2019

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.

Charles Kulick, Pittston, received the Rose Kelly Award for the College of Arts and Sciences. He honored Patrick Clemens, his teacher from Scranton Preparatory School.

Jeffrey Colucci, Mahwah, New Jersey, received the Rose Kelly Award for the Kania School of Management. He honored Eileen Fay, his teacher from Mahwah High School.

Diana Valentina Mesa, Miami, Florida, received the Rose Kelly Award for the Panuska College of Professional Studies. She honored Miriam Smith, her teacher Mesa from Saint Brendan High School.

Frank O’Hara medals were given University of Scranton students with the highest grade-point averages in their first-, second- and third-year in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the Panuska College of Professional Studies for the 2018-19 academic year. The awards, named in honor of the late Frank O’Hara who served the University for 53 years in various administrative positions, were presented at a ceremony held recently on campus.

College of Arts and Sciences

Nicolette George, Denville, New Jersey, received a medal for academic achievement for her freshman year. A dean’s list student at Scranton, she is currently a sophomore majoring in physiology. She is a graduate of Morris Knolls High School.

Sarah White, Brooklyn, New York, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, she is currently a junior majoring in biology with a mathematics minor. She is also member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM. Additionally, White serves as a tutor in the University’s Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) and is currently involved in interdisciplinary research. She is also the community service chair of the Royal Signers, the secretary of the Irish Cultural Society, the chair of Relay for Life’s team development committee and a member of knitting club. She will lead a domestic service trip to the Appalachian Region of Kentucky in March.

Anna Maria Giblin, Berwyn, received a medal for academic achievement for her junior year. She is currently a senior majoring in history with a philosophy minor and legal studies concentration. She is a member of the Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society and the Pre-Law Society. She tutors in the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. She has also completed internships at Marshall Dennehey Warner Coleman and Goggin. She plans to attend law school after graduation.

Kania School of Management

 Philip Cocco, Pittston, received a medal for academic achievement for his freshman year. He is currently a sophomore majoring in finance and is also a member of the Kania School of Management Business Honors Program, where he serves as president of the Business Honors Club. He participates in the University’s Track and Field Team as a shot put thrower.

Nicole Cavanaugh, Dallas, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. She is currently a junior majoring in accounting. A member of the Business Leadership Honors Program, Cavanaugh also serves as a tutor in CTLE, participates in clubs such as Kania Women in Business and the Society of Accounting Students and owns an art business. She plans to obtain her CPA license and earn a master’s in business administration.

Abbey Murphy, Mountain Top, received a medal for academic achievement for her junior year. She is currently a senior majoring in accounting with a minor in theology. A member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Program and the undergraduate Honors Program, Murphy serves as a Resident Assistant in Condron Hall and has done internships with Guard Insurance and Snyder and Clemente. She is pursuing research with Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy.

Panuska College of Professional Studies

Alexandra Benadon, Hillsborough, New Jersey, received a medal for academic achievement for her freshman year. She is currently a sophomore majoring in human resources with a double minor in business and finance. She received athletic honors in field hockey, including All Landmark Conference Second Team and ZAG Field Hockey/NFHCA Division III Scholar of Distinction. She participates in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Society for Human Resource Management. She also volunteered this past summer as an Orientation Assistant at the University.

Emily Campo, Haddonfield, New Jersey, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. She is currently a junior majoring in occupational therapy. Last year, she received an O’Hara award for her freshman academic year. She is a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association and the Helping Professions Residential Learning Community. She has volunteered with several organizations, including the Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and currently serves as a teaching assistant in kinesiology. She is also a member of the Royal Signers and secretary of the Knitting Club. 

Madison Heaton, Medford, New Jersey, received a medal for academic achievement for her junior year. A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, she is currently a senior occupational therapy major who is also pursuing minors in psychology and human services as well as a concentration in human development. She was the recipient of the O’Hara Award for her sophomore academic year. She served an orientation assistant and participated in the Scranton Emerging Leaders program. She is the president of Royal Signers and the Knitting Club, a member of Student Occupational Therapy Association and a certified yoga instructor. An active volunteer, she is also a member of Beading Hope and Autism Speaks U and is current a Resident Assistant in upperclassmen housing.

College of Arts and Sciences (above) 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: Anna Maria Giblin, Nicolette George and Sarah White.

Panuska College of Professional Studies (above) From left: Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., associate dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies, and recipients of the Frank O’Hara medals from the Panuska College of Professional Studies: Emily Campo, Madison Heaton and Alexandra Benadon.

The University of Scranton Programming Board (USPB) held its annual Tuition Raffle throughout the Fall 2019 semester, with the final drawing occurring at USPB’s Christmas on the Commons event on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019.

The recipient this year is Connell Kennedy from Jefferson Valley, New York, and a graduate of Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak, New York. He is a member of the Class of 2022 and is a finance major in the Kania School of Management. On campus, he has been involved with PRISM club, the Irish Cultural Society, and has participated in the Street Sweet service project sponsored by Student Government.

This annual Tuition Raffle is an opportunity for students and families to win a reimbursement of tuition for a full time student up to the amount of $22,695.00, which is applied to the spring 2020 term. In order to participate, a student must be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate at The University of Scranton. 

The Tuition Raffle greatly helps in deferring the cost of programming events for the senior Class of 2020, including Senior Week activities. While the University provides a portion of funds for campus-wide programming, it does not fully cover senior class programming. Therefore, this raffle is the Senior Programming Committee’s main source of funding for the entire academic year and all senior events. 

Mission Statement: 

The University of Scranton Programming Board (USPB) is a student-run organization with the purpose of sponsoring social, cultural, educational, and recreational events at The University of Scranton. We strive to make all of our programs accessible and enjoyable for the campus community. The students involved in USPB will gain valuable leadership experience and learn more about programming and the implementation of both small and large-scale events. Each year, we plan over 50 events as “men & women for and with others” that are open to university students, faculty and staff, and most of which are free.

For more information, please visit The University of Scranton Programming Board at www.scranton.edu/cse. For more information, contact USPB at (570) 941-6233 or email uspb@scranton.edu.

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Two majors at Scranton – criminal justice and history – have seen the number of incoming students triple in the past three years for the same reasons: cogent explanations of career employment opportunities following graduation; having an engaging faculty and providing appealing courses.

“Parents want to see routes to employment and they have heard about new technology-based programs in criminal justice,” said James Roberts, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology. “We are still just as good as we have always been with the traditional criminal justice career areas of police, courts and corrections. We have been blessed to build off what we already had into new areas of crime analysis. Police departments and private sector firms are recruiting for positions in cyber security and crime analysis and the salaries are quite good – some start in the range of $70,000 or $80,000.”

The number of incoming Scranton students declaring a major in criminal justice increased from 13 in 2017-18 to 39 in 2019-20.

The increase in history majors at Scranton is bucking the national trend. According to surveys by the American Historical Association, overall enrollments in history courses have declined by nearly 8 percent from 2013-14 to 2016-17, before stabilizing. Scranton has seen the number of incoming students declaring history as their first major rise from a low of 5 in 2017-18 to 16 in 2019-20. The total number of history majors, which includes those who have changed their major as well those who declare history as a second major, also increased from 48 to 62 during the same period.

David J. Dzurec III, Ph.D., professor and chair of the History Department at Scranton, said parents often ask what their son and daughter can do with a degree in history and are “dubious” when he tells them “anything they want.” However, he then provides them with examples of recent graduates who have gone onto to medical school, business and consulting firms in addition to all of the graduates who have gone to law school. The concrete examples of success in a wide range of fields win over many of the skeptical parents.

According to Dr. Dzurec, another factor contributing to the increase is the department’s enrollment is the “exceptional faculty” who he noted are accessible and “engaged with our students.” The University’s Jesuit education requires all students to take courses in the humanities, which “allows us access to students, and when we get them in the classroom they really begin to understand how much fun history can be,” said Dr. Dzurec. “So even if a student doesn’t come in as a history major, by the time that class graduates, the number of history majors has grown exponentially.”

Dr. Roberts also credits the faculty for the growth of the major. Their expertise allowed for the development of new content in the areas of cybercrime and crime analysis. The department opened in 2017 the Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime, which provides a vehicle for developing partnerships with local and regional criminal justice and social service agencies to use faculty expertise and state-of-the-art technology and techniques for the sophisticated analysis of data to more efficiently utilize resources or to evaluate of the effectiveness of programming. The center also offers a Student Analyst Program, which allows students to work directly with criminal justice agencies and faculty on research, data collection and analysis.

“Our faculty are highly trained, professionally active, publishing and are at the top of their fields. All are doing research and taking students under their wings, giving them practical experience as undergraduates through the center,” said Dr. Roberts.

Dr. Dzurec and Dr. Roberts also credited new courses for an increase in interest in their fields. Criminal justice developed new courses crime analysis and cybercrime. Travel courses to Italy, Germany and England offered in history have been very popular, as has an “Indigenous Peoples of America” course that took students to the Navajo nation in Arizona. Also popular is a “Disney’s American History” course that examines the accuracy of Disney movie portrayals of historical figures and concludes with a trip to Disney World in Florida.

In addition, both say Scranton’s recent 3+3 programs with Boston College, Duquesne, Penn State and Villanova law schools have interested students who wish to pursue law degrees after graduation. They also credit the support their departments have received from the University as a contributing factor as well.

In early November, nearly 50 students participated in a Search Retreat, a weekend of talks, personal reflection, and small and large group activities focused on these questions: Who am I? Who is God in my life? Who do I want to be? How do my relationships with others lead me closer to or further from God?

A team of 10 upper-class students train for about 30 hours, reflecting on topics for student-led talks, praying together, and learning to lead small group reflection. There are three retreats each year, and the community gathers monthly for renewals. Retreat alumni conduct a continuous prayer vigil during the retreat so that each hour a different person is praying for the retreatants. Student alumni also return to Chapman Lake to serve meals during the retreat. 

“I think it’s impossible to really get to know someone and not love them. And Search creates the perfect environment for understanding that,” said Colleen Rohr '20, a Search team leader.

The Search Retreat began at The University of Scranton in 1984 under the leadership of Fr. Bill Gavin, S.J. and was taken over by Fr. Joe Simmons, S.J. until 1993. 

Cathy Seymour ‘90 went on Search 10 as a student and has directed the Search Retreats since 1993.

“It has been a privilege to accompany so many students on the Search Retreats.  It’s especially meaningful to be able to work these days with some of the children of my own classmates," said Seymour.

The November 2019 retreat was the 89^th Search Retreat at the University, and the Search community is strong. More than 2,900 students have participated over the last 35 years.

In early November, almost 50 students participated in a Search Retreat -- a weekend of talks, personal reflection, and small and large group activities focused on these questions: "Who am I? Who is God in my life? Who do I want to be? How do my relationships with others lead me closer to or further from God?"

A team of 10 upper-class students train for about 30 hours -- reflecting on topics for student-led talks, praying together, and learning to lead small group reflection. There are three retreats each year, and the community gathers monthly for renewals. Retreat alumni conduct a continuous prayer vigil during the retreat so that each hour a different person is praying for the retreatants. Student alumni also return to Chapman Lake to serve meals during the retreat. 

Of this faith experience, Colleen Rohr '20, one of the team leaders on this Search, said, “I think it’s impossible to really get to know someone and not love them. And Search creates the perfect environment for understanding that.”

The Search Retreat began at The University of Scranton in 1984 under the leadership of Fr. Bill Gavin, S.J. and was taken over by Fr. Joe Simmons, S.J. until 1993.

Cathy Seymour ‘90 went on Search 10 as a student and has directed the Search Retreats since 1993.

“It has been a privilege to accompany so many students on the Search Retreats. It’s especially meaningful to be able to work these days with some of the children of my own classmates," she said.

The November 2019 retreat was the 89^th Search Retreat at the University, and the Search community is strong. More than 2,900 students have participated over the last 35 years.

Many of us celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, but what about the third Thursday of November? 

Friendsgiving has become a widely recognized occasion by young adults. Whether it is on the third Thursday or the weekend before Thanksgiving, friends get together and eat some Thanksgiving staples. The way to go for Friendsgiving is potluck style. This means a friend group crafts an excel spreadsheet on a Google Drive, each person signs up for something to bring and young adults cook Thanksgiving food for the first time ever, probably.

