “Exploring Criminal Offender Age and Geographical Location” at the student poster session of the 2024 International White Hat Conference;

Finnbarr D. Whittaker, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Scranton, and member of the University’s class of 2027.

Two University students also attended the 2024 International White Hat Conference. They participated in a similar study abroad course to South Korea in 2022. The students attending the conference were:

Andrew P. Cupo, a cybercrime and homeland security and criminal justice double major from West Orange, New Jersey, and member of Scranton’s class of 2025; and Bradley W. Rausch, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Byram Township, New Jersey, who graduated from the University in May of 2024.

The University began offering a bachelor’s degree in cybercrime and homeland security in the fall of 2020 and master’s degree in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity in a fully online format in the fall of 2022.

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Ashley L. Stampone, Ph.D., ’10, G’11, PHD’22, assistant professor in the Accounting Department, was selected as one of just 25 educators/academic members worldwide to serve on the Institute of Management Accountants’ (IMA) Committee of Academic Relations for a two-year term. She was also elected to serve as vice president on the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (PICPA) Board of Directors for a one-year term and will serve as the PICPA board representative on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation.

“Dr. Stampone’s commitment to advancing the accounting profession and bringing that insight to our students in the classroom and through mentoring is genuinely inspiring,” said Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of the Accounting Department and director of the University’s Ph.D. program in accounting. “Her most recent appointments with the PICPA and IMA further demonstrate her commitment and contribution to the profession. We are proud to have her in our department.”

A three-time graduate of The University of Scranton, Dr. Stampone is a four-time recipient as the Kania School of Management Professor of the Year award, having garnered that honor in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024. She was named Accounting Department Teacher of the Year in 2023.

Additionally, Dr. Stampone has won numerous state and national awards and professional honors. In 2019, she was given the IMA’s Faculty Leadership Award, a national prize bestowed to an educator who has demonstrated significant leadership. Dr. Stampone received the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Young Leaders Award in 2021. That same year, she also received 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 and student members in particular.

Dr. Stampone serves as the faculty advisor for the University’s Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) student chapter – a group repeatedly recognized as among the five most outstanding student chapters in the nation.

Dr. Stampone joined the faculty at the University is 2016. Before teaching, Dr. 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.

Dr. Stampone earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting, her MBA and her Ph.D. from The University of Scranton.

Michael Jenkins, Ph.D.’06, professor and chair of The University of Scranton’s Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology, received the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences 2024 Police Section Outstanding Service. The annual award honors an individual who has provided significant service to the Police Section of the academy.

The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences is an international association with 2,000 members that was established in 1963 to foster professional and scholarly activities in the field of criminal justice.

Dr. Jenkins’s service to the Police Section of the academy includes a tenure as editor of the Police Forum, where he led conversations to explore the development of a peer review Police Section publication and expanded readership and contributions of the publication. Dr. Jenkins has also served on the Police Section awards committee, and, in 2016, presented the late Dr. George Kelling with the O.W Wilson Award on behalf of the section.

Dr. Jenkins said that his “favorite contribution” to the Police Section has been mentoring “students and junior colleagues from a variety of academic backgrounds and institutions.”

A 2006 graduate of The University of Scranton, Dr. Jenkins has worked at the University since 2013. He is the founding executive director of the University’s Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime. He received the University’s 2017 Excellence in Scholarly Publication Award, which is presented to faculty members who have attained distinction in scholarship or creative activity. Also in 2017, he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study with the London Metropolitan Police and the University College London. In addition to published research articles in academic journals, his books include “Police Leaders in the New Community Problem Solving Era” and “Policing the World: The Practice of International and Transnational Policing (2nd edition).”

Dr. Jenkins has written editorials and has been quoted in numerous news articles on diverse topics related to criminal justice that were published in national and international outlets, such as The New York Times, BBC, The Christian Science Monitor, The Washington Post and The Philadelphia Inquirer, in addition to multiple local news outlets.

In addition to his bachelor’s degree from Scranton, Dr. Jenkins earned his master’s degree and doctorate from the State University of New Jersey, Rutgers.

The University of Scranton’s Prison Education Program, which began in the fall of 2021 at Dallas State Correctional Institution, received a total of $80,000 from the Sunshine Lady Foundation to the support the program for two years. The program will receive $40,000 each year.

The University’s Prison Education Program provides an opportunity for incarcerated individuals to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Studies. The program aligns with Scranton’s Jesuit mission to extend education and care to marginalized and under-served populations.

Through the program, inmates can take general education college-credit courses taught by University professors on-site at the correctional facility. Participants can earn 60 credits for an associate’s degree in just two and a half years.

The University held a graduation ceremony for the first cohort of nine students who earned their associate degrees in December 2023 at Dallas-SCI. The second cohort of 14 students are expected to complete the requirements for an associate’s degree in December of 2024.

