2020

The University of Scranton has launched a website to share details of its 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, which “faces the future while embracing our deepest and most central traditions,” according to Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., president of The University of Scranton.

“Grounded in our Catholic and Jesuit mission, the plan will guide our transformative work and help us navigate changes, challenges and opportunities for the coming five years, though we believe its impact will be felt well beyond,” wrote Father Pilarz to members of the University community announcing the strategic plan, which was approved by the University’s Board of Trustees in September. “No doubt, the strategic plan we crafted together is lofty in its aspirations, and we launch it at a significant crossroads for higher education. But we know that it is also together that we will achieve concrete, positive outcomes on behalf of our students, campus community and broader Scranton family.”

The five goals of the University’s Strategic Plan 2020 are as follows:

The Humanities as a Foundation for Transformation: to ensure that the Scranton student experience is transformational, integrated and grounded in the humanities as a pathway to understanding the human experience in its many dimensions.

Faith, Passion and Purpose – The Student’s Journey: to engage students as individuals through personal attention that helps them explore their faith, discern their purpose and pursue their passion, as they work to create a more just and sustainable world.

Advancing the University Through Innovation: to advance the University into the future by challenging ourselves to educate and support an ever-changing, diverse landscape of students in ways that are affordable, relevant and innovative.

Diversity and Inclusion – A Welcoming and Supportive Community: to reflect and understand the diversity of the world by demanding that diversity be a priority as we build an inclusive community and campus culture, develop and deliver our education, and shape our student experience.

Growing Partnerships in Our Mission: to invite and inspire our alumni, parents, friends and community to be partners in the mission of the University.

The plan builds “on areas of excellence and initiatives underway, including the high-impact learning processes, the exciting work of cross-disciplinary humanities (the Slattery Center for Humanities), and a multi-year collaborative strategic enrollment plan, a process that has already resulted in new academic student support and majors,” said Father Pilarz.

The strategic plan was developed through a comprehensive, collaborative effort led by members of the University Planning Committee that incorporated input from students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, parents and the board of trustees.

“I am grateful to the campus community for their input and collaboration, which went into the development of this plan. Together, we concentrated on making a strategic plan unique to our mission and one that will accelerate the excellent education at the University,” said Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

“Our plan, as it should be, is rooted in assessment and analysis, including our 2019 Middle States self-evaluation study and the (Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities) 2018 Mission Priority Examen, which examined our Catholic and Jesuit tradition and the deep and active life of mission on our campus,” said Father Pilarz in a video about the plan. “We are also proud of the ways the plan supports the Universal Apostolic Preferences, a set of core priorities embraced by the Society of Jesus just last year.”

According to Kate Yerkes, assistant provost for planning and institutional effectiveness, the planning process itself is beneficial to the University.

“The value of planning is not just this product, but the coming together of the members of our community to examine our strengths, and be open to ways to grow, innovate and improve,” said Yerkes.

“Our plan captures the commitment to community the mutual respect and care for each other that has always been and will always be the hallmark of The University of Scranton,” said Father Pilarz.

Details of the plan can be found at the University’s Strategic Plan 2020 website.

Evelyn Barra, Kingston; Jasmine Benvenutti, Scranton; Jennifer Coleman, Carbondale; Tanya Crawford, Matamoras; Lori DeVoe, Hawley; Nohemi Garcia Tafoya, Scranton; Laura Gilbody, Clarks Summit; Michele Havrilchak, Olyphant; Allison Leonard, Montrose; April Owen, Tobyhanna; Crystal Perez, Old Forge; Lonni Schmeckenbecher, Tunkhannock; and Yajaira Suarez-Babcock, Hawley; completed The University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) StartUP fall program.

Facilitated by experienced SBDC consultants, StartUP is a six-week certificate series designed for women in transition or those trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. The StartUP Program offers women education, support and guidance in determining if entrepreneurship is an option for them. Participants in this interactive program learn start-up basics, legal and insurance considerations, marketing and social media essentials, business plan development, accounting and budget skills, financing options and requirements, and goal setting. Local women business owners presented during the sessions to share their experiences. 

The University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center is a partnership between the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the University’s Kania School of Management (KSOM) that utilizes experienced SBDC consultants along with carefully selected KSOM student interns. The interns are highly skilled, and enhance the work done by consultants by assisting with training, conducting research, and completing projects.

The University’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Center student interns participating were: Emilee Barrett, a senior marketing major from Clarks Summit; Mollie Boyd, a junior marketing major from Old Forge; Chloe Burns, a senior entrepreneurship major from Philadelphia; Nicole Freeman, a sophomore biology major from New Tripoli; Abigail Guziewicz, a senior psychology major from Peckville; Jordyn Lieber, a sophomore business administration major from Edison, New Jersey; and Hollyann Serp, a senior entrepreneurship major from Commack, New York.

The Fall 2020 series was offered free of charge thanks to funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission.

The free series will be held again in the Spring. Those interested in the spring session can register at scrantonsbdc.com under the education and training tab. For more details, contact Katelyn McManamon, SBDC Special Projects Coordinator, at 570-941-4168 or e-mail katelyn.mcmanamon@scranton.edu.

The NativityMiguel School in Scranton will honor Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J. H’06, vice president for mission and ministry at The University of Scranton, at a virtual dinner on Friday, Dec. 4. Proceeds from the event, which begins at 5 p.m., will support the budget of the tuition-free, independent Catholic middle school that serve economically challenged students in Lackawanna and Luzerne County.

Father Keller has served on the board of the NativityMiguel School since 2015. During the academic year, University students volunteer with the children at the school through programming offered through the Center for Service and Social Justice.

At the University, Father Keller also served as interim president from June 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018, and as the special assistant to the president.

Father Keller has served as the rector of the Scranton Jesuit Community since September 2015. Prior to that, he served for 18 years as president of Scranton Preparatory School and is the longest-serving president in the Jesuit school’s history.

Father Keller entered the Jesuit novitiate in Wernersville in 1969. In 1975, he received a bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy from Fordham University. He earned a master’s degree with distinction from Weston School of Theology in Boston and a professional diploma in secondary school administration from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education. He was ordained a priest in 1981 and has served in Jesuit secondary education for more than 35 years.

Father Keller was named principal of Scranton Prep in 1983 and served in that capacity for eight years. From 1991 to 1997, he served as principal at his alma mater, Saint Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia. During his tenure there, Father Keller was appointed as rector of the Jesuit community at Saint Joseph’s Prep. In 1997, he was named president of Scranton Preparatory School.

In 2016, Father Keller served as a delegate from the Maryland Province for the Society of Jesus' General Congregation 36. In 2006, he received an honorary doctoral degree from The University of Scranton.

Tickets for the virtual event honoring Father Keller are available for $150 at nativitymiguelscranton.org. For additional information, call the NativityMiguel School at 570-955-5176.

One highlight of the education at The University of Scranton is the opportunity for our students to engage in Community-Based Learning (CBL) courses that foster university-community partnerships and address real-world issues. These partnerships foster a sense of community between The University of Scranton and its students with the City of Scranton and its residents. In the COVID-19 era, many of these partnerships have adapted to the remote environment, focusing on project-based activities and connecting with community partners via Zoom.

This fall, two CBL courses partnered with the City of Scranton to offer students firsthand insights into important issues facing the City, and in turn to provide student input and research to address City needs. Margarete L. Zalon, Ph.D., RN, ACNS-BC, FAAN, professor of nursing, and John J. Strain III, faculty specialist in the Communication Department, both linked their CBL courses to special projects of interest to the City of Scranton. These connections empowered their students to apply the ideas and concepts learned in their coursework to real-life applications to offer insights and ideas to the Mayor’s Office in the City of Scranton.

In both cases, the City of Scranton, including representatives from the City’s Office of Economic and Community Development and Mayor of Scranton Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, attended final class presentations. 

Students in Dr. Margarete Zalon’s doctoral course in nursing, Advanced Health Care Policy, worked with the City of Scranton to help them explore different public health priorities. Students researched several key areas, including, primary care/preventive services, mental health/substance abuse, injury and violence prevention, communicable diseases, emergency preparedness, and maternal and child health services. During final presentations, they shared their findings and recommendations with the City, including Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, which will help inform the City’s work around public health issues moving forward. 

“The student projects were impressive and we will absolutely take their research and ideas into consideration as we look to increase our public health resources at the City,” said Mayor Cognetti.

Dr. Zalon shared that the students, who are both from our region and from across the country as far away as Alaska, were excited and honored to be part of this initiative. “It was a great opportunity for these students to be able to gain a better understanding of local health issues amidst a global pandemic and to be able to assist Scranton's planning efforts to improve the health of its residents,” said Dr. Zalon.   

In Strain’s Art of the Pitch course, two student teams were tasked with making the perfect “pitch” for the city’s new “Work From Here” initiative to the City of Scranton, with Mayor Cognetti and City staff helping to judge the final presentations. The goal of the “Work From Here” initiative is to draw attention to all that the city of Scranton and the surrounding area has to offer and to encourage those now working remotely to consider working from Scranton. Students in Strain’s course applied their knowledge of marketing along with their research skills on audience demographics to target key groups of interest to market this new initiative to and then carefully curate outreach strategies to captivate these audiences.