From my own Friendsgiving experiences -- and also from asking around -- it turns out Friendsgiving is alive and well at The University of Scranton. Scranton students gathered around off-campus or on-campus tables and indulged in turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and more. What better way to spend time with friends and take a break from the end-of-the-semester stress than to eat a ton of food?

Alexis Ward '20 had a Friendsgiving with her roommates. The group was glad to find a time for them to be together.

“We had (Friendsgiving) because with our schedules being so busy, it’s hard to get the whole friend group together, so we used it as an opportunity to get everyone in the same room and celebrate our friendships,” Ward said.

An even bigger Friendsgiving went on in a nearby apartment.

Zoë Haggerty '20 celebrated Friendsgiving with 15 friends in her company. The group used to spend a lot more time together, but schedules have gotten in the way a little more this semester. Friendsgiving came at the perfect time for them.

“A lot of us were used to having a few classes together per semester, but this semester many of us only had one or two classes together. We also have all been more involved in different clubs and activities, so we wanted to get together to spend time with each other and catch up!” Haggerty said.

Mary McCafferty spent Friendsgiving with Haggerty. She had a great time at the gathering and found it as a stress-reliever during such a busy time.

“This time of the school year gets really busy with finals coming up, so we thought it was important to take time to relax and just spend quality time with friends! Everyone brought some food to share, and we ended up playing games after dinner and laying a ton. It was a great way to take a break from the stress of the semester!” McCafferty said.

Personally, I have attended Friendsgiving with my Scranton friends, and I think it perfectly fits the type of community we have at the University. Scranton provides me with a home away from home, and it also gives me a family away from home.

Friendsgiving helps Scranton students celebrate their Scranton families while also eating festive holiday food. What’s better than that?

The 2020-2021 Academic Year Guidelines for the Financial Aid Process, a renewal Financial Aid newsletter is now available. Visit scranton.edu/financialaid and click on 2020-2021 Publications. The newsletter was emailed to current undergraduate students and parents of undergraduates on November 22, 2019.

Please review the newsletter (especially the Hot Topic section) for information on FAFSA First and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA. The 2020-2021 FAFSA must be completed by April 15, 2020. The Financial Aid Office will begin upper class processing beginning in June 2020.

If there are any questions or concerns, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 1-888-SCRANTON or finaid@scranton.edu. Thank you for your attention to this important information.

“We’ve told our story to our children and grandchildren. Tonight, with your permission, we’d like to include you into our family and share our story with you,” Bernard Schanzer, M.D., said. “Our story is a story of terror and survival told from a child’s perspective.”

The University’s PNC Auditorium in the Loyola Science Center was filled to capacity Nov. 12 for the Judaic Studies Institute Lecture presented by twin brothers Bernard Schanzer and Henry Schanzer, J.D.

Marc Shapiro, Ph.D., professor of theology/religious studies and the Weinberg Chair of Judaic Studies at The University of Scranton, gave a short introduction before the brothers took the stage.

The twin brother spoke about how they were only seven years old when they were first impacted by the Holocaust.

“Our ordeal began when the Germans invaded Belgium on May 10, 1940. Within a few days, 15 members of our extended family – including my ailing grandmother and my sister, who had just had her appendix removed – crammed into a small van. We fled ahead of the event of Germans taking over France,” Bernard said. 

Their family, trying to get ahead of what was brewing, fled their home and moved south to St. Etienne. During this time, the brothers were able to escape the horror happening around them, but it would be short-lived.

Their father, Bruno Schanzner, was around 40 years old when their apartment in St. Etienne was seized, and he was deported to a French detention camp on August 26, 1942. He – like many other Jews – ended up in Nazi concentration camps such as Auschwitz.

They emphasized how the invasion of Nazi forces into France tore their family – and the country – apart. After their father was deported, their mother went into hiding and the brothers spent years away from her and any other relatives. At some points, they were in orphanages, and at other times they were in hiding on farms. 

“At times, we were so hungry, we resorted to stealing food from the animals. We were malnourished. We had worms and we were very sick,” Henry said.

Eventually, their mother was able to arrange their stay at the farm of Adolphine Dorel in Saint-Pal-de-Mons, where they were kept safe until the end of the war.

In the summer of 1945, the war finally ended, and they were reunited with their mother. In April of 1946, they arrived in the United States and settled on the lower-east side.

“My mother was a 45-year-old widow. Somehow, against all odds, she overcame. We were poor; we didn’t have a pot to put a penny in. We struggled and progressed,” Henry said.

They mentioned how their story is a story of matriarchy.

“My mother really sacrificed her life. After the war, it was incredibly difficult for her, yet she managed somehow to raise us without bringing up all the terrible thoughts, memories, and disasters that she had gone through. She isolated us from the real difficulties that she faced when she came to the United States,” Bernard said.

They ended their lecture with a call-to-action for the community members and students in the audience.

“We must have the courage to stand-up to evil and to bigotry. You cannot be bystanders,” Bernard said. “We have to be vigilant. It [the holocaust] occurred once; it may occur again. What we have to do it make sure that that does not happen again.”

Both the women's soccer and field hockey teams won the Landmark Conference Championship this past weekend. Next up for both teams: the NCAA tournament. Women's soccer has been in the tournament the past few years, but this is the field hockey team's first appearance in it since 1997.

The teams are excited to perform on this stage with such a high level of competition. As a member of the field hockey team, I know that it is such an honor to be in the NCAA tournament bracket, and my teammates feel the same way.

"It's an honor to be playing in the tournament. It is such a cool experience, and it's so exciting to be hosting the first game on our home field," said Nicolette Keale '20, captain of the field hockey team.

Women’s Soccer

Women’s soccer has an 11-5-3 record so far this season and had a 5-2 conference record, which put them at No. 3 for the Landmark Conference playoffs. The Royals traveled to Elizabethtown for the conference semifinals, where they beat the Blue Jays 3-2. Next up was the Landmark Conference Championship at Susquehanna, which was a rematch of last year’s championship game when Susquehanna came out on top. The Royals beat the River Hawks 3-0 this year, earning them their fourth Landmark Conference Championship title in the past five years. Mazie Stiles ‘21 led the team in goals with seven, with Steph Lowrey ‘22 following closely with six goals. Callie Deola ‘22 and Grace Elliott ‘22 both had three assists apiece, which was the leading number for the squad. The Royals are now heading into the NCAA tournament. For the first round, they are heading to Ada, Ohio, to take on Centre. The game is set for this Saturday, Nov. 16 at 1:30 p.m. 

Read more about the upcoming women's soccer match, here.

Field Hockey

The Scranton field hockey team is 13-7 this season and had a 6-1 Landmark Conference record. This conference record earned the Royals their first-ever No. 1 seed for playoffs. The squad defeated Elizabethtown 3-0 at home in the semi-final game, which set them up for a Landmark Conference Championship rematch with Susquehanna. In the 2018 championship game, Susquehanna came out on top, but this year, the Royals won 4-1 at home on Weiss Field. Gracie McClatchy ‘20 had a team-leading 13 goals on the season, followed by Allie Benadon ‘22 with seven goals. Benadon led the team with six assists, and McClatchy and Brianna Witt ‘20 followed with five assists each. Goalkeeper Claire McAllister started in all 20 games for the Royals, with a Goals Allowed Average of 1.20 and five shutouts. Field hockey’s first-ever conference championship win earned them an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament, which will be the Royals’ second time in the tournament (first time since losing in the first round in 1997). The Royals will host MIT for the first-round NCAA game at Weiss Field today, Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 3 p.m. This will be the first NCAA tournament game ever played at Weiss Field.

Read more about Wednesday's field hockey game, here.

An article about Scranton’s ROTC Program in AJCU’s Connections highlights the strength of Jesuit teaching found in Scranton’s ROTC Program. An expert from the article appears below with a link to the full article.

Contemplatives in action come to mind when Cadet Vincent Oliverio thinks of the way that Jesuit values are embedded in the ROTC Program at The University of Scranton. “When we see others being oppressed, we are taught to reflect, make decisions and take action when needed for the good of others,” says Oliverio, a senior computer engineering major.

Cadet Ryan Haley sees Jesuit values in the ROTC’s commitment to excellence and the challenge to develop fully the talents of each individual. “Our commitment to develop ourselves and our commitment to become excellent leaders goes back to our concern for the individual, because we want to make sure that we are doing right for the people we serve,” says Haley, a senior business administration major.

Lieutenant Colonel William White, professor of military science at Scranton, … goes on to describe the broader need for the key skills a Jesuit education provides. See full article here.

In June 2019, a group of University students traveled to El Salvador for an immersion experience they would never forget. Mei Lin McElhill ’20, a counseling and human services major, exclaimed “I am ruined!" in her article featured in Royal News on June 24.

The international service trip hosted by University Campus Ministries in conjunction with CHRISPAZ (Christians for Peace in El Salvador) takes students and chaperones into the heart of a small community to live and walk with the people, experiencing the environment of an unstable third world country. Join us for the next Global Insights lunch and learn featuring Scranton students Mei Lin McElhill ‘20, Andrew Patterson ’20, an exercise science major, and Emily Locascio ’20, a biology major, for an eye-opening presentation on the country and culture of El Salvador. This event will be held on November 21, 2019 beginning at 11:30 a.m. in Brennan Hall, Rose Room 509. Registration is required for this event. 

Locascio got a sense of a day in the life of her host family, Juana and Julio, during her week-long stay. She relates that even though they lived in circumstances that could become dangerous at any time, they enjoyed simple lives filled with love and selflessness. “The people you surround yourself with is what actually creates your experience,” she said. 

Patterson spoke of their impactful visit to the Centro Escolar grade school in Suchitoto. This K-5 school was a small concrete structure with walls to separate each grade into small classrooms. “Students struggle to get to school. They have few books and no computers. Many kids drop out so they can go to work to support their families,” said Patterson.

McElhill shared that there are new initiatives happening to empower women and connect the marginalized with the middle to upper-class population. “They think about their community and how to pull their country up the ladder. They are very self-conscious about the environment which aligns with our Jesuit values,” she said.

This program is being offered by The Office of Global Education, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. A light lunch featuring cuisine from the highlighted country will be served. Registration for this event is required. 

Click here to register. 

For more information, please contact Huey Shi Chew at hueyshi.chew@scranton.edu or 570-941-7575.

The University of Scranton joined the National First-Generation College Celebration with an event on campus Nov. 8 to recognize the University’s first-generation students, faculty, staff and alumni. The celebration was organized by the University’s THR1VE Program, which launched in July 2019 to celebrate and support Scranton students whose parents have not completed a four-year college degree.

The event included an ongoing networking opportunity for first-generation students to connect with first-generation alumni mentors in various professions. The celebration also included trivia about famous first-gen students and the THR1VE program, a photo booth and social media campaign, a hot chocolate bar and a selection of fall foods.

“As the first member of the Pilarz family to graduate from college, I know firsthand the ways that graduation can be particularly life-changing for students, their families, and future generations,” said Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., president, in a letter to the University community about the celebration. “Since our founding as St. Thomas College, educating and forming those who are the first in their families to earn a college degree has been and will continue to be a special part of our mission.”

The National First-Generation College Celebration was established in 2017 to honor the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which helped students from minority and low-income backgrounds. For the last two years, institutions from across the nation have organized their own celebrations in support of their first-generation students.

The THR1VE program was developed from a needs assessment survey and other input from first-generation students attending the University. Based on this information, the THR1VE program has focused on three primary areas of support: financial wellness, academic planning and career development. At the University, 23 percent of the undergraduate population identifies as first-generation.

This marks the first year that the University has participated in the National First-Generation College Celebration.

This article originally appeared in Campus Corner, our student blog.

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the University held its inaugural Fail Forward Panel for faculty, staff and students. The panel featured Christine Black, J.D., Bobby Davis, Ph.D., Michael Fennie, Ph.D. and Billie Tadros, Ph.D. They were vulnerable in sharing their stories of adversity, failure and resilience to the 300-person audience.

Often times people only share the good in their lives. This panel acknowledged the bad to help others understand that they are not alone in their struggles. In addition, the panel’s shared stories were great examples of how failure can lead to success.

“If we are willing to be authentic with one another, sharing our struggles and not just our joys, we are able to develop more meaningful connections which can sustain us through challenging times in our lives,” Dean Lauren Rivera, a moderator on the panel, said.

