May 2021

The University of Scranton held its first in-person Donning of the Kente Stole Ceremony to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of 45 members of its class of 2021from underrepresented identities who received their undergraduate degrees. The purpose of the ceremony was to highlight the success in overcoming the particular barriers and obstacles faced by students from these groups, particularly students of color, in attaining a higher education.

For the past two years, the Multicultural Center set out to explore opportunities to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of students from underrepresented identities approaching graduation. The Donning of the Kente Stole Ceremony was a student led initiative that started with the research done by graduating senior Camila Robles Class of 2019, and the vision of Aba Amon-Kwafo Class of 2020, who lead the efforts to develop the proposal and approval of the Donning of the Kente Stole Ceremony and set the foundation for the ceremony to become a University of Scranton Commencement event.

“The Donning of the Kente Stole Ceremony is an important and significant step the University has taken to provide graduates of color with a positive, rewarding experience that recognizes their hard work and dedication to their education,” said Samiel Torres, a member of the University’s class of 2021 and the student leader of Donning of the Kente Ceremony Committee.

“We are here to celebrate you. And it is my opinion that the graduating class of 2021 is by far one of the most intelligent, resilient, and innovative graduating classes that I have ever seen, and probably that the world has ever seen. Time didn’t stop for any of us during this pandemic, but you mastered the art of finesse, getting it done, and commitment. Wear your Kente stole proudly,” said guest Glynis Johns, founder and CEO of the Black Scranton Project, who was selected by the students to speak at the event.

The ceremony, organized by the student committee members and Jose Sanchez, assistant director of the University’s Cross Cultural Centers, took place on campus on May 21. The “Doning of the Kente Commencement Ceremony” was first held in the United States on May 15, 1993, at Westchester University of Pennsylvania. Through the years, The Kente Ceremony or versions of this ceremony have become an annual cultural achievement ceremony where families, colleagues, and friends gather to celebrate the accomplishments of graduates from underrepresented and marginalized communities receiving their undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. The significance of the Kente cloth dates back to 12^th century Africa and was worn by Asante royalty in the area of Africa that is now Ghana and today is used as a staple for special occasions. 

In addition to Torres, Sanchez and Johns, also speaking at the event were: Robert Davis Jr., Ed.D. vice president for student life; Helen Wolf, Ph.D., director of the Office of Campus Ministries, David Vergaray, member of the University’s class of 2021; and AnnMarie Onwuka and Tiannah Adams, members of the University’s class of 2022 and Donning of Kente Stole Ceremony Committee.

Members of Scranton’s class of 2021 honored at the event were:

Hussain Mohammed Alshakhori, Scranton, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering;

Corine Jamie Auguste, Bay Shore, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

John B. Baez, Brooklyn, New York, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social media strategies;

Sheryl A. Barba, Elmwood Park, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy;

Vanessa N. Bueno, Uniondale, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Samantha Celine Camilo, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international business;

Nathalie Jean Cespedes, New Hyde Park, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in counseling and human services;

Srivatsav R. Challa, Wilkes Barre, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Kelly C. Chavez, Northvale, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in strategic communication;

Poul A. Chinga, Hazleton, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology;

Breanna B. Cole, Bronx, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing;

Mahmoud Y. Dabsheh, Shavertown, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology;

Christina Marie De La Espriella, Parsippany, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international business;

Alba Rosa DeLeon, Somerset, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in early and primary teacher education;

Crisel Rose Divinagracia, West Nyack, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy;

Bashirah D’Ann Foy, Emmaus, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science;

Jithin V. George, Newtown, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience;

Christopher Gonzalez, Teaneck, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

Jamie M. Greene, Somerset, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science;

Giovanni Gunawan, Scranton, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience;

Isaiah Jordan Harris, Scranton, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience;

Jadriane Michelle Hernandez, Staten Island, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy;

Trajan F. Hyde, West Orange, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Traevon Malakai Martin, Springfield, Massachusetts, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience;

Guillermo Ernesto Martinez, Maywood, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology;

Dilma Jacqueline Mejia, Alexandria, Virginia, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Bradley Andrew Mendez, Bronx, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology;

Jessica Teheipualani Desiree Moufa, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree;

Ngoc Khanh Nguyen, New Tripoli, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting;

Brian Michael Noel, Cheltenham, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science;

Kyra Z. O’Toole, Chalfont, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science;

Stephanie Marie Panzenbeck, New York, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology;

Ashna B. Patel, Monroe, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science;

Denise Laura Pinto, Pittston, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology;

Cassandra Ramirez, Spring Valley, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology;

Annamarie Rodriguez, Kingston, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Taylor Kennedy Roman, Poughkeepsie, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international business;

Brian Santos Sevilla, Bergenfield, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting;

Lucy Noelle Smeets, Glen Ridge, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree;

Marquis S. Swan-Lezama, Mount Vernon, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science in information technology;

Tomi L. Toles II, Freeport, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting;

Samiel C. Torres, Hasbrouck Hts, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science;

Jalitza Vazquez, Newburgh, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting;

David J. Vergaray Ramirez, Harrison, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance.