"The opportunity to work on a CBL project with the City of Scranton was a great experience for my students to participate in a real-world strategic communication challenge. Plus it enabled all of us to be a part of helping the City to promote the ‘Work from Here’ initiative which will greatly benefit the community that for our students will always be their home away from home.  A true win, win for everyone," said Strain.

This work of this project is in fact quite real; since the pandemic, residents of larger cities are seeking exactly what Scranton has to offer – buzzing city life with arts, culture, dining, and shopping in our downtown with easy access to the beautiful natural landscapes and recreation surrounding NEPA.  Students in Strain’s course drew upon their own experiences getting to know Scranton in considering how to best reach their target audiences.

“I was unsure of what to expect taking Art of the Pitch, but the final project, although rigorous, was one of the best projects I’ve been assigned at the University,” said Erika Witt ’21, the project leader of the winning team. In consideration of performing almost the entire project remotely, Witt remarked that “this experience, while hopefully not permanent, gave my team and me a sense of how business is being conducted all over the world, and it gave us some experience for our future. Pitching to the City of Scranton’s office put all of our practice throughout the semester into action with a campaign we made for them.”

For more information on The University of Scranton’s Community Based Learning projects, please visit the Office of Community-Based Learning’s website. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

The University of Scranton’s Center for Service and Social Justice has modified its annual Christmas giving programs to meet COVID-19 health restrictions implemented this year.

The annual Giving Tree will take place in a virtual format. The University partnered with Friends of the Poor for their annual Christmas toy drive with their wish list via Amazon. Gifts can be purchased on their site on Amazon and will be shipped directly to Friends of the Poor. Members of the University community may also choose to purchase a toy locally and drop it off at the Center for Service and Social Justice in the DeNaples Center. All gifts must arrive no later than Friday, Dec. 11. The center will deliver all donated gifts dropped off at their office to the Friends of the Poor drive-by toy giveaway location.

Students, faculty or staff wishing to participate in the annual Adopt an Angel program should contact The Catherine McAuley Center directly via this form to participate. Participants will shop and deliver gifts directly to the McAuley Center on Pittson Avenue in South Scranton. Gift drop offs can be made curbside. Since the semester is ending on Nov. 25, this format provides the flexibility for participants to drop-off their donations at a time convenient to them.

As a gift idea, the Center for Service and Social Justice created Campus Colors, a University of Scranton Coloring Book that includes more than 50 Scranton scenes. The coloring books are $15 each and all proceeds benefit the Arrupe Service and Social Justice Endowment, which helps make service opportunities possible for Scranton students. Orders can be placed here.

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.

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:

1. Online at scranton.edu/makeagift by selecting "other" and typing in "Thanksgiving Feed a Family Program".
2. By campus mail and sent to CSSJ, DeNaples 205B.
3. 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.

The University of Scranton will display the American flag on the Class of 2020 Gateway on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 10 and 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

In addition, Scranton’s ROTC cadets have fashioned a “Field of Flags” on Founders Green near the Commons Flag Terrace on campus to honor our nation’s fallen veterans.

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.

The University of Scranton received a $8,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation to support its SPARK Program, which a free, week-long summer enrichment camp for Scranton-area teens offered through a collaboration between The University of Scranton and Scranton Preparatory School. Area students aged 12-16 who participate in SPARK are recruited through the Nativity Miguel School, the United Neighborhood Centers and Friends of the Poor.

SPARK is designed to foster teamwork, self-esteem and acceptance of others through interactive educational and outdoor activities. The program is run by students from the University and Scranton Prep under the supervision of University staff and faculty. SPARK takes place at the University’s Conference and Retreat Center at Chapman Lake one week in July.

SPARK also provides mentoring training and opportunities for service for University and Scranton Prep students who volunteer to help run the program.

SPARK was founded in 2012 by Patricia Vaccaro, director of the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice, and Danny Marx, a graduate of the University and Prep, who is now a mathematics teacher at Scranton Prep.

Support from the Spitz Foundation will allow planning and recruiting for SPARK’s mentors and participants to begin early 2021, so that the camp is ready to continue this summer when the danger from the pandemic has passed.

The Robert H. Spitz Foundation is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports initiatives and programs serving the residents of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Scranton Area Community Foundation serves as the administrator of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation.

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.

Prospective students and their families can participate in live interactive sessions and panel discussions at The University of Scranton’s virtual Open House on Sunday, Nov. 1.

Through an innovative virtual event platform that integrates recorded videos with live interactive sessions, participants can experience more closely an in-person Scranton Open House without leaving the comfort of their own homes.

 “Live Q & A” Zoom sessions are available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with faculty representatives from academic programs, as well as with staff and students representing campus ministries, student life, athletic teams, club sports, study abroad and other departments and programs offered at Scranton. The virtual event will include live Zoom webinars featuring panel discussions on topics that include pre-health/pre-med professions, pre-law programs, liberal arts and humanities, honors programs, admissions and student life, among others. In addition, dynamic virtual sessions with admissions/financial aid are also available to allow for questions and answers. A more detailed program for Open House can be seen here.

Participants can register for Sunday’s Open House here. For questions, contact Scranton’s Admissions Office at 1-888-SCRANTON or visit www.scranton.edu/admissions.

Joshua Perry, associate director of admissions at The University of Scranton, discusses the adaptions the University is implementing to the application process for competitive majors, such as physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT) and nursing. Understanding the challenges high school students have faced scheduling standardized tests during the pandemic, the University is implementing flexible and proactive steps for programs that normally require SAT and ACT scores.

How is the University approaching the application process to competitive programs during the pandemic?

We understand the college search is hard in a normal year, but this year is exceptionally so. We want to help alleviate concerns parents and students have about SAT and ACT testing and scores. This year, we will be flexible with applicants to our nursing, OT and PT programs. We will meet the needs of students and not hold something against them that is outside of their control. With SAT and ACT test dates being postponed or cancelled basically since March – we are implementing steps to make sure students can apply to competitive programs.

Has the University adjusted the SAT or ACT requirement for applying to the competitive programs?

This year, students can apply to these programs even if they were not able to take an SAT or ACT. They just need to alert us when they apply if they have been unable to take the SAT or ACT due to the pandemic. We will also work individually with students who had taken the SAT or ACT prior to everything shutting down and planned to take the test again.

What if the situation changes regarding SAT and ACT testing and a student who applied without test scores can now take the test?

We are happy to re-evaluate our admissions and merit scholarship decisions. Again, we are looking to be flexible. If a student who applied without a test score takes the SAT or ACT and wants to use the test score, then we will consider their test results for admissions and merit scholarships.

If students apply to these competitive programs without a SAT or ACT test score, what will you consider when evaluating their application?

Students are never just a test score to Scranton. We look at the whole student. We consider their high school record, including their GPA, class rank if available, rigor of course work the student is taking. We also evaluate their essay, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, other accolades and achievements and leadership roles. These are all important pieces of the application process. All of these factors go into evaluating how good of a fit a student will be at Scranton and how successful they will be in a very competitive program. The nursing, PT and OT programs are challenging. We want to make sure that we are admitting students into the programs that we believe can be successful.

Are there any other adaptions you have made for the application process?

Yes, we are also using evaluative interviews to get to know student applicants better and to put context to certain elements of the application that we typically wouldn’t have when the application is being reviewed. Students can reach out to us directly to set up an interview or schedule an evaluative interview on their own using the following link: https://apply.scranton.edu/portal/interview.

If students or parents have questions regarding applying to competitive majors, who can they contact?

If they have questions or concerns about applying, they can reach out to our Admissions office by phone at 1-888-SCRANTON or by email at admissions@scranton.edu. They can also contact their admissions counselor directly. We are here to offer guidance and advice on the college search process in general and about applying to The University of Scranton.

Celebrated Washington Post political columnist E.J. Dionne, Jr., will present “Code Red:  How Progressives and Moderates Can Unite to Save the Country” at a University of Scranton Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar. The virtual event will take place Thursday, Oct. 29, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

During the talk, Dionne, who is also a contributor to MSNBC and NPR, a professor at Georgetown University and a visiting professor at Harvard University, will discuss his latest book, which posits that real change in the United States can only come via a highly diverse coalition of political allies, from Democratic Socialists to those who once would have been called liberal Rockefeller Republicans.

Admission is $10, and registered attendees will receive an emailed Zoom link prior to each talk.

The World Affairs Seminar series is sponsored by Munley Law.

To register for the seminar, contact Alicen Morrison, Schemel Forum assistant, at 570-941-6206 or alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.

This year’s general election is less than two weeks away and for eligible voters now is the time to make a plan to cast your ballot. Voting will look a little different due to the coronavirus, but with education and a little preparation each of us can safely cast our ballots. 

Those seeking information and resources or ready to drop off their mail-in ballots for Lackawanna County can join a When We All Vote Together voter activation event this Friday, October 23 from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. outside of City Hall. This COVID-safe event, where PPE will be provided, is offered by Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti in partnership with The University of Scranton’s Royals Vote, Marywood University’s Pacers to the Polls, The Black Scranton Project and When We All Vote, a nonpartisan voter engagement organization.