Sometimes failures can feel like the end of the world, especially for students. The Center for Health Education and Wellness (CHEW) set up “Fail it Forward” boards around campus for people to share their failures with the school community. This public display helped students come to the realization that they are not alone, and that everybody fails at some point in their life. The responses on the boards ranged from sleeping through classes and failing exams to car accidents and tripping in public.

“The ‘Fail it Forward’ boards are recognizing that everyone struggles, but that it’s okay and we have an amazing community here at Scranton that will help you move forward,” said Cory Freivald ’20, one of CHEW’s Peer Health Educator Leaders.

Overall, the Fail Forward initiative encouraged the community to focus on their passions.

“Unfortunately, social media offers a very curated look at life and makes it easy for students who are struggling to feel like they are alone when this is absolutely not the case,” Dean Rivera said. “My prayer is that the Fail Forward Panel helped students to recognize they are not alone in their struggles and failures. They can bounce back from these challenges by looking at them as opportunities to learn and to grow.”

The Fail Forward initiative was made possible with support from Strategic Initiative Funding.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

See more student stories like this one in Campus Corner.

Still looking for sites that may be suitable for your Community-Based Learning (CBL)hours? Here are some one-time events:

*Girls on the Run 5K - Scranton High School on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. being a race volunteer. Contact lori.hoinowski@scranton.edu
*Elm Park Church - Linden and Jefferson Ave right on campus! Wed Nov 13, Thurs Nov 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16, all day, helping with their coat giveaway. Contact sadski99@comcast.net
*American Red Cross Blood Drive - Long Center on Nov. 19 and 20 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Contact heidi@daleo2@redcross.org

As always, check with your instructor regarding CBL guidelines for your course. Questions? ellen.judge@scranton.edu

Attention all students pursuing a career in Health care: Please join us for a lecture titled, "Sexual and Gender Minority Cultural Humility in Healthcare 101: Impact on Healthcare Disparities" on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, at 6 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theater on the 4th floor of The DeNaples Center. Dr. Karla Bell, PT will be discussing a foundation for culturally sensitive communication, and professional duties related to sexual and gender minorities.

This lecture is sponsored by the Office of Equity and Diversity's Diversity Initiative Grant in collaboration with the PT and OT departments. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Janette Scardillo, PT at janette.scardillo@scranton.edu or x5952.

What is Beyond the Commons?

Beyond the Commons is a dinner series that gives students the opportunity to network with Scranton alumni who share common interests or majors. Each dinner is hosted in downtown Scranton, free of charge. This year it will be held Nov. 22 at 5:30 p.m.

These dinners offer great networking opportunities and they are a checkmark on all FANS members' road map to a letter of recommendation!

Sign up now, dinner seating is limited: text uosbtc2019 to 41444 or visit: igfn.us/f/22th/n

In mid-October, University of Scranton occupational therapy (OT) students and faculty were invited to present their research endeavors at the annual Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association conference in King of Prussia. Students and faculty joined more than 500 occupational therapy students, faculty and clinicians from across the state.

Thirty-five OT students presented their faculty-mentored research projects during four poster presentation sessions.  Students were accompanied by three OT faculty including Deborah Budash, Ph.D., OTR/L, Chandra Dombroski, MSLPT, DPT and Julie Nastasi, ScD, OTD, OTR/L, SCLV, CLA, FAOTA.

While at the POTA conference, students and faculty interacted with colleagues and potential employers.  Many attended informational presentations on varieties of topics ranging from hospice care to incontinence to fieldwork challenges to the opioid epidemic and more.  Exhibitors also provided information and samples of upcoming therapeutic products and literature.

Karlie Ashcroft, a senior OT student, also served as POTA’s new student representative to the board of directors.

The following were presented at POTA by University of Scranton OT students and faculty:

Preferred Lighting Levels for Reading in College Students - Julie Nastasi, ScD, OTD, OTR/L, SCLV, CLA, FAOTA; Kaitlyn Pittsman, OTS; Megan Schane, OTS 

School-Based Occupational Therapy for Children with Anxiety - Kate Horohoe, OTS; Kara Grifonetti, OTS

Occupational Therapy for Caregivers of Early Onset Dementia - Caroline Hickey, OTS; Marcella Guilfoyle, OTS, [Julie Nastasi, ScD, OTD, OTR/L, SCLV, CLA, FAOTA]

Cueing Interventions for Freezing Gait in Parkinson's Disease - Marie Acker, OTS; Melissa Busch, OTS; Chandra Dombroski, LPT, DPT

An Exploration of OT in Hospice - Deborah Budash, Ph.D., OTR/L                             

Resilience: A Factor in Spinal Cord Injury Recovery - Lucy Fulton, OTS; Emily Errickson, OTS [Julie Nastasi, ScD, OTD, OTR/L, SCLV, CLA, FAOTA]

 Interventions for Upper Extremity Spasticity Secondary TBI - Megan Farrell, OTS; Fallon Colman, OTS; [Julie Nastasi, ScD, OTD, OTR/L, SCLV, CLA, FAOTA]

Reminiscence Therapy and Virtual Reality - Alessia Dolgetta, OTS; [Julie Nastasi, ScD, OTD, OTR/L, SCLV, CLA, FAOTA]

Virtual Reality and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation Post-Stroke - Kaitlin Kenyon, OTS; Gabriela Lins, OTS; Catherine Moloney, OTS; Julie Nastasi, ScD, OTD, OTR/L, SCLV, CLA, FAOTA

Sustainable Discharge for Adults with Serious Mental Illness - Mariah Hawley, OTS [Julie Nastasi, ScD, OTD, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA]

Treating Spasticity Using Occupational Therapy and Botox - Elizabeth Aberant, OTS; Kayley Carnes, OTS; Chandra Dombroski, MS/LPT, DPT

Animal Assisted Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Nicholas Anthony Chiara, OTS; Melissa Agostinho, OTS; Chandra Dombroski, BS/MS, LPT, DPT  

Lifestyle Redesign®: An Option for Opioid Addiction? - Nicole Gervasi, OTS; Anna Giannantonio, OTS; [Julie Nastasi, ScD, OTD, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA ]

Physical Exercise Compared to Environmental Modifications for Dementia - Devon Tirney, OTS; Colleen O’Rourke, OTS; [Julie Nastasi, ScD, OTD, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA ]

Efficacy of Mirror Therapy for Stroke - Emily Koerner, OTS; Meghan Murtha, OTS; Amanda Hurd, OTS; Julie Nastasi, ScD, OTD, OTR/L, SCLV, CLA, FAOTA 

The OT as Educator: Helping Patients Understand Secondary Side Effects of Spinal Cord Injury - Deborah Budash, PhD, OTR/L

Vestibular Rehabilitation Program versus Traditional Physical Rehabilitation - Kimberly Plaspohl, OTS; Erin Sullivan, OTS; [Julie Nastasi, ScD, OTD, OTR/L, SCLV, CLA, FAOTA]

Virtual Reality versus Mirror Therapy for Phantom Pain - Sara Codispoti, OTS; Sarah Aberasturi, OTS; Chandra Dombroski, LPT, DPT

Efficacy of Constraint-Induced Therapy on Upper Extremity Function in Clients Status Post-Stroke - Jenna Neyen, OTS; Sarah Leavy, OTS; Allison Marut, OTS; Julie Nastasi, ScD, OTD, OTR/L, SCLV, FAOTA 

Students, join Dr. Michael Friedman in a travel course to Staunton, Virginia.

ENLT 184: Shakespeare in Staunton

Couse meets:
MWF 1-1:50 (from Jan. 29-Mar. 13)
Travel component (Mar. 15-22, during Spring Break)
MWF 1-1:50 (from Mar. 23-Apr. 3)

Trip Includes:
-Transportation to Staunton, Virginia, for a one-week residency at the American Shakespeare Center (ASC)
-Tickets to five live performances of plays by Shakespeare
-Two filmed perfomances of ASC production of Shakespeare plays
-Fifteen tours, lectures, and workshops on various theatrical topics
-Excursions to the Frontier Culture Museum and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
-Final Banquet

Project cost: $1,000 (depending on number of students registered)
Registration is required. Please see Dr. Michael Friedman, CLP 210 or email michael.friedman@scranton.edu or for more information.

This course counts as a Humanities Elective (CL) or as a major elective for English majors. It may be taken as part of a student's regular load in the Spring semester, so it offers a way to take a travel course without adding the extra tuition costs associated with Intersession or Summer travel courses.

The University of Scranton welcomed the third cohort of students into its doctor of business administration (DBA) program.

Douglas M. Boyle, DBA, associate professor, Accounting Department chair and DBA program director, faculty from the DBA program and DBA students from the first and second cohorts, joined together to welcome the new students into the program at an orientation session on campus.

Housed in the University’s Kania School of Management, the DBA program began in the fall semester of 2017.

The University’s DBA program, with a concentration in accounting, was developed to provide experienced practitioners with a practical pathway to an academic career. The program offers participants flexibility, while still providing for the development of the knowledge and skill set necessary to become a “scholarly academic” – one who is qualified to teach at a school of business that possesses or is seeking formal accreditation by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

The incoming DBA students are:

Andrew J. Gregorowicz of Jessup;

Marissa Hoffmann of Smithtown, New York;

Gregory Kogan of Brooklyn, New York;

Laura B. Lamb of Pennellville, New York;

Marie S. Lopes of Pawtucket, Rhode Island;

Stasia H. Morlino of Plymouth Meeting;

Thomas K. Parker of Rock Hill, South Carolina;

Nicole M. Piotrowski of New York, New York;

Elizabeth S. Quaye of Laurelton, New York;

Natalie A. Roberts of Rosedale, New York;

Nadine S. Samuels of West Orange, New Jersey;

Jessie C. Wright of Poland, Ohio.

The University hosted a day-long series of panel discussions titled “The Crisis of Democracy Today: What Can the Humanities, Law, and Civic Activism Do to Address the Challenge?” as part of the formal launch for the Sondra H’87 and Morey Myers H’12 Distinguished Visiting Fellowship in the Humanities and Civic Engagement. The event took place on campus on Oct. 25.

The last of three-panel discussions on Oct. 25 focused on “How Can Law Address the Crisis of Democracy?” Panelists were: David Cole, J.D., legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union and the Hon. George J. Mitchell Professor in Law and Public Policy, Georgetown University; Nomi Stolzenberg, J.D., Nathan and Lilly Shapell Chair in Law, University of Southern California Gould School of Law; Marcia Greenberger, J.D., founder and co-president emerita of the National Women’s Law Center; and President Judge Michael Barrasse, J.D. ’78, G’78. Michael Fairbanks ’79 H’06, chairman of the board, Silver Creek Medicines and fellow at the Weatherhead Institute for International Affairs at Harvard University, provided the introduction, and Joel Kemp, J.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of theology and religious studies at The University of Scranton, served as moderator.

In his opening remarks, Fairbanks utilized the example of Rwanda as a new, upcoming legal paradigm from which the United States may learn a way to approach its own challenges. “They’ve built something new in the law, and it’s called ‘building modern institutions on traditional values,’” said Fairbanks. “We go over there with fancy notions about privatize and democratize and liberalize, and they’re so smart, they take a tiny bit of what those of us from the West said and then for the rest make up their own path.” Fairbanks also noted that Sondra Myers served an integral role in Rwanda, writing a handbook about their institutions in Rwanda’s official language, Kinyarwanda, so that children could learn about their country in their native tongue.

Following the opening remarks, the panelists introduced themselves with a comment on the state of the American democracy today. Judge Barrasse touched upon recent threats to the rule of law in the United States: “In Pennsylvania – in our city of brotherly love, Philadelphia – we now have a city that has declared itself a sanctuary city, essentially indicating laws that it’s not going to enforce or support.” Likewise, he added, some cities have asserted themselves as Second Amendment sanctuary cities, upholding the right to bear arms over federal law, all of which create a cause for concern. “If a citizen sees government officials choose not to follow law, then why should they?” he said. “Without the rule of law, we will have anarchy to follow.”

Meanwhile, Atty. Cole addressed the institution's autocratic leaders of democratic societies target: namely, the press, non-government organizations, universities and religious institutions. “Why? Because each of these are places where people can come together in pursuit of their views and in check of governmental abuse,” said Atty. Cole. In a democracy where the institutions of civil society are under attack, he continued, the First Amendment is critically important in protecting citizens’ ability to criticize governmental authority, and people have spoken out in response to the threat against it through protests and membership in the ACLU, which has swelled to 1.8 million members. “People recognized the importance of these institution,” Atty. Cole added. “Citizens will be our salvation.”