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The University of Scranton conferred more than 800 bachelor’s degrees at its in-person undergraduate commencement ceremonies on May 23. Degrees were conferred to graduates who had completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2020, as well as January and May of 2021. Due to capacity restrictions in place because of the pandemic, separate ceremonies were held for the University’s Panuska College of Professional Studies, the Kania School of Management and the College of Arts and Sciences at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre.

Members of the University’s undergraduate class of 2021 represent 12 states including Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Undergraduate majors with the most graduates are accounting, nursing, biology, occupational therapy, exercise science, finance and marketing.

Each of the undergraduate ceremonies included a tribute to the late Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., who served as the University’s 24^th and 27^th President, and a recorded principal address by University of Scranton alumna Susan M. St. Ledger ’86, president of worldwide field operations for Okta, Inc. St. Ledger received an honorary degree from the University along with Rev. Otto Hentz, S.J., associate professor of theology, Georgetown University; Rev. Columba A. Stewart, O.S.B., executive director of the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library at St. John’s University; and Scranton alumna Nicole Young ’00, Emmy Award-winning producer for 60 Minutes.

St. Ledger told the members of the class of 2021 in a recorded address, which was played at each undergraduate ceremony, their “life as a student never ends.” Reflecting on lessons taught to her by her parents, Mary and Dave, who is also a University of Scranton alumnus, she told the graduates “my father taught me that the purpose of education, whether its grade school or college, is to learn how to learn, so you understand how to learn for the rest of your life. My mother often reminded me that there are many life experiences outside the classroom with tremendous educational value. Years later, it became clear to me my father taught me to be a student for life, and my mother taught me to be a student of life. … Because you are beneficiaries of a Jesuit education, the seeds that will enable you make a difference have already taken root. You are well prepared to respond to a call to human excellence, the continued development of the whole person and lifelong learning.”

Jeffrey P. Gingerich, Ph.D., acting president, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, addressed the graduates at the virtual ceremony, and conferred degrees upon candidates presented by Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Sam Beldona, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management; and Debra A. Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies.

Members of the class of 2021 who spoke at their respective commencement ceremonies were: Taylor Rose Schwartz ’21, Broomall, an occupational therapy major representing the Panuska College of Professional Studies; Taylor Kennedy Roman ’21, Poughkeepsie, an international business major representing the Kania School of Management; and Casey E. Welby ’21, Scranton, a classical language Latin and history double major and member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program, representing the College of Arts and Sciences. Also speaking at the ceremony was Joseph L. Sorbera, III ’08, president of the University’s Alumni Society. David E. Marx, Ph.D., interim associate provost for academic affairs, provided the Benediction and Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, provided the Invocation.

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The University of Scranton conferred more than 500 master’s and doctoral degrees at an in-person commencement ceremony on May 22 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre. Degrees were conferred to graduates who had completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2020, as well as January and May of 2021.

At the ceremony, the University conferred its first doctor of business administration degrees in addition to doctor of nursing practice degrees, doctor of physical therapy degrees and master’s degrees in various disciplines. Graduates represented several foreign countries and 29 states, including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia among others. The programs with the most graduates were the master of business administration, master of accountancy, master of health administration, master of occupational therapy and doctor of physical therapy.

The ceremony included a tribute to the late Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., who served as the University’s 24^th and 27^th president.

Degrees were conferred by Jeffrey P. Gingerich, Ph.D., acting president, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, upon candidates presented by Debra A. Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies; Sam Beldona, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management; and Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Also speaking at the ceremony was Joseph L. Sorbera, III ’08, president of the University’s Alumni Society. David E. Marx, Ph.D., interim associate provost for academic affairs, provided the Benediction and Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, provided the Invocation.

An archived recording of the ceremony can be seen here.

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The University of Scranton announced today that it will require all students who would access the campus to be fully vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 prior to August 27. As with other vaccinations required by the University, students may request a waiver in accordance with Pennsylvania law.