The University’s Prison Education Program is offered free to all incarcerated students who are accepted to the program. The funding support from Sunshine Lady Foundation will be used to help defray the costs of the students’ textbooks, which are vital for the program since the internet is not available to incarcerated students. The funding will also provide support for tutors and other expenses associated with the program.

The Sunshine Lady Foundation was founded in 1996 in North Carolina by the late Doris Buffett, sister of Warren Buffet. The Foundation is inspired by Doris’ vision and energy and is funded through her immense generosity. The Foundation invests in quality higher education in prison and reentry programs in the United States.

Christopher Haw, Ph.D., associate professor of theology and religious studies, serves as program director of the University’s Prison Education Program.

Four University of Scranton students placed in the top 10 in competitions at the 2024 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida. In total, the four University students took home five trophies from the conference that took place from June 24 to 27.

Todd F. Monahan, Moosic, won second place in foundations of finance at the national FBLA conference. Monahan is earned his bachelor’s degree in finance, summa cum laude, from the University in 2024 and is currently pursing his MBA at Scranton.

Gary Mrozinski, a finance major from Taylor, won third place in foundations of economics. Mrozinski is a first-year student at Scranton.

Chaz G. DellaCorte, a finance major from Ridgefield, Connecticut, won two trophies at the national conference. He came in eighth place in the future business executive competition and ninth place in the future business educator category. DellaCorte is a junior at Scranton.

Joseph M. Kulikowski, a business analytics major from Moosic, won tenth place in sports management and marketing. Kulikowski is a first-year student at Scranton.

David Mahalak, D. Eng., a faculty specialist in the Operations and Analytics Department, serves as moderator for University’s FBLA collegiate student organization.

Sixteen high school students graduated from The University of Scranton’s University of Success program, a multi-year, academic and enrichment program that is designed for high school students to develop the skills needed to successfully gain acceptance to college. Fifteen have committed to post-secondary schools to continue their education, with six graduates planning to attend The University of Scranton.

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, Charles A. Frueauff Foundation, Carl and JoAnne Kuehner, Overlook Estate Foundation, Peoples Security Bank and Trust, PPL Foundation, Lisa A. 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 2024 University of Success graduates, the high school they attended, and their post-high school plans.

Andrea Amigon, Wilkes-Barre, who graduated from Wilkes-Barre Area High School, plans to attend Luzerne County Community College and has not yet declared a major;

Jovani Aguilar, Scranton, who graduated from Scranton High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in psychology.

Colby Beck, Hawley, who graduated from Wallenpaupack Area High School and has an interest in art, plans to take gap year.

Isaac Diaz, Scranton, who graduated from Scranton Preparatory School, plans to attend Rochester Institute of Technology and major in exercise science;

Emily Durkin, Moosic, who graduated from Riverside High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in criminal justice.

Arthur Garcia, Scranton, who graduated from West Scranton High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and has not yet declared a major;

Mariella McCue, Clarks Summit, who graduated from Abington Heights High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton as a participant of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program;

Quienton McMilian, Scranton, who graduated from West Scranton High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in physiology.

Evelyn Moctezuma, Scranton, who graduated from Scranton High School, plans to attend Marywood University and major in early childhood education.

Lizzy Novak, Scott Township, who graduated from Lakeland High School, plans to attend Empire Beauty School and major in cosmetology.

Vallery Oentoya, Scranton, who graduated from West Scranton High School, plans to attend Wilkes University and major in bioengineering.

Miguel Ramos, Moosic, who graduated from Riverside High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in criminal justice.

Olivia Rowehl, Matamoras, who graduated from Delaware Valley High School, plans to attend Florida Institute of Technology and major in forensic technology;

Kateryna Smirnova, Scranton, who graduated from West Scranton High School, plans to attend Temple University and major in architecture;

Zi Chen Weng, Plains, who graduated from Wilkes-Barre Area High School, plans to attend Bucknell University and major in engineering;

Jaden Willis, Taylor, who graduated from Riverside High School, plans to attend Penn State University – Scranton and major in information technology.

Additional information about the program can be found on the  University of Success web site.

Perhaps proving the durable value of a University of Scranton education, two alumni who graduated six years apart were awarded Fulbright Student Scholarships, the prestigious international academic exchange opportunity provided competitively by the U.S. Government.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, Shelby A. Traver ’24, Sweet Valley, received a Fulbright Open Study/Research Award to examine the effect of Rwanda’s election quota system for female candidates. Adrian Laudani ’18, Valley Stream, New York, received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to further develop teaching and mentoring skills in Spain while helping students learning English.

Fulbright awards are based on academic achievement and demonstrated leadership abilities within a person’s field.

With these two additions, 131 University of Scranton students have been awarded Fulbrights since 1972.

“The Scranton graduates awarded Fulbright Student Scholarships this year are outstanding ambassadors for the United States and for the University. They are strong, intelligent, passionate and compassionate women who have committed themselves to help serve others transition into new roles and a new life,” said Kara Kofira Bishop, University of Scranton Fulbright Program adviser and manager of study abroad and international fellowships.