For Atty. Greenberger, justice cannot be achieved without activism. “As a public interest lawyer, much of my work was to link activism and law, and that remains more true now than ever. In the Me Too movement, which arose certainly after the election, after the Women’s March, women in Hollywood came forward. But what’s not so well-known is that farmworker women contacted those women in Hollywood and told them how proud they were because they understood how hard it was to step forward,” said Atty. Greenberger. “And these women in Hollywood were so blown away that they set up the Time’s Up effort and supported a legal fund that would be available to help women in non-traditional jobs, who were often facing multiple kinds of discrimination, to have access to the law. That’s how getting those stories out made a difference.”

Atty. Stolzenberg called attention to a grave threat to democracy: the war against secularism. “In the United States, we have a long tradition of religious war against secularism by Protestant and Evangelical Christian groups, as well as some conservative Catholic discourse,” she said, “but what’s new is that anti-secularists now occupy unprecedented levels of power.” Using Attorney General William Barr’s speech at the University of Notre Dame, Atty. Stolzenberg illustrated the ways in which anti-secularists attack secularism: “They say secularism destroys traditional morals, that it’s discrimination against their religious liberty. This is a discourse that is very dangerous to democracy.”

Following their opening remarks, the moderator asked the panelists questions as did audience members. The program concluded with brief closing remarks by Sondra and Morey Myers.

The Sondra H’87 and Morey Myers H’12 Distinguished Visiting Fellowship in the Humanities and Civic Engagement, housed in the University’s Slattery Center for the Humanities, will help to advance the University’s efforts to bring renowned scholars, artists, and thinkers to Scranton to share their work and enrich cultural and civic activity at The University and in Scranton.

If you are interested in spending next June in one of Europe's most dynamic cities, feel to attend the Scranton in Berlin 2020 Information Session, which will be Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Saint Thomas 312.

We will discuss the agenda for our two weeks in Berlin, hear from veterans of previous trips, and the deadlines for signing up. It is always a grand adventure and not to be missed! No history or German prerequisites are necessary!

-Dr. Sean Brennan
Associate Professor of History

The Manresa Retreat is inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. The entire weekend is student-led and offers participants the opportunity to explore the Ignatian principles of Finding God in All Things, Gratitude, a Faith that Does Justice, Discernment and magis. The Manresa Retreat allows students time to get away for a weekend and reflect upon meaning and direction in their own life in a fun communal atmosphere. The cost of the retreat is $30 and includes a shared room with bathroom and all meals, snacks and supplies. Fee assistance is available upon request. Contact amy.hoegen@scranton.edu in Campus Ministries for more information or register on Royal Sync here.

The Fail Forward Panel will be held Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 7:00 p.m. The Fail Forward Panel is an initiative that’s new to our campus and designed to help students normalize the struggles and challenges encountered in everyday life.

We’re lucky to have four panelists from our community who are willing to be vulnerable, sharing their stories with the hope of helping students to develop a growth mindset and grow their resilience. Panelists include Christine Black, J.D., Bobby Davis, Ph.D., Michael Fennie, Ph.D. and Billie Tadros, Ph.D.

Students, faculty and staff are all welcome!

This initiative is made possible with support from Strategic Initiative Funding.

The Undergraduate Award for Humanistic Inquiry (UAHI) is a grant of up to $1,500 for student research or creative work in the humanities. The UAHI is available to any undergraduate student, regardless of major, who seeks to pursue a humanities-based scholarly project with a faculty mentor during the 2019-2020 academic year. Funding will be provided to successful applicants beginning in December 2019. A final portion of the award will be distributed after the student's presentation of his/her work at the Celebration of Student Scholars on April 24, 2020, and the submission of a final report.

To apply for an UAHI, please submit a proposal to orsp@scranton.edu by Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. Application details can be found here.

If you have any questions related to the suitability of your project for the UAHI, please contact Dr. Joel Kemp (joel.kemp@scranton.edu) or Dr. Aiala Levy (aiala.levy@scranton.edu). Questions concerning proposal submission should be directed to Dr. Tabbi Miller-Scandle (tabbi.miller-scandle@scranton.edu).

Daniel Piazza ’21 is a strategic communication major who has taken his love of film to the next level. His short film, Fever Dream, was shown at the Circle Drive-In on Friday, Oct. 11.

“I’ve always loved film for as long as I can remember,” Piazza said. “There’s something I admire about how a film can use every visual and auditory detail to make you feel a certain way. No matter the genre, it always puts me on the edge of my seat in a way no other artistic medium can.”

Fever Dream originally started out as a class project for Advanced Television Production (COMM 322). Piazza had the idea of a supernatural phone, and the story only grew from there. “The synopsis would be — a man finds an antique phone, but gets more than he bargained for when he discovers its true nature,” Piazza said. The film was influenced by the works of Dario Argento, John Carpenter, and the original Twilight Zone series.

Two versions of the film were made. The first one for class, and the second one being a longer, more complete version of the first. “After the first version of Fever Dream received a positive response in class, we got the crazy idea to remake it with better lighting/effects, new scenes, and the originally-planned ending,” Piazza said. “This led to seemingly endless nights at my best friend’s house (who co-directed the film with me), ironing out every detail.”

Production on the second version took around three months to complete. “One of the most difficult parts was that the entire film takes place at night, leaving only a few hours for us to shoot as the days grew longer throughout spring,” Piazza said. “I had some of the best help and support in the world on this project. I really want to thank everyone involved who helped make this project a reality.”

As far as the future goes, Piazza’s love of film will never cease. “I would absolutely love to keep making films in the future, and if I get the chance to make it a career I’m going to jump at it.”

See more student stories like this one in Campus Corner.

The Office of Campus Ministries’ Born to be Wild Retreat (BTBW) is a daylong hike up Mt. Tammany at the Delaware Water Gap. This retreat, designed by campus minister Fred Mercadante, is led by a team of students who stop numerous times during the trek in order to reflect with participants on different themes of faith that parallel elements of the hike. For instance, on the way up students reflect on the pun “In We God Trusts,” which invites participants to consider their role as God’s instruments in the world. 

At the summit, students take part in Falling Upward, a challenge to students to see themselves as stewards of creation and to recognize that “performing” and “achieving” are not really what it means to be on top. The retreat concludes back the bottom by a waterfall with an invitation to understand and internalize what the Hebrew tradition means by “Shalom.”

Grace Watko, a graduate student in the Kania School of Management, had this to say about her experience of the October 2019 BTBW retreat: “Having never been on an outdoor retreat before, I had no idea what to expect from Born to Be Wild. It ended up being such a unique experience where I was able to take a step back from the stress of schoolwork and take the time to connect with myself, my fellow retreatants, and nature. I'm so happy that I decided to step out of my comfort zone and reflect on my faith while surrounded by breathtaking views.”

The University of Scranton will begin to enroll students in its new major in mechanical engineering in the fall 2020 semester. Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest and broadest of the engineering disciplines and involves the design, production and operation of mechanical systems and thermal systems. Students graduating in this major will be prepared to work in a wide array of fields, including the automotive and aerospace industries, manufacturing, electronics, mechatronics and nanotechnologies.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow four percent from 2018 to 2028, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The median annual pay for mechanical engineers in 2018 was reported at $87,370.

The University of Scranton’s annual six-month post-graduation surveys often show engineering graduates earning the highest average starting salaries of any other undergraduate major. According to the University’s undergraduate class or 2018 six-month post-graduate survey, electrical engineering majors reported the highest average salary of $70,625. The average salary reported for all majors for the University’s class of 2018 was $51,282.

The curriculum for mechanical engineering at the University, which consists of 131 credits, combines rigorous academics, project-based learning and values-based education. The program will allow the students to specialize in several areas, such as biomechanics, energy conversion, laser-assisted materials processing, fracture mechanics, vibrations and combustion. During the next few years, the University will further develop its engineering facilities on campus for mechanical engineering majors to learn using the latest in laboratory, simulation and modeling techniques.

The curriculum for mechanical engineering, just as with other majors offered in engineering fields at Scranton, will include research and internship opportunities, as well as mentoring and individual advising to fully develop students’ aptitude and interests.

“Our mechanical engineering program was conceived and became a reality due to advice and help of our Industrial Advisory Board,” said W. Andrew Berger, Ph.D., professor and chair of the University’s Physics and Engineering Department. “Internship opportunities have been always strongly supported and strong characteristic of our programs. We expect the new mechanical engineering program will enhance the educational experience of our engineering students and further educate them in cutting-edge investigational techniques in technology and design that characterize modern-day engineering. It will also allow to us to form true multidisciplinary teams in capstone engineering design courses.”

Students graduating in mechanical engineering will have the ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice; identify and solve engineering problems; design and conduct experiments and analyze and interpret data; design a system or process within budgetary, environmental, safety and other constraints; and understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context. In addition, Scranton graduates will be able to communicate effectively, function on multidisciplinary teams and understand the professional and ethical responsibility inherent in the field.

In addition to mechanical engineering, other majors offered at Scranton offered by the University’s Physics and Engineering Department include computer engineering, electrical engineering, engineering management, biophysics and physics.

For additional information, contact the University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 888-727-2686 or email admissions@scranton.edu.

Come get a check-up for your neck up! Join the Peer Health Educators from the Center for Health Education and Wellness for a free confidential mental health screening offered by the graduate counseling students! This screenings will be on Wednesday, Oct. 23, and Thursday, Oct. 24, on TDC 2nd Floor from 5-7 p.m.! Can't make it? Check out the screening online at scranton.edu/chew

Join FANS (Future Alumni Network of Scranton) for an elevator pitch workshop with Chris Whitney, director of The Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development! Enjoy light refreshments as you learn to advertise yourself and create your own personal brand! The event is Oct. 30 from 6-7 p.m.

Click this link or text FANSPresents19 to 41444 to RSVP!

On Saturday, Oct. 5, the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library came together in celebration of their 25^th anniversary and the presentation of the 16^th Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award. This year, The New York Times bestselling novelist and classicist Madeline Miller, author of “The Song of Achilles” and “Circe,” received the Distinguished Author Award.

            “The importance of a story that stays with you is what I think about when I read your novels,” said Charles Kratz, dean of the library and information fluency, in his opening remarks. “I’m sure everyone in this room has had one of those moments when they’ve finished a reading and said, ‘That story’s going to stay with me forever.’”

            For Miller, Greek mythology is the story that stayed with her forever. “I have libraries in my blood,” she said. When she was young, her librarian mother read her the Greek classics that would inspire her novels decades later. “They resonated with me because these stories felt like really human stories, and they were timeless stories.”

            The character she always returned to was Circe, an anomaly in classic myth. Born a minor goddess on the lowest totem pole of the divine hierarchy, she obtains incredible power on her own through witchcraft. In a world where women were relegated either to merely names or to villains, Circe was neither, disobeying the hierarchical order of the gods without being punished for it and simultaneously enacting vengeance and kindness on Odysseus, the weary war hero who haphazardly lands on her magical island.

            In Homer’s “The Odyssey,” Odysseus spends ten years struggling to return home from the Trojan War and stays for a year on Circe’s island to rest. His narrative is, to Miller, another fundamentally human story: “‘The Odyssey’ is really about this exhausted war veteran who’s desperate to get home to his family, but once he gets home, it’s much harder to reenter his old life than he thought it would be.”

These two complicated characters meet when Odysseus lands on Circe’s island, and Circe, in her most infamous episode, turns his men into pigs. “In eighth grade, when I was first reading the confrontation between Odysseus and Circe, I was on the edge of my seat,” Miller said. “I wanted to know what was going to happen next – he’s smart and complicated, she’s smart and complicated, so there’s going to be an exciting scene, right? But what actually happens is that Circe tries to turn him into a pig, it doesn’t work. He pulls his sword on her, and she screams and falls to her knees, begs him for mercy, and invites him into her bed all in one breath. And at the time, I was enraged. That’s all this interesting female character gets?”

             Miller decided if the myth wouldn’t give Circe the story she deserved, she would have to write it herself.              

