October 2020

Global Handwashing Day, which took place last week, is an annual celebration, but this year it held a little more weight than usual. At the beginning of the pandemic, people were reminded to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. Many songs were suggested to keep people at their sink for long enough. Originally, the songs of choice were happy birthday or the ABCs. Here are some students singing the ABCs on Global Handwashing Day:

But people started to get creative in their song choices while washing their hands over the past few months.

Adrianna Duranti, a senior exercise science major, likes to take a festive approach to keeping her hands clean. Duranti sings “Jingle Bells” to make sure she washes her hands for at least 20 seconds. Duranti said she likes the song more as the holiday season gets closer.

“Handwashing is such an important part of keeping other people healthy,” Duranti said, “I love the holiday season, so singing Jingle Bells when I wash my hands makes it even more fun.”

Duranti has also tried to use other songs like “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer," “Santa Baby” and “All I Want for Christmas is You."  Among all the holiday songs, Duranti said 'Jingle Bells' just works the best.

“ ’Jingle Bells’ just fits better than all of the other songs I’ve tried, not to mention it’s my favorite,” Dunanti said.

Regan Hughes is a senior middle grades education major with a concentration in math. She is a fan of country music and likes to use different country songs when washing her hands. Her favorites are “If I Know Me” by Morgan Wallet and “Yours” by Russel Dickerson.

Read about other student favorites in the Campus Corner blog, where this article originally appeared, here.

 

On Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m., the Slattery Center for Humanities and College of Arts and Sciences welcome Dr. Anthea Butler for the first Humanities Forum of the year. Dr. Butler will give a talk entitled “Activism and Jesuit Education in the Age of Black Lives Matter, Race, and Nationalism” on Zoom and live on YouTube. The talk is open to all Scranton students, faculty and staff, as well as the community.

You can register to view on Zoom here.

Or you can stream the talk from our YouTube channel, here.

Anthea Butler is an associate professor of Religious Studies and Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Her books include Women in the Church of God in Christ: Making A Sanctified World. Her current projects include White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America, out in March 2021, and Reading Race: How Publishing created a lifeline for Black Baptists in Post Reconstruction America.

Professor Butler currently serves as president-elect of the American Society for Church history and is also member of the American Academy of Religion, American Historical Association and the International Communications Association. She is also on the board of trustees for Loyola Baltimore. Professor Butler regularly writes opinion pieces covering religion, race, politics and popular culture for The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, NBC and The Guardian.

Members of The University of Scranton’s Liva student organization have leveraged their love of musicals – and for one another – to host events that safely bring members together twice each week.

“We are basically a family that happens to put on a show at the end of the year,” said Bailey McLaughlin, president of the student-run musical theater club, now celebrating its 30^th anniversary year at Scranton. Amid the club’s pandemic-imposed separation, McLaughlin knew its members wanted to get together. They are, however, from different majors and live in scattered locations throughout the campus so it was difficult to see one another face-to-face in courses, labs or residence halls. Of course, Zoom meetings were an option, but she and her club officers wanted to come-up with a more personal way to bring the group to together.

Liva uses a University house on campus as a space for rehearsals, staging, costumes, prop creation and other items needed for the theatrical club to stage the performance of a musical each semester. This gave McLaughlin and her colleagues an idea. Although the club could not present a musical this semester and could not gather indoors, they did have access to house’s large backyard.

The club set-up a screen, projector and speaker in the backyard of the house and began to show musicals weekly on Wednesday evenings. To keep members properly socially distanced, each participant was provided with a six-foot diameter towel to use as a visual cue for the social distancing grid set-up on the spacious lawn. Arrival and departure times of participants were staggered. Masks were also required for all those in attendance.

The movies proved so popular, that a more interactive second event was added on Friday evenings. Friday night events have included musical theater jeopardy and a painting night.

“Everyone in Liva is very close. We really missed each other,” said McLaughlin, “This has been a crazy semester. We wanted to find a way around the obstacles to give the members a way to get together in a safe manner.”

In addition to McLaughlin, a senior occupational therapy major from Allentown, New Jersey, other student officers for the Liva Club are: Alaina Ciorra, vice president, a senior psychology major from Merrick, New York; Amanda Lamphere, secretary, a sophomore mathematics major form from Sellersville; Christopher Draina, treasurer, a senior biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Hanover Township; and Joelle Cote, business manager, a junior occupational therapy major from Shelton, Connecticut. Rev. Ron McKinney, S.J., professor of philosophy, serves as the club’s moderator.

