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Advent Prayer Resources from Campus Ministries image

General

November 30, 2020

Advent Prayer Resources from Campus Ministries

Campus Ministries has prepared an online resource of prayers, daily Scripture readings, activities and videos for the University community as each journeys during this holy season of Advent.

Father Pilarz Profiled in Times-Tribune image

General

November 24, 2020

Father Pilarz Profiled in Times-Tribune

University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., was profiled by The Times-Tribune about the challenges of living with ALS and continuing to lead the University through the pandemic.

Data Mining Class Gives Students Real-World Experience image

Faculty

November 24, 2020

University of Scranton Associate Professor Yibai Li, Ph.D., is always looking for unique ways for students in his Data Mining course to apply their knowledge in an actual professional context.

In the spring of 2018, he found one such opportunity – working with Lititz, Pennsylvania-based R.W. Sauder, one of the country’s biggest egg wholesalers.

Students in the course spent the entire semester attempting to find out whether data mining could predict egg prices six weeks ahead of time. That would allow R.W. Sauder to better manage its inventory, reduce its costs and increase its profits.

By the end of the project, the class had developed a model that could predict egg prices six weeks out -- at an accuracy rate of 92.8 percent when the confidence level was above 0.57, according to Dr. Li.

“I was pleased with the students' performance, considering data mining is a difficult topic,” said Dr. Li, a member of the Operations and Information Management Department. “Typically, it requires many years of learning, sometimes a Ph.D., before someone can complete a project like this. We did it within one semester. The students learned data mining from scratch and were able to complete a real-world project by the end of the semester.”

Various Algorithms Used

To start the project, Dr. Li divided the class into five groups, with each working independently, yet comparing their results to improve each other's models. Besides gathering Sauder’s 10-year sales numbers and egg prices, the students collected some other useful information, including Avian flu incidents, severe weather incidents and temperature over the same decade.

“I think the project was done very rigorously,” Dr. Li said. “The students followed the data mining methodology they learned in the course and tried many different cutting edge algorithms and optimized the results accurately.”

The students presented their results to R.W. Sauder's President and CEO, Mark Sauder, and other company representatives. The executives found the results useful and commended the students for their efforts.

Mutually Beneficial Results

Besides providing a significant service to R.W. Sauder, the students made themselves more marketable in the process.

“This project gave me great exposure to not only polishing my data mining skills, but also in working on my presentation skills, which continues to help me immensely in my current role,” said Hurr Hamdani, a securitized products analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co. He received his MBA from the University in 2018.

Meanwhile, Hamdani's classmates have landed positions at other top-flight companies, including Goldman Sachs.

“The students,” Dr. Li said, “got real-world project experience that they could put on their resumes.”

Data Mining Class Gives Students Real-World Experience

Operations and information management professor Yibai Li, Ph.D., gave students real-world experience in data mining class.

Library of Congress Adds Our America to Collection image

Staff

November 24, 2020

Library of Congress Adds Our America to Collection

Our America, a book edited by Sondra Myers, was added to the permanent collection of the Library of Congress.

Student

November 24, 2020

Two Students Qualify for National Forensics Tournament

Four University of Scranton Speech Team members won awards at two recent virtual collegiate forensics tournaments.

The Latest Issue of Esprit is Online image

General

November 24, 2020

The Latest Issue of Esprit is Online

The latest issue of Esprit, The University of Scranton review of arts and letters, is online.

Fiber Arts Workshop Weaves New Hope image

Community

November 23, 2020

The year 2020 marks the 100^th anniversary of the 19^th amendment that provided women in this country with the right to vote. The step towards equality for women and the importance of women’s voices, ideas, and work is beautifully captured by painter Violet Oakley in her painting “Weavers of New Hope” currently on loan to the Hope Horn Gallery at The University of Scranton from the Everhart Museum. This painting is a part of a larger loan from the Everhart’s permanent collection comprised of artworks of and by women to the Hope Horn Gallery on campus for its recent exhibition “Women In Art: Selections From The Everhart Museum.”

This special exhibition, and its coincidence with this important anniversary, call attention to parallels between the world of the 1920’s, the world of artist Violet Oakley, and our own time now in 2020. In both times, the nation was facing impacts of a global pandemic and the waves of social change. This exhibition calls the viewer to reflect on the aspirations held by women of the 1920’s and consider how women today in the 2020’s are carrying ahead the work for equality. This bold spirit of strength is visibly embodied by the subject of Oakley’s painting, Ethel Davenport, who is both the subject of the painting as the weaver herself and a real-life friend of Oakley.

The painting creates an allegory that tells the story of weaving new hope into the lives of women, by working within the framework we are given and finding the creativity and possibilities within ourselves. It is with this goal of inspiring new hope that Hope Horn Gallery director Dr. Darlene Miller-Lanning Ph.D. is running special workshops for students in the Scranton Area. “Weaving New Hope: A Fiber Arts Workshop” offers student participants from grades 5 – 12 an opportunity to learn both the arts of spinning and weaving, along with the history and importance of this work through a discussion of Violet Oakley’s painting. This workshop was offered on November 9 to students from the University’s partner school McNichols Plaza Elementary and again on November 18 to middle and high school students participating in United Neighborhood Center’s “Leaders In Training” program.

Students from both partner organizations typically would come to campus to visit the Hope Horn Gallery and participate in hands-on workshops. Due to the coronavirus, this year, both the gallery visits and workshops took place via Zoom. Still, despite the physical distance, participating students were provided with materials and had the opportunity to spin their own yarn to then use in the weaving loom. Students were able to create their own unique projects and to connect with the University in this virtual space.

The Hope Horn Gallery will offer one additional workshop open to community members on Tuesday, December 8 at 3 p.m. This workshop is limited to the first 15 participants to register. Registration and materials pickup is required. Register your student here.

Fiber Arts Workshop Weaves New Hope

Local students join with Hope Horn Gallery for gallery talk, followed by spinning and weaving workshop. Final workshop to be offered on December 8.

Alumni

November 23, 2020

The University of Scranton prides itself on the metaphorical doors it is able to open for its students through education. One such way students can open even more doors is by learning a world language. For many alumni of the University’s Department of World Languages and Cultures, their lives were forever changed after obtaining a major, minor or concentration in another language.

“Learning a language while at Scranton had a profound impact on the opportunities I’ve since had in the workforce,” said Linda Neilan, a former secondary education and Spanish double major.

After graduating in 1994, Neilan decided to pursue service full time through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Because of her Spanish studies at Scranton, she had enough skills to qualify for and obtain her top volunteer choice: a non-profit law firm in Los Angeles.

Neilan has since built up quite a resume: teaching Spanish at a Jesuit high school, obtaining her law degree, representing all kinds of workers in New York City and serving as a foreign service officer in Brazil and Mexico.

Many of the alumni of the Department of World Languages and Cultures have seen changes in their personal life after learning another language. Michael Canaris, Ph.D. graduated from The University of Scranton in 2002 as a philosophy and theology double major. While at Scranton, Canaris also obtained a concentration in Italian studies. He described his experience in the University’s language classes, especially those with Dr. Picchietti, as transformative.

“Dr. Picchietti really inspired me to not only learn the language but really immerse myself in the culture and history and food and art of Italy,” Canaris said. “This has taken on a really personal dimension to me.”

Canaris currently works at Loyola University in Chicago, coordinating summer graduate programs in Rome. While his Italian skills have served him well in his profession, they have also impacted Michael’s personal life as well. Because of his Italian skills, Canaris lived in Europe for a period of time during which he met his wife, Valeria. In fact, Canaris ended up proposing to Valeria at the Apostolic Palace at Castel Gandolfo on American Thanksgiving. When the couple later rejoined friends and colleagues for an event celebrating the holiday for American ex-pats, Canaris's friend made a toast.

“He toasted Valeria and me in three languages that night, so everyone in the room could understand in Spanish, Italian and English,” Canaris said. “It was such a wonderful experience of living in a global church, in a global academy as an academic and that lived experience of celebrating such a wonderful milestone moment in my life in these various languages and these various cultures.”

Elena Habersky, who graduated from the University in 2013 as an international studies major and theology, philosophy and Arabic triple minor, also had many professional and personal opportunities open for her by learning another language. Habersky loves being able to travel. She always takes the time to learn basic phrases (e.g. thank you, how much) in the mother language of the country she’s traveling to.

“I’ve found that people really appreciate the effort,” Habersky said.

After graduating from the University, Habersky obtained a Fulbright in Jordan. One of the main reasons she was placed in Jordan was because of the Arabic skills she developed as a Scranton student. Habersky is now a researcher at the American University in Cairo. One of her main research projects centers on refugee entitlements in Egypt.

With the world being so connected today, Habersky finds that learning another language is a valuable skillset that everyone should study at some point in their academic careers.

“I feel it should be a requirement for students, if not all Americans,” Habersky said. “It is also important to have some sort of international experience before you graduate. It really helps you grow as a global citizen.”

Open Doors by Learning a Language, Alumni Tell Their Stories

One way students can open doors is by learning a world language.

Clue Playing On Demand Nov. 27 and 28 image

General

November 23, 2020

Clue Playing On Demand Nov. 27 and 28

On Friday Nov. 27 and Nov. 28, Broadway On Demand will be offering a pre-recorded performance of our production of Clue: stay at home edition for 48 hours.

History Professor Discusses Trail of Tears and Cherokee Removal on Podcast image

Faculty

November 23, 2020

History Professor Discusses Trail of Tears and Cherokee Removal on Podcast

Adam Pratt, Ph.D., a professor in the History Department, discusses the Trail of Tears and Cherokee removal on the Alarmist, a podcast that "scrutinizes history’s greatest disasters to figure out what went wrong, and most importantly, who’s to blame," according to the show's website.

