2017

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

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

(photo above)

From left: Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies; Deidre Dzugay, Saddle Brook, New Jersey, who received the Rose Kelly Award for the Panuska College of Professional Studies; and Taylor Watters, Dzugay’s high school art teacher from Paramus Catholic High School, Paramus, New Jersey.

(photo above)

From left: Daniel Muenkel, Norwalk, Connecticut, who received the Rose Kelly Award for the Kania School of Management; Lisa Greco, Muenkel’s high school accounting teacher from Arlington High School, Lagrangeville, New York; and Murli Rajan, Ph.D., associate dean of the Kania School of Management.

Frank O’Hara medals were given to the first-, second- and third-year University of Scranton students with the highest grade-point averages in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the Panuska College of Professional Studies for the 2016-17 academic year. The awards, named in honor of the late Frank O’Hara who served the University for 53 years in various administrative positions, were presented at a ceremony held recently on campus.

Recipients of the Frank O’Hara medals from the Kania School of Management

Abbey Murphy, Mountain Top, received a medal for academic achievement for her freshman year at the University. She is currently a sophomore accounting and philosophy double major with minor in theology and participates in the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program (SJLA). She serves as a peer health educator for the Center for Health Education and Wellness and as the co-chair for the Coffeehouse Committee for University of Scranton Programming Board. She was a member of the Kania Young Alumni Day Planning Committee. She is a student representative of the Business Club and works for the accounting firm, Snyder and Clemente.

Angela McGovern, Yardley, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. She is currently a junior marketing major with minors in psychology and business leadership. McGovern serves as chief of staff for Student Government and previously served as a senator for the class of 2019. She works for Admissions at the University as a social media intern and tour guide. She is also involved in several clubs and activities on campus including Campus Ministries’ retreat program, the Marketing Society, the Praise and Worship Club, intramural volleyball and orientation. McGovern has been a leader for the SPARK service program for the past two summers and has taken part in a Habitat for Humanity service trip to Abington, Virginia.

Patrick Tuzzo, Bayville, New Jersey, received a medal for academic achievement for his junior year. He is a senior accounting and finance double major with a business leadership minor and participates in the University’s Business Leadership Honors Program. This is the third O’Hara award Tuzzo received, having also earned O’Hara Awards for both his sophomore and freshman years at Scranton. Tuzzo is a member of the International Business Club, the Society of Accounting Students and PRISM, which is a select group of undergraduate students who have the responsibility of managing a portion of the University’s endowment fund. Tuzzo also served as a resident assistant for three years and as a member of the Kania Young Alumni Day Planning Committee.

Recipients of the Frank O’Hara medals from the College of Arts and Sciences

Michaela Farrell, Kirkwood, New York, received a medal for academic achievement for her freshman year at the University. She is currently a sophomore biology major on the pre-medicine track with a minor in philosophy and concentration in environmental studies. Farrell is a member of the women’s soccer team as well as the newly established track and field team. She is also a member of Autism Speaks and the Health Professions Organization. She serves as a chemistry tutor on campus, and a teacher’s assistant for the general biology lab.

Sara Wierbowski, Owego, New York, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. She is currently a junior neuroscience and philosophy double major with a minor in biochemistry. She graduated as valedictorian of her class at Owego Free Academy and is a full-tuition Presidential Scholar at the University, where she maintains a 4.0 grade point average. Wierbowski is a member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Program (SJLA) and the Undergraduate Honors Program and has been inducted into the Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national health professional honor society; the Nu Rho Psi, the national honor society for neuroscience; and the Psi Chi, the national honor society for psychology. She has also served as a teaching assistant for the general biology lab and behavioral science lab and lecture. Wierbowski volunteers as a student clinical scribe as well as one of the clinical scribe managers at the Leahy Center.

Samuel Morano, Clarks Summit, received a medal for academic achievement for his junior year. He is currently a senior biology major on a pre-medicine track with minors in psychology and biochemistry. He graduated as valedictorian from Abington Heights High School and is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. He volunteers with Big Friends Little Friends and also serves as a student scribe at the Leahy Clinic. Morano is also a member of the Health Professions Organization (HPO) and the Random Acts of Kindness club. He is a member of the Beta Beta Beta, national honor society for biology and Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national health professional honor society. He has served as a teaching mentor for the Leadership and Civic Responsibility seminar and is a teaching assistant for the Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy lab.

Recipients of the Frank O’Hara Awards from the Panuska College of Professional Studies

Danielle Desseyn, York, received a medal for academic achievement for her freshman year. She is currently a sophomore occupational therapy and Hispanic studies double major. She serves as a class representative for the Student Occupational Therapy Association and is a teaching assistant for the general biology lab. Desseyn volunteers at St. Clare’s food pantry and as a Spanish translator in the Leahy Clinic. She also works part-time as an occupational therapy and physical therapy rehabilitation technician.

Kellie Smigel, Blairstown, New Jersey, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. She is currently a junior exercise science major with a minor in business. She is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. This is the second O’Hara award Busch received, having also earned an O’Hara Award for her freshman year at Scranton. Smigel is a peer tutor for general chemistry through the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. She is a member of an intramural volleyball team and a lifeguard at the campus pool. She volunteers as a scribe for the Leahy Community Health and Family Center, and serves as the liaison between the scribe committee and the Leahy Board. Smigel is a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national health professional honor society. and Omega Beta Sigma, the women’s business honor society. She is also a member of the exercise science and physical therapy clubs.

Melissa Busch, Yardley, received a medal for academic achievement for her junior year. She is currently a senior occupational therapy major with a minor in psychology and counseling and human service with a concentration in human development. This is the third O’Hara award Busch has received, having also earned O’Hara Awards for her sophomore and freshman years at Scranton. Busch serves as a teaching assistant for the human anatomy/physiology lab class and for statistics in the behavior sciences course and as a tutor for the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE). She also volunteers with Big Friends Little Friends. She is the secretary of the Circle K Club and a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association. Busch has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and participated in a weeklong service trip in Jamaica through the International Service Program.            

From left: recipients of the Frank O’Hara medals from the Kania School of Management Angela McGovern, Abbey Murphy and Patrick Tuzzo; and Murli Rajan, Ph.D., associate dean of the Kania School of Management.

From left: Brian Conniff, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and recipients of the Frank O’Hara medals from the College of Arts and Sciences: Michaela Farrell, Sara Wierbowski and Samuel Morano.

monday, DEC. 11 reflection

“We have seen incredible things today.” This line ends today’s Gospel and it is an appropriate way to begin our reflection. Now that the semester has come to a close and we await the fresh start of the new year, whether you’re already home or you’re still in your office, let us take the time to reflect about the incredible things we have seen today. This does not have to be grandiose thoughts. As the poet Mary Oliver tells us, “It doesn’t have to be the blue iris. It could be weeds in a vacant lot.”

Today’s readings are meant to catch our attention like the blue iris of Oliver’s poem. Streams flowing in deserts. Parched land blooming with flowers. A man who was crippled walking off his stretcher and returning home healed. Or bigger still, sins being forgiven. These tell us that nothing is impossible with God. But I don’t want us to focus there. That’s the blue iris. I want us to focus on the weeds in a vacant lot. There are many incredible things we will see today and we should take the time to stop and recognize them. St. Ignatius tells us in the daily Examen to recognize these incredible things, big or small, iris or weeds. I truly believe that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

We have the ability to mold our day and influence the way we look at things. When doing the daily Examen, notice the little things we take for granted. Appreciate the clean abundant water we drink, the infrastructure of roads and safety, the grocery stores filled with food, the meals we eat, the bed we sleep in and the caring people we are surrounded by at this university. If we can appreciate these small things, if we can be reflective on the abundance of our gifts, then we may turn our lives upside down. We will see water flow forth from the desert, or flowers blooming on parched land. We will heal the things which cripple us. Who knows, our sins may be forgiven too. Mary Oliver, in the above-mentioned poem, tells us to “pay attention.” That’s what our readings today call us to do, and in particular in this advent season. When we do pay attention, we will surely see incredible things.

-Virginia Farrell '20
Art History Major

prayer

Like Isaiah of old or our very own Mary Oliver, help us to pay attention to the abundant life that continues to spring up around us. May flowers bloom in our parched hearts and flowing waters cleanse us from our sins.

To read the original Advent Daily Devotional, click here. To subscribe, visit its registration page.

The Advent Daily Devotional is a project of the Jesuit Center in partnership with University Advancement. It is made possible by the support of many University of Scranton colleagues, friends, families and alumni. Please consider showing your support by making a contribution using the link below.

Support Our Mission

“We are victims of our old history, our old narrative. But history is not in the past. It’s actually where we are now. We are the production of history, and this is where the forming of the individual happens,” said Sami Adwan, Ph.D., co-founder and co-director of the Peace Research Institute in the Middle East (PRIME), at The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon Seminar held recently on campus.

PRIME, an organization that Dr. Adwan has helped to develop, is a joint Palestinian and Israeli non-governmental organization established in 1998 consisting of teachers and researchers aiming to create school history curriculums that include historical narrative textbooks.

“It’s a personal pleasure and distinct honor to welcome our speaker to the podium. He has come the furthest distance for our speaker series – he resides in Bethlehem, and I don’t mean Pennsylvania. Sami Adwan is a professor of education and taught for many years at Bethlehem University. Last year, he spent his sabbatical year at a university in Sweden and is known internationally for his work with PRIME, an educational model igniting Palestinian and Israeli educators. Sami is a pioneer in his field and an inspiration to others who recognize our interdependence on this planet and find ways to engage across borders and boundaries,” said Sondra Myers, director of the University’s Schemel Forum.

Dr. Adwan discussed the relevance of history today, emphasizing the importance of history narratives over facts when it comes to teaching this subject.

“There is no end to history – it is a continual digging and remembering of the past and is filtered by subjective reality and interests. There are facts in history, but the narrative is what we consider to be important to remember from them. It’s a matter of selection and priority, highlighting the why and the how,” said Dr. Adwan. 

The professor also examined the purposes of teaching history and how teachers should find a balance between personal desires versus political ones in the classroom.

“Mainly, the purposes of teaching history in times of open conflict are to sustain the conflict, justify self wrong-doings, support political actions, remain united, and guard interests and ideologies,” said Dr. Adwan.

Aside from his work as a professor and with PRIME, Dr. Adwan has published widely on Palestinian education and on the role of education in peace-building. He is also a co-author of Side by Side: Parallel Histories of Israel-Palestine.

The World Affairs Luncheon Seminar series is sponsored by Munley Law.

David Autor, Ph.D., professor of economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and co-director of the School Effectiveness and Inequality Initiative, discussed the impact on the U.S. of China’s growth as a world-manufacturing exporter from 1980 to 2014, what he refers to as “The China Shock,” at The University of Scranton’s 32^nd annual Henry George Lecture.

“China goes from essentially zero percent in 1980 to about 20 percent at present day and that is a remarkable achievement,” Dr. Autor said about the growth of the world-manufacturing exporter. “That is world historic.”

The United States’ world-manufacturing exports during the same period of time peaked at around the year 2000 and fell after that rapidly.

“These two things, it will turn out, are connected to one another,” Dr. Autor said.

According to Dr. Autor, China growth is due to efforts to modernize their country in the 1980s. China created special economic zones along their southern coast, freed the price and wage controls for manufacturing and production, and allowed foreign investment and Western technology into their country.

“This was a remarkable change, China’s productivity rose at a stellar rate, eventually a quarter of a billion people migrated from agricultural areas into these urban areas of production,” Dr. Autor said. “This created a growth of productivity and wealth unlike the world has previously seen.”

China’s growth in productivity and exporting resulted in the loss of manufacturing worker’s jobs in the U.S.

Dr. Autor also discussed how the “China Shock” affected voting patterns in the United States, “in particular, with the rise of populism, by populism I mean a specific type of politics that sort of tells a narrative of a good, hard-working people taken advantage of by an elite.”

Dr. Autor studied whether this “populist activity” was prevalent in areas where voters were exposed to the China trade shock and saw how voting patterns shifted in those locations. He observed in the House of Representatives from 2002 to 2010 that there was a movement of conservative Republicans being elected consistent with voters in the locations that were affected by the trade shock.

“This particular phenomenon contributed to a pretty epochal seat change in United States politics,” Dr. Autor said.

Considered the preeminent public lecture series on economics in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Henry George Lecture Series is presented by the University’s Economics and Finance Department and the campus chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international honor society for economics. Among the distinguished list of speakers who have spoken at previous lectures are nine winners of the Nobel Prize in Economics: 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 University’s 32^nd Henry George Lecture took place in the Grand Ballroom in the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in November.

Interested in a work-study position that will get you ready for your first job in marketing or communications? Want to work closely with the University's Marketing Communications team to engage prospective students, students, alumni, faculty and staff with your favorite University? 

The Department of Marketing Communications is seeking a new social media intern beginning after intersession. 

We're looking for a creative self-starter who has a knack for writing copy and understands how important social media is to establish a strong brand identity. You'll do everything from planning and scheduling social media posts across various channels to working with statistics (an important skill in this field!) to analyzing news to help us improve and innovate!

We will be choosing a few applicants to do Skype interviews with over the break!

Contact marketing@scranton.edu to request the full job description. Read on to find out about preferred experience and requirements! 

Preferred Experience 

• Good working knowledge of social media in general as well as an awareness of how it can be part of a brand marketing strategy. 
• Familiarity with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Snapchat, YouTube, Flickr and emerging social media channels 
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word. 