For more information about Liva, contact the student officers or the club moderator.

Eighteen members of The University of Scranton class of 2024 began the Jesuit school’s four-year Business Honors Program, which is a selective program geared toward highly-motivated undergraduate students interested in pursuing academic excellence in business.

Students enrolled in the Business Honors Program, which is one of Scranton’s five programs of excellence, undergo four years of honors studies. The first component is academic with curriculum designed to develop the knowledge and skills needed for success.  Students complete honors study in areas such as accounting, analytics, economics, finance, international business, management, marketing, and operations.  The second component promotes personal and professional development through Jesuit-inspired co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that emphasize experiential learning and service.  Students take part in a specially designed orientation program and complete requirements as a cohort in a challenging, meaningful way and graduate with the distinguished achievement of honors.

The following members of Scranton’s class of 2024 began the Business Honors Program, in the fall 2020 semester.

Morgan D. Beaudoin, Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, is an accounting major at Scranton.

Madalyne R. Buhler, Stony Point, New York, is a finance major at Scranton.

Ellen Collins, Long Valley, New Jersey, has not yet declared a major at Scranton.

Matthew K. Dittmar, Easton, is an accounting major at Scranton.

Matthew J. Duffy, Plainview, New York, is a finance major at Scranton.

Nina J. Figetakis, Little Neck, New York, is an accounting major at Scranton.

Aidan T. Guarnuccio, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, is a marketing major at Scranton.

Garret W. Kurtz, Mahwah, New Jersey, is a finance major at Scranton.

Stephanie C. Lehner, Poughkeepsie, New York, is a biology major at Scranton.

Julia L. Loury, Scranton, is an entrepreneurship major at Scranton.

Riley H. Murphy, Lambertville, New Jersey, is a finance major at Scranton.

Yashaswini D. Patel, Scranton, is a finance major at Scranton.

Hannah G. Phelan, Yardley, has not yet declared a major at Scranton.

Gabrielle Richetti, Holbrook, New York, is a business administration major at Scranton.

Matthew A. Roda, Newtown, is a finance major at Scranton.

Madelyn G. Ronan, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, is an accounting major at Scranton.

John J. Sheehan, Dumont, New Jersey, is an accounting major at Scranton.

Kaleigh E. Timmons, Bergenfield, New Jersey, is an accounting major at Scranton.

University students talk about why voting is important in this video by student Dan Piazza '21. 

Born to be Wild is a day-long hiking retreat coordinated by campus minister Fred Mercadante in which student participants were led by a team of peers, stopping along the way to reflect, discuss and pray about how the four elements (water, wind, earth, and fire) help us find God in all things. 

Offered twice in October in order to accommodate smaller group sizes per the Royals Safe Together Plan, the retreats saw four team leaders each deliver witness talks connecting their life experiences to their faith, while also leading small group discussions and group prayers. 

“The Born to Be Wild Retreat was a great way for students to come together and carry out the University’s mission," said Kerri Rafter ‘21, the director of the team. "The retreat provided students an opportunity to get away from campus, meet new people and engage in conversations about life experiences and faith.” 

Beginning at the shore of Dunmore Reservoir and then trekking through the Dunmore Pine Barrens to the “Top of the World” overlook, the retreatants were invited to recognize in their lives how the four elements symbolize different aspects of their spirituality and religious traditions: water/life, wind/inspiration, earth/humility, and fire/passion. With the aid of traditional prayers on Creation, like those from St. Francis of Assisi, the excursion cultivated a deeper awareness among participants of how God’s Spirit is hidden in plain sight all around us, manifested in all of Creation. 

“With everything going on in the world right now – the stress and craziness of current events – the Born To Be Wild Retreat presented an opportunity to explore our world in a way that many may have forgotten how to appreciate," said retreatant Dan Coleman ’21. "The introspective trek into ourselves paired with our own walk through the wilderness gave me a much-needed escape from my day to day life, a fonder appreciation for my own spiritual health, and the joyous freedom that nature brings in a time of so much restriction.”

Having made significant strides in several areas of modern development, Uruguay has become a leader on the South American continent.  Since 2004, changes to the political system have yielded significant improvements in the areas of clean water, social security, healthcare, labor practices, education and literacy.  Cecilia Núñez, Spanish teaching assistant in World Languages and Cultures, will present on her native country in the next Global Insights program, Wednesday, Nov. 4, beginning at 11:3 0a.m., via Zoom meeting.  Registration is required for the is event, which is open to those in the University community. Please click here to register.

