Scranton Alumni Network Continues To Thrive

Alumni stay connected despite unprecedented challenges.
Scranton Alumni Network Continues To Thrive

As the world slowly began to reopen during the spring of 2021, Scranton graduates far and wide continued to utilize the alumni network to serve their communities, support current students and bond over their shared love of the University.

Virtual Computing Sciences Spring Social Event

On April 22, nearly 50 alumni, students and faculty members continued the year-long celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Computing Science department at Scranton with a zoom social. The discussion and camaraderie lasted more than two hours as alumni fielded industry and career questions from students, and faculty and alumni reminisced about campus and curriculum changes over the last 50 years. Department Chair Richard Plishka ’75, along with six fellow faculty members who were also present, look forward to continuing alumni engagement efforts beyond the fiftieth year.

Day of Service

On April 24, small groups of alumni celebrated this year’s Day of Service safely in their hometowns by volunteering and/or dropping off essential food items and supplies at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, City Harvest New York City, the Central PA Food Bank, the Greater Boston Food Bank, Cooking for Long Island Veterans, and the University’s We Care Wednesdays program. To see photos from this year’s event, visit this link.

Rainbow Royals Inaugural Meet and Greet

Rainbow Royals, the University’s LGBTQIA+ and ally network, held its first virtual Meet and Greet on May 12. The gathering featured an update on LGBTQIA+ life on campus delivered by Maria Marinucci, director of the Cross Cultural Center at the University, and Tara Fay, biology faculty specialist and moderator of S.A.F.E. (Scranton Alliance For Equity) Space, the LGBTQIA+ club. The event also featured a question and answer session moderated by John Gownley ’06, founding member of Rainbow Royals and assistant director of Campus Ministry for Church Operations and Special Events at Fordham University. Visit Scranton.edu/RainbowRoyals to learn more and get involved.

Virtual Pre-Law Banquet and Council of Alumni Lawyers Event

On May 3, members of the Council of Alumni Lawyers joined students via Zoom for the virtual Pre-Law Society Banquet, an annual celebration of the University’s Pre-Law Society and Mock Trial team. This year’s event featured a keynote address delivered by Melinda Ghilardi, Esq. ’80 and Kathleen Santora, Esq. ’80, alumnae attorneys who both formerly served on the University’s Board of Trustees. Learn more about the Council of Alumni Lawyers at Scranton.edu/CAL.

5.06.21: Don’t Waste Love

More than 3,300 members of the University community joined together to contribute a total of $689,763 to various scholarships and causes for Scranton’s seventh annual Day of Giving on May 6. This year’s campaign shattered all previous 5.06 records and surpassed the initial goal of 2,427 donors, which was chosen to honor the memory of the Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., Scranton’s twenty-fourth and twenty-seventh president. The celebration included a Virtual 5.06K, a competitive Athletics Team Challenge, and a generous Trustee Scholarship Match that doubled all gifts to scholarships up to a total of $265,506. Alumni and friends of Father Pilarz honored him on 5.06 by submitting videos and photos, joining Team Pilarz in the Virtual 5.06K, contributing to The Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., Scholarship Fund, and sharing heartfelt tributes and memories. View more content from the day at Scranton.edu/506.

Women’s Alliance

On May 18, over 100 alumnae signed-up to view a virtual panel hosted by the University’s Women’s Alliance. Moderated by Senior Business Major and President of the Kania Women in Business Club Alexandra Wanas ‘21, the discussion explored the topic, “One Year later: What We’ve Learned.” Panelists Judy Castrogiovanni ’97, G’02, principal of Jefferson Elementary School and the 2021 Pennsylvania National Distinguished Principal, Judith O’Donnell, M.D. ’85, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases and hospital epidemiologist at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and Amanda Gentile, LPC ’11, owner and mental health counselor at The Giving Tree Wellness Center, reflected upon an incredibly challenging year in each of their industries and shared the takeaways that have made them stronger leaders. To view the recording and get involved with the Women’s Alliance, visit Scranton.edu/WomensAlliance.

 

 

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