 

Shelby Traver ’24

Despite growing up in a post “women’s lib” world, Shelby Traver at times “felt judged” in the male-dominated pursuits of business major, karate student and school debate. “It never really bothered me,” she said, but “at certain times I would think ‘you would not be saying this to me if I were a man.”

In true Jesuit style, she has never assumed malice – “sometimes they just don’t understand it’s hurtful” – but she has been drawn into gender justice issues, initially by the protests against Iranian mandates for female clothing. An independent studies class on quotas further piqued her interest. “I think they are one of the most fascinating political instruments because they work so differently in so many different places.

“I just kept coming across Rwanda as this country that is kind of a paragon for supporting women, at least in the political arena.”

Following a stretch of internal struggles and genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, Rwanda worked to unify with a new constitution that requires at least 30 percent of both houses of parliament be women. But “that acted as a floor instead of a ceiling,” Traver said. The women who first got elected through the quota later got re-elected on their own success, opening up the quota seats for more women. Now the parliament is 61 percent female, the highest percentage for a parliament in the world.

By comparison, she notes, at the federal level the U.S. “gets 24% in a good year.”

The Fulbright award will allow her to spend nine months living in Huye, considered Rwanda’s academic capital, with visits to Kigali, the political capital.

University of Rwanda-Huye senior lecturer Ismael Buchanan, Ph.D., has offered to mentor Traver during her research, and to provide contacts for potential interviews. “I would love to interview people, especially in government and academics, who study these things.”

The native of Sweet Valley in Ross Township, Luzerne County, will also have the chance to take courses at the University of Rwanda, and to improve her French, one of the country’s four official languages. She’s hoping to pick up some Swahili as well. And with luck, she’ll get a little time to see the sights of a country famous for exotic vistas and animal preserves.

There’s one more thing. “A big part of being a Fulbright scholar is being a cultural ambassador for the U.S.. I’m not only going to do research but I’m going to talk about my own country,” she said. “It’s an amazing way to share between two cultures.”

Traver has been overseas before, as part of a University of Scranton trip to the West Bank of Palestine for a class on Christianity in the Middle East with Michael Azar, Ph.D., associate professor of theology and religious studies. “That was a really transformative moment, seeing how important it is for people to be heard,” she said. Many there are “never really listened to.”  She also lived in France for seven weeks studying international business.

Having three majors as an undergraduate – international business, political science and philosophy – as well as a minor in French, Traver admits “I didn’t sleep much for four years.” She was a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. She was awarded a Slattery Humanities Center Student Fellowship and President’s Summer Research Fellowship. Amazingly, she still found time to mentor at-risk students; serve as vice-president of The University of Scranton College Democrats, as well as a student organizer for the Gender Justice Dialogue Series; and make the Pi Sigma Alpha political science honor society, Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society and Pi Gamma Mu social sciences honor society. Traver was also a member of Kania Women in Business, served as alumni chair for the Kania Student Advisory Board and was a student organizer for the Gender Justice University Dialogue

A graduate of Lake-Lehman High School and a summa cum laude graduate of Scranton, Traver received the University’s Excellence in International Business Award at commencement.

After nine months in Rwanda Traver plans to get her doctorate in women in politics, hoping to change those “hurtful comments.”

“I hope I can help create a world where it doesn’t happen,” she said. “It’s a lofty dream, but I hope to take at least a little bit of a chisel to it.”

Adrian Laudani ’18

Adrian Laudani has always had an affinity for the issues immigrants face. She worked closely with international students as an undergraduate at The University of Scranton, and most recently has been aiding migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border for more than two years.

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While attending The University of Scranton, she participated in Campus Ministry’s International Service Program to Guatemala, and spent a semester in Rome studying Italian and theology. Originally from Valley Stream in Long Island, New York, Laudani earned a Bachelors of Science in counseling and human services with a concentration in human development and a double minor in Italian and theology/religious studies. As a Resident Assistant, she won the ‘Program of the Year’ award for an initiative she started with the global exchange community. 

After graduating from Scranton in 2018, she served one year with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, where as a case manager, she resettled refugees in the greater Atlanta area. “I offered general transitional support and helped with adaptation, but not in the sense that families just arrived and now need to assimilate. It’s about meeting people’s needs where they are, recognizing that they’ve experienced a lot of trauma and are in a delicate situation, adults and children alike.”

Laudani went on to earn a Masters of Arts in International Studies at the University of San Francisco, a sister Jesuit university, where she received the “Best Overall Thesis” award for her research on the quality of the refugee resettlement program in the United States. She also worked in Italy for Spring Hill College’s study abroad program, and ran immersion programs that took students to the Nogales, San Diego-Tijuana and Dominican Republic-Haiti borders. “These experiences have really allowed me to live out my Jesuit values of serving others. As I continue to be in these spaces, I find that my passion to work with immigrants, refugees and international students has grown even greater,” said Laudani.