• Available to work a minimum of 15 hours per week in the fall and spring semesters and, preferably, also during intersession and over the summer. 

• Incoming sophomore or junior preferred as our goal is for the student to work with our office through their senior year. With the breadth of duties involved in this position, ideally we only turn over the position every two to three years. 
  
  

Students from local elementary and middle schools learned about Ghana’s culture and language during an

International Education Week event held at The University of Scranton.

Nearly 100 students from Prescott Elementary School, The Lutheran Academy and North Pocono Elementary and Middle School came to the University in November to hear international student Ekow Aikins, a MBA student at the University and a native of Ghana, talk about his country.

Aikins began the lecture by explaining the symbolism and meaning of the colors represented in Ghana’s flag. The red symbolizes the blood of those who died in Ghana’s struggle for independence from Great Britain; the gold represents the mineral wealth of the country; green represents the country’s lush fields and forests; and the black star is the symbol of African emancipation.

Aikins also talked about Ghana’s traditional dress, food, tribes and regions. He also showed images of places that signify Ghana’s independence in a slideshow. He told the elementary school students how most Ghanaian people name their children by the days of the week they were born. For example, Ghanaian male children born on Wednesday could possibly be named Kwaku and female children born on Friday could possibly be named Afua.

The lecture ended with a question and answer session. The local students then had the chance to taste a sampling of traditional Ghanaian food.

The lecture was sponsored by the University’s Office of International Programs and Services and was part of International Education Week, which is a joint operation by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. Its purpose is to commend the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.

University of Scranton students presented research and placed second in a quiz bowl against other college teams at the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for the American College of Sports Medicine, which took place in November in Harrisburg. Universities from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Washington, D.C., participated in the annual conference.

            Senior exercise science and sport major Abigail E. Wagner, Lebanon, who was a member of the quiz bowl team, presented a poster of her study titled “Comparisons of Body Consciousness and Expected Barriers and Outcomes for Women Performing Two Exercise Regimens.” Her faculty mentor was Jessica Bachman, Ph.D., assistant professor of exercise science and sport.

Also at the conference, senior exercise science and sport major Michaela M. Hogg, Delmar, New York, presented a poster of the study “Exercise but Not Menstrual Cycle Phase Increases Hamstring Flexibility” and biology major and full-tuition Presidential Scholarship recipient Mary K. Halligan, Gambrills, Maryland, presented a poster of the study “Menstrual Cycle Phase Not Exercise Intensity Affects ACL Laxity in Women.” Co-authors for both research studies were senior exercise science and sport majors Kailyn Schaedel, Plano, Texas; Stephen R. Kalinoski, Middleton, New Jersey; Megan E. Shannon, Pompton Lakes, New Jersey; and Angelica R. Del Vecchio, East Hanover, New Jersey. Michael J. Landram, Ph.D., assistant professor of exercise science and sport, served as faculty mentor for both projects.
            University students also placed second in a quiz bowl competition against student teams representing 11 other colleges. Scranton’s quiz bowl team members were exercise science and sport majors: Wagner; sophomore Patrick J. Barney, Archbald; and seniors Anthony Puglisi, Pasadena, Maryland; and Angela Hubert, Belvidere, New Jersey (alt.).

#RoyalWeekends is your weekly list of events going on on campus! Make sure to watch for emails every Thursday!

Monday, Nov. 27

PAY IT FORWARD WEEK: GIVE A T-SHIRT TO A FRIEND
12:00PM - 1:00PM. SECOND FLOOR DENAPLES

BIG FRIENDS LITTLE FRIENDS
2:30PM - 5:00PM. VALLEY VIEW TERRACE, COMMUNITY ROOM, SCRANTON.

CHOIR & INSTRUMENTALISTS REHEARSAL
7:00PM - 8:30PM. MADONNA DELLA STRADA CHAPEL

FIT & FAITHFUL - MONDAY @7 PM, FRIDAY @6PM
7:00PM- 8:00PM. BYRON CENTER AEROBICS ROOM

ASU MEETING!
9:00PM - 9:30PM. MOSKOVITZ THEATER (4TH FLOOR DENAPLES)

Tuesday, Nov. 28

PUBLIC STARGAZING
7:30PM - 9:00PM. ROOF OF LSC

TUESDAY: IN THE NEWS
7:30PM - 9:00PM. JANE KOPAS WOMEN'S CENTER (TDC 205F)

PRE-ADVENT RECONCILIATION SERVICE
8:00PM - 9:00PM. MADONNA DELLA STRADA CHAPEL

Wednesday, Nov. 29

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
11:00AM- 4:00PM. LONG CENTER LOBBY
HOSTED BY: CSSJ

DEAD WEEK STUDY BREAK!
3:00PM - 4:15PM. FIREPLACE LOUNGE, 2ND FLOOR DENAPLES CENTER

ADVERTISING CLUB MEETING
4:15PM - 5:15PM. LSC 406

PAY IT FORWARD WEEK: GIVE AN ORNAMENT TO A FRIEND
8:30PM - 9:30PM. FIRST FLOOR DENAPLES

Thursday, Nov. 30

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
11:00AM- 4:00PM. LONG CENTER LOBBY

BIG FRIENDS LITTLE FRIENDS
2:30PM - 5:00PM. VALLEY VIEW TERRACE, COMMUNITY ROOM, SCRANTON.

BYZANTINE CATHOLIC DIVINE LITURGY
4:40PM - 5:40PM. BYZANTINE CHAPEL, CISZEK HALL, MULBERRY STREET (NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF N. WEBSTER AVE.)

COFFEE HOUR #4: ITALIAN CHRISTMAS
5:00PM - 8:00PM. THE DENAPLES CENTER STUDENT FORUM 213 & 214

CLOTHING SWAP!
7:30PM - 9:30PM. FIREPLACE LOUNGE (DENAPLES 2ND FLOOR)

BLESSING OF THE BRAINS
9:00PM- 10:00PM. DENAPLES 1ST FLOOR

STUDY SMOOTHLY - FREE SMOOTHIE GIVE AWAY
9:00PM - 11:00PM. 1ST FLOOR TDC

Friday, DEC. 1

PAY IT FORWARD WEEK: GIVE A T-SHIRT TO A FRIEND
12:00PM - 1:00PM. SECOND FLOOR DENAPLES

MUSLIM JUM'AH SERVICE
1:00PM - 2:00PM. CAMPUS MOSQUE, 306 TAYLOR AVENUE, SCRANTON

STUDENT GOVERNMENT SENATE MEETING
3:15PM - 6:15PM. TDC THEATER

GAMING CLUB WEEKLY MEETING
7:00PM - 10:00PM. LSC 333, 334, 433, 439

Monday, Dec. 4

FINALS WEEK OPEN HOUSE IN CAMPUS MIN.
MONDAY, DEC. 4- FRIDAY, DEC. 8. CAMPUS MINISTRIES OFFICE

Tuesday, Dec. 5

FINALS WEEK OPEN HOUSE IN CAMPUS MIN.
MONDAY, DEC. 4- FRIDAY, DEC. 8. CAMPUS MINISTRIES OFFICE

Wednesday, Dec. 6

FINALS WEEK OPEN HOUSE IN CAMPUS MIN.
MONDAY, DEC. 4- FRIDAY, DEC. 8. CAMPUS MINISTRIES OFFICE

Thursday, Dec. 7

BYZANTINE CATHOLIC DIVINE LITURGY
4:40PM - 5:40PM. BYZANTINE CHAPEL, CISZEK HALL, MULBERRY STREET (NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF N. WEBSTER AVE.)

FINALS WEEK OPEN HOUSE IN CAMPUS MIN.
MONDAY, DEC. 4- FRIDAY, DEC. 8. CAMPUS MINISTRIES OFFICE

Friday, Dec. 8

MASS ON THE SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
12:05PM AND 4:40PM. MADONNA DELLA STRADA CHAPEL.

MUSLIM JUM'AH SERVICE
1:00PM - 2:00PM. CAMPUS MOSQUE, 306 TAYLOR AVENUE, SCRANTON

FINALS WEEK OPEN HOUSE IN CAMPUS MIN.
MONDAY, DEC. 4- FRIDAY, DEC. 8. CAMPUS MINISTRIES OFFICE

“Culture – it has to do with certain paradigmatic things, what your relationship is to the Earth, building spontaneous sociable experiences – these are all cultural attributes. It turns out that people with certain cultures are more open to doing things in a way that promotes innovation,” said Michael C. Fairbanks ’79, H’06, chairman of the board at Silver Creek Medicines and fellow at the Weatherhead Institute for International Affairs at Harvard University. He spoke at a November Schemel Forum Munley Law World Affairs Luncheon at The University of Scranton.

Fairbanks, who has done extensive work in Africa’s economic development as well as biotechnology, explored the concept of citizenship and cultural change in his lecture titled “Scholarship, Service and Integrative Thinking.”

“On the one hand a dear friend, an alumnus of the University, and a person who in a way changed my life by encouraging me to pursue my life’s work in Africa, Mike is a pioneer in promoting entrepreneurship that believes in promoting the culture of citizenship to live in harmony. He has been advising the President of Rwanda, as well as a dozen other presidents and prime ministers from around the world,” said Sondra Myers, director of the Schemel Forum.

Fairbanks discussed the five preconditions that are needed for a change in a country, a useful model that is the foundation for his book, “Plowing the Sea: Nurturing the Hidden Sources of Growth in the Developing World.”

“In order for a country to change, it needs a crisis. It’s a useful thing that can galvanize a response among people, and it’s critical for a transformation to take place. You also need a cultural receptivity for change – a heart and mind that are open to change,” said Fairbanks.

The author also discussed the need for new knowledge in developing countries, providing a moral purpose, and the necessity of adequate leaders.

“Entrepreneurs are born, not changed. We need people who are more generous, more concerned about the future than the past, and people who take more rational risks. These are the traits of an entrepreneur,” said Fairbanks.

Fairbanks has advised presidents in Latin America, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Asia on competitiveness and private sector development. Additionally, he has written for The New York Times, Washington Post, The Hill, Fox News and Huffington Post.

The lecture concluded with a question and answer session with the audience, where Fairbanks addressed lack of efficient leadership in our own country in addition to a need for philosophy.

The World Affairs Luncheon Seminar series is sponsored by Munley Law.

Congratulation to the winners of the recent Mobile App Survey!

• Julia Carr - CAS/Freshman
• Emily Burns - PCPS/Sophomore
• Maire Garvey - PCPS/Freshman
• Sarah Kuehner - PCPS/Grad

Each winner will receive $25.00 added to their Royal Card.

Thanks to all 365 participants, your feedback is invaluable as we work on the next iteration of the Scranton mobile applications.

Results of the survey will be shared with the campus community in early December.

This excerpt from the poem “An Ode to Cadavers” by University of Scranton occupational therapy student Isabella Olimpo, Doylestown, was read during a Celebration of Remembrance Ceremony to honor those who donated their bodies to further the education of students in the health professions at The University of Scranton. Students joined with faculty and staff of the University’s Panuska College of Professional at the second annual ceremony held on campus in November.

During the summer and fall semesters at Scranton, undergraduate and graduate students studying in the fields of nurse anesthesia, physical therapy, occupational therapy and exercise science and sport learned firsthand the intricacies of the human body in the gross anatomy lab thanks to the gifts these individuals bestowed to science.

At the ceremony, reflections were read by Doctor of Physical Therapy Program students Natalia Ochalski, Hopewell, New Jersey, and Alexandra McGivern, Bethlehem, as well as occupational therapy undergraduates Sarah Flanagan, Northford, Connecticut, Courtney Hayashi, Lake Elmo, Minnisota, and Karlie Ashcroft, Highland Mills, New York. 

“Upon death, they became teachers to our students,” said Cheryil Demkosky, director of the Panuska College of Professional Studies laboratories, who organized the service.

Also at the ceremony Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional studies, recognized students from Scranton Preparatory School for the corporal works of mercy they do through the Jesuit school’s St. Joseph of Arimathea Funeral Ministry Program. The high school students serve as pallbearers, offer scripture readings and prayers at funeral services for small families, indigent people or those who die alone.

Physical therapy professor Jennifer Schwartz, DPT, occupational therapy professor Chandra Dombroski, DPT, and Rev. Rick Malloy, S.J., University of Scranton Chaplain, also spoke at the ceremony.

Students from Scranton Preparatory School received an award from The University of Scranton’s Panuska College of Professional Studies for the corporal works of mercy they do through the St. Joseph of Arimathea Funeral Ministry Program at Prep. The award was presented at the Ceremony of Remembrance, which honors those who donated their bodies to further the education of students in the health professions at the college. Through Scranton Prep’s funeral ministry program, the high school students serve as pallbearers, offer scripture readings and prayers at funeral services for small families, indigent people or those who die alone. From left are, from Scranton Preparatory School: Donna Barrett, teacher; Corey Henfling, dean of students; seniors Genavieve Maloney, Clifford Township; Autumn Hendershot, Dalton; Avianna Carilli, Scott Township; Will McGregor, Scranton; Michael Welsh, Scranton; Peter Burke, Scranton; Max Kneeream, West Wyoming; Brianna Rivero, Clarks Summit; and Taylor Florey, Clarks Summit; and Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the University’s Panuska College of Professional studies.