Núñez grew in the “small and quiet country” located between Argentina and Brazil. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in postsecondary education and English from Instituto de Profesores Artigas in Montevideo, and has been teaching English as a second language for the past six years. “I am really into traveling, meeting people, and learning about different cultures and walks of life.” When asked what her favorite activity is in Uruguay, she shared “Apart from enjoying Carnival, I love walking through the different street markets on Sunday mornings. My favorite one is called “Tristan Narvaja”; it is huge (roughly 20 blocks). There you can find everything from fruits and vegetables to antiques, crafts, artisan jewelry, and books.” The “carnival” she refers to is the annual Montevideo Carnival, the longest celebration of its type in the world. 

Learn more about the exciting Carnival, country and culture at the upcoming Global Insights program next Wednesday, November 4!

This program is being offered by the Office of Global Education, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. Registration is required for this event. Please click here to register and receive the Zoom information.

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

To register, click here.

The University of Scranton has awarded 13 students from its class of 2024 four-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarships. The Presidential Scholarship recipients are: Tabitha Berger, Cresco; Luke Capper, Mechanicsburg; Caitlin Doughton, Throop; Thomas Elias, Tunkhannock; Stephanie Lehner, Poughkeepsie, New York; Diana Lozinger, Cranberry Township; John Nelson, Jefferson, Maryland; Nadia Ostrosky, Sherman, Connecticut; Jacqueline Savage, Kings Park, New York; Kathleen Till, Newtown Square; Shelby Traver, Sweet Valley; Jessica Tsu, Valley Stream, New York; and Cayman Webber, Buckeye, Arizona.

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.

Tabitha Berger, Cresco, graduated from Pocono Mountain East High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. She was captain of the varsity cross country team and a four-year participant in the varsity swim team. She was the team manager for the boys varsity soccer team and participated in state competitions for the Future Business Leaders of America. Berger volunteered with American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, her school’s family swim night, mini-THON and several other organizations. A member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, Berger will major in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology on the pre-med track. She is the daughter of Deanna and Joshua Berger.

Luke Capper, Mechanicsburg, graduated from Trinity High School in Camp Hill. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the Mathematics National Honor Society. He was a member of the varsity cross country team, track and field team and swimming and diving team. He was a member of the Quizbowl Team and Indoor Percussion Ensemble. An Eagle Scout, Capper also participated in Boy Scouts. He volunteered serving breakfast to the homeless at the kitchen at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Harrisburg. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Capper will major in applied computing. He is the son of Christine and Thomas Capper, who are 1990 graduates of The University of Scranton.

Caitlin Doughton, Throop, graduated from Scranton Preparatory School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, captain of the football cheerleading team and a member of the track and field team. She was a homeroom representative for Student Government, president of the Medical Club and a founder of Mindfulness Monday’s. She also participated in the Spanish Club and Book Club. Doughton volunteered at numerous organizations, including Nativity Miguel School, St. Joseph’s Center Daycare, Habitat for Humanity and NeighborWorks of NEPA. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Doughton will major in biology and philosophy on the pre-med track. She is the daughter of Karen and Robert Doughton.

Thomas Elias, Tunkhannock, graduated as salutatorian from Tunkhannock Area High School. He was vice president for the National Honor Society, team captain for Scholastic Scrimmage and the Battle of the Books. He participated in the Governor’s STEM Competition, SkillsUSA Quiz Bowl, Student Council, the Physics Club and the Robotics Club. He was a member of the Jazz Band, Marching Band and Concert Band. He served as a facilitator, trainer and speaker for the Diocese of Scranton’s International Student Leadership Institute and as an altar server and Sunday school aide at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Tunkhannock. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Elias will major in physics and philosophy. He is the son of Susan and Samuel Elias.

Stephanie Lehner, Poughkeepsie, New York, graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Poughkeepsie. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society. She was a member of the varsity golf team and a four-year member of the varsity soccer team. She participated with the Math Team, Ski Club and Spanish Club and served as a physics and calculus tutor and student ambassador at her high school. She was named the 2017 CYO Student Artist of the Year and completed her Girl Scout Gold Award. She was an altar server for Holy Trinity Parish in Poughkeepsie and volunteered at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Business Honors Program, Lehner will major in biology on the pre-med track. She is the daughter of Maria and Eric Lehner.