Working at the U.S.-Mexico border led logically to her studying Spanish. She has spent time with children and families living in shelters on both sides of the border. Through her work, she wanted to “help families feel like the U.S. is going to become home, and not just a place they landed after having fled their homeland due to war, violence or things of that nature.”   

Being a neighboring country to her parent’s first country of Italy, applying for a Fulbright Award to Spain was a natural lure. After learning about migrant pathways coming through southern Spain, she said “I wanted to dive deeper.” The Fulbright will allow Laudani to work part-time in a classroom at the University of Málaga as an English Teaching Assistant. She also plans to continue her work with refugees with the Jesuit Refugee Service in the nearby city of Seville.

Her long list of accomplishments while at Scranton include membership in Alpha Mu Gamma, the foreign language honor society, Theta Alpha Kappa, the theology honor society, and Tau Upsilon Alpha, the human services honor society.

While formal studies at The University of Scranton are several years behind her, Laudani continues to draw support from the connections made here. “I’ve definitely stayed in touch with some of my mentors,” she said, citing Barbara King, student life coordinator, who was in Campus Ministry during her undergraduate years. “I continue to feel close to Scranton”.

Once the nine months in Spain are done, Laudani plans to keep doing what she’s been doing, either in Europe or the United States. “I’m open to working with migrants journeying through the Mediterranean, or coming back to the U.S. to work at the intersection of higher education and immigration. I could see myself working at a university with international students or going back to the nonprofit world continuing direct service with refugees and migrants.”

The Steinway piano that belonged to and was beloved by the late Professor Delia Sumrall, D.B.A., was purchased from her estate, fully restored, and donated to the University by her friend and colleague Satya Chattopadhyay, Ph.D., his wife Basundhara, and their two daughters Sudakshina and Kanak. The piano has been dedicated and placed in the University’s Madonna Della Strada Chapel and is serving the University community through its use at liturgies there. 

Dr. Sumrall joined The University of Scranton faculty in 1992. After nearly 23 years of service as an associate professor of marketing in the Kania School of Management, she retired in 2015 as the chair of the Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department. Her tenure as chair ushered in a time of significant growth for the department.

The dedication plaque on the piano reads, “This piano has been donated by the Chattopadhyay family in loving memory, honor and celebration of Professor Delia Sumrall, D.B.A. in recognition of her decades of service to The University of Scranton – Wherever we go, whatever we do, with each note of music, we carry sweet memories of you.” The Chattopadhyay family trust that the donation of the piano will carry on Dr. Sumrall’s legacy and continue leaving a positive impact on the University community for years to come as she did through her career.

A close friend of the Chattopadhyays, Cheryl Y. Boga, conductor and director of Performance Music at the University, facilitated the direction of the donation to the chapel.

Pictured below with Kanak (seated) and Sudakshina Chattopadhyay (far right,) accepting the donation on behalf of the Division of Mission and Ministry at the University, are Michael O’Malley, director of liturgy and music (far left) and Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for mission and ministry at Scranton.

Janelle Decker has been named conductor and co-director of Performance Music at The University of Scranton, effective June 15, 2024. She joins Cheryl Y. Boga in leading the instrumental, choral and chamber music programs at the University. Shared responsibilities with Boga, who founded Performance Music at Scranton, include conducting, rehearsing, teaching student ensembles, and producing and directing the Guest Artist Series, World Premiere Series, Nelhybel Collection and educational outreach events such as masterclasses and clinics.

Decker joined the Performance Music staff at the University as assistant director and percussion coordinator in the fall of 2020. Starting a new position in the midst of a pandemic presented its own unique set of challenges. Performance Music at Scranton stood out as one of the few music organizations in the state to continue to offer extensive in-person music-making experiences for students. Their ability to adapt to adverse instructional conditions with resilience and creativity was featured in national publications. During that year, Decker helped to create and direct steel pan ensembles, percussion ensembles, bucket drumming groups and beginner strings groups. By the 2023-2024 academic year, she was directing the steel pan ensemble and percussion ensemble, coordinating and directing semesterly General Recitals, coaching and overseeing the percussion sections of all ensembles, and assisting with the bands and choirs.

While at Scranton, Decker has coached percussion sections for premieres of band works by composers Philip Kuehn, Javier Nero and David Lantz III. Recently, she prepared the University’s concert band for the premiere of a new work by composer/conductor Nate Sparks, entitled “Prelude and March.”

In addition to Boga, Decker’s conducting teachers and mentors have been Daniel Neuenschwander and Timothy Schwarz. Her primary applied/studio teachers include John Zinsky and Maria Asteriadou, piano; Frank Torquato, Will Rapp and Frank Kumor, percussion, Ed Wargo, flute and Magdalyn E. Boga, voice and vocal techniques.  