            “Homer calls her ‘the dread goddess who speaks like a human.’ And as a novelist, that implies for me that this is a character who is born a goddess, but has her foot in both worlds. Circe’s story is this very human story of someone who’s born into this family where they really don’t belong and who’s trying to get out – but what’s the cost of getting out? Is it possible to get out? And where are you going once you are out?”

            These questions are why humans retell these stories we’ve known the endings to for millennia, said Miller. Questions of war and questions of family are ideas that resonate with us in perpetuity, and we retell myths to find new answers to the age-old problems mortality brings.

This article recently appeared in Campus Corner, the University's on-campus blog.

Autism Speaks U is an organization that supports students, faculty and alumni in their awareness and fundraising efforts for Autism Speaks. 

The president of Autism Speaks U at Scranton, Kaitlin Costello, talked to us about the organization. 

“The mission of Autism Speaks U is that we aim to increase autism awareness within our campus community, as well as funds for Autism Speaks by attending and holding fundraising events pertaining to the organization Autism Speaks and individuals with autism,” she said. 

The fundraising events occur on and off campus, including Chipotle and Panera fundraisers as well as a "Light it Up Blue" fundraising event on campus in April for Autism Awareness Month.

The club also collaborates with other organizations on campus to widen their reach. Last year, they collaborated with the Students Occupational Therapy Association to host a Paint Night on campus,” Costello said.

Another event you can look forward to this year is the Autism Speaks U Hero Dash.

“For this event, we plan to invite the local community as well as the new Autism Center that is on campus,” Costello said.

Autism Speaks U meets twice a month on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in Brennan 228. Joining the club also commits you to around three events a semester.

Students are welcome to join at any time --  just join the club on Royal Sync and start coming to meetings. The meetings just started this month.

To learn more about the club and get involved to help spread awareness about Autism Speaks U’s mission, contact Kaitlin Costello at Kaitlin.Costello@scranton.edu.

The University of Scranton’s biannual Career Expo and Health and Education Reception hosted 131 organizations this semester in the Byron Recreation Complex, including representatives of Big 4 accounting firms, businesses, healthcare providers, government agencies and graduate, medical and law schools.

Organized by the University’s Center for Career Development, the Career Expo helps students from all majors discover opportunities for jobs, internships, co-ops or graduate and professional education.

This semester’s attendees included Allied Services; AXA Advisors, LLC; Baker Tilly; Crayola; Deloitte; Edward Jones; Ernst and Young (EY LLP); KPMG LLP; McGrail Merkel Quinn and Associates, P.C.; Noble Biomaterials Inc.; PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC); the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections; Sanofi - Sanofi Pasteur; SEI; WithumSmith+Brown, P.C.; and the U.S. Census Bureau, among others. Graduate, medical and law schools also participating included Hofstra University’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law, Penn State Law - University Park, Seton Hall Law School, Temple University’s Beasley School of Law and Widener University Commonwealth Law School.

More than 400 University students participated in the fall semester Career Expo.

In addition to the spring and fall semester Career Expos, the Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development assists students in making career decisions that are consistent with their unique talents, aspirations and skills. Students can receive training in resume and cover letter writing as well as interview and job search techniques, among other services offered through the center.

According to the University’s six-month post-graduate survey of its undergraduate class of 2018, 98 percent of its graduates reported being successful in their choice of career path of either employment or pursuing additional education within six months of graduation. The “First Destination Survey” report is based on career success data obtained for 79 percent of the University’s undergraduate class. This “knowledge rate,” or percentage of graduates for whom their career outcome is known, far exceeds the National Association of College Employers recommended rate of 65 percent.

For members of University’s class of 2018 earning a bachelor’s degree, 97 percent were successful in obtaining their goal of full-time employment within six months, and 99 percent were successful in obtaining their goal of attending graduate or professional school.

This article originally appeared in The Ambassador, the Department of World Languages and Cultures newsletter, which you can read in its entirety here.

Drs. Caporale and Zanzana organized and co-led the 12th Study in Florence annual Summer Program from June 1-29, 2019. Twenty-two students from many different disciplines (the humanities, the sciences, professional studies, business and economics) participated in the program, taking classes in Florence for four weeks, visiting local historical sites, and traveling to destinations such as Venice, the Cinque Terre, the Chianti region and Rome.

In this academic program, students can earn three or six credits, choosing one or two classes:

Italian language (ITAL 295) all levels – 3 credits

Dante’s Inferno and the Florence of his Times (HUM 296 – in English) – 3 credits

Language classes were held in the morning while the Dante class took place in the afternoon, Monday through Thursday. Friday mornings were dedicated to group cultural visits such as the Roman theater and baths in Fiesole, or the Medieval Renaissance palace Palazzo Davanzati. This year students also traveled to the Amalfi coast visiting world-known sites such as the Island of Capri, the coastal town of Positano, Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompei.

This article originally appeared in Campus Corner, our campus blog, which you can read here.

One of the options for Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) is the Global Exchange program. This program provides an opportunity for domestic University of Scranton students and international and exchange students to live together and make connections across many cultures. 

The program is for juniors and seniors at the University. Three students who want to live together can apply for the program for a chance to live with an international/exchange student. We spoke with a group that participates in the Global Exchange program. The four apartment residents are Nica Manasseri '21, Tori Gainey '21, Lauren Friedrich '21 and Andrea Lo '20. 

Their regular roommate set to be part of this apartment is abroad for the semester, so this created the perfect opportunity for the group to welcome Lo to live with them for the semester.

“We wanted to meet more people and experience different cultures,” Gainey said.

Lo is an exchange student from Taiwan who studies English literature at the University.

“I’ve always wanted to come to the U.S. and study for a short time. I looked at my school’s study abroad programs and this is closest to New York, which was important to me because my mom has a friend living there. It thought it would be easier to be close to someone,” Lo said.

Students in the program live in an apartment on the first or second floor of Pilarz. All participating apartments are on the same floor, which allows for programs among the apartments. Throughout the semester (or year, depending on availability and preference), each apartment hosts an event to share food, traditions and customs of their exchange/international students. These events allow students to learn about various cultures. 

“Our program is going to be bubble tea and Korean fried chicken,” Gainey said.

This apartment group has meshed well with Lo. 

“I like how much we have in common with Andrea. She likes memes; I like memes,” Manasseri said.

The four have also found and discussed the many differences between their home countries.

“This is Andrea’s first Pumpkin Spice Latte,” Gainey said while pointing at Lo’s Starbucks drink.

“It’s really good!" said Lo. "As for the other food here, I don’t hate it. I do miss the food at home, though. I often cook noodles for myself in the apartment,” Lo said.

Something that Lo does prefer in the states is the teaching and class style. “The professors teach differently. In Taiwan they only lecture, which is boring. Here the professors want students to think critically. I like the way professors teach classes here much better,” Lo said.

Read on in Campus Corner, here.

If you are interested in studying abroad this intersession and spring, please note that the deadline for application is Oct. 15, 2019.

If you have questions about studying abroad, please drop in at The Office of Global Education located in O Hara 106.

Writer Stephanie Soldaña, author of The Bread of Angels: A Journey to Love and Faith, and A Country Between: Making a Home Where Both Sides of Jerusalem Collide, spoke at The University of Scranton’s 8th annual Ignatian Values in Action Lecture in September.

Soldaña’s memoir, The Bread of Angels, was the Royal Read’s book for the University’s class of 2023.

“Tonight I’m gonna talk about falling in love,” Soldaña began, “Because what I hope is that your arrival here at The University of Scranton is the beginning of a love story that will continue for the rest of your lives.”

Soldaña’s love story with the Middle East began with a broken heart, “the kind that makes you move to Syria.” In her final year of college she applied for a fellowship that allowed her to spend the following year in the Middle East. A girl from Texas, Soldaña knew nothing more about the Middle East than that it was the place where the Bible took place. “We didn’t even have hummus at the grocery store,” she joked.

Once in the Middle East, Soldaña was overwhelmed with the culture of hospitality that welcomed her. As strangers opened their homes, beds, and hearts to her, she felt what she called a “holy envy” for their type of love.

In her travels, she visited a monastery outside Damascus where she met Rev. Paulo Dall’Oglio, S.J., who had founded a religious community dedicated to interreligious dialogue between Muslims and Christians. Fr. Paulo was the Ignatian Values in Action Lecture speaker in 2011.

Under Fr. Paulo’s guidance, Soldaña, embarked on the 30 day Ignatian Spiritual retreat in the desert. While contemplating the incarnation, Soldaña said, she realized that she didn’t believe that God became man and was terrified. She spoke to Fr. Paulo that night who reminded her that “the presence of God in our lives is scary,” but that Mary said yes to God, and so must we.

Soldaña said yes in the desert, and fell in love with Christ.

Soldaña also spoke of her relationship with a female sheikh, who taught her about Islam. She said her relationship with this muslim teacher made her love her own christianity more. The interactions between the women of different faiths, she said was like the Visitation from the Gospel of Luke. “Something in me leapt up and something in her leapt up.”

Soldaña also told about falling in love with her now husband, Frederik, who at the time was a novice monk.

About half-way through the lecture, the Soldaña’s tone and content changed. While The Bread of Angels, she said, was a story about how she fell in love, the Syrian civil war that followed the book’s publication was about staying in love. Fr. Paulo, she said, had stressed in his teaching the importance of fidelity after falling in love. After war broke out, Fr. Paulo and Soldaña’s sheikh were exiled from Syria. Fr. Paulo returned illegally in 2013, was kidnapped, and is presumed dead. In war, Jesuits “stayed in love.”

Soldaña continued to share stories of “hidden saints” who, in the spirit of Middle Eastern hospitality, continued to open their doors to strangers and were shot for it. She told of a family who opened a pharmacy in their garage where they became famous for sharing medicine for the soul as well medicine for the body. She told of people who looked around the destruction of war, and made new and beautiful things out of the rubble.

At the conclusion of the talk, Soldaña called the students from Scranton to be witnesses. “Learning to see,” she said “is probably the most important thing in your life.” She called listeners to notice beauty in a world that seems to have lost its way; to “look into the broken world with the eyes of creation;” to build, from the destruction we find, something better and to “fall in love every day.”

“Fall in love, stay in love, let all of your lives be love stories,” she said.

The University of Scranton’s Office of Campus Ministries offered the fourth annual Soul Men’s Retreat for male undergraduate and graduate students. A team of six students led the group of 24 men in discussions and reflections on themes of spirituality, relationships, mentorship, priorities, contemplation, action, and surrender. The coordinating campus minister, Fred Mercadante, said this about the weekend: “This was definitely one of the best Soul Men’s retreats that we have had. It was obvious to me that the men really responded to the topics offered, and they seemed to really enjoy each other’s company.”  

Class of 2020 Accounting Major, Ian MacDonald had this to say about his experience: "I have attended the Soul Men's Retreat for the past three years and each experience has been more soulful than the last. The retreat provides an opportunity to reflect on one's life in nature and connect with a variety of students.”

The University of Scranton has awarded 18 students from its class of 2023 four-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarships. The Presidential Scholarship recipients are Emily Amershek, Lauren Cawley, Matthew Earley, Michael Edwards, Jared Fernandez, Dominic Finan, Timothy Gallagher, Angela Hudock, Amanda Lamphere, James Lanning, Sarah Liskowicz, Molly Neeson, Michael Quinnan, Muhammad Shaaf Sarwar, Cameron Shedlock, Claire Sunday, Kathleen Wallace and Daniel Zych.

Presidential Scholarships are awarded to incoming first-year students with outstanding records in high school and notable community involvement. The scholarship covers four years of full tuition provided that the student maintains at least a 3.25 grade point average.

Emily Amershek, New Ringgold, graduated as valedictorian from Tamaqua Area High School. She was designated an AP Scholar and was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Math National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and English National Honor Society. She was captain of the varsity volleyball team and a student leader of Raiders Step Up, a club which focused on improving mental health to prevent addiction. Amershek volunteered with Big Brother Big Sister and youth group, and she tutored English, math and chemistry. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Amershek will major in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology on the pre-med track. She is the daughter of Tom and Melissa Amershek.

Lauren Cawley, Duryea, graduated from Scranton Preparatory School. She was a member of the National Honor Society and a student government class representative. In high school, she was also captain of the varsity softball team and co-founded the Respect Life Service Club. Cawley volunteered as a program tutor at Nativity Miguel School, as well as participated in the University’s SPARK Summer Service Program at Chapman Lake and at Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre. Cawley will major in secondary education-mathematics. She is the daughter of Donna and Brian Cawley, who is a 1989 graduate of The University of Scranton.  