University’s 53rd Annual Noel Night Goes Virtual image

Community

November 20, 2020

Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present its 53rd annual Noel Night, COVID edition, on Saturday, Dec. 5, virtually via social media. The concert has served as the University’s Christmas gift to the community for more than half a century.

The premiere “watch party” will take place on the Performance Music Facebook page on Dec. 5, beginning with a band caroling prelude at 7:45 p.m. Noel Night will begin at its traditional 8 p.m. start time. Following the premiere, the video will be available for re-streaming in its entirety on the Performance Music YouTube channel throughout the Christmas season.

The University’s Christmas gift to the community, Noel Night has become a beloved holiday tradition for many Scranton-area residents since its creation more than a half-century ago. Traditionally, it is a choral concert, but this year, due to the pandemic and concerns about singing and playing woodwind and brass instruments indoors, the choir – who will perform a few pieces virtually – are delighted to welcome the help of the University’s String Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble and the newly-formed Beginner Strings, Beginner Percussion and Steel Drum groups.

“We all certainly need something to lift our spirits during these challenging times, and it has been a pleasure to watch the resilience displayed by these students in their determination to continue to make and share their musical talents in whatever way is possible during this pandemic,” said Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga. “They were adamant that the first year in more than half a century without a Noel Night would not happen on their watch.”

For the virtual concert, the 40-voice mixed virtual choir will be joined by 25 members of the String Orchestra, the 12-member Percussion Ensemble, 33 beginner string and percussion players, and eight newly-minted steel drummers, as well as 15 stalwart band members who – after not having been able to play together since last March – came together on an incredibly cold, windy, rainy afternoon to play Christmas carols outdoors as they do when the audience is arriving each Noel Night. University President Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, Hal Baillie, Ph.D., professor emeritus, and Leonard Gougeon, Ph.D., distinguished professor of English and theatre, will offer greetings and Nativity readings from the books of John and Luke.

Also heard during the event will be contributions by legendary musician, composer, and educator Wycliffe A. Gordon H’06, the favorite guest artist of the Performance Music ensembles, and Mark Gould, a regular Noel Night guest who served as the principal trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra from 1974-2003, as well as a few alumni special guests.

Tom Salitsky, director of Advancement Communications, recorded the video of all of the concert hall portions of the event, and assembled and edited the concert video from all of the various parts, with additional footage provided by University students serving as assistant videographers Kasidy Leggin ’21, Archbald, and Alex Chan ’23, Wilkes-Barre. Joseph Link ’21, Springfield, served as videographer for the outdoor caroling. Scranton alumnus Mark Prestifilippo ’04 recorded the sound for the strings and percussion portions of the video. Joseph Boga did all of the audio and video engineering to create the virtual choir portions of the program from the individual recordings submitted by the singers.

In addition to Cheryl Y. Boga, Performance Music staff members include Janelle Decker, assistant director, and Thomas Cipriano ’98, administrative assistant.

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

University’s 53rd Annual Noel Night Goes Virtual

Performance Music at the University will present the 53rd annual Noel Night (COVID edition) virtually on Dec. 5.

What Does Dead Week Look Like This Semester? image

Student

November 18, 2020

The end of the semester is quickly approaching for students at The University of Scranton. Dead Week, the week before final exams, is intended to give students time to study and prepare for all of their tests and projects due at the end of the semester. This year, Dead Week looks a little bit different. The Loyola Science Center (LSC) hallways and study rooms, which would typically be full of students getting work done, were fairly quiet.

However, Caroline Fitzgerald, a first-year nursing major, has been spending more time studying in quiet LSC. She said her Dead Week is mostly preparing for finals week with the exception of a few assignments.

“Personally, I’m just kind of prepping for next week . . . so I can focus on studying,” Fitzgerald said, “I do have a couple of papers to write, but it’s really nothing too bad.”

To help destress during the final two weeks, Fitzgerald plans on getting as much sleep as possible and try to keep all of her work organized.

“I’m going to try to get as much sleep as I can this week because I know I’m not going to be able to next week,” Fitzgerald said. “I think for me, stress management is more about planning things out and writing things down.”

The University closes for the semester on Nov. 26. Fitzgerald said she is sad to be leaving her friends but excited to see her family.

“I’ve been with my friends for [a few] months now,” Fitzgerald said, “But I think being home with my family and dog [will] be nice, too.”

As the semester wraps up, Fitzgerald said she’s ready for some downtime with no school work.

“[I’ve] been doing work every day since August,” Fitzgerald said, “So, I’m ready for a break, academically.”

Victor Lopez is a junior finance major. Lopez said his Dead Week has not been that busy.

“My Dead Week is pretty relaxed for the most part because we had exams for all of my classes last week,” Lopez said, “[My professors] are letting us relax until the second wave of finals.”

Lopez said he and his friends would normally be spending his time in the Loyola Science Center, but things are different this year because of virtual classes.

“The last two years, me and my roommates would wake up early to get study rooms in LSC and stay really late so we can prepare for finals, but we can’t really do that anymore,” Lopez said.

The entire 15-week semester went by fast for Lopez, and he said he is grateful for this semester.

“I was happy that we had the whole semester [on campus] compared to how it was last spring,” Lopez said, “Everyone got thrown into this whole world that no one knew anything about, but [this semester] I think it was a little easier,” Lopez said.

Lopez is part of the club volleyball team at Scranton. He said that returning to practice has helped to manage his stress during these past few weeks.

“It’s been easier to manage stress near the tail end of the semester,” Lopez said, “[Volleyball] has definitely been a big help in being able to actually get out of my room.”

Apart from volleyball, Lopez is also using his family as motivation to get through the last two weeks of the semester. “I haven’t gone home at all, so I’m dying to go home at this point,” Lopez said.

The University closes for the holiday on Nov. 26 and plans to have students return in early February for the start of the spring semester.

What Does Dead Week Look Like This Semester?

his year, Dead Week looks a little bit different.

Biden Urges Students to Be Engaged Citizens at 1976 Commencement image

Community

November 18, 2020

In 1976, then-U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. told the graduating class at The University of Scranton there was “a crisis in American leadership.”

President-Elect Biden, set to receive an honorary degree from Scranton that year, stepped in to serve as the principal speaker at the University’s undergraduate commencement when President Gerald Ford was unable to attend.

Rev. William J. Byron, S.J., then president of The University of Scranton (with then-Senator Biden at left), recalled that he and former Governor William Scranton, a close friend of the University, had made arrangements for then-President Ford to speak at the commencement. Father Byron was aware that Ford’s schedule could change at a moment’s notice, so he wanted to have a back-up plan.

“I got the idea of inviting Joe Biden, who just was elected to the U.S. Senate a few years before,” Father Byron said of the Scranton native who was elected to the Senate in 1972 at the age of 29.

“We invited him to come back to Scranton to receive an honorary degree. We would bring his old neighborhood pals together to celebrate his achievement of becoming a senator,” Father Byron said. “When I talked to Biden, I said, ‘By the way, President Ford is going to be the speaker, but in the event that he cannot make it and his plans change, would you be willing to be the speaker?’ Biden said sure, and that, in fact, was the way it happened.”

The bicentennial year of the United States marked the first presidential election after Watergate and the resignation of President Nixon.

“I don’t think there has ever been as much doubt in America as there is today,” Biden told the 880 graduates and their families assembled in the Long Center for the 1976 commencement.

“More than 72 percent of the people in this nation, surveyed in a recent poll, said that they thought America was in trouble and that things would get worse in the next 10 years.”

Biden encouraged students to participate in America’s political system.

“Those of you who don’t participate . . . should not complain.”

In his introduction of then-Senator Biden, Father Byron said he was a Scranton native who “reflects glory on this city,” and that, despite already having a close connection to the city, he hoped that the senator would become even closer.

“It is our hope that his appearance here today will bind him a little closer to all of us, and that no matter how high he goes he will remember his city and the University of which he has become an honorary alumnus,” said Father Byron in his introduction.

That was the first-time Father Byron met Biden, whose uncle Edward Blewitt Finnegan graduated from The University of Scranton in 1937.

“At graduation, we would use the expression ‘Father President.’ Biden got a big kick out of that term. He said that he enjoyed that term a lot better than what they say in Washington, which is ‘Mister President,’” said Father Byron.

The University’s class of 1976 included the first cohort of women graduates who began at Scranton in 1972 when the University became coed.

Receiving honorary degrees at the ceremony along with Senator Biden were Jean O'Hara Lynett, widow of Edward Lynett, the former publisher of the Scranton Times, Dr. Mildred Jefferson, president of the National Right to Life Committee, and Shenandoah native Rev. Walter J. Ciszek, S.J., the Polish-American priest who conducted missionary work in the Soviet Union and who is now being considered for sainthood.

The University dedicated a building in honor of Father Ciszek in 2005.

Scroll through the gallery below for more photos from the 1976 graduation.

Biden Urges Students to Be Engaged Citizens at 1976 Commencement

Address given by then-U.S. Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. at the University’s 1976 undergraduate commencement ceremony has a familiar ring to it.

Downtown Businesses Offer Special Promotion for Students image

Community

November 18, 2020

The holidays are just around the corner, and before the extended holiday break, University of Scranton students have a special opportunity to bring home unique items and gifts from the city of Scranton. Local nonprofit Scranton Tomorrow has collaborated with the Scranton downtown business community to offer a special “Home For The Holidays” shopping for college and university students. Through this special promotion, students can get an early start on their holiday shopping while social distancing, masking up and staying safe through multiple methods to shop, including curbside options.

The “Home For The Holidays” promotion began on Friday, Nov. 14 and will continue through Sunday, Nov. 21. Students attending Scranton colleges and universities can enjoy special incentives, discounts and promotions from more than 25 businesses in Downtown Scranton with the presentation of a valid student ID.