As a percussionist in the Reading Pops Orchestra from 2014-2018, Decker performed with a variety of guest artists, including Boston Brass, Brubeck Brothers, Eric Marienthal and New York Voices. She currently is a member of the Scranton Brass Orchestra and Wyoming Seminary Civic Orchestra, and frequently performs with the Electric City Steel Drum Project. In February of 2020, she was named “Northeast Woman” by the Scranton Times-Tribune. 

Decker comes to Scranton from the North Pocono School District, where she directed concert band, jazz band, steel drum project and marching band, prior to which she served as the orchestra director for a year.

Decker has also coordinated and hosted several Pennsylvania Music Educators Association/National Association for Music Education (PMEA/NAfME) band and orchestra festivals, ranging from district to state levels. She is a member of Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, and the Percussive Arts Society, and looks forward to becoming the newest member of the Pennsylvania Collegiate Bandmasters Association.

Decker earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from Kutztown University and her master’s degree in music education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

More than 1,650 students were named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2024 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 the Leahy College of Health Sciences (formerly the 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 2023 semester after publication of the list in January of 2024.

The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence during the 2023 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 Leahy College of Health Sciences (formerly the Panuska College of Professional Studies).

Students added to the fall 2023 Dean’s List are:

Incoming first-year students at The University of Scranton will begin their college careers through a series of summer orientation sessions. Two-day sessions for members of Scranton’s Class of 2028, their parents and guardians began June 17-18 and will also be held on June 20-21, 24-25 and 27-28.

Members of the University’s incoming class are broken into smaller groups for summer orientation. The entire class will be together for the first-time during Fall Welcome on August 24-25.

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.

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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 other. Sessions for parents include information about academics, financial aid services, career development, mission and ministry, campus life and strategies for success.

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This year’s student orientation team leaders are Dave Banko ’26 from Wind Gap, a biochemistry major and member of the University Honors Program; Jessica Ely ’26 from Dimock, a biology major and member the University Honors Program; and Lila Naccari ’25 from Rockville Center, New York, an occupational therapy major. They are joining with University administrators, staff, faculty and more than 60 student orientation assistants to help acquaint members of the incoming class to Scranton. In this video the orientation team leaders respond to questions shared by incoming students.

Follow Scranton’s Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and other social media channels for additional information and photos from the Orientation sessions. 

Classes for the University’s fall semester will begin on campus on Monday, Aug. 26.

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For the fourth time in five years, student members of The University of Scranton’s Business Club have named Ashley L. Stampone, Ph.D., ’10, G’11, PHD’22, assistant professor in the Accounting Department, as the Kania School of Management Professor of the Year.

A three-time graduate of The University of Scranton, Dr. Stampone previously won the business school’s top teaching award in 2022, 2021 and 2020. Last year, Dr. Stampone was named Accounting Department Teacher of the Year Award.

Dr. Stampone not only teaches, she serves as the faculty advisor for the University’s Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) student chapter – a group repeatedly recognized as among the five most outstanding student chapters in the nation.

Since joining the faculty in 2016, Dr. Stampone has garnered numerous state and national awards and professional honors. In 2019, she was given the IMA’s Faculty Leadership Award, a national prize bestowed to an educator who has demonstrated significant leadership. 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 and student members in particular.

Dr. Stampone has also received the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Young Leaders Award and was named among the “Top 20 Under 40” by the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal.

Before teaching, Dr. 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.

Dr. Stampone, who resides in Old Forge, earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting, an MBA and her Ph.D. from the University.

In addition to Dr. Stampone, the business club students presented awards to several other faculty members for 2024.

Last year’s Professor of the Year, David Mahalak, D. Eng., a faculty specialist, was awarded the Department of Operations and Analytics 2024 Teacher of the Year Award.  John A. Ruddy, DPS, CFA, CPA , an associate economics professor, was named the 2024 Department of Finance, Economics, and International Business Teacher of the Year. Daniel Mahoney, Ph. D. was named the 2024 Department of Accounting Teacher of the Year. And, Robert L. McKeage, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the University’s Business Leadership Honors Program, was named 2024 Teacher of the Year in the Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

Assistant Professor of Philosophy Christopher Fremaux, Ph.D., has earned the University of Scranton’s 2024 Gannon Award for Teaching, just four years after arriving on campus.

Dr. Fremaux was selected to receive the outstanding teacher of the year award by the University’s chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu, the national honor society for students in Jesuit colleges and universities.

He is the 55^th faculty member recognized with the award, the oldest teaching award at the University, which is named in honor of Edward Gannon, S.J. Rev. Gannon also taught philosophy.

Since joining the faculty in 2020, Dr. Fremaux has worked to educate his students across numerous philosophical disciplines. In 2022, he was one of just 11 faculty members chosen to receive one of the University’s faculty development summer grants. Fremaux’s grant was awarded to him to research “Crusisu’s Guide to Living Rationally: A Translation Report.”