Matthew Earley, Perkasie, graduated from La Salle College High School. A National Merit Scholar Semi-finalist, he was a Mathlete and was a member of the National Honor Society. He also was awarded the Harvard Book Award. He ran cross country, as well as indoor and outdoor track. Earley participated in community service trips to Appalachia and Philadelphia and engaged in homeless outreach. A member of the Business Honors Program, Earley will major in finance at the University. He is the son of Joanna and John Earley, who are 1992 and 1993 graduates of The University of Scranton.

Michael Edwards, Wadsworth, Ohio, graduated from Wadsworth High School. A National Merit Scholarship Semi-finalist, he received the National AP Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction awards. He was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in the varsity swim team and was a district qualifier for two years. Edwards volunteered at a homeless shelter and a food pantry. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Edwards will major in mathematics and theology. He is the son of Jon and Karen Edwards.

Jared Fernandez, Tunkhannock, graduated as salutatorian from Tunkhannock Area High School. He was a National Merit Commended Scholar and member of the National Honor Society. In high school, he was involved in the Ski Club. Fernandez also participated in food drives. He is a nursing major at the University. He is the son of Kim and Gus Fernandez, who earned his master’s degree in 2014 from The University of Scranton.

Dominic Finan, Malvern, graduated from Great Valley High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the National Latin Honor Society. He was student body treasurer and an active member of Model United Nations, Future Business Leaders of America and Junior Classical League. He also competed on the cross-country and track and field teams. Finan shadowed healthcare professionals at Paoli Hospital and served as a volunteer instructor in Tang Soo Do, in which he holds the rank of second-degree black belt. A member of The University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Finan will major in neuroscience on the pre-med track. He is the son of Don and Debbie Finan.

Timothy Gallagher, River Vale, New Jersey, graduated from Bergen County Academies. He was a National Merit Commended Scholar and also a member of the National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. He participated in concert and chamber choirs as well as the Generation Coders Club, which volunteered to teach middle-school students how to code. Gallagher was an altar-server and member of the church choir. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM, Gallagher will major in computer science at Scranton. He is the son of Guy and Annette Gallagher.

Angela Hudock, Sayre, graduated as valedictorian from Athens Area High School. She was a National Merit Commended Scholar. She was actively involved in Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America and Scholarship Challenge and was the vice president of Red Cross and Students Against Destructive Decisions. She was also her class secretary. Hudock served as a certified volunteer EMT as a part of her local ambulance company’s Junior Program and also participated in her church’s weekly community meal program. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM, Hudock will major in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. She is the daughter of Dr. Michael and Diane Hudock.

Amanda Lamphere, Sellersville, graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy. She was a National Merit Commended Scholar and served as secretary of the National Honor Society. She was awarded the Fairfield University Book Award for outstanding academic success. Lamphere participated in theatre, choir, dance, the Gold Key Club and video marketing. She co-directed Broadway Wishes, a student-led fundraiser performance for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Other services included tutoring, teaching music at Southampton Music Company, music ministry, youth ministry and visiting patients at the Grand View Hospital. Lamphere is a secondary education-mathematics major at the University. She is the daughter of Thomas and Rose Lamphere.

James Lanning, Mountain Top, graduated from Crestwood High School. He was also a student in the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth Online. He was a member of the French National Honor Society and participated in French Club and theatre. He also was selected to attend county, district and regional chorus. Lanning is a physics major and the son of Bruce and Darlene Lanning, Ph.D.

Sarah Liskowicz, Laflin, graduated as valedictorian from Holy Redeemer High School. She was a National Merit Commended Scholar and received a gold medal in the National Spanish Exam. She was also awarded the Diocese of Scranton Bishop’s Youth Award.  In high school, she was a cabinet member of the National Honor Society, president and founder of Baking Club and secretary of Investment Club. Additionally, she was captain of the volleyball team and participated in track and field, bell choir and the speech and debate team. She completed National Guild Auditions in piano for nine years. Liskowicz was an altar server, lector and extraordinary minister for her parish. She also coached high school volleyball camps for middle school students and was a Girl Scout for 11 years, earning a silver award. A member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, Liskowicz will major in neuroscience at Scranton. She is the daughter of Susan and Robert Liskowicz, who was a 1989 graduate of The University of Scranton. 

Molly Neeson, Pottstown, graduated as salutatorian from Pottsgrove High School. She was a member of the National Honors Society. She was also the vice president of Falcon Friends, a club that assists special needs students, captain of her varsity cross-country and track teams and a member of Quiz Bowl. Neeson volunteered with Special Olympics and worked with Green Allies, an environmental non-profit. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Neeson will major in environmental science. She is the daughter of Tom and Marisa Neeson.

Michael Quinnan, Shavertown, graduated from Dallas High School as a Gelso Scholar. He was a co-president of the National Honor Society and team captain of Science Olympiad. He was designated an AP Scholar with Distinction and was awarded a Science Olympiad Regional Medal nine times. He was a Model UN Outstanding Delegate and PennDOT Innovations Challenge State Finalist. He was also a member of the National Association for Music Education All-National Honor Ensemble Mixed Choir, Knowledge Bowl, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Environmental Forum and the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Choir. Quinnan volunteered at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, SPCA of Luzerne County and the Luzerne County Fair. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM, Quinnan will major in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. He is the son of Harold and Patti Quinnan, who are 1993 and 1996 graduates of The University of Scranton.

Muhammad Shaaf Sarwar, Lahore, Pakistan, graduated from the Beaconhouse School System. He was a Science Olympiad head delegate and a member of the student council as class prefect. He also participated in volleyball, Model UN, and was president of the Literacy Club. He worked as an intern in several nonprofit organizations, including the Akhuwat Leadership and Youth Fellowship Program, the Care Foundation and the Parwah Foundation. He is a physics major at the University. He is the son of M. Sarwar Ehsan and Farkhanda Jabeen.

Cameron Shedlock, White Haven, graduated from Wyoming Seminary. He won a first award at state level for the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science at Penn State. He was a member of the cum laude society, the engineering club, leader of medical club and captain of the varsity cross-country team. Shedlock volunteered at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and, for his Eagle Scout service project, built a handicap-accessible outdoor learning area at Fairview Elementary School. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM, Shedlock will major in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. He is the son of Mark and Rochelle Shedlock.

Claire Sunday, South Abington Township, graduated as valedictorian from Scranton Preparatory School. She was a member of the National Honor Society and Model United Nations and was a Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstar. She was also a varsity captain for basketball cheerleading. Sunday served as a Kairos leader for hospice workers, led Vacation Bible School and volunteered at Scranton Prep’s open house and scholastic bowl. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Sunday will major in political science. She is the daughter of Katie and Dr. Michael Sunday, a 1984 graduate of The University of Scranton.

Kathleen Wallace, Bowie, Maryland, graduated as salutatorian from Rockbridge Academy. A National Merit Commended Scholar, she was captain of the varsity cross-country team, coordinator of Young Engineers and Scientists and a participant in the Science Olympiad. She also passed the National Latin Exam magna cum laude.  She participated in Maryland State Bar Association Mock Trial, undefeated, and received the John Jay Mock Trial Award. Wallace volunteered as a counselor at Camp Wabanna, as well as a childcare volunteer, charity runner, Rotary Interact Service Club member, and grammar school tutor. A member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Wallace is enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences. She has not yet declared a major. She is the daughter of Sean and Eileen Wallace.

Daniel Zych, Waverly, graduated as salutatorian from Scranton Preparatory School. He was a National Merit Commended Student and designated an AP Scholar with Distinction. He received two gold medals for the National Spanish Exam and three gold medals for the National Latin Exam, and he was a Scranton Times-Tribune Scholastic Superstar. He was a member of the Advanced Technology Club, captain of the boys’ tennis team and student council homeroom representative. Zych volunteered as a tutor and also participated in the University’s SPARK service program. A member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, Zych will major in mathematics. He is the son of Dr. John and Janice Zych, a 1995 graduate of The University of Scranton.

At the first Task Force for Healing, Reconciliation and Hope event of the fall 2019 academic semester, Massimo Faggioli, Ph.D., professor of theology at Villanova University, and Rita Ferrone, contributing writer at Commonweal magazine, presented “Insights from History and Theology,” a forum addressing questions surfaced by the crisis of Catholic clergy sexual abuse.

Dr. Faggioli’s lecture addressed what church history teaches the world about this crisis, and presented what he said were sensitive issues that spoke to changes the crisis is bringing in the church and in society.

            Dr. Faggioli reported that 20-25 percent of clergy from the 16th and 17th centuries had a criminal record, yet the Holy Office burned archival records of priest investigations every 10 years or less until 1914, which Faggioli referred to as bonfires.

            “Our problem is that we don’t know when they stopped burning records. So, Catholic institutions of higher education have been slow in reacting to this and doing something,” Dr. Faggioli said.

            Dr. Faggioli identified five issues pressing the church and the world following the abuse crisis, including the statement that the church cannot heal entirely by itself. Faggioli said the church must address the crisis with the rest of the world yet still glean its own theological truth apart from judicial and journalistic views.

            “The monster we see in the mirror as Catholics is not a picture that can be changed by a court. It is work that intellectuals and theologians have to do. I’m not accusing anyone. I’m part of the problem,” Dr. Faggioli said.

            Ferrone’s presentation addressed whether prayer and liturgy can be a source of healing and courage for those affected by the church’s abuse. Ferrone said sometimes members of the Catholic church are tempted to feel helpless in terms of beating the crisis, due to its unprecedented nature, but Catholics can still see and embrace God’s work.

            “I may have already tested your credulity by saying that God is at work in and through this crisis, but that’s the wager. That’s the bet,” Ferrone said.

            Ferrone discussed Luke 17:2, which states “It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” Ferrone said the passage makes her tremble at the thought of how many children have faced abuse from the Catholic church.

            Ferrone spoke about what Pope Francis calls the Jonah Syndrome, which is the false solution of finding a scapegoat on which to pin a problem. Ferrone named several scapegoats blamed for the sex abuse crisis, but said members of the Catholic church should listen to the hard truths not as cynics, but with an open heart.

“Francis told (Archbishop of Grenada, Francisco Javier Martínez Fernández) to ‘come down from the cross and face up to the problems in [his] dioceses,’” Ferrone said.

Ferrone said that the only adequate response to the church’s crisis is a Paschal Response, involving the death of an old model of insularity and arrogance.

“Instead, we turn to an organic, sacramental relationship of sharing in the one mission of the church for which we must all hold one another accountable, and which is worked out in all our various roles and relationships,” Ferrone said.

Dr. Faggioli and Ferrone then responded to questions from audience members following their presentations in the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall on Sept. 16.

Rural, farm country infused with volcanic activity, the nine-island nation Azores (Açores) dots the intersection of the North American, African and Eurasian tectonic plates. While the geology churns beneath the land and sea, life is lush and laid back amongst the hot springs. Brandon Pinarreta ’20, a business administration major, will present the Azores for the next Global Insights, October 22, 2019, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall, 509. Registration is required. 

An archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, the Portuguese found and settled the islands in the early 15^th century. Deemed a strategic location since discovery, during WWI the United States established naval bases that later allowed for transatlantic flights by the allies in WWII. The Azores became an autonomous, self-governing region of Portugal in 1976, and has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list for the 400-year-old examples of military architecture and incredible walls built to protect the vineyard culture. Pinarreta, whose mother was born on Faial, frequently travels to the country to visit family and friends. He says it is a great place to go and sight see.  “You bounce from island to island. Relax and go to the natural ocean pools carved out of  lava rock and the black sand beaches.” He relates that a trip there would be very nature-oriented, but one cannot find better food anywhere.  “They have the best food!” His favorite dish is ‘Shrimp Mozambique’ originating off the coast of Africa, along with ‘Papo Secos’, Portuguese rolls. The culture is friendly and relaxed, and heavily influenced by Catholic religious tradition.

Upon graduation,  Brandon plans to return to Massachusetts to begin his career. 

This program is being offered by the Office of Global Education, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. A light lunch featuring cuisine from the highlighted country will be served. Registration for this event is required. Click here to register. For more information, please contact Huey Shi Chew at hueyshi.chew@scranton.edu or 570-941-7575.

Register here.