This event will celebrate voting and encourage voters in Scranton to vote early this year. The event will offer outdoor physically distanced tables where voters can come to obtain materials, information, and ask questions. After stopping by City Hall, voters are encouraged to bring their mail-in ballots to vote at the Lackawanna County Government Center Drop Box located at 123 Wyoming Avenue in downtown Scranton. Ballot applications will be available for voters who choose to request, receive, mark, and cast their mail-in ballot in one visit at the county election office.

If you are not able to attend the Friday event, please keep the following tips in mind as we approach Election Day. If you plan to vote by mail, remember do not wait to send your ballot. For Pennsylvania residents, be sure to seal your ballot in the inner envelop and seal that within the outer envelope. Mail with enough time for your ballot to be received by November 3, and no later than November 6, or utilize a drop box location for Lackawanna County (a list can be found here).

If you are planning to vote in person, be sure to confirm the details of your polling location. Those voting for the first time at a polling location will need to remember to bring an accepted form of identification (accepted forms for PA can be found here). This year in-person voters will also need to adhere to coronavirus protocols, including wearing a mask. It is possible you may have to wait in line to vote, so be sure to have adequate time to complete your voting.

Before you head to the polls or complete your mail-in ballot, make sure that you know which candidates you can vote for, their positions on issues that are important to you, and any referendums that may be up for a vote in your area. You can preview what’s on your ballot at https://www.ballotready.org/

Remember to Vote Royals. Your voice matters and voting is the best way to make it heard.  Please visit www.scranton.edu/RoyalsVote for voting resources and information or email community@scranton.edu with any voting questions. #RoyalsVote

Each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month is observed to celebrate the cultures, histories, and stories of Americans who have immigrated from or have ancestors that come from Central or South America, Spain, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It is a time for Americans with roots from the participating countries and territories to highlight the many facets of their culture and for all of us to join as community members to learn more about our neighbors.

To mark the culmination of the celebration of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month this year, University of Scranton students in Dr. Roxana Curiel’s World Languages and Cultures Spanish language-based course, Service and the Hispanic Community, have undertaken a community-based learning project with United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania to spotlight businesses in Scranton neighborhoods owned and operated by individuals from a range of Latin American countries. Students in Dr. Curiel’s course have worked to create business profiles and United Neighborhood Centers and the University of Scranton Office of Community Relations are sharing these profiles on social media in celebration of Hispanic/Latinx heritage month, which runs through October 15th.

This project is an example of Community Based Learning (CBL), which aims to engage University of Scranton students with the greater Scranton community; during the Fall 2020 semester these activities have taken place remotely. Through this project, Dr. Curiel’s students had the opportunity to learn more about our neighboring small business owners here in Scranton who have roots in a range of Latin American countries and to understand and highlight their business stories to raise awareness of the diversity in our City. 

The student’s profiles underscore one of the highlights of the Scranton area – its local cuisine, which offers something for just about everyone. For lovers of Hispanic and Latin food, the offerings are equally as plentiful with favorites such as Chicano’s Restaurant (Mexican) on Cedar Avenue, Cura’s Restaurant (Mexican) on Prospect Avenue, and Mi Ranchito Bakery and Colombian Restaurant (Colombian). There are also newer spots to visit like Frutas Locas, serving smoothies and tamales, on Meadow Avenue and La Chingada Restaurante y Carniceria Mexicana (Mexican) on Cedar Avenue. Perhaps one of the best kept secrets in the city of Scranton is Florita’s Bakery offering fresh pastries and made to order cakes including dulce de leche cake with fresh fruit. The many varied options just in the city of Scranton alone speak to the rich diversity of the many Latin American cultures and groups represented in our community.

To view all the profiles, and to support these businesses with in-person or take-out meal options, please visit the Welcoming Scranton Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/welcomingscranton. Profiles can also be viewed on the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania Facebook page @uncnepa and on The University of Scranton Office of Community Relations Facebook page @uscrantoncommunityrelations.

The University of Scranton will use an innovative technology platform to create a dynamic experience for prospective students and their families for two virtual Open House events on Sunday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Nov. 1.

Through the virtual event platform, 6Connex, the University has customized its virtual environment with campus facilities and will integrate recorded videos with live interactive sessions and panel discussions to allow participants to experience more closely an in-person Scranton Open House without leaving the comfort of their own homes. The format includes a lobby area from which participants can easily access a Welcome video and links to all other virtual Open House content, including information about the Jesuit school’s 70 undergraduate majors and other academic programs, student life, admissions, financial aid and other departments and programs.

The virtual event will include live Zoom webinars featuring panel discussions on topics that include pre-health/pre-med professions, pre-law programs, liberal arts and humanities, honors programs, admissions and student life, among others. Dynamic virtual sessions with admissions/financial aid are also available to allow for questions and answers. In addition, “Live Q & A” Zoom sessions are available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with faculty representatives from academic programs, as well as with staff and students representing campus ministries, student life, athletic teams, club sports, study abroad and other departments and programs offered at Scranton. A more detailed program for Open House can be seen here.

For 27 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Scranton among the 10 top Master’s Universities in the North and as a “Best Value” school for eight consecutive years. The Princeton Review included Scranton in its list “Best Colleges” for 19 consecutive years and in its ranking of the nation’s “Best Science Labs” (No. 8) and “Best Campus Food” (No. 7) for six consecutive years, among other rankings.

The University’s Open House events begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 2 p.m.

For additional information, contact Scranton’s Admissions Office at 1-888-SCRANTON or visit www.scranton.edu/admissions.

Last week, The Greater Scranton MLK Commission in collaboration with higher education partners, including The University of Scranton, launched a 3-part series, “Talking about Racism: A Community Conversation” to provide space for community members to listen, learn, and work for change.

The first event, “Defining and Identifying Racism,” was held this past Thursday, Oct. 1 via Zoom webinar. This session’s moderator was Cathy Ann Hardaway, President of the Greater Scranton MLK Commission and featured presenters Arthur Breese, Director of Diversity, Geisinger and Teresa Grettano, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of English & Theatre, The University of Scranton.

Two hundred participants from across our community joined into the educational session discussing the importance of identifying different forms of racism and how we can see the manifestations of the meaning of racism in our society, and in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Community members were invited to listen with openness, empathy and humility, and with justice in mind and after the presentation, joined in a question and answer session. This session provided participants with resources to further engage with the issue of racism and its impact; the session recording, PowerPoint presentation and accompanying video links, book recommendations and other online resources are available at: scranton.edu/TalkingAboutRacism.

The events recognize that talking about race can be difficult, that progress is possible, and that missteps and growth will happen along the way. The sessions utilize speakers from Northeastern Pennsylvania colleges and universities and local organizations and are designed to seize the moment to ensure our region is a welcoming and inclusive community for diverse communities of color.

To continue this learning journey, there will be two additional sessions offered this October. The second session on October 8, “Understanding White Privilege and Allyship” will be moderated by Ida Castro, J.D., MLK Commission, GCSOM and will feature presenters Jessica Nolan, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, The University of Scranton and Leon John, Ph.D., Director of Alumni Engagement, East Stroudsburg University. The third session on October 15, “Discussing Black Lives Matter” will be moderated by Lia Richards Palmiter, Ph.D., MLK Commission, Marywood University and will feature presenters Glynis Johns, Founder, Black Scranton Project and Yerodin Lucas, Ph.D., Interim Director Office of Equity & Inclusion and Title IX Coordinator, Marywood University.

Community members can still register to join in the conversation through a series of presentations followed by question and answer sessions held via Zoom on Thursdays from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. continuing October 8 and 15. Registration is required at surveymonkey.com/r/TalkingAboutRacism. Zoom information will be sent prior to the event.

This series is a project of The Greater Scranton MLK Commission in collaboration with Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Johnson College, Lackawanna College, Marywood University, Penn State Scranton, and The University of Scranton. Questions can be directed to community@scranton.edu.

As the November elections draw near, The University of Scranton prepares students to participate in their civic duty of voting. For many University students, this election will mark the first time that they are eligible voters. In addition to voting for the first time, many students will also need to navigate this election in a very unique way due to the ongoing pandemic.

On the evening of Constitution Day, University’s Political Dialogues Working Group hosted a virtual student Political Dialogue “Values That Inform Your Vote”.  This dialogues offered 35 student participants from a variety of backgrounds and political affiliations the opportunity to engage in a non-partisan open discussion about the values that they hold and how this will translate into who they will vote for at the ballot box, or mailbox, this November.

This dialogue event called into focus that in addition to 2020 being an election year, this year also marks the 150^th anniversary of the 15^th amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on race, the 100^th anniversary of the 19^th amendment, prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on gender. The dialogue allowed students to reflect on how their own experiences shape their personal value systems. By engaging students from across the political spectrum in genuine listening and open conversation students were able to be heard and also were able to hear from others who may be different than them.

The University has organized similar discussions on campus since 2017 as a part of an ongoing "Bursting out Political Bubbles" Dialogue Initiative, which blends the reflective, structured dialogue methods of national non-profit Essential Partners with St. Ignatius of Loyola's teachings of discernment and reflection. For tips on how to have your own constructive dialogue that involves both listening to and learning from others, click here. 

Students can also submit a video or photo sharing about "Why They Vote" through a non-partisan initiative. Students can write down their "Why" for voting in the upcoming election and take a photo holding their sign. Students can share their submissions on social media using #RoyalsVote2020 or email their submission directly to community@scranton.edu. These images will be shared on the Community Relations social media channels in the days leading up to the election. This non-partisan initiative aims to allow students to reflect upon and articulate their personal motivation for engaging in the civic duty of voting. 