As we approach our Thanksgiving break it’s the perfect time to take a step back and reflect on what we are thankful for as well as take a much-needed rest from the daily stresses of writing papers, studying for exams and preparing for the upcoming week of getting ready for finals.

While most students will return home, one group of students  — our international students — won’t. We asked some of our international students how they plan to celebrate the holiday:

“I get to go home with my friend Cat who lives in Newark, New Jersey, to celebrate Thanksgiving. I am excited to celebrate Thanksgiving for the first time!” -Laura, Spain

“I’m going to be traveling a lot. I’m going to San Francisco, Death Valley, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas all within five days.” -Isabel, Spain

“We are going to June’s aunt’s house in Syracuse, New York, and we are excited that there is no school and that we get to eat a lot and for another opportunity to travel!” -June and Hyojung, South Korea

“I am staying here for Thanksgiving! I’m excited to relax with some other friends who will be staying here for break. I’m thankful that my parents have given me this opportunity to study in America.” -Candace, Taiwan

“For Thanksgiving, I am going to my friend’s house on Long Island. I am thankful for the friends and family I have back home as well as those I have met here.” -Maria, Colombia

No matter what your plans are or where you’ll be for the Thanksgiving holiday, don’t forget to take the time to be thankful for all you have and show the gratitude we all have for the world we live in and the ones we love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Read more about student life on our Campus Corner blog, here.

The Scranton app currently has modules that help you

• Keep up with News and Events

• Access Academic Calendars and Course Catalogs
• Look up phone numbers for Campus Departments
• Search the Library Catalog and much more!
  
  But we’re not done yet…..
  
  We will be launching a new Scranton App next spring and would like to get your feedback on the current Scranton app and find out what other services or features you would like to access from your smart phone.
  
  Just for taking the survey you will get a chance to win one of four $25 prizes, which will be added to the winners Royal Cards.
  
  Note: Only one entry per person, duplicate entries will be deleted.
  
  HOW DO I TAKE THE SURVEY?

•  
• Help us to better meet your needs – take the Mobile Survey today!!

Please note: The survey closes Friday, Nov. 17.

Sat., Nov. 18, 2017
7:30 p.m.
University of Scranton
Houlihan McLean Center
Admission FREE 
IN CONCERT: The University of Scranton Concert Band

The evening's program includes music for band written in the late 20th and early 21st century, including music by composers Giroux, Holsinger, Mitchell, Nelhybel, Paulus, Spark, Ticheli, Turrin, and Whitacre.
The University of Scranton Concert Band is a 78-member ensemble comprised of members of the university community from majors and departments spanning the curriculum. The vast majority of the band are undergraduate students, joined by a few graduate students and members of the faculty and staff. None of whom are music majors, who are all brought together by their mutual love of music-making.

The Royal Ride Van Service will run to and from the Martz Bus Station for Thanksgiving Break.

Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. the Royal Ride van will pick up students at the DeNaples circle. Wait outside of DeNaples with your bags and the van will pick you up and take you to the Martz Bus Station.

Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. the Royal Ride van will pick up students every half hour at the Martz Bus Station. The van will be in the parking lot of the Martz Station on Lackawanna Avenue. If you arrive outside of those hours or arrive and find the bus not waiting, call (570) 941-7888 and request the Royal Ride Van to transport you back to campus.

“When you have a series of themes, illustrations and allusions, then we are justified to say that the singer, the lyricist, is trying to do something. Understanding the dimension of the song gives us an even deeper understanding of the artist on a personal level,” said Azzan Yadin-Israel, Ph.D., a professor of Jewish studies and classics at Rutgers University, at The University of Scranton Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute lecture titled “The Theologies of Bruce Springsteen.”

Dr. Yaden-Israel is the author of “The Grace of God and the Grace of Man: The Theologies of Bruce Springsteen,” for which he researched underlying biblical themes in Bruce Springsteen songs. He discussed the numerous Old Testament themes and interpretations of biblical passages from Springsteen songs, including “Thunder Road,” “Adam Raised a Cain,” and “Jesus Was an Only Son.”

“Springsteen is not a theologian in any sense, but over the course of his writing, he returns to these biblical themes over and over again. His early exposure to Catholicism is the pallet he used to create his work, his artistic work,” said Dr. Yaden-Israel.

The author also addressed how the Old Testament served as a rich source of inspiration to Springsteen’s work.

“The stories of Genesis that contain stories of relationships between fathers and sons really resonates with him. Springsteen recognized the centrality of religion later in life that eventually transcribed into certain songs open for the public’s interpretation,” said Dr. Yaden-Israel.

“Although his early writing is mostly of rabbinic literature and things of that nature, a couple of years ago, Dr. Yaden-Israel published a book. Trust me when I tell you, in addition to being an expert on Bruce Springsteen, he is also an expert on the theological ideas he talks about,” said Marc Shapiro, Ph.D., the Weinberg Chair of Judaic Studies at the University.

Dr. Yaden-Israel earned his bachelor’s degree from the Hebrew University, and his doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley and Graduate Theological Union. Most of the courses Dr. Yaden-Israel teaches are on rabbinic literature, classical Jewish philosophy and Plato.

The lecture concluded with a question and answer session with attendees, where Dr. Yaden-Israel discussed some of the challenges he has faced with his research.

“The academic community doesn’t always know what to do with popular culture. I think that’s a shame. There can be good things that come from cross-pollination,” said Dr. Yaden-Israel.

University of Scranton exercise science undergraduates took center stage for a series of interviews about scientific research regarding stretching techniques, which were broadcast on WNEP-TV’s Leckey Live morning show on Nov. 8. The news program gave the students of exercise science and sport professor Jessica Bachman, Ph.D., the opportunity to demonstrate their academic training and knowledge within their discipline to a broad audience of viewers from more than a dozen counties in Northeast Pennsylvania.

The future physical therapists, who are juniors and seniors majoring in exercise science and sport, discussed the benefits and limitations of static and dynamic stretching methods. The students also demonstrated several stretching techniques for a series of interviews with WNEP reporter Ryan Leckey broadcast live from the strength and conditioning laboratory of Leahy Hall on campus.

Students participating were: Kaitlyn Brogan of Oreland; Lauren Brogan of Oreland; Julianne Burrill of Valley Cottage, New York; Leah Colussi of Nazareth; Elizabeth Eichenlaub of Lancaster; Chris Howarth of Newtown Square; Claire Lacon of Blue Bell; Megan Shannon of Pompton Lakes, New Jersey; and Ryan Weathers of Willow Grove.

Participation by the students in the broadcast also illustrates the University’s strategic plan in action for an “Engaged, Integrated and Global Student Experience.”

PHEAA has made an eligibility determination for your 2017-2018 Pennsylvania State Grant application. All awards are now finalized! Due to the increased program demand, your spring semester award has been reduced. Please note, this will only occur if your award is above the State Grant minimum of $500.

PHEAA began sending email notifications to you at the end of October. You should periodically check your paperless inbox and status in Account Access for potential updates.

To check your PHEAA State status, sign in at: http://www.pheaa.org/PA_State_Grant_Information

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, please visit our FAQ page: http://www.pheaa.org/stategrants/faqs.shtml

If eligible, the award amount will reflect on your spring invoice from the Bursar’s Office.

Friday November 10, 2017

SEARCH 83
FRIDAY, NOV. 10- SUNDAY, NOV. 12. CHAPMAN LAKE RETREAT CENTER

Please join us to honor and pray for our students, faculty, and staff who have or are serving in our Armed Forces.

VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 pm. VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Join us for our Veterans Day celebration. A day full of events honoring our veterans right here on our campus, this Friday, Nov. 10. All are welcome. We look forward seeing you there!

PRAYER SERVICE HONORING OUR VETERANS
11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. COMMONS FLAG TERRACE

Please join us to honor and pray for our students, faculty, and staff who have or are serving in our Armed Forces.

MUSLIM JUM'AH SERVICE
1:00PM - 2:00PM. CAMPUS MOSQUE, 306 TAYLOR AVENUE, SCRANTON

Jum'ah service is held every Friday at 1:00 p.m. (Please note that no services are held when The University of Scranton is closed.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT SENATE MEETING
3:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. BRN 500

GRAD'S N' GOD
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

FIT & FAITHFUL
6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. BYRON CENTER AEROBICS ROOM

GAMING CLUB WEEKLY MEETING
7:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. LSC 333, 334, 433, 439

LIVA ARTS COMPANY PRESENTS: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS!!
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. LOYOLA SCIENCE CENTER ROOM 133

Liva Arts Company Presents, Little Shop of Horrors, a horror comedy, rock musical by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman about a meek flower shop assistant discovering an unusual plant with an even more unusual diet.

Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017

PHILADELPHIA TRIP
ALL DAY.

Join the Asia Club on Saturday, November 11th as we take a trip to Philadelphia, the sixth-most populous city in the United States. We will be enjoying lunch in China Town before taking a trip to the Museum of Arts.

IRISH HUNGER MEMORIAL MUSEUM TRIP
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.. IRISH HUNGER MEMORIAL MUSEUM

A group trip to The Irish Hunger Memorial Museum in New York City.

USPB TRAVEL & REC: NYC/BROADWAY TRIP
9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. NEW YORK CITY

With so many things to do in the concrete jungle, why not join us on our venture to the big apple? Bus tickets and Broadway tickets to the show Anastasia can be purchased at our ticket sales.

WRESTLING: ELECTRIC CITY DUALS
10:00 a.m.- 6:00 pm. JOHN LONG CENTER

Come out to the John Long Center for some NCAA wrestling action as the Royals welcome Oneonta State, RIT, Temple and Lackawanna College for the Electric City Duals!

LIVA ARTS COMPANY PRESENTS: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS!!
2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.. LOYOLA SCIENCE CENTER ROOM 133

Liva Arts Company Presents, Little Shop of Horrors, a horror comedy, rock musical by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman about a meek flower shop assistant discovering an unusual plant with an even more unusual diet. Location: LSC 133 November 9th at 8 pm. Nov. 10 at 8 p.m., Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. Nov. 11 at 8 p.m.

3V3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
8:30 p.m. - 12:30AM. BYRON CENTER

3-on-3 basketball tournament for men and women! Hosted by the Men's Rugby team in partnership with Student Government and Rec Sports! We will have snacks, Gatorade, music, prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, and even prizes for the best dressed team!

Sunday Nov. 12, 2017
MADONNA DELLA STRADA CHAPEL, 415 MONROE AVENUE

CATALYST.
9:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. KANE FORUM, LEAHY HALL

Catalyst is designed for anyone who is interested in beginning something extraordinary. The program consists of small group dialogue, large group interactions, and personal reflection which allow you to explore what it means to live authentically, understand how to best connect and contribute to the causes you care deeply about and commit to a plan to be a catalyst for change in your community. Students interested in advocacy, helping professions, public policy, and entrepreneurship will find this program particularly valuable.

Monday, Nov. 13, 2017

WORLD KINDNESS DAY TABLE SIT
11:30AM - 2:00PM. DENAPLES 2ND FLOOR BY FIREPLACE

WORLD KINDNESS DAY
12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m. TDC 2ND FLOOR

Scranton RAKS will have a table on 2nd floor TDC to spread awareness for World Kindness Day on November 13th. Come by to pick up a custom button and pick an idea for a random act of kindness.

BIG FRIENDS LITTLE FRIENDS
2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. VALLEY VIEW TERRACE, COMMUNITY ROOM, SCRANTON.

CHOIR & INSTRUMENTALISTS REHEARSAL
7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. MADONNA DELLA STRADA CHAPEL

ITALIAN SOCIETY SECOND MEETING
6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ST THOMAS 412

The Italian Society's second meeting of the year. We will discuss t-shirt ideas, play games, and have free pizza!

FIT & FAITHFUL
7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. BYRON CENTER AEROBICS ROOM

Wednesday, NOv. 15, 2017

CLUB COUNCIL MEETING (MANDATORY FOR CLUB OFFICERS)
11:30AM - 1:00PM. TDC THEATER

FLU SHOT CLINICS
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 1ST FLOOR THE DENAPLES CENTER

Getting a flu shot every year is your best defense against illness that could make you feel terrible, miss days of school or work and infect young children, elderly and other vulnerable members of our community. For more information about the benefits of the flu vaccine visit www.cdc.gov/flu. Staff, faculty and students are welcome to drop in. Bring a copy of your health insurance benefit card to verify if you are eligible for a no cost vaccine. IF you do not have insurance the flu shot is available for $22 at the Rite Aid clinics or for students at the Student Health Services for $20. This event is sponsored by the Center for Health Education & Wellness. For more information call CHEW at 570-941-4253 or chew@scranton.edu.

ADVERTISING CLUB MEETING
4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. LSC 406

CLUB COUNCIL MEETING (MANDATORY FOR CLUB OFFICERS)
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. TDC THEATER

AFYA: THE GLOBAL HEALTH CLUB MEETING
8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. MOSKOVITZ THEATER 4TH FLOOR TDC

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
10:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. MADONNA DELLA STRADA CHAPEL

2018 JUNIOR PRE-MED STUDENTS

 Francis P. Boland, MD Memorial Scholarship

Eligibility Requirements

 1. Candidates for this award must be considered juniors in 2018-2019 and intend to graduate in May 2020.

2. First consideration will be given to sons and daughters of the Regional Hospital of Scranton (formerly the Mercy Hospital family). Family is intended to signify persons affiliated with the hospital. If there is no candidate associated with the Regional Hospital of Scranton (formerly the Mercy Hospital), consideration will then be given to Lackawanna County residents.