It is hard to describe an experience such as a cultural immersion trip. Prior to going on to a service trip, you have a fire in your gut to serve and give back to the world. You are eager to build as many houses, schools or structures you can get your hands on. You are eager to help the sick, to help the disabled and to fulfill society’s definition of “service.” On May 28, 2019, 12 members of The University of Scranton hopped on a plane to Jamaica with a burning passion to serve and set the world on fire. However, quickly into our experience we learned the meaning of service, which is not doing, but being: “the world, God, or any higher power, does not want us to do, they want us to be.”

Throughout the trip we discovered a lot about the country of Jamaica and the culture, and the most important discovery was the one about ourselves and the meaning of service. Before hopping on a plane to Jamaica, our group met several times to discuss and learn together about Jamaica and the meaning of service. During these meetings, our peer facilitator talked about our “gifts and gaps” within ourselves, our world and our community. Our experience to Jamaica helped to strengthen our gifts and helped to discover some of our gaps and taught us how to overcome them with the help of our peers, loved ones and the world.

The Stories

Throughout our trip, we had the opportunity to meet individuals from all walks of life. We heard these people’s stories, listened to their cries, stared at their smiles and lived in solidarity with them. We visited a plethora of places ranging from nursing homes for adults with no families, orphanages for children of all abilities and ages, a preschool for beautiful children with their entire lives ahead of them, and we built a home for a deserving family. These individuals came from a wide range of backgrounds, economic statuses, family structures and different values.

Toward the end of our trip, we had the opportunity to build a home for a family of five. The home would be for a family with a mother, her three children (21 years old, 18 years old, 12 years old), and 1-year-old grandson. This family has never owned a home nor owned many belongings. Over two days, my fellow 11 group members and I built a home for this family in need. We were able to do a tangible service and create a home for them. This family was waiting for a home for over two years, on the last day of construction it was the mother’s birthday. We celebrated the finishing of the house and this incredible mother’s birthday. The entire community came to the house to watch Father Paul, our chaperone, bless the house and to see this deserving family finally get something that belonged to them. It was two days filled with hard work, sweat and intense labor; however, it was beautiful to see something that we created that is going to have such an impact on this family. However, after reflecting on those two days, it occurred to me that the service was not the physical labor of building this house. The service that we provided was being with the family, the community and the other relatives. The service was not how many nails we could hammer into the roof; it was playing soccer with the 7-year-old nephew. The service was not painting multiple coats of paint on the house; the service was hearing the mother’s stories, her journey, heart-break and accomplishments. The service was not doing; the service was being.

While traveling through Jamaica, it was hard to see the poverty, the devastation and the way of life for people in Jamaica. However, throughout all of this sadness and poverty, it is hard not to notice the joy and happiness in the people of Jamaica. Once you notice the happiness, you notice the beauty in the landscape, the rolling hills, the beautiful wild flowers and the love for one another that is in the atmosphere. While sitting on the bus, someone could look at the bus as a negative experience, for it was hot, it was old, and it went on windy roads. However, in Jamaica I learned to look at the world with a positive lens, and I began to see the absolute beauty of life and Jamaica. I started to see on the bus the beauty around me, the friendliness of the Jamaican people who waved at the bus when we drove by, and the strong bond I built with my group members during those bus rides. The bus and Jamaica taught me a valuable lesson, which was that life is like a camera, and a person has the option of what lens from which they choose to see the world, such as a negative lens, a positive lens, a distorted lens and many more. Jamaica taught me to be present and to enjoy every second of the day, and this showed me to look at life through a positive lens and to find the uniqueness and beauty in each screenshot from this lens.

It is hard to summarize what the International Service Program and Jamaica has taught me because there is not enough space, words or expressions to explain the takeaways I have gotten from this journey.  Some of the biggest takeaways from my experience is to live simply and happily. During my journey in Jamaica, I had no cell phone, no technology, limited clothes, and limited fresh water. I became mindful of my actions, such as taking only food that I would eat, to not waste food, to take fast showers, to conserve water and to just smile because a smile is the simplest way to extend gratitude for a person’s presence.

While leaving Jamaica, I had a strange feeling in my gut. This feeling of gratitude for the experience, appreciation for the people and experiences, but a desire to fix so many things in Jamaica. It was hard to accept that I could not do more, that I could not stay longer, and to accept that my time in Jamaica, 2019, was over. During our trip, Father Paul said, “Life is full of entrances and exits. But it is our job to live in those moments, learn from those moments, and to implement the lessons from those moments into the future.” It was hard to go through the “exit” of Jamaica, but I understood that it was time for me to walk through a new “entrance” and to share, educate and set the world on fire from all the takeaways Jamaica gave me. As our peer facilitator said, “in life everything has gifts and gaps,” although it may have been hard to help fix the gaps in Jamaica, it is more important to appreciate the gifts given to us each day.

The University of Scranton's Fall 2019 Career Expo and Health & Education Reception will take place on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Byron Center. This fall, there is a record number of 131 organizations coming to campus. Hosted by The Center for Career Development, the Career Expo is for students and alumni in all majors and industries. Even first-year students? Yes, said Chris Whitney, director of the Center for Career Development.

"First-year students are encouraged to go so that they can start building their network and start understanding what employers are going to be expecting of them," said Whitney. "Without the pressure!"

             On Tuesday, Sept. 10, the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center swarmed with students. Though their backpacks were heavy, and their schedules were tight, nearly 600 students sought to donate their time to the participating nonprofits at The University of Scranton’s annual Volunteer Fair. Organized by The University’s Center for Service and Social Justice, this year they connected 44 organizations with a veritable horde of would-be volunteers. Nonprofit organizations participating included the Scranton Cultural Center, Salvation Army, Ronald McDonald House, Clarks Summit State Hospital and American Red Cross.

            One of these organizations was the Everhart Museum of Natural History. Located in Scranton’s Nay Aug Park, the Everhart Museum is dedicated to the education of its visitors in the disciplines of science, history, culture and art, and they have attended the Volunteer Fair for over half a decade. “Every person at the museum wears a lot of hats,” said Stefanie Colarusso, director of programs and events. “We depend on our volunteers quite a bit. We have a very small staff, so our volunteers do a lot.”

            The Everhart Museum offers volunteer positions in research, collections, education and events, which give students the opportunity to brush up on their analytical, interpretive and leadership skills. “Working with the Everhart Museum is very fulfilling,” said Sarah Sutton, manager of educational programs. “You learn a lot about the community.”

            Each year, more than 2,800 Scranton students volunteer for more than 175,000 hours of service.

            Sixteen University of Scranton education majors are serving as student teachers during the fall semester at seven local schools in the following six school districts: Dunmore, Lackawanna Trail, Pittston Area, Riverside, Abington Heights and Valley View.

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

Gabriella Allegra of Nutley, New Jersey, will student teach at Pittston Area Intermediate Center.

Nadine Brosnan of Goshen, New York, will student teach at Riverside Elementary West.

Haileigh Finnerty of Scranton, Pennsylvania, will student teach at Valley View Elementary Center.

Courtney Gwizdz of White House Station, New Jersey, will student teach at Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center.

Grace Hambrose of South Abington Township, Pennsylvania, will student teach at Valley View Elementary Center.

Grace McAllister of Horsham, Pennsylvania, will student teach at Valley View Elementary Center.

Katherine Melilli of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, will student teach at Valley View Intermediate School.

Haley Mulroy of Sea Girt, New Jersey, will student teach at Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center.

Lauren Ottomanelli of East Northport, New York, will student teach at Valley View Elementary Center.

Nicole Rutman of Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, will student teach at South Abington Elementary School.

Danielle Sauro of Armonk, New York, will student teach at Valley View Elementary Center.

Hannah Schmid of Floral Park, New York, will student teach at Dunmore Elementary Center.

Caleigh Snead of Kings Park, New York, will student teach at Valley View Intermediate School.

Allison Steitz of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, will student teach at Pittston Area Intermediate Center.

Sophia Tremont of Sussex, New Jersey, will student teach at Dunmore Elementary Center.

Megan Zinn of Bridgewater, New Jersey, will student teach at Valley View Elementary Center. 

There will be an informational meeting for the Summer Study in Florence program on Monday, Sept. 30, Hyland 202 7:00 p.m.

Open to everyone interested in learning more about this summer's faculty-led, 4-week study in Florence, Italy program.

Emma de Bellegarde writes about her experience attending the new Leadership Summer Institute.

This article originally appeared in the Department of Latin American/Women's Studies newsletter. 

This June, I had the pleasure of representing the University at the NEW Leadership Summer Institute, hosted by the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics at Chatham University. The week-long program immerses college women in opportunities for growth in political leadership and public service. We had incredible experiences meeting female members of the Pennsylvania state legislature, learning about lobbying, and enjoying networking luncheons and dinners with leaders in politics from Pennsylvania and around the country. At the end of our week, we completed a mock joint commission meeting on climate change.

Although I have always been interested in politics, I was unsure of how I would contribute to the program as a nursing major among a sea of political science majors. I was nervous about the depth and breadth of my knowledge of relevant topics. However, I learned from speakers, educators, and peers about the vital role nurses play in lobbying for healthcare reform, an issue about which I am particularly passionate. Additionally, I discovered that several of our U.S. congresswomen are nurses!

I’m not sure that I will follow in the footsteps of nurse-congresswomen; however, through NEW Leadership I learned I can be a politically-engaged leader, even if I don’t run for elected office. I will forever cherish my memories from this program and credit it for my enhanced confidence in my leadership abilities. 

Read more from the Department of Latin American/Women's Studies newsletter, here.

“We’re all in this together!”  This was the theme song that the two Connections Retreat teams chose for the first-year student overnight experience held at Chapman Lake from Sept. 13 to 15. On Connections, first-year students were invited to build community, share their stories and pray together. 

The two retreats were led by two student leadership teams who began planning last March. Highlights included a series of witness talks by the planning teams about life before Scranton, their first year at Scranton, and the impact of being formed through Jesuit ideals. And it wouldn’t be a Campus Min Connections retreat without a campfire sing-along, a handshake competition and reflective prayer. Gracie Silva ’23 liked meeting new people and taking part in all the activities but especially liked reflecting on the witness talk about “life before Scranton” when meeting in a small-group discussion.

Campus Ministers Fred Mercadante and Amy Hoegen expressed optimism concerning the Class of 2023. Fred said, “Both retreats this past weekend went very well, mainly because of the openness and willingness to participate among the retreatants. If they stick with it, I think this class has a chance to be one of the most active ones we’ve seen in Scranton’s history.”

The students who attended Connections were introduced to the Scranton spirit and to a counter-cultural attitude rooted in our Catholic and Jesuit heritage that doesn’t just sing, but truly believes that “we’re all in this together!”

The Moses Taylor Foundation recently awarded a $88,000 grant to The University of Scranton’s Nursing Department for the purchase new simulator equipment for its laboratory.

Through the support, the University acquired Newborn Tory S2210, an advanced newborn patient simulator; Pediatric Hal S3005, a five-year-old pediatric simulator; and a Simcart Rx, a simulation medication dispensing system. “Tory” looks and feels like a real infant, with supple skin, lifelike vitals and realistic sounds. “Hal” can track students’ actions in response to life-threatening situations and even speaks, thanks to an extensive library of voice responses.

These simulators allow nursing students to practice emergency protocol safely and in a controlled environment. Additionally, the new equipment permits students to make life-or-death decisions that they may be required to make in the field without the risk to a real patient in clinical rotation, resulting in more confident, successful professionals.

The University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing, as well as a doctor of nursing practice. The University’s nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The mission of Moses Taylor Foundation is to improve the health of the people in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

One University of Scranton student veteran, Amy Atkinson, who has been actively advocating for veterans on campus, was invited to attend Student Veterans of America’s Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 10-13, 2019. This is an honor that is extended to only a select group of student veterans who are SVA Chapter Leaders, out of hundreds of applications.

Amy Atkinson is a senior at The University of Scranton where she studies counseling and human services. She is a U.S. Army veteran, president of the Student Veterans Organization, member of the Committee on the Status of Women and Counseling and Human services Association, as well as a member of three national honor societies: Alpha Pi Sigma, SALUTE and Tau Upsilon Alpha.

The concept behind the SVA Leadership Institute is that long-term leadership success comes from an intimate knowledge of one’s core values and how they can be used to empower others. Attendees are mentored through this experience by successful SVA alumni, business leaders, and veterans’ advocates.