Before joining the University, Dr. Fremaux served as a graduate assistant and graduate teaching assistant at Stony Brook University. Prior to that, he was a visiting research fellow at Universität Trier in Germany and an adjunct instructor at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas.

The 2024 honoree earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and theology from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, a master’s degree in philosophy from Boston College and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the State University of New York, Stony Brook.

The Gannon Award for Teaching was established in 1969 to recognize outstanding efforts in educating students.

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 at the University who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service are eligible for membership.

Alexander Dusseau, Avon Grove High School, West Grove, won The University of Scranton’s 2024 Math Integration Bee for high school students, which took place on campus in April.

 In addition to Dusseau, the four other finalists in the competition were: Noah Beckish, North Pocono High School; Andrew Kuloszewski, Wyoming Seminary; Neiv Sinha, Whitehall High School; and Angela Zeng, Abington Heights High School.

Both Beckish and Zeng were finalists in the University’s 2023 Math Integration Bee.

Beckish has also previously placed first and second in the individual category of The University of Scranton’s annual Hayes Family Science Competition for High School Physics and Engineering Students.

The University’s Mathematics Department hosted the Integration Bee during the spring semester on campus. The competition functions similarly as a spelling bee, but with contestants completing definite and indefinite integral problems, a type of calculus problem, instead of spelling words. The competition can help high school students improve their skills for Advanced Placement mathematics tests. The Bee is offered free of charge, registration is required.

Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced a $10.5 million gift from Robert S. ’68 and Marilyn A. Weiss, which is the largest single donation in the 136-year history of the Jesuit school, and that the building now under construction on Madison Avenue will be named Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall in their honor. The nearly 90,000 square-foot building that will bear their name will be a center for workforce development, applied research and outreach.

“Future generations of students will fill the classrooms of Weiss Hall and learn brilliantly from our faculty. They will use the wellness services that this building houses, the innovative makerspace and, of course, the beautiful prayer garden,” said Father Marina at the building naming announcement. “Exciting new research by students and faculty will happen under its roof. And, good people from around the Scranton community will be invited into Weiss Hall to benefit from a variety of services and experiences to be offered.”

A University of Scranton graduate and former trustee, Robert S. Weiss said the building, which will house the University’s Wellness Center, an innovation and makerspace and the Small Business Development Center, is near and dear his “heart on many, many fronts.” He was a champion of employee wellness programs during his tenure as president and CEO of The Cooper Companies Inc., a multinational manufacturer and marketer of specialty health care products that operates through two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical.

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“I firmly believe this building will go a long way towards advancing the mission, the excellence and the ability to reach out to more students in the community,” said Robert S. Weiss.

Both Marilyn and Robert Weiss said that although they have lived in California for years, they remember fondly their roots in Scranton.

Robert Weiss is a native of Lake Ariel and earned his degree in accounting from the University. A native of South Scranton, Marilyn (Chesick) Weiss studied at the University through the Scranton State General Hospital School of Nursing. Their fondness of Alfredo’s Pizza in South Scranton was mentioned multiple times at the event, along with many other affections for Scranton and the University. Several of their lifelong friends from the area joined them at the announcement.

“I can’t believe that the campus I used to walk through will now have a building with my name on it,” said Marilyn Weiss, who was humbled by the honor.

“We remember our roots, and we are thankful to be able to give back to the community. We are thankful to be able to influence the development of the campus,” said Robert Weiss.

Robert Weiss retired as president and CEO of The Cooper Companies in 2018 and now serves as chair of its board of directors. During his distinguished nearly 42-year career with The Cooper Companies, he has served as chief operating officer, chief financial officer, corporate controller and treasurer at Cooper, as well as president of CooperVision. He was recognized in CEO Magazine for 40 Best Companies for Leaders, for four years (2011-2014). 

A participant in the ROTC program as a student at Scranton, Robert Weiss is a former U.S. Army Captain who was awarded two Bronze Stars and the Army Commendation Medal during his service in Vietnam. In 2008, he received the University’s Frank J. O’Hara Distinguished Alumni Award.

Marilyn Weiss served as head nurse at the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, and as a pediatric nurse at Bayside Pediatrics in Pleasanton.

In 2016, the couple made a $1.25 million gift to the University to support a pediatric low-vision research and training suite in Leahy Hall, which now bears their name. The gift also supports student scholarships in accounting and philosophy. In 2016, they also donated $1 million to support the development of the University’s Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Athletics Campus, at which the field that bears their name is used by men’s and women’s soccer programs, lacrosse teams and the field hockey team.

In addition to the innovation hub, University’s Center for Health Education and Wellness and the Small Business Development Center, Weiss Hall will house the University of Success program and laboratories, classrooms, offices and meeting areas for the University’s Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology, and the Psychology Department.

The University plans to begin use of the building, designed by Hemmler and Camayd (HC Architects), for the fall 2025 semester.

View the Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall Naming Announcement.