Diana Lozinger, Cranberry Township, graduated from Vincentian Academy in Pittsburgh with an International Baccalaureate Diploma. A member of the National Honor Society, she received the Martin Luther King Jr. Day first place award in prose from Carnegie Mellon University. She participated in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festival in Vocals. She was a member of the International Club and served as the Diocesan youth council representative and as a cantor for her school and her parish, Saint Kilian Parish in Cranberry Township, where she also served as a CCD aid. An advocate for childhood stroke, brain injury and disability, Lozinger has made more than 3,500 beaded bracelets for children in recovery in hospitals and outpatient care. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Lozinger will major in counseling and human services and theology. She is the daughter of Tika and Charles Lozinger.

John Nelson, Jefferson, Maryland, graduated from St. John’s Catholic Prep in Buckeystown. A member of the National Honor Society, he was a member of the Science Olympiad and placed 1st in several events. He was a lawyer and witness on his school’s mock trial team that made it to the top 4 mock trial teams in the state before the pandemic began. He was captain of both the varsity golf team and varsity soccer team for which he played for four years. He served as student body executive president. He participated in his school’s musical theater performances, Math Club, Campus Ministries and other activities. He was lead altar server, retreat leader, cantor, lector and leader of religious education for children at his parish, Holy Family Catholic Church in Middletown. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Nelson will major in mechanical engineering and philosophy. He is the son of Karen and John Nelson.

Nadia Ostrosky, Sherman, Connecticut, graduated from Shepaug Valley High School in Washington. A National Merit Commended Scholar, she was a member of the National Honor Society and the Art National Honor Society. She was a member of the varsity soccer team, the cross-country team and was captain of the varsity indoor and outdoor track team. She was named a Berkshire League Scholar Athlete for three years. She also participated in Student Council and served as a tutor for underclassmen. She volunteered as a coach for youth girl’s soccer and with the Sherman Historical Society Summer Program. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Ostrosky will major in business communication and philosophy. She is the daughter of Helen Anne and Robert Ostrosky, who are 1992 graduates of The University of Scranton.

Jacqueline Savage, Kings Park, New York, graduated from Smithtown High School West in Smithtown. She was an AP Scholar with Distinction and member of the National Honor Society, as well as the mathematics, English and social studies honor societies. She was secretary for the Italian Honor Society and event coordinator for the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She placed 5^th in the calculus level of the Suffolk County Mathematics Teachers Association Contest. She was concert master and principal clarinetist for her school’s Symphonic Band and leader for the Woodwind Ensemble. She also participated in the Orchestra Pit, Symphonic Orchestra and the NYSCAME all-county music festival. She volunteered at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM, Savage will major in biology. She is the daughter of Gina and Dave Savage.

Kathleen Till, Newtown Square, graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield. She was National Merit Scholarship Finalist and member of the National Honor Society. She served as the president of her school’s Community Service Corp and was on the executive board of the Danny Hammond Dance Marathon. She also participated in cross country, indoor and outdoor track, choir and musical theater. She served as a cantor at St. Anastasia parish in Newtown Square. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Till has not yet declared a major. She is the daughter of Ann and Eric Till.

Shelby Traver, Sweet Valley, graduated as salutatorian from Lake-Lehman Junior/Senior High School. She was a National Merit Commended Scholar, an AP Scholar with Distinction, and member of the National Honor Society. A Speech and Debate Association Academic All-American, Traver was a three-time qualifier to the Pennsylvania High School Speech League State Tournament in Student Senate, placed 12th in the state in Student Senate at the PHSSL State Tournament and a four-time qualifier to the National Catholic Forensics League Grand National Tournament in Student Congress. She twice won first place at the Regional National History Day Contest and was a two-time qualifier to the State National History Day Contest. She was captain of the Speech and Debate Team and also participated in the Interact Club, Science Olympiad, Scholastic Scrimmage and Martial Arts. She volunteered at Dorothy Day Catholic Worker's Farm, among other places. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Traver will major in international business and international studies. She is the daughter of Anne and Kelly Traver.

Jessica Tsu, Valley Stream, New York, graduated from Valley Stream North High School. She is a National AP Scholar, National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar and member of the National Honor Society. She is also a member of the science, social studies, mathematics and foreign language honor societies and was president of the English Honor Society. She received the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 2019 Medal of Honor. She was a four-year participant in the winter/spring track and field team and was a county qualifier for three years. She was a member of the Student Council, Class of 2020 Grade Council and the Gay Straight Alliance. She volunteered as a Spanish tutor to junior high students, an assistant Girl Scouts troop leader and at the Sunrise Senior Living Center. Tsu will major in occupational therapy. She is the daughter of Adele and James Tsu.