3. Candidates for the award should intend to pursue a medical degree. The award recipient will be a declared pre-med student.

4. Candidates must submit a profile including G.P.A., class work and extra-curricular involvement.

5. Candidates must also submit a one-page typed essay expressing their goals in medicine.

6. The candidate will be selected based on merit. Financial need will only be used as the determining factor for a final decision when there is a tie.

7. Deadline for submitting applications is March 16, 2018

For questions about eligibility or the application process, contact: The Financial Aid Office, St. Thomas Hall, Suite 401

The President’s Business Council has been an integral part of my transformation throughout college. The first trip I ever went on was to Boston as a sophomore. I was terrified to speak with anyone but the alumni were very nice and it was great practice for future networking events. This October, I had the pleasure of going on my fifth PBC networking trip, now as a grad student, to Washington, D.C.  Although I am working in New York City starting next summer, I find it great to network with alumni in all the major cities. We left Thursday at noon to go straight to a networking reception with alumni from around the area. 

At the networking reception, we had the opportunity to speak with more than 30 alumni who work in the D.C. area and hear about their experiences. This is always my favorite part because you get to hear about not only the alumni work experiences but also stories from their time at Scranton. It is incredibly fun to connect with someone you’ve never met over a teacher you may have both had or a place that you have both visited in Scranton. 

The next day was busy, as we were meeting with three different alumni at their places of work. The first visit on Friday morning was with Susan Swain ’76 who is the co-CEO and president of C-SPAN. [You can read a profile of her here!] We had the chance to hear Susan’s story and ask questions about how she got where she is and what she does currently. We also met a few of her co-workers and learned more about how C-SPAN operates. After that, we were given a brief tour of the offices and even had the chance to have our pictures taken behind the desk where they do some of their broadcasts.  Next, we traveled to meet with Bill Hanni ’02, the senior vice president of Ticket Sales and Service for the Washington Wizards. Bill spoke to us about his early years out of college when he was looking for what he wanted to do. He shared his struggles with finding a way to include his passion for sports with his work. Bill was kind enough to provide lunch for us and take us on a tour of the courts including down onto center court where the Washington Wizards would be playing that night. 

Finally, we traveled to meet Colonel Rich Breen Jr. ’77, director of Strategic Communications and Outreach for the Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs at the Pentagon. We hit the ground running at the Pentagon, going through security and then taking a tour throughout the Pentagon while Col. Breen spoke to us. It was fascinating to learn about the history of the Pentagon, the military branches, and the U.S.

The importance of the PBC Networking trips cannot be understated. It is a fantastic opportunity for students to meet alumni in all the major cities and I would encourage every student from their first year through their senior year to consider attending at least one.  The advice the alumni give is top notch and one common theme throughout all the trips I have been on has been the power of the Jesuit education provided by Scranton and the strength of the Scranton alumni network. What continues to amaze me is although we are a small school in the mountains of Pennsylvania in a city most people only know from “The Office," we continue to graduate well-rounded students who go on to become incredibly successful in their careers while remaining humble and generous. 

Nearly 80 foreign military officers, who are international fellows at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, visited The University of Scranton in October for a dinner and presentation by cadets in the ROTC program hosted at the University. The presentation provided information about military education in the United States at the cadet level through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Leading the presentation were cadets Jeremy Yeoman, Easton, Royal Battalion executive officer and a mechanical engineering major at Wilkes University; John Filipczyk, Benton, Royal Battalion operations officer and accounting major at The University of Scranton; and Michael Kolcharno, Dunmore, Royal Battalion commander and information sciences and technology major at Penn State Scranton.

The foreign officers are spending a year at the U.S. Army War College to advance their professional qualifications, to study and write on subjects related to the security interests of their own and allied nations, and to establish working relationships with U.S. military officers, as well as to learn about the United States and its institutions.

President Woodrow Wilson established the ROTC in the United States in 1916. Today, 48 percent of new active duty army officers are ROTC graduates with members of the U.S. military representing less than one percent of the total U.S. population.

The Army ROTC program at The University of Scranton was established in 1951

Currently there are 111 cadets in the program, and 1,222 second lieutenants have been commissioned since its creation at the Scranton campus.

The University of Scranton hosted a discussion about “Trust, Credibility and the News” led by professional journalists and student and faculty representatives of the University’s Department of Communication.

Panelists who participated in the event, which was held in the Forum of Leahy Hall in late October, were Larry Holeva, executive editor of The Times-Tribune, Citizens’ Voice and Standard Speaker; Dave Bohman, investigative reporter at WNEP-TV; Matthew Reavy, Ph.D., associate professor of communication at the University; and Steven DePrimo, managing editor of The Aquinas. Mark Cohen, president of the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, moderated the discussion.

The discussion began by highlighting current challenges faced by the news media, including the transition of print sources into an online format. In the spring semester of 2017, The Aquinas changed from print to fully digital format.

“Social media is one of the most successful tools toward driving people to a website,” DePrimo said. “We started a new position this year called social media manager and they are in charge of all social media under the name Scranton Aquinas.”

Panelists also addressed the issue of news credibility.

“We make sure the information we provide goes through a real set of checks and balances,” Holeva said. “It’s really important that you make decisions based on information that has been vetted, that is accurate, that has been challenged, been pushed through an editing process and is not coming out of someone’s opinion.”

Bohman said WNEP-TV has a rigid scripting process.

“There have been some stories that never made air because one of the two people that do our script approval process in a major story will look at it and say that’s not good enough,” Bohman said.

When incorrect information is presented by a journalist, Bohman said was important to inform the public immediately of the error.

“People will respect you more when you make a mistake and you own it as soon as possible,” Bohman said.

“The two things everybody should be doing is accountability, which means stand up for what you’ve done, and transparency, which means show what you’ve done and ideally show why you’ve done something,” Dr. Reavy said. “If you have to make a tough ethical decision that you know a lot of your readers will disagree with, you should be transparent and say here’s why we made the choices that we made.”

Dr. Reavy discussed news media bias at the national level.

“On social issues you definitely see a left bias, whether it’s abortion, affirmative action, same-sex marriage, immigration or trans-gender issues right down the line journalists are going to be much more likely to be on the left side of those issues,” Dr. Reavy said. “On other issues, for example capitalism, journalists are going to have a right wing bias. They’re going to be pro-business because they work for corporations that have to make money.”

Dr. Reavy said the current political situation, with news focused on Republicans in control of the government, is not helping the media improve the public’s perception of their credibility.

“If only we had a Democrat as president that we could really investigate right now that would be great for media credibility,” Dr. Reavy said.

The discussion ended with panelists describing the passion they have for their profession.

“I love being out in the community, speaking with as many people as I can, digging through old files for number that may cause me to question my sources,” DePrimo said. “That’s what gets me up in the morning, gets me through my classes during the day and what puts me in the office until 2 a.m.”

The discussion was sponsored by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, The Times-Tribune, and the Department of Communication at the University.

This Friday there will be 7 Beyond the Commons Dinners. Beyond the Commons is a dinner series where an alumni host or hosts take a group of students out to dinner. The conversation is usually centered around a specific topic or theme. It's a great opportunity to network and meet alumni. Everyone will meet in the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall (2nd Floor) by 6 p.m. You will then walk to your restaurant with your alumni host(s) and fellow students. If you would like to attend a dinner please e-mail Alex Maier at alexandra.maier@scranton.edu by Wednesday.

Advancing Your Career

Col. Richard Breen '97. Lives in Alexandria, Virginia. B.A. in communications. Currently the director of Strategic Communications for the Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.

Kevin Kucharski '85. Lives in Hampton, New Jersey. B.S. in biology research. Currently the senior vice president of Clinical Operations for Achillion Pharmaceuticals.

Nursing

Jane Yeomans G'04. Lives in Scranton, Pennsylvania. M.S.N Adult Health Nursing. Currently working as a clinical quality management consultant for Highmark Inc.

Maura Hayden RN'08. Lives in Philadelphia, PA. Currently a Registered Nurse at University of Pennsylvania Health System.

The Real World: Life After College

Mara Smith, J.D. '13. Lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. B.S. in international business. Currently working as a law clerk for Montgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhoads LLP.

Jessica Palmeri '11, G'13. Lives in Scranton, Pennsylvania. B.S./M.B.A. in marketing. Currently working as a community manager for Hyrell.

Joseph Sorbera '08. Lives in Staten Island, New York. B.S. in management. Currently the vice president of JLS Cost Management Systems Inc.

Dinner w a Doc

John Cardone M.D. '82. Lives in Fredericksburg, VA. B.S in biology. Currently a cardiovascular surgeon at Mary Washington Healthcare/ VA Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery

Scranton Entrepreneurs

Michael Short '99. Lives in Mendham, New Jersey. B.S. in marketing. Currently the president of Short Family Agency & Financial Group, LLC.

Marian Gigliotti: '76, G'81. Lives in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. B.S. in biology. M.S in biochemistry. Currently a Consultant for Gigliotti Associates, Ltd.

Women in the Workplace

Theresa Rice Haughey '87. Lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. B.S. in biochemistry. Currently working as the senior director, Pharmacovigilance Quality Assurance for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Colleen Neary, Esq. '88. Lives in Media, Pennsylvania. B.S. in political science/ philosophy. Currently working as an attorney at Law for Sweeney & Neary, LLP.

Steps to a Successful Future

PJ Tabit: '10. Lives in Washington, D.C. B.S. in political science and philosophy. Currently working as a supervisory policy analyst for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

Mike Guarnuccio '89. Lives in Westfield, New Jersey. B.S in accounting. Currently a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Jeff Rossi '88. Lives in Holmdel, New Jersey. Currently the vice president of Compliance and Training at Credit Suisse.

Lying on the northwest coast of South America, known for its production of rich coffee beans and oil, Colombia has been wrought with civil rebellion for decades. A November 2016 accord between the FARC rebel group and the Colombian government has finally brought peace to the nation. Catherine “Cat” Bruno ’18, international studies and French double major, and Maria “Paola” Mejia ’19, international studies exchange student, will give the last fall Global Insights presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 11:30 a.m. in Brennan Hall Room 509. A light lunch featuring cuisine from the highlighted country will be served. Registration is required. Please click here to register.

According to the cia.gov World Fact Book, Colombia is home to 47.7 million people, 79 percent of them identify as Catholic. Sadly, income inequality ranks among the worst in the world with one-third of the population living below the poverty line. Having studied and conducted research into the peace initiatives, Cat Bruno has visited family in Colombia and recalls her experience: “In the smaller villages, their strong faith in God really helps them to move forward, survive and have faith in a better future.” Despite the years of strife, Bruno says “It’s a lovable culture, open and friendly. There’s always music playing, fun and dancing.”

Paola Mejia is currently studying abroad here at The University of Scranton. She comes to Scranton from Valledupar on the north coast of Colombia. She related how “People from there are warm, care about each other and know all of their neighbors. The culture is really centered around the music.” Mejia spoke about the Festival Vallenato, which consists of three days of concerts attended by people from all over the world and includes performances by famous international artists such as Latin American pop star Marc Anthony.

Bruno and Mejia look forward to sharing about Colombia and its culture on Tuesday.

This program is being offered by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. For more information, please contact Huey Shi Chew at hueyshi.chew@scranton.edu or 570-941-7575.

The University of Scranton women's soccer team won't have to travel far when it takes on Rowan in an NCAA Tournament first-round matchup on Saturday, Nov. 11. The Royals and Profs will square off at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa. at 2 p.m.

Scranton (14-3-2) earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by capturing the Landmark Conference title with a 2-0 win over Susquehanna on Saturday at Fitzpatrick Field. Rowan (12-2-3) received an at-large bid after being eliminated in the New Jersey Athletic Conference semifinals on Tuesday, Oct. 31.

The Royals are making their second straight NCAA Tournament appearance and 17th overall. It's the squad's sixth NCAA Tournament appearance in 10 seasons under head coach Colleen Pivirotto. Scranton is led by junior forward Jamie Hreniuk(West Caldwell, N.J./James Caldwell), who has 12 goals and one assist, and junior goalkeeper Colleen Berry (Ridgewood, N.J./Ridgewood), who has posted 12 shutouts and a 0.66 goals-against average.

Rowan is led by senior forward Melissa Kelly, who has six goals and seven assists, and junior goalkeeper Shelby Money, who has nine shutouts and a 0.31 goals-against average. The Profs are ranked 17th nationally in the latest top 25 from the United Soccer Coaches, released on Oct. 31.

The winner of Saturday's first-round match advances to a second-round game on Sunday against the winner of the host, Messiah, against Westfield State. Messiah College is located just outside Harrisburg, Pa., approximately 135 miles southwest of Scranton.

For more information on the opening weekend of games at Messiah, visit http://gomessiah.com/sports/2017/11/6/FHWSOCTourney.aspx#WSOC.

To view the entire field for the NCAA Division III women's soccer championship, visit http://www.ncaa.com/interactive-bracket/soccer-women/d3/. For information on the first- and second-round games as it becomes available, visit athletics.scranton.edu.

Is the University meeting your expectations?

We want your opinion about your experience at Scranton and the programs and services we offer.

Check your email for information from Rev. Herbert Keller, S.J., Interim University President, inviting you to complete the Student Satisfaction Inventory survey.