“Our Downtown Small Business Community enjoys welcoming students all year round but especially around the holiday season. 'Home for the Holidays' is a great opportunity for students to support their favorite local businesses and bring a piece of Scranton home with them,” said Liz Baldi, project coordinator with Scranton Tomorrow.

Many businesses participating in this project also offer multiple ways for students to shop safely. Downtown restaurants have curbside pick-up and delivery options available. Retailers are also making special accommodations for patrons by offering private shopping appointments, limiting the number of patrons in the store and by offering curbside pickup.

Participating businesses include: RD Hair Salon & Blowdry Bar, RD Brow and Lash Bar, TRYBE Boutique Fitness Studio, The Daisy Collective, The Workshop, Tammy's Stained Glass Treasures, The Giving Tree Wellness Center, B's Floral Design, Inc., Freedlove, Veloce Bikeworks, Burlap & Bourbon, The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant, Adezzo, The Mane Room, Downtown Deli and Eatery, Runway Luxury Boutique, Electric City Bakehouse, Meat in the Middle Deli, Rain Tree, Noteology, Tom Grudis Optical/The Bare Accessories, POSH at SC, Over the Moon & Northern Light Espresso Bar and Cafe.

For the complete list of Student Discounts offered during the “Home For The Holidays” event click here and for a complete list of Scranton Tomorrow’s special promotions and events click here.

Make sure to follow Scranton Tomorrow and all of these participating businesses on Facebook and Instagram for more ways to Support Local and shop for the holidays! Scranton Tomorrow can be found on Facebook @ScrantonTomorrow, on Twitter @Scranton2morrow, and on Instagram @scranton2morrow.

Downtown Businesses Offer Special Promotion for Students

Scranton Tomorrow partners with the downtown Scranton business community to offer a special opportunity for students.

Professor Works with Students to Publish Research image

Faculty

November 18, 2020

Research on mass spectrometry imaging by Katherine Stumpo, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, and two of her students, now graduates, was published in an academic journal. They also have a patent pending on their imaging technique.

Dr. Stumpo, who leads a research group of 12 undergraduate and 10 graduate students at the University, focuses their research on mass spectrometry (MS), which is an analytical technique that essentially “weighs” molecules.

“MS research extends from instrument development to applications in chemistry, geology, forensics, biological sciences, and more,” said Dr. Stumpo. “Our project focus of late has been on mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), which is an incredibly powerful technique that can determine qualitative and quantitative information of hundreds of compounds in a tissue section in one experiment. We have published on this recently, as a proof-of-concept that we can detect these compounds of interest.”

Dr. Stumpo’s ongoing research is a continuation of that work.

Dr. Stumpo and then University of Scranton students Nolan McLaughlin ’20, Moscow, and Tyler Bielinski ’18, ’G20, Dunmore; along with colleagues Caitlin Tressler, Ph.D.; Eric Barton; and Kristine Glunde, Ph.D.; published an article titled “Pneumatically Sprayed Gold Nanoparticles for Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Neurotransmitters,” in the Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry. They demonstrated a simple citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) approach for the for the ionization of neurotransmitters that enhances laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry and “provides a fast, high-spatial resolution method for simultaneous detection of a class of molecules that typically evade comprehensive detection with traditional matrixes.”

Dr. Stumpo, McLaughlin, Bielinski, Dr. Glunde, and Dr. Tressler have a patent pending for their “Method of Comprehensive Neurotransmitter Detection using Citrate-Capped AuNPs for Imaging Mass Spectrometry.”

Dr. Stumpo also published a chapter titled “Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Neurotransmitters,” in Mass Spectrometry, edited by Goran Mitulovic, in InTechOpen in 2020. The chapter explored previous and up-and-coming techniques for maximizing the detection of neurotransmitters in mass spectrometry imaging.

McLaughlin is pursuing a Ph.D. at Washington University in St. Louis and Bielinski is applying for admission to medical school.

Dr. Stumpo joined the faculty at Scranton in 2015. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a Ph.D. from Texas A and M University.

Professor Works with Students to Publish Research

Research of Chemistry Professor Katherine Stumpo, Ph.D., and two Scranton graduates was published recently.

University Christmas Tree is a Live One for 2020 image

Student

November 17, 2020

University Christmas Tree is a Live One for 2020

The University planted a live Norway Spruce on the Dionne Campus Green to serve as a Christmas tree for 2020 and years to come.

Christmas Giving Drives Modified for 2020 image

Community

November 17, 2020

Christmas Giving Drives Modified for 2020

The University’s Center for Service and Social Justice adjusted its annual Christmas giving programs for the pandemic.

General

November 17, 2020

End of the Semester Food Drive

The Center for Service & Social Justice will be collecting non-perishable food from now until the end of the semester (Nov. 25).

Diversity Initiatives Grants Available image

General

November 17, 2020

Diversity Initiatives Grants Available

The Diversity Initiatives Review Board is accepting applications for grants in support of creative, educational programs that PROMOTE diversity, provide opportunity for inter-cultural engagement, and expand opportunities for multicultural experiences for our community.

Sinchul Back, Ph.D., Wins ORSP Raffle image

Faculty

November 17, 2020

Sinchul Back, Ph.D., Wins ORSP Raffle

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) has a monthly and once during the summer raffle for members of the University who submit external grant proposals.

Student

November 16, 2020

Graduate students in the clinical mental health counseling program are starting projects to advocate for at-risk groups as a part of their Professional Issues for Counselors course. One group of first-year grad students, Mariah Carey, Gina Romano, Brianna Stangline and Aira Mae Walsh, are advocating for the NEPA Youth Shelter.

The NEPA Youth Shelter is a local non-profit organization that provides emergency shelter and services to homeless or at-risk teens. Services include food, clothing, shelter and educational support. With a strong focus on social justice and advocacy, the shelter also acts as a safe haven for teens in the LGBTQ+ community. With the events of COVID-19, the importance of community support and outreach are needed perhaps now more than ever.

"I was definitely frustrated at first," said Romano, one of the students organizing the project, "mainly because I didn't know how we could help with COVID-19 blocking so many avenues we tried to take. But I was also hopeful to target this population because we should still be concerned with how teens are surviving the pandemic."

The group worked closely with the executive director for the shelter, Maureen Maher-Gray, and decided that fundraising would be the best option to support the services that the shelter offers in lieu of physical donations such as backpacks and notebooks.

Maher-Gray explained, "Our attendance is way down because of COVID, which means we are not serving many kids right now. We also have limited storage."

In Pennsylvania, there are an estimated 30,624 homeless public-school students, according to a 2018 report by the National Center for Homeless Education. This is a 30 percent increase since a similar report done in 2016.

"People often associate homelessness with living in the street," said Stangline. "However, homelessness can also mean not having a stable or consistent home. Many of the homeless teens that the shelter services bounce from relatives or friends' houses and may not know where their next meal is coming from."

For those who would like to donate or have additional questions about the fundraiser, please contact airamae.walsh@scranton.edu.

Students Fundraising for Local Youth Shelter

Graduate students in the clinical mental health counseling program are starting projects to advocate for at-risk groups as a part of their Professional Issues for Counselors course.

Student

November 16, 2020

Students Begin Royal Scholar Program in STEM

Five incoming students joined the Royal Scholars Program, which provides scholarships through a National Science Foundation grant.

Staff

November 13, 2020

Twenty-one University of Scranton staff members will retire at the end of 2020, with a combined total of 608 years of service to the University.

"That is a tremendous gift that you've given us," said University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., in a message to the retirees. "You form a remarkable community. You are the shoulders that we stand on, and we cannot thank you enough. Know that you will always be members of the extended Scranton community."

Twenty of the University staff members who are retiring are 20-year Pro Deo honorees, three have received the Sursum Corda Award, which recognizes members of the University's staff who have made outstanding contributions to the life and mission of the University.

A farewell Zoom will be offered on Dec. 3, 2020, with retirees. More information to follow.

Congratulations to all of the retirees:

College of Arts & Sciences	Finance	Library
Michele Langan	Deborah Morano	Lori Gaccione

Facilities	Financial Aid	Panuska College of Professional Studies
Bryant Benjamin	Bill Burke	Patricia Connolly
Ed Dylewski	Donna Tucker	Mary Ann Muraca
Jasminka Hodzic		Diane Muniz
Smail Hodzic	IT	Debbie Zielinski
Carol Morrow	Kathy Boock
Elsa Nelson	Karen Kuzmak	Registrar
Tim O’Connor	Stephen Gilbody	Deb Hazen
Pat Pizzola

Meet some of them, below.

Kathryn Boock
Tech Support Analyst
Information Technology

What did you do before starting at the University?

Prior to employment at the University, I was raising my three boys and running a licensed daycare in my home.

Do you have a favorite memory or two of working at the University?

It's hard to capture just a memory or two after almost 30 wonderful years. Just reading that question brings back a flood of beautiful memories and sweet moments with dear friends. However, I would have to say some of my favorite times were taking classes together with Lisa Notarianni, and the most fun class for me was a criminal justice class I was in with my son, Jeremy, who challenged me at every turn. During one of the classes, a student came up to Lisa and me and expressed his annoyance to us at how loud we were talking and how our behavior was so interrupting to him, and on and on he vented. Lisa and I were embarrassed, apologized, and assured him we would tone it down and be more respectful and explained that we were only trying to make sure we had all of Professor Cimini's notes. Then the student cracked up and told us we were punked and Jeremy put him up to it for $5 and he was really sorry, but he needed lunch money!

What will you miss the most about the University?

I believe I'm going to miss the students the most. I loved the opportunity I had to work with so many kids, experiencing their enthusiasm, their boundless energy, their determination to make a difference, their hope for an amazing future. The office is brighter and more interesting when they are working!