Speaking at the building naming announcement, were, from left: Father Marina, Stephanie Adamec, assistant dean for student wellness, Mr. Weiss and Mrs. Weiss.

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The University of Scranton’s graduating class of 2024 has named Assistant Professor of Nursing Cristen M. Walker Ph.D., as teacher of the year. The University announced the award at Class Night on campus in May.

The annual teacher of the year award honors a faculty member found to maintain high standards of academic excellence and fairness and who inspires the interest of students in a field of education through enthusiasm and dedication to teaching. Now in its 28^th year, the award was first instituted by the University’s Faculty Senate Academic Support Committee in 1996.

Dr. Walker, of Pittston, joined the University in 2020 and has been teaching undergraduate courses in pharmacology and physical health assessment, among other subjects. She is the undergraduate director of the nursing program and also serves as a medical-surgical clinical instructor for junior and senior students.

Dr. Walker, a former critical care and trauma nurse, is a certified family nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Her doctoral research examined the impact of a certified therapy dog intervention on nursing student test anxiety. Her professional nursing background is in nephrology, internal medicine and primary care. She is a nurse practitioner at Student Health Services and volunteers at the Edward Leahy Clinic for the Uninsured, as well as the Care and Concern Clinic in Pittston.  

Prior to joining the University faculty, Dr. Walker was also a clinical instructor for the Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center’s School of Practical Nursing.

Dr. Walker earned her doctorate in nursing education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and was selected as a 2019-2020 National League for Nursing Jonas Scholar. She received a master’s degree in nursing from the State University of New York at Binghamton and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Walker is a member of Nurse Practitioners of Northeastern PA, the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and the Nursing Education Consortium of Northeast Pennsylvania. She is also a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Twenty-Two members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2024 graduated from the University 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 2024 University Honors Program graduates and their faculty mentors and their research projects.

Madeline T. Byrne, West Chester, graduated, magna cum laude, as a health administration major. Byrne worked with faculty advisor John Wiercinski, faculty specialist, Health Administration and Human Resources Department, on a thesis titled "Issues the United States face regarding the healthcare delivery system and our ethical responsibility in caring for the uninsured."

Michael A. Castellino, West Islip, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a business analytics major. Castellino worked with faculty advisor David Mahalek, Ph.D., faculty specialist, Operations and Analytics Department, on a thesis titled "Market Basket Analysis in Everyday Life."

Christian A. Diana, Dallas, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology major. Diana worked with faculty advisor Christopher Howey, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "The effect of octopamine on the metabolic rates, behavior, and mass of Madagascar hissing cockroaches. Gromphadorhina portentous."

Victoria N. Dowling, East Northport, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Dowling worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Impact of Social Isolation Duration on digestion and Behavior in Camponotus floridanus."

Christian Gjonaj, Yonkers, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Gjonaj worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "The effect of light-induced sleep deprivation on locomotion in Gromphadorhina portentosa."

Alexandra P. Karpiak, Norwalk, Connecticut, graduated as a neuroscience major. Karpiak worked with faculty advisor Barbara K. Buxton, Ph.D., associate professor of nursing, on a thesis titled "Investigating patient-Healthcare Provider Relationship as a Protective Factor in Cases of Maternal Postpartum Depression."

Thomas C. Kennedy, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a history major. Kennedy worked with faculty advisor Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., associate professor of English and theatre.

Elise S. Koegler, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a psychology major. Koegler worked with faculty advisor Emily Hopkins, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, on a thesis titled "Who's to Judge? Familiarity of Religious Events Affecting Possibility Judgments."

Sara C. Kuntz, Jamison, graduated, cum laude, as a kinesiology major. Kuntz worked with faculty advisor Paul Cutrufello, Ph.D., professor and chair, Department of Health and Human Performance, on a thesis titled "Music Familiarity and its Impact on Exercise Performance and Affective State."

Olivia S. Manarchuck, Carbondale, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Manarchuck worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Effects of Huperzine A on Learning and Memory Behaviors and Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Blaptica dubias."

Brett K. McCartney, Downingtown, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major and member of the University's Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program. McCartney worked with faculty advisor Ashley L. Stampone, Ph.D., assistant professor of accounting, on a thesis titled "Supply Chain cybersecurity: A Review of the Accounting Literature and the Implications for Future Research."

Tyler J. Muskey, Moosic, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Muskey worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Inotocin Concentration and Behavioral Reactions to Acute Heat Exposure."

Kathryn P. Olafson, Malvern, graduated, summa cum laude, as a secondary education - citizenship and history and history double major. Olafson worked with faculty advisor Maria Oreshkina, Ph.D., associate professor and chair, Department of Education, on a thesis titled "Teacher Retention and Burnout."

Annamarie Palermo, Media, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Palermo worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Effect of Excess Serotonin on Startle Response in Goldfish."

Maitree V. Patel, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology major. Patel worked with faculty advisor Robert J. Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Examining the Influence of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors on Haemoproteus Infection Intensity in Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis)."