To prepare as a University community for the upcoming election, the Office of Community and Government Relations in collaboration with Scranton Student Government has created a voting resource hub: scranton.edu/RoyalsVote. This site contains nonpartisan voter information, voting guides by issues, resources from Ignatian and Catholic organizations, and voter education information. Students can easily register to vote by scanning posters with QR codes located across campus. University students with voting questions also have the opportunity for more individualized support. Scranton Student Government officers are offering voter information drop-in sessions and students can contact the Office of Community Relations for one-on-one Zoom sessions by emailing community@scranton.edu.

Questions about the virtual political dialogue or non-partisan voter engagement initiative can be directed to community@scranton.edu.

During the fall semester, University of Scranton professors will make Latin American authors come alive and explore the COVID-19 pandemic from a philosophical perspective. Schemel Forum evening courses will meet in six weekly sessions from 6 to 7:15 p.m. A zoom link will be emailed to participants.

“Inverted America: Great Stories from Latin America” will be taught by Yamile Silva, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures.

“This course will take you on a journey through Latin America by reading and watching important short stories and films from one of the most vibrant parts of the world,” said Dr. Silva. “Along the way, we’ll explore the various literary styles writers have employed beginning with ‘el criollismo’ and ‘lo fántastico’ through to magical realism and contemporary artists working today. Inspired by the painting ‘Inverted America’ (1943) by Uruguayan artist Joaquín Torres, this course will include some stories by canonical writers such as Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortázar and Juan Rulfo, but will invert the traditional selection of writers and include more women writers.”

Participants will read recent works including short stories by Brazilian writer Clarice Lispector, whose writing has been described by Terrence Rafferty, book critic for “The New York Times,” as “exhilaratingly, arrestingly strange […] after a while you don’t know where you are, either in the book or in the world.” We will also read works by Samantha Schweblin, who was chosen in 2010 by “Granta” magazine as one of the 22 best writers in Spanish under 35 years old. Her book “Little Eyes” was recently nominated for the prestigious Man Booker International Prize. We will watch and analyze the psychological thriller “The Headless Woman” by Lucrecia Martel, the most critically acclaimed auteur in Spanish-language art cinema from Latin America.

Course discussions will address style, identity, representation, gender and sexuality, and influence in national and transnational contexts in these truly unique artistic works. Classes will meet on the following Mondays: Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26; and Nov. 2 and 9.

Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, will teach “Responses to the COVID-19 Crisis: A Philosophical Perspective.” This seminar will look at the COVID-19 crisis from the perspective of political philosophy and examine how these philosophies shaped responses to it — in particular, through the conflict between individual rights and the common good.

“Today’s rapidly evolving news cycle is providing more and more material for the course,” said Dr. Meyer. Participants will discuss the debate between Dr. Anthony Fauci and Rand Paul; Attorney General Barr’s comments that compared stay-at-home orders to slavery; court rulings that deemed Wisconsin’s and Pennsylvania’s stay-at-home orders unconstitutional on the grounds that they violate individual liberty; and the impact of the Michigan Liberty Militia, which actively supports anti-mask and anti-lockdown protests.

Dr. Meyer said, “The course will begin with an open discussion of COVID-19 and these controversies. We will likely be reading and discussing selections from George Will, Richard Epstein, Michael Sandel and Robert Reich that examine the nature of freedom – and different understandings of this concept – and promote and critique the notion of the common good (some authors we will encounter even deny that such a thing exists).”

The course will conclude with a final discussion of the controversies surrounding COVID-19 in light of these readings and class discussions about freedom and the common good. Classes will meet on Thursdays, Oct. 15 and 22; Wednesday, Oct. 28; and Thursdays, Nov. 5, 12 and 19.

Area residents can enroll in any course for $60; Schemel Forum members and University staff, students and faculty can enroll free of charge. The Schemel Forum is also offering six virtual World Affairs Seminars during the fall semester, which are also available to area residents.

To register or for more information, contact Alicen Morrison, Schemel Forum assistant, at 570-941-6206 or alicen.morrison@scranton.edu. For more information on Schemel Forum programs and memberships, contact Sondra Myers, Schemel Forum director, at 570-941-4089 or sondra.myers@scranton.edu.

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center received its 2020 Eastern Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award.

The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides quality educational programs and no-cost, confidential consulting services to entrepreneurs looking to start, grow and sustain their small business. Established in 1980, the SBDC is under the direction of Lisa Hall Zielinski, director, and her team. Small businesses, including agricultural enterprises and entrepreneurs, located in Bradford, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, and Wyoming counties rely on the SBDC’s experienced and professional staff of 10 associates to offer assistance, education and guidance in finding practical solutions for turning business problems into business success.

“It’s wonderful to have the privilege to recognize the achievements of our resource partners such as The University of Scranton SBDC and leaders like Lisa,” said Steve Dixel, director, SBA Eastern Pennsylvania. “Under Lisa’s leadership, the SBDC emphasized collaboration between various economic development partners to promote the availability of federal, state and local funding for businesses impacted by COVID-19 and they continue to assist the business community to rebound with resiliency and innovation.” 

“The University of Scranton SBDC is a leader in innovation. For example, when COVID-19 brought traditional internships to a screeching halt, the team evaluated the needs of small businesses, determining that they needed extra help from interns virtually, and with as few obstacles as possible. As a result, the SBDC developed a virtual, micro-internship component for short-term, project-based opportunities performed remotely to add to their Small Business Internship Initiative,” said Dr. Ernie Post, director, Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center Network. 

Other unique programs created by The University of Scranton SBDC include: 

• Women’s Entrepreneurship Center (WEC): A partnership between The University of Scranton Kania School of Management (KSOM) and the SBDC. WEC student interns and SBDC staff offer business start-up information, guidance and encouragement to low-income women, those in transition or those trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. The program was highlighted as an AACSB Accreditation Best Practice and was an influencer in the creation of the Scranton Area Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy Micro-loan Program. Nearly 50 students have completed WEC internships and more than 300 women have completed the StartUP series.

• Engage! Business Walk: A team of economic development partners and stakeholders visit individual businesses in a walkable area to hear from owners about their small business experiences. Business owners are asked to share thoughts about challenges and opportunities, all with a goal of helping them grow their business and the businesses in the local community. Engage! is a statewide business retention and expansion (BRE) program funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED). It was highlighted as a Best Practice by PA DCED and selected for presentation as a Best Practice at the Connections 20/20 Conference. 

“We are honored to be presented with the 2020 SBA Eastern Pennsylvania Center of Excellence and Innovation award, and so proud to serve the small businesses in Northeastern and Northern Tier Pennsylvania,” said Zielinski. “The Scranton SBDC team is dedicated to helping small businesses succeed across the region. Last year alone, our small team worked with more than 500 individuals, resulting in 45 new business starts and a record $14.2 million in capital formation for start-up and existing businesses. We are so thankful for the outstanding resources and support provided by SBA, our host institution and PA DCED. It’s a privilege to be part of the Pennsylvania SBDC Network.”

“The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center is an excellent partner in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Partnership for Regional Economic Performance,” said Jeffrey K. Box, president and CEO NEPA Alliance/NE PREP Coordinator. “Lisa and her team are always small business client and customer focused for the betterment of the economy of our region. We congratulate them on receiving this award from SBA.” 

“Many of today’s students have entrepreneurial dreams. Even more seek practical applications for classroom learning,” said Gerald C. Zaboski, vice president for enrollment management and external affairs at The University of Scranton. “We are so proud to count the Scranton SBDC as being among the best at providing both. Through innovative programs and services, Scranton's SBDC gives our students unique and powerful practical experiences. Women’s Entrepreneurship Center interns talk about a life-changing internship better than any they have done. Likewise, the Small Business Internship Initiative serves the needs of both businesses and students in an innovative way.”

The University of Scranton SBDC is part of the PA SBDC Network of colleges and university centers, which is a joint venture of federal, state, and private sector agencies and organizations including the SBA, PA DCED and The University of Scranton. The SBDC is an accredited affiliate of the national network of America’s Small Business Development Centers.

SBA’s Eastern Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award Winner is selected annually from among nominees located across the 40 counties of eastern Pennsylvania. National Small Business Week recognizes the small business community’s contribution to the American economy. Learn more about National Small Business Week at https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week.

Dr. Temple Grandin, world-renowned animal behaviorist and autism spokesperson, will be the keynote speaker at the 19^th Annual U.S. Conference on disAbility at The University of Scranton, which will be held in a virtual format on Oct. 6. The conference, “Exploring Autism Across the Spectrum: Building Inclusive Communities,” is open to the public free of charge. Registration is required to attend the conference.

Born in 1947, Dr. Grandin was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. At the time, autism was considered a form of brain injury. Her parents worked tirelessly to secure the best possible care and instruction for their daughter. Still, social interactions were difficult for Grandin through middle and high school.

Dr. Grandin persevered, going on to earn a degree in psychology from Franklin Pierce College, a master's degree in animal science from Arizona State University and a doctoral degree in animal science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She first spoke publicly about autism in the 1980’s, and has since become an autism advocate, worldwide.