Cayman Webber, Buckeye, Arizona, graduated as valedictorian of the Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies in Buckeye, with an International Baccalaureate Diploma. A National Merit Commended Scholar, Webber earned a summer internship with the KEYS Research Program at the University of Arizona. In Student Government, she served as president for her freshman class, vice president for her sophomore class and treasurer for her junior and senior classes. She was captain of her high school swim team and was a three-time Division III State Championship finalist in the 100-yard backstroke and the 200-yard individual medley. She was a mission field trip coordinator for WATERisLIFE, a youth leader for the Summit Community Church in Buckeye and a delegate and counselor for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM, Webber will major in biology and philosophy in the pre-dental track. She is the daughter of Alicia and Tony Webber.

Members of The University of Scranton’s new Political Science Club span the political spectrum.

“We have members that are republican, democrat and independent, which makes for good conversation,” said club president Ryan Hammer, a sophomore accounting major from Wayne, New Jersey. The club’s members also represent a number of majors, including political science, accounting, criminal justice and biology, to name a few.

The club meets via Zoom every two weeks. At the meetings, members have discussed the Presidential and Vice-Presidential debates and how the coronavirus has affected politics.

“I believe this club serves members with a safe space where students can be accepted and respected to share their political beliefs. With everything going on in the world and all the hatred between political parties, I am happy we can provide a place where students can feel comfortable discussing their views on sensitive topics,” said Hammer. “The Political Science Club also provides students with a place to become more educated on different political views and with the problems going on in the world today.”

Future meetings will include guest speakers and other activities, such as mock debates.

In addition to Ryan Hammer, who serves as president, other student officers of the Political Science Club are: Sean Hammer, vice president a sophomore biology major from Wayne, New Jersey; Amanda Wolfson, secretary, a sophomore criminal justice major from Wayne, New Jersey; and Michael Abromovage, marketing chair, a sophomore biochemistry major from Wyoming. Michael Allison, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Political Science Department, serves as the club’s moderator.

University students are welcome to the Political Science Club. For more information, contact the student officers or the club moderator.

If you've ever considered doing a year (or more) of volunteer service after graduation, please consider participating in our virtual Post-Grad Fair on Oct. 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. via the Handshake platform. You'll be able to make a 1-1 appointment with recruiters or attend Zoom info sessions for particular organizations, or a Zoom with several organizations that place volunteers in similar volunteer placements. For more information, please contact Catherine.Seymour@scranton.edu.

You can register and start selecting 1:1 or group sessions with programs here.

Applications are now available for students who would like to apply for a graduate assistantship for the 2021-2022 academic year! 

Click here.

The Class of 2024 was invited to take part in the Connections Retreat – an experience designed to help first-year students get to know each other as well as to get acquainted with Campus Ministries. It’s also a time and space set aside as an opportunity to deepen one’s awareness of God’s presence and to cultivate a healthy relationship with that presence.

One of the first-year participants, Katianna Figueroa ’24, said, "The Connections retreat gave us an opportunity to interact and learn from each other during a time where connecting with someone has been super stressful due to the Covid-19. The advice from the upperclassmen Connections team has helped me a lot. I am glad to have signed up for the retreat."

Two retreats took place and were led by Scranton students for the newest students.

“I have been in awe of the strength and perseverance of the freshmen throughout this whole semester,” said peer retreat leader Emma Dougherty ’22. “They truly formed beautiful connections with one another.”

The campus ministers who coordinated this retreat, Amy Hoegen and Fred T. Mercadante, made sure to incorporate all the safety protocols as outlined in the Royals Safe Together plan.

“This was the first retreat that we have been able to do this year, and I was amazed that even with all the restrictions in place, these first-year students seemed to be able to squeeze every ounce of communal and spiritual nourishment out of the experience,” said Mercadante.

This one-day experience took place on campus on the AMH lawn under a large tent, with breakout sessions in small groups in various locations on campus.

The Center for Service & Social Justice and the Office of Community Relations are seeking University students to act as Virtual Tutors for elementary age kids in the Scranton School District. The program begins on Oct.12 and will run for 3-6 weeks. Valid clearances are required.

For more info, please contact CSSJ student intern Graceann.Baldenko@scranton.edu or stop by the CSSJ office in DeNaples 205B.

Esprit, the University of Scranton’s Review of Arts and Letters, is calling for submissions for our Fall 2020 edition. We accept submissions of prose, poetry, and graphics. Cash prizes are available in each category.

The submission due date is Oct. 16. Submit online or in CLP 221. 