What are your plans for retirement?

My retirement plans are to relocate to sunny Florida, enjoying five wonderful grandchildren, the youngest, three months old, who I will hold for the first time. I look forward to making new friends, reading new books, learning how to relax and beginning a new chapter in my life.

William Burke
Director of Financial Aid
Financial Aid

What did you do before working at the University?

Worked in Financial Aid at Wilkes University and Lackawanna Junior College (now Lackawanna College).

Do you have a favorite memory or two of working at the University?

My very favorite day at The University of Scranton has always been the Mass of the Holy Spirit. It is an opportunity for staff, faculty and students to worship together.

What will you miss the most about the University?

I will miss working with and helping the students. It’s always been the best part of the job.

What are your plans for retirement?

My initial plans are to chill a bit. I would like to do somethings with my wife, my family and my grandchildren. I also like to fish, so I hope to do more fishing.

What is something interesting about you, you’d like to share with the University community.

I’ve been active in scouting for so many years. In my parish, I’ve organized dinners over the years, and I can cook dinner for 600 people.

Please share a fun fact with us.

When I first started at the University, the mascot was a chicken!

Patricia Connolly

Secretary to the Assistant Dean

PCPS

What did you do before working at the University?

Prior to working at the University of Scranton, I was a stay-at-home mom with three children: Kathleen, Timothy and Michael. Now all are graduates of The University of Scranton.

Do you have a favorite memory or two of working at the University?

A favorite memory was when I attended the dedication of the McIlhenny Ballroom in honor of Bernard R. McIlhenny, S.J. It was such a beautiful event. I worked for Father Mac for eight years before he retired from Admissions and it is still my privilege to be friends with him.

What will you miss the most about the University?

The University community has been my family for the past 31 years, and I will miss the many friends that I've made over the years. We had so many laughs that will last me a lifetime.

What are your plans for retirement?

I always thought the beauty of retirement was not to have a plan and to do whatever you feel like! I have a lot of different things that I want to do starting with spending more time with my husband of 46 years, soon to be 47 years in January. Traveling and visiting my grandchildren more often. I love art and designing things and I would like to do more photography. I want to design some quilts that tell a family story.

What is something interesting about you, you’d like to share with the University community?

The most interesting thing about me is that I grew up with 10 siblings. We had the best home with loving parents and so much laughter. So many wonderful memories and celebrations. Our family is still growing, in fact, this month my youngest son and his wife are expecting a new baby, number 116 in the Kelly family. Yes, we each have a number according to when we entered the family, either by birth or by marriage.

Please share a story.

Well, there are many funny things that I remember but putting them in words might not be the same as being there.

I do remember the time Dean Pallante asked me to order a bouquet of flowers that he was going to present at an event that evening. I did order the flowers and they were delivered to the office but I put them in another office out of his sight. Later that afternoon, I took the mason jar of wildflowers that were sitting on my desk for about three days. I knocked on his door and brought them in and set them on his table and told him the flowers had arrived. I was as serious as could be. I told him just to be careful carrying them up the hill to the ballroom so the water didn't spill out on him. The look on Dean Pallante's face was priceless. He was speechless, his face was blank, he didn't know what to say. Finally, he just said, "Those are the flowers? How can I give her those?" Well, at that point Diane Muniz brought the actual bouquet in to show him. He was so relieved, but we had such a good laugh.

Lori Gaccione
Senior Acquisition Clerk
Library

What did you do before starting at the University?

Prior to working at the University, I was completing my bachelor’s degree at Marywood. I actually worked in their library as a work-study student while I was there, still behind the scenes like here.

Do you have a favorite memory or two of working at the University?

My favorite memories will always be the people I worked with and the silly little things that have happened over the years.

What will you miss the most about the University?

Of course, I will miss the people the most…OK, and maybe the squirrels too.

What are your plans for retirement?

No plans yet, except for spending time with my family and keeping up with my great-grandsons (2 and 5 years old), and spending time with my two furbabies.

What is something interesting about you, you’d like to share with the University community?

Not sure if this is interesting, but at one point in my life I spent a winter hitchhiking to get to a job that I couldn’t afford to lose. To this day, I can’t believe I did that, but God brought me through it and it showed me how strong I really am.

Please share a fun fact with us.

Disneyworld is my happy place!!!

Stephen Gilbody
Network Administrator
Information Technology

What did you do before starting at the University?

Field-service Tech fixing and installing computers/networks locally for 13 years.

Do you have a favorite memory or two of working at the University?

Starting my day getting coffee at the Wolves Den Café in the basement of Gunster Hall.

What will you miss the most about the University?

Walking around campus doing my job – it’s a gorgeous place and a credit to our maintenance and grounds-crews.

What are your plans for retirement?

See more of the country and play more tennis.

What is something you’d like to share with the University community?

I grew up in a big family from Williamsport. Most still live there but the rest are spread out in the Northeast and in my retirement, I hope to visit with all of them more, whether they like it or not.

Please share a fun fact with us.

In the late ’80s, when I first came to live in Scranton with my first professional job, I fell in love with the look of The University of Scranton campus as I drove up Mulberry Street, seeing the activity around the well-lit tennis and basketball courts and the steam rising from the manhole covers (like Manhattan).

Smail Hodzik
Custodian
Facilities

Born in Bihac, Bosnia, Smail immigrated to the United States in 1998. Working for the Radisson Lackawanna Station, he hoped and waited to be hired by the University. Smail proudly became a United States Citizen in 2005, and he got his first passport in 2006.

Smail’s supervisors have commented that he always has a positive and pleasant attitude and will do anything they ask of him. After his most recent trip home, he returned with a special gift for a colleague, one she notes she will cherish for years to come.

He has truly enjoyed working for the University, celebrating his 20th year of service, along with his wife, Jasminka, in 2019. He noted feeling honored to be recognized for just coming to work every day.

Smail has enjoyed many events at the University, most notably the employee party -- as it is time with his wife where they can dance together, which they enjoy. He enjoys gardening, taking care of his yard and fishing. He enjoys traveling to the Lancaster area where he visits with a friend from his hometown; they sit around a table his friends’ father’s company made – a company his wife, Jasminka, worked for also.

Once he retires, he is looking forward to trying a few new things but hopes to fish more, too.

Karen Kuzmak
Administrative Assistant
Information Technology

I began my journey working as a paralegal in the Lackawanna County’s District Attorney’s Office for 10 years. I left there to start a family and was a stay-at-home mom for 13 years. When my son and daughter were in middle and high school, I started working at The University of Scranton in 1998 as an administrative assistant in the Office of Information Technology, where I remained until retirement.

Throughout the years I have made longtime friendships with students and staff whom I will treasure and remember always. However, my favorite memory was handing my son and daughter their diploma on graduation day -- a day I will never forget and am so grateful for.

As I start the next chapter of my life with my husband of 40 years, I plan on doing the things I love most-spending the winters in warm sunny weather, enjoying valuable time with my parents, and most of all creating priceless memories with my three grandchildren.

I am privileged and blessed to have had the opportunity to work for The University of Scranton -- thank you for everything. I will miss The University of Scranton.

Michele Langan
Faculty Secretary, Biology
CAS

What did you do before working at the University?

I came to the University from Atlantic Financial Savings and Loan, where I was employed as head teller.

What will you miss the most about the University?

What I will miss most about the University is the camaraderie between friends and colleagues, varied experiences and learning something new and interesting every day.

What are your plans for retirement?

After retiring from the University, I will be seeking part-time employment, completing home projects and engaging in some hobbies.

What is something interesting about you or something you’d like to share with the University community.

I really enjoy watching and reading detective mysteries such as Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, Frankie Drake, Murdock, and Mystery 101, to name a few. And, of course, I believe I have seen every episode of "Murder She Wrote." I am also enthralled by science fiction.

Please share a fun fact with us.

Being a new hire 31 years ago, I was prone to mistakes. My boss at the time was Dr. Evans, and when I returned from lunch one day after making an error, there was a pink slip on my desk saying I was fired!! Being beside myself, I didn't know if I should start packing up my things to prepare for my exit. After speaking to Dr. Evans, who thought this was a humorous way to get his point across, I found out my job was secure. It then became a running joke. Every time I did something incorrectly, I got "fired." Needless to say, I got "fired" a lot. But, thankfully, I learned some lessons and did manage to retain my job for 31 years.

Carol Morrow
Custodian
Facilities

Prior to joining the University, Carol worked for Haband International. She joined the University in 1998, working as a custodian in St Thomas Hall, Old Loyola Hall, Loyola Science Center, IMBM and Alumni Memorial Hall.

Carol is forever grateful and thankful for the people at the University, those she worked with and for. Carol also expresses appreciation for the tuition remission benefit her family received.

Although she will miss her University family and the beautiful buildings and environment in which she works, she is looking forward to spending more time with family. She looks forward to seeing all her family in the Scranton area, Virginia and Florida.

Diane Muniz
Office Manager, Secretary to Dean of PCPS
PCPS

What did you do before starting at the University?

I worked as a secretary at Lehigh County Community College

Do you have a favorite memory or two of working at the University?

My favorite memory was coming in on a Saturday and setting up the first Nativity display in McGurrin Hall along with my co-worker, Patricia Connolly.

What will you miss the most about the University?

I will miss being with my office family in the PCPS Dean’s office, and I will miss seeing all of my colleagues.

What are your plans for retirement?

I plan to tackle some of the house projects that I have been putting off. I am hoping I can do some traveling and plan to volunteer.

What is something you’d like to share with the University community?

My first job at the University was as faculty secretary for the science departments. On my first day of work, I was taken to what I thought would be my office. To my surprise, I was told that office space was not yet available but there was closet space in the Physics department in old Loyola that would serve as my office space for a few months.