Dr. Grandin is widely known and respected for her work regarding animal welfare, neurology and philosophy, and has authored best-selling books and articles on this subject. She has received several honorary degrees, is a fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, and has been featured in television and radio shows. In 2010, HBO released the film Temple Grandin, which won five Emmy Awards.

Chris Banks, chief executive officer and president as of the Autism Society of America, and Jose Velasco, vice president of Product Management at SAP and SAP Autism at Work program, will also deliver keynote addresses. The conference will also feature professional and family track sessions and a virtual vendor expo.

The conference, which will feature a number of live and pre-recorded speakers, is presented by the Panuska College of Professional Studies and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment in partnership with AllOne Foundation. Registration is required to attend and capacity is limited. Click here to register.

Additional information is available online or by contacting the conference co-chairs Rebecca Spirito Dalgin, Ph.D., director of the Rehabilitation Counseling Program, at rebecca.dalgin@scranton.edu; or Lori Bruch, Ed.D., chair of the Counseling and Human Services Department, at lori.bruch@scranton.edu.

The University of Scranton Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminars are going virtual this fall, yet still promise to deliver their usual thought-provoking insights on history, geopolitics and the human condition.

The series will feature six talks throughout the fall semester, all of which will take place on Zoom rather than the typical luncheon format. With the exception of the third seminar, featuring celebrated Washington Post political columnist E.J. Dionne, Jr., each event will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. Dionne’s talk on Oct. 29, will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Admission is $10 per seminar, and registered attendees will receive an emailed Zoom link prior to each talk.

The series begins Thursday, Oct. 1, with former Scranton-area physician and founder of the Schemel Forum Harmar Brereton, M.D., presenting “Artistic Manifestations of Life Transitions.” During the first portion of the talk, Dr. Brereton will examine the artworks discovered in the Caves du Volp in the French Pyrenees – specifically the Lion sequence in the Cave Chauvet and the Bison sculpture room in the Cave Trois-Freres – and their potential relationship to the transformation that occurs during adolescence. Then, in the second half of the presentation, he will look at the transition of Odysseus through midlife, from “The Iliad” to his homecoming in “The Odyssey.”

According to Dr. Brereton, “the talk will look at three early artistic representations of life transitions and hopefully make the point that the artist long before the psychologist was looking outward and inward with skill and understanding.”

Next, on Friday, Oct. 23, Christine Leuenberger, Ph.D., senior lecturer in the Department of Science and Technology Studies at Cornell University, will present “The Politics of Maps: Cartographic Constructions of Israel/Palestine.” The talk will look at how various actors, institutions and governments – particularly the Israelis and the Palestinians – engage in “map wars” in order to further different and often incommensurable geopolitical visions of contested territories.

Dionne’s presentation, “Code Red:  How Progressives and Moderates Can Unite to Save the Country,” will take place Thursday, Oct. 29, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. During the talk, Dionne, a longtime syndicated columnist who is also a contributor to MSNBC and NPR, a professor at Georgetown University and a visiting professor at Harvard University, will discuss his latest book, which posits that real change in the United States can only come via a highly diverse coalition of political allies, from Democratic Socialists to those who once would have been called liberal Rockefeller Republicans.

Then, on Thursday, Nov. 5, Fredrik Logevall, Ph.D., Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs at Harvard University, will present the extremely timely lecture, “What Democracy Requires: The 2020 Election in Historical Perspective.” During the talk, which will be held two days after Election Day, Logevall will examine how history provides important clues to the 2020 presidential election and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead depending on its outcome.

“In times of crisis, it’s especially important for Americans to think about their democracy and what it requires,” Logevall said. “Not least, they need to recognize that the success of democracy depends on having an informed and engaged electorate, committed to reasoned communication and to good-faith bargaining between the parties.”

On Friday, Nov. 20, David N. Myers, Ph.D., Sady and Ludwig Kahn Professor of Jewish History at UCLA and president of the New Israel Fund, will present “Antisemitism Past, Present, and Future.” Myers’ lecture will explore the enduring history of antisemitism – referred to as the “longest hatred” in history – through its various manifestations, its staying power and the significant threats it poses today.

The series will conclude on a to-be-determined date with “Christo's Alternative Universe: Challenging All Boundaries As a Practice of Freedom,” presented by Annie Cohen-Solal, Ph.D., cultural historian, writer and professor of American Studies at the Université de Caen. At the talk, Cohen-Solal will look at legendary artist Christo’s spectacular artistic productions and their relationship to stories of war, trauma, diaspora and catastrophe. Through these unique insights into the process of this singular artist, Cohen-Solal seeks to demonstrate that comfort and empowerment are possible even during times of crisis.

The World Affairs Seminar series is sponsored by Munley Law.

To register for the seminars, contact Alicen Morrison, Schemel Forum assistant, at 570-941-6206 or alicen.morrison@scranton.edu. And, for more information on Schemel Forum programs and memberships, contact Sondra Myers, Schemel Forum director, at 570-941-4089 or sondra.myers@scranton.edu.

Colum McCann, the award-winning author of seven novels and three collections of short stories, will offer a virtual book talk hosted by The University of Scranton on Tuesday on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 5 p.m. McCann will be joined by Rami Elhanan and Bassam Aramin, the Co-Directors of Parents Circle – Families Forum, a grassroots organization of bereaved Palestinian and Israeli families who work for peace. This special virtual event is hosted by the University’s Political Dialogue initiative, in partnership with the Schemel Forum and the Slattery Center for the Humanities. This event is free of charge and open to the public. Registration is required at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ColumMcCann.

McCann is the co-founder of Narrative 4, an international story exchange organization. He will speak about his most recent novel, “Apeirogon” (named for a shape with a countably infinite number of sides), which is a story rooted in the real-life friendship between two fathers – one Israeli and one Palestinian – united by loss of their daughters. Bassam Aramin is Palestinian. Rami Elhanan is Israeli. They inhabit a world of conflict that colors every aspect of their daily lives.

The New York Times book review described “Apeirogon” as a “powerful and prismatic new novel,” saying “McCann’s brilliant act of novel-making builds a wholly believable and infinitely faceted reality around Rami’s and Bassam’s first-person accounts, a rich and comprehensive context that allows us into the fathers’ experiences, their histories, their minds.” Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Partners acquired the film rights to the book. 

McCann’s novel “TransAtlantic,” published in 2013, was a New York Times best-seller and his novel “Let the Great World Spin,” published in 2009, became a best-seller on four continents and won the 2009 National Book Award in the U.S., the 2010 Best Foreign Novel Award in China, a literary award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters and several other major international literary prizes. In 2017, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts. McCann received the 2014 Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award from The University of Scranton’s Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library. His work has been published in over 40 languages. A native of Ireland who now resides in New York, McCann also teaches in the MFA program at Hunter College.

The University’s Political Dialogue initiative, which includes student political dialogues, facilitation trainings, and other civic engagement activities, blends the reflective, structured dialogue methods of national non-profit Essential Partners with St. Ignatius of Loyola’s teachings of discernment and reflection. On the afternoon of October 2^nd, the University will host a facilitator training workshop with Narrative 4 on their story exchange model that will include University faculty and staff and colleagues from community organizations and colleges and universities.

The Oct. 2 story exchange workshop is hosted by Narrative 4 and The University’s Scranton’s Political Dialogue Initiative. Co-sponsors include the University’s Schemel Forum and the Slattery Center for the Humanities.

To register for the Oct. 6 event, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ColumMcCann.

For additional information, contact the University’s Office of Community and Government Relations at 570-941-4419 or by email at community@scranton.edu.

Pennsylvania Cable Network’s (PCN) Election College Panel program, recorded via Zoom at The University of Scranton, will air on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. on PCN’s cable channel and streaming services. The show is part of PCN’s “On the Road” program which traveled to five Pennsylvania colleges and universities to talk to students about election issues. PNC is broadcasting the Election College Panel programs from Sept. 14 to Sept. 18.

Panelists in The University of Scranton’s segment were Political Science Professor Jean Wahl Harris, Ph.D.; Scranton alumnus Jeff Brauer, professor of political science at Keystone College; and Bill O’Boyle, a staff writer with the Times-Leader newspaper. PCN’s Francine Schertzer was the moderator.

University of Scranton students participating in the program were: Carly Long, Randolph, New Jersey, a strategic communication major and president of College Democrats; Thomas Salandra, Caldwell, New Jersey, an accounting major and vice president of College Republicans; Conor Nealon, Duryea, a political science major; Simon Peter, Wilkes-Barre, a political science major; and Grace Seechock, Scranton, a political science major.

PCN will re-air the Election College Panel program from the University on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 10 p.m.; on Friday, Sept. 18 at 5:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.; and on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m.

To offer education and engage our local community, The Greater Scranton MLK Commission in collaboration with other higher education partners, including The University of Scranton, will offer a series of three sessions this October, “Talking about Racism: A Community Conversation” to provide space for community members to listen, learn, and work for change.

This series was planned over the summer as nationwide protests in the wake of the killings of George Floyd and other Black people brought renewed attention to longstanding issues of racism and social justice. The events recognize that talking about race can be difficult, but see possibilities for progress when participants engage with curiosity, knowledge, and empathy.

These sessions were developed by the Greater Scranton MLK Commission together with higher education partners utilizing speakers from Northeastern Pennsylvania colleges and universities and local organizations.  

