University Celebrates Improvement Projects
The University of Scranton held a ceremony on campus to celebrate pedestrian improvement projects on the Commons and Estate grounds recently completed. From left: Pennsylvania State Senator John Blake; Edward J. Steinmetz, senior vice president for finance and administration at the University; Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., interim president of the University; and Julie Schumacher Cohen, director of community and government relations at the University.Pennsylvania State Senator John Blake and University of Scranton Interim President Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., spoke at a ceremony held on campus to celebrate pedestrian improvement projects on the University’s Commons and Estate grounds carried out during the summer and fall semester.
“We gather today to celebrate grounds steeped in history – that were purposed for the future.
We celebrate pathways that showcase our past – but lead to the future. We celebrate grounds that serve as an important gateway that leads prospective students to the University and to their future,” said Fr. Keller.
The University completed work on the Commons Monroe Avenue Area Pedestrian Circulation Improvement Project, which is a key gateway on campus for prospective students and visitors and extends from the University’s parking pavilion to the Commons Flag Terrace at the entrance to the Weinberg Memorial Library. The project included a new walkway surface of bluestone and granite pavers, consistent with the design used throughout the campus, including on the Commons Flag Terrace. The project also included landscaping of native shrubs and trees.
“The project, which will certainly improve visitor and student experience, was funded in part by a $404,086 state grant through our Multimodal Transportation Fund,” said Senator Blake. “The recent improvements on the University’s campus in Scranton, which are part of an overall investment of over $240 million, are providing state of the art academic facilities; improvements in public safety; health and wellness recreational opportunities for students; and they are ensuring an aesthetically pleasing environment for students and faculty alike.”
“We are always glad to have Senator Blake on campus and appreciate all the work he does in support of our community,” said Fr. Keller.
At the ceremony, the University also celebrated improvements made to the grounds of The Estate on campus, which include a new bluestone terrace in the area immediately in front of the historic building and stone entrance steps inspired by its original design. The enhancements also added contemplation walkways of bluestone and granite to the grounds. Contemplation walkways were common when The Estate was designed in 1864, although the original design did not include one.
The University collaborated with landscape architects Derck and Edson, Lititz, to design the projects.
Julie Schumacher Cohen, director of community and government relations at the University, also spoke at the ceremony. Fr. Keller blessed the grounds at the conclusion of the ceremony. University students Elisa Palmieri, Northford, Connecticut, and Marissa Lang, East Brunswick, New Jersey, assisted with the blessing.