Complete the survey to win 1 of 20 $50 GIFT CARDS TO THE BOOKSTORE!

**Be sure to take the survey before it closes on Nov. 17.

The Leahy Scribe Program trains students in medical terminology, basic anatomy and physiology, and the skills necessary to navigate an electronic medical record. These students then sit in on actual examinations with nurses, doctors, and patients at the Leahy Clinic, and the students are responsible for recording the exam note in the EMR.

If you are interested in applying for the scribe program, please email Kimberly.barr@scranton.edu. Please realize that spots are limited and not all applicants are accepted.

Thank you!

After months of campaigning, spin classes officially opened to the University community on Oct. 23. Spin classes are held in the lower level of the Byron Center near the racquetball courts. See class times and register, here. 

When I walk into the spinning room before my class, I like to play music that will get the spinning vibes flowing the moment my students walk in the door. At a spin class, not only are you getting a full body workout, you are getting the sense of team spirit!

I took my first spin class in my junior year of high school and I immediately fell in love with the workout. The energy radiated from the instructor and spread through the room. From this point forward, spin became “my thing.”

When I arrived at The University of Scranton last fall, I learned that the school did not offer spin classes. My friend, Morgan, who also loves spin, and I decided that spin classes would be a fantastic addition to the current opportunities to exercise on our campus. We immediately got to work and emailed Robert Hermes, assistant director/club sport coordinator, and scheduled a meeting. He loved the idea and asked us to make a petition to evaluate student interest. With the help of a few friends, we were generated more than 300 student signatures. Within a couple months, the spin program was approved. I was overwhelmed with excitement and ready for everyone to be able to experience this energizing workout.

Moving from the student’s bike to the instructor’s bike was the next step. After getting certified, making music playlists, and timing a routine of varying intensity, I was ready.

The first week of having spin on campus proved to all of us that our hard work petitioning had paid off. Almost all the classes were full.

Spinning is the best way to get active because the class is bursting with high intensity music, enthusiastic instructors, and an energetic group atmosphere that makes working out fun. First-time students are given safety and bike setup instructions on safety from certified instructors. The class is designed to be an intense workout. Students are encouraged to pedal to the best of their ability and progress with experience. There is no set required physical fitness level to do spin class and almost anyone can give it a try. It is as simple as pedaling with the music and instructor’s routine.

The students are the most important part of having a good class. The positive energy and motivation you bring to class spreads throughout the room and makes it easy to get into the workout. After spinning, you leave with a euphoric feeling that stays with you all day.

Overall, spinning is a wonderful way to get physically fit, meet new people, and, of course, have fun! So do something good for yourself and give this class a spin!

My Passion Planner is the place where I map out every waking moment of my day. Amid the chaos of class, two on-campus jobs, weekly volunteering, club meetings, homework, and the obvious necessities of sleeping and eating, there’s not much room to simply be. My planner features a different quote every week, and during the first week of October, it was as if Socrates himself was nudging me toward taking time to relax: “Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” Realizing the weight of those seven words, I recognized in myself a longing to take a step back and refocus. I took what was, for me, a huge leap of faith: I signed up for the Silent Retreat.

Saying I love to socialize is the understatement of the year, so I was hesitant to immerse myself in an environment where I would have to be quiet for an entire weekend. I had a huge pit in my stomach until Friday evening at Chapman Lake. I took a deep breath and realized how revitalizing it can be to be truly mindful of my thoughts and focus on myself and my relationship with God. I consider myself to be a faithful person and I spend a good deal of time focusing on just that, but I feel as though I can be limited in that I see God the most in others. It’s a rarity that I can still myself enough to talk to God in more than a quick prayer. I went into the weekend looking to accomplish one thing: discern my vocation. While I didn’t achieve that per se, I think I got something even better out of it. I was able to look back on my three and a half years at the U and see God not necessarily in the people I love themselves but in the love shared between us. I read a book while I was there, and the author delves into the idea that when John’s Gospel says, “God is love,” it is meant to be taken as the verb itself. God Himself is the love shared in relationship with others.

The three days proved to be incredibly eye-opening and gave me insight into my beliefs and my faith. I was able to see God in some of the most interesting places: attempting (and failing) to silently giggle with friends, reading and reflecting in my Bible, and oddly enough, in two white ducks who followed us around all weekend.

I think the coolest thing was when we regrouped at the end of the weekend and “broke the silence,” if you will. Everybody shared their initial expectations for the weekend and what they personally got out of the retreat. No two were exactly the same. We had all spent the weekend in a community, but each of us was in very different places in our faith journeys. The weekend didn’t need words to be meaningful to me or the other students I shared it with. I intend to take back to campus with me the clarity and peace I felt while I was at Chapman and make time to be still. Taking time to pause my busy schedule is definitely not my forte, but if I can’t bring myself to the peace of the Lake, I’ll bring the peace of the Lake to me.

English and theatre professor Rebecca Beal, Ph.D., was awarded a grant from The University of Scranton’s Strategic Initiative Fund to enable students in her first-year seminar not only to read, discuss and study a Pulitzer Prize-winning book in class, but also to share their insights in a service initiative with residents of the city of Scranton. The fund supports innovative projects that will have a positive impact on the student experience and further the goals of the University’s Strategic Plan to engage, integrate and globalize the student experience.

Through the grant, students in Dr. Beal’s first-year seminar course “Latest and Greatest. Prize-winning Fiction, Poetry and Theatre” participated in the city’s Scranton Reads program by facilitating group discussions about the book Gilead at libraries throughout Lackawanna County during the month of October.

Freshmen Catherine O’Callaghan of Peapack, New Jersey, and Kathryn Antonawich of West Islip, New York, facilitated the book discussion at the Albright Memorial Library on Monday, Oct. 16.

“It’s going to be interesting to see the difference between what we think as freshmen at the University versus what the community thinks,” O’Callaghan said. “I think people will have different perspectives depending on their age, gender and background.”

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson is a novel set in Gilead, Iowa, written as a memoir of Reverend John Ames, who was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Ames remembers the experiences of his father and grandfather so he can share them with his son. The book focuses on the dynamics of Ames’ family, his life in Gilead, Iowa, the struggle of coming to terms with death and missing out on his loved one’s lives. Gilead won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2005.

The students facilitated the discussion around four key themes seen throughout the book: faith, anger, family and death. The students used quotes from the book to prompt community members into a conversation about the book. Even though the students analyzed the book and crafted the discussion together, Antonawich valued the community’s views on the themes of the book.

“It’s easy for us to have the same opinion and it’s better to get other people’s opinions on it too,” Antonawich said. 

When the conversation reached the theme of death, community members and students alike reflected on the idea that people can lose their life at any moment. They found importance on meditating on one’s own life at an old age and how Ames had time to think about his life before death due to the diagnosis of his heart condition. 

Scranton Reads is an annual event that seeks to unite the community through reading and discussing a designated book. The program began in 2001 when the mayor of Scranton at the time, Christopher Doherty, discusses starting the program in Scranton with Jack Finnerty, director of the Albright Memorial Library. The program has run each October since 2001.

“The idea is to get as many people in the community of all walks of life, to read a single title, sit down and talk about whether they loved it, hated it or didn’t understand it at all,” Finnerty said.

Autism Speaks U is hosting their First Annual Fall Formal THIS Thursday, Nov. 2, from 9 p.m. -12 a.m. in Collegiate Hall (Redington). There will be music, raffles, desserts, and a photo contest!

Come with a date or some friends, and please spread the word! You do not have to be a club member to attend! 

Tickets will be $10 and will also include one free raffle ticket! They can be purchased at table sits on second-floor DeNaples, 5-7 p.m., Monday-Thursday OR at the door! 
Attire is formal/semi-formal! Hope to see you there! And wear BLUE! 

How far can $10 get you? It'll get you pretty far this Friday ... through a program organized by the Office of Community Relations. 

On Friday, downtown businesses will welcome students as part of  'Downtown Dinner and Movie Night,' where students can get dinner at one of the participating restaurants and see a movie at the Iron Horse Bistro for $10! With options such as Posh, Thai Thai Scranton, and Backyard Ale House, it's sure to be a delicious night.

The event is a great way for students to explore the downtown eateries and connect with Scranton's small businesses. 

"As far as what Downtown Movie Night means to us, we love participating because every year it seems more and more students are finding us and falling in love with our New American Vegan Comfort Food," said Christian Pilosi, owner of Eden: A Vegan Cafe. 

But with so many great choices on the menu, what should you order? We paired up with some of our favorite downtown restaurants to find the most popular item on the menu! 

Gallery Menu Items:
1. Posh - Shrimp Taco: Beer battered shrimp, cabbage, red onion and pepper slaw, feta cheese in a corn and flour tortilla
2. Posh - Electric City Shrimp: Crispy beer battered shrimp tossed in a spicy cream sauce
3. Posh - Posh Signature Soup: Southwestern pumpkin bisque
4. Backyard Ale House - Banjo Pig: Traditional Cuban, which has Pulled pork, prosciutto, Swiss cheese, sliced dill pickles, & yellow mustard. Pressed and grilled on a rustic ciabatta roll
5. Bar Pazzo - Margherita Pizza: Neapolitan inspired preparation of Fior di Latte, tomato sauce, and basil
6. Tequila Mexican Grill - Chicken Quesadilla: served with rice, guacamole, and pico de gallo
7. Kildare's Irish Pub - Irish Craic Nachos: House-made potato chips, melted cheese, guacamole, salsa and sour cream
8. Eden: A Vegan Cafe - Vegan Buffalo Drumsticks with ranch
9. Eden: A Vegan Cafe - The Rosie Perez Burger: Our Veggie Burger with a Creamy & Spicy Garlic, Chives, Frank's & Veganaise Spread, Melted Daiya Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese, topped with Spinach, Tomato, Red Onion & Avocado on a Toasted Semi-Hard Roll!
10. Pizza by Pappas - Pappas' award winning pan style pizza served only as a ten inch tray
11. Sambuca Grille - Pollo de Dijon: Chicken breast lightly breaded, pan fried then topped with mozzarella cheese, finished in a dijon mustard sauce and a touch of cream
12. Thai Rak Thai - Drunken Noodles: Stir-fried flat noodles with choice of chicken, pork or beef with broccoli, onions, bell peppers, eggs, chili and basil leaves.
13. Iron Horse Movie Bistro - Iron Horse Quesadilla: chicken and cheddar-jack cheese, chipotle ranch, sour cream, house salsa
14. Thai Thai Scranton - Pad Thai: Famous thai noodles with chicken and shrimp, eggs, ground peanuts, bean curd, scallions and bean sprouts.

The University of Scranton Players will present “Hannah & Martin” by Kate Fodor, directed by Jennifer Rhoads, Friday through Sundays Nov. 3-5 and Nov. 10-12. Performances begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday in the Joseph M. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts on the University’s campus.

            “Hannah & Martin” depicts the complicated relationship between two of the greatest philosophers of the 20th century, Martin Heidegger and Hannah Arendt. Fodor dramatizes the struggles of Arendt to justify the politics of Heidegger, her former professor and collaborator with the rise of the Nazis. Fodor’s play opened at the Manhattan Ensemble Theatre in 2004 and received the Kennedy Center’s Rodger L. Stevens Award and was a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize.

The production features Conor Hurley of Woodside, New Jersey, as Martin Heidegger; Ali Basalyga of Scranton as Hannah Arendt; Mitchell Demytrk of Bushkill as Baldur Von Schirach; Shaye Santos of Wrighstown, New Jersey, as Elfride Heidegger and Judge; Timothy Dodds of Suffield, Connecticut, as Gunther Stern; Julia Consiglio of Oceanside, New York, as Alice; Nicolas Gangone of Howard Beach, New York, as Karl Jaspers and Prosecutor; and Emily Paparazzo of Paupack as Gertrud Jaspers. Basalyga is a graduate of West Scranton High School and Paparazzo is a graduate of Wallenpaupack High School.

Tickets may be purchased or reserved by calling the box office at 570-941-4318 or online at thescrantonplayers.com. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for senior citizens, students and University of Scranton faculty and staff. Performances during the second weekend are free for first-year students.

Friday, Oct 27th 2017

Fall forum 2017

Hosted by C.S.E

1 p.m.- 3 p.m.