Mary Ann Muraca
Faculty Secretary, Occupational Therapy
PCPS

My career started at the University when I was 19 years old. I had two prior office jobs in Scranton, which were not very appealing. A friend of mine, who was employed at the University, had informed me of a job opening. I submitted my application, was called for an interview, took a typing test, and luckily I was hired in the Alumni, Public Relations and Development Division, in 1974.
As I began working there with my friend Ann, work-study students were hired throughout the year. We established friendships with a great group of students, who later graduated in May 1976. Every five years during the Alumni Reunion Weekend, Ann and I would go to campus to see if our “special alums” would be present, and we were never disappointed. We would be welcomed with open arms and would chat for hours, getting up-to-date information on their lives.

Back in those days, we did not use computers. However, in the Alumni, PR and Development Office, we had typewriters which were very unique, as they had memory. We had to slip a mac card into the typewriter if we wanted our typed information to be saved and played back.

I will certainly miss the great friends I have met throughout the years on such a beautiful campus. It was always great to run into them on special occasions, such as Wellness Day or Mardi Gras. Also, I will greatly miss working with my special friends/co-workers in the Department of Occupational Therapy. They are wonderful, caring, talented, hard-working people, whom I have a lot of respect and admiration for. I am truly blessed for the number of years I spent in this department, and our students are indeed very lucky, as well.

After 46 years of service, I know it is the right time to begin a new chapter in my life. My husband and I plan to travel after this pandemic is over (God willing), especially to Florida during the winter months. I am happily looking forward to doing whatever I want each day, whether it is taking a Zumba class, going for a nice walk, spending more time with family, meeting friends for lunch, reading a good book, and so much more.

Elsa Nelson

Inventory Control and Material Coordinator

Facilities

Tell us something about your time at the University.

Working for The University of Scranton for 38 years, I was the first female building supervisor at the University. In the 1980s, Jefferson Hall was very busy, housing 101 freshmen boys on one side and the other side was classrooms and offices. The auditorium was used for band practice and the stage was used for actors for theatre. Some days lunches were held there and, others, dance classes. Located in the basement was a swimming pool and on the other side was occupational therapy with a cadaver lab. ROTC was located on the 2nd floor.

What will you miss most?

I will miss the people I work with the most.

What do you plan to do in retirement?

I hope to volunteer at different places where needed.

Can you share a fun fact with us?

I worked for the University and never had orientation at the lake, they didn't do orientation in 1982.

Timothy O'Connor
Groundskeeper
Facilities

Tim began working at the University in 1993, starting as a custodian before a promotion to groundskeeper in 1993, where he stayed most of the years since. Before working at the University, Tim worked for 19 years at Trane Co.

He is a proud member of the Order of Pro Deo. He is a recipient of the Sursum Corda Award, distinguishing him for exceptional dedication in his job, sense of community and his “living presence of God in this world.” He was also nominated by and received an Honorary Alpha Sigma Nu Award in 2019 from the Jesuit Honor Society recognizing his dedication

Tim notes he will have a million memories of his years at the university with two of his best being Commencement Weekend and the pilgrimage to El Salvador. He remembers working with Joe Ostroski for 20 hours straight, shuttling parents, grandparents and students all day and half the night following Father Pilarz’s party and Baccalaureate Mass.

He said he will miss the students and the employees the most, as they are his extended family.

Tim and his wife have five children, two of whom graduated from the University, both with bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice.

His love for the University and all it has given him and his children is immense. When he retires, he looks forward to spending time with his grandchildren and doing projects around the house, the first of which is painting the interior.

He loves to travel and hopes to see many historic sites during his retirement years.

Tim said he could write volumes about his years at the University but it could all be summarized in a quote by A.A. Milne, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

Donna Tucker
Administrative Assistant for Loan Programs
Financial Aid

What did you do before starting at the University?

I worked at Norton Book Publishing in Dunmore. Norton published many books our bookstore sells to our students.

Do you have a favorite memory or two of working at the University?

Two big and very proud memories! Handing Megan Tucker and Brian Tucker their diplomas!

What will you miss the most about the University?

I will miss my Financial Aid coworkers, but I was promised we will get together very often after I leave. I will miss lunches with the “Lunch Bunch.” We have grown in size over the years, and our lunches were the best. No serious talks at our table!!! Not a lunch went by without hysterics!

What are your plans for retirement?

My husband, Keith, and I love cruising and hope to do more after this corona Pandemic is over. I always wore University of Scranton sweatshirts and T-shirts on the cruises. I always ran into parents with students or graduates who attended the University!

What is something interesting about you, you’d like to share with the University community.

I love to do tole and decorative painting. I am fortunate to learn with great teachers and travel to many different painting seminars in various states. Thank you Keith Tucker!

Please share a fun fact with us.

I was leaving for home after my first day of work and had a parking fine! At the time, the “sacred” parking sticker had to be easily viewed on the bumper. No pull-throughs! No exceptions!

The year I started working at the University, Gunster Memorial Student Center was the hot spot of the University. Staff and faculty shared the dining space with the students. Ten pounds of salad could fit in a one-pound container if you tried hard enough! We now have the beautiful DeNaples Center.

Deborah Zielinski, RN, MS
Director of the Nursing Lab/Clinical Coordinator
PCPS

Deborah Zielinski, RN, MS earned her baccalaureate degree in nursing from Wilkes University and a master’s degree in nursing education from Binghamton University.

Prior to starting her career at The University of Scranton, Deborah worked at the Hershey Medical Center and The Medical College of Georgia as a floor nurse in neurology/neurosurgery. She also worked as a dialysis nurse at several facilities, including Moses Taylor Hospital, where she was the infection control nurse for four years.

In the fall of 1994, she started at The University of Scranton as part-time faculty in the Nursing Department where she also worked in the nursing lab. She became director of the nursing lab and clinical coordinator in 1998. At that time the nursing lab was a very dated, five-bed lab on the first floor of O’Hara Hall with some beds that still had hand cranks to elevate the head of the bed. During her time as director of the nursing lab, she has overseen the expansion of the nursing lab into McGurrin Hall (in the summer of 1998). Several renovations later, the lab has grown to its current state of three, five-bed labs, two nurse practitioner rooms and two simulation rooms with corresponding control rooms and debrief rooms. She pioneered the use of simulation as a teaching modality with high fidelity simulators at The University of Scranton, and its use is currently integrated into all nursing courses with a clinical component.

The most gratifying aspect of her position was knowing that she was part of educating well-prepared and sought after graduate nurses and learning of their accomplishments in the field.

Twenty-one Staff Members to Retire: Read their Stories

Twenty-one University of Scranton staff members will retire at the end of the year.

Christians for the Common Good Meeting, Nov. 13 image

General

November 11, 2020

Christians for the Common Good Meeting, Nov. 13

Christians for the Common Good, a reading and discussion group affiliated with Peace and Justice Studies, will meet Friday, Nov. 13 at noon on Zoom.

Student

November 11, 2020

Spotlight: The University of Scranton Black Student Union (BSU)

The new Black Student Union (BSU) at The University of Scranton discusses some of their current goals and the process of becoming a club.

SBDC Releases Consumer Holiday Survey Results image

Community

November 11, 2020

The University of Scranton Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) along with the Wilkes University SBDC recently conducted a consumer preference survey designed to help small retail shops plan for the upcoming holiday season.

The survey, conducted by The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development, found that 71 percent of consumers are planning to do their holiday shopping online and that trend was consistent among all age groups. More importantly, 83.4 percent were likely to shop at a small business. A desire to support small businesses and the community during the pandemic, better customer service, more unique options and protecting their health were some of the reasons noted by participants.

Dorothy Lane, director of the Wilkes University SBDC was glad to hear the support for the small business community was strong. Lane said, “2020 has been a struggle for small businesses everywhere, but time and again we have witnessed consumers making a concerted effort to support their neighborhood businesses.”

The information calls on small businesses to establish an online presence whether it’s through a website, a sales platform such as Etsy or social media channels. If a small business needs guidance in this area they are encouraged to reach out to their SBDC for assistance.

“Holiday sales are critically important for our small businesses and this particular season comes with many challenges,” said Lisa Hall Zielinski, director of The University of Scranton SBDC. “The SBDCs are ready to help our small retailers create and implement plans that encourage more people to shop small this holiday season.”

Download the full report: scrantonsbdc.com/2020-retail-survey-results/

SBDCs are hosted by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners, and funded in part by the United States Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are nearly 1,000 local centers available to provide no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses. The Wilkes University SBDC serves five counties in Northeastern, Central and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.

The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development was formed as a partnership of 13 colleges and universities in the Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre/ Hazleton Metropolitan Statistical Area and the business community.

SBDC Releases Consumer Holiday Survey Results

Small Business Development Center consumer preference survey shows strong support for small businesses for upcoming holiday season.

National First-Generation College Celebration image

Student

November 11, 2020

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

The on-campus celebration included trivia about famous first-gen students and the THR1VE program, interactive booths staffed by members of the THR1VE advisory board, giveaways, self-care tips and tricks for students as they approach final exams and long sleeve “I’M F1RST” t-shirts. Additional plans this week include a special edition of the THR1VE newsletter, social media campaigns and the launch of GU1DE, the new mentoring program.

Caitlin Gallagher ’21 is a student co-coordinator of THR1VE.

"We wanted to host this event to not only spread awareness of the program but to celebrate all of our first-gen students," she said. "It was such a great opportunity to get together in person to celebrate one another."

Ashley Walker ‘21 also took part in the event.

"Attending the event was a great opportunity to see one another and know that I am not alone on campus," she said.

In a letter to the campus community this week, University President Scott R. Pilarz, S. J., noted how being the first in a family to graduate college can impact not only a student, but their entire community.

“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.”