“In an effort to best protect our campus and surrounding community, the President’s Cabinet and I have decided that all students attending in-person classes or accessing campus for other reasons must be fully vaccinated by August 27, 2021,” Acting President Jeffrey P. Gingerich, Ph.D., wrote in a message to the University community. Students arriving early would have to be fully vaccinated before their arrival on campus.

“During a recent campus-based vaccination clinic, nearly 1,000 students, faculty and staff were vaccinated. We know from student surveys that hundreds of others are already fully vaccinated, reflecting that vaccines are now widely available. These levels of vaccination are encouraging but not enough,” wrote Dr. Gingerich of the University’s decision. He cited current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and advice from medical experts with whom the University consulted, noting “vaccines are the best defense against the virus and its variants, and they are most effective when everyone is vaccinated.”

Scranton joins more than 300 colleges and universities across the United States that will require students to be vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 for the fall 2021 semester.

The University is encouraging faculty and staff to get vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 as well.

“Based on a recent survey of faculty and staff, most have already chosen to get fully vaccinated,” wrote Dr. Gingerich. “While we are not mandating vaccination at this time for employees, we continue to discuss this possibility, and reserve the right to do so in the future.”

The University announced in March that it plans to return to fully in-person classes for the fall semester for which classes begin on August 30.

The University of Scranton student team placed sixth in the 2021 District 2 National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC). The Scranton team competed in a virtual format against students from colleges in Pennsylvania and other states.

The national competition is administered by the American Advertising Federation and was sponsored by Tinder this year. The competition required teams to perform research, create, write and present an integrated advertising campaign for Tinder.

Teams from more than 150 colleges and universities participate nationally each year. The winning teams from 15 district competitions advance to the final round of the national contest, which will be held in Hollywood, Florida, in June. District 2, considered a mega district advanced two teams to the national competition: Ithaca University and Syracuse University.

The University’s 2021 Advertising Competition Team members were: Lauren Bogert, Mahwah, New Jersey; Alessia Brunori, South Abington Township; Kathryn Donfield, New Providence, New Jersey; Joseph Fullam, Coatesville; Lindsay Roberto, Princeton, New Jersey; and Sara Tavares, Branchburg, New Jersey. Communication Professor Stacy Smulowitz, Ph.D., serves as the team’s faculty advisor.

The University of Scranton honored its graduating class by dedicating a 26-foot Norway Spruce on the Dionne Campus Green as the Class of 2021 Evergreen. The tree, which also serves as the University’s Christmas tree, was dedicated at a ceremony on May 12.

University of Scranton Acting President Jeffrey P. Gingerich, Ph.D., acknowledged that the University’s administration knew the success of reopening the campus for the 2020-2021 academic year depended on the students’ willingness to follow the safety guidelines put in place because of the pandemic.

 “I have to say - the cooperation and care you have demonstrated for one another in following so many health and safety guidelines – brought us here today,” said Dr. Gingerich at the dedication ceremony. “We wanted to acknowledge in a special way the members of our graduating class, for the sacrifices made – and for the leadership demonstrated. Therefore, I am pleased to announce, the University has dedicated this Norway spruce as: The Class of 2021 Evergreen.”

The evergreen was planted on the Dionne Campus Green last November at the direction of the then President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., to serve as a permanent Christmas tree. Fr. Pilarz also wished to have the tree named in honor of the class of 2021.

 “When I heard of this tree being planted by Father Pilarz, one of the last campus improvements he made, I thought it was such a neat idea – planting a Christmas tree in the middle of our campus that would be seen year-round and that would be the same year after year,” said Jeffrey M. Colucci Jr. ’21 Student Government president, 2020-2021, in his remarks. “He wanted this tree to be dedicated to our class – he wanted this to be our tree. He wanted us to be able to come back to campus and see this same tree as a symbol of our adaptability, wisdom, strength and resiliency.”

Adrianna O. Smith ’22, Student Government president, 2021-2022, said in her remarks that she thinks of “Father Pilarz and the current Scranton community as the roots of the tree. We have firmly anchored our dedication and love for Scranton during the years when the tree was first planted. The tree’s branches represent the future of Scranton. This evergreen will grow and change throughout the years, just as the student body, faculty, and staff will.”

Colucci is a double major in accounting and finance from Mahwah, New Jersey. Smith is a philosophy and theology double major and member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program from Covington Township.

At the ceremony, Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry, read a poem by Mary Oliver, one of Father Pilarz’s favorite poets, prior to blessing the tree. Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., assistant vice president for student life and dean of students, also spoke at the ceremony.

A recording of Class of 2021 Evergreen dedication ceremony can be seen here.