To learn more about the SVA Leadership Institute, visit: institute.studentveterans.org/

Are you a native English speaker looking to learn about different cultures and make new friendships? You may be the perfect fit for our Conversation Partners Program.

Conversation Partners will play a crucial role in helping our international students feel welcomed and embraced by the University of Scranton community. Through one-on-one meetings, Partners will help their international partner practice speaking and listening to fluent English.

During these sessions, partners may discuss such topics as:
American customs
American academic culture
Current events
The University of Scranton culture and mission

Through practice of the target language (English), the English Language Learner will gain confidence in their English-speaking ability. This confidence will translate to better participation in the classroom and stronger interaction with the University of Scranton community.

To apply, you must be in good standing and have earned a 3.0 GPA or higher.

If you are interested, please email amye.archer@scranton.edu for more information and a brief application.

Looking for a job? Need flexible hours? Aramark is looking for students to work in Catering and Dining Services. Night and weekend shifts available on first floor DeNaples, Starbucks, and other retail locations. $10.00 per hour. Interested? Contact Joe Boyd at joseph.boyd@scranton.edu.

The University of Scranton’s Hope Horn Gallery recently hosted a talk by Richard Stanislaus G’98, guest curator for the exhibit “John Willard Raught: Beauty Lies Close at Home,” that opened at the gallery Sept. 6 along with the release of a three volume catalogue of Raught’s work. The lecture, entitled “John Willard Raught: Scranton’s Beloved Artist,” was also presented on Sept. 6.

The former curator of the Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum, Stanislaus lovingly and humorously explored the life and work of this local artist and shared his own journey as an admirer and collector of Raught’s work.   

Raught (1857-1931) was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He traveled and studied art in New York City and Paris for seven years before returning to study and paint in his hometown. Although Stanislaus stressed Raught’s skill in many areas, the painter’s most notable works are impressionist landscapes. Described as a man of “modest means, but rich anyway,” Raught celebrated, in his work, the natural beauty of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Subjects of his paintings include a view of Ridge Row, which now part of The University of Scranton’s campus where Loyola Science Center now sits, Roaring Brook, and areas of Moscow, Scranton and Dunmore.

A “scholar painter” Raught was also a writer, who regularly published essays in both the Scranton Times and the Scranton Republican. His writings combined with his surviving paintings, Stanislaus stressed, show a thoughtful, talented man who was “happy with life.” Examples of his published articles can be found in the catalogue, for sale at the Hope Horn Gallery.

The lecture, which was open to the public, was attended by a number of Raught’s descendants, local admirers and University students, faculty and staff. The lecture was followed by a reception at the Hope Horn Gallery in Hyland Hall, which was part of Scranton’s First Fridays.

The exhibit will run through November 8th. The Hope Horn Gallery will host another gallery reception for the exhibit as part of October’s First Fridays event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 4 

The uniquely English-speaking country of Guyana sits on the northern coast of South America, populated by a rich blend of global cultures stretching from the Far East to Western Europe. Once Dutch, then a British colony, the small country of 740,000 is inhabited mostly the descendants of transplanted groups of East Indian indentured servants (Indo-Guyanese) and African slaves (Afro-Guyanese). Together they make up over three-quarters of the nation’s people. Additionally, traditions and foods are enhanced by Native American, Chinese and Portuguese influences.  Sisters, Domonique Thompson ’20, Neuroscience, and Deniya Thompson, ’20, Health Administration, will present on this exotic Amazon rainforest country and share their family’s culture in the first fall Global Insights presentation on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019, beginning at 11:30 a.m., Brennan Hall, Rose Room 509. Registration is required.

At the age of 12, their mother came to the United States from the capitol city area of Georgetown.  She often would tell her daughters of her childhood and life in Guyana. Deniya shared “One of mom’s favorite memories was climbing trees to pick mangos. Being one with the earth and community, that’s what she loved.” Domonique related that the community around you was part of your supportive family. “Community plays a role in raising the children there. If you get in trouble in school, they would show up because they would want to see you succeed.”

Upon graduation,  Domonique plans to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps and become a nurse, traveling to and serving the people of Guatemala. Deniya plans to enter the University’s Health Admin graduate program.

This program is being offered by the Office of Global Education, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. A light lunch featuring cuisine from the highlighted country will be served. Registration for this event is required. Click here to register. For more information, please contact Huey Shi Chew at hueyshi.chew@scranton.edu or 570-941-7575. 

Ten incoming University of Scranton students began the Magis Honors Program in STEM, which combines the development of STEM knowledge and research techniques with programing to further the students’ understanding of the impact science has on society.

The Magis Honors Program in STEM, which began as a pilot program in the fall of 2017 and was officially approved as Scranton’s fifth honors program this year, offers talented students a more intense, interdisciplinary experience of research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The Magis Honors Program’s courses, which students will take over their four years at Scranton, combine a series of seminars on STEM and society with humanities courses. With guidance by faculty mentors, the students will develop, present and defend a thesis based on their individual research projects. In addition, the program requires participation in annual community service projects as well as professional development programs.

In addition, students entering the program participate in a multi-day STEM field experience at a local research site in conjunction with a service project at the site the week before the start of fall semester classes. Members of the class of 2023 researched the effects the deer population has had on trees at the Lacawac Sanctuary.

The following members of Scranton’s class of 2023 began the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Tim Gallagher of River Vale, New Jersey, is a computer science major. He is a graduate of Bergen County Academies.

Angela Hudock of Sayre, is a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major. She is a graduate of Athens Area High School.

Ryan Jones of Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, is a biology major. He is a graduate of Cedar Crest High School.

Sarah Liskowicz of Wilkes-Barre, is a neuroscience major. She is a graduate of Holy Redeemer High School.

Taylor Moglia of New Milford, is a forensic chemistry major. She is a graduate of Delaware Valley High School.

Michael Quinnan of Shavertown, is a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major. He is a graduate of Dallas High School.

Cameron Shedlock of White Haven, is a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major. He is a graduate of Wyoming Seminary.

Danica Sinson of Floral Park, New York, is a biology major. She is a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy.

Nathaniel Smith of Wilkes-Barre, is a neuroscience major. He is a graduate of Pittston Area High School.

Julia Turnak of Hingham, Massachusetts, is a biology major. She is a graduate of Hingham High School.

Daniel Zych of Waverly, is a mathematics major. He is a graduate of Scranton Preparatory School.

Think you have the best looking dorm on campus? Post a pic of your dorm room using #MyScrantonHome, tag us, and be entered to win a Scrantastic prize! (If you have a private account, feel free to DM or email us.) See the rules, below.

Contest Rules:

Submission deadline: Sunday, Sept. 15 at 10 p.m. 
Please include your name/class year/residence hall in your submission!

The contest is open to all students currently living in on-campus housing. The Marketing/Communications Department will choose the top photos for voting. Voting will take place on Monday, Sept.16 on our Instagram stories.

In addition to posting a photo on Instagram with #MyScrantonHome, also send your photo to smintern@scranton.edu with your name and year to ensure we see it.

By submitting the photo, you are giving The University of Scranton full permission to use it in future posts and/or promotions.

Registration is now open for 2019 Family Weekend. This annual celebration will be held on September 20-22, and many activities and information sessions are available to give the entire family a firsthand look at a day in the life of a Scranton student.

The weekend kicks off on Friday with the opening of the Hospitality Center from 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Center for Service and Social Justice will also be on hand with their Annual Domestic & International Service Trip Basket Raffle from 11:00 a.m. – 8:30 pm. Round out the day with Family Movie Night at 8:30 p.m. with a showing of Toy Story 4.

Saturday’s highlights include taking a leisurely ride through Scranton with the Bike Scranton program; catching up with your students at Siblings’ U; learning how to be resilient in times of stress with Dr. Teresa M Conte ’94, PhD, CPNP; the Family Weekend Concert featuring the Grammy Award-winning Aaron Diehl Trio and The University of Scranton Concert Choir; and much more.

The grand finale is on Sunday when University President Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. will join us for Family Time at Chapman Lake. Tour the grounds of our beautiful retreat center where our students connect with their faith and our Jesuit mission through many retreat offerings.

Visit www.scranton.edu/familyweekend for details and to register.

The University of Scranton launched a new program to celebrate and support students who are the first generation from their families to attend a four-year college.

The THR1VE program, launched this summer at Scranton, was developed from need assessment surveys and other input from first-generation students attending the University.

According to Robert McGowan, coordinator of the THR1VE program, many first-generation students expressed similar concerns about their college experience, namely: “what am I studying; what am I going to do with it after I graduate; and how am I going to pay for it.”

Based on this information, the THR1VE program will focus on three primary areas of support: financial wellness, academic planning and career development. Sessions planned for the fall include financial workshops on budgeting and financial planning, student loans and consumer debt, and savings and investment, as well as programming focusing on developing study skills. In addition to the special programming, THR1VE will assist first-generation students in navigating the vast array resources available to them at the University.

The program also seeks to build awareness of and celebrate first-generation students. At Scranton, 23 percent of its undergraduate population identifies as first-generation students, as does 30.6 percent of its incoming class of 2023. A luncheon was held for first-generation members of the class of 2023 during Fall Welcome.

The THR1VE program, housed in the University’s Center for Student Engagement, is supported by a Strategic Initiatives Fund grant awarded through the Provost’s Office.

For more information about the THR1VE program, email thr1ve@scranton.edu or call 570-941-6233.

Light up the night at the annual Glow & Flow Yoga sponsored by the Center for Health Education and Wellness! Join us on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 9 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom TDC 4th floor for a night of glow in the dark yoga! After you unwind, bring you and your friends to the DeNaples Patio from 9-11 p.m. to enjoy freshly scooped FREE ice cream from a Manning's ice cream truck and play 9 Square In the Air! 

Drs Zanzana and Caporale are organizing their annual faculty-led Study in Florence Summer Program that will run from May 30th to June 27th, 2020. Students can take classes for credit, live in Florence for 4 weeks and explore the beauties of Tuscany. There will be additional visits to other exciting destinations such as Venice, the Chianti region or the Cinque Terre, a breathtaking coastal area known for its panoramic hiking trails, great food , and amazing beaches. Non credit-bearing options (auditing) available for continuing education students. No knowledge of Italian is required. Participants can choose classes in Italian or English. To learn more or to register please come to one of the following information sessions:

• Study Abroad Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 17, DeNaples 2nd Floor 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 30, 7:00 p.m. Hyland 202
• Tuesday, Oct. 29, 7:00 p.m. in Hyland 202
  

University of Scranton seniors Jack Aversa, a biology and biomathematics double major from Gouldsboro; Mili Patel, a neuroscience major from Scranton; and Robert Rade, a biology major from Scranton; were awarded Royal Scholar Summer Fellowships.

The summer fellowship is part of the University’s Royal Scholars Program, which was funded through a $645,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant awarded to the University last year. The grant funds scholarships and provides additional academic support during a five-year period to 25 undergraduate students at the University majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The grant also supports student and faculty mentorships, internship and research opportunities for the students, as well as additional enrichment component such as peer- and faculty-mentoring programs.

Through the scholarship, Aversa studied variances in bat echolocation for two months in Panama. His faculty mentor is Gary Kwiecinski, Ph.D., professor of biology. He is a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM and is a graduate of North Pocono High School.

Patel said during the summer she “worked on a project that applied logistic regression and neural network analyses to compare the facial landmarks of public figures self-identified as having bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder with control public figures who have not publicly expressed such conditions.” J. Timothy Cannon, Ph.D. professor of psychology, serves as her faculty mentor. She is a graduate of Scranton High School.

Over the summer, Rade studied the effects of temperature and acidity on bleaching in sea anemones. His faculty mentor is Janice Voltzow, Ph.D., professor of biology. He is a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM and is a graduate of Scranton Preparatory School.

Dr. Voltzow is the principal investigator for the competitive federal NSF grant. She works with her colleagues Stacey Muir, Ph.D., professor of mathematics; Declan Mulhall, Ph.D., professor of physics/electrical engineering; Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology; and Brian Conniff, Ph.D., dean of the University’s College of Arts and Sciences, to support the Royal Scholars Program at Scranton.

For additional information about the Royal Scholars Program, contact Dr. Voltzow at 570-941-4378 or janice.voltzow@scranton.edu.