Fr. Pilarz also noted the strong commitment of educating first-generation students at the University where they make up 22 percent of the undergraduate student body.

“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 access higher education. For the past three years, institutions from across the nation have organized their own celebrations in support of their first-generation students.

The THR1VE program, launched in July 2019, is designed to celebrate and support first-generation college students throughout their time at the University. The primary goal of THR1VE is to identify and build resources that would assist first-gen Scranton students.

"The THR1VE program is a valuable community for first-generation students to come together to meet one another, learn more about campus resources and celebrate our shared success," said Jeffrey Colucci ‘21.

More information about the THR1VE program can be found on their website or their Instagram account.

National First-Generation College Celebration

The University of Scranton joined the National First-Generation College Celebration to recognize the University’s first-generation students, faculty, staff and alumni on Nov. 8.

Landmark Conference Shares Initial Plans for Return to Sport image

General

November 11, 2020

The Landmark Conference released the following statement on November 9, 2020:

TOWSON, Md. - The Landmark Conference leadership groups continue to meet diligently to discuss scheduling models and postseason opportunities for its league's student-athletes in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The safety of student-athletes, coaches, staff and the overall campus communities are the first priorities when planning a return to athletic activities and competition at any point during the 2020-21 academic year. The Landmark will sponsor conference play and championships if, and only if, a safe environment can be created by following all local and state requirements. Further, the conference will adhere to the NCAA's Sport Science Institute's guidelines and recommendations as return to play models are considered.

At present, the conference still plans to conduct athletic competition in conference-sponsored sports during the Spring of 2021. The primary focus of competition will be league play with a goal of playing a regular season schedule with an expanded postseason tournament in all team sports. For individual sports, the conference continues to explore opportunities for these Championships to be conducted safely and with additional precautions in place.

Tentative league schedules for men's and women's basketball along with Championship updates for Swimming & Diving and Indoor Track & Field will be shared by December 4.

Fall and Spring sport schedules will follow with the intent of all schedules being shared before the New Year. Any changes to the published dates and formats for Women's Golf, Men's Golf or Outdoor Track & Field will also come at that time.

Ultimately, it will be the decision of each member institution as to whether they sponsor athletic competition in a given sport this spring. That decision will be predicated on local and state health guidelines along with institutional policies. The conference is prepared to adjust their schedules and plans accordingly, should any institutions decide it is not feasible to participate.

Student-Athletes, Coaches and Administrators are encouraged to visit the Landmark's COVID-19 FAQ page for the latest updates and information.

Landmark Conference Shares Initial Plans for Return to Sport

The Landmark Conference leadership groups continue to meet diligently to discuss scheduling models and postseason opportunities for its league's student-athletes in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

University Provides Thanksgiving Dinners to Those in Need image

Community

November 11, 2020

The Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner, and this year once again presents unique challenges for many in our community facing food insecurity. To help serve those most in need, The Center for Service & Social Justice (CSSJ) office in conjunction with The Jesuit Center, has partnered with local non-profit the Friends of The Poor Scranton to help provide Thanksgiving meals through the annual Feed a Family project.

CSSJ and The Jesuit Center are seeking donations of $25 for the Feed a Family project. Funds raised will be used to purchase turkeys for residents in Valley View, Hilltop and Bangor Heights Housing Developments in Scranton. The turkeys will serve as the centerpiece of the residents’ Thanksgiving dinner provided to the residents. The University has set a goal of providing 150 Thanksgiving dinners with a turkey and along with a bag of other essentials for this meal including potatoes, carrots, canned goods, and, of course, a pie for dessert.

“We see are very pleased to once again partner with the Friends of the Poor Scranton on this vital project. This year especially, our neighbors here in Northeastern Pennsylvania are experiencing challenges that could prevent them from enjoying this traditional holiday meal with their families. We hope that this project will provide much-needed meals, but also a reminder to the residents that their community is thinking about them,” said Pat Vaccaro, director of the Center for Service and Social Justice at The University of Scranton.

For this annual collaboration, the University will provide the meals for the Friends of the Poor. These meals will be distributed to families in the three housing developments on November 15. This year, extra physical distancing precautions are in place for packing the meals. Work-study students and staff from CSSJ and Campus Ministries will join at the Friends of the Poor warehouse to pack the Thanksgiving dinners and deliver to the porches of 150 families.

This effort coincides with the 2020 World Day of the Poor on November 15, observed by Catholics each year on the 33^rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. On this day, our Catholic and Jesuit tradition reminds us each of our call to overcome indifference and keep sight of those in our communities most in need. The World Day of the Poor was established by Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter, Misericordia et Misera, issued on 20 November 2016. This year’s theme is “Stretch forth your hand to the poor” (Sir 7:32). In his message marking the 4^th annual celebration, Pope Francis reminds us that “Prayer to God and solidarity with the poor and suffering are inseparable.” You can read Pope Francis’s World Day of the Poor message here.

The University regularly partners with the Friends of the Poor Scranton, including the Electric City Connection Project started at the beginning of the pandemic to address food and economic insecurity by providing restaurant gift cards to families facing financial hardship. That project, supported by a grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation, is now concluding.

Donations supporting the Feed a Family program can be made three ways:

Online at scranton.edu/makeagift by selecting "other" and typing in "Thanksgiving Feed a Family Program".
By campus mail and sent to CSSJ, DeNaples 205B.
By mail to The University of Scranton, Center for Service & Social Justice, 800 Linden Street, Scranton, PA 18510.

Please make checks payable to 'The University of Scranton'

CSSJ and The Jesuit Center will also happily take donations of a frozen turkey (14-18lbs). Turkeys can be dropped off in the CSSJ office, DeNaples 205B on Friday, Nov. 13, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

For questions or more information contact the Center for Service and Social Justice office at 570-941-7429.

University Provides Thanksgiving Dinners to Those in Need

As holidays near, the University works with a local non-profit to help those in need.

University Observes Veterans Day on Campus image

Community

November 10, 2020

University Observes Veterans Day on Campus

The University of Scranton to pay red, white and blue tribute to veterans on Veterans Day.

An Introduction to The Office of Equity and Diversity image

Student

November 10, 2020

An Introduction to The Office of Equity and Diversity

Jeffrey Colucci '21, student government president, recently interviewed Elizabeth M. Garcia, Esq., executive director of The Office of Equity & Diversity and special assistant to the president, about The Office of Equity & Diversity.

Staff

November 10, 2020

Vacation Carry Over Request Form for Staff

Completed carryover request forms must be submitted to Human Resources no later than Friday, Dec. 11, 2020.

General

November 10, 2020

Fulbright Night: Germany

Join the World Languages and Cultures Department's FLTA from Germany for a fun night full of German Christmas traditions!

General

November 10, 2020

Esprit Reading, Nov. 18

Esprit, the University of Scranton’s Review of Arts and Letters, will be having a virtual reading of its Fall 2020 edition. The virtual reading will take place Wednesday, Nov 18 at 8:00 p.m.

Faculty

November 10, 2020

How do faculty know what is working and, more importantly – what’s not, when teaching a class? They observe student reactions during class; review results of assignments, tests and quizzes; and even survey students regarding their opinions about the way the course material is being presented. At least these are some of the methods applied by Nicholas Sizemore, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, and Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics and engineering, for their curriculum during this unprecedented fall semester.

Dr. Sizemore is teaching Introductory Chemistry I (Chem 110) and Organic Chemistry I (Chem 232) remotely this semester. In the spring, the pandemic obliged him to adjust courses to a virtual format midway through the semester. At the semester’s end, he used a survey that allowed students to anonymously provide feedback about the course and then used their input to inform his approach to the material for the fall semester.

Dr. Sizemore relies on a combination of recorded lectures and slides for problem-sets that he can complete as he goes through the material. The students watch the pre-recorded lectures prior to attending class. The class time is then used as a discussion session, giving students the opportunity to ask questions about material covered in the lecture. In addition, he will also offer online discussion sessions if warranted.

Dr. Sizemore essentially “flipped” his class. “I reorganized the way we cover material,” said Dr. Sizemore. “We spend a lot of class time solving problem sets. The students watch the lectures on their own time. That’s a better use of class time than having the students struggle through a problem set on their own, then sit in my class for a lecture.”

Dr. Sizemore also surveys students at mid-term, allowing them to anonymously tell him which aspects of the class and resources offered are most useful, as well as which are not.

“Some items mentioned in the feedback can be adjusted easily during the semester, some cannot. The students have been pretty understanding of that,” said Sizemore, who has done mid-term surveys of his students since he began teaching at Scranton five years ago. “The main thing is to be willing to be as accommodating as possible.”

Dr. Frissell also tries to be as flexible as possible to accommodate students.

“I am trying to add a sense of normalcy to class instruction during these unusual times. At beginning and end of class, I chat with students about how they are doing,” said Dr. Frissell, who is teaching Digital Signal Processing (EE 346) and Intro to Astrophysics (Phys 360) courses in-person, while incorporating Zoom for students who cannot make it to class. The Zoom option is also maintained so he can move seamlessly to an online format as needed during the semester.

Dr. Frissell is leveraging technology for instruction. He uses Zoom Share to allow remote students to ask questions in real time and has integrated his iPad into Zoom to allow him to solve problems live during class sessions, a demonstration he found his students prefer.

“I also download notes prior to class so students can review and follow along during the class. The students can also refer to the notes over time,” said Dr. Frissell.

Dr. Frissell views the video feed of students on his computer during class, so he can “see their reactions to the material while I’m also watching the students in the classroom, too. That gives me a general impression – do they like the format – do they like the way I am teaching – as well as do they seem to understand the material? After I explain something, I give the students time to respond with questions.” Dr. Frissell uses homework assignments for students to demonstrate their understanding of the material covered. In addition, prior to reviewing material in class, he uses a real-life application of a concept to motivate the students about the topic.