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“When I Am Among the Trees” by Mary Oliver

When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”

Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice-president of Academic Affairs and the Weinberg Memorial Library are excited to announce the winners of the 2021 Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize competition.

 This year’s winning projects in the three prize categories are:

 Undergraduate Foundational Winner: Jonathan R. Wells, for the project, The Surprising Reality of Middle Eastern Tourism, completed in WRTG 107: Composition for Prof. Charles Kratz

Undergraduate Upper-level Winner: Sophia N. Visaggio, for the project, Interventions for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, completed in OT 250: Scientific Writing and Information Literacy for Dr. Julie Nastasi

Graduate Winner: Amanda Trumpore, Elizabeth DiGiovine, Kayla Brown, and Emily Harvan, for the project, Effects of Music on HR and BP on Patients in the ICU: A Meta-Analysis, completed in PT 771/772/773: Scientific Inquiry in Physical Therapy for Dr. Renée Hakim

Currently celebrating its 10th year, the Weinberg Memorial Library inaugurated the prize in 2011 to recognize excellence in research projects that show evidence of significant knowledge of the methods of research and the information gathering process, and use of library resources, tools, and services. In 2017, the prize was named for Professor Emerita Bonnie W. Oldham, who founded the prize at the University in 2011. 

The Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize was fully endowed in 2019 and consists of a prize of $500 awarded to winning projects in each of the three categories: Undergraduate Foundational (100-level projects), Undergraduate Upper-level (200- to 400-level projects), and Graduate. This year’s winning projects and descriptions of the research process submitted by student winners will be deposited into the University of Scranton Student Scholarship digital collection this summer.

The following projects were selected by the judges as Honorable Mentions: 

Undergraduate Foundational Honorable Mention:

Charles C. Sylvester, for the project, The Age of the Electric Vehicle has Come, completed in WRTG 107: Composition for Prof. Dawn D’Aries Zera 

Undergraduate Upper-level Honorable Mentions: 

Sydney L. Gero, for the project, An Empirical Study on Cybercrime and COVID-19, completed in CJ 386H: Cybercrime and COVID-19 for Dr. Sinchul Back

Jessica Goldschlager, for the project, El trauma histórico y la comunidad latinx, completed in SPAN 335: Service and the Hispanic Community for Dr. Roxana Curiel

A special thank you to the judges of this year’s competition: Amye Archer, George Aulisio, Kelly Banyas, Marzia Caporale, Michael Landram, Bonnie Markowski, Bill Miller, Linda Mlodzienski, Ian O'Hara, Sylvia Orner, and Amy Simolo.

The University of Scranton has begun construction on the reconfiguration of 5,300 square feet of the first floor of Hyland Hall into state-of-the-art learning and laboratory space for its new Mechanical Engineering Program. The renovated space on the ground floor of Hyland Hall, which will be completed for the start of the 2021 fall semester, will include three laboratories, a workshop, a machine shop, and a 16-seat computer lab, as well as faculty offices and a student lounge area.

“The Physics and Engineering Department at Scranton emphasizes active and applied learning methods to educate our students,” said W. Andrew Berger, Ph.D., professor and chair of the University’s Physics and Engineering Department. “The renovated facilities will allow us to use the latest in laboratory, simulation and modeling techniques to prepare our students to be successful in their professional careers in mechanical engineering.”

In the renovated space, mechanical engineering students will experiment with several pieces of equipment in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, control, dynamics and vibration labs. Students, like aerospace scientists, will work with a wind tunnel, where they will determine important fluid characteristics by measuring aerodynamics pressures, forces and moments applied to aerodynamics models such as airfoil models by the airflow in laminar and turbulent flows. They will also investigate the behavior of engineering materials by performing precise tensile and compression tests using state-of-the-art Instron equipment to determine material properties such as strength, modulus of elasticity, yield and failure stresses of standard engineering materials.

“We prepare our Mechanical Engineering students to take the position they deserve by focusing on the applied sciences in engineering, experiments and manufacturing, and research that it is essential in future careers of the students,” said Amir Hosein Zamanian, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Scranton.

Dr. Berger said that engineering faculty members are actively engaged in research and often involve undergraduate students in their lab work to enrich the student learning experience. In addition, students frequently participate in internship opportunities to expand their skills and experience, as well as mentoring and individual advising with faculty members to fully develop their aptitude and interests.

“As a Jesuit and Catholic university, the rigorous curriculum at Scranton not only challenges students, it reinforces ethical, professional and socially conscientious practices,” said Dr. Berger. “Our graduates are prepared well to face the technical and ethical challenges of the future.”

Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest and broadest of the engineering disciplines and involves the design, production and operation of mechanical systems and thermal systems. The program will allow the students to specialize in several areas, such as biomechanics, energy conversion, laser-assisted materials processing, fracture mechanics, vibrations and combustion.

Students graduating in mechanical engineering will be prepared to work in a wide array of fields, including the automotive and aerospace industries, manufacturing, electronics, mechatronics and nanotechnologies.

Earlier this year, the University received a $1.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant in support of its new mechanical engineering major, which includes the reconfiguration of instructional space in Hyland Hall. Additional renovations are planned for the fourth floor of Hyland Hall which will begin in late summer and be completed for the spring 2022 semester.

In addition to mechanical engineering, which the University began to offer in the fall of 2020, other majors offered by the University’s Physics and Engineering Department include computer engineering, electrical engineering, engineering management, biophysics and physics.

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

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As the semester winds down, students present their artwork, plays, music, writing and more during various final events, both online and in-person.

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Performance Music Presents Steel Pans Drum Band

The May 15 event is for members of the campus community ONLY.

Get all the details, here.

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Hope Horn Student Exhibition 

The Hope Horn Gallery is pleased to announce the presentation of The University of Scranton Student Exhibition 2021 Online. Get the details, here.

(Above: A sampling of student work from the online exhibition.)

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Esprit Virtual Reading

Esprit, The University of Scranton’s Review of Arts and Letters, will be having a virtual reading of our Spring 2021 edition. The virtual reading will take place Thursday,  May 13 at 8:00 p.m.

Get the details, here.

(Above: Image from the cover of this issue of Esprit.)

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The University of Scranton Players Present: 313 Monroe Variety Hour

Available from May 7 to May 14 on YouTube. 

Get the details, here.

(Above: Scene from  313 Monroe Variety Hour)

A senior who conducted research last summer talks about her experience.

Meet Jessica Fanelli '21. 

What work did you do thanks to the fellowship?

Thanks to the Royal Scholars Summer Fellowship, I was able to begin the research for my senior thesis this past summer. My project, A Study of the Breeding Bird Communities in the Lackawanna State Park in the Summer of 2020 focuses on how the avian communities in the Lackawanna State Park change over three different habitat types (field, forest, and edge). This summer, we recorded avian species in the Park using acoustic recording devices. The songs recorded in the summer were then analyzed for species identification in the fall and winter. This fellowship allowed me to take time off of working this summer to learn bird song and delve into applicable primary literature.

Tell us about your research mentor.

My research mentor is Dr. Robert Smith. He has been truly invaluable to me with all of his help and guidance throughout this project.

What did you achieve?

I have been able to collect a vast amount of song data which I will now use to conduct occupancy models which will help me to estimate the distribution of avian species across the three habitat types in the Park. This will generate an understanding of how habitat impacts the distribution of species across the landscape.

What was one thing you learned about yourself as a result of the work that you did?

I am very glad that I was able to conduct this research as it allowed me to pursue my interests outside of the medical field before beginning medical school. My passion has always been for medicine, but I also enjoy the ecological sciences. I am glad that during my time as an undergraduate, I had the ability to further those interests with my research.

Did doing this work shape what you want to do going forward/the type of research that you want to do?

Going forward, I will be able to use the skills I have gained in data analysis, and particularly using R for analysis, to work with datasets. R is a very versatile program, and using it for this project has given me the skill set to use it to analyze data sets associated with future research that I may take part in.

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Tell us about your summer research -- email royalnews@scranton.edu. 

(Image above: This image is one of the recorders we used to record the bird songs this summer. This particular recorder is in an edge habitat.)

Students representing The University of Scranton came in first place in the inaugural two-day Cyber Forensic Student Competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. Utica College hosted the virtual competition on April 29-30 at which 10 college teams from the Northeast U.S. competed. The competition included evidence discovery, gathering and preservation, investigation and analysis.

Members of The University of Scranton’s team, called the Royal-Cyber Warriors, were: Maria Mancuso, a sophomore cybercrime and homeland security major from Lebanon, New Jersey; Evan Chang, a sophomore cybercrime and homeland security major from Malvern; and Andrew Huertas, a senior criminal justice major from Dalton.

Sinchul Back, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of cybercrime and cybersecurity at the University’s Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology, served as the team’s advisor.

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"Father Pilarz embodied the idea that Scranton is a people, not just a place. He constantly challenged us to come together and find community in the people around us," said Sarah White '22.

White and Caroline Hagen '22 recently gathered video tributes to the University's 24th and 27th president, Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many could not attend the viewing or Mass for Father Pilarz in person and were yearning for another way to pay tribute to him. The two juniors set out to make a video as a way to remember his impact on the University and its people.