Wilmarr J. Saint Surin, North Baldwin, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology major. Saint Surin worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled "The Effects of Environmental Color Association on Ant Foraging Patterns in Camponotus floridanus."

Jacqueline N. Savage, Kings Park, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major and member of the University's Magis Honors Program in STEM. Savage worked with faculty advisor Spencer Galen, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Novel Haemosporidian Diversity in alaskan Birds." Savage was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Karla J. Shaffer, New Hope, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science major. Shaffer worked with faculty advisor JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, on a thesis titled "Let's Talk Trash--How has Institutional Inertia and Community Activism Affected Landfill Permitting in Pennsylvania?."

Martin J. Stivala, Dunmore, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Stivala worked with faculty advisor Jong-Hyn Son, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Characterization of Ascending Dopaminergic Neuron Connectivity to the Telencephalon in the Adult Zebrafish Brain."

Nicholas J. Tomassoni, Eynon, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Tomassoni worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled "The Neurological Effects of Erythropoietin on Camponotus floridanus."

Emma Trautfetter, Cedar Grove, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology major. Trautfetter worked with faculty advisor Jill A. Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, on a thesis titled "The Effect of Type of Event on False Memory Rates in a Misinformation Task."

Ashley M. Zaita, Mahwah, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major. Zaita worked with faculty advisor Daniel P. Mahoney, Ph.D., professor of accounting, on a thesis titled "The Burden of State & Local Government Underfunding."

Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, and Jill A. Warker, associate professor of psychology, serve as co-directors of the University Honors Program.

Thirty-five members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2024 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 2024 SJLA Honors Program graduates and their majors.

Bethany R. Belkowski, Norristown, graduated, summa cum laude, as an English and public policy and service double major.

John P. Cardiges, Fogelsville, graduated as a philosophy major.

Catriona M. Corbett, Springfield, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an English and philosophy double major.

Zachary L. Danchak, Chalfont, graduated, cum laude, as a computer science major.

Matthew K. Dittmar, Easton, graduated as an electrical engineering major.

Caitlin J. Doughton, Throop, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major. Doughton was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Matthew J. Duffy, Plainview, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a business analytics and philosophy double major and member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Thomas N. Elias, Tunkhannock, graduated, summa cum laude, as a philosophy and theology and religious studies double major. Elias was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Eva L. Fine, Sweet Valley, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Michael P. Fox, Westfield, New Jersey, graduated as a history and philosophy double major.

Julia Gardocki, Lindenhurst, New York, graduated as an English major.

Christian Gillich, Beachwood, New Jersey, graduated as a chemistry business and philosophy double major.

Conor M. Kellough, The Villages, Florida, graduated, cum laude, as a physics major.

Leanne M. Kelly, Freehold, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology and philosophy double major.

Stephanie C. Lehner, Poughkeepsie, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Lehner was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Chelsea T. Long, Walkersville, Maryland, graduated, magna cum laude, as a kinesiology and philosophy double major.

Diana P. Lozinger, Cranberry Township, graduated, summa cum laude, as a counseling and human services, philosophy and theology and religious studies triple major. Lozinger was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Ariana L. Marseglia, Churchville, New York, graduated, cum laude, as a philosophy major.

Matthew M. Moreira, Union, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a philosophy and business administration double major.

John A. Nelson, Jefferson, Maryland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a computer engineering and philosophy double major. He spoke on behalf of his graduating class at the University's undergraduate commencement ceremony. Nelson was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Devang Patel, Scranton, graduated as a neuroscience, philosophy and environmental science triple major and member of the University's Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Gabriella G. Petti, Verona, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a communication and philosophy double major.

Audrey E. Phillips, South Abington Township, graduated, magna cum laude, as a criminal justice major.

Kathryn M. Regan, West Chester, graduated, summa cum laude, as a kinesiology major and member of the University's Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Jamie M. Santiago Gonzalez, Plains, graduated, cum laude, as an international language business-French concentration and philosophy double major.

Megan J. Schurra, Easton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major.

Owen J. Stanczak, Bloomingdale, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology and philosophy double major.

Kathleen A. Till, Newtown Square, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major. Till was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Kaleigh E. Timmons, Bergenfield, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting and philosophy double major and member of the University's Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program and Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Jaclyn E. Tirado, Staten Island, New York, graduated, cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major.

Shelby A. Traver, Sweet Valley, graduated, summa cum laude, as an international business and political science double major. She received a prestigious 2024-2025 Fulbright Award in Political Science to the University of Rwanda, Huye Campus, Rwanda. Traver was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Jillian F. Tremblay, New Hyde Park, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an English major.

Ciara R. Trigg, Garnet Valley, graduated as a computer science and philosophy double major.

Cayman B. Webber, Benicia, California, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Webber was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Megan G. Zabrouski, Bethpage, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an English major.

Daniel Haggerty, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Philosophy Department, serves as the director of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.