The University of Scranton Center for Career Development & Center for Service and Social Justice presents the 2020 Post Grad Service Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Register on Handshake.

Please contact Cathy Seymour in the Center for Service & Social Justice at catherine.seymour@scranton.edu for details!

Wednesday is the new Friday!  

We Care Wednesday, a new program organized by the Center for Service and Social Justice (CSSJ) and EFFORT (Excess Food For Others Recovery Team), has added much needed positive energy to the middle of the week during the pandemic. The University community including over 40 students, the Leahy Community Health and Family Center, the CAS Dean’s Office and Advising Center, the Registrar’s Office, the Division of Information Technology and many faculty and staff members have given tremendous support to provide meals to those most in need in the Scranton area. In September, 240 grab-and-go meals were organized and distributed to local agencies including the Community Intervention Center in Scranton.

Faculty, staff and students generously donated money and spent time baking beautiful desserts, making salads and even organizing entire meals!  Final preparations for each meal consisted of a team of CSSJ student workers as well as students who volunteered for one-hour shifts in small socially distant groups.  What made the meals special were personal contributions, including cards with inspirational messages and homemade gifts like bracelets and keychains from students. So much was added to the grab-and-go meal that it soon became a meal bag that also included a variety of available snacks (cereal, fresh fruit, granola bars, etc.) and goodies (masks, paper products, hand sanitizer, etc.) collected by CSSJ and EFFORT.

“We Care Wednesday not only supports the local community but also provides meaningful in-person and virtual experiences for students. We are able to work together and engage in a service activity with faculty and staff that benefits individuals facing a reduction in resources due to the pandemic," said Liz Filachek '21, and occupational therapy major.

The program is such a huge success that the original plan of preparing five meals has doubled to 10 meals!  The University community will provide 600 meals during the fall semester with our final holiday meal on Wednesday, Nov. 11, culminating with a delicious roast beef lunch. This meal will be sponsored by The Provost Council and Office. With the continued support of the University community, We Care Wednesday could benefit the local area, our students, staff and faculty throughout the academic year.   

If you would like to be involved by providing food, a monetary donation or an item for the meal bag, contact Barbara King with CSSJ at 570-941-4138 or barbara.king@scranton.edu.

Join CSSJ along with members from Circle K and The Knitting Club to "Craft For A Cause!" Learn how to crochet, knit, create a fleece blanket, make cards and/or make and use plarn (plastic yarn) with other members from the Scranton community over zoom! There is no experience necessary, and instructions and supplies will be provided.

All projects will be donated to local community agencies!

For more information click here or contact sarah.brown@scranton.edu or bailey.mclaughlin@scranton.edu.

By using online resources, one of The University of Scranton’s newest student organizations has been active throughout the semester.

W3USR University of Scranton Amateur Radio Club has held weekly Zoom meetings, which have included guest speaker appearances by world leaders in amateur radio and ionospheric science. Club members have used online radio platforms, such as kiwisdr.com and Echolink, to remotely access shortwave listening facilities around the globe. Through collaborations with other university amateur radio clubs, such as New Jersey Institute of Technology K2MFF, Massachusetts Institute of Technology W1MX and the Case Western Reserve University W8EDU, club members have earned new or upgraded amateur radio licenses remotely.

According to the club’s advisor, Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics and electrical engineering, amateur (ham) radio is a hobby that is officially recognized by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as having the fundamental purpose of providing volunteer public service and emergency communications, advancing the state-of-the-art of radio technologies, expanding the pool of trained radio operators, radio technicians, and electronics experts, and enhancing international goodwill. W3USR is the official radio call sign issued to the club by the FCC.

Student officers for W3USR Amateur Radio Club are: Veronica Romanek KD2UHN, president, a sophomore physics major from Hampton, New Jersey; Jonathan Rizzo KC3EEY, vice president, a senior electrical engineering major from Pittston Township; Thomas Baran KD2SNG, secretary, a junior neuroscience major from Blairstown, New Jersey; and Steve Holguin, treasurer, a junior computer engineering major from Whitehall.

Last year, Dr. Frissell was awarded a $1.3 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant that seeks to harness the power of a network of licensed amateur radio operators to better understand and measure the effects of weather in the upper levels of Earth’s atmosphere. In March of 2020, the University hosted – in a virtual format – the third annual HamSCI Workshop 2020 for amateur radio operators and professional scientists.

University students are welcome to join W3USR Amateur Radio Club. For more information, contact the student officers or the club advisor.