For the physics and engineering courses taught by Dr. Frissell, learning some kind of computer programming language is important.

“How do you take these concepts and actually put them into the computer?” said Dr. Frissell. “What’s beautiful now is that there are free and open-source tools available to students that will let them use the computations we learn in class. I use those tools a lot in the class. I can teach the code and input the digital signals into the computer, then students can do the processing and use that to help solve homework or exam problems. I am trying to give students the same level of experience they would get in the classroom remotely and vice-versa.”

In physics and engineering courses taught by professor Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., students learn computer coding and input the digital signals to solve homework or exam problems.

Faculty Adjust Method of Instruction for Fall

Faculty members look to students for feedback on what’s working in courses taught during the pandemic.

General

November 10, 2020

Virtual Schemel Forum, Nov. 10

The Schemel Forum presents "Antisemitism Past, Present, and Future" on Tuesday, Nov. 10 (please note the new date).

Campus Coloring Book Available Now! image

General

November 10, 2020

Campus Coloring Book Available Now!

Campus Colors - University of Scranton Coloring Book, created by The Center for Service and Social Justice, is available now.

University Players to Live Stream Clue image

Community

November 5, 2020

The University of Scranton Players will present Clue: stay at home edition based on the cult movie, based off the classic board game on Friday, Nov. 6, and Friday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. via Broadway On Demand. Both performances are free and open to the public. This version of Clue is based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, written by Sandy Rustin, with additional Material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price with original music by David Abbinanti, and directed by Michael O’Steen.

Viewers can access the Nov. 6, live stream at: https://bit.ly/3oWnuXu and the Nov. 13, live stream at: https://bit.ly/38bv4aJ. Viewers will need to create a free Broadway on Demand log in to view the production.

Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth the butler, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up. Clue is the comedy whodunit that will leave both cult fans and newcomers in stitches as they try to figure out who did it, where and with what.

The company of Clue features University students: Matt Valunas of Dunmore; Alex Pérez of Puerto Rico; Samantha Munson, Tunkhannock; Caroline Kuzy, Philadelphia; Elizabeth Giannone, Moosic; Samantha Gurn of Brackney; Thomas Kennedy, Scranton; Nick Baranosky, Stevensville, Maryland; Andrew Vizzard of Havertown; Wilmarr Saint Surin, Baldwin, New York; Sam Burton, Jamesville, New York; and Katherine Pepe of West Pittston. Gillian Williams-Mayers, Scranton, will serve as stage manager.

For questions or information about the performances, email players@scranton.edu or visit www.thescrantonplayers.com. Information about the University Players can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

University Players to Live Stream Clue

The University of Scranton Players will present Clue: Stay at Home Edition, Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. via Broadway On Demand.

Spitz Foundation Grant Supports Summer Program image

Community

November 5, 2020

Spitz Foundation Grant Supports Summer Program

The University of Scranton received $8,000 from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation to support its SPARK summer enrichment camp for local teens.

Crystal Ondrick Named PASFAA Treasurer image

Staff

November 5, 2020

Crystal Ondrick Named PASFAA Treasurer

Crystal Ondrick, assistant director of financial aid, will serve as treasurer of PASFAA.

Alumna Takes Atypical Accounting Path to Arrive at SoulCycle image

Alumni

November 4, 2020

This is an excerpt from the profile about Desai in The Scranton Journal.

As the chief accounting officer and global controller for SoulCycle — a fitness studio that offers cycling classes, fitness apparel and an at-home exercise bike — Sameera Desai Sullivan ’05, G’06 keeps the company’s finances in order. But the job is not just about the numbers for her: It’s a lifestyle.

She takes their classes on her bike at home, where her husband has also gotten into the cycling workouts. And when she is in the office, Desai often takes a mid-day break for a class (especially if the playlist has Beyoncé or Jay-Z on it).

“It is such a big part of the culture at SoulCycle HQ: You’re having a tough day, go ride. And when I come back, I feel a little bit differently. We use riding as a way to motivate and relieve stress,” she said, an embodiment of the company’s mission to provide fitness experiences that benefit the mind, body and soul.

SoulCycle’s mission is not unlike The University of Scranton’s commitment to the development of the mind, body and spirit of its students. And, though she’s Muslim, it is that Jesuit character that appealed to Desai when she was choosing a college.

“The concept of cura personalis was instilled in me throughout my education. It made me a well-rounded student and professionally ready to enter the world. I was then able to share all the experiences from the foundation that Scranton set,” she said.

She was born and raised in Zimbabwe, where her mother worked for the United Nations. When Desai was 17, the family moved to New Jersey for her mother to work at the UN headquarters in New York City. The University’s proximity to her family and its Jesuit ideals made it a natural choice.

These days, she’s back in New York City, since SoulCycle is headquartered in the West Village. She initially joined the company in February 2019 to help expand the international footprint in the UK by opening the first SoulCycle studio in London.

Desai, who also holds an MBA from Scranton, started her accounting career at PwC, recruited by fellow Scranton alumni who were partners at the New York City office. But since then, her career path has been atypical for an accounting major.

Desai joined SoulCycle after eight years of working in finance at fashion and beauty brand Marc Jacobs, where she finished her tenure as vice president of finance, global controller. That international experience — plus the French minor she took alongside her accounting major at Scranton — made her a great fit as SoulCycle expanded outside the U.S.

Continue reading about Desai in The Scranton Journal, here.

Alumna Takes Atypical Accounting Path to Arrive at SoulCycle

Sameera Desai Sullivan ’05, G’06 turns her accounting degree into a global career in fashion and fitness.

University To Host Thanksgiving Floral Workshop image

Alumni

November 4, 2020

University To Host Thanksgiving Floral Workshop

Learn how to make the perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece at a zoom workshop hosted by Dorian Butovich of Central Park Flowers.

Alumni

November 4, 2020

Alumni Class Notes, Nov. 2020

Share your story with your Royal Family.

Community

November 3, 2020

For many University of Scranton students, this was their first election as eligible voters. In the months leading up to the election, faculty, staff and students have worked diligently to ensure that all members of our campus community were election-ready through our campus-wide Royals Vote initiative.

To prepare students to vote in the election, the Office of Community Relations and Scranton Student Government partnered throughout the fall semester to provide voter education along with opportunities for University students to get answers to any of their questions surrounding voting in the election, including through Voter Q&A Drop-In Zoom Sessions and “Voting 101” sessions during First Year Seminar classes. The University’s dedicated voting resource page provided a range of resources: scranton.edu/RoyalsVote.

Another key piece of preparation on campus was to ensure that our campus community was able to come together in solidarity to both prepare for the election and to find ways to keep our community engaged as citizens on Election Day and beyond. The Office of Campus Ministries organized “An Ignatian Examen for Civic Life” released on Nov. 2 which can be viewed on The University of Scranton YouTube channel here. On Election Day, the Division of Student Life and Student Government celebrated our campus voters by offering “I Voted” and “First Time Voter” stickers. Students also participated in a social media campaign “Vote Today! Continue to be an Active Citizen Tomorrow!” to share their next steps as citizens now that they cast their ballot. Students were asked to consider one thing to commit to doing to heal our community after this election no matter the outcome and to identify one way that they can continue to care for their neighbor and advocate for the common good. Students could then post responses with #RoyalsVote2020 to social media.

As a part of the University’s post-election activities, the Office of Community and Government Relations, Student Government, and the Political Science Department are collaborating to offer “Election 2020: Analysis and Q&A with the Political Science Department” on Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. This event features Political Science Faculty panelists Dr. Mike Allison, Dr. Jean Harris and Dr. JoyAnna Hopper with moderator Julie Schumacher Cohen, AVP for Community Engagement & Government Affairs. The session will provide University of Scranton students with an overview of what’s happened so far and what can be expected next along with an opportunity to ask questions. Joining information for this session can be found on Royal Sync or by emailing community@scranton.edu.

The Royal Votes initiative has demonstrated the vital role we each play in cultivating a community of understanding, action, and solidarity. As a University, we seek to continue to engage as citizens every day and to work together to be women and men for and with others, not just in word, but in action.

University Community Comes Together for Election

University seeks to engage the community in the civic process during the election and beyond.

Nursing Program Nationally Recognized for Impact image

Alumni

November 3, 2020

Nursing Program Nationally Recognized for Impact

The University was one of two colleges in the nation selected to receive a 2020 Assessment and Impact Award for Nursing Education.

Student

November 3, 2020

Students Begin Magis Honors Program at Scranton

Members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2024 begin the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Scranton Part of International Election News image

Faculty

November 3, 2020

Scranton Part of International Election News

Political science faculty interviewed by international journalists on Scranton and Pennsylvania voters for US Presidential Election.

University Reading Series - Christine Taylor image

General

November 3, 2020

University Reading Series - Christine Taylor

The University Reading Series proudly presents Christine Taylor, a New Jersey-based writer, teacher and editor.

Schemel Forum: What Democracy Requires: The 2020 Election in Historical Perspective image

General

November 3, 2020

Schemel Forum: What Democracy Requires: The 2020 Election in Historical Perspective

How should we think about the outcome of the 2020 election and the challenges and opportunities that loom for American democracy? History provides important clues, Professor Logevall will suggest, as well as a path forward.

Student

November 2, 2020

Students Medal at Virtual Forensics Tournaments

University of Scranton Speech Team members win awards at two recent virtual collegiate forensics tournaments.

Student

November 2, 2020

This presidential election is the first time many young adults may be voting. This is true not just on this campus, but across the nation as a whole. This fact also applies to me. Though I previously voted in primary elections, I have not voted in a presidential election.