 Want to make a difference on campus but you're not sure where to start? Come to the Fall Forum Day to find out! Free fall refreshments and a chance to win a Generation 2 Amazon Echo! Questions? Contact leadership@scranton.edu.

muslim jum'ah service

1:00PM - 2:00PM. CAMPUS MOSQUE, 306 TAYLOR AVENUE, SCRANTON

Jum'ah service is held every Friday at 1:00 p.m. (Please note that no services are held when The University of Scranton is closed.)

student government senate meeting

3:15PM - 6:15PM. ELH KANE FORUM

grad's n' god

5:30-6:30 p.m. at The Green Frog

fit & faithful

6:00PM - 7:00PM. BYRON CENTER AEROBICS ROOM

Fit and Faithful is an opportunity for students to combine prayer with physical fitness. In this three-circuit, body-weight workout, participants offer the workout for a prayer intention. This is what we call a prayer workout. Prayer workouts begin with Christian-based prayer, but people of all faiths are welcome to join us and to pray in their faith traditions. Funds raised by Fit and Faithful are used to purchase and donate fresh produce to a local food pantry in Scranton. All fitness levels are welcome. For questions, please contact Mary Kate Halligan at mary.halligan@scranton.edu or Victoria Gazzillo at victoria.gazzillo@scranton.edu. Follow Fit and Faithful on Instagram at uofs_fit_and_faithful.

gaming club weekly meeting

7:00PM - 10:00PM. LSC 333, 334, 433, 439

A general weekly meeting for the University of Scranton Gaming Club to relax, hang out and enjoy some time with fellow club members. (Board games are provided and personal gaming equipment can be brought in)

THE MULTICULTURAL CENTER PRESENTS: DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (DAY OF THE DEAD) CELEBRATION

10:00PM - 11:45PM. TDC 2ND FLOOR FIREPLACE LOUNGE

Please join us for our "Dia de los Muertos 2017 Celebration" on Friday, October 27th from 10:00 pm - 12:00 am @ 2nd Floor Fireplace Lounge, DeNaples Center. We will be featuring music by AJ DJ, skull decorating, face painting, a traditional altar and traditional food served during this celebration.

saturday, oct 28th 2017

USPB TRAVEL & REC: DORNEY PARK

11:00AM - 11:00PM. DORNEY PARK

Calling all ghouls and goblins! Come visit Dorney Park in Allentown, PA for an epic combination of thrills and chills!

penn state master class: how to grow garlic!

12:00PM - 1:00PM. THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON'S COMMUNITY GARDEN, 300 NORTH IRVING AVENUE

Do you want to become a better gardener? If so, come to Penn State Master Gardeners' hands-on garlic growing workshop! This event is happening at our very own Community Garden on Saturday October 28th at 12pm! The masterclass will be followed by fruit tree plantings and garden plot framing, and we'd love for you to lend a hand!

women's soccer senior day vs catholic

1:00PM - 3:00PM. FITZPATRICK FIELD

Come down to Fitzpatrick Field to celebrate the seniors on the women's soccer team before they take on Catholic in the regular season finale!

safe trick or treat 

1:00PM - 3:00PM. CAMPUS WIDE

Safe Trick or Treat in The University of Scranton Residence Halls allows invited guests from local community partners such as Friends of the Poor and United Neighborhood Centers, a chance to trick or treat in a safe area. Resident students hand out candy while escorted by student volunteers.

men's soccer senior day vs catholic

4:00PM - 6:00PM. FITZPATRICK FIELD

Spend your Saturday afternoon at Fitzpatrick Field as the men's soccer team celebrates its seniors before taking on Catholic in the regular season finale.

scranton screams

10:00PM - 12:00AM. BYRON CENTER

Beware of Scranton Screams on Saturday October 28th from 10pm to Midnight. Join us in the Byron for pumpkin painting, ghostly fair games, Halloween treats and a costume contest. If you dare, join our "friends" in a walk through custom haunted house... Sometimes the scariest thing in the world is a smile.

sunday, oct 29th 2017

mystery retreat follow up

5:00PM- 6:30PM. 3RD FLOOR DENAPLES FACULTY & STAFF LOUNGE

Join us in a Breaking Open of the Word as a follow up to the Mystery Retreat.

monday, oct 30th 2017

all saints day masses

VARIOUS TIMES. MADONNA DELLA STRADA.

The Solemnity of All Saints, or as it is more commonly referred to as All Saints Day, is a Holy Day of Obligation and is celebrated on the first of November. This day was instituted to honor all the saints, known and unknown.Masses are at 12:05 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. in Madonna della Strada Chapel on Monroe Ave.

big friends little friends

2:30PM - 5:00PM. VALLEY VIEW TERRACE, COMMUNITY ROOM, SCRANTON.

Each week, 40 to 45 students from The University of Scranton and Marywood University volunteer together at Valley View Terrace Housing Development in South Scranton. It is a cooperative program which ensures that disadvantaged pupils from Scranton-area elementary schools, most in kindergarten through fifth grade at McNichols Plaza, get at least two days per week on which they do not return from school to empty houses or perhaps empty refrigerators.

pumpkin painting party

5:00PM - 7:00PM. REDINGTON HALL, COLLEGIATE HALL

Join Art Club for a pumpkin painting party! Paint, supplies and light refreshments will be provided. Cost is depending on size of pumpkin/gourd; this event will be a fundraiser for both the charity UNICEF and the art club! RSVP to attend!

fit and faithful

7:00PM - 8:00PM. BYRON CENTER AEROBICS ROOM

Fit and Faithful is an opportunity for students to combine prayer with physical fitness. In this three-circuit, body-weight workout, participants offer the workout for a prayer intention. This is what we call a prayer workout. Prayer workouts begin with Christian-based prayer, but people of all faiths are welcome to join us and to pray in their faith traditions. Funds raised by Fit and Faithful are used to purchase and donate fresh produce to a local food pantry in Scranton. All fitness levels are welcome. For questions, please contact Mary Kate Halligan at mary.halligan@scranton.edu or Victoria Gazzillo at victoria.gazzillo@scranton.edu.

wednesday, nov 1st 2017

advertising club meeting

4:15PM - 5:15PM. LSC 406

Join us at our weekly meetings where we'll discuss upcoming projects, trips and more!

choir and instrumentalists rehearsal

7:00PM - 8:30PM. MADONNA DELLA STRADA CHAPEL

USPB COMEDY: ADAM GRABOWSKI

8:00PM - 9:00PM. MOSKOVITZ THEATER

Picture the funniest person you know. Now times that by 10, what do you get? Adam Grabowski. Having done over 500 shows across the country, Adam knows a thing or two about comedy! So come and enjoy an evening of food, friends, and chuckles.

afya: the global health club meeting

8:00PM - 9:00PM. TDC 405

The Scranton app currently has modules that help you

• Keep up with News and Events

• Access Academic Calendars and Course Catalogs
• Look up phone numbers for Campus Departments
• Search the Library Catalog and much more!
  
  But we’re not done yet…..
  
  We will be launching a new Scranton App next spring and would like to get your feedback on the current Scranton app and find out what other services or features you would like to access from your smart phone.
  
  Just for taking the survey you will get a chance to win one of four $25 prizes, which will be added to the winners Royal Cards.
  
  Note: Only one entry per person, duplicate entries will be deleted.
  
  HOW DO I TAKE THE SURVEY?

•  
• Help us to better meet your needs – take the Mobile Survey today!!

University of Scranton students took to the streets on Oct. 14. More than 300 students participated in the semi-annual Street Sweep event. The two-hour service event emphasizes the Jesuit ideals that the University of Scranton exhibits.

“I think Street Sweep is a great way for students to give back to the residents of Scranton,” said student Hazel Skarbeck. “Hopefully, they appreciate the event because, living off campus, I know I appreciate it!”

Street Sweep, which is organized by Student Government, promotes the idea of keeping the Historic Scranton Hill Section as beautiful as possible. Groups of students go out with their Student Government representative and pick up trash from Prescott to Madison Ave and from Mulberry up to East Gibson streets.

There was a diverse collection of clubs that participated. Habitat for Humanity, Ice Hockey and the Ultimate Frisbee team were among some of the 23 clubs that came to help out. Not only were students participating in the event, but Street Sweep is organized by students and the t-shirt was designed by a student as well.

“I was hooked when I saw the first blade of grass. It requires stamina – you have to have it and a great, great tolerance,” said artist Helen Evanchik about en plein air painting. “You have to have great resilience and an undying love of nature.”

Evanchik is a New York City native whose exhibit called “Here and There, Now and Then” is being featured at The University of Scranton’s Hope Horn Gallery in Hyland Hall through Nov. 17. She discussed her work at a lecture prior to an opening reception for the exhibit on Oct. 20.

“Make yourself see the beauty all around you. It’s all there, and out there it’s moving very fast. If you do decide to go out there and paint, I can guarantee you, you’re going to have the greatest time. Just realize it’s not for you, but for anyone who can appreciate what it is that you’re trying to show,” said Evanchik.

The artist addressed the impact of impressionism on her work and what en plein air techniques she utilizes to capture the beauty she so often discovers working outdoors to create her landscape paintings.

“En plein air thinking derives from entering the age of discovery. Changes were taking place in the air, land and sea, and the world was alive with action. People were studying plants, animals and most importantly, humanity. Perspective, light and reflection all became essential components to the technique,” said Evanchik.

Evanchik also discussed the profound influence living in New York City had on her childhood as well as the implications it had on her art. She offered sage advice to attendees on what it truly means to fail.

“When you approach outside, your response may be overwhelming. You might try to succeed, and unfortunately it doesn’t always work. But failure is just practice. Practice, practice, practice,” said Evanchik. “That’s how you become an artist.”

Evanchik, who received her arts training at the Cooper Union, has participated in numerous regional and national exhibitions. She has produced a plethora of landscape paintings, specifically of Long Island and northeastern Pennsylvania. There are 37 oil paintings in the Hope Horn Gallery exhibit. A portion of any sales from this exhibition will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in honor of Evanchik’s daughter, Merrie.

Please join us for our "Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)" 2017 Celebration on Friday, Oct. 27 from 10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. @ 2nd Floor Fireplace Lounge, DeNaples Center.

We will be featuring music by AJ DJ, skull decorating, face painting, a traditional altar, and traditional food served during this celebration. New this year, we will be also holding a prayer service in collaboration with Campus Ministries.

El Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) Although it is marked throughout Latin America, Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican celebration, is a day to celebrate, remember and prepare special foods in honor of those who have departed. On this day in Mexico, the streets near the cemeteries are filled with decorations of papel picado , flowers, candy calaveras (skeletons and skulls), and parades.

This program is sponsored by the Multicultural Center, Late Night and Campus Ministries! For more information contact the Cross Cultural Centers at multicultural@scranton.edu.

A politically filled discussion addressing the most urgent constitutional issues making the headlines at the time occurred at The University of Scranton Schemel Forum’s annual University for a Day.

The lecture “The Constitution in the Headlines” was presented by Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, Akhil Amar, Ph.D., recently on campus during the daylong program. One of the issues he discussed was the division of the North and South during voting in the most recent election.

Dr. Amar began by stating that there is no “big state versus small state” in presidential elections, but instead it is a division between the North and the South in the U.S. He represented the division in America by showing a map of the U.S. after the election and how there was a clear divide in voters from the cities to the rural areas. This was always the case in America as Dr. Amar showed an election map of 1896, which he also compared to the election of 2008 and the only difference being that the parties had flipped.

In the 1896 election, people from the rural areas voted Democrat and people from the cities voted Republican, which is the complete opposite of today. Dr. Amar used this example to show America has always been deeply divided on politics, not just this past election.

Dr. Amar also compared the past election to the race between John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. He compared Hillary Clinton to Adams and Donald Trump to Jackson. He used the similarities of Trump and Jackson both not being politicians before the elections, and being viewed as a voice of the common people. He also said how Jackson was tough on government leading up to the election, similar to Trump.

A parliamentary constitutional monarchy and home to Petra (one of the modern seven wonders), Jordan sits in the heart of the Middle East between Israel, Saudi Arabia and Syria. It has become a refuge for over 650,000 Syrians since 2011, thus becoming home to over 10.2 million including the recent immigrants.  University of Scranton graduate student Malak Daas ’18, MBA program, will present on the country and culture at the second fall Global Insights program on October 24, 2017, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in Brennan Hall, The Rose Room 5^th floor. A light lunch featuring cuisine from the highlighted country will be served. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Born and raised in Amman, Jordan, Daas came to the US in December of 2016 after earning a bachelor’s degree in international business from Schiller International University in Germany. She is now pursuing her MBA and studies operations management and enterprise resource planning. She related how Jordan tends to be more liberal than other mainly Islamic states in the Middle East region. “I think we have more freedom than other countries in the Middle East. Women do not always have to wear the headscarf and are allowed to drive. People in the cities are more liberal-minded.” Daas holds a love for the queen of Jordan, Rania Al-Abdullah. “She is active in the environment and advocates for women’s education and all education.” The third of six siblings, Daas enjoys going to the Dead Sea to swim and be with friends.

This program is being offered by the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. For more information, please contact Huey Shi Chew at hueyshi.chew@scranton.edu or 570-941-7575.

Ethical Responsibility in the Internet Arena: Algorithms, Confirmation Bias, and Critical Evaluation

The First-Year Writing Program and the Information Literacy Program in the Weinberg Memorial Library invite you to an information workshop to explore issues raised in the FYW Placement Exam article, Carole Cadwalladr's Google, Democracy and the Truth About Internet Search in The Guardian. All students currently enrolled in WRTG 106 & WRTG 107 are strongly encouraged to attend. Contact: Teresa Grettano,

Contact: Teresa Grettano, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of first-year writing. (teresa.grettano@scranton.edu or x7659)

Students and faculty alike are loving the new program “Royal Threads,” which was recently launched by the Center for Career Development and the Jane Kopas Women’s Center. Royal Threads is a clothing lending program that allows students to borrow professional clothing from a closet filled with both women's and men's attire for job fairs, interviews and other events. Thanks to faculty and staff donations, the lending closet has grown and is ready for undergraduate and graduate use. The closet holds suits, shirts, pants and skirts, belts, shoes and ties of all sizes; students have the option to choose a complete outfit or borrow an item or two.