"Though we weren’t able to gather together to mourn his loss how we would have liked to, Sarah and I believe that creating a virtual tribute was the next best thing to unite the school in our appreciation for him. When I first watched all the clips that were sent in, I was so moved that I couldn’t even speak. The University of Scranton community is so full of love..." said Hagen.

White and Hagen want to thank everyone who shared reflections, including Student Government, Lauren Rivera, Barbara King, the Recreational Sports Department and the Athletics Department.

"As many students shared, Father Pilarz shaped the spirit of Scranton. He helped make this community our home, and our students will always be thankful for his leadership," said White.

Watch the video, below.

To read more memories and tributes and learn more about Father Pilarz, visit the memorial site, here.

The Department of Marketing Communications is seeking a new social media intern to start in fall 2021.

Interested in a work-study position that will get you ready for your first job in marketing or communications? Want to work closely with the University's Marketing Communications team to engage prospective students, students, alumni, faculty and staff with your favorite University? 

The Department of Marketing Communications is seeking a new social media intern beginning in fall 2021. 

We're looking for a creative self-starter who has a knack for writing copy and understands how important social media is to establish a strong brand identity. You'll do everything from planning and scheduling social media posts across various channels to working with statistics (an important skill in this field!) to analyzing the news to help us improve and innovate!

Read on to find out about preferred experience and requirements! 

Preferred Experience 

• Good working knowledge of social media in general as well as an awareness of how it can be part of a brand marketing strategy. 
• Familiarity with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Flickr and emerging social media channels 
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word. 

Requirements 

• Available to work a minimum of 10 hours per week in the fall and spring semesters and, preferably, also during intersession and over the summer. 

• Incoming sophomore or junior preferred as our goal is for the student to work with our office through their senior year. With the breadth of duties involved in this position, ideally, we only turn over the position every two to three years. 
  
  

NOTE: This is a paid internship and, in the past, has qualified for credit (dependent on faculty approval) 
A faculty recommendation is required.

Students interested in the position can send their resume, along with a cover letter, to socialmedia@scranton.edu by May 16.

The DeNaples Mailroom will close for the summer effective May 25. After May 25, students remaining on campus may pick up their mail and packages from our main Printing and Mailing Facility at 315 Jefferson from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Royal Cards are required for access.

Employees wishing to purchase stamps may also do so at our 315 Jefferson Facility during the same hours. Thank you!

Please join us for the debut performance (campus community ONLY, NOT a public event) of:

The University of Scranton Steel Pans Drum Band
(“We put the PAN in pandemic!”)
wearing festive accessories!

Along with a few selections by our
U. of S. Zoom Chamber Choir
(“Everyone is safer six feet from the melodica!”)
wearing Broadway Project Singers masks, designed for safe singing, outdoors with distancing!

SAT., MAY 15, 2021
DENAPLES PATIO
MUSIC FROM 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Our fantastic dining service has planned a special meal in celebration of the Steel Drums debut, including:
Caribbean Jerk Chicken, Vegan Shreds Jerk Style, Red Beans and Rice, Fried Plantains,
Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes, and Caribbean Spiced Rum Cake
(use meal plan, guest swipe, or flex!)

The Hope Horn Gallery is pleased to announce the presentation of The University of Scranton Student Exhibition 2021 Online.

Visit the show virtually on the gallery webpage.

Please contact Darlene.Miller-Lanning@scranton.edu for further information.

Esprit, The University of Scranton’s Review of Arts and Letters, will be having a virtual reading of our Spring 2021 edition. The virtual reading will take place Thursday,  May 13 at 8:00 p.m.

The link for the reading will be posted on the Esprit website. Awards will be presented. 

We asked Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., the 29^th president of The University of Scranton, a few personal questions to get to know him better. Here are his responses.

Do you have any pets?

I don’t have any pets at the moment, but I love animals, especially dogs.

Do you have any hobbies?

Hobbies, I have two. And, my two favorite hobbies are almost diametrically opposed to each other. I love to walk and hike when I can – and I also love to cook. Sometimes those hobbies are in tension with each other, but I typically try to do a good job in keeping them in balance.

Do you have a favorite meal you like to cook? Do you have a specialty?

I make a really good Bolognese sauce, if I must say so myself.

Do you have a favorite movie?

My favorite movie would be “A River Runs Through It.” I think it’s a wonderfully reflective movie. The cinematography is just gorgeous. It is a film that I could watch again, and again.

How about a favorite book?