 “Education is essential. We need to raise awareness so that people can actually see and understand the scope of the problem of racism – how it impacts individuals and our society. This conversation series will be an opportunity for learning and engagement as a Scranton community.” said Cathy Ann Hardaway, President of the Greater Scranton MLK Commission.

With this goal in mind, “Talking About Racism: A Community Conversation” was created to take participants on a learning journey over three weeks as they uncover their own implicit biases and privilege so we can all work together to create a more equitable and just community here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“The summer of 2020 has prompted a racial reckoning in our country. These problems are not new, but this series was developed to seize the moment now to listen and learn about the ways in which racism affects our Black neighbors and to do our part to bring about lasting change,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen, Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement and Government Affairs at The University of Scranton.

This series includes three sessions on different but related topics. The first session on October 1, “Defining and Identifying Racism” will be moderated by Cathy Ann Hardaway, MLK Commission President and will feature presenters Arthur Breese, Director of Diversity, Geisinger and Teresa Grettano, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English/Theatre, The University of Scranton. The second session on October 8, “Understanding White Privilege and Allyship” will be moderated by Ida Castro, JD, MLK Commission, GCSOM and will feature presenters Jessica Nolan, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology, The University of Scranton and Leon John, Ph.D., Director of Alumni Engagement, East Stroudsburg University. The third session on October 15, “Discussing Black Lives Matter” will be moderated by Lia Richards Palmiter, Ph.D., MLK Commission, Marywood University and will feature presenters Glynis Johns, Founder, Black Scranton Project and Yerodin Lucas, Ph.D., Interim Director Office of Equity & Inclusion and Title IX Coordinator, Marywood University.

Community members are invited to join in the conversation through a series of presentations followed by question and answer sessions held via Zoom on Thursdays from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. beginning October 1. Registration is required at surveymonkey.com/r/TalkingAboutRacism. Zoom information will be sent prior to the event.

This series is a project of The Greater Scranton MLK Commission in collaboration with Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Johnson College, Lackawanna College, Marywood University, Penn State Scranton, and The University of Scranton. Questions can be directed to community@scranton.edu. 

The University of Scranton will celebrate Constitution Day on Thursday, Sept. 17, with a Class of 2020 Gateway lighting, a WUSR radio reading of constitution and a virtual political dialog event.

At noon, the University’s student radio station, WUSR will broadcast a reading of the U.S. Constitution. Members of the University’s speech team, the University’s provost, volunteer staff and faculty will participate in the reading, as will members of the University’s 2020 Vision Committee, which was formed to promote the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment. Readers include: University students Juliet Baldassarri, Baldwin, New York; Colleen Boyle, Bryn Mawr; Abigail Buck, Washingtonville, New York; Caitlin Connallon, Cranston, Rhode Island; Samantha Gurn, Brackney; Kyra Krzywicki, Kingston; Nadia Offendel, Springfield Gardens, New York; and Shelby Traver, Sweet Valley; Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Jean Wahl Harris, Ph.D., professor of history; Maria Marianucci, director, Cross Cultural Centers; Rebecca Mikesell, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication and media; Kim Pavlick, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication and media; Susan Poulson, Ph.D., professor of history; Jose Sanchez, assistant director, Cross Cultural Centers; and Rose Sebastianelli, Ph.D., professor of operations and information management.

The University will host a non-partisan Student Political Dialogue on Constitution Day, Sept. 17 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via ZOOM. The discussion is titled “the 2020 Elections: Values that Inform Your Vote.” University students of different perspectives and backgrounds are invited to engage and encounter each other's experiences and views - not debate or persuade - through structured dialogue to build understanding. Students must register in advance to attend.

The virtual event is part of the University’s Bursting our Political Bubbles Initiative which draws on reflective, structured dialogue methods and Ignatian spirituality.

Also, as part of its Constitution Day programming, the University will display the American flag on its Class of 2020 Gateway the evening of Sept. 17.

The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) with SBDC partners at Clarion University and Pennsylvania State University received CARES Act funding from the United States Small Business Administration to launch the PASBDC Ag (agricultural) Center of Excellence initiative that will help Pennsylvania agriculture businesses sustain operations and stabilize food supply chains in the wake of the pandemic. The Scranton SBDC, housed in the University’s Kania School of Management, received $80,000 in support for this initiative. Only nine SBDCs in Pennsylvania received funds to support the creation of Center of Excellence initiatives.

The PASCDC Ag Center of Excellence initiative will be a cooperative effort between the three SBDC centers, located in Northeast, Central and Western Pennsylvania, to provide agricultural businesses educational and training seminars and webinars on relevant topics; team consulting services; and support for the implantation of food safety protocols and for access to resources for capital. The initiative will leverage host institution resources and partnerships including the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State Extension, and the agricultural expertise and programming already developed by Scranton’s SBDC.

“Support for this initiative recognizes the critical role production agriculture, agribusinesses, food processors and manufacturers, retailers and the entire distribution and support network from farm to table play in assuring a safe, reliable food supply,” said Lisa Hall Zielinski, director of The University of Scranton SBDC.

The PASBDC Ag Center of Excellence initiative will offer webinars and seminars on topics such as FSMA compliance, finance, planning and expansion, grants and federal and state financing programs, market research, social media, search engine optimization (SEO), managing cash flow, environmental assistance and cybersecurity, among other topic related to health and safety issues concerning COVID-19. The initiative will provide team consulting outreach and services. It will also support ag business development specialists, who will assist small agricultural businesses with implementing protocols that can protect their workplaces, employees and customers against potential health and safety threats, including the prevention of the transmission of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases.

PASCDC Ag Center of Excellence agriculture business development specialists will also work with producers and their supply chain partners to access and apply for federal Paycheck Protection Program loans, SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and all types of SBA, USDA and other commercial loan programs, so small businesses can effectively access capital and promote business sustainable agricultural operations, growth and future resiliency.

Over the past 13 years, Scranton’s SBDC has developed programming and outreach specifically for businesses in the agriculture and food industry. Programming includes: ServSafe® Food Safety Certification; Building Your Food Business workshops; and FSMA Made Simple among other programs. Since January 2019, the SBDC has retained a business consultant with expertise in farm and food business, who has expanded the SBDC’s outreach to agricultural producers.

Scranton’s SBDC was also among the 16 SBDC Centers in the Commonwealth recently awarded CARES Act funds by the Pennsylvania SBDC network to help mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small-businesses.

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 University of Scranton SBDC serves eight counties in Northeastern and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.

The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center and the Office of Community and Government Relations will offer a virtual Lunchtime Seminar, “COVID-19 and the Economy: A Local and Regional Perspective” on September 28 from 12 – 12:45 p.m. via Zoom. During this virtual presentation, Dr. Satyajit Ghosh, Professor of Economics in the Kania School of Management, will provide a local, regional, and national perspective on the economy in light of the continued public health crisis caused by the global pandemic of COVID-19.

Dr. Ghosh has been teaching at the Kania School of Management at The University of Scranton since 1986 and has served as the Chair of the Economics and Finance department at the University for sixteen years. An expert in the areas of Economic Development, Economic Theory and Policy, Satyajit is a regular contributor to the Scranton Times Tribune and a regular participant of the Annual Economics Roundtable hosted by the Scranton Times. 

What some hoped would be just a temporary economic blip followed by recovery has proven to be an ongoing situation that has placed the American economy in the most challenging position since the Great Depression. As the pandemic is predicted to continue into the cooler weather and accompanying flu season, there are looming concerns of what the ongoing public health crisis and potential further shutdown measures will mean for the economy. This seminar will take a closer look at where our local and regional economies currently stand in relation to the national economic outlook and discuss what to expect in the months ahead. This event will offer an opening presentation by Dr. Ghosh followed by a question and answer session with attendees.

This lunchtime seminar event is open to members of both the University of Scranton and the broader Scranton area communities. The seminar will be held on Zoom from 12:00 – 12:45 PM on September 28. Registration is required here. For more information and to submit questions in advance of the event, please contact elizabeth.geeza@scranton.edu.

The event is a collaboration of the University of Scranton Office of Community and Government Relations and The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which provides educational programs and no cost, confidential consulting services to entrepreneurs looking to start a small business or grow an existing small business in Bradford, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties in Pennsylvania. For additional information, visit the SBDC Web Site or email sbdc@scranton.edu. 

The University of Scranton’s Political Dialogues Working Group will offer a virtual student political dialogue, “Values That Inform Your Vote”, on Constitution Day, Thursday, September 17 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. This dialogues offers the opportunity for students to engage in a non-partisan open discussion about the values that they hold and how this will translate into who they will vote for at the ballot box, or mailbox, this November.

Students will have a chance to engage and encounter each other's experiences and views - not debate or persuade - through structured dialogue to build understanding. Registration is required here.

The University has organized similar discussions on campus since 2017 as part of an ongoing “Bursting Our Political Bubbles” Dialogue Initiative, which blends the reflective, structured dialogue methods of national non-profit Essential Partners with St. Ignatius of Loyola’s teachings of discernment and reflection. For tips on how to have your own constructive dialogue that involves both listening to and learning from others, click here.

In addition to 2020 being an election year, this year also marks the 150^th anniversary of the 15^th amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on race, the 100^th anniversary of the 19^th amendment, prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on gender. The virtual dialogue on Sep. 17 will be the culmination of day long events planned to mark Constitution Day, also known as Citizenship Day, at the University.

This fall, the University has also launched “Royals Vote,” a non-partisan voter engagement initiative. To continue civic engagement beyond this event, University members are encouraged to visit the Royals Vote website at www.scranton.edu/royalsvote to learn more about registering to vote, voter deadlines in their state, and to find information about the candidates and referendums. This site offers additional resources from Catholic and Jesuit partners.

Questions about the virtual political dialogue or non-partisan voter engagement initiative can be directed to community@scranton.edu.

10^th Annual Downtown Scavenger Hunt

This past weekend The University of Scranton’s Office of Community Relations hosted its 10^th Annual Scavenger Hunt in downtown Scranton to give students an opportunity to explore the City of Scranton, including businesses, historical sites, landmarks, and murals. For many members of the first year class, this event is the first chance to acquaint themselves with their new home.

This year’s event was adapted to ensure safety in light of the coronavirus. Updates included offering the event asynchronously over the course of the entire weekend, wearing masks, maintaining 6 feet social distancing, and a new QR code system that enabled the event to be hosted entirely outdoors. Over 30 participating locations from across the downtown hosted “Iggy” posters in their windows for students to find. Students could scan QR codes on the posters to receive a clue with more information about the next location. In addition to the Scavenger Hunt, this year’s event also had two additional photo contests: one focusing on downtown landmarks and artistic murals and the other to mark the most creative photo overall.

“Despite the changes this year to ensure health and safety, we still had a great competition, community spirit, and creativity demonstrated by our students. Students immersed themselves in the city and got to know more about the rich history & culture and vibrant businesses in our community” said Carolyn M. Bonacci, community and civic engagement coordinator at the University.  

This year’s winners are as follows:

Scavenger Hunt Winners:

Grand Prize: Vatsal Chetanbhai Shah, graduate student, India and Jamie Sainz, graduate student, Spain

Runners Up: Annette Johnson ’24, Silver Springs, MD and Kaleigh Timmons ’24, Bergenfield NJ

Downtown Murals and Landmarks Photo Contest Winners:

Grand Prize: Michelle Andruszko ’24, Drexel Hill, PA and Nicole Wirth ’24, Pompton Lakes, NJ

Runners Up: Francesca Fassett and Jenna Ziemba, High School Scholars

Creativity Photo Contest Winners:

Grand Prize: Kayla Murray ’24,  Philadelphia, PA and Alexa Ryan ’24, Philadelphia, PA

Runners Up: Vatsal Chetanbhai Shah, graduate student, India and Jamie Sainz, graduate student, Spain

Over 140 teams registered for the event and 30 downtown businesses and cultural and city venues offered students a chance to experience different facets of the city. Photo highlights were shared by the Scranton Times-Tribune.  The event demonstrated both that Royals can stay safe together and how much being in the City of Scranton means to the University: “I know it’s challenging, we’re all going through it, but it’s going to work out in the end we’re going to be stronger as a University and as a community because of it," said Diya Patel, sophomore and Community Relations intern, in a story by Fox56 that included interviews with the Community Relations team that organized the event, as well as participating business and longtime fixture of Courthouse Square, Northern Light Espresso Bar.

This event was held in collaboration with The Center for Student Engagement, The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce & Metro Action, and Scranton Tomorrow.

Follow Community Relations on Facebook to view a full album of the winning photos.

University of Scranton President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., announced in a video to the campus community today his intention to step down at the end of the 2020-2021 academic year. Father Pilarz said he came to the decision to conclude his term as Scranton’s 27^th president after assessing the progression of symptoms related to his diagnosis of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

“During the past two years, my love [for the University] has only grown stronger and my sense of gratitude deeper. I love the University too much to ever jeopardize her future. That is why I think it is prudent to step aside at the end of this year. The University needs a strong and steady hand, and I pray for the success of the search. I ask you all to pray with me for God’s continued grace and for the University’s unique place in the landscape of Catholic and Jesuit education,” said Father Pilarz in a video message.

During the upcoming year, Father Pilarz plans to focus on the health and safety of the campus community related to the pandemic; ways in which the University can address systemic racism; the continued success of the Slattery Center for the Humanities; the launch of the of the University’s 2020-2025 strategic plan; and the advancement of a capital campaign to build the University’s endowment, support its aspirations and enrich the University’s Catholic and Jesuit mission.

“I would also like to direct my energy toward continuing to educate people about ALS, the urgent need for research and the importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects people living with ALS,” said Father Pilarz in his video message. 

When Father Pilarz concludes his second term as president on May 31, 2021, he will have been the second-longest-serving president in the University’s history. Only J.A. Panuska, S.J. (1982-1998) has served a longer term as president.

During Father Pilarz’s second tenure as president, Scranton further advanced its commitment to providing students a transformative education in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition. The founding of the Slattery Center for the Humanities in 2019 underscores the core role that the liberal arts plays in the formation of students to become “men and women for and with others.”  Renewed strategic enrollment initiatives led the University to add majors in academic areas of emerging growth, including mechanical engineering, cybercrime and homeland security, and business analytics, among others. The University increased its endowment to support student-faculty research and faculty development, and has strengthened scholarships and financial aid for students and their families. The University further aligned its commitment to serve the region by opening the Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence Executive Hub on campus to enhance services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The establishment of a new community-based learning office coordinates and encourages academic course projects focused on community needs. In response to the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic church, Father Pilarz established the Task Force on Healing, Reconciliation and Hope.

James M. Slattery, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, announced in a letter to the campus community, also sent on Aug. 19, that the board has accepted Father Pilarz’s resignation “with an equal measure of gratitude and sadness.”

“As trustees, we could not be more pleased with the masterful way in which Father Pilarz has led the University throughout his presidency and especially during these past months – perhaps the most challenging time in our history. His love for the University – and especially our students – inspires all of us every day, and we take comfort in knowing that he continues to lead us through the end of next May,” said Slattery in the letter to the campus community.

According to Slattery, the University’s Board of Trustees will form a committee to conduct a national search for a new president that will seek input from the campus community and will make the “search process as inclusive as possible, within the necessary limits of confidentiality.”

Getting to Know Scranton

As the fall semester gets underway, this new academic year is already unique in many ways with the new safety measures in place to keep everyone safe. Although this year is different, there are still many ways that University of Scranton students can have fun and explore and enjoy the Scranton area.

10^th Annual Downtown Scavenger Hunt

One of the hallmarks of back to school for University of Scranton students is the annual downtown Scavenger Hunt event, now in its 10^th year. This year, the event is still on with some new modifications. Among the updates to this year’s event is a new registration system online by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/r/Hunt2020 or by scanning QR codes on posters located across campus. This year’s event also requires all students to wear masks, maintain 6 feet social distancing, and to keep teams to 2 students, roommate preferred. This year’s hunt is entirely outdoors, with Iggy posters in business windows featuring QR codes that students can scan for clues, instead of paper clues as in past years.

The Scavenger Hunt has also added two additional grand prizes for the Photo Contests. University students can explore the downtown to find historical monuments and downtown murals and then submit their photos to community@scranton.edu. A second photo contest will award a grand prize the most creative photo submitted during the course of the event. Students can follow The Office of Community Relations on Facebook @uscrantoncommunity & on Instagram and Twitter@uofscommunity for additional clues, contests, and prizes during the course of the weekend.

Outdoor Recreation

Students looking to take a break from coursework and the city can easily find many natural outdoor spaces to explore located within a short distance from campus. One favorite outdoor location is Nay Aug Park, which is easily accessible on foot or bike from campus heading up Mulberry Street. Nay Aug Park is the largest park in the City of Scranton featuring several walking trails and a pedestrian footbridge to allow visitors to cross over the Roaring Brook.

Another great natural escape close to campus is the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail with 70 miles of paved trail that crosses over 30 communities and includes the D&H Rail-Trail. From downtown Scranton, outdoor enthusiasts can enter the trail either at the 7th Avenue Trailhead, two blocks southwest of Lackawanna Avenue, or at the Olive Street Trailhead, located on Olive Street one block down from the intersection with Providence Road. For trail maps and additional information, please visit https://lhva.org/HeritageTrail.php.

A short drive, or if you are extra energetic run, from campus is the Lake Scranton Walking Trail. This 3.57-mile asphalt trail is a favorite of local runners training for races. This beautiful outdoor trial is a circular loop around Lake Scranton. Now that the nights are turning cooler, the beautiful fall foliage will soon begin and visitor can enjoy taking the beautiful vistas from around the lake.  There is free parking just up the hill from the intersection of Moosic Street and Lake Scranton Road.

Downtown Dining

Scranton and the surrounding area is also famous for its many options for foodies and our downtown restaurant businesses offer a variety of outdoor dining options and takeout. You can enjoy a classic NY style slice from DaVini Pizza, delicious deli favorites from Abe’s Kosher Deli, grab a coffee at Northern Lights Espresso Bar or Adezzo, comfort food at Paradise Soulfood & Sweets, delicious grill and Mediterranean favorites from The Garden Mediterranean Café, and so much more. One thing is for certain, downtown Scranton has something for everyone. Many downtown businesses also offer 10% off to students that show their Royal Card. To learn more about the downtown discount program visit the Office of Community Relations website at scranton.edu/about/community-relations/downtown-info-discounts.shtml. 