The collaboration came together when both students and faculty realized that students hesitated to attend the Career Expo because they didn't have professional or "interview worthy" clothing. Whether you have outgrown your favorite suit or forgot it in your closet at home, Royal Threads is a great source for interview prep! Once the item is returned, the program maintains the cleaning process. Students need not worry about having the clothes laundered before returning them. A few students took advantage of the outfits Royal Threads had to offer before the fall Career Expo in September. Luckily, it is an ongoing program available to students at any time, and our closet continues to grow! If you are interested in borrowing, stop by the Center for Career Development in Ciszek Hall!

If you are interested in donating, new or gently used items are being accepted at the following locations on campus:
- Center for Career Development (Ciszek Hall)
- Jane Kopas Women’s Center (205F DeNaples Center)
- Kania Center for Practical Learning (332 Brennan Hall)
- Residence Life Office (Condron Hall)
- Lobby of Brown Hall

For additional information, or if you have questions about Royal Threads head up to The Center for Career Development in Ciszek Hall!

Recent poll show “trust” and “confidence” in the media drifts below 50 percent. A poll by Reuters/Ipsos, released on Oct. 3, found 48 percent of adults surveyed said they had a “great deal” or “some” confidence in the press. A USA Today/Suffolk University poll, published June 29, found that 36 percent of respondents “said they approve of the mainstream media” with 50 percent saying they “disapprove of the press.” In a Gallup poll published April 5 of this year, 62 percent of U.S. adults surveyed said the media favors a political party (Of those who perceive political bias in the news, 64 percent believe the media favors the Democratic Party).

Unfortunately for the news media, these numbers are not new. Gallup polls going back to the 1990s show a perceived bias in the news media, however perception of media bias has become more pronounced in recent years.

Area journalists and editors will join with representatives from academia to discuss the state and perception of news coverage at a free, public Town Hall Panel Discussion on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. in the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall.

Panelists Larry Holeva, executive editor of The Times-Tribune, Citizens’ Voice and Standard-
Speaker; Dave Bohman, investigative reporter at WNEP-TV; Matthew Reavy, Ph.D., associate professor of communication at The University of Scranton; and Steven DePrimo, managing editor of the University’s student newspaper The Aquinas, will discuss “Trust, Credibility and the News.” Mark Cohen, president of the Pennsylvania News Media Association, the Pennsylvania News Media Association Foundation and MANSI Media, will moderate the discussion.

The event is sponsored by the Pennsylvania News Media Association, The Times-Tribune and the Department of Communication at The University of Scranton.

Dr. Reavy joined the faculty at the University in 1998, having previously worked as a journalist for the Scranton Tribune, the Hometown Publications chain of weekly newspapers and the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting. His areas of teaching and research include journalism and ethics.  Dr. Reavy earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Scranton, and his doctorate degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia.

DePrimo, Waldwick, New Jersey, is a senior journalism and electronic media major at The University of Scranton with a minor in political science. He is managing editor for the school's student newspaper, The Aquinas and was part of the editorial team that made the decision last year to end print publication of the newspaper and to solely publish online.

Holeva began his career as a copy boy at the now defunct Scrantonian-Tribune in 1983. He became managing editor of the Scranton Times-Tribune in 2004 and has overseen the three daily newsrooms of Times-Shamrock publications in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton since November of 2012. He is past president of the Pennsylvania Associated Press Managing Editors and serves on the board of the state Associated Press Media Editors (APME) and the Pennsylvania Society of News Editors. A native of Dickson City, he majored in journalism at Penn State University and resides in Wilkes-Barre.

An Emmy award-winning correspondent, Bohman has specialized in reporting on public corruption, consumer rip-offs and crime at WNEP-TV since 2009. Bohman has reported on national news for CNN, CBS, ABC and the Weather Channel in Ohio, New York, Florida and other states. He graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism.

Most recently, Cohen, who will serve as moderator, was publisher and digital director of the Akron Beacon Journal and Ohio.com. While in Akron, Cohen served on the boards of the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, the Akron Roundtable, the United Way of Summit County and the Downtown Akron Partnership. He has also worked for Thompson Newspapers, GateHouse Newspapers and the Pioneer Newspaper Group.

Area residents can submit questions for the discussion prior to the Oct. 24 event at submissions@timesshamrock.com.

For additional information about the panel discussion, contact The University of Scranton at 570-941-7662 or email info@scranton.edu.

The University of Scranton is counted among “Top U.S. Colleges” in a 2018 ranking based on analysis by The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education.

Scranton placed at No. 138 for student engagement; No. 193 for student outcomes; and No. 214 for an “overall” ranking of more than 1,000 colleges based on analysis of 15 individual performance indicators. The ranking, published by The Wall Street Journal on Sept. 27, is intended to measure student engagement and outcomes as well as the resources provided in support of education.

The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education based the student engagement portion of their analysis on The U.S. Student Survey, which queried more than 200,000 current college and university students on a range of issues relating directly to their college experience. Student engagement represented 20 percent of the overall ranking score. Outcomes, which represented 40 percent of the overall ranking score, looked at graduation rate, academic reputation, value added to graduate salary and value added to the loan repayment rate. The “value added” portions of the analysis used research by the Brookings Institute, among others, to apply statistical modeling to adjust for student and other characteristics in order to measure the impact the school has on the salary and loan repayment rates of its graduates. The overall score also measured resources (30 percent), which included the finance cost per student, faculty/student ratio and research papers published per faculty member, and the learning environment (10 percent), which includes student and staff diversity, among other factors.

In other national rankings published recently, U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton No. 6 among the “Best Regional Universities in the North” and No. 18 as a “Best Value Regional University” in its category. In national rankings, U.S. News placed Scranton’s programs in accounting No. 17, finance No. 17 and entrepreneurship No. 22 in the country, and its business school No. 183 in the U.S. MONEY magazine ranked Scranton No. 206 among the 711 included in its “Best Colleges For Your Money,” a national list of schools determined to deliver the “best value” and Forbes ranked Scranton at No. 249 in their list of “America’s Best Value Colleges” in the nation.

In addition, The Princeton Review listed Scranton in its 2018 edition of “The Best 381 Colleges,” ranking Scranton among the nation’s “Best Science Labs” (No. 9), “Best Campus Food” (No. 15), “Everyone Plays Intramural Sports” (No. 18) and “Most Religious Students” (No. 20).”

Students at The University of Scranton were able to help with hurricane relief, at animal shelters, mentoring at local schools and many other projects by volunteering through local non-profit organizations participating in the University’s annual Volunteer Fair.

One organization at the fair, The American Red Cross, had more opportunities for students beyond assisting with blood donations and included helping with hurricane relief services, a flu prevention checklist and a home fire prevention campaign targeting young children. Even though most University of Scranton students know of the organization specifically for blood donations, American Red Cross representatives at the fair wanted student volunteers to recognize there is more they could do to help out.

The Campus Ministries’ Center for Service and Social Justice arranged the fair for students to learn about volunteer opportunities available at 65 different local non-profit organizations.

Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, another participant, provides care for homeless, unwanted and abused animals. Students were able to volunteer for any time they desired to work with directly with the animals or for other tasks needed at the shelter.

“Absolutely, we rely on students,” Griffin Pond representative Chris Mathewson said. “We get a lot of student volunteers who are not local and miss their dogs and cats, so they like the aspect we present of seeing the animals during the semester.”

Other agencies like Junior Achievement of NEPA had volunteers signing-up to work with younger students at local school districts.

Junior Achievement of NEPA serves to teach students in kindergarten to 12th grade each year about entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness. Volunteers teach directly in the classroom and work hands-on with the students. The newly student-founded business club, Kania Service Society, is working directly with Junior Achievement this year.

Many students who were active with Junior Achievement in high school are now returning to help out in college, according to Junior Achievement program manager Maria DeLucca of Pittston.

With so many different agencies represented at the fair, students like Joe Marushin of Hazelton, a sophomore at The University of Scranton, wanted to be able to find an agency to commit to for the long term.

“I honestly want to find just one organization to stick with – especially with my schedule,” Marushin said.

More than 650 students attended in the Volunteer Fair this year.

Eric Eiden ’19, Throop, is a journalism/electronic media major at The University of Scranton.

Drs Marzia Caporale and Habib Zanzana of the Department of World Languages and Cultures are pleased to announce the annual Study in Florence Summer Program to take place from May 26 to June 23, 2018. Students will enroll in courses, earn University of Scranton credit, and live in Florence for four weeks. This faculty-led program will include day trips to exciting Italian destinations such as Venice, the Chianti region, and the beautiful coastal town of Cinque Terre, in addition to guided visits to Florence's main sites of interest, a series of gourmet dinners, and much more. Earn Humanities credits. No knowledge of Italian required. Courses are offered both in Italian and English.

Join us for one of the two information sessions on Oct. 5 at 6:00 p.m. or Nov. 15 at 7:00 p.m. in Hyland 206 or contact Dr. Caporale marzia.caporale@scranton.edu or Dr. Zanzana zanzanah1@gmail.com for information or registration.

Justice on Tour- a social justice tour/presentation of Scranton Community Partners Friday, Oct. 20 from 3-6 p.m.

Justice on Tour, hosted by Campus Ministries' Center for Service & Social Justice, creates an opportunity for University of Scranton students to learn about and experience the unique social justice history of Scranton. Deeper awareness leads to greater understanding between our students and Scranton residents. During the Justice Tour, participants acquire information about Scranton's unique neighborhoods and diverse populations; contacts for community organizations visited and highlighted during the tour; a nuanced image of Scranton's underserved communities, through an emphasis on their assets and challenges; and resources for how to get involved in community-based service and research. A light meal will be served afterward while reflecting on the experience, and opportunities for service. Registration is limited to 80 students.

Please only register if you absolutely have this time free. Register HERE.

More than 500 University of Scranton students participated in a career fair that offered them opportunities for internships, employment and advanced degrees in disciplines ranging from business and science to physical therapy, education and criminal justice. More that 100 companies, nonprofit organizations and graduate, law and schools of medicine participated in the 2017 Fall Career Expo that was organized by the University’s Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development.

Companies represented included AXA Advisors, Bank of America, Deloitte, Entercom, Enterprise, Havas Group, PwC, SEI, TJX Companies, Vanguard and Walmart Logistics, to name a few. The Pennsylvania State Police, Allied Services, Allstar Therapies, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services, Guthrie, Geisinger Health System and St. Luke’s University Health Network also participated.

Several organizations offered students long-term service positions, including Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Cristo Rey high schools and Mercy Volunteer Corps.

Geisinger Commonwealth College of Medicine, Penn State Dickinson Law, Penn State Law, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine,  Seton Hall Law School, Temple University Beasley School of Law and University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine were among the graduate schools that participated in the fair.

The University’s Center for Career Development organizes career fairs for students each semester.

The Royal Experience Summer Internship Program wrapped up its second year with 15 students completing internships in a variety of locations and industries. Students completed 200-hour unpaid internships over the course of 8-12 weeks this summer, and they each received a stipend of $1,000 to $4,000. The Royal Experience is a selective opportunity that awards stipends to The University of Scranton undergraduates who obtain internships with organizations that are not able to provide a salary or stipend. By eliminating financial barriers, this program allows students to explore their career interests, gain new skills, and experience the world of work.

Students checked in with the Center for Career Development throughout the summer, and each wrote two blog posts about their experiences. Blogs can be viewed here. 

The experiences students had were amazing and varied, interning in locations from Scranton to Singapore and in industries from business to physical therapy to forensic chemistry to government. Mark Miller, a junior Marketing and Business Administration major, interned at Speedway Motorsports in Charlotte, NC this summer. “The Royal Experience Summer Internship Program allowed me to pursue my passion in Charlotte. During my internship, I was able to meet critical people in the industry that I want to work in after graduation,” Mark said.

Interns honed their skills, had the opportunity to build their professional networks, and gained valuable experience in their fields. For more information about the Royal Experience Summer Internship Program, please visit our webpage. 

Did you know the University of Scranton offers a free shuttle service run by Colts Bus for University of Scranton students?

This shuttle operates Saturdays from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM during the fall and spring semesters and it is FREE of charge to any student with a valid royal card. This shuttle bus makes stops in Scranton at Courthouse Square, the new Iron Horse Movie Bistro, and the Marketplace at Steamtown. It also makes stops in Dickson City at the Viewmont Mall, Walmart, Target, IMAX Movie Theater and Kohls. The shuttle begins at 5pm near Montrone (Mulberry St/Hitchcock Ct.) and runs continuously on a fixed route, with the last drop off at Montrone at 1am.

For more information visit:
www.scranton.edu/transportation or visit the COLTS website at:
www.coltsbus.com and look for the Saturday Night Special Route 73 schedule and map.

Have fun,
Parking Services

Ice Droplets on a Bedroom Window in January

Brina Platt

Read more from Esprit, a co-curricular activity of the English Department, which is published twice yearly by students of The University of Scranton, here.

The University of Scranton held its annual Ignatian Values in Action Lecture for members of its incoming class of 2021 in September. “The Jesuit Guide to Almost Everything” by Rev. James Martin, S.J. H’17, was the selected book for this year’s incoming class, who were required to read the book and attend the lecture. At the Ignatian Values in Action Lecture are, from left: Teresa Grettano, Ph.D., assistant professor of English and theatre at the University; Brian P. Conniff, Ph.D., dean of the University’s College of Arts and Sciences; guest speaker Fr. Martin; Rev. Patrick Rogers, S.J., executive director of the University’s Jesuit Center; and Mary Ann Maslar, office manager for the Dean’s Office of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Sam Soares is a senior computer science major from Scranton.

Note: We asked Sam Soares some questions about his Facebook internship, which he answered earlier this summer.

Tell us a little bit about your internship.

I am currently doing a 12-week software engineering internship at Facebook’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California. I work on a team in Android infrastructure.

Describe a typical day on the job.

Most days, I get picked up by the shuttle in the morning. When I arrive, I grab breakfast with some friends at one of Facebook’s cafes before heading back to my desk. I like to spend my first half hour reading up on company news and internal discussions on Facebook/Workplace about our products and business. I plan ahead and set goals for my morning, day, and the rest of the week. I write down whatever tasks I need to get done and people I need to see. I get moving on those tasks until lunch time. I generally eat lunch with my team, but sometimes I go check out a new cafe with a friend. I head back to my desk and complete the tasks I set aside for the afternoon. I take breaks regularly throughout the day by taking a walk through campus to clear my head or think through a problem I am facing.

On other days I'd attend one of the intern events, planned for us most weeks, including Q&A sessions with company leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, Kevin Systrom (founder of Instagram), Brian Acton (founder of WhatsApp), and Nate Mitchell (founder of Oculus).

I also participated in an intern-only Hackathon. Interns have the chance to work on a project that they believe will have a lasting impact. Lots of Facebook’s features started off as intern hackathon projects. The top teams get a chance to present their projects to Mark Zuckerberg and receive support from full-time engineers to ship their project.

Some days were more active than others and I would play in intern-only games of Quidditch. We had an intern field day where we split up into different teams and competed in games like kickball, capture the flag, human foosball, and soccer. There were a ton of events planned out for us throughout the summer and all expenses were covered. We did not even have to worry about food or transportation.

What are some hard skills you've learned?

I have certainly learned more about Android development. Most of the hard skills I have learned deal with handling problems at Facebook level scale. We recently reached 2 billion monthly active users. We have to figure out how to ship our products to all those 2 billion users and make them work smoothly. We have to evaluate each line of code to ensure that it is optimal in terms of memory, storage, and processing resources. Minor inefficiencies add up over time to create a huge impact. Figuring out how to solve major problems at scale has been a great part of what I’ve learned this summer.

How about some soft skills?

Some people do not realize that being social is a critical skill for software engineers. It is a job where we work on a team and every team needs to communicate if they are going to succeed. We take on new problems together by discussing the problem, possible solutions, and figuring out the best way to move forward. If we encounter any issues along the way, we have to stop and work it out as a team. One of the things that surprised me the most is that one of Facebook’s company values, “move fast,” is real. Figuring out how to “move fast” while still effectively communicating with my team is the biggest soft skill I learned this summer.

What did this teach you about the real world and the tech industry?

This internship taught me how quickly things move in the tech industry. Getting to market first is crucial to a product or feature’s success. It also showed me how much companies in Silicon Valley work together on issues. I surprised to see how well Facebook works together with partners who work at Google or other tech companies within the industry.

What did you learn about the real world and the tech industry that inspired or frustrated you the most?

What I learned about the tech industry is that most of the founders of the tech giants did not intend to start a company. They each focused on what they were passionate about and eventually it led to a company. Nobody started off by wanting to start a company and then focusing on an idea. It inspired me to just focus on what I love and am passionate about because that will lead to the biggest impact.

What's the biggest mistake you've made?

I believe the biggest mistake I’ve made was not taking more advantage of what Facebook has to offer. I believe some of the brightest people in the world work here, and I have not done enough to reach out to them and learn from them more. We have access to educational courses taught by employees and I could have done more to take advantage of the opportunity they gave me. I also wish I could have done more to network and meet more interesting people.

Most important lesson you learned?

The most important lesson I learned is that I have to be bold. In order to be successful, you have to take risks. We may not always know where a decision will lead. You have to look at all of the options and then make a decision. Often times, the worst thing you could do is nothing at all. The tech world changes so quickly and you’re guaranteed to fail if you do not take any risks. Everyone at Facebook is encouraged to “be bold” even if it means we make the wrong decisions sometimes.

What are you most proud of?

I was not sure if I would be able to quickly learn Facebook’s code base and internal tools to make a lasting impact. At previous internships, the first few weeks were spent on getting my computer setup and getting access to the tools I needed to do my job. I knew coming in that we would only have two days of training before we were sent off to our teams. I was worried that I would not pick up on everything I needed to do my job and that I would be left behind. That did not happen at all. I was able to contribute to the code base quickly and I shipped code into production my very first week.

What’s been your most surprising, unexpected, memorable experience?

There was one morning where I was tackling a problem and got stuck. I researched the problem on Stack Overflow, an online community commonly used by developers to learn and share their programming knowledge. I found the right post and scrolled to the top answer. I read it over and found it to be extremely well written and documented. It turned out to be written by one of my teammates this summer. My teammate answered my question about six years before I even got a chance to ask it. After looking into his profile, I saw that he is ranked in the 0.30% as an overall contributor on the site. I shared what I found with him and my entire team and we all had a laugh. It was a moment where I realized that I was working with and learning from some of the brightest in the industry.

What did you learn about yourself through this experience?

This experience taught me that working for a technology company is what I want to do. I learned that I enjoy working in a challenging environment that moves fast. I was worried that I would not be able to handle the work, but I am more confident in my abilities and education through this experience.

What’s it like to intern at Facebook? Can you talk a little bit about the company culture, and the people who work there?

Interning at Facebook has been a dream come true. I have been trying to work in Silicon Valley since I was a student at Scranton High School.

My absolutely favorite part of working here is the company culture and the people. Facebook is a mission-driven company that makes its decisions based on social impact. Employees and interns alike are trusted with lots of autonomy. We are trusted to make our own decisions on how we want to move forward with a project. My formal summer assignment was only a short paragraph, and I had the flexibility to execute in the way I felt was best. I had complete control over my project and I was trusted to take it in a direction I felt was right. This kind of autonomy is not found anywhere else.

The open culture makes it not only easy to know about projects going on within the company but to give honest feedback on them. We had access to the entire codebase of all of our products including Instagram, Oculus, and WhatsApp. We are trusted with a lot of confidential information. Employees are the first to try out any new features and we test our own products. Facebook moves extremely fast. I kept hearing about how quickly things move here, but it was even faster than I imagined. A lot is expected from us, but we have great resources and people around who are eager to help. Nobody at Facebook has a private office, including Mark Zuckerberg. We all have a desk on an open floor. Everyone is accessible and approachable.

I believe the people who work here are some of the most intelligent people in the industry and the world. I had lots of chances to meet with influential people this summer. Mark Zuckerberg holds a Q&A weekly where anyone can ask him a question in person. I got a chance to not only meet, but to question the founders of Oculus, Instagram, and WhatsApp. We met with Sheryl Sandberg who is our COO. I certainly learned a lot by interacting with executives and other company leaders, but I learned the most from the people around me. The people who I worked with are some of the brightest in the industry and they served as excellent mentors. I went to them with any issues and they were happy to help and teach me.

Any advice for others?

It is not difficult to find out what topics Facebook expects you to know and what experience you need to get an internship. You just have to put in the time to learn each of those topics and you have to make sure you gain the experience they are looking for. Simply going to class and doing well is not enough to get recognized. You have to put in a lot of work outside of class to learn new technologies and work on interesting side projects. There are tons of resources online that I used. You have to be persistent. I received lots of rejections before being accepted at Facebook. I was even rejected for a Facebook internship last summer after doing an interview. The technical interviews are extremely challenging, so you have to dedicate lots of time to prepare for them. I applied through Facebook’s careers page. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!

Undergraduate students research rocket launches and rocket fuel.  Read more below from the September Physics/EE newsletter.

Rocket Launch and Orbit Simulation using Python

Matthew Owens ‘17 – Advisor: Prof. Nicholas P. Truncale 

The purpose of this project is a to create a two-dimensional simulation of rocket launches and orbits that makes it possible to both replicate real launches and see the results of changes in various parameters of the launch vehicle and flight path. We started by creating a simulation of Newton’s Cannonball thought experiment and proceeded by adding other forces acting on the spacecraft individually (air resistance, thrust, etc). The simulation calculates the rocket’s two-dimensional position over a set number of discrete time steps and plots the orbital path of travel in the (x,y) plane.

Emission and Absorption Spectral Analysis of Rocket Fuel

Natalie Krupka ’20 – Advisor: Prof. Nicholas P. Truncale 

To observe the emission and absorption spectrum of rocket fuel, we will be using a PASCO spectrometer in two ways: known light absorption spectrum comparison with a liquid sample in a cuvette and direct light collection through a fiber optic cable. The spectrometer has an input, which allows one to place a liquid sample in a cuvette and measure the absorbed light of that substance. Light from a tungsten source passes through the samples in the cuvette and a high diffraction grating to detect the light that makes it through. Whatever light does not make it through, must be absorbed by that substance in the cuvette. This allows the production of the absorption spectra of the substance. The fiber optic cable captures light through a narrow slit and passed that light directly through a high diffraction grating allowing the spectrometer to show the emission spectrum of the source. Using these two methods, I hope to be able to determine the elements in rocket fuel.

Eighteen University of Scranton education majors are serving as student teachers during the fall semester at 11 different local schools, which include the following six school districts: Forest City Regional, Lakeland, North Pocono, Scranton, Valley View and Wayne Highlands.

The following is a list of undergraduate students who are serving as student teachers during the fall semester at the schools to which they have been assigned.

Jade Bauer of Whippany, New Jersey, will student teach at John Adams Elementary School;

Courtney Boag of Whippany, New Jersey, will student teach at Neil Armstrong School;

Andrea Catalano of West Harrison, New York, will student teach at Mayfield Elementary School;

Tiffany Cecere of Morristown, New Jersey, will student teach at William Prescott School;

Colette Daibes of Englewood, New Jersey, will student teach at Valley View Elementary Center;

Katie Doyle of Media, will student teach at Valley View Intermediate School;

Keely Flanagan of Morris Plains, New Jersey, will student teach at North Pocono Intermediate School;

Harlee Gogas of Scranton, will student teach at Isaac Tripp Elementary School;

Tess McCormick of Kings Park, New York, will student teach at Valley View Elementary Center;

Caitlin Nicosia of Breezy Point, New York, will student teach at Forest City Regional Elementary School;

Kelly O’Donnell of South Amboy, New Jersey, will student teach at Mayfield Elementary School;

Shannon Peer of Huntington, New York, will student teach at Neil Armstrong School;

Emma Percival of Granby, Connecticut, will student teach at Stourbridge Elementary School; 

Jackie Pesavento of Clarks Summit, will student teach at Moscow Elementary Center;

Alyssa Pizzi of Florham Park, New Jersey, will student teach at John Adams Elementary School;

Sarah Redick of Equinunk, will student teach at Forest City Regional Elementary School;

Rebecca Silverman of Westbury, New York, will student teach at Valley View Elementary Center;

Courtney Sobotka of Caldwell, New Jersey, will student teach at Stourbridge Elementary School.

The University of Scranton Players will present Tennessee Williams’ play “The Glass Menagerie” Sept. 22-24 and Sept. 29-Oct. 1

The University of Scranton Players will present Tennessee Williams’ play “The Glass Menagerie,” directed by Gabriel Vega Weissman, Friday through Sundays Sept. 22-24 and Sept. 29-Oct. 1. Performances begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday in the Joseph M. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts on the University’s campus.

 One of the masterpieces of American modern drama, “The Glass Menagerie” is universally hailed as a poignant play about family and the persistence of memory. “The Glass Menagerie” tells the story of the Wingfield family through Tom’s memories of his mother, Amanda; his sister, Laura; and Laura’s gentleman caller. Recently, the work was revived on Broadway with Oscar winner Sally Field as Amanda.

The University of Scranton Players production features: Conor Hurley of Woodside, New Jersey, as Tom Wingfield; Ali Basalyga of Scranton as Amanda Wingfield; Victoria Pennington of West Wyoming as Laura Wingfield; and Nicolas Gangone of Howard Beach, New York, as the gentleman caller. Basalyga is a graduate of West Scranton High School and Pennington is a graduate of Wyoming Area Secondary Center.

Tickets may be purchased or reserved by calling the box office at the McDade Center at 570-941-4318, or online at thescrantonplayers.com. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for senior citizens, students, and University of Scranton faculty and staff. Performances during the second weekend are free for first-year students.

For additional information, contact the Players Box Office at 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu, or visit thescrantonplayers.com. ​

This year, The University of Scranton held a Campus Safety event during National Campus Safety Week to help educate students on how to stay safe throughout each semester.

The event held numerous demonstrations on the dangers of intoxication and taught people about the importance of never driving while drunk, as well as had tables with tips on how to stay safe on and around campus. Officers offered advice on theft prevention, safety in residence halls and reminded students that if they were ever in need they can utilize the Royal Ride. The Royal Ride van is a shuttle service the school provides to students in case they are ever out at night and need assistance home. It is available weekends starting at 10 p.m. and it runs until 3:00 a.m. University Police also offer safety escorts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Campus officers gave their advice.

If you are going out at night make sure you always walk in groups
Utilize the royal ride if you are in need of assistance
- Officer Eric Hernandez, who is on bike patrol for the University

Never allow unauthorized access to people you don’t know into your dorm buildings

 The University of Scranton’s police force is always available to help. If you ever are in need of assistance you can contact them at (570) 941-7888.