I would say my favorite book is the one that I’m always currently reading. So, the answer changes as I move from one to the other. Right now, I’m reading “A Man who Loved Dogs.” It’s a historical novel about Leon Trotsky.

How about a favorite sport?

Well, I’m not much of a sportsman, I’ll have to admit that. But, I really enjoy college athletics, especially when they’re connected to the school at which I happen to be serving. So, the athletes and the coaches at Scranton will see me in the stands and in the bleachers as often as my schedule allows.

When you’re in the stands for those Scranton athletes, are you a rowdy fan?

Well, I’m afraid that sometimes I run the risk of getting thrown out of the gym. But, I promise to be on my best behavior.

Are you more of a morning person are more of a night owl?

If you had asked me that 30 years ago, I would give you a different answer. Now, I am definitely a morning person. I get most of my work done in the early morning hours.

What quote, or phrase, or word do you think maybe best describes you?

I would hope it would be the word loving. That may be too audacious for me to claim. But let me say it’s a word that I aspire to.

How would you describe The University of Scranton in one word?

I’m very glad to now use the word home.

Watch the latest video featuring Scranton's president-elect below.

The program is to provide University of Scranton students with financial assistance to pursue summer internships in public policy and to honor the memory of long-time professor of history and political science, Timothy H. Scully.

Eligibility:
All full-time University of Scranton students who will have completed at least two full years of study by May 2020 are eligible.
Applicants must have identified a potential summer internship sponsored by a Member of the United States Congress, a congressional committee, a state legislator, a state legislative committee, a federal or state agency (including the White House or a governor's office), a think tank, a national political party, or a public policy organization.

Academic Requirements:
The Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences will determine the number of credit hours to be awarded for the internship. The recipient must submit a paper of scholarly quality, on a public policy subject, during the semester following the end of the internship. The paper's topic must be approved by the chairperson of the University's Political Science Department, although approval is not required prior to commencement of the internship.

Application and Selection Process:
• Every applicant must submit:
• A completed application form, is available online https://www.scranton.edu/financial-aid/add-schol-opp.shtml

• A brief essay which demonstrates your interest in public policy (no more than two pages, typed and double-spaced).
• An unofficial transcript (available at the Registrar's Office or online).
• Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a University professor.
• A current resume.

Deadline for applications HAS BEEN EXTENDED to Monday, May 17, 2021.

Please forward completed applications to finaid@scranton.edu.

The Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan Cornerstone Scholarship was established in 2007 by the nonprofit community organizations that knew and experienced Msgr. McGowan's unselfish support of his community. Monsignor McGowan believed in God, family and community. In his memory, the Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan Cornerstone Scholarship is awarded annually to students pursuing education at one of the regional academic institutions to which Monsignor devoted his time and service.

The Msgr. McGowan Cornerstone Scholarship Committee encourages students to live and practice their chosen profession within Northeastern Pennsylvania so as to make a lasting contribution for the improvement of their home community in much the same spirit as Monsignor McGowan.

Criteria:

• Full-time senior for 2021-2022
• Resides in Northeast Pennsylvania
• Community Service & Leadership Skills
• Academic Ability & Demonstration of Financial Need
• Applications available at www.scranton.edu/financialaid. Click on Scholarships and Grants; Additional Scholarship Opportunities or Private Outside Awards or in the Financial Aid Office
• Extended Deadline: May 21, 2021

From January 2021 to date, more than 150 University of Scranton nursing students, as well as 12 Nursing Department faculty members and staff volunteered to administer thousands of doses of COVID-19 vaccines at 15 locations in the Scranton area. Together, they have provided more than 350 hours of service in the fight to help end the SARS COV2 Global Pandemic.

“I think this is a really important thing to do,” said nursing student Kathryn Antonawich, a senior from West Islip, New York. “The pandemic has affected so many people, so I wanted to do my part to help out.”

That sentiment was echoed by other nursing students.

“To be able to put in practice the skills I have learned in classes while also being able to help the community was the perfect opportunity for me,” said sophomore nursing major Victoria Barbosa of Scranton.

“It is astonishing how interested and willing our students are to help administer the COVID vaccines. Last week, we put out a call for 16 volunteers for a vaccination clinic and the slots filled in 2 minutes – literally, in two minutes,” said Kim Subasic, Ph.D., assistant professor and chair of the University’s Nursing Department.

In addition to helping the community, volunteering at vaccination clinics allowed the nursing students to chance to hone their clinical and patient communication skills.

“As a nurse, we give a lot of injections. Volunteering to administer vaccinations at a clinic was a great opportunity for me,” said Tianna Popstein, a nursing major in her junior year from Port Jervis, New York. “The Nursing Department set up areas for students to practice before going to the clinics, so I felt as prepared as I could be.”