The coronavirus has meant changes in what back to school looks like for us all, however, The University of Scranton’s Office of Community Relations has worked with its partners to ensure that the annual Scavenger Hunt can take place safely with some modifications for physical distancing. This year’s fall welcome week event will run from 12 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21 through 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23.  This new format offers students the opportunity to participate in the hunt asynchronously over the course of the weekend.   

The annual Scavenger Hunt is offered in partnership with The Center for Student Engagement, The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce & Metro Action, and Scranton Tomorrow. The Scavenger Hunt encourages students to explore the downtown Scranton area and to learn more about our small businesses, cultural venues, and unique features, such as landmarks and murals. This year, the hunt looks a little different, but it still holds the same Scrantastic attitude it has had previous years and 31 downtown partners are participating.

The 2020 Scavenger Hunt will not be timed and students can participate in it over a 3-day period. All students must wear masks, maintain 6 feet social distancing, and limit the team size to 2 persons (roommate preferred). The hunt will still involve clues that lead to our University mascot Iggy, but they will be shared via QR codes and displayed in business windows to keep the hunt entirely outdoors.

In addition to the main Scavenger Hunt event, this year there are also additional photo contests offered. Students can visit a list of downtown historical landmarks and murals, take photos, and submit these to community@scranton.edu to win a grand prize. Additionally, there will be a contest for the most creative photo overall along with some other themed photo contests. These new contests offer students additional chances to win great prizes and new ways to engage with the downtown area.

To participate in this event, students can begin registering on August 17 by visiting surveymonkey.com/r/Hunt2020 or scanning the QR codes on Scavenger Hunt posters located around campus. Registered students will receive an email on Friday, August 21 with a special downtown map and rules sheet that will detail how the scavenger hunt will proceed and provide safety guidelines. A smartphone will be necessary to scan QR codes that will unlock clues at the different locations.

Students that participate in this annual event have the chance to win great prizes. The first 100 students to submit photos during the event will be given a free t-shirt designed with the Electric City logo and the businesses on the back. Grand prizes for the Scavenger Hunt and Photo Contests include downtown restaurant and University bookstore gift cards.

To our new students, Class of 2024, welcome! To our returning students, welcome back! The Office of Community Relations offers this unique opportunity for University of Scranton students during Fall Welcome Week to explore the many boutique shops, ethnic restaurants, cafes, and cultural venues that make up the Electric City. The scavenger hunt is a great way for students to learn about their new home while supporting local businesses! When the time comes, be sure to register and find as many locations as you can.

Twenty-five rising high school students entered The University of Scranton’s University of Success program. The four-year, pre-college mentorship program began for the new participants with a week-long summer program, which took place virtually in July.

The University of Success is an academic and enrichment program designed to provide academic, social, and cultural enrichment to area high school students. The program’s ultimate goal is to assist participating students to successfully complete high school and gain entrance into a college or university. Students enter the program at the completion of the eighth grade and continue through their high school years.

“The University of Success, a first-generation college-bound program is living out the mission of St. Ignatius of Loyola by insuring that students beginning in the middle school years have a support network with the information and strategies to follow their paths to college, go to college, and grow into the people they are capable of becoming,” said Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of The University of Scranton’s Panuska College of Professional Studies, which houses the University of Success program.

The summer program provides learning experiences designed to engage the students in creative thinking, problem solving and communication through activities that expose students to concepts in various academic disciples. The virtual program featured presentations by former Success students, Admissions and Financial Aid Personnel from the University of Scranton, Counselors from Lackawanna County Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, and University Science Professors and Staff.

Following the summer program, the students meet monthly throughout their four years in high school.

The University of Success, offered free of charge to participants, is funded almost entirely by corporate and foundation grants. Donors to the program include AT&T, Charles A. Frueauff Foundation, Kuehner Family Foundation, MetLife Foundation, Overlook Estate Foundation, Prudential Foundation, Scranton Area Foundation, The University of Scranton, Waste Management, Wells Fargo and William G. McGowan Charitable Fund.

Students entering the University of Success program are as follows:

Andrea Amigon, Wilkes-Barre, who attended Solomon/Plains Junior High School;

Trinity Anglin, Clarks Summit, who attended Abington Heights Middle School;

Jovani Aguilar, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;

Colby Beck, Hawley, who attended Wallenpaupack Middle School;

Krista Lynn Davis, Carbondale, who attended Carbondale Area Junior/Senior High School;

Kydasia Deas, Scranton, who attended West Scranton Intermediate School;

Isaac Diaz, Scranton, who attended Northeast Intermediate School;

Emily Durkin, Moosic, who attended Riverside Junior/Senior High School;

Jacob Emmet, Carbondale, who attended Carbondale Area Junior/Senior High School;

Stephany DeOliveira, Olyphant, who attended Mid Valley Secondary Center;

Arthur Garcia, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;

Natasha Hendrickson, Lakewood, who attended Preston Area/Wayne Highlands Area School;

Mariella McCue, Clarks Summit, who attended Abington Heights Middle School;

Quienton McMillian, Scranton, who attended West Scranton Intermediate School;

Evelyn Moctezuma, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;

Chloe Moore, Susquehanna, who attended Preston Area/Wayne Highlands Area School;

Elizabeth Novak, Scott Township, who attended Lakeland Junior/Senior High School;

Vallery Oentoya, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;

Braeden Philpott, New Milford, who attended Blue Ridge Middle School;

Miguel Ramos, Dunmore, who attended Dunmore Junior High School;

Olivia Rowehl, Matamoras, who attended Delaware Valley Middle School;

Kateryna Smirnova, Scranton, who attended West Scranton Intermediate School;

Zi Cheng Weng, Plains, who attended Solomon/Plains Junior High School;

Alayshia Williams, Carbondale, who attended Carbondale Area Junior/Senior High School;

Jaden Willis, Taylor, who attended Riverside High School;

At the beginning of the pandemic, a collaboration led by The University of Scranton, Scranton Tomorrow, and Friends of the Poor launched The Electric City Connection project to help address the emerging needs of both local restaurants experiencing an economic downturn due to the pandemic and to help Scranton area residents in need of food assistance.

This project was recently awarded a generous $20,000 grant from Scranton Area Community Foundation to continue its work throughout the summer and add to the generous community member donations that have totaled $26,955.

"This is a great opportunity to address challenges surrounding food insecurity in Scranton, which have been elevated during the COVID-19 crisis," stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. "Thanks to generous support from donors to the NEPA COVID-19 Response Fund, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is able to provide support for the Electric City Connection project."

The program began by accepting donations in increments of $15, then used by local restaurant partners to supply gift cards for meals distributed by the Friends of the Poor Scranton to individuals and families facing food insecurity in our community. The additional support from the Scranton Area Community Foundation grant will help provide over 3,000 meals to community members, including gift card distributions as well as an expansion of the program to include senior citizens and residents with disabilities living in Downtown Scranton high rises.

“We are seeing a great and ongoing need in the area. Many people are first time recipients of food assistance, truly showing the economic struggles in the face of the pandemic.” Sr. Ann remarked. “Thankfully there is also a great deal of generosity and support to help fill our community needs. The Electric City Connection is a great program to mutually sustain both our local restaurant businesses, and also to provide food assistance to the individuals and families in our community during this challenging time.”

Friends of the Poor Scranton has distributed the gift cards from its weekday/daily food pantry located in West Scranton and FOP and the University of Scranton have worked jointly with Fitch Towers, Mulberry Towers, Geneva House and Amos Towers, to coordinate meals from local restaurant partners. For elderly and disabled downtown residents, these meals while nourishing for their bodies, are also a sign of the care our community has for them and a way to make connections during this time of physical distancing.  

This impact can be felt in the reactions from their residents, as Cathie Dougher, Building Manager at Amos Towers shared following a turkey dinner with all the trimming catered by Stirna’s Restaurant on July 23: “The meal was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all with smiles. This gesture will be a topic of conversation in our building for several weeks. The residents have been calling the office since the delivery expressing thankfulness for the delicious generous portions.” 

Continuation of the project also provides a much-needed economic boost to local restaurants at a critical time. Altogether, the project has injected more than $45,000 into our Scranton economy.

Restaurant partners include but are not limited to: A Little Pizza Heaven, Abe's Kosher Deli, Downtown Victoria's, Fratelli's Restaurant, Mansour's Market, Stirna’s Restaurant, The Garden Mediterranean Café, The Peculiar Slurp Shop, Pizza by Pappas, Savory Maza, Zummo's Café, Villa Maria's, The Black Box Café, Glider Diner, Sacco's Pizza, Taco Bandito, Paradise Soulfood & Sweets, Vincenzo’s Pizzeria & Catering. 

Scranton Tomorrow will continue accepting donations for the duration of the project. To make a contribution, visit www.scrantontomorrow.org and click on Electric City Connection. To learn more about The University of Scranton, visit www.scranton.edu, and for more information about Friends of the Poor, visit www.fotp-ihm.org.

For questions about The Electric City Connection, contact The University of Scranton Community Relations Office via email at community@scranton.edu or by calling 570-941-5529. Additional University partner offices include the Center for Service and Social Justice and University of Scranton Small Business Development Center.