Voting in a presidential election for the first time is a pretty daunting experience. It carries a lot of weight, and the results can impact this country and society for years to follow, long after the presidential term has ended. Many first-time voters may be experiencing uncertainty, especially considering the nature and divisiveness of the current political climate. To deal with these feelings of uncertainty and pressure and to have more confidence, I decided to try to educate myself before going to the polls. I learned that it’s not a matter of party affiliation, more so learning about the issues that are most important to you and have the biggest impact on your life. I felt that I needed to learn more about politics. Doing so helped me make better-informed decisions — during any election — as a voter.

I approached some experts on our campus to talk about the election process and how daunting it can all be.

Jean Harris, Ph.D., a professor of political science at Scranton (pictured at left), offered insight into the importance of voting and how it creates a better society when everyone participates. She told me how voting is the most common form of political participation and noted that those who vote decide to do so because there are benefits that come along with voting.

“[The benefits can be] a sense of self-esteem, a sense of making a difference or the pride of being a responsible citizen,” Dr. Harris said.

In response to the idea that a singular vote does not hold much weight in an election, Dr. Harris encouraged me (and others!) to still go out and cast their ballot, mostly because the electorate listens to the people.

“Elections have been won, and lost, by as few as one vote,” Dr. Harris said. “Your vote [could be] combined with those of others who voted [the same way] you did, [and then] elected officials have to pay attention.”

She also encouraged participation in the political process by staying informed, writing to elected officials and attending public meetings. She said that elected officials pay attention to these forms of participation.

“Write letters to your elected officials [and] the editors of your local paper,” Dr. Harris said, “Elected officials read [these letters] to see what the folks back home are thinking.”

So, what happens if the results aren’t what you had hoped for? Surely there will be some negative emotions that come with such an outcome, right? That’s what I was asking myself. Learning how to cope and handle these emotions, I thought, was important to the overall betterment of society.

Two University of Scranton Counseling Center counselors recently discussed such emotions with their colleagues and came up with some healthy ways to handle the disapproval and disappointment that could come with unfavorable election outcomes. The two are Ellen Morgan, a professional counselor in the Center, and Sara Nardone, a staff psychologist (left to right in photo).

They discussed the feelings of anger, disappointment and sadness that can come along with unmet expectations. They also said that these emotions can negatively affect people’s relationships, especially when related to politics.

“These emotions could impact their relationships with others, including those in their support network, especially if both parties hold differing views about the election outcome,” Morgan and Nardone said, “In a time when it is already difficult to maintain meaningful connections, losing that connection could be extremely detrimental for people’s’ overall well-being.”

Morgan and Nardone said that it is important to learn how to put political differences aside in order to maintain connections. Morgan said that spending time with others is meaningful.

“Try to find common ground rather than focusing on differences,” they suggested.

Lastly, the two spoke about the importance of radical acceptance, which means understanding when situations are out of your control. Morgan and Nardone said it is important to not waste energy on the unfavorable outcome.

“Giving the unfavorable outcome your energy and focus is not going to change it and will instead only drain your mental and emotional resources that could be used elsewhere,” Morgan and Nardone said.

To use your energy for beneficial activities, the two suggest taking part in local and political activities that are meaningful and rewarding to you.

“[Step] away from social media [and] news for a bit, [do] service in your local community… or [engage] more actively on a local or party level for the next election,” they told me.

Though there is much uncertainty surrounding the election and politics right now, remember that it is still important to fulfill the civic duty of making your voice and needs heard by voting in this election.

Student Asks Campus Experts About Voting and Election Anxiety

Rebeca Chieffallo '21 talks to experts on campus about how to deal with the daunting task of voting and dealing with the results of the election.

November Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award image

Staff

November 2, 2020

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleagues' accomplishments, sense of community and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for NOVEMBER 2020 is: Melissa Ketten-Undergrad/Grad Admissions!

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Melissa does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Melissa and all our nominees.

How long have you worked at the University? 14 years

What do you like best about your job? What I like best is that we are always doing something different as our needs evolve throughout the admissions cycle. It never gets boring.

What do you like to do for fun? I like to spend time with my family and watch my two children, Grace (age 8) & Bruce (age 5), grow. We spent a lot of time this summer and fall going camping, swimming, fishing, boating, biking, and hiking.

Melissa will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as, a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of November. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition luncheon in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.

November Nominees:

Michelle Boughton - Residence Life

Reka Shayka - Residence Life

Janet Schieber - Residence Life

John Burke - Residence Life

Aaron Lichtenwalter - Residence Life

Eric Morton - Residence Life

Tricia Cummings - Student Engagement

Barb Eagen - CHEW

Kristin Durkin - Public Relations

Cynthia Tokash-Faculty Secretary/Computer Science

Elizabeth Chalk-Faculty Secretary/Math

Michelle Langan-Faculty Secretary/Biology

Tracy McFadden- Operations & Information Management

Melissa Ketten - Undergrad/Grad Admissions

Lisa Bealla - Student Activities/Orientation

Lynn Gavin - Campus Ministries

Karen Marx - KSOM Advising

Don McCall, Technology Support Center

Ellen Morgan - Counseling Center

Bob Liskowicz - Counseling Center

Phil Erb - IT

Bernie Krzan, CPS Advising

http://www.scranton.edu/staff-senate/docs/SpiritAward/staffsenatemagisawardnominationform.pdf

http://www.scranton.edu/staff-senate/spirit-award-recipients.shtml

November Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for NOVEMBER 2020 is: Melissa Ketten-Undergrad/Grad Admissions!

General

November 2, 2020

Questions About Voting?

The Office of Community Relations is available to answer any voting questions.

November 2020

Advent Prayer Resources from Campus Ministries

Father Pilarz Profiled in Times-Tribune

Data Mining Class Gives Students Real-World Experience

Library of Congress Adds Our America to Collection

Two Students Qualify for National Forensics Tournament

The Latest Issue of Esprit is Online

Fiber Arts Workshop Weaves New Hope

Open Doors by Learning a Language, Alumni Tell Their Stories

Clue Playing On Demand Nov. 27 and 28

History Professor Discusses Trail of Tears and Cherokee Removal on Podcast

University’s 53rd Annual Noel Night Goes Virtual

What Does Dead Week Look Like This Semester?

Biden Urges Students to Be Engaged Citizens at 1976 Commencement

Downtown Businesses Offer Special Promotion for Students

Professor Works with Students to Publish Research

University Christmas Tree is a Live One for 2020

Christmas Giving Drives Modified for 2020

End of the Semester Food Drive

Diversity Initiatives Grants Available

Sinchul Back, Ph.D., Wins ORSP Raffle

Students Fundraising for Local Youth Shelter

Students Begin Royal Scholar Program in STEM

Kathryn BoockTech Support AnalystInformation Technology

William BurkeDirector of Financial AidFinancial Aid

Patricia Connolly

Secretary to the Assistant Dean

PCPS

Lori GaccioneSenior Acquisition ClerkLibrary

Stephen GilbodyNetwork AdministratorInformation Technology

Smail HodzikCustodianFacilities

Karen KuzmakAdministrative AssistantInformation Technology

Michele LanganFaculty Secretary, BiologyCAS

Carol MorrowCustodianFacilities

Diane MunizOffice Manager, Secretary to Dean of PCPSPCPS

Mary Ann MuracaFaculty Secretary, Occupational TherapyPCPS

Elsa Nelson

Inventory Control and Material Coordinator

Facilities

Timothy O'ConnorGroundskeeperFacilities

Donna TuckerAdministrative Assistant for Loan ProgramsFinancial Aid

Deborah Zielinski, RN, MS Director of the Nursing Lab/Clinical CoordinatorPCPS

Twenty-one Staff Members to Retire: Read their Stories

Christians for the Common Good Meeting, Nov. 13

Spotlight: The University of Scranton Black Student Union (BSU)

SBDC Releases Consumer Holiday Survey Results

National First-Generation College Celebration

Landmark Conference Shares Initial Plans for Return to Sport

University Provides Thanksgiving Dinners to Those in Need

University Observes Veterans Day on Campus

An Introduction to The Office of Equity and Diversity

Vacation Carry Over Request Form for Staff

Fulbright Night: Germany

Esprit Reading, Nov. 18

Faculty Adjust Method of Instruction for Fall

Virtual Schemel Forum, Nov. 10

Campus Coloring Book Available Now!

University Players to Live Stream Clue

Spitz Foundation Grant Supports Summer Program

Crystal Ondrick Named PASFAA Treasurer

Alumna Takes Atypical Accounting Path to Arrive at SoulCycle

University To Host Thanksgiving Floral Workshop

Alumni Class Notes, Nov. 2020

University Community Comes Together for Election

Nursing Program Nationally Recognized for Impact

Students Begin Magis Honors Program at Scranton

Scranton Part of International Election News

University Reading Series - Christine Taylor

Schemel Forum: What Democracy Requires: The 2020 Election in Historical Perspective

Students Medal at Virtual Forensics Tournaments

Student Asks Campus Experts About Voting and Election Anxiety

November Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award

Questions About Voting?

Kathryn Boock
Tech Support Analyst
Information Technology

William Burke
Director of Financial Aid
Financial Aid

Lori Gaccione
Senior Acquisition Clerk
Library

Stephen Gilbody
Network Administrator
Information Technology

Smail Hodzik
Custodian
Facilities

Karen Kuzmak
Administrative Assistant
Information Technology

Michele Langan
Faculty Secretary, Biology
CAS

Carol Morrow
Custodian
Facilities

Diane Muniz
Office Manager, Secretary to Dean of PCPS
PCPS

Mary Ann Muraca
Faculty Secretary, Occupational Therapy
PCPS

Timothy O'Connor
Groundskeeper
Facilities

Donna Tucker
Administrative Assistant for Loan Programs
Financial Aid

Deborah Zielinski, RN, MS
Director of the Nursing Lab/Clinical Coordinator
PCPS