“The experience made me feel that I am ready. I am prepared go out into the field and help people,” said Antonawich, who will graduate in May. “By volunteering at so many vaccine clinics, I was able to strengthen the communication aspect that is such a huge part of nursing. I am now more comfortable and confident to begin working as a nurse.”

Since January, student nurses, faculty and staff have volunteered at vaccination clinics at: The University of Scranton, Medicus Urgent Care, Throop Civic Center, VNA Olyphant, Abington Heights High School, North Pocono High School, Mount Airy Lodge, the Reserve Center, the Leahy Clinic, Lackawanna College, the Bhutanese Center in south Scranton, Montage, the Mohegan Sun Casino and the Dunmore Community Center.

The student volunteer service opportunities were coordinated by Nursing Department staff members Colleen McGoff, nursing lab director; Autumn Forgione, clinical coordinator and assistant lab director; and Andrea Mantione, DNP, director of the Leahy Community Health and Family Center.

Nursing faculty members who volunteered with the students were: Mary Jane DiMattio, Ph.D., professor of nursing; Forgione; Marilyn Highhouse, adjunct professor; Lisa Lesneski, Ph.D., associate professor; Ann Maire Loiseau, adjunct professor; Dr. Mantione; McGoff; Kirsten McIntyre, clinic nurse manager, Leahy Community Health and Family Center; Christine Pabst, adjunct professor; Dr. Subasic; Laurie Valunas, faculty specialist; and Cristen Walker Ph.D., assistant professor.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to help the community. Who would have known that we would be doing this when we stared college a few years ago,” said Popstein.

“If anything, the vaccine clinic experience helped solidify my decision to become a nurse,” said Barbosa. “I am 100,000 percent certain I made the right decision.”

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The Catholic Catechism states that Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. Even with the pandemic restrictions, celebrating the Eucharist has remained the source and summit for the Catholic community for our University. There is no greater example of this than the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) facilitated by Campus Ministries. This rite centers around Sunday Mass and seeks to include the whole worshipping community in the process of preparing candidates and catechumens for the sacraments of initiation – Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

This year, three Confirmation candidates, two full Communion candidates and one catechumen (someone who is seeking baptism) received the three sacraments of initiation on April 18. Their preparation, coordinated by campus minister for Sacramental Formation Fred Mercadante, included liturgical rites throughout the year and breaking open the word weekly during Lent.

Congratulations and welcome to these new, fully initiated members of the Catholic Church: Chloe Schubert ‘22, Kelsey Schatz ‘23, Elizabeth Anzures ‘24, Ariana Flores ‘24, Elaine Musa ‘24 and graduate student Connor Zorger.

Chloe Schubert ’22, an early and primary teacher education major, was baptized in the Byron Center last month. 

“Being a part of the RCIA process was a special experience during my college career. Deeper reflection on the Gospel each week allowed me to be confident and intentional in choosing to fully join the Church," she said. "I am grateful to the Church community for supporting me through my journey and the relationships I have made with my peers during the process. Without the backing of the University community, I’m not sure I would have made such an important decision at this age.”

Join the United Cultures Organization and the Multicultural Center as they celebrate the 12th annual Festival of Nations on Friday, May 7, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on DeNaples Patio and Dionne Green (Rain location: Long Center & Gymnasium).

This year we are excited to host an abbreviated "in-person" version of our cherished annual tradition that is our Festival of Nations! We will feature tables out on Dionne Green (Rain Location: Long Center & Gymnasium) representing continents in the World.

At each table, we will have printed information or QR Code for students to access their phones with interesting facts about countries represented on our campus of each continent. Additionally, we will offer participants a "grab and go" goodie bag with candy from various countries represented at our event.

Come support and interact with our continent tables! As a participant, you will receive our FON Passport to learn something new about countries represented on our campus and exchange it for this year's FON Shirt.

To register to attend our event, we have created a SignUp Genius survey where you can sign up for a time slot to tour our continent tables. Register here.

For questions and more information email multicultural@scranton.edu

Students have been inducted into national honor societies represented at The University of Scranton throughout the 2021 spring semester. Lists of students inducted into some of the University’s honor societies can be seen below.

Sixty-One University of Scranton students were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the national honor society for students in Jesuit colleges and universities for 2021. The Scranton chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu was founded in 1943 and is the oldest honor society at the University. Juniors, seniors and graduate students, including students in doctoral level degree programs, who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service are eligible for membership.

The following undergraduate and graduate students at Scranton were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu: