2021
December
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Alumni
December 21, 2021
The University of Scranton is pleased to share in the great pride of today’s announcement that alumnus Reverend Jeffrey J. Walsh ’87 has been appointed by Pope Francis as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan.
Bishop-elect Walsh currently serves as pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Carbondale. His episcopal ordination and installation as Bishop of Gaylord are scheduled for March 4, 2022, at 2 p.m. in Saint Mary Cathedral, Gaylord.
A native of Scranton, Bishop-elect Walsh graduated from The University of Scranton in 1987 with a degree in Counseling and Human Resources. He studied for the priesthood at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, earning a Master of Divinity Degree. He received a Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University in 1999 and a Master of Social Work degree from Marywood University in 2010. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 25, 1994.
“The University of Scranton joins His Excellency, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, and people throughout the Diocese of Scranton in congratulating Bishop-elect Walsh on this joyful news as he prepares to begin this important episcopal ministry in the Great Lakes region of Michigan,” said Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton.
An article by the Catholic News Agency quoted Bishop-elect Walsh as saying: “With gratitude to our Holy Father Pope Francis, and joy in the Lord, I am eager to begin a new chapter in my life of discipleship among the good people of the Diocese of Gaylord. I am also most grateful to God for 27 years of priestly ministry in the Diocese of Scranton. I have been inspired and challenged to grow in faith through various diocesan assignments and will forever prayerfully remember all the lay faithful, religious, deacons, priests, and bishops with whom and for whom I have served.”
Bishop-elect Walsh has served in a number of assignments in the Diocese of Scranton, including as the Parochial Vicar of Saint Rose of Lima parish, and Director of Religious Education at Sacred Heart High School in Carbondale (1995); Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of Saint Peter (1996); Pastor of Our Lady of the Lake parish in Lake Winola (1999); Director of Education at St. Pius X Seminary (1999); Director of Vocations (2002); Pastor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Tunkhannock (2004); Regional Episcopal Vicar (2006); Administrator of Saint Rita parish in Gouldsboro (2008); Administrator of Saint Anthony parish in Throop (2009); Secretary for Catholic Social Services (2009); Pastor of Saint John's parish in East Stroudsburg (2010); Vicar for the clergy (2015). He became pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and Saint Rose of Lima Parish in July 2020. Bishop-elect Walsh is also a member of the diocesan College of Consultors and of the Presbyteral Council.
Pope Names Scranton Alumnus as New Bishop of Gaylord, Michigan
Community
December 20, 2021
More than 200 students, in addition to faculty and staff, participated in The University of Scranton’s annual Christmas gift-giving programs. In addition, Scranton’s Kania School of Management raised funds for this year’s program and Performance Music provided gifts donated by area residents from its Empty Stocking Fund Concert. The gifts were given to Friends of the Poor/Catholic Social Services who will distribute the donated items to families in need.
In addition, the Center for Service and Social Justice organized the Adopt a Family program with the Catherine McAuley Center, which helped 40 family members through generous donations made by members of the University community.
Students Give at Annual Christmas Gift Drives
General
December 17, 2021
A degree in biology prepares graduates for a broad range of professions in fields such as health sciences, environmental science and policy, education and technology.
In anticipation of students’ post-grad pursuits, The University of Scranton’s Bachelor of Science in Biology meets most of the course requirements for health professional graduate programs such as medical, dental and veterinary. Scranton’s medical school acceptance rate is consistently above the national average, averaging nearly 80 percent for the last 20 years. Recent graduates have been admitted into leading medical schools including Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Jefferson Medical College, the University of Connecticut and the University of New Hampshire, among others.
Scranton’s biology majors have also been successful entering graduate programs of studies at numerous institutions, including Cornell University and Texas A and M University. Graduates have also entered the workforce at companies such as Sonofi, Abbott Labs, Becton Dickinson, Biomed Labs and Fisher Scientific, among others.
With plenty of research opportunities, undergraduate students majoring in biology work one-on-one with faculty advisors and even have the potential to co-author papers and present at international conferences. Examples of Faculty/Student Research projects are “Effects of estrogen on bone quantity and density,” “Modeling stenotic aortic valves in a cardiovascular model” and “Morphine addiction in ants: a new model for self-administration.”
“Every biology student is assigned a faculty advisor in their sophomore year who not only helps with course selections but becomes an extension of a student’s support system,” said Terrence Sweeney, Ph.D., professor of biology and physiology program director. “Faculty advisors are there to help students understand their goals – and themselves – better.”
A Closer Look at Biology Studies at Scranton
Community
December 17, 2021
The 15th annual Panuska College of Professional Studies Blessing of the Books project collected more than 6,000 children’s books this year. The books were blessed at a ceremony in the lobby of The Kane Forum in the Edward Leahy, Jr. Hall on Dec. 2.
Two of the largest book donors this year offered the blessing at the ceremony: University students Melissa Menagh, a senior kinesiology major from Long Valley, New Jersey, and Victoria Mauri, a first-year kinesiology major from Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. Both students held book drives in their respective home towns and each collected well over 1,000 books. Both students were active in community service throughout their high school years and are continuing to be “women for and with others,” living and growing in the Ignatian mission here at The University of Scranton said Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies (PCPS), who began the Blessing of the Books project when she arrived on campus 15 years ago.
“St. Ignatius of Loyola believed that love ought to show itself in deeds more than in words. Our first-year students in PCPS have met this challenge and this fall have really been creative and determined to collect children’s books to help others with the gift of literacy,” said Dean Pellegrino, who is retiring as dean this year.
This year the Blessing of the Books project also benefited from donations of books from organizations outside of the University community. The Keystone State Literacy Association Northeast Pennsylvania donated more than 500 books. The MMI Preparatory School Interact Club also held a book collection and donated well over 900 books. These donations are so vital to the program and helping increase the literacy of children here in Northeast Pennsylvania.
Dean Pellegrino believes that now more than ever we need to focus on literacy as a gift and a blessing to help an adult and a child utilize the gift of reading for meaningful engagement in today’s world.
The PCPS Blessing of the Books program allows first-year students to collect and donate new or gently used books for children who might not otherwise have access to books. The first-year students as part of the T.A.P.E.S.T.R.Y. program also register to come to the Dean’s office to write inspirational quotes inside the books. This gives the students a chance to pass along their life-long love of learning and reading to the children who receive these books noted Dean Pellegrino.
After the blessing ceremony, the donated books are donated to area non-profits who get the books into the hands of needy children. The Blessing of the Books is just an extension of Dean Pellegrino’s lifetime commitment to education and community service.
The Blessing of the Books is a tradition in PCPS and the students, faculty, and staff always enjoy the ceremony and the cookies and milk after the ceremony. Not to mention the endless hours of joy and inspiration their donated books will bring to children in NEPA and beyond.
$content.getChild('content').textValueMore than 6,000 Donated Books Blessed at Scranton
Alumni
December 16, 2021
The University of Scranton’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics has received accreditation from the prestigious Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
CAHIIM provides consistent quality monitoring of academic degree programs in health informatics through accreditation policies and processes that include tools for assessing continuous quality improvement through partnerships with colleges and universities, a voluntary peer review process, and annual program monitoring of continuous improvements in health informatics education to meet healthcare workforce needs. CAHIIM provides accredited programs with benchmark data and best practices for continuous improvement.
“As a Catholic and Jesuit university, Scranton strives to maintain the highest standards for academic excellence in all of our degree programs, as well as embedding strong ethical components within our curricula to ensure we are fulfilling our Ignatian mission of graduating men and women who serve for and with others. CAHIM’s accreditation process confirms that we are fulfilling our mission in profound ways,” said Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at The University of Scranton.
By meeting the rigorous accreditation standards set by CAHIIM, students earning a master’s degree in health informatics from Scranton are assured that the program provides the required knowledge and skill demanded by professionals working in high-growth field. The online 33-credit graduate program is designed to support the student’s development of the American Medical Informatics Association’s master’s level competencies in health informatics. A final capstone course allows students to develop expertise in a specialized arena by working on a real-world informatics project under the guidance of a preceptor.
Scranton’s master’s degree in health informatics is an interdisciplinary program that includes courses developed and taught by faculty from healthcare clinical disciplines, health informatics and health administration from the Panuska College of Professional Studies; computer science in the College of Arts and Sciences; and operations and analytics in the Kania School of Management, which holds accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
In the fall 2021 semester, the University began to offer a specialization in data analytics for the master’s degree program in health informatics that requires an additional 6-8 credits of coursework. Applicants to the graduate program must meet admission requirements.
For additional information, visit the Master of Science degree in Health Informatics webpage or contact Margarete L. Zalon, Ph.D., professor of nursing and director of the University’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics Program at Margarete.zalon@scranton.edu or 570-941-7655.
Online Health Informatics Masters CAHIIM Accredited
Student
December 15, 2021
The U.S. News & World Report lists nursing as one of the top-ranking jobs in healthcare, while the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth of job for nurses at higher than that of most other professions.
According to The University of Scranton’s First Destination survey for the Class of 2020, the average salary of a Scranton nursing graduate 12 months after graduating was $62,943.
Scranton’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program aims to prepare students for a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings with clinical experiences beginning in their sophomore year. Using an active-learning approach in state-of-the-art simulation laboratories, highly qualified teacher-scholars train students in patient-centered and evidence-based care.
In addition, undergraduate students have the opportunity to complete clinical work in a variety of settings including: specialty hospital units, ICU, operating rooms, emergency departments, inpatient, outpatient, community health center, home care and hospice.
Scranton Nursing graduates work at some of the most prestigious hospitals and outpatient practices in the U.S. including: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Georgetown University Medical Center and more.
Open Doors with a Degree in Nursing
Student
Requirements
December 15, 2021
Interested in a work-study position that will get you ready for your first job in marketing, communications or social media? Want to work closely with the University's Marketing Communications team to engage prospective students, students, alumni, faculty
The Department of Marketing Communications is seeking a new social media intern beginning this summer and through the 2022-2023 academic year.
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 news to help us improve and innovate!
Contact marketing@scranton.edu to request the full job description. 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, Google+, Snapchat, YouTube, Flickr, Tumblr
and emerging social media channels - Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word.
Requirements
- Available to work 30 hours per week in summer and 15 hours per week in the fall and spring semesters and, preferably, also during intersession.
- 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)
Students interested in the position can send their resume, along with a cover letter, and the name of a faculty member who will recommend you to socialmedia@scranton.edu by February 1, 2022.
Apply to be a Social Media Intern at the University
Faculty
December 15, 2021
This article was originally published in AJCU's Connections. This is an excerpt.
A travel course meant to engage students in the present-day lives of Christians living in the Holy Land has led to a new perspective regarding the ancient religious texts researched by The University of Scranton Theology Associate Professor Michael G. Azar, Ph.D. Here, he shares how his course, Christianity in the Middle East, deepened his theological scholarship in unexpected ways.
“The focus of my scholarly work has mostly been the Biblical and patristic periods, but I started this travel course because I was also interested in current Jewish-Christian relations in the Holy Land,” Dr. Azar said. “Now, the contemporary experience informs my scholarship in ways I didn’t really expect. The book I am currently writing on Orthodox Christianity and Jewish-Christian relations focuses not just on ancient theological sources, but also incorporates contemporary Christian-Jewish interaction in the Holy Land.” He never thought he’d be doing both in the same project.
Dr. Azar’s early research focused on the New Testament and the way Christians and Jews interacted with one another in the first few centuries after Jesus.
His first book, “Exegeting the Jews: The Early Reception of the Johannine ‘Jews’” (Brill, 2016), examined Greek patristic readings of the “Jews” of St. John’s Gospel.
Through his research, Dr. Azar began to realize that much scholarly work has focused on Jewish-Christian relations from Western perspectives. What he found missing was the interaction that has existed in the Holy Land for the past 1,500 years.
Continue reading in Connections.
Travel Course to Less Known Places in the Holy Land Influences Theology Professor's Research
Student
December 15, 2021
Caitlin Connallon Cranston, Rhode Island, was awarded third place in After Dinner Speaking at the Southern-Northern Atlantic Forensics Union speech and debate tournament, which was held recently in a virtual format and hosted by Seton Hall University. Other schools participating in the competition included St. Joseph’s University, Cornell University, James Madison University, George Mason University, and Seton Hall University.
Connallon is a communication major in her junior year at Scranton.
Students compete in collegiate forensics tournaments as part of The University of Scranton Speech and Debate Team, a co-curricular student organization.
University Student Medals in Forensics Tournament
Student
December 6, 2021
Students, the Center for Health Education & Wellness presents Stress Less Week. Join your classmates for a meditation class, hot cocoa and giveaways!
Good luck on finals, students!
Stress Less Week is Here
Community
December 6, 2021
Participants in the 23rd Annual 2022 Ann Moskovitz Leaves of Class Raffle, offered by The Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library at The University of Scranton, have a chance to win more than $7,000 in prizes.
Raffle tickets are $25 and earn each participant four chances to win quarterly prize drawings, which begin on Jan. 3 and continue through Sept. 1. The raffle helps support the Friends of the Library Endowment Fund.
This year’s prizes include: an iPad; gift certificates to numerous area restaurants; cash prizes up to $250; tickets to local theater performances and concerts; fitness club memberships; resort gift certificates; jewelry and clothing boutique gift certificates; gift baskets; and numerous other prizes.
To be eligible for the drawings, a completed entry form, along with $25, must be returned to the Dean’s Office of the Weinberg Memorial Library. Checks should be made payable to “Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library.”
Tickets may also be purchased online at www.scranton.edu/leaves.
For more information on the Leaves of Class drawing, contact the Weinberg Memorial Library at 570-941-7816.
Library Raffle Offers Chance at Quarterly Prizes
Athletics
December 6, 2021
A busy Saturday for The University of Scranton department of athletics was headlined by the women's swimming & diving team breaking a relay record at Drew, while the 19th-ranked women's basketball team used a huge comeback late in regulation to upend Landmark Conference rival No. 25 Catholic on the road.
For that and more on the week that was in Scranton Athletics, check out this week's Royal Review by clicking here.
To follow University of Scranton Athletics all season long, remember to follow the Royals on Twitter and Instagram @RoyalAthletics.
Royal Review: Women's Swimming Record Falls, Women's Basketball Takes Battle of Ranked Teams
Student
December 6, 2021
Sarah Hazelrigg, West Long Branch, New Jersey, and Shelby Traver, Sweet Valley, have qualified to participate in the national American Forensics Association’s (AFA) Tournament, based on their placement at the District VII’s AFA Tournament on Nov. 14. The district competition, hosted by Seton Hall University, was held in a virtual format. The students placed in the top 10 percent at the district competition, which qualified them for the national tournament that will take place in April 2022.
AFA’s District VII includes Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
Hazelrigg, a junior at Scranton majoring in advertising and public relations, qualified in after-dinner speaking, which is a public speaking event that uses humor to make a serious point. Her speech focused on the use of language.
Traver qualified in program oral interpretation, which weaves selections from poetry, prose and other sources around a theme. The theme of her program was anxiety. She is a junior at Scranton, majoring in international business.
Students compete in collegiate forensics tournaments as part of The University of Scranton Speech and Debate Team, a co-curricular student organization.
Students Advance to National Forensics Tournament
Community
December 6, 2021
The University of Scranton’s ongoing efforts to support and welcome refugee communities in Scranton continued this fall semester, including providing and partnering on informational programming in relation to housing and health topics and in ways that offer connections to the refugee communities that now call Scranton home.
Professor of Physical Therapy, Dr. Lori Walton, Ph.D., DPT, MScPT, MPH(s), and her students in PT743 Psychosocial Aspects of Disability in Physical Therapy undertook a semester-long Community-Based Learning (CBL) project to provide health workshops to the Bhutanese refugee community in Scranton. Before engaging in this project, Dr. Walton first provided several training sessions for the students on how to improve access to care and health equity; appropriate, effective, and equitable work with culturally diverse populations and language translators; and working with newly resettled Americans with hearing and visual impairment.
Dr. Walton’s students also learned more about local resources and vulnerable populations, as well as the historical background of the Bhutanese refugee community, with class visits from Julie Schumacher Cohen, AVP for Community Engagement and Government Affairs and CBL Board Chair and Mr. Chandra Sitaula, from the Bhutanese Cultural Foundation of Scranton Association. Mr. Sitaula spoke with students in preparation for their presentations at the Bhutanese Cultural Community Center in South Scranton, particularly focusing on culturally appropriate communication. Mr. Sitaula and the Bhutanese community collaborated with Dr. Walton and her students to identify mutually agreed upon topics that aligned with the course information and student expertise and that would also be valuable to the Bhutanese community members in Scranton.
"We are so honored to have the opportunity to work with Mr. Chandra Sitaula at the Bhutanese Community Center to develop a partnership for promoting health and wellness in the community. Working together to help one another, embracing diverse human interaction and dialogue, and getting to know our neighbors in the Scranton Community was an honor that we continue to cherish with deep gratitude. This community-based experience with the Bhutanese Community was truly transformational for both faculty and students!" said Dr. Lori Walton, Ph.D., DPT, MScPT, MPH(s), Professor of Physical Therapy.
Dr. Walton’s 3rd year Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, along with the support of second-year Graduate Assistants, completed two different two-hour sessions to the Bhutanese Community Center on Oct. 27 and Nov. 8 with the assistance of Mr. Sitaula's translation of presentations into Nepali. Presentations included: “Nutrition and Physical Activity for People with Diagnosis Diabetes Mellitus II”; "Preventing High Blood Pressure"; and "Reducing Stress and Increasing Resiliency through Physical Activity.”
Reflecting on their experiences Nicholas Capobianco, SPT, Graduate Teaching Assistant; James Curley, SPT; Bryan Gorczyca; and Dan Passafiume shared the deep impact and inspiration that this experience provided them as they prepare for their profession:
“To be welcomed into the Bhutanese Community Center (BCC) as a guest presenter this semester reminded me and my peers how important it is to connect with our diverse local population. As third-year physical therapy students, we understand that it is our social and professional responsibility to use our health literacy to teach and advocate for people who may not have the same background. Yet, our experience at the BCC gave us a glimpse of what this actually looks like in practice. All of the benefits — cultural immersion, education, healthy changes — occur with persistence, patience, an honest narrative, and commitment to understanding rather than just periodic visits, posters, and statistics. While it was rewarding to share information with new friends and be thanked on our way out, the real value of our visit was humbly realizing that it was just a start. In our future as healthcare professionals, it’s the relationships we will develop that will forge a lasting, positive impact.”
Dr. Walton’s students also provided hands-on assistance to members of the Bhutanese community during the events by providing blood pressure screenings and demonstrations on how to use at-home blood pressure cuffs. Additionally, the students submitted 40 original health education handouts on various public health physical therapy-related topics, to be translated into Nepali, for the community.
In addition to the CBL project, the University is also partnering with NeighborWorks NEPA and Congolese refugee community leader and University student, Ushu Mukelo, to offer a series of workshops to the Congolese community focused on different issues in relation to housing, especially relevant as this community looks to purchase homes or find stable and affordable rental properties. The three-part series that is taking place in December 2021 and January 2022 will offer informational presentations on topics related to: mortgage loans and public assistance, housing quality, and understanding housing rights with Neighborworks and other community partners providing up to date and relevant information that will be translated by Mr. Mukelo into Swahili.
“As we see with this fall’s projects, health and wellbeing, language access, and affordable housing are salient issues for both the Bhutanese and Congolese refugee communities in Scranton. We are proud of our students and honored to partner with refugee community leaders and community partners to help provide relevant resources. To work with and accompany these communities – individuals and families who have had to flee situations of violence, extreme poverty and other traumas – is a source of mutual learning and directly ties to our mission as a Jesuit and Catholic institution,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen.
As we all work together to form a more equitable and inclusive community in Scranton, the University is deeply appreciative for all that our refugee communities bring to this city and plans to continue its engagement and efforts in alignment with the University’s mission and strategic plan’s focus on partnerships for the common good.
University Works to Support Refugee Communities in Scranton
General
December 6, 2021
Weekday and Sunday worship continues in December and January.
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Sunday Masses
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Dec. 12 – 11:00 am, 4:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., Madonna della Strada Chapel
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Jan. 9, 16, 23 – 5:00 p.m., Chapel of the Sacred Heart
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Jan. 30 – 11:00 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., Madonna della Strada Chapel
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Sunday Masses will not be offered on Dec. 19, 26, and Jan 2
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Weekday Masses
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Dec. 6 to 23 (Monday through Saturday), Chapel of the Sacred Heart
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Weekday Masses (Monday through Saturday) will not be offered from Dec. 24 to Jan. 25
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Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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Dec. 8, Wednesday – 12:05 p.m., Madonna della Strada Chapel
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Muslim Jum’ah Service, Dec 10, 17
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1:00 p.m. – Campus Mosque
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Worship Schedule for December and January
Student
December 7, 2021
Forbes says “The growth rate in marketing-related analytics hires is eye-popping --up 67 percent over the past year, and 136 percent over the past three years.”
The annual median pay for a career in data analytics can range from $82,000 to 114,000.
Careers graduates can pursue with a degree in this field include data analyst, operations research analyst, market research analyst and management consultant. Some industries that hire business analysts are health care, retail, construction, banking and transportation.
The University of Scranton’s Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics prepares students to have the broad range of skills needed to evaluate sets of data and help companies make informed decisions.
The Business Analytics undergraduate major is housed in the University’s Kania School of Management which is accredited by the rigorous standards of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
With advanced courses covering topics like data mining and database management systems, graduates enter the workforce with both in-class and real-world experience, gained through internship opportunities, preparing them for a competitive and growing career field.
The Fast-Growing Field of Business Analytics
Community
December 7, 2021
Performance Music at The University of Scranton will be encouraging folks to join them in the holiday spirit of giving at its annual Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Concert. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12, in the Houlihan-McLean Center (Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue) the concert will feature student musicians from Performance Music at The University of Scranton.
The concert is open to invited guests and all members of the University community. Attendees are asked to bring either a new and unwrapped child’s toy or book, new article of child’s clothing, new toiletry items (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, comb/brush, etc.), or a cash donation to gain admission. The donated items will benefit local children and families in need this holiday season.
All audience members must wear masks throughout the performance. University campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage. Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the recital for the most current information on audience COVID-19 mitigation measures (e.g., masking, vaccination, distancing, etc.).
As always, this informal concert will include a variety of Christmas carols, performed by soloists and small ensembles including the University’s Percussion Ensemble, Steel Drum Band, String Ensemble, Holiday Choir, Trumpet Sextet, Clarinet Quintet, Flute Quartet and Saxophone Trio.
There will be no audience sing-along portion of the program this year due to the pandemic.
The origins of the Empty Stocking Fund Concert date back to 1999, when Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga’s friend, Alan Drake, the former band director at Georgia’s Augusta College (now Augusta University), told her about a benefit Christmas concert held there. When Boga asked Drake if he would mind if she brought the idea back to Scranton, he responded, “Absolutely not.”
For that inaugural year, she and Drake decided to wage a friendly competition to see which concert could raise the most money, and a new tradition was born.
No doubt, the concert’s charitable mission lends it a special resonance, and Boga noted it’s always moving to see the donated items put on display the night of the concert.
And then there’s the warm yuletide vibes produced at the concert. By the time it ends, Boga said, “You can really see people starting to feel the Christmas spirit.”
For more information on the Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music.
Annual Empty Stocking Fund Concert Set for Dec. 12
General
December 7, 2021
After our Dec. 8 issue, the University's Royal News e-newsletter will publish on a winter schedule, though the website will continue to be updated daily. And we will return periodically to update our community on the goings-on around campus.
We will publish a special holiday edition in late December, then we'll publish an issue on Wednesday, Jan. 5.
We will return to regular action on Wednesday, Jan. 26, and continue our regular weekly publishing schedule throughout the spring 2022 semester.
We welcome announcement submissions from faculty, staff, students and clubs at any time throughout the winter (to include in one of these issues, and beyond), so please send them along. See the instructions here.
Thanks, and have a great holiday season!
Royal News, Winter Schedule
General
December 7, 2021
Thanks to everyone who donated to The University of Scranton’s Student Veterans Organization (SVO) donation drive for the Gino Merli Veterans Center and the St. Francis Commons.
SVO was thrilled to receive 42 bars of soap, 15 deodorants, 38 tissue boxes, 81 pairs of socks, 16 hats, 4 pairs of gloves, 7 bottles of body wash and many additional items (Pepto, cold/flu meds, pain reliever meds, toothpaste and brushes, shaving creme and razors, bandaids and Neosporin).
Your generosity and kindness especially during the holidays are greatly appreciated! Please contact barbara.king@scranton.edu (SVO Advisor) with any questions. Happy Holidays everyone!
SVO Donation Drive - Thank You!
Alumni
December 7, 2021
One alumnus combines a love of science and communication — plus his hip-hop performance skills — to teach STEM concepts and digital literacy all over the world.
By Frantz Lucien’s own estimation, he’s taught students across the U.S. and on every continent except Antarctica, all from the dock of Pier 86 in New York City.
As the manager of Interactive Experience and Family Engagement and a museum educator at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on Pier 86, Lucien ’12 created a distance-learning program for the museum in 2016. The Intrepid Museum is a nonprofit educational institution that features the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier, a National Historic Landmark that served tours of duty in World War II and the Vietnam War, plus home to America’s first space shuttle, Enterprise, and jets and submarines. The museum presents exhibitions and interactive educational programming that showcase American innovation and bravery.
“I take a lot of pride in the fact that I created our distance-learning, virtual field trip program,” said Lucien, who majored in communication and media studies on the broadcast track at Scranton. “And it was one of the reasons we were able to pivot so quickly (when COVID happened) and go to the digital version of our museum and do different digital programming.”
Prior to the pandemic, Lucien would traverse the floor of the museum with an iPad to host virtual field trips, teaching students from as far away as Texas and China. He said teachers often told him that their students felt like they were right there with him at the museum. Fast forward to March 2020. Lucien sought to replicate that experience, even when the museum was closed at the height of the pandemic.
“My question was, how do I translate that (immersive experience) when I am sitting in my living room with a sunset painting behind my head?” Lucien said. “So I immediately went down to the ship — because I didn’t live too far from the ship — right before everything closed down. And I took videos walking through and talking, like what we normally do. And then I edited those videos and added different pictures and video clips, and they literally got shared all over the world.”
Continue reading in The Scranton Journal.
Frantz Lucien, Jr. ’12: Bridging the Digital Divide
Athletics
December 7, 2021
A quiet Thanksgiving break for The University of Scranton department of athletics will yield to a busy week for the Royals, as seven teams are in action this weekend, including the debut of the men's and women's track & field programs for the 2021-22 indoor season.
For more on the week that was in Scranton Athletics, check out this week's Royal Review by clicking here.
To follow University of Scranton Athletics all season long, remember to follow the Royals on Twitter and Instagram @RoyalAthletics.
Royal Review: A Busy Week for the Royals
Alumni
December 7, 2021
The University of Scranton President’s Business Council (PBC) Virtual 20th Annual Award Dinner honoring John E. (Jack) Brennan ’68, P’06 in memoriam and also recognizing the first 20 years of the PBC was broadcast Nov. 18. This year’s event raised more than $750,000 for the Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund, surpassing $19 million generated cumulatively.
Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, presented Cindy Brennan, Ryan Brennan ’06 and Sarah Brennan Lapointe, Jack’s wife, son and daughter, with the University’s President’s Medal during the event. Father Marina noted, “Tonight has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the life of Jack Brennan and the many ways his legacy lives on at his beloved Alma Mater.” In his acceptance remarks, Ryan said, “I want to thank everyone at the University for honoring my father. I know that he would be very proud of this award. The feeling and inspiration he got while he was at the University stayed with him for the rest of his life. I believe his generosity, not only financially but also of his time, is the major reason for this recognition.”
The audience was then treated to a retrospective video detailing the PBC’s origin, evolution and impact on students and alumni. The PBC was formed in 2001 by the University and a prominent group of alumni and friends with the purpose of advancing the mission of the University. The PBC is committed to strengthening the Scranton network in the business sectors and to providing mentoring, internships and career support for current students and meaningful engagement opportunities for alumni, parents and friends. At the PBC’s Annual Award Dinner, an honoree is presented with the University’s President’s Medal, which recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields and who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion for others. Through the proceeds from its annual award dinners, the PBC supports the Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund.
The PBC Virtual 20th Annual Award Dinner can be seen here. Gifts to the PBC can be made via the PBC giving page. For additional information, contact Timothy J. Pryle ’89, executive director of the PBC, at 570-941-5837 or pbc@scranton.edu.
About the honoree
John E. (Jack) Brennan ’68, P’06 received a bachelor’s degree in management from the University in 1968. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served as a 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corp. in Thailand. Following his years of service, Mr. Brennan joined Motorola as a salesman. He later co-founded Metro Mobile CTS, Inc., and served as the president and chief operating officer. Metro Mobile was later sold to Bell Atlantic, which would eventually become Verizon Communications. He was also president of Activated Communications and a member of the board of directors at Spectrum Signal Processing. At the time of his retirement, he was the vice chairman of the board of Southern Union Co. (later acquired by Energy Transfer LP).
During his professional career, Mr. Brennan was an active member of his community, serving as president of the Radio Club of America, as president of the Old Tappan Board of Education, as a member of the Old Tappan Planning Board, and as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. In support of his passion for furthering the education of young minds, Mr. Brennan was a long-time member of the Board of Trustees at Christ the King School (Cristo Rey) in Newark, N.J., and at the University, where he was also a founding member of the Kania School of Management Advisory Board. He was also among the inaugural inductees to the Business Leader Hall of Fame. In Oct. 2000, the University named Brennan Hall, the home of the Kania School of Management, in his honor.
Mr. Brennan passed away in Sept. 2020 after battling cancer. He is survived by his wife, Cindy, their two children and their grandchildren.
PBC Honors Jack Brennan and Recognizes First 20 Years
Staff
December 7, 2021
The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!
THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for December 2021 is: Gina Delsantro - Bursar!
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Gina does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Gina and all our December nominees.
How long have you worked here?
I have worked here for 24 years...OMG!
What's the best part of your job?
The best thing about my job is the people I work with.
What do you do for fun?
I love spending time with my family and being outdoors.
Gina will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of December. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate Gina, and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.
December 2021 Nominees:
Will Geiger - IT
Don McCall - Tech Support
Karl Johns, -Technology Support Center
Elizabeth Chalk - Biology Admin Assistant
Dina Angeloni - CHEW
Dawn Mazurik - Nursing
Janet Bernick - Nursing
Kristi Klien - Career Services
Tom Kern - IT Services
Aubree Armenzzani - ORAS
Michael Paolello - Printing Services
Stephanie Adamec-CHEW
Eugene Kohut - Grounds Supervisor
Gina Delsantro - Bursar
Eileen Notarianni - Human Resources
Announcing the December 2021 Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award Winner
General
December 7, 2021
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Mass will take place on Dec. 8 at 12:05 p.m. in Madonna della Strada Chapel. This is a holy day of obligation.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Mass
Student
December 7, 2021
The Panuska College of Professional Studies held a Celebration of Remembrance to honor individuals who donated their bodies to further the education of students in the health professions at The University of Scranton. Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president, offered a special prayer at the service held on Nov. 18 in the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall.
At the ceremony, Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of The Panuska College of Professional Studies, shared the poem, “The Anatomy Teacher,” by Amy Marie Millikan from The New England Journal of Medicine. In her remarks, Dr. Pellegrino expressed gratitude “to these individuals who donated their bodies so that our students can learn, and to these teachers who have shared their lasting gift even after their death.”
During the summer and fall of 2021 academic semesters, 176 undergraduate and graduate students at Scranton studying in the fields of nurse anesthesia, physical therapy, occupational therapy and kinesiology learned firsthand the intricacies of the human body in the gross anatomy lab thanks to the gifts these individuals bestowed to science.
“I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to all the donors and their families who have made an impact on myself and my fellow classmates’ education and lives,” said Samiel Torres ’21 in her student reflection presented at the ceremony. “Your loved one has taught me so many lessons not only about the human body, but the immense generosity of humanity that I'll carry with me forever.”
Torres, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, is in her first year of the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at Scranton and will graduate with her DPT in 2024.
Also participating in the ceremony were Jennifer Schwartz, DPT, anatomy faculty member of the DPT program; Chandra Nealon, DPT, anatomy faculty member for the Occupational Therapy (OT) program; and students of the DPT and OT program. PCPS Lab Director Cheryil Demkosky offered closing remarks.
$content.getChild('content').textValueThose Who Gave Their Bodies to Science Remembered
Alumni
December 7, 2021
Nearly 300 alumni, parents and friends of the University donated nearly $50,000 to University causes during this year's global Giving Tuesday celebration.
The University's Giving Tuesday campaign began with a special video message promoting THR1VE, a program which supports University students who identify as first-generation college students, from the Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president. In the video, Father Marina, a first-generation college student, talks about the transformational impact his education had upon his life. Many of Tuesday's donations were designated for THR1VE, where they will help to ensure that first-generation college students continue to thrive at Scranton. To view the donor honor roll, visit this link.
University Community Celebrates Giving Tuesday
Alumni
December 7, 2021
The University will hold a Presidential Christmas reception at The New York Athletic Club Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. with the Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president.
To register, visit scranton.edu/christmas.
University Announces NYC Presidential Christmas Reception Dec. 8
Alumni
December 1, 2021
The University of Scranton is pleased to announce the establishment of an annual scholarship to honor the memory of Sara Farrell Hutchison ’08, an alumna who tragically passed away in August 2021. Initiated by colleagues of Marian Farrell, Ph.D., in the University’s Faculty Senate and Department of Nursing, The Sara Farrell Hutchison ’08 Memorial Scholarship benefits non-traditional female students studying in any of the health-related fields. “Non-traditional student” is defined, for the purpose of the scholarship, as a student who is returning to school to pursue her education after an absence.
Born in Scranton, Hutchison was the daughter of James C. and Dr. Marian L. Rosler Farrell. She was a 2004 graduate of Scranton Preparatory School and earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the University in 2008. Hutchison was a devoted wife, sister, daughter and mother to three children.
To make a donation to The Sara Farrell Hutchison ’08 Memorial Scholarship, please visit scranton.edu/makeagift or send a check payable to The University of Scranton (please note “Sara Hutchison Scholarship” in the memo line), University Advancement, 800 Linden Street, Scranton, PA 18510.
University to Offer New Annual Scholarship in Honor of Alumna
Alumni
December 1, 2021
On November 16, 20 alumni and friends of The University of Scranton sorted and inspected clothing donations at Cradles To Crayons Philadelphia, an organization that provides children from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need to thrive.
Royals Volunteer At Cradles To Crayons
Alumni
November 30, 2021
Join your Scranton friends in the Boston area for a historical holiday stroll along the Freedom Trail Saturday, Dec. 11, at 3:30 p.m.
Walk the Freedom Trail and discover how Boston’s holiday traditions evolved. Led by 19th-century Dickensian costumed guides, the festive stroll is complete with a tour of holiday lights and Christmas trees along the Freedom Trail.
The 60-minute tour, provided by The Freedom Trail Foundation, will begin at the Boston Commons Visitor Information Center, 139 Tremont Street, Boston, Mass. Tickets for adults will cost $15, and tickets for children will cost $5.
To register, visit this link.
University to Hold Boston Christmas Stroll Dec. 11
Alumni
November 30, 2021
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
Harry A. Lennon ’83, Round Top, New York, has been re-elected to a sixth term on the Greene County, New York Legislature where he serves as Minority Leader.
Marion Munley ’83, Moosic, recently spoke at the Kentucky Justice Association. Drawing on her extensive trial expertise, Munley spoke to the Association on “Using the Defendants’ Words Against Them to Develop Your Trial Story.” Munley also recently spoke to the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. Her discussion was titled “Rule of Three: Industry Standard or Make Believe?”
Lawrence A. J. Spegar '84, Jessup, was recognized in 2021 as one of America's Most Honored Lawyers. Spegar has enjoyed a 35-year career as a trial lawyer representing clients in a comprehensive practice involving areas of personal injury, disability, real estate, business, entertainment and wills and estates. His practice has covered many jurisdictions, including Pennsylvania and the United States Supreme Court.
Julius J. Prezelski ’86, Mount Airy, Maryland, was the 2021 recipient of the Ted Beck Effective Educator Award which recognizes JumpStart’s third chairman’s commitment to making evidence-based decisions in striving to improve financial education. From basketball coach to business teacher, Prezelski uses coaching and storytelling as his unique approach to teaching. As a mentor, he uses his own personal experiences to teach the pitfalls and wins of financial management and does not shy away from difficult conversations in the classroom.
Elizabeth Brue Alterman ’93, Chatham, New Jersey, had her memoir, "Sad Sacked," released by Audible Originals on November 11, 2021. Alterman has also been named Erma Bombeck’s Humor Writer of the Month for November.
Robert Keenan ’95, Wayne, New Jersey, has been named vice president of Product Management/Development for Adweek.
James F. McNulty ’96, Gaithersburg, Maryland, was elected to the Gaithersburg City Council. McNulty will serve a 4-year term as one of two new council members in Maryland’s third-largest city.
Kate Brennan ’03, York, received a 2021 MAP Grant for her work with "The Infinity Trilogy," a YA musical cycle created to encourage mentorship between professionals and fledgling artists. The first piece in the trilogy, "ALiEN8," was recently published with YouthPLAYS after premiering with Drexel University, where she was a Mandell Professional in Residence. The second piece of the trilogy, "Clean Slate," is scheduled to premiere with Passage Theatre Company in 2022. Her book of poetry, "elevated thoughts," was published with Literati Press in 2020. Kate currently lives with her husband, child and dog in York where she is Artistic Director of Ignition Arts.
Samuel J. Richards G’15, Shanghai, China, received an honorable mention during the Historical Society of the Episcopal Church’s annual meeting for his peer-reviewed research on Edward Colston. His article, “Historical Revision in Church: Re-examining the ‘Saint' Edward Colston,” was published in the September 2020 issue of the Anglican and Episcopal History, and investigates the legacy of philanthropist, enslaver, and High Anglican Edward Colston who lived from 1636 to 1721. It was noted for its excellent and timely research. Richards currently teaches history and politics at Shanghai American School in China.
WEDDINGS
Kelly Ann Haggerty ’09 to Frederick Vilsmeier
Meagan Pehnke ’10, G’11 to Joseph Serafini ’09
Kaylee Hatfield ’13 to Anthony Santino
Brianna McCullough '13 to Demetrios Vlahos
Elizabeth Joyce ’15 to Bryan Elman ’15
Elizabeth Palladino ’15, DPT ’18 to Patrick Heneghan ’15
Meghan Campbell ’16 to Joseph Costello ’16
Alison Kucharski '16 to Viliam Varhol
Maura McGowan '16, DPT '19 to Zachary Holden
BIRTHS
A son, Ryan, to Michael and Danielle Tartaglia Centalonza ’06, Randolph, New Jersey
A daughter, Michaela Kathleen, to Joseph ’08 and Kaitlyn O’Connor Yourkavitch ’09, G’11, Reading
A daughter, Sophia Charles, to Christopher and Mary Rose Ho ’10, New York, New York
A daughter, Margaret Ann, to Joseph ’09 and Meagan Pehnke-Serafini ’10, G’11, Philadelphia
A son, Owen Lawrence, to Michael and Kristina Russo Joyce, ’12, DPT ’15, Wycoff, New Jersey
A son, River Michael, to Robert ’13 and Allison Tait Sachs ’14, Morristown, New Jersey
A daughter, Isla, to Joshua ’15 and Jackie Cavanaugh Ryan ’15, Rockville, Maryland
DEATHS
Myer B. Kahn ’38, Rockville, Maryland
Michael A. Rossi, Sr., Ph.D. ’53, Hackettstown, New Jersey
Fred S. Lewenson, D.D.S. ’57, East Norriton
LTC. Walter J. Lynch, USA, Ret. ’16, Moosic
Albert J. Marmo ’62, Bowie, Maryland
Gerald M. Durkin ’68, Clarks Summit
Joseph F. Gibbons ’70, Clarks Summit
John R. Hirschler ’73, Lancaster
Nancy Dunleavy Batten ’77, Raleigh, North Carolina
Thomas Z. Swinick ’78, G’83 Dunmore
Kevin J. O’Hara ’80, Greenfield Township
Mark L. Kuna ’84, Allentown
Brian J. Leahy ’90, Cranford, New Jersey
Nicole Rusyn Lutz ’93, Olyphant
Wendy Bailey Morris ’93, Scranton
Kerri Hubbard Naples ’06, G’09, Hazlet, New Jersey
Sara R. Wargo ’11, Jessup
FRIENDS' DEATHS
Rosemary DeMichele, wife of Michael DeMichele, Ph.D. ’63, mother of Michael A. DeMichele, M.D. ’87, Christine DeMichele Consiglio ’89 and Jacqueline DeMichele Kloss, Ph.D. ’92
Judy Peacock, wife of Thomas Peacock ’61
Kathleen Thornton, wife of Jeffrey T. Thornton ’85
Alumni Class Notes, December 2021
Community
November 30, 2021
The University of Scranton along with community partners recently was awarded a generous grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to fund a 2-year project “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” to explore Scranton’s history, culture, and role in the nation at large. The “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project dedicated website detailing the project’s eight themes, oral histories “Scranton Stories” project and humanities resources launched this week at scranton.edu/scrantonstory.
This project began this past October with an inaugural event, “Scranton at the Popular Imagination,” at the Scranton Culture Center on Oct. 19 featuring a keynote lecture by prolific author and Scranton-native Jay Parini with a respondent panel and audience Q&A. Scranton’s role in the nation’s popular imagination was considered in light of the lived reality of Scrantonians, especially lesser told Scranton stories. The recording of this event is now available on the University’s YouTube channel.
This event was a part of the project’s first theme, “Portrait of Scranton, Portrait of a Nation,” which continues this fall semester with a special roundtable discussion, “Scranton & the Nation: Who Are We and Who Do We Aspire to Be?,” taking place on Monday, Dec. 6 from 5-6:30 p.m. in the PNC Board Room, Brennan Hall at The University of Scranton. As we look ahead to the 250th anniversary of the United States, this event will consider the role of our city in the nation’s progress, or as urbanist Jane Jacobs wrote: “what Scranton is, has been, and can be.”
This event will feature resource speakers Alejandra Marroquin, co-chair, Immigrant Inclusion Committee; Maureen McGuigan, Deputy Director of Arts & Culture, Lackawanna County; and Larry West, Business Administrator, City of Scranton, co-moderated by Julie Schumacher Cohen and Sondra Myers, both from The University of Scranton. Participants will reflect on excerpts from Glenna Lang’s book Jane Jacobs’ First City and Our America: Who are We? edited by Sondra Myers. Space for this special event is limited. Registration is required at: surveymonkey.com/r/ScrantonWhoAreWe
Project events will continue through the fall of 2023, with the next theme, “U.S. Citizen and the American Founding” starting after the new year and the third theme, “Indigenous History in NEPA” continuing in spring 2022. For more information about “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” please visit scranton.edu/scrantonstory or email community@scranton.edu with questions.
‘Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story’ Project Outlined in Dedicated Project Website
November
View November Listing Page
Community
November 30, 2022
Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright, novelist and screenwriter Ayad Akhtar was the recipient of the 2022 Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award from The University of Scranton’s Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library. The reception and dinner took place in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center in November. Prior to the reception, a book signing took place. Proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of the Library Endowment Fund, which supports special gifts for the Weinberg Library collections and services.
$content.getChild('content').textValueAyad Akhtar Honored with Distinguished Author Award
Student
November 30, 2022
The keynote speaker at the 35th annual Henry George Lecture, Yuliy Sannikov Ph.D., filled nearly every seat in the McIlheney Ballroom on Nov. 17 with an audience of students, faculty and invited guests.
Following the lecture series’ tradition of inviting esteemed guest speakers, Dr. Sannikov is the Jack Steele Parker professor of economics at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. His awards include the 2015 Fisher Black Prize, the 2014 Kiel Excellence Award in Global Economic Affairs and the 2016 John Bates Clark Medal for his contributions to economic thought as an American economist under the age of 40.
For the Henry George Lecture, “The Value of Money: Currencies, Bonds, Bitcoin,” Dr. Sannikov addressed the growing role cryptocurrencies play in today’s economy.
Walking the audience through a basic valuation equation and a simplified version of the Samuelson OLG Model, Sannikov concluded that, despite cryptocurrencies’ increasing prevalence in our world, “fundamentally, at least in the long-run, the value of currency should have something to do with how the government balances its budget.”
Dr. Sannikov said this discussion becomes important for average people, regardless of whether they have money invested into cryptocurrencies, because the popularity of different currencies impacts the value of the U.S. dollar and ultimately the country’s inflation rate, driving prices of goods higher. Dr. Sannikov stated that “recently there has been an uptake in inflation and the most recent data from October gives the number of 6.2 percent.”
Whether or not this is directly related to the public’s growing interest in alternative currencies, like Bitcoin, Sannikov explained that “if an asset becomes inflated in value and it becomes a bubble, when that bubble crashes it coincides with inflation.” He was quick to clarify that it is unclear if the values of various cryptocurrencies are falsely inflated, but said it is something to keep an eye on as more and more people become interested in the concept.
Considered the preeminent public lecture series on economics in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Henry George Lecture Series is presented by the University’s Economics and Finance Department and the campus chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international honor society for economics. Among the distinguished list of speakers who have spoken at previous lectures are 11 winners of the Nobel Prize in Economics: David Card (2021), Paul Romer (2018), Robert Shiller (2013), Tom Sargent (2011), Peter Diamond (2010), Paul Krugman (2008), Joseph Stiglitz (2001), George Akerlof (2001), Amartya Sen (1998), Robert Lucas (1995) and Robert Solow (1987). The lecture series is named in honor of the 19th-century American economist and social reformer and is supported financially by a grant from the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation.
Scranton Holds Annual Henry George Lecture
General
November 30, 2022
The Jesuit Center invites you to enjoy daily inspiration and reflection this holiday season!
Every day, during the Advent and Lent seasons, you can enjoy a time of reflection, learning, prayer and inspiration from a collection of devotionals specially written by our Jesuits, alumni, students, staff and faculty.
The holidays can often be busy and stressful. This is a great opportunity to be intentional in taking a few moments in the day to be renewed.
SIGN UP HERE
Advent Daily Devotional
General
November 30, 2022
The Office of Equity and Diversity and the Multicultural Center are pleased to present Mr. Curtis Zunigha, an enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians in Oklahoma, at an in-person luncheon event on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 @ 11:30 a.m., to be held in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall 509. This event will also be streamed via Zoom. Registration is required to attend luncheon and receive zoom information.
Mr. Zunigha’s presentation will center around the story or the Lenape people who inhabited the Lackawanna and Delaware River Valleys, our Land Acknowledgement statement and what it truly means, and essential steps going forward in service of social justice.
Mr. Zunigha has over 35 years of experience as a practitioner of Lenape/Delaware culture, language, customs and traditions. He serves as a Co-Director of the Lenape Center (thelenapecenter.com) a nonprofit arts and cultural education organization based in New York City.
He has served as a consultant and lecturer to several prominent local organizations such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, American Philosophical Society, Library Company of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Historical Society, and the University of Pennsylvania.
The greater Scranton community is invited to attend via Zoom. Please use the registration link to receive Zoom information.
Register for luncheon or Zoom here.
For more information or help with registration, please contact Jennifer.penningotn@scranton.edu, or call 570-903-9450.
A Special Event Honoring Native American Heritage Month
Community
November 30, 2022
Continuing a time-honored holiday tradition, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present its 54th annual Noel Night concert on Saturday, Dec. 4. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. in the University’s Houlihan-McLean Center (Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue). Doors will open at 7:20 p.m., and there will be an organ prelude beginning at 7:25 p.m.
The concert will feature The University of Scranton Singers with pianist Ron Stabinsky, organist Christopher Johnson, trumpeter Mark Gould, a quartet from The Scranton Brass Orchestra and members of the University’s String Orchestra. The performance is open to invited guests and all members of the University community. Admission is free, and all audience members must wear masks throughout the performance. University campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage. Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the recital for the most current information on audience COVID-19 mitigation measures (e.g., masking, vaccination, distancing, etc.).
Noel Night is now more than a half-century into its existence as the University’s Christmas gift to the community. “It’s always a deeply meaningful musical evening,” said Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga. The student mixed choir is comprised of members of the University community from majors and departments spanning the curriculum (the vast majority of them undergraduate students, none of whom are music majors) joined by a few alumni, all brought together by their mutual love of music-making. They will be joined by leaders of the University community offering greetings and readings of the Nativity Martyrology, Prologue to The Gospel of St. John and St. Luke Nativity Narrative. The program will include works by Bach, Handel, Holst, Leontovich, Nelhybel, Saint-Saens and more.
Pianist Ron Stabinsky is among the most sought-after freelance pianists in the Northeast. He performs as a solo, ensemble and collaborative pianist throughout the world in concerts and events spanning a stunningly wide variety of genres. His debut album, “Free for One,” received four stars in DownBeat magazine and tied for the No. 1 debut of the year in the 2016 NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll. His recent festival appearances include Newport Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival (Netherlands), Moers Festival (Germany), Jazzfestival Saalfelden (Austria), Outreach Festival (Austria) and Jazz and More Festival Sibiu (Romania).
Organist Christopher Johnson, a graduate of The Cleveland Institute of Music, Manhattan School of Music and Yale University is the newly-appointed organist and director of music at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Scranton. He previously served as director of music and organist at The Riverside Church and artist-in-residence at Union Theological Seminary - both on Manhattan’s Upper West Side - for a number of years, and is the long-time director of Chapel music at The Interchurch Center in New York City. He also performs regularly as flautist with The Knights, an exceptional New York City-based orchestra that tours and records extensively.
Mark Gould served as principal trumpet with The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra for more than 30 years. Either he or his students have performed with virtually every major orchestra, chamber group or brass ensemble throughout the world, and he has guest conducted and rehearsed ensembles all over the globe. His professional contributions as performer, teacher and conductor have influenced or impacted – directly or indirectly – virtually every accomplished trumpeter in the world today, and have positively transformed the world of brass playing and brass pedagogy. He is sought after throughout the world as a performer, conductor, teacher and clinician.
For further information on the Noel Night concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music.
Christmas Season Begins with Noel Night Concert
Community
November 30, 2022
The University of Scranton held the Inaugural Sondra and Morey Myers Distinguished Visiting Fellowship Lecture, presented by The Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Humanities on Nov. 18. Lonnie Bunch III, the 14th secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, presented “The Humanities, Democracy and Race” at lecture in a virtual format. A reception immediately followed the talk at the Slattery Center on campus.
Lecture namesakes, Sondra and Morey Myers, J.D., are esteemed community leaders whose work has encouraged and enriched the practice of community engagement here in Scranton and nationally. Sondra Myers serves as senior fellow for international, civic and cultural projects and director of the Schemel Forum at The University of Scranton. The Distinguished Visiting Fellowship in Humanities and Civic Engagement serves to commemorate their commitment to the humanities.
Secretary Bunch is an American educator, curator and historian whose scholarly works cover a wide range of topics from diversity in museum management to the impact of politics on museum funding. He is the Smithsonian Institution’s first Black secretary and the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Distinguished Visiting Fellowship Lecture Held
General
November 30, 2022
The latest issue of The Scranton Journal is here, with features about Fr. Marina's Inauguration and first 100+ days as president, student and faculty STEM work and young alumni finding their way in a post-pandemic world.
Flip through the magazine:
The Fall 2021 Issue of The Scranton Journal is Here
Athletics
November 30, 2022
Senior Jessica Hoffmann of The University of Scranton women's cross country team registered an all-time program-best finish at the NCAA Championships, while the women's swimming and diving team remained unbeaten on the season with a dominant victory over Hartwick. Elsewhere, the women's soccer team saw an incredible 18-1-1 season come to an end with a setback against TCNJ in the Sweet 16.
For more on the week that was in Scranton Athletics, check out this week's Royal Review by clicking here.
For more on the fall season, visit athletics.scranton.edu.
To follow University of Scranton Athletics all season long, remember to follow the Royals on Twitter and Instagram @RoyalAthletics.
Royal Review: Jessica Hoffmann Registers All-Time Program Best Finish at NCAA Championships
Alumni
November 30, 2022
Fortune ranked The University of Scranton at No. 55 in the nation in its first ranking of part-time MBA programs. For its “Best Part-Time MBA Programs” ranking, published online Nov. 17, Fortune surveyed thousands of business professionals and hiring managers about their opinions of the MBA programs offered at business schools across the country.
Scranton is among the just 70 part-time MBA programs selected by Fortune for the ranking, which included just eight Jesuit colleges, and only four colleges in Pennsylvania.
For the ranking, Fortune looked at the quality of the part-time MBA program at the colleges as measured by their students’ average number of years of experience in the workforce, because, according to Fortune, part-time MBA students value the knowledge they gain from their fellow classmates’ professional experiences, as well as the curriculum. In addition to work experience, Fortune also looked at the undergraduate GPA and GMAT score for incoming students, for a measurement that accounted for 60 percent of the overall ranking score. Fortune partnered with Ipsos to survey thousands of business professionals and hiring managers to produce a measurement of the “brand score” of the college, or a calculation of “how much a group of people want to recruit from the university” (25 percent); and counted the number of Fortune 1000 executives who earned an MBA from the college (15 percent).
Earlier this year, Fortune’s inaugural ranking of the “Best Online MBAs” placed The University of Scranton at No. 72 in the nation for the 2021 listing published online in April. In addition, U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 48; and its online MBA program at No. 111 in the nation in its “Best Online Programs” guide. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 67 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.” The University’s on-campus programs have also been consistently ranked among the best in the nation by numerous sources, including U.S. News for 28 consecutive years, The Princeton Review for 20 consecutive years, and The Wall Street Journal since the ranking began in 2016.
Fortune Ranks Scranton in Best Part-Time MBA List
Community
November 30, 2022
Students and members of The University of Scranton community gathered to pack food baskets for area families in need as part of its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive organized by the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice. The food baskets included turkeys as well as other food items needed to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
More than 80 students and staff members volunteered at the Friends of the Poor warehouse in South Scranton on Nov. 21 to prepare and distribute the food baskets to local families.
Monetary contributions for the food items were made possible by employees of The University of Scranton.
WNEP TV covered this year’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive in a news story.
Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive Held at Scranton
Faculty
November 30, 2022
This is an excerpt from an article published in Conversations magazine. Read the entire story via the link at the end of this page.
It's been nearly a decade since the University of Scranton’s Loyola Science Center opened its doors at the heart of our campus, significantly upgrading the University’s STEM teaching and research capabilities and symbolically connecting to St. Thomas Hall, where many humanities programs reside.
Still, I clearly recall the theme of the dedication program: “Science as a Human Endeavor.” On the surface, this theme alludes to the collaborative nature of research projects in the sciences, many of which require a team or a community of researchers to make substantive progress. But a more appropriate and potentially energizing interpretation of this theme aligns the Loyola Science Center with Scranton’s Jesuit mission.
Science is a human endeavor because it is a way for us to know about and serve our world. In concert with the arts, humanities, and social sciences, the scientific disciplines can help form students into well-rounded leaders committed to the service of, and justice for, others. Therefore, education in the sciences in a Jesuit context ideally facilitates the understanding of topics integral to a commitment to justice and prepares students to serve in an array of globally important fields.
It’s true that the theme of justice seamlessly weaves into the disciplines of theology, philosophy, or economics and that, for many, this connection is less obvious in fields like chemistry or physics. But if the mission of a Jesuit institution is to prepare students to go into our world and advance justice — to ensure that every discipline cultivates in students a “moral concern about how people ought to live together,” as the former Jesuit General Superior Peter Hans Kolvenbach, once put it — these institutions must be ready to do so competently in areas impacted by the sciences.
Continue reading in Conversations on Jesuit Education.
STEM and the Mission: Science is a Human Endeavor
General
November 30, 2022
Students, faculty and employees are invited to a talk by Jay Sosa via Zoom on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.: Unstable Analogies: LGBT Anti-Discrimination Law in Brazil and the (Non) Intersectionality of Human Rights.
From 2001 to 2019, Brazil's LGBT movements campaigned to enact anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The campaigns initiated a debate over the nature and extent of homophobia in Brazilian society, spanning transnational appeals for human rights inclusions to television melodrama.
This talk explains how Brazilians’ constant comparison of homophobia with racism challenged 20th-century discourses on national identity that had emphasized Brazil's racial harmony and sexual tolerance. But these comparisons also proved unstable analogies that cultivated different ethical questions about racial, gender and sexual justice in distinct settings. Drawing on intersectionality's intellectual roots in U.S. anti-discrimination law, the talk examines how intersectionality's critique of analogizing oppressions translates to transnational settings.
The Zoom link is here.
Unstable Analogies: Talk by Dr. Jay Sosa via Zoom
Faculty
November 30, 2022
The University of Scranton World Languages and Cultures Department is proud to introduce five new Fulbright Teaching Assistants and Visiting Instructors from Spain, France, Germany, Japan and Taiwan for the 2021-2022 school year.
Get to know more about them in this video.
Meet the New Fulbright Teaching Assistants and Visiting Instructors
Community
November 30, 2022
On Thursday, Nov. 18 The University of Scranton's Commuter Student Association (CSA) in partnership with the Office of Community and Government Relations hosted the first-ever “Java Journey” event offering 60 University students the opportunity to explore six of the many enjoyable cafes in Scranton.
Inspired by the success of their first “Scranton Restaurant Fest” held last spring, the CSA wanted to offer a new event to provide University students with a chance to visit some of the great cafes in Scranton.
“The Commuter Student Association wanted to continue the success they had with Restaurant Fest in the spring but do something a little different. The CSA board enjoys connecting both residents and commuters with the Scranton community and local partners, so this was a perfect event to reach that goal,” said Kayla Betacchini, assistant director, Center for Student Engagement.
CSA members realize that local cafes are an ideal spot for college students, offering specialty coffee and tea drinks, snacks, free Wi-Fi, and, for some, even free parking. With so many great spots in Scranton, this event was a natural fit for the CSA to host.
"This event was a great opportunity to get students acquainted with the local coffee shops. I've heard nothing but great things from everyone who participated, and I think that there are many people who've found their new favorite place. I'm so glad that I got to organize such a fun event for students and to cooperate with the community that I live in," said Jimmy Greenfield '22, CSA president and Scranton native.
Exposing all University students to the many great local businesses and places to enjoy in and around the city of Scranton is at the core of the CSA’s mission. Many members love our city and hope to share this love with students that are new to Scranton who call our city home during their time at the University.
The participating cafes were equally excited to welcome Scranton students, especially University students that have never found their businesses before. Cheerful balloons, University of Scranton-themed cookies, signs, and welcoming staff are just some of the ways that the local cafes let University students know that Scranton is ready to welcome them in and to inspire the students to come back again.
“This was such a fun event to run! I hope it becomes a new CSA tradition!” said Chloe Calabro ‘22, CSA vice president.
Participating cafes included: Adezzo, the Blackwatch Café, Commonwealth Coffeehouse, Heaven and Earth Gift Shop and Café, Northern Light Espresso Bar and Café, and Zummo's Café.
With the cool winter weather and finals approaching, University students can find great places to study, relax, and meet with friends in Scranton’s cafes. Additionally, many cafes offer college student discounts. For a listing of Royal ID discounts, University of Scranton students can visit the Office of Community and Government Relations Royal Card Downtown website.
University Students Explore Local Cafes in First-Ever CSA Java Journey
Student
November 30, 2022
Scranton loves “The Office.”
Hundreds of students and residents endured long lines and rainy weather to have their copy of the newly published “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office” signed by the book’s author and cast member Brian Baumgartner.
Prior to the book signing on the DeNaples Center patio, which was open to students and the general public, Baumgartner met exclusively with University of Scranton students for a Q and A session in the Moskovitz Theater.
At the student Q and A, University of Scranton President, Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., presented Baumgartner with an Honorary Certificate of Scrantology from the University, in recognition of “his extensive knowledge of all things Scranton acquired through his thorough research for the book.”
“Is it Ph.D.? Am I a doctor?” joked Baumgartner, who played Kevin Malone on The Office, when Father Marina presented the certificate to him in front of more than 250 students who attended the Q and A.
Prior to the Nov. 18 Q and A, Baumgartner met for interviews with University student Kelly Nee ’23, managing editor of the University’s student newspaper The Aquinas, and Frank Wilkes Lesnefsky ’17, a graduate of The University of Scranton who is now a reporter with the Scranton Times-Tribune.
The Student Q and A with Brian Baumgartner was moderated by Stephanie Adamec, director of the University’s Center for Health, Education and Wellness.
The Office, which originally aired on NBC from 2005 to 2013, was among the most popular shows on Netflix and can now be seen on Peacock. Baumgartner was among the cast members who visited the University for The Office Convention in 2007 and The Wrap Party in 2013. He was also on campus in 2020 for the taping of his popular podcast on the history of The Office, which was the precursor to his book.
Called “The definitive history of The Office” by E! News, “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin,” co-authored with Ben Silverman, the executive producer of The Office, is based on hundreds of hours of exclusive interviews with the actors, creators, writers, producers, directors, network executives and crew members of The Office, who share their favorite stories of the making of what became the most-watched series in the world. The book includes 100 behind-the-scenes photographs and a foreword written by the U.S. show’s creator Greg Daniels.
The book includes memories from Steve Carell, John Krasinkski, Jenna Fischer, Ricky Gervais, Rainn Wilson, Angela Kinsey, Craig Robinson, Brian Baumgartner, Phyllis Smith, Kate Flannery, Ed Helms, Oscar Nunez, Amy Ryan, Ellie Kemper, Creed Bratton, Paul Lieberstein and Mike Schur, among others.
“Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office” is published by Custom House. The book is available in the University’s bookstore.
$content.getChild('content').textValueScranton Gives Royal Welcome to Brian Baumgartner
Athletics
November 30, 2022
It was once again a very exciting weekend for the Royals who saw the women's soccer team advance to the Sweet 16, senior Jessica Hoffmann of the women's cross country team qualify for NCAA Championships and junior Bridget Monaghan of the women's basketball team tied a program record with eight three-pointers in a win over DeSales.
For more on the week that was in Scranton Athletics, check out this week's Royal Review by clicking here.
To follow University of Scranton Athletics all season long, remember to follow the Royals on Twitter and Instagram @RoyalAthletics.
Royal Review: Sweet 16 Bound! Women's Soccer Still Dancing
Student
November 30, 2022
“The Office” cast member Brian Baumgartner will visit The University of Scranton for an exclusive Q and A with students, followed by a public book signing for his just published book “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office.”
Called “The definitive history of The Office” by E! News, “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin,” co-authored with Ben Silverman, the executive producer of The Office, is based on hundreds of hours of exclusive interviews with the actors, creators, writers, producers, directors, network executives and crew members of The Office, who share their favorite stories of the making of what became the most-watched series in the world. The book includes 100 behind-the-scenes photographs and a foreword written by the U.S. show’s creator Greg Daniels.
The book includes memories from Steve Carell, John Krasinkski, Jenna Fischer, Ricky Gervais, Rainn Wilson, Angela Kinsey, Craig Robinson, Brian Baumgartner, Phyllis Smith, Kate Flannery, Ed Helms, Oscar Nunez, Amy Ryan, Ellie Kemper, Creed Bratton, Paul Lieberstein and Mike Schur, among others.
Baumgartner played Kevin Malone on The Office, which originally aired on NBC from 2005 to 2013, was among the most popular shows on Netflix and can now be seen on Peacock. He was among the cast members who visited the University for The Office Convention in 2007 and The Wrap Party in 2013. He was also on campus for the taping of his popular podcast on the history of The Office, which was the precursor to his book.
Baumgartner will meet with University of Scranton students exclusively for a Q and A session on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 4 p.m. in the DeNaples Center. Pre-registration is required for attendance. Contact studentlife@scranton.edu with questions regarding this event.
A book signing, which is open to the public, will be held with Baumgartner on the DeNaples Center patio from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 18. A book signing with Baumgartner is also planned at Coopers Seafood House from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, followed by an After Party at the Backyard Alehouse.
“Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office,” published by Custom House, is available at the University bookstore.
Brian Baumgartner Q and A and Book Signing Nov. 18
Staff
November 30, 2022
Christina Lenway, the University's reading specialist and director of the Gonzaga Program, began to focus more on singing/songwriting as her kids got a little older. Now, six albums later, students in a radio production class at Scranton are remixing her songs for practice.
Lenway has always loved singing, but her parents encouraged her to take a different path. Her passion for music remained, so when her three children, two of whom attend Scranton, became teenagers she started to write again. That was a decade ago. Her most recent album came out in October.
"I write because I'm working out some existential questions," she said. "I find what is personal is usually universal."
She said writes mostly ballads that tend to be "raw and emotional" and the songs are meant to have imperfections. She spoke to Howard Fisher's radio production class about just that. It was important, she said, that they understand the meaning behind the songs before they began to remix. She also talked about the process of mixing a song, including understanding the feel behind it so they might interpret, for example, when to use extra reverb.
The purpose of this project for the students is to mix different audio to "create one unified sound," said Dr. Fisher.
"We’re fortunate because Christina is a professional musician who records her songs in a regional studio, and she was willing to let us use her original masters for this project," he said. "Each student is using their perspective to craft a unique sound for the different songs."
Students learn the work of a sound engineer, he said, and Lenway will be able to hear several unique mixes of two of her songs.
"My objective in writing is always to tell a story and have my listeners feel something," she said recently. "I feel like people shy away from hard emotions and hard conversations, so I try to gently open the door for that."
She hopes the students that she works with at Scranton feel that gentle opening of the door as well.
Passion Project for Staff Member Becomes Learning Experience for Students
Community
November 30, 2022
The Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Humanities will present the Inaugural Sondra and Morey Myers Distinguished Visiting Fellowship Lecture Thursday, Nov. 18 at 11:30 a.m. A viewing will be held in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall. Keynote lecturer, Lonnie Bunch III, the 14th secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, will present “The Humanities, Democracy and Race.”
The lecture can also be watched via a zoom live steam.
Secretary Bunch is an American educator, curator and historian whose scholarly works cover a wide range of topics from diversity in museum management to the impact of politics on museum funding. He is the Smithsonian Institution’s first Black secretary and the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Additionally, Bunch was elected to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House by President George W. Bush in 2002 and reappointed by President Barack Obama in 2010. Bunch has spent nearly 30 years in the museum field and is regarded as one of the nation’s leading figures in the historical and museum community.
The Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Humanities opened in the fall of 2019 with the intention of enhancing the Universities liberal arts tradition. With the support of benefactor and University Trustee James M. Slattery ’86 and his wife Betsy, the center serves to create programs of scholarship, sponsor insightful lectures from prominent speakers and encourages community members to think about careers in non-corporate settings.
Lecture namesakes, Sondra and Morey Myers, J.D., are esteemed community leaders whose work has encouraged and enriched the practice of community engagement here in Scranton and nationally. Sondra Myers serves as senior fellow for international, civic and cultural projects and director of the Schemel Forum at The University of Scranton. The Distinguished Visiting Fellowship in Humanities and Civic Engagement serves to commemorate their commitment to the humanities.
University campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage.
Slattery Center Hosts Inaugural Lecture
General
November 30, 2022
Campus Ministries is happy to announce that the annual University Advent Mass will once again take place on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. in the Byron.
Please join Campus Ministries as they journey through these Advent days, preparing once again for the celebration of Christ’s birth – Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples and Savior of every nation.
Following the Mass, the Christmas tree on Dionne Green will be blessed.
All are welcome to join us both for the celebration of the Eucharist and the Tree Lighting!
The University Advent Mass and Tree Lighting
General
November 30, 2022
Monday (Nov. 22), Tuesday (Nov. 23), and Wednesday (Nov. 24):
Masses/services will not be offered on campus on the following dates and/or times:
Mass on the first Sunday of Advent will be offered on Sunday (Nov. 28) at 7:00 p.m. in Madonna della Strada Chapel.
- Mass at 12:05 p.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel
Masses/services will not be offered on campus on the following dates and/or times:
- Thursday (Nov. 25), Friday (Nov. 26) and Saturday (Nov. 27)
- Sunday (Nov. 28) at 11:00 a.m. or 4:30 p.m.
Mass on the first Sunday of Advent will be offered on Sunday (Nov. 28) at 7:00 p.m. in Madonna della Strada Chapel.
Worship Schedule for Thanksgiving Week 2021, Nov 22 – Nov 28
Community
November 30, 2022
The University of Scranton will host a special roundtable event “Scranton & the Nation: Who Are We and who Do We Aspire to Be?” on Monday, Dec. 6 from 5-6:30 p.m. in the PNC Board Room, Brennan Hall. This event will feature an opening discussion with resource speakers followed by a moderated roundtable discussion.
Scranton has been called “the best-known small city in America.” We have many of the key elements of the American experience: including the ongoing impacts of industrial-era growth and decline and ethnically and religiously diverse immigration past and present, as well as recognition of the diverse history of African-Americans and Native American peoples. As we look ahead to the 250th anniversary of the United States, we will consider the role of our city in the nation’s progress, or as urbanist Jane Jacobs wrote: “what Scranton is, has been, and can be.”
During the roundtable event, participants will have an opportunity to reflect on this role and on excerpts from Glenna Lang’s book Jane Jacobs’ First City and Our America: Who are We? edited by Sondra Myers.
This event is a part “Portrait of Scranton, Portrait of a Nation,” the first theme in the 2-year “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” National Endowment for the Humanities grant funded project led by The University of Scranton with the collaboration of community partner organizations.
Resource Speakers include Alejandra Marroquin, Immigrant Inclusion Committee co-chair, Maureen McGuigan, Deputy Director of Arts & Culture for Lackawanna County, and Larry West, City of Scranton Business Administrator with co-moderators Julie Schumacher Cohen, Asst Vice President of Community Relations and Govt. Affairs and Sondra Myers, Senior Fellow for International, Civic and Cultural Projects and Director of the Schemel Forum both of The University of Scranton.
Space for this special event is limited to 30 participants. Registration is required at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ScrantonWhoAreWe
Masks are required indoors at this event regardless of vaccination status.
For more information on this program or for registration assistance, please email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu. For more information on all "Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story programs, please email community@scranton.edu or call 570-941-4419.
Follow “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” on Facebook and Instagram @ourscrantonstory and on Twitter @scrantonstory.
This roundtable discussion has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this walk do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
This event is a collaboration of The University of Scranton's Schemel Forum and Office of Community and Government Relations with the support of the Scranton Immigrant Inclusion Committee, Lackawanna County Department of Arts & Culture, the City of Scranton and additional project partner organizations including WVIA.
December Roundtable to Explore Aspirations for Scranton and Nation
General
November 30, 2022
On Sunday, Nov. 14, the annual Mass of Remembrance was celebrated to pray and remember by name the family members, friends and loved ones of The University of Scranton community and alumnae/i who passed away during the past year. The Chapel Choir Ensemble was glorious, leading each of us to pray more deeply. University President Father Joseph Marina presided at this Mass, coordinated by the Office of Campus Ministries, during which almost 120 people were remembered. He reminded the congregation of the consoling doctrine of faith that teaches the faithful departed abide with God in love, of Jesus’ promise to believe in his promise of eternal life, and that someday we shall be reunited with loved ones.
It has been a long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church to remember those who have died during the month of November. Together as a community of faith, we remember many things.
We remember those who lived among us and somehow touched our lives - our family and friends, our neighbors and coworkers.
We remember the many who mourn, grieving great loss.
We remember Jesus who died for us and prepared for each of us a dwelling place of peace, recognizing the great hope we have in Christ’s resurrection.
And we remember life has changed, not ended.
Eternal rest grant unto them, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
The Mass of Remembrance: Praying for our Departed Loved Ones
General
November 30, 2022
Every November, for at least 17 years, The University of Scranton has joined hundreds of universities across the country in the International Education Week (IEW) celebration, which highlights the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.
IEW, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences.
This year, The Office of Global Education would like to highlight the benefits of international education through the work of a visiting research scholar from Colombia, Ms. Lina Maria García. García is a Ph.D. candidate of the biomedical and biological sciences program of the Universidad del Rosario in Colombia. She is currently on the Scranton campus doing research along with Dr. Marc Seid in the Biology Department.
García studied bee learning and memory as an undergraduate in the Biology program at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia. She later obtained her master's in biological sciences at the same university. In her last semester of the master's degree, she was awarded a doctoral fellowship by the Universidad del Rosario.
García and Seid are researching ways to pharmacologically protect honey bees and bumblebees from the negative effects of certain pesticides such as fipronil. Previous research has indicated that the bee’s brain has been affected by the sublethal exposure to fipronil and thus reducing individual and colony performance as key pollinators. Their research on bee health is key to indirectly supporting food security.
They recently presented their research at the Entomological Society of America-Annual Meeting 2021 in Denver, Colorado.
IEW Spotlight: Visiting Research Scholar from Colombia
Community
November 30, 2022
Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring the University’s Symphonic Band on Saturday, Nov. 20. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.
The concert is open to invited guests and all members of the University community. Admission is free. Audience members must wear masks throughout the performance. University campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage. Please check the Performance Music website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the concert for the most current information on audience COVID-19 mitigation measures (e.g., masking, vaccination, distancing, etc.).
The program will include works by James Barnes, Luigi Denza, Eric Ewazen, Julie Giroux, H. Owen Reed, Ottorini Respighi and Frank Ticheli.
The University of Scranton Symphonic Band is a 60-plus member ensemble comprised of members of the University community from majors and departments spanning the curriculum. The vast majority of members are undergraduate students, joined by a few graduate students and members of the faculty and staff, none of whom are music majors, who are all brought together by their mutual love of music-making.
For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu. For more information on Performance Music at The University of Scranton, please visit scranton.edu/music.
Symphonic Band to Perform Nov. 20
Student
November 30, 2022
Four University of Scranton undergraduate students presented their research at the American Society for Mass Spectrometry's (ASMS) 69th annual conference, with one student’s presentation receiving one of just four poster awards given by ASMS.
The annual conference is attended by more than 6,500 researchers and scientists. The 2021 conference took place in Philadelphia on Oct. 31 through Nov. 4.
University students who presented at the conference were: Mia Gianello, a senior neuroscience major from Old Forge; Angela Hudock, a senior biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Sayer; Taylor Moglia, junior neuroscience major from Milford; and Cameron Shedlock, a senior neuroscience major from White Haven. Shedlock received one of just four undergraduate poster awards from ASMS, which also went to undergraduate students from the University of Texas - Austin, North Carolina State University and Purdue University.
All of the students are being mentored by Katherine Stumpo, Ph.D., adjunct professor in the Department of Chemistry at Scranton.
Gianello, a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program, presented a poster that summarized a statistical analysis of neurotransmitter expression and spatial arrangement to assess biological variation and tissue homogeneity
Hudock’s research poster presentation explored the advantages of using a mixed nanoparticle matrix to enhance the MALDI MSI signal of small molecules and lipids from tissue sections. She is a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.
Moglia, a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, presented a poster that investigated the expression of small molecules in the eye of Danio rerio, the zebrafish.
Shedlock’s poster presentation was on research conducted over the summer at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he investigated the delivery, metabolism, and response of pancreatic tumor xenografts to gemcitabine using MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry. He is a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.
The undergraduate Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM are among the University’s five programs of excellence.
Students Present Research at National Conference
Faculty
November 30, 2022
Yamile Silva, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures at The University of Scranton, has been accepted to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the United Kingdom’s Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Spanish Paleography and Digital Humanities Institute. The NEH/AHRC joint initiatives seek to advance digital scholarship.
Participation in the institute, which runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 17, will benefit Dr. Silva’s research and teaching on 16 to 18 century manuscripts in Spanish. The six-week, on-line institute will provide her with specialized training from digital humanities practitioners from the University of Texas at Austin (LLILAS Benson Latin American Studies and Collections) and Lancaster University on several open-source tools that can be used to facilitate collaborative research and to visualize data in colonial texts. She can also include these digital tools in the courses she teaches at the University.
Dr. Silva is a member of the Executive Council of the Colonial Section, Latin American Studies Association, the largest professional association in the world for individuals and institutions engaged in the study of Latin America. She also serves as former president of the academic organization Association of Gender and Sexuality Studies and has served on the Curator Council of the Festival de la Palabra, San Juan, Puerto Rico, since 2013.
Dr. Silva joined the faculty at The University of Scranton in 2009. She received the University’s Excellence in Advancing Global Learning Award in 2014. At Scranton, Dr. Silva served as director of the Latin American Studies Program from 2013-2018 and has been an associated faculty member of the Women Studies Program since 2010. She also serves as director of the Intersession Study Abroad Program in Puebla, México (Universidad Iberoamericana) and the Summer Spain Program (Universidad de Navarra).
Dr. Silva’s recent books include Agencia, Historia y Empoderamiento Femenino (2018) coedited with Diane Martin, Ph.D., and Eva Paris, Ph.D.; La sonrisa del paisaje. Diarios de Abigail Mejía (2020); the anthology Palabras: Dispatches from the Festival de la Palabra (2014), coedited with Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., associate professor of English and theatre at The University of Scranton; the monograph issues Raza, género y diáspora en el Caribe (2017) and Las utopias en la literatura (2018), both co-edited with Daniel Torres, Ph.D.
Dr. Silva earned her Ph.D. and master’s degrees in Hispanic literatures and cultures from the University of Massachusetts and her bachelor’s degree in modern languages and linguistics from Los Andes University in Bogota, Colombia.
Professor Named to Digital Humanities Institute
Community
November 30, 2022
The University of Scranton’s President and ROTC students participated in a Veterans Day service at the Lackawanna County Courthouse and University students, faculty and staff gathered for an All Faiths Prayer Service on-campus to honor and remember veterans on Nov. 11.
University President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., was the principal speaker at a Veterans Day event held at the Lackawanna County Court House Square. University ROTC cadets served as the Color Guard at the ceremony.
Father Marina began his remarks by playing his cell phone’s ring tone – The United States Coast Guard song “Semper Paratus,” which is the branch the military where his father served. He spoke of the songs for each branch of the military intended to “spark the bravery in the women and men who will risk everything to protect others … And with God’s Grace and purpose, high has been the call for those who have served so bravely in all the branches of the U.S. military and those who continue to serve today.”
Father Marina also spoke of the University’s long history educating men and women in the military through the ROTC program, as well as through programs at Scranton that support student veterans and their families.
On campus, current student veterans Benjamin DeTrempe of Scranton, Shannon Stoddard of Scranton and Kyle Twitchell of Barnesville, Maryland, led an All Faiths Prayer Service hosted by the University’s Student Veterans Organization, Veterans Advocacy Committee, Student Life, Financial Aid and Campus Ministries. University student Selene Lopez, New Rochelle, New York, sang the National Anthem at the service.
At the ceremony, a plaque was unveiled and blessed honoring Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph K. Wetherell, who served at Scranton for 25 years in the Military Science Department and University’s Office of Admissions. He passed away in 2020.
The University’s observance of Veterans Day also included a “Field of Flags” on Founders Green and a tribute on its Class of 2020 Gateway sign.
$content.getChild('content').textValueVeterans Day Observed at Scranton
Athletics
November 30, 2022
The women's soccer, field hockey and women's volleyball teams are all headed to the NCAA Tournament.
Get the latest news at athletics.scranton.edu.
Women's Soccer
The No. 18 University of Scranton women's soccer team (16-0-1) capped off an unbeaten regular season with a Landmark Conference championship victory on Saturday and will host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history as announced on Monday afternoon.
On Saturday, the Royals will host Nazareth (10-6-3) in a first-round matchup, while SUNY Geneseo (15-2-1) and Connecticut College (9-4-3) will do battle in the other opening-round contest. The winners of Saturday's two matches will meet in Sunday's second round to determine a spot in the Sweet 16.
It is also one of two NCAA Tournament events to be held on Weiss Field at the Quinn Athletics Campus this week as the Royals' field hockey team will host Ursinus in a first-round game on Wednesday.
Though this is their first time hosting an NCAA Tournament contest, the women's soccer program is making its 20th appearance in the field of 64. Scranton has advanced to the second round in each of the last three seasons with victories over Rowan (2017) and Arcadia (2018) and an advancement on penalty kicks against Centre (2019).
Field Hockey
Sophomore Elle Collins (Long Valley, N.J./West Morris Central) scored the eventual game-winner in the 43rd minute and The No. 2 seed University of Scranton field hockey team (17-1) captured a second-straight Landmark Conference Championship with a 3-1 victory over the No. 4 seed Catholic University Cardinals (7-12) on Saturday afternoon at Weiss Field in Scranton.
The Royals advance to the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year after the 2019 Landmark title and the third time in program history.
Scranton's historic season continues with their 17th victory of the year, which is a new single-season program record.
The two-time defending Landmark Conference champion University of Scranton field hockey team (17-1) will host the Ursinus College Bears (13-5) in an NCAA Tournament first-round game on Wednesday evening at Weiss Field in Scranton. Action will get underway at 5 p.m.
Wednesday's first-round winner will advance to the second round to take on Washington & Lee at Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J on Saturday.
Admission to Wednesday's game is $5 for adults, $3 for students with school IDs and $3 for seniors 62 and older and ticket sales will be cash only.
This marks the first-ever meeting between the Royals and Bears.
Volleyball
For the first time since 2005, The University of Scranton volleyball team will play in the NCAA Tournament as the Royals earned an at-large bid to the field of 64 that was announced in a live selection show on NCAA.com on Monday afternoon.
Scranton (25-7) will battle Wesleyan (Conn.) (17-6) on Friday at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) at a time yet to be determined.
The winner of Friday's match will advance to play the winner of RIT and Framingham State on Saturday.
RIT is serving as the host for the pod of eight teams that features the two afore-mentioned matchups along with Babson/Endicott and Juniata/Gallaudet.
This is the Royals' fourth all-time appearance in the NCAA Tournament following 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2005.
Wesleyan is making their fourth consecutive appearance in the field and the fifth all-time in program history. In 2019, the Cardinals swept St. John Fisher in the first round before dropping a five-setter to Ithaca.
Scranton went 25-7 in the regular season and defeated four teams that also received bids to the field of 64 in Clarkson, Ithaca (x2), Stevens and Stevenson. The Royals topped Elizabethtown in the Landmark Conference semifinals before falling to No. 9 Juniata in Saturday's Landmark championship match.
For the Cardinals, they advanced to the NESCAC championship match before falling to Bowdoin 3-1.
Three Teams Head to NCAA Tournament
Student
November 30, 2022
On Nov. 8, The University joined hundreds of institutions across the country in celebration of first-generation college students for the National First-Generation College Celebration.
The University's celebration was organized by THR1VE, which provides support to Scranton's first-gen students, who are the first in their family to earn a college degree. These Royals make up about 22 percent of the undergraduates at Scranton.
Students took part in activities at the DeNaples Center on Nov. 8 and were also invited, along with the wider University community, to the Fail Forward Panel featuring several faculty, staff and administrators who also identify as first-generation.
"Since our earliest days as St. Thomas College, an important part of our mission has been and will continue to be educating those who are the first in their family to earn a college degree. The accomplishment of earning a college degree is a transformative experience for all students, but for students who are the first in their families to go to college, earning a degree can be life-changing for not only students but their entire family," wrote University President Joseph Marina, S.J., who was a first-generation college student, in a message to the University community this week.
Follow THR1VE on Instagram for more on events like this one.
First-Generation College Students Celebrated
Community
November 30, 2022
The University of Scranton is proud to report that student voting on its campus increased significantly in last year’s presidential election, rising to 73.1% in 2020 from a rate of 50.6% in 2016 and 7 points above the 66% 2020 student national average. The University also increased voter registration rates, with 86.7% of eligible voters registering compared to the 83% national average. The full campus report can be viewed here.
In addition to the national context of increased voter turnout amid high polarization, The University of Scranton implemented new non-partisan civic engagement initiatives aimed at spurring student voting. In 2020, the University launched a new “Royals Vote” initiative to help increase student voter turnout through voter engagement and education. This effort was a partnership between Student Government and the Office of Community and Government Relations and included programs such as in-class presentations by student government senators, voting office hours and a call-in line, an extensive social media campaign and the creation of a website to share the most up-to-date voting information as the election drew near. This information was especially important due to the increase of mail-in voting options during the COVID-19 pandemic and on election day 2020, student government organized outdoor campus tabling to provide information on polling locations.
“This [initiative] was a way for us to foster civic engagement among our student body and learn more about our democracy. We found that Scranton students were engaged and excited about the election and appreciated the Royals Vote initiative for giving them direction on voter registration and education. Many students wanted to participate in the election but needed guidance on how, where and when to get involved. Royals Vote was able to answer these questions and more,” said Julia Hack ’21 who served as the chief of staff of Student Government for the 2020-2021 academic year.
In addition to launching the “Royals Vote” initiative, this year the University joined The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, which empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. During the 2020 election cycle, The University of Scranton participated in the ALL IN Challenge 2020 by creating a civic action plan to further involve the campus community in the effort to increase voting rates and engagement. The Royals delivered this election cycle with 73.1% voting rate, earning the University a Gold Seal from the ALL IN Challenge. You can view the 2020 Action Plan and learn more about the ALL IN Challenge here.
“It’s incredibly important that we engage with our peers and the campus community about the importance of voting in every election. Positioned in a swing region of the most important swing state in the country, our votes have the power to sway the outcomes of critical elections for Governor, U.S. House, U.S. Senate, and others in next year’s midterm elections” said Conor Nelon ’22 Political Science & Strategic Communication Major and Student Government Chief of Staff.
Additionally, the University’s Political Dialogues Working Group, begun in 2017, held a series of topical dialogues that connected voting, values and civic identity in the runup to the 2020 election.
“The most powerful tool we have as citizens is our ability to vote. When we work together as a community to increase the number of people that vote in each election it means our community receives better representation, more funding and a better quality of life. As we make progress together it is imperative that we understand the history of voting and the availability of neutral informational resources in order to increase voter turnout,” said Sultana Rahman ’22, political science, criminal justice & Arabic minor and community and civic engagement intern with the Office of Community and Government Relations.
This report detailing University of Scranton voting data in the context of comes from the Institute for Democracy & Higher Education (IDHE), creators of the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement, or NSLVE. IDHE is located at Tufts University’s Tisch College of Civic Life.
Nationwide, the study’s authors report a record-breaking set of findings. On campuses across the country, students built on the momentum swing of 2018 and voted at high rates in the 2020 election, with voter turnout jumping to 66% in last year’s presidential election. The 14 percentage point increase, from 52% turnout in the 2016 election, outpaces that of all Americans, which jumped 6 percentage points from 61% to 67%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“That students, often younger and first-time voters, turned out at rates commensurate with the general public is nothing short of stunning,” said IDHE director Nancy Thomas. “We attribute this high level of participation to many factors, including student activism on issues such as racial injustice, global climate change and voter suppression, as well as increased efforts by educators to reach students and connect them to the issues and to voting resources.”
The 2020 election cycle is one that will be long-remembered for the many political factors surrounding the election and with the unique challenges posed by the onset of the pandemic.
“Despite the many personal challenges that University of Scranton students faced during the 2020 election, I am highly impressed with the level of engagement and civic concern expressed by our students as they participated in the civic process, many for the first time. I am hopeful that this experience will translate into our Royals becoming life-long voters,” said Carolyn M. Bonacci, community and civic engagement coordinator at the University.
One big step to continuing this momentum forward is for everyone to ensure that their voter registration is accurate and up-to-date. This can easily be done at vote.gov.
IDHE’s National Study of Learning, Voting and Engagement (NSLVE, pronounced n-solve) is the nation’s largest study of college and university student voting. Institutions must opt-in to the study, and at this time, nearly 1,200 campuses of all types—community colleges, research universities, minority-serving and women’s colleges, state universities, and private institutions—participate. The dataset reflects all 50 states and the District of Columbia and includes 49 of the nation’s 50 flagship schools. IDHE uses de-identified student records to ensure student privacy. The 2020 dataset is robust with 8,880,700 voting-eligible students representing 1,051 colleges and universities.
For more information or questions about Royals Vote, please contact community@scranton.edu.
Student Voter Engagement Increases Significantly in 2020
Faculty
November 30, 2022
“The Devil and the Dolce Vita. Catholic Attempts to Save Italy’s Soul, 1948-1974,” a book by Roy Domenico, Ph.D., professor and interim chair of the History Department at The University of Scranton, examines the secularization that occurred during Italy’s economic expansion after World War II and the Church’s efforts to preserve the country’s traditional Catholic culture and values.
“Between Church and politics, faith and hedonism, ‘The Devil and the Dolce Vita’ is an accurate and compelling portrait of the Italian Catholic world at the time of the great secularization,” wrote Eliana Versace, Istituto Paolo VI, Italy, in her review of the book published in 2021 by The Catholic University of America Press.
“Domenico masterfully weaves together broad narrative threads of post-war Italian history with detailed analysis of lesser-known sources that tell us much that we did not know about Catholic attempts to influence cultural practices and social mores. This engagingly written book will greatly enrich our understanding of the often caricatured and polemicized place of Catholicism in Italian politics and civil society,” wrote Robert A. Ventresca of King’s University College at Western University in his review of the book.
A member of The University of Scranton’s faculty since 1997, Dr. Domenico’s major field of study is 19th and 20th century Europe, with emphasis on Italy and Catholic nations. His many publications include the “Encyclopedia of Modern Christian Politics, 1789-present,” edited with Mark Hanley (Greenwood Press, 2006); “Sex, Scandal and Catholic Politics during Italy’s Dolce Vita” in Scandal! An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Consequences, Outcomes, and Significance of Political Scandals edited by Alison Dagnes and Mark Sachleben (Bloomsbury Press, 2014); and “Italian Fascists on Trial, 1943-1948” (University of North Carolina Press, 1991), which won the 1992 Helen and Howard R. Marraro Prize from the Society for Italian Historical Studies.
Dr. Domenico received a Fulbright Senior Research Award for Italy in the spring of 2005 semester to research Italian-Catholic political culture during the Cold War. He served as president and currently serves as secretary-treasurer of the Society for Italian Historical Studies, which is affiliated with the American Historical Association, the largest organization of historians in the United States.
A resident of Clarks Green, Dr. Domenico earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut, and a doctorate from Rutgers University.
History Professor Publishes Book
General
November 30, 2022
Learn about the history of crepes and how to make your own at the crepe cooking class, taught by Fulbright Teaching Assistant Nawel Kahouaji.
Make delicious crepes for yourself on Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. on the 3rd floor of DeNaples. No meal swipes are required and all are welcome.
Sponsored by the World Languages and Cultures Department. Contact Hannah Jackson at hannah.jackson@scranton.edu with questions.
Fulbright TA Teaches Crepes Cooking Class
General
November 30, 2022
On Sunday, Nov. 14 at 4:30 p.m., the annual Mass of Remembrance will be celebrated in Madonna della Strada Chapel during which we remember in prayer the deceased family members, friends and loved ones of the students, faculty, staff, and alumni/ae of The University of Scranton who have died in the past year.
As part of the Mass, there will be a ritual reading of the names of those who have died since this time last year (since November 2020). If you have lost a friend or loved one during the past year and would like their name included in the ritual during Mass, please submit this form: https://forms.gle/C9soLEZgwTASHyqW8.
Contact amy.hoegen@scranton.edu or The Office of Campus Ministries at 570-941-7419 with any questions.
Reminder: Mass of Remembrance
Student
November 30, 2022
How do I even sum up such an amazing weekend in just a few paragraphs? Well, I’ll give it a shot. What I thought would just be another uneventful weekend sitting in my room became a key moment in my faith journey with amazing new friends. In high school, I had such a great experience going on my home parish's Confirmation Retreat (as a retreatant and as a leader) that I knew that I had to go on retreats here at The University of Scranton with Campus Ministries. After going on the Connections Retreat as a first-year student, it was a no-brainer: I had to go on the Mystery Retreat!
At first, I had some doubts. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to focus on my faith journey since I didn't know some of the other retreatants except as being part of the University worshipping community. I met the other students coming on the retreat and the amazing leaders who had put this whole thing together. To my relief, this retreat brought me closer to God and solidified my values within my faith. We began these new friendships with endless laughs and the best stories and it felt like I had known them all my whole life. Not even ten minutes into unpacking we were already bonding over the adventures that lie ahead of us. The rest of the weekend was no different.
The conversations I had within my small group were eye-opening and spiritually fulfilling. One point that was made throughout the weekend was to reflect on our image of God and identify where some of those images need healing. Even though I always knew that God has no gender, I realized that I consistently think of God as "male." But every time I feel that I am talking with God, I always get a response that seems like it is coming from a female. Once I allowed this – the feminine side of God – to be brought to my consciousness, it made so much sense and made my image of God so much clearer.
Hearing the retreat leaders’ witness talks really affected me spiritually and emotionally. On most retreats, I am able to connect in some way to the witness talk, but for some reason, this time around, they really hit home. It was almost like God knew that I needed to come on this retreat and hear these talks. I think She also knew that I had been struggling with a few things and needed some perspective. It was very refreshing to hear these stories from other people my age. Just having the reminder that I’m not alone was amazing. Listening to the witness talks and discussing them in our small groups truly helped me open up and talk about the hard questions about our faith. Being able to share this part of my life with friends is a huge blessing.
I cannot stress enough how wonderful the Mystery Retreat was. This was a spiritually fulfilling and enlightening experience, and the student leaders were/are awesome. I could not have asked for a better weekend. I hope that other students have a chance to go on this retreat and that someday I can help lead it. And to anyone that reads this, please come on these retreats! It is one of the best ways to deepen your faith and connect with others who want the same thing!
Student Reflects on The Mystery Retreat
Student
November 5, 2021
Bongrae Seok, Ph.D., an associate professor of philosophy at Alvernia University, discussed “Moral Psychology of Confucian Shame” at The University of Scranton’s Asian Studies Program Lecture. The lecture took place in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall on Oct. 20.
After a brief introduction from Asian Studies Program Director, Ann Pang-White, Ph.D., Dr. Seok described his approach to the concept of shame. Using elements of philosophy, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, history and biology, he has studied cultural perceptions of shame and their effect on human behavior.
Dr. Seok was careful to distinguish between our Western understanding of shame as a harmful emotion and argued that “shame is interpreted and transformed into a constructive moral emotion by ancient Confucian philosophers.”
Using statistics on mental illnesses in the United States, Dr. Seok explained that a Western perception of shame insinuates and encourages the idea of a “bad person.” Although this understanding of shame provided evolutionary benefits at some point, he suggested it’s modern function hinders personal growth and should be considered vestigial, similar to that of the human appendix.
However, through the analysis of the works of early Confucian philosophers, such as Mencius, Dr. Seok was able to share how Eastern cultures perceive shame. Rather than a punitive emotion that drives behavior with negative consequences, Confucian moral shame is led by an inner desire to be virtuous. Dr. Seok argued that instead of writing off shame altogether, co-opting Confucian moral shame can be a productive method to promote human flourishing.
“Shaming is not good ... however, don’t be afraid of listening to an inner autonomous sense of shame, as suggested by ancient Confucian philosophers,” said Dr. Seok.
Asian Studies Lecture Held
Alumni
November 5, 2021
Ninety-nine percent of The University of Scranton’s class of 2020 graduates at the undergraduate level, and 98 percent of class of 2020 members at the graduate level, reported being successful in their choice of career path of either employment or pursuing additional education within 12 months of graduation. The “First Destination Survey” report by Scranton’s Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development is based on career success data obtained for 83 percent of the undergraduate class. This “knowledge rate,” or percentage of graduates for whom their career outcome is known, exceeds the National Association of College Employers recommended rate of 65 percent. The knowledge rate for members of the University’s graduate class of 2020 is 74 percent.
For members of University’s class of 2020 earning a bachelor’s degree, 50 percent of graduates had the goal of obtaining full-time employment and 99 percent of graduates succeed with that goal. Forty-five percent of graduates had the goal of attending graduate or professional school and 99 percent of graduates successfully achieved that goal.
The average (mean) salary is $50,662, based on the bachelor’s degree graduates that provided salary information. The average salary varied by major. The highest average salaries reported are in computer science ($75,000), nursing ($62,943) and electrical engineering ($58,264).
Geographically, of those employed, 80 percent reported working in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.
Additionally, the report for undergraduates showed 87 percent of the Class of 2020 completed at least one experiential learning opportunity during their education at Scranton, which includes internships, research, student teaching, observations, clinicals, externships and residencies.
For master’s degree graduates with a 98 percent overall success rate, the report shows 92 percent being employed full-time; 3 percent being employed part-time; 1 percent pursuing additional education; 2 percent seeking another goal, and 2 percent still seeking employment. The average (mean) salary for 2020 master’s degree graduates is $73,601, based on the graduates that provided salary information. Salaries reported vary by degree programs. The highest average salaries reported are for graduates with master’s degrees in nurse anesthesia ($172,627), enterprise resource planning – MBA ($143,878) and family nurse practitioner ($84,780).
Of those employed, 74 percent are working in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.
For the University’s class of 2019, 99 percent graduates at both the undergraduate and graduate level reported being successful in their choice of career path of either employment or pursuing additional education within six months of graduation.
Class of 2020 Graduates Successful at Career Goals
Community
November 5, 2021
On Friday, Nov. 12, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring the University’s Jazz Ensemble with acclaimed trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III as their guest soloist. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.
The concert is open to invited guests and all members of the University community. Admission is free, all audience members must wear masks throughout the performance. University campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage. Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the recital for the most current information on audience COVID-19 mitigation measures (e.g., masking, vaccination, distancing, etc.).
The program will feature Benack soloing with the band on both voice and trumpet, and will include a variety of songs such as Bye Bye Blackbird, Choo Choo Ch’Boogie, Operator, Sway, St. Louis Blues and more.
Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga is excited for Benack’s first visit to Scranton. “I have known Benny since fall of 2009 and have truly enjoyed watching and listening to him develop into such a mature, versatile and exciting musician and entertainer,” said Boga. “I am really looking forward to having him work with our students.”
A 2014 finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition and winner of the 2011 Carmine Caruso International Trumpet Competition, Benack has already proven himself to be a rare talent as both a jazz trumpeter and vocalist. A frontman for Postmodern Jukebox, the vintage music collective famed for its old-school covers of modern pop songs, Benack in 2020 released “A Lot of Livin’ to Do,” the follow-up to his well-received 2017 debut album, “One of a Kind.”
The third in the generational line of a legendary family of Pittsburgh jazzmen, Benack has been showcased in international headliner tours at Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai, JALC’s “NY Jazz All-Stars” (Mexico), throughout Asia and Europe, and has headlined his own group’s tours throughout the U.S. He has performed at New York City’s leading jazz venues, as well as played in the house band for NBC’s “Maya & Marty” and performed as a trumpet soloist with the Christian McBride Big Band, Ann Hampton Callaway, Josh Groban and Ben Folds.
The University of Scranton Jazz Band is a 22-member ensemble made up of students from majors spanning the curriculum. There is no music major at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for membership in the University bands, choirs and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Other programs within the department, including both large ensemble and chamber ensemble music-making opportunities, guest artist concerts, World Premiere Composition Series, the Nelhybel Collection and Scranton Brass Orchestra, closely coordinate programming with the student ensembles and offer unique opportunities for student musicians in the ensembles to hear, observe, interact and perform with numerous world-class musicians and artist-teachers.
High school juniors and seniors who are considering applying to Scranton are encouraged to contact Performance Music to arrange to sit in on a rehearsal, meet the staff, attend a concert, or tour the building.
For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Benack, visit bennybenackjazz.com.
Benny Benack III to Perform Nov. 12
General
November 5, 2021
The Department of English & Theatre, with support from Women’s & Gender Studies, S.A.F.E. (Scranton Alliance for Equity), the Rainbow Royals, and a diversity initiatives grant from the Office of Equity and Diversity will present award-winning trans poet Kayleb Rae Candrilli at the upcoming University Reading Series event. November 11 at 6:30 p.m. in Brennan Hall 228, The Pearn Auditorium. Light refreshments will be served. This free event is open to the public.
Kayleb Rae Candrilli is the recipient of a Whiting Award, PEW fellowship, and of a fellowship from the National Endowment of the Arts. They are the author of Water I Won’t Touch, All the Gay Saints, and What Runs Over. More information about Candrilli and their work can be found at their website and at Copper Canyon Press’s pages for Candrilli and for their recent book Water I Won’t Touch).
The event is free and open to both campus and to the public (masks required). A Royal Card reader will be used to take attendance, for faculty interested in offering credit for attending this event. Contact Dr. Billie R. Tadros (billie.tadros@scranton.edu) with any questions.
Award Winning Trans Poet, Kayleb Rae Candrilli, to present Nov. 11
Student
November 5, 2021
Five University of Scranton students received Excellence in STEM Program Sanofi US Summer Research Awards, which provided support for the students’ independent research projects.
The University students who received the Excellence in STEM Sanofi US Summer Research Awards are: Victoria Caruso ’22, Freehold, New Jersey; Nia Long ’22, East Stroudsburg; Michael Quinnan ’23, Shavertown; Olivia Sander ’23, Macungie; and Elisa Yanni ’22, Scranton.
Caruso is majoring in biology at Scranton. She is working with her faculty mentor Amelia Randich, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on her research project entitled “Growth of diverse Alphaproteobacteria.”
Long is majoring in neuroscience at Scranton. She is working with her faculty mentor Marc Seid, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on her research project entitled “Effects of chronic exposure to synthetic hydraulic fracturing solution on brain morphology in adult ants (Formica sp.)”
Quinnan is majoring in biomathematics at Scranton. He is working with his faculty mentor Amelia Randich Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on his research project entitled “Characterizing Alphaproteobacteria and their cellular morphology.”
Sander is majoring in neuroscience at Scranton. She is working with her faculty mentor Rob Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the neuroscience program, on her research project entitled “The telencephalon’s influence on startle response plasticity in goldfish.”
Yanni is majoring in neuroscience at Scranton. She is working with her faculty mentor Marc Seid, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on her research project entitled “The effect of sleep deprivation on learning in Camponotus floridanus.”
Faculty members at Scranton often include undergraduate students in their academic projects. The University’s Faculty Student Research Program also supports undergraduate student participation in research. In addition, students participating in the University’s Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM work with faculty mentors on research projects.
Sanofi is a global pharmaceutical company that is involved in the research, development, marketing and manufacturing of various medicines and vaccines. Every year, Sanofi offers multiple grants to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions that are working to advance participation in STEM fields.
Sanofi Summer Research Awards to Student
General
November 5, 2021
The Pennsylvania Redistricting Advisory Council has rescheduled a listening session in Scranton for 5:30 p.m. Nov. 4, Brennan Hall, University of Scranton. The listening session will gather public feedback on congressional redistricting.
Governor Tom Wolf created the council of redistricting experts to provide him with recommendations for his review of the congressional redistricting plan which will be passed by the General Assembly later this year.
The decisions made through the redistricting process will affect every person and community in Pennsylvania for the next decade, and Pennsylvanians have the opportunity to have their voices heard.
Pennsylvanians are also encouraged to visit the administration’s redistricting website to review draft Redistricting Principles developed by the Advisory Council, submit proposed maps, outline communities of interest and submit comments to help shape the outcome of this critical part of our democratic process.
Members of the public are invited to attend. Please email the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at OIARSVP@pa.gov with your name to RSVP.
PA Redistricting Advisory Council Listening Session Nov. 4
Student
November 5, 2021
Info sessions for those interested in going on a Domestic Service Trip over Spring Break are being held Thursday, Nov. 4 @ 11:30 a.m. in DeNaples 405 and Friday, Nov. 5 @ 3 p.m. in DeNaples Ballroom A. Link to the electronic application will be available at the info sessions. Applications are due by Friday, Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. Contact Patricia.Vaccaro@scranton.edu for more information.
Spring Break Service Trip Info Sessions
General
November 5, 2021
On Nov. 1, the University president, Joseph Marina, S.J., sent a message to the University community celebrating both the Solemnity of All Saints and National Native American Heritage Month. Below is his note.
Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints. This is a sacred day in which we not only remember the great men and women of the Catholic faith who continue to provide us with good and holy example but also a special time to invoke their aid for the graces we desire. Many of us tend to gravitate toward St. Ignatius and other Jesuit role models in our prayers and our actions. Nothing wrong with that! But the Communion of Saints is far more expansive. It is comprised of those in Heaven along with those who live on Earth, all held together by the love of God and the ardent desire to share that love. The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it this way: “It is not merely by the title of example that we cherish the memory of those in heaven; we seek, rather, that by this devotion to the exercise of charity, the union of the whole Church in the Spirit may be strengthened (#957).
Also, November is National Native American Heritage Month. It is a time to celebrate cultures, traditions, histories, and to acknowledge the important contributions of the original inhabitants of our continent. This month is also a time to educate and raise awareness about the unique challenges and sufferings Native people and communities have faced historically and in the present.
The University of Scranton has officially adopted a Land Acknowledgment Statement to recognize and honor the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Lenape, the Munsee, the Shawnee and the Susquehannocks in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Statement reads:
The University of Scranton acknowledges the original inhabitants and nations of this land: the Lenape, the Munsee, the Shawnee and the Susquehannocks. May we be ever mindful of their legacy and contributions and commit ourselves to stewarding this land with care and compassion as we navigate our communities towards faith and justice.
While some departments, clubs and other groups at the University already include a land acknowledgment as part of their events, the University now has a standard institution-wide statement that can be read at the start of all University-sponsored events. I believe this statement is an important step forward to help build awareness and generate opportunities that will enrich all our lives.
I wish to recognize Dr. Adam Pratt and his research students, Peter Burke and Katia Ramirez, for assisting with the development of this statement. And I encourage faculty, staff and students to please read the statement at the start of their events whenever possible. The Land Acknowledgement Statement will be posted on the University’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion website and on the Office of Equity and Diversity’s website.
And so we have more than one reason to celebrate as the month of November begins –first, an opportunity to pray in a special way with all the saints and, in so doing, grow stronger in God’s love. And second, to give thanks for the wonderful gift of our Native American sisters and brothers and to honor their legacy on the land on which our beloved University stands.
In today’s first reading, from the Book of Revelation, St. John writes “I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.” In other words, there’s room for everyone in the Communion of Saints. May it always be so. Saints of God come to our aid. Hasten to meet us, angels of the Lord.
A Celebration of Saints and Native Americans
Student
November 5, 2021
Student groups across campus dressed up for Halloween.
See photos, here.
Email us at royalnews@scranton.edu if your group dressed up, and you'd like your photo included in this album!
Students in the Halloween Spirit
Alumni
November 5, 2021
The University has announced Christmas events in Philadelphia and Boston.
Philadelphia Events
The University will hold three Christmas events in the Philadelphia area during the month of December.
The Holly Jolly Trolley
Join your Scranton friends in Philadelphia Dec. 1 and/or Dec. 2 for a private holiday lights tour aboard the Holly Jolly Trolley. Enjoy live music, magnificent views of some of the best light displays in the city, a bit of South Philly flavor, and complimentary pizza on this BYOB and snacks tour provided by Founding Footsteps. The tours will begin at Iron Hill Brewery, 1150 Market St., Philadelphia, at 6:30 p.m. sharp, so please plan to arrive by 6 p.m. To register for the $30 admission fee, visit this link.
A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens
Join your Scranton friends in Kennett Square Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. for a self-guided tour of the indoor and outdoor gardens at Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square. Witness the splendor of half-a-million lights and then cozy up to the warm glow of an outdoor fire pit. Adult admission will cost $20, and children under 18 will be admitted for free. To register, visit this link.
Read the original posting, here.
Boston Event
Boston Christmas Stroll, Dec. 11
Join your Scranton friends in the Boston area for a historical holiday stroll along the Freedom Trail Saturday, Dec. 11, at 3:30 p.m.
Walk the Freedom Trail and discover how Boston’s holiday traditions evolved. Led by 19th-century Dickensian costumed guides, the festive stroll is complete with a tour of holiday lights and Christmas trees along the Freedom Trail.
The 60-minute tour, provided by The Freedom Trail Foundation, will begin at the Boston Commons Visitor Information Center, 139 Tremont Street, Boston, Mass. Tickets for adults will cost $15, and tickets for children will cost $5. To register, visit this link.
Read the original posting, here.
University Announces Several Regional Christmas Events
Faculty
November 5, 2021
The search process requires intentionality. The purpose of this Tool Kit is to assist search committees and hiring managers to expand and diversify the candidate pool in the hiring process. It contains resources to help guide and support recruitment and hiring more diverse employees. This Tool Kit is intended to provide interested search committees and hiring managers with information only. It in no way replaces the Recruitment, Selection and Record Keeping Requirements for Faculty Search Committees, Hiring Managers and Department Chairs document on the Provost’s website or the Electronic On-Line process in Human Resources. Access toolkit and learn more.
NEW Updated Toolkit for Inclusionary Recruitment
General
November 5, 2021
All students, staff and faculty are encouraged to participate in the upcoming open fora, and/or complete a brief survey, to add their thoughts on the Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Planning Committee Findings and Recommended Actions. (The plan is available on the News Tab, University Publications channel in my.scranton.) Responses to the feedback form and survey are anonymous.
Three open fora will be held next week:
- Zoom Sessions: Nov. 10 and 11, @ 11:30 a.m.
- In Person: Nov. 10 @ 2:30 p.m., Pearn Auditorium
Register here and submit questions for any of the Open Fora.
Our new strategic plan furthers the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, challenging us 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.”
Please help us to further shape the plan by attending an upcoming discussion forum, completing a feedback survey, or both! To help guide this work, the strategic plan calls for the development of a comprehensive, University-wide plan for diversity and inclusion, one that includes concrete actions steps to help us meet our goals. We are pleased to share a draft Diversity and Inclusion Plan, developed over the course of the past year through the committed work of the Diversity and Inclusion Planning Team. The plan is available on the News Tab, University Publications channel in my.scranton.
Topics to consider when reviewing the plan and responding are:
- Institutional Commitment, Transparency, Accountability and Coordination
- The Student Experience
- The Faculty and Staff Experience
- Student Recruitment, Enrollment and Retention
- Alumni and Community Engagement
Click to Complete Feedback Survey: surveymonkey.com/r/XB8DWMC
Additional comments or feedback may be shared via email to either of us, or planning@scranton.edu.
The Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Planning Committee Seeking Input
Staff
November 5, 2021
The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!
THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for November 2021 is: Tara Seely, Admin Asst to the Board of Trustees!
How long have you worked at the University? I have worked at the University for 22 years
What do you like best about your job? The best part of my job is being able to truly enjoy the people I work with, as well as the Board. They’ve become family and we genuinely like and care for each other. We all work as a team for the single purpose to advance our students and everyone is 110% on board!
What do you like to do for fun? I like to travel for fun. I’ve been to Disney World more times than I care to admit, as well as fun destinations such as Disneyland, Alaska, the Bahamas, Vancouver, Quebec, London, Paris, and to Nogales, Mexico for a service trip. I am contemplating another trip to London next year (pandemic-pending)!
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Tara does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Tara and all our November nominees.
Tara will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of November. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner, and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.
November 2021 Nominees:
Donna Rupp - Faculty Secretary, Psychology
Tara Seely - Admin. Asst. to the BOT
Mary Beth Watson-PCPS Advising
Karl Johns, Technology Support Center
Brenda Clark - Asst. to VP of External Affairs
Glen Pace - IT Client Services
Donna Cochrane Kalinoski - Nursing
Ellen Morgan - Counseling Center
November 2021 Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award Winner
Staff
November 5, 2021
Earlier this fall, the President’s Cabinet enthusiastically approved a new Staff Voluntary Time Donation Policy for University staff effective immediately.
The new policy grows directly from the initiative of the Staff Senate. Stemming from a long-standing desire by staff to support each other during times of extended absence due to their own or an eligible family member’s illness or medical emergency, the Staff Senate collaborated with Human Resources to develop a policy that puts a fair and equitable process for voluntary staff time donation.
Through the policy, staff members will be able to donate up to a combination of five days of sick or vacation time per calendar year into a timeshare pool from October 1 to November 30 by completing a Voluntary Vacation and Sick Time Donation/Request Form available through Human Resources. The policy will be administered by the Office of Human Resources.
Eligible staff members may request time from the timeshare pool for medical emergencies as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. The amount of time that may be requested will depend on their regular work schedule and the amount of funds available.
In order to be compliant with IRS regulations, the policy includes a number of important steps and procedures. I encourage members of the staff to review the complete Staff Voluntary Vacation and Sick Time Donation Policy on the Office of Human Resources website.
Staff interested in learning more about the policy may RSVP to attend one of the following virtual information sessions:
- November 5th at 2:00 p.m.
- November 11th at 9:00 a.m.
Staff Voluntary Time Donation Policy Approved
Faculty
November 5, 2021
Bryan Crable, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at The University of Scranton, was awarded a $198,265 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for a two-year study of the impact of plastic debris on the physiology of freshwater microorganisms in Lake Lacawac. In addition to Dr. Crable’s role as principal investigator, the research project will involve and train approximately eight undergraduate students in field, laboratory and computer simulated investigations.
According to Dr. Crable, microplastics are plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size that are a common pollutant that have seen widespread accumulation in the environment since World War II.
“This type of research is important because we really don’t have a good understanding of how plastics influence ecosystems,” said Dr. Crable. “For the longest time, we thought that microplastics didn’t really impact the local ecosystem. Over the last five to ten years, we have begun to get a better understanding of their impact. In the last few years, researchers have discovered there are microbes that degrade plastics and, although that can be beneficial, the overall impact has to be studied much more.”
According to Dr. Crable, comparatively, there has been lots of research on the effects of plastic debris in marine environments, but there has been very little research in freshwater environments.
“Lake Lacawac is only about 30 minutes away from campus and is a near pristine freshwater watershed. The lake was privately owned for a few hundred years. There has been essentially no development on the lake and there is no known microplastic intrusion,” said Dr. Crable. “Our experiment will use water from the lake in microcosms that we establish in a lake side field lab. In the first year, we will look at microbial communities which colonize plastics versus natural debris such as leaf litter. In the second year of the study, we will analyze the impacts of different types of plastics on microbial communities.”
The project will provide full-time summer research opportunities to two to three students each summer for two years. Dr. Crable noted that students will gain experience using state-of-the-art software programs for analyzing microbial communities as well as learn critical programming languages used for statistical analyses.
“One of the great things about the University is that undergraduates are doing actual research projects,” said Dr. Crable.
“The benefit undergraduates get out of research, especially working on larger projects in a faculty member’s labs, is that they get to take ownership over some part of a project. The students are able to take the seeds of an idea and move it forward – to design the necessary experiments, carry them out and analyze the results to answer a question,” said Dr. Crable, who noted that students also have the possibility to present their studies at conferences, with some undergraduates having their research published in an academic journal.
Through the research project, Dr. Crable will also develop an advanced undergraduate curriculum on microplastics, which will be integrated into the Special Topics in Biology – Environmental Microbiology course.
Dr. Crable joined the faculty at Scranton in 2018. His research focuses on the fields of microbial physiology, environmental microbiology and microbial biotechnology. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Saint Vincent College, his master’s degree from Duquesne University and his Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Oklahoma. In 2010, Dr. Crable was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship by the Institute for International Education to conduct research at the University of Wageningen in The Netherlands.
Scranton Professor Awarded Six-figure NSF Grant
Student
November 5, 2021
The University of Scranton will host a Fail Forward Panel discussion on Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center. At the event, which is part of the University’s Resilient Royals initiatives, the panelists will share stories of some of their past struggles and failure as well as how these challenges have shaped their lives.
Panelists are Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Tara Hamilton-Fay, faculty specialist, biology; and Randy Shemanski, associate director of athletics.
The Fail Forward event is part of a collaborative community effort to help students better develop resilience, practice self-compassion, and understand how to cope with failures. The initiative stems from the results of an earlier National Collegiate Health Assessment, which revealed a need to improve student’s resilience and self-compassion. As a result, Student Life staff at Scranton and faculty partners developed the Resilient Royals initiative to help foster skill development through peer education, resilience training embedded in the classroom curriculum, and signature events, such as the Fail Forward Panel.
Earlier this year, the University’s Resilient Royals initiative earned the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators’ 2021 Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Academic Partnership.
Doors to this semester’s Fail Forward Panel open at 6:30 p.m. Free t-shirts will be distributed to the first 250 students.
Fail Forward Panel Set for Nov. 9
General
November 5, 2021
Join the THR1VE Program in celebrating the successes of our first-generation students, faculty, staff and alumni during The University of Scranton’s National First-Generation College Celebration Fall Festival, Monday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the DeNaples Center patio!
This year’s celebration will be a Fall Festival, complete with your favorite fall foods, hot chocolate, games and prizes. We will also have a photo booth and some first-gen giveaways, so you can proudly showcase your #FirstGenRoyal pride! Additionally, the first 100 students to participate in our celebration will receive a limited-edition T-Shirt!
We also encourage faculty and staff who identify as first-gen grads or advocates to pick up a THR1VE pin at the event. We hope that you will wear this pin proudly throughout the day while sharing your experiences as first-gen graduates or advocates with our students.
Don’t miss your opportunity to participate in this celebration of all that our first-gen Royals have accomplished!
Free T-Shirts, Fall Food, and Fun!
Community
November 5, 2021
The fall 2021 State of Scranton Seminar Series will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. in The Kane Forum in Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Hall at The University of Scranton, and focus on the State of Housing in Scranton. In this seminar, panelists will discuss the current challenges and opportunities surrounding housing in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
The pandemic has put renewed focus on housing, with small to mid-sized cities across the nation facing an array of challenges and opportunities. Individuals and families seeking to live in smaller cities like Scranton have spurred new investment and restoration of historically blighted properties while low-and moderate-income residents have faced rising housing costs amidst increased economic distress. This seminar will seek to address the important questions surrounding the current state of housing in Scranton today, including: What is the status of affordable housing units in Scranton? What is the current and future outlook for market-rate housing? What kinds of best practices in economic and community development can Scranton utilize to ensure that all residents are able to access a safe, welcoming and dignified place to live? How can cities innovate at this critical time?
This event will begin with an opening presentation with panelists: Eileen Cipriani, Director, Office of Community Development, City of Scranton; Marty Fotta, Vice President of Community Development, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA; Dana Hanchin, President and CEO, HDC MidAtlantic; and Sara Levy, Associate Broker and Regional Sales Manager, Classic Properties. A Q&A session with follow along with table-discussions around related themes, including: housing challenges and opportunities, equity and access issues and economic and community development best practices.
Registration is required for this event at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ScrantonHousing For questions, please email community@scranton.edu and for more information please visit here.
This presentation and discussion are a part of the State of Scranton seminar series. Through campus and guest speakers, this series serves to engage the varied opportunities and challenges facing the Greater Scranton area. Q&A and table discussions will provide an opportunity for engagement
This event is cosponsored by The University of Scranton, NeighborWorks NEPA, and the Scranton Area Community Foundation with special thanks to the following University offices for their support: the Office of Community and Government Relations, Center for Service and Social Justice, the Jesuit Center, Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, the Ellacuría Initiative and the Political Science Department.
Fall 2021 State of Scranton Seminar to Focus on State of Housing in Scranton
Alumni
November 5, 2021
The University of Scranton President’s Business Council (PBC) will offer a virtual celebration on Thursday, Nov. 18, which will honor John E. (Jack) Brennan ’68, P’06 in memoriam and will also provide a retrospective look at the first 20 years of the PBC.
John E. (Jack) Brennan ’68, P’06 received a bachelor’s degree in management from the University in 1968. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served as a 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corp. in Thailand. Following his years of service, Mr. Brennan joined Motorola as a salesman. He later co-founded Metro Mobile CTS, Inc., and served as the president and chief operating officer. Metro Mobile was later sold to Bell Atlantic, which would eventually become Verizon Communications. He was also president of Activated Communications and a member of the board of directors at Spectrum Signal Processing. At the time of his retirement, he was the vice chairman of the board of Southern Union Co. (later acquired by Energy Transfer LP).
During his professional career, Mr. Brennan was an active member of his community, serving as president of the Radio Club of America, as president of the Old Tappan Board of Education, as a member of the Old Tappan Planning Board, and as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. In support of his passion for furthering the education of young minds, Mr. Brennan was a long-time member of the Board of Trustees at Christ the King School (Cristo Rey) in Newark, N.J., and at the University, where he was also a founding member of the Kania School of Management Advisory Board. He was also among the inaugural inductees to the Business Leader Hall of Fame. In Oct. 2000, the University named Brennan Hall, the home of the Kania School of Management, in his honor.
Mr. Brennan passed away in Sept. 2020 after battling cancer. He is survived by his wife, Cindy, their two children and their grandchildren.
The PBC was formed in 2001 by the University and a prominent group of alumni and friends with the purpose of advancing the mission of the University. The PBC is committed to strengthening the Scranton network in the business sectors and to providing mentoring, internships and career support for current students and meaningful engagement opportunities for alumni, parents and friends. At the PBC’s Annual Award Dinner, an honoree is presented with the University’s President’s Medal, which recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields and who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion for others. Proceeds from the dinner go directly to the Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund.
Additional details regarding this year's virtual celebration are available at www.scranton.edu/pbcdinner or by contacting Tim Pryle '89, executive director of the PBC, at (570) 941-5837 or pbc@scranton.edu.
PBC To Offer Virtual Celebration Honoring Jack Brennan Nov. 18
Alumni
November 5, 2021
Royal readers will be back together on screen this weekend for the first of two virtual discussions centered around The University of Scranton Book Club’s seventh book selection, “He Leadeth Me: An Extraordinary Testament of Faith.” The latest book is authored by Walter Ciszek, S.J. H’76, namesake for the University’s Ciszek Hall, the current home of the Center for Career Development.
Father Ciszek received an honorary doctor of law degree from the University in 1976. After entering the Society of Jesus in 1928 and being ordained to the priesthood in 1937, he entered eastern Poland as a missionary in 1938. At the start of WWII, he was arrested by the Russian secret police and spent five years in Moscow prisons. Sentenced to 10 more years in prison as “a spy of the Vatican,” he was sent north to a penal camp, where he labored in mines and construction projects until the end of his sentence. Father Ciszek returned to the U.S. in 1963 as part of an exchange agreement with the Soviet Union. The Shenandoah native, who passed away in 1984, is also the author of “With God in Russia.”
Dedicated in 2005, Ciszek Hall was originally designed to hold a 15,000-book library, a chapel, offices, a garden and space for social activities.
To learn more about The University of Scranton Book Club and to receive notifications of future book selections, visit Scranton.edu/alumnibookclub.
University Book Club Selection Bears Familiar Name
Alumni
November 5, 2021
The Scranton Club of New Jersey will give Royals in the Garden State the chance to serve their community by volunteering at Community Food Bank of New Jersey Dec. 4 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Scranton alumni, parents and friends will gather at the food bank's Hillside location at 31 Evans Terminal, Hillside, NJ, to assemble boxes, pack pasta and prepare food to be distributed to partner agencies and members of the community. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. To register for the event, visit this link.
University To Offer New Jersey Service Project Dec. 4
Alumni
November 5, 2021
The University will hold three Christmas events in the Philadelphia area during the month of December.
The Holly Jolly Trolley
Join your Scranton friends in Philadelphia Dec. 1 and/or Dec. 2 for a private holiday lights tour aboard the Holly Jolly Trolley. Enjoy live music, magnificent views of some of the best light displays in the city, a bit of South Philly flavor, and complimentary pizza on this BYOB and snacks tour provided by Founding Footsteps. The tours will begin at Iron Hill Brewery, 1150 Market St., Philadelphia, at 6:30 p.m. sharp, so please plan to arrive by 6 p.m. To register for the $30 admission fee, visit this link.
A Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens
Join your Scranton friends in Kennett Square Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. for a self-guided tour of the indoor and outdoor gardens at Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square. Witness the splendor of half-a-million lights and then cozy up to the warm glow of an outdoor fire pit. Adult admission will cost $20, and children under 18 will be admitted for free. To register, visit this link.
University Announces Philadelphia Christmas Events
Alumni
November 5, 2021
Join your Scranton friends in the Boston area for a historical holiday stroll along the Freedom Trail Saturday, Dec. 11, at 3:30 p.m.
Walk the Freedom Trail and discover how Boston’s holiday traditions evolved. Led by 19th-century Dickensian costumed guides, the festive stroll is complete with a tour of holiday lights and Christmas trees along the Freedom Trail.
The 60-minute tour, provided by The Freedom Trail Foundation, will begin at the Boston Commons Visitor Information Center, 139 Tremont Street, Boston, Mass. Tickets for adults will cost $15, and tickets for children will cost $5. To register, visit this link.
University Announces Boston Christmas Stroll Dec. 11
Alumni
November 5, 2021
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
Brian R. McAndrew ’74, Havre de Grace, Maryland, recently retired from the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service after over 40 years with the Federal government. In 2004, Brian received the prestigious Presidential Rank Reward for his accomplishments in overseeing cryptologic operations within the U.S. Intelligence Community. Upon retirement, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence presented Brian with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to national security operations.
Marion Munley ’83, Moosic, is listed in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America and was named the 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” for Product Liability Litigation-Plaintiffs in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
John Miller G’85, Fairfield, Iowa, attended a military Honor Flight from Eastern Iowa to Washington, D.C., Sept. 21 with 120 other Iowa veterans to view the war monuments and presidential memorials. While there, he took etchings of several veterans' names, including his former Air Force Academy Commander Major Jack Espenshied, who was killed in combat in Vietnam in1968.
Patricia A. Hoffman, D.O. ’17, New Brunswick, New Jersey, published a case report in the September issue of The American Academy of Osteopathy Journal called “Single Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Session Eliminates Percutaneous Coronary Intervention-Induced Upper Thoracic Pain in Elderly Male.”
WEDDINGS
Ron Babcock ’01 to Jamie Reed
Marissa Schilling'14, G'15 to Stephen Barbuto'14
Nicole Christiansen, '17, DPT '20 to Kyle Miller, '17
Taylor Ryan '17, DPT '20 to Matthew Horn '16
BIRTHS
A son, Dean Perry, to Franco and Amanda Szewczyk Forgione ’07, South Abington Township
A daughter, Nora Elizabeth, to Aram ’10 and Jill Bury Afarian ’10, Nutley, New Jersey
A son, Paul Frank III, to Paul ’12, G’14 and Kristin Leccese Luongo ’12, G’13, Scranton
A daughter, Lila Mae, to Greg ’13 and Anastasia Zygmunt Mooney ’13, G’15, Harrisburg; granddaughter of Charles Mooney ’83, Stan ’84, G’95 and Elizabeth Zygmunt ’87; great-granddaughter of the late Thomas Casey ’51
DEATHS
John F. Gallagher ’58, Winter Park, Florida
Stanley M. Victor ’62, Easton
James F. “Chipper” Mootz '68, Blue Bell
Chuck P. Coccodrilli ’85, Lake Ariel
Regina B. Bennett ’93, G’96, Clarks Summit
Alumni Class Notes, November 2021
October
View October Listing Page
Student
November 5, 2021
Students interested in applying to be inducted as members of Alpha Mu Gamma, the Foreign Language Honors Society, can pick up an application from the main office of the Department of World Languages and Cultures (O'Hara 3rd floor).
Deadline for submission is Feb. 1, 2022.
Alpha Mu Gamma has as its primary purpose the honoring of students for outstanding achievement during their foreign language study in college. Students may be admitted at any stage in their college careers. A "B" grade point average (3.0) or higher, and two consecutive grades of A or A- in language courses above the 200 level are required.
Upon initiation, a member receives a parchment certificate of membership, cords for graduation, and a scroll-shaped gold key or pin.
An induction ceremony and luncheon is scheduled for Apr. 21, 2022. For more information or to apply, please contact Dr. Marzia Caporale marzia.caporale@scranton.edu.
Foreign Language Honors Society Accepting Applications
Student
November 5, 2021
Join the celebration, Friday, Oct. 29, as the Multicultural Center in partnership with the Office of Campus Ministries, hosts their annual celebration of the Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the DeNaples Center Ballroom.
El Dia de Los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) is a Mexican celebration observed throughout Latin America to celebrate, remember, and prepare special foods in honor of those who have departed. We will celebrate with activities tables featuring sugar skulls and bag decorating, face/hand painting, traditional food, music and an interfaith service commemorating the cultural significance of the celebration.
Featured this year is a table sit from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in DeNaples 2nd floor. We have will have informational boards about the cultural significance of Dia de los Muertos, as well as space to write an intention or name of a loved one for the Ofrenda (altar) and prayer service, for whom a candle will be “lit.”
At our celebration from 9 p.m. - 11 p.m. in the DeNaples Center Ballroom, we will feature activities tables with Sugar Skull & Bag decorating, face/hand painting, music and traditional food.
For questions or more information, contact the Multicultural Center at multicultural@scranton.edu.
Dia de Los Muertos Celebration, Oct. 29
General
November 5, 2021
The Center for Service & Social Justice has accepted the challenge of finding donors for 40 individual family members from eight separate families for the annual Catherine McAuley's Adopt a Family program.
Each donor will receive the family member's name, gender, age, clothing sizes and gift suggestions. You can go by their list or come up with your own ideas. The choice is yours. We suggest you spend about $75-$100 for each person.
If you are interested in participating (individual or offices), please email me at ellen.judge@scranton.edu. Please let me know how many people you wish to adopt.
Gifts are due back to the CSSJ office, TDC 205B by Friday, Dec. 10. All gifts should be wrapped or in gift bags, with the person's name and assigned number on each one.
Adopt A Family: Challenge Accepted!
Student
October 29, 2021
The University of Scranton celebrated the 20th anniversary of the U.S. Conference on disABILITY with more than 550 conference attendees, who represented 30 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and four countries. This year’s conference, which was held in a virtual format on Oct. 14, continued the theme of “Exploring Autism Across the Spectrum: Building Inclusive Communities.”
The full-day conference culminated with an afternoon presentation titled “The Boy Through His Art” featuring guest speakers Devin Wildes and AJ Paron-Wildes.
After a brief welcome from the University’s Dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies, Debra Pellegrino Ed.D., the pair greeted the conference attendees and played a short video that gave the audience a brief overview of their story.
Wildes, now a 26-year-old artist, began displaying symptoms of severe autism as a baby and received a diagnosis at the age of four. His mother, Paron-Wildes, expressed concern for her son’s future, explaining that she was afraid of the difficulties he would face as a result of his disability. She realized that her son’s autism did make him different, but that it was not necessarily a bad thing.
“Different doesn’t mean you’re less, and in many times different means you’re much, much more,” said Paron-Wildes.
Paron-Wildes learned that her son has exceptional visual acuity. Though he was primarily nonverbal for the first 14 years of his life, Wildes expressed himself through art. At the conference, he presented a powerpoint of some the pieces he created.
Ranging from sketches to three-dimensional functional pieces, Wildes impressed the audience with the complexity and depth that each work held. His piece titled “Hideous” showed an intricate display of black and white Zentangle-like lines contained within a vague shape which he explained was a skull. Scattered amongst the pattern, formless facial features, like eyes and lips, could be found in atypical locations on the “skull.”
At the onset of COVID-19, Paron-Wildes began posting examples of her son’s work on her Facebook page, asking friends and family to send them photos of landscapes for Devin to draw.
Overwhelmed with responses, Paron-Wildes said that, “In a time of darkness and dreariness, people were telling me ‘I can’t wait to see what Devin is going to draw and what he’s going to make next.’ ... It’s like my beacon of hope on social media.”
Eventually, Wildes and his mother were able to start a website where his work could be commissioned and sold (devinwildes.com). Since the time the website was launched, Wildes has been able to raise thousands of dollars for INTERACT, the center for visual and performing arts that he attends. This program helps inspire and fund his ability to continue creating art, forming what his mother calls a “circle of giving.”
At the end of their presentation and remaining consistent with the overall mission of the disABILITY conference, Paron-Wildes pointed out that “every human being has creative value and, if you’re not finding it in them, you are not looking hard enough.”
The 20th Annual U.S. Conference on disABILITY, presented by the University’s Panuska College of Professional Studies and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment in partnership with AllOne Foundation, was open to the public free of charge. The primary sponsor of the conference was UPMC Health Plan and Geisinger was the featured sponsor.
Edward R. and Patricia Leahy served as honorary co-chairs of the 2021 conference they helped to establish 20 years ago. University of Scranton professors Rebecca Spirito Dalgin, Ph.D., director of the Rehabilitation Counseling Program, and Lori Bruch, Ed.D., chair of the Counseling and Human Services Department, served as conference co-chairs.
Annual Conference on disABILITY Turns 20
General
October 29, 2021
Still unsure whether or not to register for our Nov. 7 Open House? Let attendees from our previous Open House convince you!
In their own words:
"The Open House was a fabulous experience! The school really gave an incredibly positive impression on so many fronts. Your student ambassadors are incredible as well -- HUGE shout out to them."
"I was so impressed! I felt so welcomed by the staff and teachers, and the students made the campus feel like a supportive community. The facilities were amazing, and the presentation helped a lot with informing me on the details of the program."
"We had a wonderful day on campus. Everyone from faculty to students were helpful and welcoming."
"Beautiful campus, students were so upbeat and informative."
"Amazing open house! Students and staff could not have been more helpful!"
"We appreciated the warm welcome and enthusiasm! Top notch people and university! Very impressed!!"
"(Students and Staff) were engaging, witty, welcoming and articulate. It was very well organized and flowed flawlessly. Very impressed and Scranton is definitely a top contender. Wonderful job."
"By far, the best tour and Open House we have been to. Extremely organized and very informative."
Register at scranton.edu/openhouse.
One More Chance to Join Us for Open House
General
October 29, 2021
The month of November is the traditional month in the Church’s calendar for remembering those who have died. During this time, the Scranton Jesuit Community will pray in a particular way for those we love and to whom we owe so much – the deceased of our families, our benefactors and our alumni.
We invite you, as a member of the University community, to remember your family and friends with us and to have their names included in prayer. Send the names of those to be remembered in our Masses throughout the month of November via this link or by visiting scranton.edu/allsouls.
We also invite you to join us for our annual Mass of Remembrance on Nov. 14 at 4:30 p.m. in Madonna
November—The Month of All Souls
Community
October 29, 2021
This fall’s Schemel Forum at The University of Scranton will include two thought-provoking Collaborative Programs slated for November.
On Thursday, Nov. 4, Steven Scheinman, M.D., president and dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and executive vice president and chief academic officer at Geisinger, will present “This Community’s Medical College: How Advances in Pedagogy and Technology, and the Pandemic, Have Shaped Medical Education in the 21st century.” The program will take place in a virtual format. Admission is $10. A link will be emailed to those who would like to attend remotely.
During the talk, Scheinman will explore the evolution of medical education, which for much of the past century has conformed to a template laid out in 1910 by Abraham Flexner and was heavily reliant on lectures, laboratory exercises and clinical experiences in urban hospitals. However, in recent decades, some innovative medical schools, including The Commonwealth Medical College (now Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine), have moved past this model through embracing active learning, new educational technologies and community-based clinical experiences. The lecture will also examine how, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical schools have pivoted to embrace online learning, telemedicine and other technologies in ways that are likely to inform medical education well into the future.
Then, on Tuesday, Nov. 9, Richard Kogan, M.D., clinical professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and artistic director of the Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Program, will present the concert/lecture, “Beethoven’s Deafness: Psychological Crises and Artistic Triumph.” The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., with a reception following. Admission is $30.
In observance of the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, Kogan, a psychiatrist and concert pianist, will explore the composer’s extraordinary resilience in response to medical and mental illness and illustrate his artistic transformation through performing some of his most awe-inspiring music.
The Schemel Forum was founded at the University in July 2006 through generous gifts to the Rev. George Schemel, S.J., Fund, created by friends of the beloved campus Jesuit. The program aims to provide people of all ages with the opportunity to explore the intellectual and cultural wonders of the world via a range of lectures and courses.
To register for the Collaborative Programs, contact Alicen Morrison, Schemel Forum assistant, at 570-941-6206 or alicen.morrison@scranton.edu. To pay by credit card over the phone, contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816, or to pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.
For more information on Schemel Forum programs and memberships, contact Sondra Myers, Schemel Forum director, at 570-941-4089 or sondra.myers@scranton.edu.
Schemel Forum Plans Collaborative Programs
Faculty
October 29, 2021
Michael Fennie, Ph.D., Arthur Catino, Ph.D., and Nicholas Sizemore, Ph.D., all associate professors of chemistry at The University of Scranton, were awarded a $362,773 National Science Foundation (NSF) Major Research Instrumentation grant. The grant will allow the University to purchase a Bruker 400 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, which will be used by undergraduates, graduate students and faculty at Scranton in both chemistry courses and research projects. Professors from local colleges and researchers from area companies will also have access to the state-of-the-art equipment, as will area high school students through an outreach program included as part of the NSF funded proposal.
“NMR spectroscopy is central to modern chemistry research. This instrument uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to determine the structures of molecules, giving us information about their physical properties and reactivity,” said Dr. Fennie, the principal investigator on the grant. “We need to train our students to be competent scientists once they enter graduate school, or start a career in industry or at a lab. Having hands-on research experience using real-world instrumentation at Scranton is what makes a difference in our outcomes.”
NMR spectroscopy shares the same theoretical principles as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used in healthcare – only for molecules, explained Dr. Fennie, which he said also provides a good conceptual foundation for pre-med students. The new NMR equipment, with much-improved detection and throughput capabilities, will increase the productivity of faculty research and enhance the research-training of undergraduate and master’s students as they prepare for STEM careers in academia or industry.
NMR spectroscopy, using older equipment, is already included in more than half a dozen chemistry courses at Scranton, including organic chemistry labs II and III, Instrumental Analysis Lab, Forensic Chemistry Lab, and Advanced Inorganic Lab. The new equipment will enhance the students’ exposure in courses as well as supplement their research projects.
“Our current instrument allows for only a single sample to be loaded at a time for analysis, and each analysis takes a long time to complete, making it impractical to obtain individual NMR data for each student in larger lab courses, such as sophomore-level organic chemistry. The new equipment allows for auto-loading of multiple samples at a time, and the time required for each analysis is much shorter, enabling students in these labs to prepare their own samples, submit them to the NMR queue, and then receive their own data, which is getting closer to what it is like in an actual research setting,” said Dr. Fennie. “Getting that training early on is only going to be more helpful to our students’ development as scientists.”
The technology can also be used for broad research areas ranging from medicinal chemistry, such as studies pertaining to peptide folding and natural products, to experiments for the synthesis of molecules that can be used in OLED displays.
“I couldn’t be more proud of Dr. Michael Fennie and his colleagues at The University of Scranton, and this investment in our students and promise it has to bridge the classroom to the work room,” said Rep. Matt Cartwright. “Giving industry partners access to this tool will serve as an enticement for them to stay in the region and grow our STEM-related job market. I also applaud the collaboration among our higher learning institutions and secondary schools, I look forward to what new research, new ideas and new scientists may come from it.”
The new equipment will be used for collaborative and independent research projects with faculty members at area colleges, such as King's College, Penn State Scranton and Keystone College, as well as for studies at area businesses, such as Schott Glass, The Azek Company and Process Technologies and Packaging.
Dr. Fennie is especially interested in how the new equipment can be used discover new reactions and better understand how these reactions actually work.
“The NMR will allow us to collect data on how fast a reaction proceeds and the intermediates the reaction might go through. That is important for developing new chemical processes, and optimizing reactions so that we can use less resources in our experiments. In other words, making the chemistry more sustainable,” said Dr. Fennie.
In addition, the University will work with teachers at Scranton High School, West Scranton High School, Honesdale High School, Mid Valley Secondary Center and MMI Preparatory School to bring their students to campus to learn more about the scientific uses of NMR spectroscopy.
The NMR spectrometer will be installed during the University’s winter break and intersession. Faculty, and then students, would be trained in the use of the new equipment in late January and during the spring semester.
Dr. Fennie joined the faculty at Scranton in 2012. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Canisius College and his doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Catino joined the faculty at Scranton in 2013. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Franklin and Marshall College and his doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of Maryland. Dr. Sizemore joined the faculty at Scranton in 2015. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Case Western Reserve University and his doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of California, Irvine.
Professors Awarded NSF Grant for Research Equipment
General
October 29, 2021
The Student Veterans Organization, Veterans Advocacy Committee, Student Life, Financial Aid and Campus Ministries offices, invite the University community to share in an all faiths prayer vigil in honor of our veterans.
When: Veteran Day 11/11/21 @ 11:00 a.m.
Where: Veterans Lounge - 1st floor Hyland Hall
A reception with light fare will follow.
Honoring Veterans Day: All Faiths Prayer Vigil
Athletics
October 29, 2021
It was another successful week for Royal Athletics highlighted by the women's soccer team remaining unbeaten, the men's golf team winning the Landmark Conference Fall Preview and the women's swimming & diving team starting the season with a pair of dominant victories.
For more on the week that was for Scranton Athletics, check out this week's Royal Review by clicking here.
To follow University of Scranton Athletics all season long, remember to follow the Royals on Twitter and Instagram @RoyalAthletics.
Royal Review - October 26, 2021
General
October 29, 2021
Join us for:
Solemnity of All Saints
A Holy Day of Obligation
Monday, Nov. 1
Eucharistic Liturgy, 12:05 p.m.
Madonna della Strada Chapel
All Saints Day – Nov. 1
Alumni
October 29, 2021
Jeffrey Colucci '21 recently embarked on his career in accounting. Here, he shares what he's learned on his first month on the job at KPMG as an audit associate.
As I reflect on my first month as an Audit Associate at KPMG in their New York City Metro practice, I am filled with excitement, nerves and gratitude. During my first week, the new associates had virtual training and we were warmly welcomed to the firm by countless friendly individuals from managers to partners. After I completed the first week of the virtual training, I jumped right into my first engagement and began auditing my first client. I worked on various tasks with my engagement team such as testing expenses, payroll, investments, revenue and more to ensure the financial statements were fairly stated. I had a bit of a heavy workload since it was “busy season” for the client I was assigned to, which has exposed me to various audit procedures and concepts and allowed me to learn more than I ever could have imagined, gaining invaluable technical skills to use on my future engagements. Some days have been challenging as I get acclimated to the new role and do many things for the first time, but the difficult days are the ones where we experience the most growth.
Despite being in a virtual environment, I never feel alone as it couldn’t be easier to message my team and ask to hop on a phone call to answer all my questions (which I’ve had a ton of), regardless of how busy they are. I have been so impressed and grateful for my team’s support, patience and encouragement thus far and appreciate the knowledge they share with me every day.
For the second part of my training, I recently visited Lakehouse, KPMG’s new state-of-the-art learning, development, and innovation center in Florida, which is such an incredible facility that it is hard to put into words. Initially, I was so nervous to attend my first in-person event since I didn’t know anyone, but everyone was so friendly, and I was so grateful for the opportunity to meet other new hires and form relationships! It was priceless to attend this training in-person, especially in such a luxurious and innovative facility, to further develop my audit skills and foster new connections. KPMG’s enormous investment in this training facility and their people is impressive and reminded me that I chose the right firm that really cares about its people and their futures. I’m excited to go in the NYC office for the first time in the coming weeks for more technology training and for lunch to meet more individuals at the firm.
I am so grateful for everyone who helped get me where I am today; my friends and family who are always supporting me, my accounting professors at Scranton for all the knowledge I absorbed from them, all my mentors along the way, and the Center for Career Development who connect students with opportunities such as this one. I’m so excited to see where my career takes me at such a prestigious firm with endless opportunities in front of me!
Recent Graduate Spotlight: Jeffrey Colucci '21
Community
October 29, 2021
Father Columba Stewart, O.S.B., executive director of the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library (HMML) at St. John’s University, received an honorary degree from The University of Scranton at its Fall Lecture in the Humanities held on campus on Oct. 21.
“A Benedictine monk like no other, Father Columba Stewart has traveled to some of the world’s most dangerous places and used state-of-the-art digital technology to preserve early Christian and Islamic manuscripts threatened by destruction from weather, theft, unrest and wars,” read the honorary degree citation presented to Father Stewart. “Through efforts led by Father Stewart, the precious lessons contained in early religious texts are now preserved and can be widely shared for generations to come.”
Father Stewart served as the principal speaker at the lecture at which he presented “Recovering the voices of our ancestors: preserving the world’s endangered manuscript heritage.”
Father Stewart was named HMML’s sixth executive director in 2003. In that role, he travels extensively throughout the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and South Asia cultivating relationships with communities possessing manuscript collections from the early medieval to early modern periods. HMML has photographed tens of thousands of manuscripts in many of the world’s most dangerous and difficult-to-reach places and given priority to preserving the manuscript collections of persecuted or endangered minorities.
Under his leadership, HMML was awarded the 2011 National Medal of Honor from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the highest award a library can receive in the United States. Father Stewart was named by the NEH as the 2019 Jefferson Lecturer in the Humanities, the highest honor the federal government confers for distinguished intellectual achievement in the humanities.
Participating in the Oct. 21 event were Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton; Christian Krokus, Ph.D., associate professor of theology and religious studies; Gretchen J. Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor of political science; Rev. Patrick Rogers, S.J., executive director of the University’s Jesuit Center; and Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Scranton.
$content.getChild('content').textValueFather Columba Stewart Receives Honorary Degree
Community
October 29, 2021
“The Value of Money: Currencies, Bonds, Bitcoin” will be discussed at The University of Scranton’s 35th Henry George Lecture on Wednesday, Nov. 17. The lecture, presented by Yuliy Sannikov, Ph.D., the Jack Steele Parker Professor of Economics at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center.
The lecture is free of charge and open to members of the University community and invited guests.
Dr. Sannikov is an economic theorist whose work has not only broken new ground in methodology, but has had a substantial influence on applied theory. He has made significant contributions to the study of dynamic games, which have applications for the design of securities, contract theory, macroeconomics with financial frictions, market microstructure and collusion.
Dr. Sannikov’s work highlights how even simple and well-studied models can yield new insights. His most recent work tackled complex models in finance and macroeconomics. His methods allow models to include the most important forces and deliver results that are much more relevant. He is one of the few theorists in many years to have introduced a truly novel tool that changed the way theory is done.
Dr. Sannikov was awarded the John Bates Clark Medal in 2016. The Clark Medal is awarded annually to the American economist under the age of forty who is judged to have made the most significant contribution to economic thought and knowledge. He received the Fischer Black Prize in 2015 and the Kiel Excellence Award in Global Economic Affairs in 2014.
Dr. Sannikov’s numerous scholarly articles have appeared in Econometrica, The American Economic Review: Macroeconomics, The Journal of Finance, The Review of Economic Studies and several other journals.
Dr. Sannikov received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Princeton University in 2000 and a Ph.D. in business administration from the Stanford School of Business in 2004. He was a professor in economics at Princeton University from 2008 to 2016.
Considered the preeminent public lecture series on economics in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Henry George Lecture Series is presented by the University’s Economics and Finance Department and the campus chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international honor society for economics. Among the distinguished list of speakers who have spoken at previous lectures are 11 winners of the Nobel Prize in Economics: David Card (2021), Paul Romer (2018), Robert Shiller (2013), Tom Sargent (2011), Peter Diamond (2010), Paul Krugman (2008), Joseph Stiglitz (2001), George Akerlof (2001), Amartya Sen (1998), Robert Lucas (1995) and Robert Solow (1987). The lecture series is named in honor of the 19th century American economist and social reformer and is supported financially by a grant from the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation.
For more information about the Henry George Lecture, call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu. For information regarding campus access and other health and safety information, visit the Royals Back Together webpage.
Currencies, Bonds and Bitcoin Topic of Lecture
Student
October 26, 2021
University of Scranton alumnus and former trustee, Yohuru Williams, Ph.D. ’93 G’93, spoke to members of the University’s class of 2025 about the message of racial justice taken from this year’s Royal Reads assigned book, and how we, as part of a Jesuit institution, are called to do more than just listen.
Dr. Williams began his talk by referencing this year’s Royal Reads book by James Baldwin, “The Fire Next Time,” saying “Baldwin was writing to his nephew, but he was talking to you … The ‘fire’ was his nephew. The ‘fire’ is you.” With this bold interpretation, he went on to challenge listeners to view their individual efforts as part of a larger community effort toward the common good.
As is tradition, the Ignatian Values in Action Lecture introduced first-year students at Scranton to core tenets of Jesuit education, as well as the moral and ethical expectations placed upon student and graduates of the University. After connecting Baldwin’s message to 12 Jesuit characteristics, Dr. Williams transposed these ideals onto modern-day issues by identifying ways in which racial issues continue to present themselves today.
Specifically, Dr. Williams mentioned the killing of George Floyd and included a video clip of the Minneapolis Chief of Police’s reaction to it. Emphasizing that the pursuit of racial justice is a matter of social justice, he went on to identify what makes a Jesuit education stand out.
“A decision to work with others toward the dismantling of unjust social structures so that the weak, the oppressed, the marginalized of this world may be set free. That’s what you signed up for when you signed on for a Jesuit education,” Dr. Williams said.
Using Martin Luther King Jr.’s writings on the purpose of education, Dr. Williams further explained to the class of 2025 that as a student of a Jesuit institution, remedying social injustices needs to be at the forefront of their minds, regardless of what major they are pursuing.
With a final call to reflect on the topics discussed, Williams ended the lecture with a reminder to the audience that “you are the class of 2025, but you are more than that. You are ‘The Fire Next Time.’”
Also speaking at the Ignatian Values in Action Lecture were Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and the student founder of the Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union at the University, Tiannah Adams of New York, New York.
The lecture for first-year students took place in the Byron Recreation Complex on campus and was also streamed to several auditoriums on campus for viewing by other students and members of the University community.
$content.getChild('content').textValueAlumnus Gives Ignatian Values In Action Lecture
General
October 26, 2021
The Office of Sustainability, a part of the Facilities Management Division, and the University Police Department have installed three new Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations.
As electric vehicles become more popular, the presence of EV charging stations on campus will make it more convenient for our campus community and visitors. Two EV chargers are located on level two of the parking pavilion, and one is in the Madison Avenue parking lot. The Madison Avenue location is supplied electricity generated from the University Solar Project.
The EV spaces are open to all faculty, staff, students, and visitors that have electric vehicles. Charging time is limited to four hours per vehicle per day. In addition to a valid University of Scranton parking permit, an EV parking permit is required to use the EV charging stations. A premium of $50 is required on your annual parking permit fee.
Visitors may use the EV charging stations, but they must have a temporary EV charging permit at no charge. If you require any of these special permits, please see Parking Services in the Parking Pavilion.
If you have any questions please contact Mark Murphy, director of Sustainability, at (570) 941-6267 or Catherine Sanderson, coordinator of Parking Services (570) 941-7879.
New EV Charging Stations Installed on Campus
Community
October 26, 2021
On Saturday, Oct. 30, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring the University’s String Orchestra and guest artist John-Morgan Bush. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.
The concert is open to invited guests and all members of the University community. Admission is free, and seating arrangements will include provisions for socially distancing between groups attending together. All audience members must wear masks throughout the performance. University campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage. Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the recital for the most current information on audience COVID-19 mitigation measures (e.g., masking, vaccination, distancing, etc.).
At the concert, Bush will perform as soloist on works by composers Astor Piazzola, Ennio Morricone and Alan Hovhaness, according to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga.
Bush has visited Scranton on many occasions, both as an artist/teacher with The Scranton Brass Orchestra, and as a performer in joint concerts here by the University Singers and the Manhattan School of Music Brass Orchestra.
An award-winning horn player, Bush is the director of lifelong learning at The Juilliard School, where he leads the Evening Division, the school’s continuing education wing. Prior to that, he served as director of learning and leadership programs at the League of American Orchestras, where he worked to provide innovative programming and resources for the orchestral field at the national level. There, he coordinated initiatives including the Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview, the Ford Musician Awards for Excellence in Community Service, the Essentials of Orchestra Management seminar and the National Conference, the largest annual convening of orchestra professionals in the world.
As a concert artist, Bush has maintained a vigorous schedule since winning second prize at the 2008 International Horn Society Solo Competition in Denver. The recipient of the John Clarke Award for Excellence in Brass Performance, he regularly performs with orchestras in the greater New York area and presents innovative solo and chamber music recitals across the region. He has two bachelor's degrees in music performance and music education from the University of Kentucky and a master's degree in classical horn performance from the Manhattan School of Music.
Currently, Bush serves as an adjunct faculty member at the New School University, Mannes School of Music. He was formerly on the music faculty at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he taught courses in applied horn, music education and arts administration, conducted the school’s string ensemble, and was selected as a Difference Maker faculty entrepreneurship fellow.
The University of Scranton String Orchestra is a 25-member string ensemble made up of students from majors spanning the curriculum. There is no music major at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for membership in the University bands, choirs and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Other programs within the department, including small ensemble and chamber ensemble music-making opportunities, guest artist concerts, World Premiere Composition Series, the Nelhybel Collection and Scranton Brass Orchestra, closely coordinate programming with the student ensembles and offer unique opportunities for student musicians in the ensembles to hear, observe, interact and perform with numerous world-class musicians and artist-teachers.
High school juniors and seniors who are considering applying to Scranton are encouraged to contact Performance Music to arrange to sit in on a rehearsal, meet the staff, attend a concert, or tour the building.
For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more info on Bush, visit https://www.johnmorganbush.com.
String Orchestra to Perform with John-Morgan Bush
Student
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton now offers a new undergraduate major in public policy and service, which will prepare students for careers in the public, nonprofit and private sectors or to pursue specialized graduate training in public administration, public policy and nonprofit studies and nonprofit management. The new major, housed in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences and Department of Political Science, is currently enrolling students for the fall 2022 semester.
“A public policy major acquires the knowledge and skills from political science, business, theology and other areas of the curriculum needed to successfully analyze and propose solutions to some of the most complex problems confronting our region, country and world today,” said Michael Allison, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Political Science at The University of Scranton.
The new interdisciplinary major combines coursework from public policy, public administration and nonprofit studies. Students will learn the fundamentals of administration and policymaking in the United States and acquire skills in budgeting, personnel management, policy analysis and program evaluation, in addition to expertise in a specific policy area. Courses include Political Science Research, Policy Analysis, Women’s Right and Status, Environmental Policy Process, Economic Policy and Public Budgeting and Social Welfare Policy, among others.
Students majoring in public policy and service will also complete an internship, community-based learning course or independent study to apply firsthand what they learned in the classroom. Several internship opportunities relevant to the program already exist in the local area in government agencies, nonprofits and the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development. Students will also be able to complete coursework in Washington, D.C., through the Washington Internship Institute and the Washington Center where the University has articulation agreements already in place. The University’s new Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service provides opportunities for student internships, research projects, and training programs, as well as networking opportunities with public officials and alumni working in public service careers.
For additional information, contact the University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 888-727-2686 or email admissions@scranton.edu, or Dr. Allison at 570-941-4392 or michael.allison@scranton.edu.
Public Policy and Service Major Added
General
October 26, 2021
The World Languages and cultures Department is pleased to invite all faculty, staff and students to Spanish Game Night, hosted by FLTA Julia Illarramendi, next Thursday, Oct. 28, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Kane Forum (Leahy 235). Illarramendi will be sharing about the bar culture of Spain and teaching students how to play classic card games.
The event is open to everyone and no registration is required. Sponsored by the World Languages and Cultures Department
Spanish Game Night! All Are Welcome
Student
October 26, 2021
The diamond tip of a massive continent, home to one of the new seven wonders - Table Mountain, South Africa shines with sparkling gems, rich culture and ubuntu (human connection). Fall's final Global Insights will feature Ikechukwu Z. Igbokwe "Zitha," a sophomore accounting and finance double major, and health administration minor, on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021 at 11:30 a.m., in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall 509. Registration is required.
Born in Newark, New Jersey and raised in "Joburg" (Johannesburg), Igbokwe encourages everyone to visit South Africa at least once.
"South Africa is the most entertaining country you can go to. You will never be bored!" he said.
From eating comfort food like a kota, watching soccer, swimming in the Indian Ocean with great whites, and visiting The Big Hole where the first diamonds were discovered, there are sites and activities for everyone.
Rapidly moving away from apartheid, Igbokwe stressed South Africans have worked very hard to cultivate a culture that welcomes diversity and thrives on inclusive, respectful practices. “Open up, listen and share.” The mental health of the communities is a priority. Ubuntu, a Nguni Bantu term meaning "humanity," is used to mean "I am because we are" or "I am because you are." This philosophy drives the compassion, connection and changing culture in South Africa.
Students, faculty and staff are invited to experience the food and traditions at this Global Insights event. Please register here.
This program is being offered by the Office of Global Education, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. For more information, please contact international@scranton.edu or 570-941-4841.
Global Insights Fall Finale: South Africa
Alumni
October 26, 2021
University of Scranton alumnus Thomas Tate, Esq. ’56, spoke to students majoring in physics and engineering during his Oct. 14th visit to campus and toured the exhibit “New Frontiers: The Thomas N. Tate, Esq. ’56 Collection of Aerospace Memorabilia,” which he donated to the University. The collection of items accumulated during his service with the national aerospace program from 1962 through 2003 was displayed in the new 5,300 square-foot, state-of-the-art learning and laboratory space for the Mechanical Engineering program on the first floor of Hyland Hall.
“I know that with philanthropy comes promise and possibilities. I want the next generation of explorers to receive a Catholic and Jesuit education that takes them to discovering their great frontier. Together, our support can redirect their future in ways unimagined,” said Tate of his donation to the University.
Tate spoke to University students at The Institute for Electronics and Electrical Engineering Seminar Series about his personal experience with the aerospace program, which included work on the Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle initiatives.
A native of Olyphant, Tate received his bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University in 1956. His distinguished career spanned four decades, during which he held positions with Rockwell International for 12 years; the federal government, serving on the House of Representatives’ Committee on Science and Technology for 15 years; and an advocacy group, working for the Aerospace Industries Association for 17 years.
His collection will have a permanent home in the mechanical engineering facility in Hyland Hall. The renovated space includes three laboratories, a workshop, a machine shop, and a 16-seat computer lab, as well as faculty offices and a student lounge area. In the facility, 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 to determine material properties such as strength, modulus of elasticity, yield and failure stresses of standard engineering materials.
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.
$content.getChild('content').textValueStudents Hear Firsthand Account of Space Programs
General
October 26, 2021
Please join us for this Interdisciplinary Asian Studies Fall Lecture, "Moral Psychology of Confucian Shame -- Shame of Shamelessness," Wednesday, Oct. 20, 4:30 p.m. Brennan Hall, Room 228 (Pearn Auditorium).
"Is shame a negative concept? Can it have a positive effect on our civic life, personal development, business, politics, or interpersonal relationship? How do the East and the West view "shame" differently? Is shame different from guilt? This talk will analyze the moral psychology of Confucian shame as an embodied moral emotion and virtue necessary for human flourishing from the perspective of interdisciplinary studies, comparative philosophy, and philosophy of cognitive science."
Dr. Bongrae Seok is a professor of philosophy at Alvernia University in Reading, Pennsylvania. His primary research interests lie in comparative philosophy of mind and moral psychology, philosophy of cognitive neuroscience, neuroethics and neuroaesthetics. In his recent books, "Naturalization, Human Flourishing, and Asian Philosophy: Owen Flanagan and Beyond" (Routledge 2020), "Moral Psychology of Confucian Shame: Shame of Shamelessness" (Rowman and Littlefield 2016), and "Embodied Moral Psychology and Confucian Philosophy" (Lexington 2013), he develops an interdisciplinary and comparative approach to moral psychology from the viewpoint of embodied moral emotion (empathy, shame, and flourishing). He also published articles on phenomenology and perception of music (embodied musical imagery, and musical chills) and embodied perception of space from the interdisciplinary perspective of philosophy, psychology, and cognitive neuroscience. He is the Program Chair of the APA (American Philosophical Association) affiliated group of NAKPA (North American Korean Philosophical Association). He has served ACPA (Association of Chinese Philosophers in America) as president from 2018 to 2020.
The lecture is free and open to the whole campus community and invited guests by university students, staff and faculty. For more information, contact Ann A. Pang-White, Director of Asian Studies and Professor of Philosophy, at ann.pang-white@scranton.edu.
Asian Studies Fall Lecture, Oct. 20
General
October 26, 2021
In conjunction with the exhibition "Trespassing on the Domain of Ghosts: Paintings by Andrea Kastner," the Hope Horn Gallery invites you to a Zoom lecture with the artist on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Join via this Zoom link or contact Darlene Miller-Lanning at 570-941-4214 for further information.
Hope Horn Gallery Zoom Lecture
General
October 26, 2021
Colts Campus Connections: Free Local Bus Service for Students, Faculty and Staff
EXCITING NEWS!!!! COLTS has streamlined its service by adding earlier and later service to make routes more efficient!
USE myStop and Google Planner to plan your next outing.
myStop is powered by GPS technology and is accessible by phone, smartphone (both iPhone and Android), tablet, or desktop. myStop allows you the rider to be in charge of your transit needs by providing on-the-go real-time information.
Google Trip Planner tells you what bus to take! Just enter your origin and destination (“from address” and “to address”) and let us plan your trip for you. Google Trip Planner gives you personal options, such as shortest walking distance or least amount of transfers. Google Trip Planner is on the myStop page under the Trip Planner tab on the left side of your screen.
GO TO coltsbus.com for more information and bus schedules.
Free Local Bus Service for Students, Faculty and Staff
Athletics
October 26, 2021
It was another busy week of events for The University of Scranton athletics department, highlighted by the nationally-ranked women's soccer team remaining unbeaten, field hockey doing the same and women's golf completing its fall season with high finishes at three invitational events.
For more on the week that was for Scranton Athletics, check out this week's Royal Review by clicking here.
To follow University of Scranton Athletics all season long, remember to follow the Royals on Twitter and Instagram @RoyalAthletics.
Royal Review - October 19, 2021
Student
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton Players will return to live performances in the Royal Theatre with a bill of three classic one-act plays that celebrate the nature of theatre: Catastrophe by Samuel Beckett, Edward Albee’s The Zoo Story, and The Actor’s Nightmare by Christopher Durang. The evening will last around one hour and a half with an intermission. Performances will be held on Oct. 22, 23 & 24 and Oct. 29, 30, and 31. Performance times are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. All performances will be in person in the Royal Theatre on the campus of The University of Scranton. Actors will be unmasked while on stage. Reservations are required. There are no walk-up tickets that will be sold. The production will be directed by Michael O’Steen.
Reservations can be made at this link or by visiting us at thescrantonplayers.com.
Catastrophe is written by Samuel Beckett, widely recognized as one of the greatest dramatists of the 20th century. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969. Mr. Beckett is most renowned for his play Waiting for Godot. Like no other dramatist before him, Mr. Beckett’s works capture the pathos and ironies of modern life yet still maintain his faith in man’s capacity for compassion and survival, no matter how absurd his environment may have become.
Edward Albee’s The Zoo Story was a theatrical phenomenon when it first appeared in the 1950s. In it, a man sits peacefully reading in the sunlight in Central Park. There enters a second man. He is a young, unkempt and undisciplined vagrant where the first is neat, ordered, well-to-do and conventional. The vagrant is a soul in torture and rebellion. He longs to communicate so fiercely that he frightens and repels his listener. He is a man drained of all hope who, in his passion for company, seeks to drain his companion. With provocative humor and unrelenting suspense, the young savage slowly, but relentlessly, brings his victim down to his own atavistic level as he relates a story about his visit to the zoo.
The Actor’s Nightmare is a comedic romp through the world of theatre by the acclaimed comic playwright Christopher Durang. Having casually wandered onstage, George is informed that one of the actors, Eddie, has been in an auto accident and he must replace him immediately. Apparently, no one is sure of what play is being performed but George (costumed as Hamlet) seems to find himself in the middle of a scene from Private Lives, surrounded by such luminaries as Sarah Siddons, Dame Ellen Terry and Henry Irving. As he fumbles through one missed cue after another the other actors shift to Hamlet, then a play by Samuel Beckett, and then a climactic scene from what might well be A Man for All Seasons—by which time the disconcerted George has lost all sense of contact with his fellow performers. Yet, in the closing moments of the play, he rises to the occasion and finally says the right lines, whereupon make-believe suddenly gives way to reality as the executioner’s axe (meant for Sir Thomas Moore) instead sends poor George to oblivion—denying him a well-earned curtain call.
The company of 3 for One-Act features: Keenan Beveridge, Katherine Carter, Geoff Pizzuto, Neely Rice, Wilmarr Saint Surin, Andrew Vizzard, and Grace Washney.
If you have any questions, email players@scranton.edu or visit us at thescrantonplayers.com.
The University of Scranton Players is an academic theatre program that brings exceptional theatre to Northeastern Pennsylvania every season. The Players’ productions feature University of Scranton students in a mix of classical and contemporary works under the direction and mentorship of award-winning faculty and guest artists.
For more information, contact players@scranton.edu or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
University Players to Present Three Classic One Acts in One Sitting
Student
October 26, 2021
Campus Ministries will spend the next several months preparing students to receive the Sacraments of Initiation of the Catholic Church.
Awni Pimentel ’24, a political science major, will prepare to receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Michael Juraga ’24, who is studying criminal justice, is a candidate for Confirmation.
Nia Long ‘ 22, a neuroscience major, is a Catechumen who will be preparing for full initiation into the Catholic Church through baptism, confirmation and Eucharist.
Campus Ministries asks you to join them in praying for the students this year as they continue to discern their faith and prepare to receive the Sacraments.
Students Preparing for the Sacraments
Community
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton will host two in-person Open House events for prospective students and their families on Sunday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Nov. 7., allowing prospective students and their families to see first-hand the Jesuit school’s state-of-the-art labs in the sciences, physical and occupation therapy, nursing, engineering, kinesiology and other programs. Participants can also see the University’s cyber forensics and cyber security labs and its Alperin Financial Center.
At the Open House, participants can learn about Scranton’s 69 undergraduate majors, meet with faculty, students, admissions counselors and financial aid representatives. Student-led campus tours will be conducted throughout the day and will include residence halls, dining halls, computer labs, science labs and academic facilities.
In addition, representatives of student organizations, athletic teams and Scranton’s programs of excellence, such as the undergraduate Honors Program, Faculty-Student Research Program, Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Magis Honors Program in STEM, Business Honors Program and Business Leadership Honors Program, will also be available. The full schedule for Open House can be seen here.
The University of Scranton has been consistently recognized among America’s best colleges in numerous college guidebooks and national rankings. For 27 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Scranton among the 10 top Master’s Universities in the North. 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.
For additional information, contact Scranton’s Admissions Office at 1-888-SCRANTON or visit Scranton’s Open House webpage.
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General
October 26, 2021
Note: Access to the campus is currently limited to members of the University community, invited guests and others as listed in the Royals Back Together plan. Campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage.
Nov. 4 Noon. Schemel Forum and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “This Community’s Medical College: How advances in pedagogy and technology, and the pandemic, have shaped medical education in the 21st century” presented by Steven Scheinman, M.D., president and dean, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; executive vice president and chief academic officer, Geisinger. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu
Nov. 7 9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu.
Nov. 9 5:30 p.m. Schemel Forum and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Beethoven’s Deafness: Psychological Crises and Artistic Triumph” presented by Richard Kogan, M.D., clinical professor of psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College and artistic director, Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Program. Reception to follow. Scranton Cultural Center at Masonic Temple. Registration required. $30. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Nov. 9 7 p.m. Fail Forward Panel Discussion about navigating setbacks with Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Tara Hamilton-Fay, faculty specialist, biology; and Randy Shemanski, associate director, athletics. Event is part of the University’s Resilient Royals initiative. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Open to University community only. Free. Call 570-941-4253 or email chew@scranton.edu.
Nov. 12 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” The University of Scranton Jazz Ensemble with guest artist Benny Benack III, voice and trumpet. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
Nov. 17 7:30 p.m. 35th Henry George Lecture: “The Value of Money: Currencies, Bonds, Bitcoin” presented by Yuliy Sannikov, the Jack Steele Parker Professor of Economics at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu.
Nov. 18-20 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. “The Addams Family” presented by Liva Arts Company. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. $7. Call 570-941-7401 or email joelle.cote@scranton.edu.
Nov. 20 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Symphonic Band. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
University Announces November Events
Community
October 26, 2021
“All public service is a trust given in faith and accepted in honor,” words inscribed over the front door of the Finance Building in Harrisburg, remind U.S. Senator Bob Casey of the promise and expectation of public servants, and, now, can be words to inspire and guide the work of the new Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service at The University of Scranton.
Senator Casey was among the speakers at the opening of the Center that will serve 13 counties in Northeast Pennsylvania. In his remarks, he quoted from the mission of the Center “to advocate for and promote the common good of all through programs that support the development of ethical and competent public officials and of civically knowledgeable, responsible and engaged community members,” noting that the region– and the nation – need both competent and ethical leaders now more than ever.
JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science and co-director of the Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service, said in her remarks that “according to Pew Research Center, public trust in government has been near to historic lows for more than a decade.” She said the work of the Center “will reach out to local community members, providing them with the tools and resources they need to hold their elected officials accountable. We plan to engage with public officials or those who hope to run for office to help educate and provide support, through workshops, certificate programs and opportunities for networking.”
Dr. Hopper, who will co-direct the Center with University Political Science Professor Jean Harris, Ph.D., also said the Center will provide internships, research opportunities, mentorships and training that will allow University students to “become competent and ethical leaders in our local communities.”
Clara Downey, a junior political science major at the University who is serving as an intern for The Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service, said in her remarks that she has seen “first-hand what Dr. Hopper and Dr. Harris are working to offer students, and similarly how important it is for students, most especially Jesuit educated students, to be active and knowledgeable voters. The work we are starting here in the Center will enable my peers and I to not only be better people, but to enact real change in our world, because locality is where that has to start.”
Downey, Easthampton, Massachusetts, is also a Student Government Senator at Scranton.
Also speaking at the opening were Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
The Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service will be housed in the University’s Political Science Department of the College of Arts and Sciences. The 13 counties served by the Center are Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Montour, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming.
Members of the Center’s Steering Committee are Michael Allison, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Political Science; Julie Schumacher-Cohen, assistant vice president for community engagement and government affairs; Michael Jenkins, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology and executive director of the University’s Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime; Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and faculty director of the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Humanities; and Donna Witek, professor, Weinberg Memorial Library.
The University offers a new major in public policy and service.
Additional information about the Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service can be seen on its website (www.scranton.edu/ceeps), or by contacting Dr. Harris or Dr. Hopper at the Political Science Department at CEEPS@scranton.edu or 570-941-6326.
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Community
October 26, 2021
Performance Music at The University of Scranton will welcome back acclaimed cellist Mark Kosower, principal cellist of The Cleveland Orchestra, for a solo performance as part of his unique recital series “Bach for Humanity,” on Sunday, Oct. 24. The recital will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.
The concert is open to all members of the University community and invited guests. Admission is free. Seating arrangements will include provisions for socially distancing between groups attending together and masks must be worn by audience members at the recital.
Kosower has performed at the University several times in recent years. In 2018, he launched “Bach for Humanity,” a three-year commitment to bringing the composer’s cello suites and arrangements of his violin sonatas and partitas to both conventional and nonconventional venues, including concert halls, educational institutions, community centers and senior residences, through Ohio, the region and the nation.
Kosower will also offer a masterclass for members of the University’s string orchestra during his visit.
Currently the principal cello for the Cleveland Orchestra, Kosower has been called “a virtuoso of staggering prowess” by the Cleveland Plain Dealer. From 2006 to 2010, he served as the solo cellist of the Bamberg Symphony in Germany.
Kosower has performed as soloist with symphony orchestras throughout the world, including Rotterdam Philharmonic, Orchestre de Paris, China National Symphony in Beijing, National Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan, Brazilian Symphony Orchestra and the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra, and is a frequent guest at international chamber music festivals, including Santa Fe, Eastern Music, North Shore Chamber Music, Japan’s Pacific Music Festival and Colorado’s Strings Music Festival.
He has recorded for the Ambitus, Delos, Naxos International and VAI labels, and was the first cellist to record the complete music for solo cello of Alberto Ginastera, which he completed for Naxos. From those recordings, he was described as a “powerful advocate of Ginastera’s art” by Music-Web International, and Strings Magazine noted of his Hungarian music album (also with Naxos) that “the music allows Kosower to showcase his stunning virtuosity, passionate intensity and elegant phrasing.”
A member of the faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Kent Blossom Music Festival, Kosower also teaches a week of classes at California:s Hidden Valley Music Seminars in Carmel Valley each summer, and has served as a visiting distinguished professor at the University of Oregon. He has given masterclasses around the world, and served as professor of cello and chamber music at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music from 2005-2007.
Kosower’s June 2020 appearance on Performance Music’s “Scranton Isolation Informances” series can be viewed at: https://fb.watch/8CQacWoKHI/.
All audience members must wear masks throughout the performance. University campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage. Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the recital for the most current information on audience COVID-19 mitigation measures (e.g., masking, vaccination, distancing, etc.).
For more information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more on Kosower, visit clevelandorchestra.com/discover/meet-the-musicians/cellos/kosower-mark.
Acclaimed Cellist Mark Kosower to Perform Oct. 24
Community
October 26, 2021
Portrait of Scranton, Portrait of a Nation: Scranton in the Popular Imagination Keynote Lecture with author Jay Parini & Panel and Audience Discussion will be held Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. in the Scranton Cultural Center.
The event will open with a keynote lecture from Jay Parini, Scranton-born prolific author, followed by a panel discussion with humanities faculty and community leaders from Northeastern Pennsylvania. They will explore the forces that contributed to the celebrity of Scranton as "The All American City," and consider how and if Scranton in the popular and national imagination, reflects the Scranton of today.
Registration is required here.
Featured panelists are Jay Parini, D.E. Axinn, professor of English and creative writing, Middlebury College; Glynis Johns, founder & CEO, Black Scranton Project; Joseph Kraus, Ph.D., professor & department chair English and theatre, The University of Scranton; and Maria MacDonald, executive director, Center for the Living City.
For more information on all programs, please email community@scranton.edu or call 570-941-4419.
COVID-19 Protocols: Masks are required indoors regardless of vaccination status.
Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story, has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this project do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
This event is a collaboration of The University of Scranton, along with the Black Scranton Project, Center for the Living City, Lackawanna County Department of Arts &. Culture, Lackawanna Historical Society, and WVIA, with the support of additional project partner organizations.
Scranton in the Popular Imagination, Oct. 19
Community
October 26, 2021
Father Columba Stewart, O.S.B., executive director of the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library (HMML) at St. John’s University, will deliver The University of Scranton’s Fall Lecture in the Humanities on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 5 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center. He will present “Recovering the voices of our ancestors: preserving the world’s endangered manuscript heritage.”
The University will bestow an honorary degree upon Father Stewart at the lecture, which is open to members of the University community and invited guests.
“Through his drive and initiative, Father Columba has rescued, saved, digitally archived and shared with the world ancient religious texts that were in jeopardy of being lost forever,” said Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton. “We are delighted to recognize his lifelong commitment both to the Church and to the preservation of the world’s religious history by bestowing upon him an honorary degree.”
Father Stewart was named HMML’s sixth executive director in 2003. In that role, he travels extensively throughout the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and South Asia cultivating relationships with communities possessing manuscript collections from the early medieval to early modern periods. Although HMML’s original efforts targeted primarily Christian collections in various European locations, under Father Stewart’s leadership, HMML’s non-European manuscript preservation projects have increased from one project in Lebanon to projects located in more than a dozen countries. During this time, HMML has photographed tens of thousands of manuscripts in many of the world’s most dangerous and difficult-to-reach places and given priority to preserving the manuscript collections of persecuted or endangered minorities.
“Father Columba believes it is important to preserve these early Christian and interreligious and intercultural documents, manuscript and artifacts from our past because they help us understand not only those specific societies and cultures, but also because they help us understand more fully our connectedness as human beings,” said Gretchen J. Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor of political science at The University of Scranton, who first met Father Stewart when she was a Resident Scholar at the Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research in Collegeville, Minnesota, during the 2018-2019 academic year.
Since 2003, Father Stewart has secured more than $11 million in funding from leading private foundations and government agencies, including the Arcadia Fund, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Henry Luce Foundation, Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. These funders have fueled HMML’s increased field operations and supported the creation and expansion of HMML’s online platform, the largest and most comprehensive digital collection of manuscripts ever created. The online collections are available to registered users to browse through tens of thousands of manuscripts at no cost. Under his leadership HMML also completed a record-setting capital campaign in 2017 that raised more than $20 million to support HMML’s digital manuscript preservation goals and renovate HMML’s facilities in Collegeville.
Under his leadership, HMML was awarded the 2011 National Medal of Honor from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the highest award a library can receive in the United States. Father Stewart was named by the NEH as the 2019 Jefferson Lecturer in the Humanities, the highest honor the federal government confers for distinguished intellectual achievement in the humanities.
Fr. Columba has been featured on many national and international media outlets, including the CBS News program 60 Minutes, BBC World News, PBS’s Religion and Ethics Newsweekly as well as in The Economist, Harvard Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, NEH’s Humanities Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and The Chronicle of Higher Education. In December 2019, he wrote a cover story for America specifically highlighting the long Benedictine determination to preserve ancient texts around the world.
Father Stewart has published extensively in his research field of early Christian monasticism and is much in demand as a presenter and lecturer. He has received numerous grants and fellowships for his own scholarship, including being named a Guggenheim Fellow and a resident member of the School of Historical Studies at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, among others.
Father Stewart earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and his master’s degree from Yale University. After further studies at Saint John’s University School of Theology, he earned his D.Phil. from the University of Oxford, England. He professed vows as a Benedictine monk of Saint John’s Abbey, Collegeville, in 1982 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1990. In 1989, he joined the faculty of the graduate School of Theology and undergraduate Department of Theology at Saint John’s University. He also currently serves as the Benedictine in residence at the Collegeville Institute.
Fall Lecture in the Humanities Set for Oct. 21
Community
October 26, 2021
Performance Music at The University of Scranton will welcome back acclaimed N.Y.C. organist and composer Alexander Pattavina for a recital on Friday, Oct. 15. The recital will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.
The concert is open to invited guests of Performance Music and all members of the University community. Admission is free and seating arrangements will include provisions for socially distancing between groups attending together.
At the recital, Pattavina will perform works by Bach, Dupre, Ireland, Swinnen and Widor on the Houlihan-McLean Center’s completely restored Austin Opus 301 symphonic organ. Since restoring the organ, Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga has made it a point to bring world-class organists to the University.
“We’re delighted to have Alex back. He’s not only an amazing organist, he’s also a truly nice guy, and the kids enjoy having him around,” Boga said. “What’s especially interesting is that he’s not only an organist, but also a composer and advocate for the organ and organ music – he’s so passionate and so articulate.”
“There’s just something about Paul Jacobs’ students; I want to know what his “magic pill” is. They’re like preachers for the organ,” Boga continued. “There’s something about how they craft these really interesting programs that have this way of all hanging together. They really explain to the audience in very interesting ways about how and why they crafted the program without being condescending.”
A native of Stoughton, Massachusetts, Pattavina is a recent graduate of The Juilliard School, having earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in organ performance under the tutelage of Paul Jacobs. He is the director of music at the Church of Saint Agnes in New York City. Pattavina is the first-place winner of the 2019 Albert Schweitzer Organ Festival. He also received first place in the 2014 L. Cameron Johnson Competition in Storrs, Connecticut, among other awards. Formerly, he worked as organ scholar of Christ Church in Bronxville, New York, under conductor Philip Stopford. An avid composer, his choral work, All in a Stable Cold and Bare (2016), is published by Hal Leonard.
The Houlihan-McLean Center’s Austin Opus 301 symphonic organ was built in 1910 by the Austin Organ Company of Hartford, Connecticut, for Scranton’s Immanuel Baptist Church. Restored and re-dedicated by the University in 2006, the organ is one of the few rare surviving original examples of early 20th-century organ building, possessing a total of 3,178 pipes, 45 ranks and four manuals. The instrument is maintained by artist/technicians from Emery Brothers/Dieffenbach organs.
All audience members must wear masks throughout the performance. University campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage. Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the recital for the most current information on audience COVID-19 mitigation measures (e.g., masking, vaccination, distancing, etc.).
For more information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music.
Organist Alexander Pattavina Will Perform Oct. 15
Community
October 26, 2021
On Saturday, Oct. 23, at 1 p.m., The University of Scranton and the Center for the Living City with community partners will host a special “Jane Jacobs Walk Downtown Scranton – a Living City” event. This Jane Jacobs Walk will encompass different parts of downtown Scranton, offering participants an opportunity to observe architecture, streetscape and city life with a focus on Lackawanna Avenue. This Jane Jacobs Walk will draw on themes in the recently published Jane Jacobs’s First City by Glenna Lang to consider questions around Scranton’s history, development, place, and identity.
The walk will begin at AFA Gallery located at 101 Penn Ave, Scranton, is free and open to the public. This walk will be led by guide/host Wayne Evans, broker and owner Wayne Evans Realty. Evans is an active Scranton community member and former Mayor of Scranton (2019). He currently serves on several Boards of Directors, including the Architectural Heritage Association, Scranton Tomorrow and Neighborworks.
Space is limited. Registration is required at: surveymonkey.com/r/JaneJacobsWalk. The event will utilize wireless headsets, in collaboration with the Scranton Fringe Festival, to ensure that participants can hear the guide’s comments and maintain comfortable distancing. COVID 19 Protocols: Masks are not required outdoors but are required inside the AFA Gallery.
The Jane Jacobs Walk is a part of the first theme, “Portrait of Scranton, Portrait of a Nation,” in the multi-year National Endowment for the Humanities grant project “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story.” Additional theme events include a special keynote talk by author and native Scrantonian Jay Parini with respondent panel and audience Q&A on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 7 pm at the Scranton Cultural Center. This event is also free and open to the public with registration required: surveymonkey.com/r/ImagineScranton
This Jane Jacobs Walk is a collaboration of The University of Scranton, the Center for the Living City, the Lackawanna Historical Society, Scranton Fringe and WVIA with the support of additional project partner organizations. This Jane Jacobs Walking Tour has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
Follow “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” on Facebook and Instagram @ourscrantonstory and on Twitter @scrantonstory. For more information on all programs, please email community@scranton.edu or call 570-941-4419.
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this walk do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Jane Jacobs Walk to Explore Downtown Scranton’s Lackawanna Avenue, a Living City
General
October 26, 2021
Please join the Asian Studies Asia Club Open House on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 5 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Brennan Hall, Room 509 (Rose Room). All are welcome! Short presentations and student contests exhibit centered on "Think Globally, Think Asia!" will be on display throughout the event.
All participants will be entered for a free raffle of a $25 e-card.
Asian Studies Asia Club Open House
Student
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton has awarded 18 students from its class of 2025 four-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarships.
Presidential Scholarships are awarded to incoming first-year students with outstanding records in high school and notable community involvement. The scholarship covers four years of full tuition provided that the student maintains at least a 3.25 grade point average.
Gabrielle Bingener, Barto, graduated as salutatorian from Boyertown Area Senior High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society. She played on her school’s junior varsity and varsity field hockey teams. Bingener was elected soprano section leader for her school’s chorus, select singers and show choir. She earned the Karma for Cara national grant for her work with the GreenAllies network providing student grown organic produce to local food insecure families. A member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, Bingener will major in neuroscience. She is the daughter of Ken and Barb Bingener, who is a 1990 graduate of The University of Scranton.
Grace Boyle, South Abington Township, graduated from Scranton Preparatory School with gold and silver medals on the national Latin exam and a silver medal on the national Spanish exam. She was a member of the National Honor Society. She served as president of her school’s yoga club, secretary of the Kiva microfinance club and participated in the Climate Change Awareness Club and Nonprofit Leadership Club. She performed at various piano competitions, including one at Carnegie Hall. Boyle also volunteered with representative Bridget Malloy Kosierowski’s 2020 campaign and at vacation bible school at the Church of Saint Gregory in Clarks Green. A member of University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Boyle has not yet declared a major. She is the daughter of Dr. John Boyle, who graduated from The University of Scranton in 1987, and Kathleen Boyle, who graduated from The University of Scranton in 1991.
Stephen Butler, Telford, graduated from Souderton Area School District. An AP scholar with distinction, he was a member of the National Honor Society, as well as the Athletic Leadership Council, and the Principal Student Advisory Council. He served as a peer tutor for math and chemistry. He played four years of varsity golf, two of which he was captain, and played and was captain of the varsity tennis team for one year. After four years on the Academic Challenge team, he spent the latter two as the team’s captain. He was an alter server at Saint Maria Goretti Church in Hatfield. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM, Butler will major in neuroscience and philosophy with a biochemistry minor on the premed track. He is the son of Nathan and Stephanie Butler.
Amanda Campbell, Farmingville, New York, graduated from Sachem East High School. An AP scholar with honors, she received the New York State Board of Regents Award and the United States Presidential Award for Education Excellence, as well as multiple academic awards at her high school. She served as president of her school’s National Honor Society, publicity director of Student Government, secretary of the National Art Honor Society and was a member of the National Math Honor Society, Rho Kappa History Honor Society, National Science Honor Society and National Foreign Language Honor Society. Along with participation in various community events such as the Memory Project, Light the Night and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation walks, she organized an ALS Ride for Life walk and a Thanksgiving food drive for local families. Campbell will major in occupational therapy with a minor in studio art. She is the daughter of Michael and Kristie Campbell.
Cabre Capalongo, Scranton, graduated from West Scranton High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society and the Tomorrow's Leaders Today program. She also participated in the Scholastic Bowl competition and earned first honors in mathematics. She was captain of both the freshman basketball cheer team and the varsity football cheer team. She served as treasurer of her school’s Art Club and its Spanish Club. Capalongo volunteered with the Feed a Friend program, Matthew’s Mission and Alex’s Lemonade Stand. A member the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, Capalongo will major in biology on the pre-veterinary track. She is the daughter of Dino and Tracy Capalongo, who earned her bachelor’s degree in 1996 and master’s degree in 2002 from The University of Scranton.
Arissa Chambers, Henryville, graduated from Pocono Mountain East High School. An AP scholar with distinction, she was a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and the Psi Alpha Honor Society. She was captain of her school’s color guard and Envirothon teams and also participated in mock trial, Science Olympiad and Biology Olympics. She participated in her school’s speech and debate team, Leo Club, and the East Pride Initiative Committee. Chambers was a member of the Mount Pocono Borough Junior Council and involved in the Pocono Mountain East gifted program, where she helped with giving tree toy donations and food drives. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM, Chambers will major in biology. She is the daughter of Dave and Stacey Chambers.
Bella Davis, Atlantic Beach, New York, graduated from Sacred Heart Academy. She was a member of the National Honor Society and National Science Honor Society. She was a four-year member of her school’s varsity swim team, the last of which she served as team captain. Additionally, she swam competitively for the Long Island Aquatic Club. Davis was a member of her school’s Key Club, She’s the First Club and Students for Free Tibet Club. She served as an assistant coach for girls basketball and volleyball teams as part of the Catholic Youth Organization program. Davis will major in kinesiology with a guaranteed seat in the University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She is the daughter of Stephen Davis and Maureen Horan.
Patrick DelBalso, Plains Township, graduated as valedictorian of his class from Holy Redeemer High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society. He won the Spiritus Christi award, was named a Citizens’ Voice Scholastic Superstar, and is a Piano Guild’s 5-year national winner. DelBalso played on his school’s basketball, baseball and track and field teams as well as for the Amateur Athletic Union and American Legion. He was class representative, commissioner and treasurer of Student Council and involved in Student Leadership Club. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, DelBalso will major in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology. He is the son of Pat and Leane DelBalso, who is a 1994 graduate of The University of Scranton.
Nicolas Hipolito Jr., Scranton, graduated from West Scranton High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society and a graduate of The University of Scranton’s University of Success program. He won first place for the 2019-2020 PTA Reflection Literature Contest for the Scranton area. In high school, he was the vice president of his senior class. He was also active in his school’s art club, speech and debate team, PRIDE Club, Red Cross Club and was a National Academy Foundation member. In the community, he volunteered with the Friends of the Poor annual Thanksgiving dinner and, through his school clubs, with Mathew’s Mission’s Breakfast with Santa. He also worked more than 3,000 hours at Walmart as a front-end associate/health ambassador. Hipolito will major in mathematics. He is the son of Irma Retamar.
Samantha Hoffmann, Millington, New Jersey, graduated as salutatorian from Watchung Hills Regional High School, earning a New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. A National Merit Commended Scholar, she was a member of the National Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society. She played on her school’s varsity soccer team as well as with the NJ Elite Soccer Club. She served as president, vice president and treasurer of her school’s Red Cross Club during her four years in high school. As part of the INTERACT Community Service Club, Hoffmann volunteered at the Matheny Medical and Education Center. She is also a volunteer EMT with the Long Hill First Aid Squad. A member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, Hoffmann will major in chemistry. She is the daughter of Lisa and Michael Hoffmann.
Mary Krichbaum, Maine, New York, graduated from Maine-Endwell High School. A member of the National Honor Society, she participated in BAE Systems Engineering Pathfinder program. A member of the varsity cross country and track teams, she was awarded New York State Scholar Athlete four years in a row. She was a chemistry tutor. She also participated in the New York State School Music Association solo festival as a member of her school’s symphonic band. Additionally, Krichbaum participated in the Girl-Up Club, Key Club and the Mathletes Team. She regularly volunteered at various community programs at Most Holy Rosary Church and the Mercy House of the Southern Tier, among other organizations. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM, Krichbaum will major in chemistry. She is the daughter of Jean and John Krichbaum.
Grace McDonald, Jamison, graduated from Central Bucks High School East. A National Merit scholar and an AP scholar with distinction, she was a member of the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society. She was president of her school’s Mock Trial Team and the East-Holicong Tutoring Club, as well as a Class Council representative. Outside of school, McDonald played travel soccer for the Vereinigung Erzgebirge Club and was captain of her team. She worked as a nursing assistant at a pulmonary practice. She volunteered at the YMCA and local community events. A member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, McDonald will major in biochemistry. She is the daughter of Thomas and Karen McDonald, who is a 1994 graduate of The University of Scranton.
Elizabeth McKechney, Fairport, New York, graduated from Fairport Public High School. An AP scholar with distinction, she was a member of the National Honor Society and served as secretary of her school’s German National Honors Society. She won the New York State Senate Leadership Award. McKechney was vice president of Outreach for FIRST Fairport Robotics team from 2019 to 2020. Through this team, she ran a Knitting for a Cause initiative that knitted and distributed over five hundred masks to local essential workers at the beginning of the pandemic. Additionally, she served as a worship leader in Pittsford Community Church’s youth group and a religious education teacher at St. John of Rochester Church. McKechney will major in nursing. She is the daughter of Michael and Heather McKechney.
Liam Moran, Scranton, graduated from Scranton High School. He is a member of the National Honor Society. He participated in the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University. He participated in both his school’s orchestra and in district orchestra. Moran served as captain of his school’s soccer and track and field teams and was a Lackawanna League First Team Soccer All Star. He participated in the Coaches vs. Cancer and Feed a Friend programs. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM, Moran will major in biology. He is the son of Patrick and Leslie Moran.
Theresa Pham, Philadelphia, graduated as valedictorian from Archbishop John Carroll High School with the United States Presidential Award for Educational Excellence. An AP scholar with distinction, she was the executive board tutoring chair for her school’s National Honor Society. She was involved in the Community Service Corps, Hi-Q, Best Buddies program and Student Ambassadors. In her church, she served as a volunteer church pianist, an altar server and a lector. She was a dance leader at her cultural dance program. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM, Pham will major in biology. She is the daughter of Duc Pham and Trang Nguyen.
Alexandra Shomali, Ellicott City, Maryland, graduated from Notre Dame Preparatory School. A National Merit Commended Scholar and AP scholar with distinction, she was a member of the National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, National French Honor Society and National Music Honor Society. She was a recipient of the Rensselaer Medal. She also participated in Tri-M, French Club and the Ambassador Club. In high school, she played first chair clarinet in concert band as well as tenor saxophone in jazz band. Outside of school, she played for the Catholic University of America Honor Band. Shomali was awarded the Maryland Music Educators Association Solo and Ensemble first place medals. She played for the Soccer Association of Columbia. She spent summers mentoring Baltimore City children at Camp Umoja. Additionally, she was a concert manager at UNMUTE and participated in Leadership U. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM, she will major in neuroscience on the pre-med track. She is the daughter of Mansur and Margaret Shomali.
Anthony Torres, New Milford, graduated as salutatorian from Blue Ridge High School. An AP scholar with distinction, he was a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society. He was a Hispanic Scholar of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. He was captain of his school’s Scholastic Bowl and Envirothon teams. With the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, he was involved in both district and regional band and orchestra, as well as all-state wind ensemble. Additionally, he played in the Pennsylvania Lions All-State Band as well as the Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble and American Youth Wind Ensembles. He was head manager of his school’s varsity basketball, soccer and track and field teams. He served as a lector, an altar server, a youth choir member and a cantor at Holy Name of Mary Church in Montrose. He was involved in various community programs such as the Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Relay for Life programs. Torres will major in biochemistry. He is the son of Israel and Marilyn Torres.
Grace Washney, West Wyoming, graduated as valedictorian from Wyoming Area Secondary Center. An AP scholar with honor, she received first, second and third place medals in hovercraft, astronomy and mission possible, respectively, for her school’s Science Olympiad Team, as well as first place in Health Care Administration for her school’s Future Business Leaders of America program. She played basketball and served as captain of the varsity field hockey team and won her school’s award for the highest average of a student athlete. Washney was also a member of the Key Club and Student Council. Working with the Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre program as a member of the class of 2021 and as a senior advisor, she collaborated with a local wellness center to raise more than three thousand dollars for World Cancer Day and create 100 boxes for the Jared Box organization. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Programs in STEM, she will major in biochemistry and philosophy on the premed track. She is the daughter of Robert and Jennifer Washney-Thomas, who is a 1987 graduate of The University of Scranton.
Scranton Names Class of 2025 Presidential Scholars
Alumni
October 26, 2021
Three college resource websites for prospective students have ranked The University of Scranton among the top 25 best Catholic colleges in the nation in recently published rankings. The rankings include some of the most prestigious Catholic universities in America.
Niche.com ranked Scranton No. 22 among the 2022 “Best Catholic Colleges in America,” which is a ranking based on key statistics and student reviews. The ranking is based on their analysis of academic, admissions, financial and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education along with millions of reviews from students and alumni. Niche.com ranked Scranton No. 2 among the “Best Catholic Colleges in Pennsylvania.”
College Factual ranked Scranton No. 17 in its 2022 list of “Best Colleges Affiliated as Roman Catholic Nationwide.” The national ranking is based their analysis of retention and graduation rates, student loan default rates, overall average post- graduation earnings based on PayScale and College Scorecard data, among other data.
College Choice ranked Scranton No. 23 among the “Best Catholic Colleges and Universities” in the nation, published in June 2021. The ranking was based on their analysis of the college’s reputation, net cost, financial aid and average graduate salary, which used publicly available data from websites of the schools, the National Center for Educational Statistics, U.S. News and World Report and Payscale.com.
Scranton Among Top 25 Catholic Colleges in Nation
Athletics
October 26, 2021
Despite the University going on fall break, it was another busy week for Athletics, highlighted by the field hockey and women's soccer teams remaining unbeaten in the year.
For more on the week that was for Scranton Athletics, check out this week's Royal Review by clicking here.
To follow University of Scranton Athletics all season long, remember to follow the Royals on Twitter and Instagram @RoyalAthletics
Royal Review - October 12, 2021
Student
October 26, 2021
Follow the University's clubs, organizations, departments and teams on social media!
Get a list of the various social media accounts on our social media hub. Manage an account for a University-based club or organization, but it isn't listed here? Email us at socialmediaintern@scranton.edu.
Need resources before you get started, such as best practices or community guidelines? Go to our social media page to find the resources you need.
And, don't forget, follow the University's main accounts here:
Who are YOU Following?
Student
October 26, 2021
English Literature 184: Shakespeare in Staunton, will meet at the American Shakespeare Center in VA, beginning Jan. 26, 2022.
The course schedule is as follows:
MWF 1:00-1:50 p.m. (From Jan. 26-Mar. 11)
Travel component (Mar. 13-20 during Spring Break)
MWF 1:00-1:50 p.m.(From Mar. 21-Apr. 1)
Trip includes:
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Transportation to Staunton, VA for a one-week residency at the American Shakespeare Center (ASC)
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Tickets to performances of plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries
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Filmed performances of ASC productions of Shakespeare plays
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Tours, lectures, and workshops on various theatrical topics
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Excursions to the Frontier Culture Museum and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
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Final Banquet
To register contact Dr. Michael Friedman at michael.friedman@scranton.edu
Projected Cost: Approximately $1,500 (depending on the number of registered students)
**This course counts as a Humanities Elective (CL) or as a major elective for English majors. It may be taken as part of a student's regular load in the spring semester, so it offers a way to take a travel course
Spring 2022 Domestic Travel Course
Staff
October 26, 2021
For members who are enrolled in the University's health care, you can:
- Access your virtual member ID card any time.
- Find in-network doctors, facilities or compare costs of procedures.
- Find answers to benefit questions.
- See recent claims activity.
- View covered family members' plan information.
- Use fingerprint or face recognition for quick, secure sign-in.
Download the Highmark Plan app from your phone's app store:
Use the same login info from the member website if you already have an account. If you've never registered before, you can sign up right on the app by clicking "Register."
Access Your Highmark Plan Information Anytime
Student
October 26, 2021
Students, join us for the Virtual Career Expo on Oct. 21, a special online event for all majors to explore opportunities - internships, jobs and grad/professional schools.
Students can register in advance (to be included in a raffle), or the day of, to meet with recruiters.
The event is Thursday, Oct. 21 from 12 - 3 p.m.
Students: Go to scranton.joinhandshake.com for more information and to register.
Virtual Career Expo, Oct. 21
Faculty
October 26, 2021
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) has a monthly raffle during the academic year for members of the University who submit external grant proposals. ORSP will randomly select a name from all faculty and staff members who have applied for an external grant during that time period. September's winner is Dr. Hank Willenbrink.
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Raffle Winner
Athletics
October 26, 2021
It was another big week for The University of Scranton athletics department last week, as three teams remained unbeaten, one extended their current winning streak to 11 games, and another finished off their fall schedule strong.
For more on the week that was for Scranton Athletics, check out this week's Royal Review by clicking here.
To follow University of Scranton Athletics all season long, remember to follow the Royals on Twitter and Instagram @RoyalAthletics.
Royal Review - October 5, 2021
General
October 26, 2021
Open House is around the corner! Share this with someone you think would like to join us on Oct. 24 or Nov. 7.
Join us at one of our two Open Houses and learn all that Scranton has to offer. Attend presentations, take a campus tour, and meet with faculty, students, coaches and staff.
Visit scranton.edu/openhouse for more information and to register.
Video To Share With Your Favorite College Applicant
Alumni
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton held the 2021 Medical Alumni Council (MAC) Symposium virtually Oct. 2.
The day-long event featured presentations on a variety of CME topics from accomplished alumni as well as a panel discussion from members of the MAC. The symposium in its entirety will premiere on The Alumni Society’s YouTube channel soon; check future installments of Royal News for a link to the full conference.
The symposium featured the following alumni presentations:
“Treating the Whole Patient: Where Medicine & Dentistry Converge” by Patrick Donnelly, D.M.D., Ph.D. ’09, general dentist, Cipriani Dental Associates
“Managing Anxiety in the Clinical Office Setting: Improving Comfort & Outcomes at Routine Medical & Dental Visits” by Kevin Brazill, D.O., F.A.P.A. ’95, medical director, John D. Kelly Mental Health Clinic, Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital, Finger Lakes Health
“Novel Therapeutic Approaches & Patient-directed Care in Sickle Cell Disease: Past, Present, & Future” by Scott Peslak, M.D., Ph.D. ’06, instructor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania
“Ethics, Policy, & Orthopedic Surgery” by John Mercuri, M.D., M.A. Bioethics ’07, adult hip and knee reconstruction, Geisinger Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
The symposium also included “Scranton Shorts” videos designed to give viewers a peek into a specific area of medicine or research. Presentations included “Pediatric Eye Care With Angela Croteau Marx, O.D. '07,” “Medical Parenting in a Pandemic with Julie Krcmaric, M.A., N.C.C. '07,” “Summer Neuroscience Research Experience: Oxytocin & Heroin Addiction with Jacob Shomali '22,” and “Covid & Medical Training: The New Abnormal with Christopher Kustera '15, G'17, Kate Musto '20, and Sara Wierbowski '19.”
The event also featured opening remarks by April Troy, M.D. M.P.H., F.A.A.P. ’02, a general pediatrician at Pediatrics of Northeastern Pennsylvania and an assistant clinical professor at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Troy’s introduction completed her term of service as the MAC’s executive committee chair, and she transitioned to the position of immediate past chair. Joseph Butash, M.D.’07, an emergency medicine physician at St. Luke’s University Health Network, delivered the symposium’s farewell address as his first act as chair of the MAC’s executive committee.
For more information on the MAC, visit this link.
MAC Symposium Premieres Virtually
Alumni
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton will present “New Frontiers: The Thomas N. Tate, Esq. ’56 Collection of Aerospace Memorabilia” at 5 p.m. Oct. 14 on the first floor of Hyland Hall in the Department of Physics and Engineering Mechanical Engineering Facility.
A native of Olyphant, Tate received his B.S. in Marketing from the University in 1956. From 1962 through 2003, he played a major role in the national aerospace program, working for government and industry on the Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle initiatives. In a career spanning more than four decades, he held positions with a private corporation, working at Rockwell International for 12 years; the federal government, serving on the House of Representatives’ Committee on Science and Technology for 15 years; and an advocacy group, working for the Aerospace Industries Association for 17 years.
Tate will also appear as a guest speaker at The Institute for Electronics and Electrical Engineering Seminar Series Oct. 14 at noon in Hyland Hall’s Room 102. In conjunction with this presentation, the “Tate Collection of Aerospace Memorabilia,” which Tate recently donated to the University, will have a permanent home in the department’s new Mechanical Engineering facility in Hyland Hall.
The Mechanical Engineering Program in the Physics and Engineering Department is a 5,300 square-foot, state-of-the-art learning and laboratory space. Using modern equipment and contemporary methods, students learn analysis, synthesis and evaluation for understanding solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, dynamics and thermodynamics, control, and vibration. They work with a wind tunnel, where they determine fluid characteristics by measuring aerodynamic pressures, forces and moments applied to aerodynamic models by the airflow in laminar and turbulent flows. They also investigate the behavior of engineering materials by performing tensile and compression tests to determine material properties such as strength, modulus of elasticity, yield, and failure stresses.
The exhibition of the “Tate Collection of Aerospace Memorabilia” will not only document an important phase of engineering history, but it will also convey to students the exciting careers and endless possibilities that a University of Scranton education provides.
Through the NASA memorabilia collection and his personal recollections of his time in the aerospace industry, Tate takes us on a spectacular journey through an age of discovery best exemplified by the moon landing. His pioneering spirit helped forge a new era of space exploration that future generations will continue to study for ages to come.
Tate was part of the space journey from the very beginning, when President Kennedy committed the nation to “landing a person on the moon before the end of the decade.” Tate’s Jesuit education at Scranton convinced him to listen to his calling and “go forth and set the world on fire.” He set out for California with his marketing degree from Scranton, and his confidence landed him a position testing, analyzing and synthesizing data for the NASA and Rockwell flight teams. His early work with spacecraft testing for Rockwell International at Edwards Air Force Base set the stage for his next two career paths: serving the House Committee on Science and Technology, and serving as Vice President of the Aerospace Industries Association.
While the early NASA work was exciting and generously funded, shuttle setbacks and economic downturns ultimately grounded plans for continued spaceflight. Still, the aerospace program left a remarkable legacy, opening a universe of possibilities for those who care to enter. It continues to inspire innovation, exploration and discovery in children and adults worldwide. Some of its benefits range from current students’ interest in space education to the expanded role of private industry in aerospace activities and plans for visiting Mars. While the inventions that resulted from the program are too numerous to mention, their enormous impact on our civilization helps us study, save and preserve our planet for future generations.
Tate’s legacy with our space program is a powerful reminder of where a University of Scranton degree can take you. Tate traveled the world after graduation, and his love for The University of Scranton remained front and center in his life because of Scranton’s outstanding professors and the Jesuits who encouraged his curiosity and the Socratic method of learning.
“My Jesuit education provided character building and self-discipline with rigorous leadership training from the military sciences,” he said. “The Jesuits taught me and continue to teach current students to look beyond what is in front of them. Throughout my life, I stayed connected to Scranton and The Alumni Society. Because of great professors and the Jesuit influence on my life, I established, endowed and continue to support The Tate Family Scholarship. I’ve also chosen membership in The Estate Society.
“I know that with philanthropy comes promise and possibilities. I want the next generation of explorers to receive a Catholic and Jesuit education that takes them to discovering their great frontier. Together, our support can redirect their future in ways unimagined. I firmly believe in the scripture, ‘To whom much is given, much is expected,’ and I am honored to support my alma mater’s mission.”
University To Present 'New Frontiers: The Thomas N. Tate, Esq. '56 Collection' Oct. 14
Alumni
October 26, 2021
The Alumni Society will offer fall regional service project opportunities to Royals near Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.
On Saturday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon, alumni, parents and friends can help bag non-perishable items for food distribution at ALIVE!, 116 South Quaker Lane, Alexandria, Va., the oldest and largest private safety net dedicated to fighting poverty and hunger in the city of Alexandria. To register, visit this link.
On Tuesday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m., alumni, parents and friends will sort donations at the Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory, 4700 Wissahickon Avenue, Suite 142, Philadelphia, in support of the more than 300,000 children living in poverty in the Philadelphia area. To register, visit this link.
Royals in the Hillside, New Jersey area will soon be able to register for a service opportunity Dec. 4 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Community Food Bank of New Jersey, Hillside location. Check future issues of Royal News to learn more. For more information or to suggest volunteer opportunities in your region, email Marge Gleason at Margery.gleason@scranton.edu.
Alumni Society Announces Fall Regional Service Projects
Alumni
October 26, 2021
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
William J. Parker ’77, West Grove, vice president of Claims & Underwriting for Conestoga Title Insurance Co., received his recent appointment as a Certified Land Title Professional (CLTP) by the Pennsylvania Land Title Association (PLTA). The CLTP designation is the highest professional designation level awarded by the PLTA. Education, experience and professional participation are among the requisites for sitting for the CLTP examination. Parker is an approved CE and CLE instructor in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and New York and serves on the Executive, Education and Legislative committees for the Pennsylvania Land Title Association.
Susan Henke Brinkman '91, Patchogue, New York, was named the 2021 Suffolk School Library Media Association's Librarian of the Year. A Bayport Blue Point UFSD School Library Media Specialist for 14 years, Susan has led the district through many innovative projects, including an inquiry-based library enrichment research class for grades 3-5, and she also established a close partnership with the local public library to expand resources and communication. Praised for her willingness to share knowledge and provide professional development for her peers in Suffolk County, Susan has proven herself a leader in the field.
Christen Gilmore Pionzio ’91, Doylestown, a partner in the firm Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell and Lupin, is listed in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.
Scott R. Mullen, Ed.D. ’03, Wilmington, Delaware, earned his doctorate in Education Leadership from Widener University. His dissertation topic was "Efficacy of Restorative Justice Strategies in Response to Academic Dishonesty: Perceptions of High School Administrators, Teachers, and Parents." Dr. Mullen teaches Latin and serves as chair of the Classics Department at his alma mater, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, in Philadelphia.
William T. Colona ’08, Teaneck, New Jersey, has been promoted to assistant vice president for Government Relations, Federal and Urban Affairs at Fordham University.
Dylan H. Lang ’15, Atlanta, Georgia, spoke in front of the United Nations Human Rights Council on behalf of the United States of America.
BIRTHS
A daughter, Riley Madison, to Michael ’05 and Sara Suchoski Carroll ’05, Montville, New Jersey
WEDDINGS
Mara Castellano ’07, G’14 to Mike Horvath
Caitlin Counihan '15, DPT '18 to Daniel DiPaola '14, DPT '17
DEATHS
E. Donald Kotchick, M.D. '57, Dalton
George J. Klem, Ph.D. ’67, Havre de Grace, Maryland
Chester J. Kowalski ’68, Scott Township
Frank E. Galonis ’79, Pittston
Jill Finn Healey ’86, Edwardsville
Diana M. Woloshin G’08, Summerville, South Carolina
FRIENDS'/FAMILY DEATHS
Francis X. Solano, father of Francis X. Solano, M.D. ’75
James Zipay, brother of Edward Zipay ’65, G’67
Alumni Class Notes, October 2021
Staff
October 26, 2021
The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!
THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for October 2021 is: Maureen Carlton-Financial Aid.
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Maureen does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Maureen and all our October nominees.
Maureen will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of October. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner, and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.
From Maureen:
What I like best about my position is that no day is ever the same in Financial Aid. Each day I am presented with new challenges and situations which helps to stay focused.
For fun I like to travel, anywhere there is a beach!"
October 2021 Nominees:
Maureen Carlton - Financial Aid
Autumn Forgione - Nursing
Chad McCall - IT
Karl Johns, Technology Support Center
Jill Lear - Nursing
Ray Frey - IT
Scott McFadden - Facilities
Ellen Morgan - Counseling Center
Autumn Forgione - Nursing
Chad McCall - IT
Karl Johns, Technology Support Center
Jill Lear - Nursing
Ray Frey - IT
Scott McFadden - Facilities
Ellen Morgan - Counseling Center
October 2021 Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award Winner
Student
October 26, 2021
Twenty incoming University of Scranton students began the Magis Honors Program in STEM, which combines the development of STEM knowledge and research techniques with programing to further the students’ understanding of the impact science has on society.
The Magis Honors Program in STEM, which is one of Scranton’s five programs of excellence, offers talented students a more intense, interdisciplinary experience of research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Magis Honors Program’s courses, which students will take over their four years at Scranton, combine a series of seminars on STEM and society with humanities courses. With guidance by faculty mentors, the students will develop, present and defend a thesis based on their individual research projects. In addition, the program requires participation in annual community service projects as well as professional development programs.
Prior to the fall semester beginning, the students entering the Magis Honors Program participated in a field project at the Lacawac Sanctuary.
The following members of Scranton’s class of 2025 began the Magis Honors Program in STEM.
Gabrielle M. Bingener, Barto, is a neuroscience major at Scranton.
Stephen J. Butler, Telford, is a neuroscience major at Scranton.
Cabre A. Capalongo, Scranton, is a biology major at Scranton.
Arissa J. Chambers, Henryville, is a biology major at Scranton.
James P. Fox, Hillsborough, New Jersey, is a computer science major at Scranton.
Madelyne M. Gasper, Stroudsburg, is a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major at Scranton.
Samantha G. Hoffmann, Millington, New Jersey, is a chemistry major at Scranton.
Michael J. Howard, Mayfield, is a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major at Scranton.
Evan M. Hromisin, Dallas, is an Engineering Management major at Scranton.
Mary E. Krichbaum, Endicott, New York, is a chemistry major at Scranton.
Grace K. McDonald, Jamison, is a biochemistry major at Scranton.
Luciano P. Medico, South Abington Township, is a biology major at Scranton.
Jacob G. Mohring, East Stroudsburg, is a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major at Scranton.
Liam P. Moran, Scranton, is a biology major at Scranton.
Theresa Pham, Philadelphia, is a biology major at Scranton.
Alexandra L. Shomali, Ellicott City, Maryland, is a biology major at Scranton.
Miriam M. Van de Water, Souderton, is a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major at Scranton.
Grace E. Washney, West Wyoming, is a biochemistry major at Scranton.
Grace D. Wenzel, West Orange, New Jersey, is a chemistry major at Scranton.
Brian L. White, Brooklyn, New York, is a biology major at Scranton.Students Join Magis Honors Program in STEM
General
October 26, 2021
No Masses will be offered from Saturday, Oct. 9 through Monday, Oct. 11.
On Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 12:05 p.m., Mass will be offered in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart.
The regular Mass schedule resumes on Wednesday, Oct. 13.
Mass Schedule During Fall Break
Student
October 26, 2021
On Saturday, Oct. 1, the Office of Campus Ministries sponsored a fall hiking retreat, '"All Things New," at Top of the World in Dunmore. This outdoor retreat was designed to commemorate the 500th anniversary of St. Ignatius’s cannonball conversion. The student leadership team prepared talks, prayers and activities for the 27 retreatants who attended while trekking 3 miles up the mountain.
Rose Camiolo ‘24, shared a reflection on conversion. She discussed St. Ignatius’s cannonball conversion and how these moments can happen through smaller, meaningful experiences during which we see the grace of God in the every day of life.
After climbing up the mountain and having lunch, I gave a witness talk about the difference between joy and happiness, how happiness has been a fleeting thing in my life while joy has come about as a result of practicing the magis – the ongoing pursuit to go deeper, be more and love more.
Before hiking down the mountain, Matt Simms ’22, the student director of the retreat, led the group in an ecological Examen where we reflected on Creation, our role in it and how we can be good stewards.
We were blessed with perfect weather and took advantage of the opportunity to see “all things new in Christ.” David Pennino ‘23, a retreatant who also participated in other hiking retreats in past years, reflected on his experience this semester. “Spending time in nature, reflecting on how God has been working in my life, was exactly what I needed,” he said.
The retreat itself was a cannonball moment, whether it was through the beauty of nature, through interesting conversations where all could share their stories, or just through the community that was formed on this day hike. Connecting with God, Creation and others on the retreat was a refreshing experience that truly was, as Pennino said, a breath of fresh air in the middle of a busy semester.
Students' Hike and Pray Retreat with Campus Ministries
Community
October 26, 2021
Scranton is the hometown of the President of the United States, and the hometown of the father of a former First Lady. It is the location of the fictional Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in NBC’s The Office. It’s the where the Pennsylvania Polka started. It is also the place where anthracite coal was mined and where a miner’s strike in 1902 led to national labor reforms. Scranton is like Boston - only without the clams, if the description mentioned in an episode of HBO’s Sopranos is accurate. Scranton makes cameo appearances in the movie Home Alone and in the Harry Chapin song, 30,000 Pounds of Bananas.
On Tuesday, Oct. 19, a program will examine “Scranton in the Popular Imagination,” and consider how and if Scranton in the popular and national imagination reflects the Scranton of today. The event is the first public event of “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story,” a multi-year project led by The University of Scranton in collaboration with community partners, and supported through a grant from The National Endowment for the Humanities.
“Scranton in the Popular Imagination” features a talk by author and Scranton native Jay Parini, Ph.D., followed by a panel discussion with community leaders and University humanities faculty. The event, which begins at 7 p.m. on Oct. 19 at the Scranton Cultural Center, is offered free of charge. Reservations are required to attend and can be made at: surveymonkey.com/r/ImagineScranton. Additional events around this theme include a Jane Jacobs inspired walking tour on Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. in downtown Scranton.
An award-winning poet, biographer, fiction writer and educator, Dr. Parini is the Axinn Professor of English at Middlebury College in Vermont. He has written is volumes of poetry and biographies of John Steinbeck, Robert Frost and William Faulkner. His books include “The Last Station” about the last year in the life of Russian author Leo Tolstoy that was made into a film in 2009, which received two Oscar nominations. His most recent book is “Borges and Me: An Encounter,” published in 2020.
A graduate of West Scranton High School, Dr. Parini received an honorary degree from The University of Scranton in 2005 and was awarded the Weinberg Memorial Library’s Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award in 2012.
Panelists for “Scranton in the Popular Imagination” are Joseph Kraus, Ph.D., professor and chair of the English and Theatre Department at the University; Glynis Johns, founder and CEO of the Black Scranton Project; and Maria MacDonald, executive director of the Center for the Living City. Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., Theatre Program director and associate professor in the Department of English and Theatre at the University will moderate the panel and audience discussion.
“For the first set of events as part of this larger project, we thought we should begin at home and focus discussion around our identity. What makes Scranton unique? How does its portrayal match our lived experience? What does it mean to be a Scrantonian, as we look ahead to the 250th anniversary of the country? Authenticity and authentic portrayal are integral parts of any city’s ethos and our experience of where we live,” said Willenbrink, also a member of the project’s steering committee.
“Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” seeks to capture the unique narrative of Scranton and relate it to the history of the United States prior to the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States. The project incorporates eight themes, starting with how Scranton has been portrayed in the popular imagination, and continuing to its industrial era growth, Indigenous history, religious tapestry, diverse immigrant populations – past and present – and the role it played in the Underground Railroad and Black history. Throughout, civic engagement, founding debates, and local and national identity will be explored by considering how the Scranton, and American, story may be understood anew 250 years later and the roles and responsibilities of local citizens.
The programs, which begin in Oct. 2021 and end in fall 2023, will involve lectures with question and answer interactive sessions, panel discussions with audience responses, public facilitated dialogues, and story exchanges, as well as walking and bus tours, youth writing workshops, and an oral history story collection that will provide new humanities material for discussion.
University offices coordinating the project include: Office of Community Relations, Schemel Forum, Slattery Center for the Humanities, and the Weinberg Memorial Library. Community organizations collaborating with the University on the project include: Black Scranton Project, Center for the Living City, Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department, The Lackawanna Historical Society, Lackawanna County Immigration Inclusion Committee, Narrative 4, the Scranton Area Ministerium, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania and WVIA.
Event Explores Perception of Scranton in Nation
General
October 26, 2021
The Diversity Initiatives Review Board is accepting applications for grants in support of creative, educational programs that PROMOTE diversity, provide opportunity for inter-cultural engagement, and expand opportunities for multicultural experiences for our community.
The Diversity Initiatives Fund is available to campus groups, departments or individuals seeking to promote a greater understanding of diversity through inclusive pedagogies, educational opportunities, multicultural activities and community outreach programs. The grant is intended to launch new, innovative, or educational opportunities for the University community. Recurring projects may apply for funding as well.
Student applicants and part-time employees are required to have a full-time staff or full-time faculty sponsor. Student Clubs are required to have approval of the club moderator and the Coordinator of Student Clubs and Organizations. Individual staff members and non-full-time faculty must obtain approval from their supervisor or department chair, respectively. Sponsorship or approval must be obtained prior to applying for the grant.
To view previous projects and awards, and review the 21-22 grant guidelines and application, please click here.
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.** Semester deadlines for applications are November 30 and April 30, with the Review Board meeting in December and May of each academic year to discuss approval.
**Note: The DIRB will be meeting Friday, October 15. Applications submitted by Oct. 14 will be considered at this meeting. Questions on the application process may be sent to Jennifer.pennington@scranton.edu.
DIRB Now Accepting Grant Applications
Community
October 26, 2021
Jane Jacob's First City: What Comes Next?
Mayor Paige Cognetti, City of Scranton, will discuss Scranton's reputation as a city, as seen by Jane Jacobs in the 1930s. The Mayor will then address some of the issues facing the city, and her visions for Scranton's future.
Live online program from Noon to 1:30 p.m. A remote link will be emailed to registrants.
RSVP to Alicen.Morrison@scranton.edu
Free to University of Scranton Staff, Students, Faculty and Schemel Forum Members; Others $10 per person.
Virtual Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar: Jane Jacob's First City: What Comes Next?
Alumni
October 26, 2021
The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education ranked The University of Scranton No. 89 in the nation for student engagement. This was Scranton’s best ranking among the 796 schools included in The Wall Street Journal’s “Best Colleges 2022” ranking, which scored schools in several categories as well as an overall ranking. Scranton also ranked at No. 212 for student outcomes, scoring well for salaries of graduates, adjusted for student, location and other characteristics, among other factors. Scranton’s overall ranking was No. 261 in the nation.
Scranton had the best overall ranking, as well as student engagement and outcomes rankings, of the northeastern Pennsylvania colleges that were included in The Wall Street Journal’s ranking.
The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education ranking is based on an analysis of 15 performance metrics in the categories of resources, student engagement, outcomes and campus environment.
The student engagement portion of their analysis is based largely on The U.S. Student Survey data. Factors considered for the student engagement score are related directly to their college experience, such as interaction with faculty and other students, and whether they would recommend their schools to others. The number of accredited programs offered is also factored into this measure. Student engagement represented 20 percent of the overall ranking score.
Outcomes, which represented 40 percent of the overall ranking score, looked at graduation rate, academic reputation, debt after graduation and the “value added” to graduate salary. The “value added” portion of the analysis applied statistical modeling to adjust for student, location and other characteristics in order to measure the impact the school has on the salary of its graduates.
The ranking also measured resources invested in instruction and student services (30 percent of the overall ranking), which included the finance cost per student, faculty/student ratio and research papers published per faculty member, and the learning environment (10 percent of the overall ranking), which includes student and staff diversity, among other factors.
The ranking was published by The Wall Street Journal Sept. 17.
Scranton Among Wall Street Journal’s Best Colleges
Community
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton received a $2,500 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation to support its We Care Wednesday’s program, which is an initiative to provide meals to those most in need in the Scranton area. The program is unlike other food giveaway projects in that the ready-to-eat meals are delivered to those without transportation or the means to prepare food.
The program, organized by the Center for Service and Social Justice and EFFORT (Excess Food For Others Recovery Team), was started in 2020 as a way to bring members of campus together for a service project while meeting the health and safety requirements established during the pandemic.
The program was so well received that it surpassed its original plan of preparing five grab-and-go meals a week. In September alone, 240 grab-and-go meals were organized and distributed to local agencies including the Community Intervention Center in Scranton. During the fall semester, members of the University community provided more than 600 meals, including a roast beef holiday lunch at the end of the semester. During spring semester, the program expanded to include a meal on Thursdays. In total, more than 2,000 grab and goal meals were prepared during the 2020-2021 academic year.
Throughout the 2020-2021 academic year, University faculty, staff and students donated time and funding to prepare salads, meals and desserts. A team of students volunteered for one-hour shifts in small socially distant groups to make the final preparations for the meals, which often included cards with inspirational messages and homemade gifts like bracelets and keychains from students. Meal bags also often included a variety of snacks (cereal, fresh fruit, granola bars) and COVID- care items such as masks, paper products or hand sanitizer, collected by the Center for Service and Social Justice and EFFORT.
Support from the Spitz Foundation will be used support the continuation of the successful program for the 2021-2022 academic year.
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.
Spitz Foundation Grant Supports University Program
September
View September Listing Page
Community
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) was recently awarded the Pennsylvania SBDC (PASBDC) 2019 and 2020 Center Performance Award, the 2020 Creative Funding Award and the 2020 Service Award for the Ag Center of Excellence.
In addition, consultant manager Donna Simpson, business consultant Keith Yurgosky and business consultant Gretchen Kukuchka are each the recipients of the PASBDC $2 Million Dollar Club Award for helping their clients obtain $2 million dollars in combined financing during 2020.
In addition, SBDC consultant manager Donna Simpson and business consultant Keith Yurgosky were both recognized for 25 Plus Years of Service.
Scranton’s SBDC serves Bradford, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming counties.
Scranton SBDC Wins Pennsylvania SBDC Awards
Faculty
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton has appointed 16 new full-time faculty members for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Wesam Alramadeen, was named lecturer in the Operations and Analytics Department. Previously, he has worked internationally for more than two decades as a business development and strategy advisor, consultant and senior engineer, among other positions. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering-telecommunication from Mutah University in Jordan, a MBA from German Jordanian University in Jordan, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering at Binghamton University.
Hossein Banitabaei, Ph.D., Vancouver, was named assistant professor in the Physics and Engineering Department. Dr. Banitabaei’s research expertise is in fluid dynamics and interfacial phenomena utilizing experimental techniques and numerical simulation methods. He has published several articles in reputable journals including a Featured Article in Physics of Fluids. Dr. Banitabaei earned his bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and industrial engineering (systems analysis and planning), as well as a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Amirkabir University of Technology in Iran. He received his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from York University in Toronto. Dr. Banitabaei was awarded a joint postdoctoral fellowship with BC Research Inc. in Vancouver and the University of British Columbia through which he worked on a project to develop a gel used for oil containment in large oil spill incidents.
Dana Brookover, Ph.D., NCC, Scranton, was named assistant professor in the Counseling and Human Services Department. A licensed school counselor and national certified counselor, Dr. Brookover worked as a professional school counselor in Virginia. She was an instructor at DePaul University, Villanova University and Virginia Commonwealth University prior to beginning at The University of Scranton. She has published over a dozen articles in refereed academic journals on topics that include the social health needs of college students and factors that influence the preparedness of first-generation college students. Dr. Brookover earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Christopher Newport University and her master’s degree in school counseling from the College of William and Mary. She graduated with her doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision from the Virginia Commonwealth University in December 2020.
Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., Iloilo City, Philippines, was named associate professor in the Chemistry Department. Previously, he served as an associate professor of chemistry at Louisiana State University at Alexandria. His core research interests involve the development of novel spectroscopic and computational tools with a wide array of applications in edible oils, food science and biomedical research. During his career, Dr. Dumancas has generated more than $2 million in external research grants and has published more than a dozen articles in peer-reviewed academic journals. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of the Philippines and his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Oklahoma State University.
Rachel Frissell, Spring Brook Township, was named faculty specialist in the Physics and Engineering Department. She worked as a process engineer at SRI International in Princeton, New Jersey, serving as the primary engineer on physical vapor deposition tools. She also worked in the Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. She studied geomagnetic field observations from Antarctica and presented her work at various conferences. Professor Frissell earned her bachelor’s degree in physics from the Robert E. Cook Honors College at Indiana University of Pennsylvania; her master’s degree in materials science and engineering from Virginia Tech; and her master’s in applied physics from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Dana Gadaire, Psy.D., Gainesville, Florida, was named visiting assistant professor in the psychology department. Last academic year, she taught in Scranton’s Counseling and Human Services Department. She is a licensed psychologist, social worker and board-certified behavior analyst who has established community-based clinical services in local primary care clinics where she works with physicians and nurses to promote access to behavioral health screening and treatment among underserved populations in our area. Dr. Gadaire has published extensively on empirically-supported practices to promote pediatric behavioral health including functional assessment, token-based interventions and activity schedules. She is particularly interested in the dissemination of community-based supports to address behavioral health disparities among underserved populations. Dr. Gadaire earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Florida, her master’s degree in social work from the University of Georgia, her master’s degree in clinical and community psychology from Georgia State University and her Doctor of Psychology in school psychology from the University of Southern Maine.
Natalie Gilboy, Clarks Summit, was named faculty specialist in the Nursing Department. She currently serves as a nurse practitioner with Pediatric Associates in Kingston. She earned certification in Pediatric Primary Care Mental Health Specialist through the Pediatric Nursing Board in 2018. Gilboy is also active in her community through participation with the Abington Heights High School Student Aid fund and the PTA and as a volunteer coach for school and sports teams. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing and her Family Nurse Practitioner master’s degree in nursing from The University of Scranton.
Alicia Hatcher, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the English and Theatre Department. Dr. Hatcher has served as an instructor and adjunct instructor at Fayetteville Technical Community College in North Carolina, and as an adjunct instructor at North Carolina Central University and Campbell University, also in North Carolina. Dr. Hatcher serves as a mentor for The Coalition of Feminist Scholars in the History of Rhetoric and Composition’s online mentoring program (2021-2022) and as co-editor of The Journal of Multimodal Rhetorics – Comics/Visual Rhetorics, Decoloniality, and Liberatory Futures special issue, which is slated for publication in the spring of 2022. Her research focuses on embodied, spatial and cultural rhetorics, specifically the ways bodies and spaces are used as rhetorical and symbolic tools in the fight against systemic oppression.
Dr. Hatcher earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, her master’s degree in English from North Carolina Central University and her Ph.D. in rhetoric, writing and professional communication from East Carolina University.
Nicole Hoskins, Ph.D., Chicago, Illinois, was named assistant professor in the Theology and Religious Studies Department. Dr. Hoskins received the Charlette W. Newcombe Fellowship, Louisville Institute Fellowship, and the Forum for Theological Education Fellowship to support her graduate research. She is also a member of the Society for the Study of Black Religion. Her current research project examines the religious and ecological practices of black women in Chicago’s Altgeld Gardens, an area sociologists identify as one of the most egregious cases of environmental racism in the U.S. Dr. Hoskins earned her bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Spelman College, her Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, and her Ph.D. in religion and society from Drew University.
John Kaufman, Lehigh Valley, was named faculty specialist in the Computing Science Department. Professor Kaufman worked at IBM for 41 years in Endicott, Glendale, Fishkill and Poughkeepsie, New York as an advisory engineer on Unix Operating Systems and Networking. During his career at IBM, he received multiple recognition and leadership awards. Professor Kaufman earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from The University of Scranton and his master’s degree in telecommunication from Syracuse University. He is also an SAP Advisory Architect, trained by SAP America, and a graduate of LongRidge Writers Group.
Bibi Khan, Ph.D., was named assistant professor in the Biology Department. She was a post-doctoral fellow at the Noble Research Institute in Ardmore, Oklahoma, and served as a lecturer at the University of Guyana. Dr. Khan’s research interests include plant molecular biology, plant cell biology, plant biotechnology and plant genetics. She has authored or co-authored nearly a dozen research studies that have been published in peer-reviewed academic journals. In 2004, she received a Fulbright scholarship to pursue graduate studies in the United States. Dr. Khan earned her bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from the University of Guyana. She earned her master’s degree in molecular plant pathology from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and her Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Neelam Lahankar, Ph.D., Brooklyn, New York, was named faculty specialist in the Chemistry Department. She was an adjunct professor at CUNY New York City, Bergen County Community College in New Jersey and at New Jersey City University. She taught chemistry to 11th and 12th-grade students in Pune and Mumbai India. She is also certified in effective college instruction and teaching online. Dr. Lahankar earned her bachelor’s degree in science and mathematics from Pune University in India and her Ph.D. in chemistry from Seton Hall University, where she was awarded the Robert De Simone Graduate Fellowship.
David Mahalak, D.Eng., Dallas, was named faculty specialist in the Operations and Analytics Department. He has worked as a strategic business management consultant at Applied Logistics Integration Consulting, LLC. He was an adjunct professor at Wilkes University and Penn State University – Hazleton. Dr. Mahalak earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Wilkes University, his master’s degree in operations research from Northeastern University and his Doctorate of Engineering in engineering management from George Washington University. He also completed a master certificate program in supply chain management and operations at Michigan State University and a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Certificate at Villanova University.
Joseph Morrissey, Ph.D., was named lecturer in the Psychology Department. He was an instructor at Binghamton University for more than 15 years, and was also a lecturer at the University of Massachusetts in Boston and at Boston University. He served as an adjunct professor at Boston College and Regis College, as well as at several other colleges. He has developed pedagogical resources in his field. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rutgers University and his Ph.D. in brain, behavior and cognition from Boston University.
Ashley Stampone, A.B.D., Old Forge, was named assistant professor in the Accounting Department. She joined the faculty at Scranton as a faculty specialist in 2016 and has received University and national accolades for her work. She was twice named Kania School of Management Professor of the Year. In 2019, she was honored with the Faculty Leadership Award from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and in 2021 received IMA’s Ursel K. Albers IMA Campus Advocate of the Year Award. She also received the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Young Leaders Award for 2021. Professor Stampone earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and her MBA from The University of Scranton. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Scranton.
Ash Zareian, Ph.D., was named faculty specialist in the Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department. He was a lecturer at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he also worked as a data analyst. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Texas Pan American and his MBA and Ph.D. in marketing from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
The University of Scranton Appoints New Faculty Members
Student
October 26, 2021
Submit a creative product to win prizes! The theme is “Think Globally, Think Asia!”
1st place: $100
2nd place: $75
3rd place: $50
• Poster exhibits, artworks (paintings, photos, etc.), video productions, PowerPoint, etc.
• Individual or group work
• All products will be displayed and judged at the Asian Studies and Asia Club Open House on Oct. 13, 5 p.m., Brennan 509.
• Each entry will have a table for display and presentation at the ASAC Open House on Oct. 13.
• Contestants are responsible for bringing their products and equipment to the Open House and completing the set-up by 5 p.m.
• Winning products will be showcased on the Asian Studies website.
Register for the student contest (with your name, contact information, a title and brief description of your product) by Oct. 6 at asianstudies@scranton.edu.
For questions, email ann.pang-white@scrant on.edu. No registration or RSVP is needed for attending.
1st place: $100
2nd place: $75
3rd place: $50
• Poster exhibits, artworks (paintings, photos, etc.), video productions, PowerPoint, etc.
• Individual or group work
• All products will be displayed and judged at the Asian Studies and Asia Club Open House on Oct. 13, 5 p.m., Brennan 509.
• Each entry will have a table for display and presentation at the ASAC Open House on Oct. 13.
• Contestants are responsible for bringing their products and equipment to the Open House and completing the set-up by 5 p.m.
• Winning products will be showcased on the Asian Studies website.
Register for the student contest (with your name, contact information, a title and brief description of your product) by Oct. 6 at asianstudies@scranton.edu.
For questions, email ann.pang-white@scrant on.edu. No registration or RSVP is needed for attending.
Student Contest: Think Globally, Think Asia!
Athletics
October 26, 2021
This week in athletics, Landmark Conference play began for three teams, as several squads continued outstanding starts to their 2021 seasons.
For more on the week that was for Scranton Athletics, check out this week's Royal Review by clicking here.
To follow University of Scranton Athletics all season long, remember to follow the Royals on Twitter and Instagram @RoyalAthletics.
Royal Review - September 28, 2021
Student
October 26, 2021
Considering the vast list of countries with enormous populations and significant household access to high-tech devices, one may be surprised to learn that the Southeastern Asia archipelago, the Philippines, has earned the reputation for being the “text capital of the world.”
Erica Jeanne Mascardo ’23, biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major, and Ysobelle Reyes ’23, biology major and English minor, will present the next Global Insights event on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, at 11:30 a.m., in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall, rm. 509. Cultural cuisine will be offered at the luncheon event. This is free and open to University community members. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Mascardo said family culture is centered around respect for each other, especially elders. When visiting family, you must greet everyone individually and then you are blessed in Catholic homes.
Reyes added that respect and hospitality are abundant for visitors to the Philippines in the forms of greetings, food and blessings. She said when visiting the country, be sure to go to the churches. Some date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. San Agustin, the oldest stone church in the country, was completed in 1607, during the Spanish colonial period. It has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Mascardo noted that it is customary to make a wish the first time you step into any of the churches.
Mascardo and Reyes are planning an interactive event where the audience will learn some of the customs and communicating in “Taglish.”
Students, faculty and staff are invited to experience the food and traditions at this Global Insights event. Please click here to register.
This program is being offered by the Office of Global Education, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. For more information, please contact international@scranton.edu or 570-941-4841.
Global Insights Presents the 'Text Capital of the World!'
Student
October 26, 2021
Once again, the Office of Campus Ministries sponsored the Connections Retreat for first-year students. This year, the retreat was held at a special location, one where we did not have the opportunity to go last year due to COVID: The Chapman Lake Retreat Center!
The team this year was made up of previous Connections leaders who did an amazing job leading two overnight retreats, which were held over the course of one weekend in mid-September. The theme song chosen for this year was Lean on Me, which really emphasized the idea of making “connections” and being able to lean on those people when you need them.
Connections featured witness talks, group prayers, fun ice breaker activities, shared meals and small group discussions.
“This retreat was an eye-opening and spiritual experience," said retreatant Sara Fusco ‘25, "and I think I and all the other people here are glad to have made some great new friends who we can ‘lean on.'”
Fusco said that her favorite part of the retreat was the sing-along by the bonfire.
The retreatants were able to dive a little bit deeper into their faith and were given a taste of what our Campus Ministries’ retreat program has to offer as well as what it means to be a Royal for and with others.
Find out more about retreats happening this fall, here.
Campus Ministries Returns to Chapman Lake for the Connections Retreat
Student
October 26, 2021
Midterms are upon us. Thankfully, Pet Therapy can help.
Pet Therapy is a biannual event hosted by Campus Ministries' Center for Service and Social Justice to provide stress relief to students.
Watch news coverage of the event from PA Homepage, here.
Enjoy photos from the event that took place on Sept. 28, below. For more, visit our Flickr album.
Photo Gallery: Pet Therapy
Alumni
October 26, 2021
“The University really is a miracle. It is a place in point of fact where miracles are commonplace; where dreams are nurtured; where hope is born in every generation, where the students have a friendship and a genius for loyalty, and therefore a place where friendships are strong and lifelong; where character is formed; where God is discovered, wrestled with, praised and served; where generosity is a way of life.” Rev. Joseph McShane, S.J., the 23rd president of The University of Scranton and current president of Fordham University
“What we need at this moment in higher education are leaders capable of distinguishing between the inevitable and the possible. Leaders with enough creativity and originality to write a new script for the future. And that, University of Scranton, is just one of the ways in which you are so blessed to have Joe Marina as your president.” Linda M. LeMura, Ph.D., president of Le Moyne College
“This campus and its students bring such a vibrant energy to our city and we are all proud to have such a world class institution in the heart of the city of Scranton. The University is a true exemplar of the best of Jesuit education.” U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright
“The city would not be what it is today without The University of Scranton. The University is a foundational institution in the community and as we do go forward it is paramount that we continue to build together.” Paige Cognetti, mayor of Scranton.
“At its core, the University continues to fulfill its original vision, rooted in the life of the church as a Catholic and Jesuit university animated by the spiritual vision and tradition of excellence characteristic of the Society of Jesus and those who share its way of proceeding.” Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton,
“In Father Marina, the board found a skilled academic leader and proven teacher who is also the ideal champion for mission and for community in all its richness.” James Slattery ’86, chair of The University of Scranton Board of Trustees
“Speaking for all Jesuits, you have our great affection, our prayers and every confidence that you will be a wonderful leader of this amazing place.” Rev. Joseph M. O’Keefe, S.J., provincial of the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus,
“We are absolutely privileged to have such a kind and thoughtful person leading The University of Scranton community as our new president. We have already noticed Father Marina’s genuine commitment to students and remain excited about the legacy he will leave on this University long after many of us have graduated. … While I’m sure his culinary skills are on point, it’s comforting to know that students aren’t the only ones who set of the fire alarm in Pilarz Hall.” Adrianna O. Smith ’22, president of Student Government
“More so than any other person I know, Joe has a stunningly acute sacramental vision. What I mean by that is that he sees clearly what is before him, but he also looks through those things, people, relationships, objects, impasses. He looks beyond them to see possibilities and newness. He sees the best of what can be and ultimately he sees how the finger of God is at work in all of it and in all of us.” Rev. Peter Folan, S.J., assistant professor of theology and religious studies at Georgetown University, in the Introduction of the President.
A recording of the ceremony can be viewed from the Inauguration website.
Quotes from the Inauguration of the 29th President
Student
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton will host a lecture discussing “Muslims and the Making of America” with author Amir Hussain, Ph.D., professor of theological studies at Loyola Marymount University. The lecture will take place in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall on Friday, Oct. 1, at 3 p.m.
Sponsored by the University’s Ellacuria Initiative and the Dialogue Across Differences initiative, the lecture is open to members of the University community and invited guests.
At the lecture, Dr. Hussain will discuss his book, “Muslims and the Making of America,” which looks at the historical role Islam and American Muslims have played in the foundation of American culture and its values. He will directly address negative stereotypes and discuss aspects of Islam’s history in America as it relates to music, sports and more.
Dr. Hussain is a board member for the American Academy of Religion. He has served as an advisor for National Geographic’s “The Story of God” with Morgan Freeman.
The University’s Ellacuria Initiative, previously named Education for Justice, provides discussions, lectures and other programming to explore the service of faith and the promotion of justice. The 2021-23 programming focuses on theme of “truth and reconciliation.” The University’s Political Dialogues Working Group is comprised of several of its campus partner offices and departments.
Author to Discuss Contributions of Muslims in U.S.
Student
October 26, 2021
Author and University of Scranton alumnus Yohuru Williams, Ph.D. ’93 G’93, will present “The Fire This Time: Racial Justice, Catholic Social Teaching, and the Promise of Jesuit Education in the Age of Black Lives Matter,” at The University of Scranton’s Values In Action Lecture on Oct. 4. The lecture is part of the University’s annual Royal Reads program, which introduces incoming students to Ignatian values through a shared reading experience of a selected book in addition to programming in courses and extra-curricular activities throughout the semester that expands discussion on themes first encountered in the book.
The book selected for members of Scranton’s Class of 2025 is James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time, the 1963 national bestseller that delves into the grave consequences of racial injustice and calls readers to recognize the importance of advocating for racial equality.
The lecture for first-year students will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Byron Recreation Complex. The lecture will be live streamed to the PNC Auditorium of the Loyola Science Center, the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall and the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center for other members of the University community.
Dr. Williams is the Distinguished University Chair and Professor of History and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas. His research interests include African American history, civil rights, Black Power movements, African-American constitutional and legal history, urban history and 20th-century American history. He has authored and edited numerous books, including “Rethinking the Black Freedom Movement,” “Black Politics White Power, Civil Rights, Black Power, and the Black Panthers in New Haven” and “The Black Panthers: Portraits of an Unfinished Revolution,” among others. He has presented at numerous conferences, panels and public lectures and has appeared on a variety of national radio and television programs, including ABC, CNN, CSPAN, Fox Business News and NPR.
A former trustee of The University of Scranton, Dr. Williams earned his bachelor’s degrees in political science and history and a master’s degree in history from Scranton. He received a Ph.D. in history from Howard University.
Values In Action Lecture Examines Racial Justice
Alumni
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management announced a gift of $1 million from John D. Dionne ’86 and Jacquelyn Dionne ‘89. The generous donation will be used to name and support two Kania honors programs: the Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program; and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program. The fund will support the growing Study Abroad program and other activities for students in these two honors programs, as well as other students enrolled in the Kania School of Management.
The Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program are among the University’s five undergraduate programs of excellence. The Business Honors Program is a selective four-year program geared toward highly-motivated undergraduate students interested in pursuing academic excellence in business who will pursue honors studies in the areas of economics, entrepreneurship, operations management, accounting, finance, international business, marketing and management. The Business Leadership Honors Program is a highly-selective program students enter in their junior year. Participants explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy and analysis, in addition to field trips to learn from top executives and projects in leadership, service and mentoring.
For over twenty-five years, the Dionnes have been good friends and generous benefactors of The University of Scranton and the Kania School of Management. The Dionnes were co-recipients of the 2013 University President’s Medal and were the driving force behind creating the Kania School Business Leader Hall of Fame. The green located at the heart of the University’s campus is named in their honor.
“I can’t thank you enough for your generosity and steadfast support. You are an example to our students and your fellow graduates and an inspiration to me.” said Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, upon announcing the gift at his Inauguration as Scranton’s 29th president on Sept. 24.
A native of Scranton, Jackie Dionne is a registered nurse and received her bachelor’s degree in health administration from the University. She currently serves as an RN with elderly and Alzheimer’s patients. Jackie Dionne serves on the University’s Board of Trustees and previously served on its board from 2011 to 2017. She works with numerous charitable organizations, including the National Charity League, Horizons Organization of Bridgeport and Meals on Wheels.
A New Hampshire native, John Dionne graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics/finance and accounting from the University and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. A very successful business executive, he retired in 2013 as a senior managing director from the Blackstone Group. He currently serves as a senior advisor to Blackstone, is a senior lecturer at the Harvard Business School, and a director of Fortune 500 companies. A former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, John Dionne, helped launch the President’s Business Council and the annual award dinner. A frequent speaker in the Kania School of Management’s Executive in Residence program and other leading universities, he was recently ranked among Harvard’s top 50 most prominent alumni.
“We are grateful to honor two of the long-time icons of the Kania School in current Professor Dr. Robert McKeage and the late Dr. Frank Corcione. They share a demanding Jesuit philosophical ideal, illustrated by the quote of St. Luke – ‘from whom much is given, much is expected,’” said John Dionne. “Dr. Corcione was demanding but cared, and motivated students to give it their all. Wall Street is awash with ‘Corcione products.’”
“Additionally, we are pleased to enhance the rapidly growing demand by students for semesters abroad by making them more affordable. We believe the program is a life-changing experience and an exciting complement to a University of Scranton Catholic and Jesuit education,” added Jackie Dionne. “Dr. McKeage is award-winning, dedicated faculty member, who always places student learning first.”
University Receives 1 Million Dollar Donation
Alumni
October 26, 2021
Supported by a generous gift from the Dionne family, The University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management will name two programs of excellence after faculty who have had a significant impact on the lives of Kania students: the Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.
About the Professors Honored
The legendary Frank P. Corcione, Ph.D., professor emeritus, retired in 2009 after 28 years of distinguished service to The University of Scranton. A member of the department of Economics and Finance and professor emeritus at Scranton, he taught a wide range of courses within his field. A highly-regarded professor, he was an imposing presence in the classroom and demanded students give their best. Generations of students will attest to the nervousness they felt when enrolling in his classes. However, in return, Dr. Corcione had a huge impact on the lives of many of his students. He was demanding but cared, and motivated students to give it their all. He used his strong connections with alumni to help students secure internships and jobs. Wall Street is awash with “Corcione products.” During his nearly 30 years at The University of Scranton, Dr. Corcione was active with the faculty union. He also served as a consultant working on economics damages cases and was widely respected for his formidable skill in providing courtroom testimony. A native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Dr. Corcione earned a bachelor’s degree from Moravian College. He earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Lehigh University. He proudly served in the U.S Marine Corps from 1958 to 1962. Sadly, he passed away in December 2020 and is survived by his widow Sandy, sons Christopher and Matthew, and grandson Michael.
A distinguished professor who has served as a faculty member at The University of Scranton since 1974, Robert L. McKeage, Ph.D. ’71, G’73, is the director of the University’s Business Leadership Honors Program and an associate professor of marketing and management in the Kania School of Management. Dr. McKeage played a key role in the development of Scranton’s Business Leadership Honors Program, which has graduated more than 200 elite students who have completed the prestigious two-year program. An award-winning, dedicated faculty member, who always places student learning first, Dr. McKeage’s numerous teaching accolades include the Alpha Sigma Nu’s Edward Gannon Award for Teaching, the Kania School of Management’s Student’s Choice Award for Teaching and the Provost’s Enhancement Award for Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. In 2011, he was awarded the University’s O’Hara Award, which is the highest honor bestowed jointly by the University and its Alumni Society. Most recently, he was named an Alperin Teaching Fellow. Dr. McKeage is an active volunteer in the greater Scranton area, serving on several regional non-profit boards. A native of Montrose, Pennsylvania, Dr. McKeage holds both a Bachelor of Science in Management and a Master’s in Business Administration from The University of Scranton. He also earned a Master’s of Science from Lehigh University and a Ph.D. from Temple University.
John D. Dionne ’86 and Jacquelyn Dionne ’89 said in the announcement of their gift of $1 million:
“We are grateful to honor two of the long-time icons of the Kania School in current Professor Dr. Robert McKeage and the late Dr. Frank Corcione. They share a demanding Jesuit philosophical ideal, illustrated by the quote of St. Luke – ‘from whom much is given, much is expected,’”
Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, announced the gift at his Inauguration as Scranton’s 29th president, thanking the Dionnes' for their “generosity and steadfast support. You are an example to our students and your fellow graduates and an inspiration to me.”
About the Programs of Excellence
The Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program are among the University’s five undergraduate programs of excellence. The Business Honors Program is a selective four-year program geared toward highly-motivated undergraduate students interested in pursuing academic excellence in business who will pursue honors studies in the areas of economics, entrepreneurship, operations management, accounting, finance, international business, marketing and management. The Business Leadership Honors Program is a highly-selective program students enter in their junior year. Participants explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy and analysis, in addition to field trips to learn from top executives and projects in leadership, service and mentoring.
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Two Honors Programs Named After Professors
Community
October 26, 2021
The University’s first-ever “South Side Restaurant Tour” will take place this Saturday, Oct. 2, with two start times at 11 a.m. or 12:15 p.m., and will offer University of Scranton students an opportunity to explore the revitalized Cedar Iron District while celebrating Hispanic Heritage month.
The event begins with a trip to United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s (UNC) South Side Farmers Market and registration includes $5 in free Market Bucks that students can use at the various participating vendors at the Market. After enjoying the Market, students will be able to go in small, predesignated groups to enjoy a set menu with two courses at different Mexican or El Salvadorian restaurants before meeting back at UNC’s community room for dessert from Florita’s Bakery.
University students can register for this event here. There is a $10 fee for students, payable in-person with your Royal Card after completing online registration. Registered students can pay this fee on the 2nd floor of the DeNaples Center on Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 1 p.m.-3p.m. and on Thursday, Sept. 30 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration is open until 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30.
Participating restaurants include: Chicano's Restaurant, La Chingada Restaurante y Carniceria Mexicana, Italo's Restaurant, La Libertad Pupuseria, and Florita's Bakery. This event is co-sponsored by Latin American Studies Program, Cross Cultural Centers, Spanish Cultural Society, Office of Community Relations, and United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern PA. For more information, please email community@scranton.edu or call 570-941-4119.
South Side Restaurant Tour to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Alumni
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton named six individuals to its Board of Trustees: John Boken P’16, P’22; Rev. Thomas W. Neitzke, S.J.; Crystal E. Newby, Ed.D. ’04, G’08; Rev. Angelo J. (“A.J.”) Rizzo, S.J. ’03; Joseph L. Sorbera Jr. P’08, P’08; and Anthony J. Yanni, M.D. ’88, P’21, P’23.
Boken is a managing director in the turnaround and restructuring services practice at AlixPartners, an international consultancy firm. With more than 30 years of corporate turnaround and restructuring experience, he specializes in complex, high profile, national and cross-border cases, including NRG Energy (2004) and Flying J (2011). He has often been appointed to senior management positions in client engagements, including serving as CEO, COO, CFO, and Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO), helping companies address and resolve financial and operational distress. Recently, he served as Deputy CRO for Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) in its landmark Chapter 11 bankruptcy case in California. His experience spans a variety of industries, including energy, logistics, entertainment, homebuilding, industrial construction, manufacturing, retail, health care and agriculture.
Boken started his professional career at Arthur Andersen, ultimately becoming a principal and co-owner of a premier boutique restructuring advisory firm, Zolfo Cooper. In 2018, he and his partners merged their firm with AlixPartners, where he now serves in both a leadership capacity and continues as a senior client restructuring advisory practitioner. In addition, Boken serves on the board of directors for The Pasha Group.
Boken holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Santa Clara University. He resides in South Pasadena, California, with his wife, Susie. They are the parents of three children: Brendan ’16, Connell and Eryn ’22.
Father Neitzke, Ed.D., is the dean and executive director at Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago. Previously, he served as president of Creighton Preparatory School and was also an adjunct faculty member at Creighton University’s Graduate School. He has taught courses in strategic and political leadership, school law and foundations of education, and has supervised internships in elementary/secondary administration. He is also an adjunct faculty member for the Jesuit Worldwide Learning: Higher Education at the Margins.
Father Neitzke served as chairman of the board at Creighton Preparatory School before his term as president, and currently serves on the boards of Marquette University, Marquette University High School and the Jesuit Academy. Previously, he served on the boards of Georgetown Preparatory School, Loyola Academy, Seattle University, Brophy College Preparatory School and the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands.
Father Neitzke earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Loyola University in Chicago, a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of San Francisco, a Master of Divinity degree from Santa Clara University and a doctorate from Creighton University focusing on educational leadership.
Dr. Newby recently accepted the role of senior director of strategic admission, access and diversity initiatives at the College Board. Previously, Dr. Newby served as the inaugural director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the National Association for College Admission Counseling, where she served for eight years. Earlier in her career, she worked in college admission offices at The University of Scranton, Montclair State University and Bloomsburg University.
Most recently, Dr. Newby joined the Advisory Council for the Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable, a college access and completion network. In addition, she served as a selection committee member from 2015-2020 for the American School Counselor Association’s School Counselor of the Year award. In 2020, she interviewed Professor Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award winner and New York Times bestselling author of “How to be an Antiracist and Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You,” co-authored by Jason Reynolds. In June 2021, Dr. Newby had an essay published in “Chicken Soup for the Soul: I’m Speaking Now: Black Women Share Their Truth in 101 Stories of Love, Courage and Hope.”
Dr. Newby earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from The University of Scranton and a doctorate from Johns Hopkins University. At her undergraduate commencement at Scranton, Dr. Newby received the Lawrence A. Mann Award, which recognizes leadership and service to the University community. As a student at Scranton, she was an active member of Performance Music, United Colors, Liva Arts Company and University Players. She also served as a resident assistant, orientation assistant and student teleworker.
Father Rizzo is a priest of the U.S.A. East Province of the Society of Jesus, who began serving as the president of Scranton Preparatory School in July 2021. Most recently, he served as director of mission and identity at Regis High School in New York City.
Fr. Rizzo taught English, religion and Latin at Scranton Prep from 2011 to 2014. An alumnus of St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, he previously ministered at several other Jesuit high schools on the east coast. He served at his alma mater as a volunteer teacher in the school’s Alumni Service Corps. He also served as the director of Christian service at Loyola Blakefield for three years. He entered the Society of Jesus in 2007 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2017. He served as assistant pastor at St. Ignatius Loyola parish in Baltimore, and earlier was a deacon at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Oakland, California.
Fr. Rizzo has served as a trustee of St. Ignatius High School, St. Elizabeth High School and Fairfield Preparatory School.
Father Rizzo earned bachelor’s degrees in both biology and philosophy from The University of Scranton, a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Loyola University Maryland; a master’s degree in humanities from Fordham University, and a Master of Divinity degree from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University. Fr. Rizzo was awarded a doctorate in Catholic educational leadership from the University of San Francisco.
Sorbera is the CEO and president of JLS Cost Management Systems, Inc., based in New York City. His firm manages finances, costs and strategies associated with major construction projects being conducted by businesses across the United States and Europe. He also serves as a long-standing member of the board of directors-executive management committee of Bideawee, a 118-year-old animal rescue and adoption organization.
Since 2004, Sorbera has served The University of Scranton in multiple capacities: first as an involved parent, then in a leadership position alongside then-President Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., in the Pride, Passion and Promise Capital Campaign. He has served as an executive-in-residence for Kania School of Management and as a member of the University’s Board of Trustees from 2009-2015. He is currently a member of the President’s Business Council and was honored with the President’s Medal in 2018.
Sorbera earned his bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Phoenix. He and his late wife, Diane, have three children Christina, Diana ’08 and Joseph III ’08, and a granddaughter, Danielle Marie.
Dr. Yanni is senior vice president and head of patient centricity at Astellas, where he is responsible for leading the development and execution of the company’s global patient centricity strategy across all functions of the organization. With a shared vision to better and more genuinely understand the patient journey in the real-world setting, along with the continued development of a patient-centered corporate culture worldwide, one area in which he is focused is on creating sustainable processes to address key areas that matter to patients and applying their unique insights to the entire product lifecycle – from early research to development and, ultimately, to utilization.
Previously, Dr. Yanni held multiple roles at Sanofi, most recently serving as head of patient insights, solutions and outcomes where he led a global team to create a first-in-industry process to integrate the patient and clinician perspective into research portfolio decision-making. Earlier in his career, Dr. Yanni spent nearly 15 years in clinical practice serving as a primary care physician, chief of internal medicine and chief medical officer for a health system in the Northeastern United States.
Dr. Yanni currently serves on the board of directors for Patient Focused Medical Development. He was selected as one of 2021’s 100 Most Inspiring People in the life-sciences industry by PharmaVoice Magazine.
Dr. Yanni earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, a MBA from the University of Massachusetts and a M.D. from Drexel University School of Medicine (formerly Hahnemann). He is married to Karen (Fagin) Yanni ’88, G’08, and they have four children: Patrick, Gina, Nicholas ’21 and Elisa ’23.
The University of Scranton Names Six New Trustees
Alumni
October 26, 2021
“A Fire That Kindles Other Fires,” the theme chosen for the Inauguration of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., as the 29th president of The University of Scranton, was evident throughout the address given by the new president at the ceremony. In his Inaugural Address, Father Marina referred to remarks of former Scranton presidents, words of Jesuit superior generals, the life of St. Ignatius and the accomplishments of students, faculty, staff, alumni and others, to illustrate the influence one person can have on others.
“In his first inaugural address, Father Pilarz referred to our University as a miracle in the mountains. And that’s exactly what it is. But it didn’t take long for me to notice that Scranton is also a vineyard in the valley, a place where hard work, dedication, and an authentic commitment to the ideals and characteristics of Catholic and Jesuit higher education converge for the benefit of the students we serve,” said Father Marina. “This vineyard produces sweet and abundant grapes and our harvest is a harvest to be envied. … The credit goes to our wonderful students, our amazing faculty and staff, loyal trustees, alumni and benefactors who, year after year, have cultivated the soil of this vineyard to make it rich and nurturing.”
Father Marina said the term “a fire that kindles other fires,” from the second decree of the 35th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus, “is a metaphor that every Jesuit work, and every member of that work, can take on in a personal and apostolic way. The University of Scranton is, without a doubt, a fire that kindles other fires – one that illuminates and warms rather than burns and destroys.”
Father Marina referred to the University’s sense of community as its greatest asset.
“The community that is Scranton is authentic, and you can feel it almost immediately when stepping onto our beautiful campus. We are a family,” said Father Marina. “Our community is not an insulated one. It is grounded in God’s love. Our university exists because of Jesus Christ. And our future will be stoked by the fire of the Holy Spirit for decades to come. This triune reality makes our community open to all, not despite their differences, but precisely because of them. We are made stronger by our diversity and by our love for one another.”
Father Marina closed his remarks citing advice he received from Scranton’s 23rd president, Rev. Joseph McShane, S.J., currently the president of Fordham University: “If you love The University of Scranton, if you truly love it, then marvelous things are bound to happen.”
Father Marina said that is “exactly” what he intends to do, and asked others to “please join me as we carry our mission forward, or, more rightly, may I join you? So that, together, we can cultivate this wonderful vineyard in the valley and be that fire that kindles other fires.”
The Inauguration occurred during the Ignatian Year, the 500th anniversary of the conversion of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus.
Nearly 1,500 members of the University community and invited guests attended the Inauguration, including representatives from more than 45 colleges and universities; Rev. Joseph M. O’Keefe, S.J., provincial of the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus, who presented the Missioning of the President at the ceremony; Scranton’s Mayor Paige Cognetti, who provided greetings from the city; and Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, who provided the Invocation, among others. Recorded greetings were given by U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright and U.S. Senator Bob Casey, a Scranton native. The Inauguration also featured the performance of an original work composed for the Inauguration by David Lantz III, titled “To the Ends of the Earth.”
A recording of the ceremony is available for viewing. Photos from the event can be seen on the University’s Inauguration Flickr album.
In addition to the Inauguration Ceremony, an Inauguration Mass is planned for Saturday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m. on campus. An Inauguration Concert is set for Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center. The events coincide with Family Weekend.
$content.getChild('content').textValueScranton Celebrates Inauguration of 29th President
Alumni
October 26, 2021
Inauguration Date: Sept. 24, 2021
Ignatian Year - commemorating the 500th anniversary of the conversion of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus
Theme: “A Fire that Kindles Other Fires” – The Inauguration theme is quoted from Decree 2 of the 35th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus.
Attendance: Nearly 1,500
Number of Colleges and Universities Represented: 41
Oldest College Represented: University of Pennsylvania (established 1740)
Newest College Represented: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medical College (established 2008)
Number of School Presidents in Attendance: 11
Former University of Scranton Presidents in Attendance: 3
Quotable: “The 35th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus, in its second decree, proposed the symbol of a fire that kindles other fires. This term was first used in reference to St. Alberto Hurtdado of Chile and later intended for the renewal of all Jesuits. But it wasn’t meant for them alone. This is a metaphor that every Jesuit work, and every member of that work, can take on in a personal and apostolic way. The University of Scranton is, without a doubt, a fire that kindles other fires – one that illuminates and warms rather than burns and destroys.” Inaugural Address of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., President of The University of Scranton.
World Premiere at Inauguration: First performance of a new work for combined band and choir entitled “To The Ends Of The Earth,” composed by David Lantz III with a text inspired by themes from the 35thGeneral Congregation of The Society of Jesus.
Quick Facts on Inauguration of the 29th President
General
October 26, 2021
The formal Inauguration Ceremony for Father Marina will take place on Friday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m. at the Byron Recreation Complex for members of the University community and invited guests. The University will livestream the event. A luncheon will immediately follow the ceremony.
In addition to the Inauguration Ceremony, an Inauguration Mass is planned for Saturday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m. on campus. An Inauguration Concert, set for Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, will feature an original work composed for the Inauguration by David Lantz III, titled “To the Ends of the Earth.”
The events coincide with Family Weekend. Parents and family members visiting campus for the weekend are welcome to attend the Inauguration events.
Get the details about the Inauguration via the Inauguration website, here.
Livestream the Inauguration
General
October 26, 2021
Families, are you ready for this weekend?
We are looking forward to welcoming families to Scranton on Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021
Be sure to visit the Activities page for a full list of happenings, both on campus and off.
From athletic events, the Family Weekend President's Concert, and USPB After Dark on campus to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders baseball games or hiking in Nay Aug Park, there’s something for everyone in your family.
Be sure to also visit the General Information section for answers to all of your Family Weekend FAQ's.
Registration is not required for Family Weekend activities held on campus.
This year’s event has a Scranton focus, encouraging families to go out with their son or daughter into the greater Scranton area to explore the city’s rich historical heritage, beautiful natural settings, small businesses, and entertainment and cultural attractions. Families seeking things to do with their students have a wide array of options to enjoy. Read more, here.
And for all the details, visit the Family Weekend page, here.
Family Weekend is Almost Here
Staff
October 26, 2021
Flu season is underway and can last until May. The best prevention is to get a flu vaccine. Did you know that the flu shot is offered at no cost at most local pharmacies when using University of Scranton health insurance? To encourage faculty & staff to get a flu vaccine, the Center for Health Education & Wellness in collaboration with Rite Aid will offer a Campus Flu Shot Clinic for employees on Friday, Oct. 1 in the Long Center Lobby from 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. by appointment only.
Friday, Oct. 1 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Appointment Required
Flu shots (quadrivalent) will be no cost for employees who participate in The University of Scranton health insurance plan. High-dose Flu Vaccine will be available for those 65+. Non-University health insurance will not be accepted at the clinic. However, employees not participating in University health insurance have the option to pay $28 (cash only) for the flu shot.
To receive a flu shot at the Campus Flu Shot Clinic, you must register for an appointment time, bring a copy of your health insurance card and a completed Flu Shot Consent Form.
Click HERE to sign-up for an appointment time at the Flu Shot Clinic on Friday, Oct. 1.
For more information, please call the Center for Health Education & Wellness at 570-941-4253 or visit CHEW's website for additional Flu Clinic information and flu prevention tips.
Campus Flu Shot Clinic for Faculty and Staff
General
October 26, 2021
Join Campus Ministries for a Special University Liturgy this Saturday, September 25, at 4 p.m. in the Byron. (Yes, it fulfills the Sunday obligation.) There will also be a 7 p.m. Sunday Mass in Madonna della Strada Chapel (but no 11 a.m. or 4:30 p.m. Sunday Masses).
More information about Inauguration is here.
Celebrating Fr. Marina’s Inauguration and Family Weekend
General
October 26, 2021
University of Scranton students are invited to Explore South Scranton and the Cedar Iron District and Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
Saturday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (choice of two start times)
Tour begins with a trip to the South Side Farmers Market. Registration includes $5 in free Market Bucks.
Enjoy Mexican and El Salvadoran cuisine from:
Italo's Restaurant, Chicano's Restaurant, La Chingada Restaurante, La Libertad Pupuseria, and Florita's Bakery
Event will include a set menu from three restaurants.
Registration Required.
$10 fee, Payable in-person with your Royal Card after completing online registration
South Side Restaurant Tour Oct. 2
Student
October 26, 2021
Campus Flu Shot Clinics: Wednesday, Sept. 29 and Thursday, Sept 30
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Long Center Lobby
$10, Royal Card or Cash Only. No insurance accepted.
Appointments Required
Click the link above, visit scranton.edu/chew or @uofschew on Instagram (appointment link in bio)
Questions? Contact chew@scranton.edu or call 570-941-4253
Student: Campus Flu Shot Clinics-$10
General
October 26, 2021
Learn more about origami, the art of Japanese paper folding and try it for yourself with Japanese instructor Kentaro Fukube on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Kane Forum, Leahy 235.
All are welcome, no registration is required.
Sponsored by the World Languages and Cultures Department.
Contact Hannah Jackson at hannah.jackson@scranton.edu for more information.
Try Japanese Origami
General
October 26, 2021
Join us for the next Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar.
Tuesday, Sept. 28; Noon to 1:30 p.m.; Zoom link will be emailed
The 2020 Pennsylvania Presidential Election Litigation
Dan Brier and Donna Walsh, Partners, Myers, Brier & Kelly, LLP
We will take a backstage tour of the 2020 Pennsylvania Presidential Election litigation with two of Pennsylvania's lawyers.
RSVP to Alicen.Morrison@scranton.edu
Free to University Staff, Students, Faculty and Schemel Forum Members
***Please note that this Seminar has changed from in-person to remote
Virtual Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar, Sept. 28
Student
October 26, 2021
The Mother-Daughter Retreat will be held from Oct. 9 -10, 2021 at Chapman Lake Retreat Center.
This retreat takes place the Saturday and Sunday of fall break. Arrival is between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday (mom would pick you up on campus on Saturday morning and bring you to Chapman Lake) and departure is at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday (students will still have two days home for Fall Break). Cost is $50 per Mother/Daughter pair and includes a room with private bath that the Mother/Daughter Pair will share and all meals, snacks and materials. This retreat is a great way to enjoy some time at Chapman Lake during Fall Break and spend quality time talking with your mom about what is most important in life while meeting other Scranton moms and daughters.
Register on Royal Sync here.
Mother Daughter Retreat Oct. 9 and 10
Athletics
October 26, 2021
It was another full week for The University of Scranton Department of Athletics, capped off by every fall team collecting a victory on the road on both Saturday and Sunday in various competitions.
For more on the week that was for Scranton Athletics, check out this week's Royal Review by clicking here.
To follow University of Scranton Athletics all season long, remember to follow the Royals on Twitter and Instagram @RoyalAthletics.
Royal Review - September 21, 2021
Student
October 26, 2021
Those of us who are older recall growing-up hearing the lyrics to the old 1936 song “pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.” The Jerome Kern and Dorothy Fields song about endurance was used to encourage us to be resilient when we stumbled and fell.
Colleges today are composing new creations to encourage the same endurance to overcome hardships among their students and The University of Scranton’s innovative resiliency programming received a national accolade in being awarded the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators’ 2021 Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Academic Partnership.
Scranton’s Resilient Royals initiative, developed by Student Life staff and faculty partners, includes signature events and peer education components, as well as resilience training embedded into the classroom curriculum. The programming is intended to address student needs related to their resilience and self-compassion based on data gathered from their participation in the National Collegiate Health Assessment.
“The Resilient Royals initiative seeks to normalize struggle and failure while helping students to understand the benefit of growth that can occur by overcoming challenges and for student to develop a greater awareness of resilience and self-compassion,” said Lauren Rivera, J.D., dean of students and assistant vice president for student life at The University of Scranton, who leads the initiative on campus.
Dean Rivera said national research suggests that the current generation of college students often struggles to view challenge or failure with a growth mindset. As a result, higher education professionals are helping students to develop a growth mindset as well as other healthy coping skills to successfully navigate academic and non-academic challenges of college life.
Scranton’s Resilient Royals programming included a 2019 Fail Forward panel discussion which was attended by 298 people. A survey conducted immediately following the program showed 98 percent of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that the Fail Forward Panel helped them to realize that encountering challenges and experiencing failure is a normal part of life, and 94 percent of respondents strongly agreed or agreed that the panel inspired them to reflect on how they have coped with and navigated setbacks and challenges in their own life. A survey conducted of attendees one month after the program showed 54 percent of respondents always or frequently viewed challenges, failures and setbacks in their life as opportunities to learn and grow, and 36 percent of respondents practiced self-compassion.
Resilient Royals programming also included interactive “Fail It Forward Boards,” which were created and displayed at various times and locations on campus. The boards invite students to write in six words or less of a recent struggle or failure. Students were invited to take a message of encouragement written on a sticky notepad or to leave a message of encouragement for another student.
“The boards helped students to recognize that they are not alone in experiencing struggle,” said Dean Rivera, who noted through the Fail It Forward Boards, the Center for Health and Wellness’s Peer Health Education team provided educational information to more than 1,000 students during the 2019-2020 academic year.
In addition to other programming and peer education components, the initiative provided training to faculty members to support their understanding of and ability to integrate resilience development into their courses. Pre- and post-test data of nine faculty members who included resiliency components in their courses show students began to engage in practices to help build their resilience (e.g., mindfulness, gratitude journaling) after talking about resilience in class. Also, pre-and post-test data suggests that students developed a growth mindset over the course of the semester, viewing challenges and failures as opportunities to learn and grow.
Dean Rivera said Resilient Royals was “a labor of love” involving the contribution of many members of the University community, including Stephanie Adamec, director of the University’s Center for Health Education and Wellness; Vince Rocco, faculty specialists for the Alperin Lab in the Kania School of Management; Tara Hamilton-Fay, faculty specialist in biology; Teresa Conte, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Nursing Department; Geri Barber, director of the Counselor Training Center of the Panuska College of Professionals Studies; and Sherry Dougherty counselor in the University’s Counseling Center, among others.
The success of the endurance lessons of Resilient Royals illustrate today what the 1936 lyrics say: “Don’t lose your confidence if you slip, be grateful for a pleasant trip, and pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.”
Resilient Royals Wins National Prize
Alumni
October 26, 2021
Forbes ranked The University of Scranton among “America’s Top Colleges” for the 13th year. Scranton is the only college in Northeast Pennsylvania to be named among the 600 elite colleges listed in the 2021 ranking, which was published online on Sept. 8. Scranton, ranked No. 425, was among just 35 colleges in Pennsylvania that Forbes selected as “America’s Top Colleges.”
The ranking by Forbes analyzed “outputs” of a college education, weighting alumni salaries at one to four years and 10 years after graduation the most at 20 percent of their overall score. The methodology used by Forbes also looked at graduation rates (15 percent), student debt (15 percent) and the number of alumni making the Forbes “American Leaders” lists (15 percent), such as its “Forbes 400” and “Richest Self-Made Women” lists, as well as alumni who won national and international awards or positions, such as winners of the Nobel Prize and graduates who are members of the Supreme Court. Forbes also rated retention rate (10 percent), academic success (10 percent), as measured by alumni winning prestigious academic scholarships, such as Fulbright and Truman scholarships, and a “return on investment” measurement (15 percent), which calculates the time it takes for students to pay their college debt based on the “post-enrollment earnings boost students get compared their typical salary of a high school graduate in their state.”
Also in September, U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton No. 5 among the “Best Regional Universities in the North” in the 2022 edition of their “Best Colleges” guidebook, marking the 28th consecutive year that U.S. News ranked Scranton among the top 10 universities in its category. U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 14 in its category in its “Best Undergraduate Teaching” listing of the top colleges in the nation expressing “a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching;” No. 45 as a “Best Value Regional University in the North;” and No. 138 in its category in “Top Performers on Social Mobility.” In national rankings, U.S. News ranked Scranton No. 166 among America’s “Best Undergraduate Business Programs;” No. 185 among “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs;” and No. 148 among the nation’s “Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs.”
Scranton Named Among Top Colleges in America
Community
October 26, 2021
Family Weekend returns this year on Friday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Sept. 26. This year’s weekend-long event has a new format and modifications in light of the continuing pandemic but is still focused on bringing the families of University students to Scranton to both visit with their son or daughter and to explore the Scranton area.
This year’s event has a Scranton focus, encouraging families to go out with their son or daughter into the greater Scranton area to explore the city’s rich historical heritage, beautiful natural settings, small businesses, and entertainment and cultural attractions. Families seeking things to do with their students have a wide array of options to enjoy.
Downtown Scranton
During Family Weekend 2021, families can enjoy dinner downtown at a range of restaurants with varying cuisines and offerings, including Italian, Japanese, Thai, American, vegan, soul food, seafood, Mediterranean and more. Downtown Scranton has something for everyone. Many downtown businesses will also be offering 10% off to students and their families with a valid Royal Card. To learn more about downtown restaurants, visit this information page.
Special Festivals
Scranton is often busy with special festivals that highlight culture, community, arts, and foods. During this upcoming weekend, families can take advantage of the special foods offered at the annual Greek Food Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Scranton Sept., 21-25 and the Lebanese Heritage Festival at St. Ann Maronite Church on Sept. 26 in West Scranton. In addition, the Scranton Fringe Festival will be hosting “Fringe Under Glass,” live socially distant theatre in venues throughout downtown Scranton.
Natural Beauty
As Scranton area residents know, Scranton comes alive in the fall. With its close proximity to many nature areas, families that enjoy the great outdoors can get a first look at fall and the soon-to-be changing foliage around the city. Families can visit Nay Aug Park, located just up the hill from campus on the top of Mulberry Street, including walking trails, playgrounds, and an accessible treehouse.
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail offers a great opportunity for runners, walkers and bikers. Trailheads are easily accessible from campus including an entry at the University’s Kevin P. Quinn, S.J. Athletics Campus. Lake Scranton Walking Trail, a short drive (or run, if you are up for an energetic one!), and Lackawanna State Park, just a short drive from campus in North Abington Township, offer two more recreational opportunities.
Rich History
There are several sites and museums to consider to explore Scranton’s rich history. The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour provides participants with a chance to step back in time to see what going down 300 feet beneath the earth through an anthracite coal mine is really like. Steamtown National Historic Site, a short walk from campus is a National Park created to further public understanding of the role steam railroading played in U.S. development. Founded in 1908, the Everhart Museum is one of the oldest museums in Northeastern Pennsylvania and features both a permanent collection and special exhibitions, including “Every Stitch Counts: Works from the Social Justice Sewing Academy.”
Fall Fun
Lackawanna County offers some of NEPA’s most iconic fall activity venues. From end-of-season baseball to pumpkin picking, Scranton is the place to enjoy this great season. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will be at home against the Syracuse Mets at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept 24, Saturday, Sept 25 at 4:00 p.m. or Sunday, Sept 26 at 1:00 p.m. Lakeland Orchard and Cidery in Scott Twp. offers live music, food, games, apple picking and more, including on September 25 and 26 an Apple harvest festival and Halloween light show from 8-10 p.m. Roba Farms in N. Abington Township offers pumpkin, picking maze navigating, apple cider donuts and onsite campfire spaces onsite.
Click here to view a listing of local attractions. Follow the Office of Community Relations on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.
Upcoming Family Weekend 2021 to Focus on Scranton
Community
October 26, 2021
On Saturday, Sept. 25, Performance Music at The University of Scranton’s Family Weekend President’s Concert will celebrate the Inauguration of Joseph G. Marina, S.J., as the University’s 29th President.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. inside the University’s Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue.
The concert is open to invited guests, parents and family members visiting campus for Family Weekend and all members of the University community. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. All audience members must wear masks throughout the performance. University campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage.
The University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir will both perform at the concert, which is in commemoration of Father Marina’s Inauguration. The performance will include the second performance of a new work for combined band and soprano, alto, tenor and bass (SATB) choir commissioned for Father Marina’s inauguration, entitled “To The Ends Of The Earth,” composed by David Lantz III with a text inspired by themes from the 35thGeneral Congregation of The Society of Jesus. The work will receive its premiere at the Inauguration Ceremony on Sept. 24, the day before the concert, and the composer will be conducting the work at both the Inauguration Ceremony and the concert.
The concert will also include a short four-part choral work that was written as a gift to the University by Dr. Wycliffe Gordon H. ’06, “We Give In To Your Will”, which has become an Inauguration tradition at Scranton.
In addition, surprise guest performances with a “family” theme will be part of the event, according to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga. Guest artists for the evening include the composer’s wife Marti Lantz (who will serve as pianist for the performance), Boga’s son Joseph (trumpeter with Vince Giordano’s Nighthawks and The Louis Armstrong Eternity Band) and his girlfriend Kako Miura (acclaimed solo and chamber music violinist).
For more information on the Family Weekend Concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music.
Family Weekend Concert Celebrates Inauguration
Student
October 26, 2021
Twenty-three University of Scranton education majors are serving as student teachers during the fall semester at 10 local schools in the following ten school districts: Blue Ridge, Commonwealth Charter, Dunmore, Lakeland, Mid Valley, Pittston Area, Valley View, Wayne Highlands, Western Wayne and Wilkes-Barre Area.
The following is a list of undergraduate students who are serving as student teachers and the schools to which they have been assigned during the fall semester.
Delany Adams of White House Station, New Jersey, is teaching at Blue Ridge Elementary School;
Amanda Benko of Allentown is teaching at Valley View Elementary School;
Arianna Boelens of Hackettstown, New Jersey, is teaching at Mayfield Elementary School;
Alexandra Colecchia of Freehold, New Jersey, is teaching at Dunmore Elementary Center;
Halle Conklin of Point Lookout, New York, is teaching at Bear Creek Community Charter School;
Adrianna Creighton of Farmingdale, New Jersey, is teaching at Valley View Elementary School;
Bridget Fry of East Windsor, New Jersey, is teaching at Valley View Elementary School;
Angela Grissinger of Moscow is teaching at Valley View Elementary School;
Stephanie Hoffmann of Staten Island, New York, is teaching at Dunmore Elementary Center;
Caroline Hudson of Ramsey, New Jersey, is teaching at Pittston Intermediate School;
Samuel Krompinger of Holbrook, New York, is teaching at Evergreen Elementary School;
Jillian Lambdin of Plainview, New York, is teaching at Blue Ridge Elementary School;
Reilly Medzadourian of Township Washington, New Jersey, is teaching at Commonwealth Charter Academy;
Thomas Nagle of Berwyn is teaching at Mid Valley Elementary Center;
Erin Pepe of Edison, New Jersey, is teaching at Pittston Intermediate School;
Jennifer Relovsky of Marlton, New Jersey, is teaching at Valley View Elementary School;
Theresa Scarola of Glen Head, New York, is teaching at Lakeside Elementary School;
Chloe Schubert of Jackson, New Jersey, is teaching at Dunmore Elementary Center;
Natalie Sottile of Taylor is teaching at Valley View Elementary School;
Katie Tubridy of Manor, New York, is teaching at Bear Creek Community Charter School;
Alexa Untener of Stoney Point, New York, is teaching at Lakeside Elementary School;
Kierston Van Fleet of Old Forge is teaching at Dunmore Elementary Center;
Grace Winterle of Havertown is teaching at Bear Creek Community Charter School.
University Student Teachers Begin at Area Schools
Community
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton announced today that more than 96 percent of its students, faculty and staff who are on campus for the fall semester are fully vaccinated. The University implemented a vaccine requirement for the return of in-person classes and activities for the fall 2021 semester, which began on Monday, Aug. 30.
Vaccination rates above 90 percent were found to be important for resuming normal campus activity, according to a recently released study in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Students attending classes on campus were required to submit vaccine information through the school’s Student Health Services and employees were required to attest to their vaccination status through the Office of Human Resources. In accordance with Pennsylvania law, students and employees could request a waiver to the vaccine requirement for religious or medical reasons.
Students attending fully-online graduate courses were not required to submit vaccine information.
According to University records, nearly 96 percent of students and more than 97 percent of staff are fully vaccinated. The University expects these percentages to increase in the coming weeks as individuals with one dose of the vaccine receive their second dose.
Unvaccinated members of the University community who were granted a waiver to be on campus during the fall semester must participate in weekly PCR testing and wear a mask when indoors and when outdoors when social distancing is not possible, among other health and safety requirements as outlined in the University’s Royals Back Together plan.
Vaccinated individuals do not need to participate in COVID-19 surveillance testing.
Following CDC guidelines, the University will adjust indoor masking requirements for vaccinated individuals based on community spread. A Mask Status tile on the Royals Back Together webpage will indicate if masks are required indoors for vaccinated individuals, as well as other health and safety requirements. (Currently, the University is requiring all individuals to wear masks indoors through Oct. 4, and the access to the campus is limited to University community members, invited guests and others as outlined in its Royals Back Together plan. The University will update information on or before Oct. 4).
More than 96 Percent Vaccinated at Scranton
Student
October 26, 2021
Need a ride around campus and the local area? Text the Royal Ride through the Royal Ride app. The app can be found from the Scranton App/Royal Ride or the my.Scranton Portal/Student Tab/Student Resources. Text your location and where you are going and they will pick you up. They accept groups of up to four students (space available). The Royal Ride runs during the fall and spring semesters (excluding holidays and breaks), Thursday, 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturdays, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. The Royal Ride travels within the boundaries of Vine St. to Ridge Row St. and N Irving Ave. to Adams Ave. This service is available to all University of Scranton students.
The Royal Ride is Back In Service
Staff
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton will test its emergency notification system on Thursday, Sept. 16.
The University uses Everbridge to send notices of emergencies, school closing and delays to members of the campus community via employee office phones, Scranton email addresses and numbers registered by employees and students to receive these notices by voice or text.
Members of the University community wishing to register, verify or update contact information for emergency notices may do so through the My.Scranton portal and choosing the ENS Registration Link on the navigation bar on the left.
The University’s emergency text alerts originate from 893-61 or 878-44. The email address for alerts is alerts@scranton.edu and Phone alerts will also display 570-941-5427. Students, faculty and staff are asked to save these to their contacts in order to identify future emergency notification alerts.
Emergency Notification System Test on Sept. 16
Athletics
October 26, 2021
It was another busy week for The University of Scranton Department of Athletics, highlighted by the return of the men's golf team, a win over a nationally-ranked opponent for men's soccer, and a slew of other victories and honors for several Royals programs.
For more on the week that was for Scranton Athletics, check out this week's Royal Review by clicking here.
To follow University of Scranton Athletics all season long, remember to follow the Royals on Twitter and Instagram @RoyalAthletics.
Royal Review - September 14, 2021
Community
October 26, 2021
Sept. 17, 2021, marks Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, commemorating the 234th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution and recognizing all those who have become U.S. citizens.
The day is an annual opportunity to reflect on the importance of active citizenship, including the right to vote. The Constitution, as originally written, did not establish specifically who could or could not vote; this was left for the states to determine. It was decades after 1787 that the right to vote was protected for all Americans, including African Americans and women. The 15th amendment, ratified in 1870 prohibited the denial of voting rights based on race, and the 19th amendment, ratified in 1920 gave women the right to vote. 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the 26th amendment, lowering the universal voting age from 21 to 18 years, providing greater access to voting for young Americans, including college students.
Events: Last week, the University’s Schemel Forum hosted Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science from Yale University, to discuss his book, "The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840," in which Amar revives U.S. constitutional history for a 21st century nation, confronting the founders’ failures and successes. The event can be viewed online here. On Thursday, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. (noon CST), Dr. Jean Harris, Professor in the Political Science Department, will be part of a virtual panel discussion, “Constitutional Politics in a Pandemic Era,” together with her fellow authors of "American Democracy Now." Further details and registration info are available here.
Local & State Election Information: Whether it is presidential, national, or local, each vote counts toward deciding an election. This year, Lackawanna County is hosting its Municipal Elections on Nov. 2 (mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m.). The ballot will include city, school board, judicial, and state-level candidates. Oct. 18 is the last day to register before the November election and Oct. 26 is the last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot. Students who are registered to vote in Lackawanna County, and who vote, can play a role in influencing how elected officials in Scranton and Lackawanna County will spend resources and shape local policies. The University’s Royals Vote non-partisan voter engagement initiative has compiled resources to help navigate the process, including information on voter registration, common voting terms and definitions, and how voting connects to Ignatian spirituality.
Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service (CEEPS) Activities: In October, the University’s new Center will have a formal launch event and will be hosting local candidate forums in collaboration with the League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County, including: Oct. 13 (Lackawanna Court of Common Pleas and 113th Legislative State House District Special Election), Oct. 14 (Scranton Mayor and Scranton City Council), and Oct. 19 (Scranton School Board). For more information about those events and the work of CEEPS, contact co-directors Dr. Jean Harris or Dr. JoyAnna Hopper in the Political Science Department at ceeps@scranton.edu.
Constitution and Citizenship Day 2021 and Upcoming Elections
Staff
October 26, 2021
Representatives from TIAA will be hosting virtual individual retirement counseling sessions on Sept. 22, Oct. 21 and Dec. 10. These sessions will provide you the opportunity to confidentially review and discuss your current investments, ask questions and review options to help you meet your retirement goals. Our TIAA-CREF representatives will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please visit tiaa.org/scranton and scroll down to the bottom left to schedule an appointment or call (800) 732-8353, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to secure a time slot. Appointments are one hour in length.
Festus Obioha from Transamerica will be hosting virtual individual retirement counseling sessions on Sept. 27. These sessions will provide you the opportunity to meet confidentially to review and discuss your current investments, ask questions and review options to help you meet your retirement goals. Appointments will be 45 minutes in length. Schedule an appointment here.
TIAA and Transamerica Individual Retirement Counseling
Community
October 26, 2021
The Ignatian mission of The University of Scranton will take a preeminent role in the Inauguration of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., as the 29th president of The University of Scranton. The Inauguration will occur as the Society of Jesus celebrates an Ignatian Year, commemorating the 500th anniversary of the conversion of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus.
The Inauguration theme, “A Fire that Kindles Other Fires,” is quoted from Decree 2 of the 35th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus.
The Decree reads: “Legend has it that Saint Ignatius, when he sent Saint Francis Xavier to the East, told him: ‘go, set the world alight.’ With the birth of the Society of Jesus, a new fire was lit in a changing world. A novel form of religious life came about, not through human enterprise but as a divine initiative. The fire that was set alight then continues to burn in our Jesuit life today, as was said about Saint Alberto Hurtado, ‘a fire that kindles other fires.’ With it, we are called to set all things alight with the love of God.”
The formal Inauguration Ceremony for Father Marina will take place on Friday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m. on campus for members of the University community and invited guests. The University will livestream the event. A luncheon will immediately follow the ceremony.
In addition to the Inauguration Ceremony, an Inauguration Mass is planned for Saturday, Sept. 25, at 4 p.m. on campus. An Inauguration Concert, set for Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, will feature an original work composed for the Inauguration by David Lantz III, titled “To the Ends of the Earth.”
The events coincide with Family Weekend. Parents and family members visiting campus for the weekend are welcome to attend the Inauguration events.
Thomas MacKinnon, vice president for university advancement, and Gretchen Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, are serving as co-chairs for the Inauguration Celebration.
Additional information is available on The Inauguration of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., website.
Inauguration Celebrates Jesuit Mission of University
Community
October 26, 2021
The stunningly cross-genre combo Port Mande Quartet will kick off Performance Music at The University of Scranton’s fall 2021 concert season on Saturday, Sept. 18.
The concert, presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton, will begin at 7:30 p.m. inside the University’s Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton.
Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis for invited guests of Performance Music and all members of the University community.
Port Mande is a collaborative partnership between clarinetist Mark Dover of Imani Winds and pianist/producer Jeremy Ajani Jordan. For this performance, they will be joined by Johannes Felscher, bass, and Jimmy Macbride, drums.
A play on a “portmanteau” – a word blending the sounds and combining the meanings of two words – Port Mande appropriately blends Dover and Jordan’s vast musical influences and work within the classical, jazz, hip hop, gospel, pop, electronic and world music genres. The duo’s overriding mission is to bring all cultures of people together by embracing music of all types, and in July 2020 they released their self-produced debut EP, “Is This Loss?”
Individually, Dover and Jordan have collaborated and performed with numerous marquee artists, among them Yo Yo Ma, Anthony McGill, Gil Kalish, Imani Winds, Vulfpeck, Edward Simon, Brian Blade, Scott Colley, David Binney, Cyrille Aimee, Charles Yang and the Temptations.
Recently, Port Mande has performed original music at National Sawdust as part of Chris Gryme’s Open G Series, as well at National Sawdust live on Chicago’s WFMT and New York City’s WKCR, premiering Jonathan Ragonese’s “Non-Poem 4” as part of the Live at National Sawdust Series and Relevant Tones. In addition, they have played Emerald City Music in Seattle, Lyrica Music in New Jersey and other New York venues including DROM, Spectrum and Rockwood Music Hall.
Dover is a member of the award-winning Imani Winds, and serves on the faculty of The Curtis Institute of Music, Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts and the Aaron Copland School of Music at CCNY Queens.
A winner of The Steinway Concerto Competition, Jordan has appeared as a soloist and with chamber ensembles and orchestras throughout the world.
All audience members must wear masks throughout the performance. University campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage.
For more information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more on Port Mande, visit: markdovermusic.com/port-mande.
Performance Music Starts Fall Concerts Saturday
Faculty
October 26, 2021
Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology and director of the Environmental Studies Concentration at The University of Scranton, received a 2021 Women in Conservation Award from PennFuture, an independent, nonpartisan environmental advocacy organization. Dr. Nolan received the award for Woman of Environmental Education.
Dr. Nolan joined the faculty at Scranton in 2008. She teaches Environmental and Conservation Psychology and Social Psychology, among other courses, and runs the Conservation Psychology Lab at the University. The Conservation Psychology Lab studies the human impact on the environment and uses the tools and methods of psychology to understand and solve environmental problems. Her research focuses on the application of psychological tools and principles to understand and solve environmental problems. She has studied the effects of normative social influence on various environmental behaviors, including energy conservation and household recycling. Dr. Nolan has published more than a dozen articles on environmental behavior in peer-reviewed scientific journals and has presented her research at numerous professional conferences.
In her role as director of the Environmental Studies Concentration, Dr. Nolan has partnered with local environmental groups such as Friends of Lackawanna, Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation and the Lackawanna River Conservation Association to sponsor more than a dozen co-curricular events for students and the local community.
In 2018, Dr. Nolan received the University’s Excellence in Integrating Sustainability into the Curriculum Award. This award is given to a faculty member who strives for excellence in teaching about sustainability and makes extraordinary efforts to introduce concepts of sustainability into the curriculum.
Dr. Nolan is also the founder of Green Drinks Scranton, an informal networking group that provides a forum for area residents interested in environmental issues to connect and learn from one another.
Dr. Nolan earned her bachelor’s degree at Cornell University, her master’s degree at California State University and her Ph.D. at the University of Arkansas.
Psychology Professor Receives Conservation Award
Student
October 26, 2021
The University community gathered last week for the opening school liturgy, the Mass of the Holy Spirit.
The Byron was packed with well over 1,500 students, faculty and staff in attendance! Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, was the main celebrant. He offered some wonderful words to the students at the beginning of the Mass: “I hope that this experience surely is for you a life-changing experience that will propel you into your future well-prepared for life.”
University President Joseph G. Marina, S.J., gave an inspiring homily, sharing a personal remembrance of his father. Thomas MacKinnon, vice president for University Advancement, offered a beautiful reflection about the life of former University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., for whom the Mass was offered. Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., vice president for Mission and Ministry, and other members of the Jesuit Community concelebrated. Students served as sacristans, altar servers, lectors, music ministers and ministers of hospitality. And – true to our Scranton tradition – student teams and clubs came wearing their Scranton gear and sat together to pray as one.
Here’s to a spirit-filled year!
Mass of the Holy Spirit: A Spirit-filled Day
Alumni
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton President’s Business Council (PBC) announced that the 20th Annual Award Dinner, planned for Thursday, Oct. 7, at Gotham Hall in New York City, has been canceled due to complications related to the ongoing pandemic. The PBC will instead offer a virtual celebration on Thursday, Nov. 18, which will honor John E. (Jack) Brennan ’68, P’06, in memoriam, and will also provide a retrospective look at the first twenty years of the PBC.
“Working in consultation with our New York City-based PBC leadership team, we decided that hosting a virtual event in November was best for the University, our honorees and all of our constituents,” said Timothy J. Pryle ’89, executive director of the PBC. “We are confident that we can build on our extremely successful virtual event last year as we honor the late Jack Brennan and reflect on the first twenty years of the PBC.”
Patricia A. Byrnes Clarke ’86, P’17,’19 and Thomas P. O’Brien ’86, P’19, who were also scheduled to be honored on Oct. 7, will be the honorees for the October 2022 PBC Dinner.
The PBC was formed in 2001 by the University and a prominent group of alumni and friends with the purpose of advancing the mission of the University. The PBC is committed to strengthening the Scranton network in the business sectors and to providing mentoring, internship and career support for current students and meaningful engagement opportunities for alumni, parents and friends. At the PBC’s Annual Award Dinner, an honoree is presented with the University’s President’s Medal, which recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields and who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion for others. Proceeds from the dinner go directly to the Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund.
Additional details regarding this year’s virtual celebration will follow.
PBC Opts for Virtual Celebration Honoring Jack Brennan
General
October 26, 2021
Note: Access to the campus is currently limited to members of the University community, invited guests, spectators at athletic events and others as listed in the Royals Back Together plan. Campus access and other health and safety information will be updated throughout the semester and can be seen on the Royals Back Together webpage.
Sept. 14 Noon. Schemel Forum’s Munley Law World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Arguing at the Supreme Court in a Time of Conflict” presented by Neal Katyal, partner at Hogan Lovells and the Paul and Patricia Saunders Professor of National Security Law at Georgetown University Law Center. Remote presentation. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Sept. 18 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring Port Mande Quartet, Mark Dover, clarinet and Jeremy Ajani Jordan, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
Sept. 20 Noon. Schemel Forum’s Munley Law World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Biden and the World” by presented by Trudy Rubin, Worldview columnist, The Philadelphia Inquirer. Remote presentation. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Sept. 24 11 a.m. The Inauguration of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., as the 29th President of The University of Scranton. Dionne Campus Green. Invited guests and University community members only. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@Scranton.edu.
Sept. 25 4 p.m. Inauguration Mass. Byron Recreation Complex. Invited guests, University community members and Family Weekend guests only. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@Scranton.edu.
Sept. 25 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Family Weekend President’s Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir with surprise guest artists. Houlihan-McLean Center. Invited guests, University community members and Family Weekend guests only. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
Sept. 28 Noon. Schemel Forum’s Munley Law World Affairs Luncheon Series: “The 2020 Pennsylvania Presidential Election Litigation” presented by Dan Brier and Donna Walsh, partners, Myers, Brier and Kelly, LLP. Remote presentation. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Oct. 1 3 p.m. Lecture: “Muslims and the Making of America” by author Amir Hussain, Ph.D., professor of theological studies at Loyola Marymount University. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.
Oct. 4 7:30 p.m. Ignatian Values In Action Lecture by author Yohuru Williams, Ph.D., G’93, as part of the Royal Reads program 2021-2022 book “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin. Byron Recreation Complex. First-Year students only. Lecture will be live streamed for others University community members and guests in LSC 133, BRB 228 and TDC 401. Call 570-941-7520 or email linda.walsh@scranton.edu.
Oct. 7 Noon. Schemel Forum’s Munley Law World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Jane Jacobs’ First City: What Comes Next?” presented by Paige Cognetti, mayor, City of Scranton. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Oct. 14 8:30 a.m. 20th Annual U.S. Conference on disABILITY “Exploring Autism Across the Spectrum: Building Inclusive Communities. Year III.” This virtual conference will include daylong live events as well as pre-recorded session offerings. Free. Registration opens mid-September. Call 570-941-7819 or visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference.
Oct. 15 Noon. Schemel Forum’s Munley Law World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Democracy in America? An Outsider’s View” presented by Fintan O’Toole, columnist for The Irish Times and the Leonard L. Milberg Lecturer in Irish Letters, Princeton. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Oct. 15 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Alexander Pattavina, organ. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
Oct. 20 4:30 p.m. Asian Studies Lecture: “Moral Psychology of Confucian Shame: Shame of Shamelessness” presented by Bongrae Seok, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, Alvernia University. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. No registration required. Free. Call 570-941-6312 or email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu.
Oct. 23 7:45 a.m. Schemel Forum bus trip “Back to Gotham! NYC!” $150. Registration required to reserve a spot by Oct. 1 as spaces are limited. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Oct. 24 9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu.
Oct. 24 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Bach for Humanity” featuring Mark Kosower, cello. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
Oct. 26 Noon. Schemel Forum’s Munley Law World Affairs Luncheon Series: “The Holocaust and Jewish-Christian Relations” presented by Dr. Carol Rittner, RSM, distinguished professor emerita of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the Dr. Marsha Raticoff Grossman Professor Emerita of Holocaust Studies at Stockton University, New Jersey. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu
Oct. 30 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra with guest artist John-Morgan Bush, horn. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
Nov. 4 Noon. Schemel Forum and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “This Community’s Medical College: How advances in pedagogy and technology, and the pandemic, have shaped medical education in the 21st century” presented by Steven Scheinman, M.D., president and dean, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; executive vice president and chief academic officer, Geisinger. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Nov. 7 9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu.
Nov. 9 5:30 p.m. Schemel Forum and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Beethoven’s Deafness: Psychological Crises and Artistic Triumph” presented by Richard Kogan, M.D., clinical professor of psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College and artistic director, Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Program. Reception to follow. Scranton Cultural Center at Masonic Temple. Registration required. $30. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Nov. 12 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” The University of Scranton Jazz Ensemble with guest artist Benny Benack III, voice and trumpet. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
Nov. 18-20 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. “The Addams Family” presented by Liva Arts Company. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. $7. Call 570-941-7401 or email joelle.cote@scranton.edu.
Nov. 20 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Symphonic Band. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
Dec. 4 8 p.m. (Prelude begins at 7:05 p.m.) Performance Music: “54th Annual Noel Night” featuring The University of Scranton Singers, Instrumental Chamber Ensembles, and pianist Ron Stabinsky. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu
Dec. 12 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Recital.” Performance music student musicians perform solo, duet, trio, and small group renditions of a variety of Christmas favorites. Houlihan-McLean Center. Admission: one new unwrapped toy, new toiletry items, or a monetary donation. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
Schemel Forum Courses
Wednesdays: Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3, 10 6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “Social and Moral Issues in Information Technology” presented by Kevin Nordberg, Ph.D., professor emeritus, philosophy and Latin American studies, The University of Scranton. Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Fall Semester Events Planned at University
Alumni
October 26, 2021
U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton No. 5 among the “Best Regional Universities in the North” in the 2022 edition of the “Best Colleges” guidebook, which became available online today. U.S. News has ranked Scranton among the top 10 universities in its category for 28 consecutive years.
U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 14 in its category in its “Best Undergraduate Teaching” listing of the top colleges in the nation expressing “a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.”
In addition, Scranton was ranked No. 45 as a “Best Value Regional University in the North,” which compares academic quality of programs to cost of attendance. This is the ninth consecutive year U.S. News has recognized Scranton as a “Best Value” school. Scranton was ranked No. 138 in its category in “Top Performers on Social Mobility,” which looks at schools that enroll and graduate “large proportions of disadvantaged students awarded with Pell Grants.”
In national rankings, as opposed to listings by category, U.S. News included Scranton among America’s “Best Undergraduate Business Programs,” ranking Scranton at No. 166 in the U.S., “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs” at No. 185 (where doctorate is not offered); and among the nation’s “Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs,” ranking Scranton No. 148 in the nation.
U.S. News uses data on 17 measures of academic quality to rank 1,466 bachelor’s degree colleges in the America. For its rankings, U.S. News considers a range of quality indicators that include an “outcomes” measurement” (40 percent), which assesses graduation rates; freshman retention; a social mobility score; graduate indebtedness; and graduation performance rates, which compares a school’s actual graduation rates with predicted graduation rates based on characteristics of the incoming class. U.S. News ranking analysis also includes a peer assessment of academic excellence (20 percent); faculty resources (20 percent), which includes class size and regional cost-of-living adjustments to faculty pay and benefits; student excellence (7 percent), as measured by SAT or ACT scores and high school ranking of students in the top 25 percent of their class; financial resources (10 percent); and alumni giving (3 percent).
U.S. News categorizes colleges for their rankings based on the official Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classification of universities.
The 2022 U.S. News “Best Colleges” rankings became available online Sept. 13. The printed edition of the guidebook will be available in bookstores Nov. 2.
To read more about all the accolades the University has received visit our Outcomes & National Recognition page.
$content.getChild('content').textValueU.S. News Ranks Scranton No. 5 in 2022 Guidebook
General
October 26, 2021
University of Scranton President, Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., sent the following reflection about the 20th anniversary of 9/11 to the University and alumni community on Sept. 10, 2021.
In the Madonna della Strada Chapel, on a wall next to the main entrance, a plaque is dedicated in loving memory of members of the University family who lost their lives on September 11. In sacred space, this plaque quietly and profoundly reminds us of the direct tragic impact this day had on our community – an impact shared by countless other communities across the nation.
For many of our students, they learned of the day as they grew up. Others among us recall vividly where we were on that fateful morning in 2001, as we watched the unthinkable unfold before our eyes. Fear, shock, sadness and worry filled our hearts as we prayed for those caught in the World Trade Center and Pentagon and for the safety of brave first responders who placed themselves in harm’s way to save them. Later, we mourned the loss of airline passengers on a field in Shanksville, Pa., who sacrificed themselves to save others.
As the days unfolded, we discovered ways that each of us was touched directly or indirectly by the loss. The University community learned that five alumni perished on 9/11, as did dozens more with close family ties to our community.
In the months and years that followed, we searched for understanding and made efforts to remember loved ones lost. We built memorials to tell of the events that we vowed never to forget. And, we carried on with our lives, rebuilding as we remembered.
As we mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11, let us recall in memory and prayer our faithful alumni, family and friends who lost their lives on this tragic day. Let us pray for peace and understanding in a world still filled with unrest. Let us also pray for our students today and the faculty and staff who educate and serve them. May they may go into the world as a voice calling for peace and justice and change the world for the betterment of all.
Let me close by quoting from a September 2001 message by my predecessor, Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., the 23rd President of the University, who provided such capable and pastoral leadership through this crisis:
"As a community of faith, we also pray -- and pray fervently -- that God our Lord will strengthen us in this time of sorrow so that, guided by His wisdom, we will be able to build a world in which the reign of love overcomes hatred, suspicion and violence.”
University President Reflects on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11
Community
October 26, 2021
The Scranton Times-Tribune published the following editorial by University of Scranton President, Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., about doubling the Pell Grant.
Like the Class of 2025, I too am a newcomer to The University of Scranton, deeply grateful to serve as its 29th President. Over the summer, some of my first meetings involved joining with my fellow Jesuit college presidents in advocating for Congressional legislative proposals to further assist college students with financial need. Affordability and access are a priority for the University as I look ahead to the future of higher education in our country.
Throughout my career, which has involved several colleges and universities, I have been consistently impressed with the drive and determination of Pell Grant recipient students. The Pell Grant program, established in 1972 with bi-partisan support, provides a grant from the federal government to assist students with financial need complete their undergraduate degrees. Since the program started, increases in the grant have not kept pace. Nearly 50 years ago, Pell grants covered more than three-quarters of the cost of attending a four-year public college. Today, Pell covers just one-third
Now is the time to double the Pell grant to $13,000. We need to make an historic investment in Pell Grants, one that will help a new generation of students complete their undergraduate careers with less economic stress and immediately contribute to the American workforce. Doubling Pell will increase access to higher education for students, allowing them to choose the right school for them – public or private. This longstanding program assists students with the greatest need and reduces heavy borrowing – directing taxpayer dollars to those who need it most. Nearly 70 percent of Pell Grant dollars go to students with a family income at $30,000 or below, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education (for the 2018-2019 year)
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the network of private colleges and universities, including The University of Scranton, makes a big impact. Our sector educates 51% of all students and 44% of low-income students. These schools’ 6-year graduation rates among all students average 74%. At the University of Scranton, our graduation rates are as high as 84.4%, much higher than national averages.
At the University, Pell students make up 22% of our total student body. These students benefit from our Catholic, Jesuit education, steeped in the humanities, and can choose from a wide array of liberal arts, science, business, and professional degrees. At the same time, the entire University benefits from the experience and perspectives they bring to our campus. We are proud to have strong Pell graduation rates at 72%, also exceeding national averages and aligning very closely with our overall graduation rate.
Non-completion of college can be a life-altering event; doubling Pell is a time-tested strategy to boost degree completion.
As a leader of a Catholic, Jesuit institution, I support doubling the Pell Grant as a tool for greater equity and as a way to empower students while opening the doors of opportunity. At the University, we are also doing our part to address affordability and access – through scholarships and additional financial aid programs, a unique “Book and Supply” award, and financial counseling programs.
We also know that Pell offers a strong return on investment. College graduates consistently earn higher wages than individuals with only a high school diploma. And yet in Northeastern Pennsylvania, higher education attainment still lags from statewide and national averages. While 22.2% in Scranton have a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to 2019 U.S. Census Bureau reporting, in Pennsylvania overall that percentage is significantly higher at 31.4%.
Doubling Pell is one important way for the U.S. Congress to assist the students who need support the most and ensure that our country can be successful in the 21st century. Right now, Congress is making decisions about how to spend resources next year. So please reach out to your members of Congress and visit www.doublepell.org to make your voice heard.
President Marina Op-Ed About Doubling Pell Grant
Community
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton plans to offer a new Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology, which is one of the nation’s fastest growing occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for speech-language pathologists is expected to grow 25 percent between 2019-2025. The average annual salary for speech-language pathologists, which require a master’s degree and passing a national board examination for certification, was $80,480 for 2020.
The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology at The University of Scranton is an applicant for candidacy by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Anticipated to begin in the fall of 2023, the graduate program will be offered in a blended format with online academic courses offered within a synchronous remote learning environment during the fall and spring semesters, an on-campus clinical rotation and in-person academic courses during the first summer session, and two in-person externship clinical training experiences in the student’s place of residence during year two. Students who are interested, may also elect a healthcare specialization in order to obtain advanced training in testing and therapy procedures commonly used by the speech-language pathologist in a medical setting. The program is designed to provide students with the specified knowledge and skill outcomes stipulated in the 2020 Standards for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology and the 2017 Standards for Accreditation of Graduate Education Programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
“The vision of the graduate degree program is for the University to become a leader in speech-language pathology studies by providing exemplary well-rounded training with the opportunity for specialization in healthcare,” said Hope E. Baylow, D.A., assistant professor in the University’s Department of Health and Human Performance. “The University of Scranton’s undergraduate communication sciences and disorders and graduate speech-language pathology degree programs will positively impact the number of competent and qualified speech-language pathologists and audiologists who service not only the Scranton community and the state of Pennsylvania, but across the United States of America and beyond.”
The graduate degree program is designed to accommodate students from across the United States and beyond by providing a distance learning environment spanning two academic years from 21 to 24 months. The length of the degree program is determined by the student’s selection to complete the program either with or without an area of specialization. The student may choose to solely complete the 63- credit hour degree program of study or select the 73-credit hour degree program of study with specialization in healthcare. The healthcare specialization requires an additional 10 credit hours, which is dispersed over a 24-month timeframe.
“Through a diverse range of academic and clinical experiences, students will acquire advanced knowledge of basic human communication sciences and disorders by analyzing, interpreting, integrating and applying evidence-based theory to the clinical environment within a learner, knowledge and skill and assessment-centered blended learning atmosphere,” said Dr. Baylow. “This will be done in the context of a Jesuit Catholic education, which provides an inclusive and caring community, individual attention to students, and shows respect for the uniqueness of each member of the University community.”
“The three interrelated themes of Jesuit Catholic education – a focus on a diverse and open-minded education, moral reflection, and teaching for social justice – are embedded in the curriculum along with rigorous scholarship, teaching, service, and community partnerships.” said Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the University’s Panuska College of Professional Studies. “Our emphasis is on developing critical thinking, communication skills and interpersonal competency that create a transformational experience and strengthen our professional practice in helping others. Our graduates, as well as our faculty and staff, are compassionate and ethical practitioners and mentors, committed to striving for excellence grounded in gratitude, lifelong learning and service to others in a global community.”
“As dean of PCPS, I have the utmost confidence that our future speech language pathologist will unite with PCPS alums who model the tenets of St. Ignatius of Loyola by being ‘men and women for and with others.’ They will strengthen our community through service to others by working on inter-professional teams. Our SLP graduates will be grounded in Jesuit ideals and Ignatian pedagogy that will enhance their knowledge and skills to make a difference in their communities by providing culturally relevant and sensitive care and by treating others with respect and dignity, and advocating for basic human communicative rights and safe medical care,” said Dean Pellegrino.
Applicants to this highly anticipated new graduate program must meet admission requirements. For more information, visit the program’s webpage or contact Dr. Baylow at hope.baylow@scranton.edu.
New Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Athletics
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton opened its fall 2021 season this past week, with seven teams opening their respective seasons.
For a full rundown on the week that was in Scranton Athletics, check out the Sept. 7 edition of the Royal Review by clicking here.
To follow University of Scranton Athletics all season long, remember to follow the Royals on Twitter and Instagram @RoyalAthletics.
Royal Review - September 7, 2021
Faculty
October 26, 2021
After a successful pilot in the spring 2021 semester, the Student Success Attendance and Early Alert system has been implemented during the fall 2021 semester as a means to support student success. While the system will be primarily used by course instructors teaching first-year courses with General Education attributes FYS, FYW, FYOC, and FYDT, the system can be accessed by any instructor on campus teaching in the regular and/or special terms. The system will replace all notice of academic difficulty forms.
The easy-to-use system allows an instructor to submit an early alert related to academic performance, attendance, tardiness, and/or minor engagement issues as early as week two of the semester when the system opens. Early alerts are sent to the student’s advisor on record for processing and early intervention. The system will remain open until the midpoint of the semester.
The “Student Attendance and Early Alert Application” is intended to have the following student outcomes:
▪ Increase student class attendance and participation.
▪ Improve student engagement with professors and academic advisors.
▪ Prompt students to share responsibility for their academic success by maximizing use of campus resources.
Documents – including instructions and guidance – for course instructors and advisors can be found here on the website of the Office of Student Retention and Completion. There is also a system demonstration video on that website.
Any questions about the system can be directed to Nicholas Truncale, Director of Student Retention and Completion, at nicholas.truncale@scranton.edu.
Faculty and Staff: Student Attendance and Early Alert Application Announcement
General
The University community will gather on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 11:30 a.m. in the Byron for the opening school liturgy, the Mass of the Holy Spirit. All are welcome!
Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will be the main celebrant.
Everyone is encouraged to wear Scranton gear as together we show our pride in our school!
October 26, 2021
The University community will gather on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 11:30 a.m. in the Byron for the opening school liturgy, the Mass of the Holy Spirit. All are welcome!
Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will be the main celebrant.
Everyone is encouraged to wear Scranton gear as together we show our pride in our school!
Mass of the Holy Spirit, Sept. 9
Community
October 26, 2021
On Sept. 2 through 3, The University of Scranton’s Office of Community Relations hosted its 11th Annual Scavenger Hunt in downtown Scranton, offering students an opportunity to explore the City of Scranton, including businesses, historical sites, landmarks, and murals. For many incoming University students, this event is their first chance to explore the downtown. This year it fell on First Friday and the first day of La Festa Italiana.
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; they could participate completely outdoors and at any time during the event.
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. This year’s hunt also included a First Friday event with free Scavenger Hunt t-shirts for the first 100 registered students, with water ice and popcorn from Carolyns Corner Carnival, games, and an interactive exhibit where participants could pin either their hometown or the road that led them to Scranton.
“We had a beautiful two days in downtown Scranton and it was so exciting to see our University students engage with the city of Scranton in this special way. I hope that this event serves as an introduction to all the wonderful things that our city has to offer,” said Carolyn M. Bonacci, community and civic engagement coordinator at the University.
This year’s winners are as follows:
Scavenger Hunt Winners:
Grand Prize: Maggie Ho ’23 and Gwyn Cruz ‘24
Runners Up: Annika E. Stager ’24 and Brian White ‘25
Downtown Murals and Landmarks Photo Contest Winners:
Grand Prize: Chyenne Ward ’24 and Bridget Nucatola ‘25
Runner Up: Lindsay M. Csaszar ‘25
Creativity Photo Contest Winners:
Grand Prize: Veronica Romanek ’24 and Steve Holguin ‘25
Bonus Clue Winners:
Grand Prize: Arissa Chambers ’25 and Alexandra Shomali ‘25
There were 199 students registered for the event and 32 downtown businesses and cultural and city venues offered students a chance to experience different facets of the city.
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.
Participating Businesses and Locations
- Adezzo
- Artworks Gallery & Studio
- Backyard Ale House
- Bartari
- Boden Outlet
- Citizens Savings Bank
- City Hall
- City Market and Café
- Comics on the Green
- Commonwealth Coffee House
- Community Bank, N.A.
- DaVinci Pizza
- Downtown Deli
- Eden-A Vegan Cafe
- Electric City Bakehouse x
- Freedlove
- Lavish Body and Home
- Northern Light Espresso Bar & Café
- Paradise Soulfood & Sweets
- Peculiar Kitchen
- Peoples Security Bank & Trust
- Pizza by Pappas
- POSH @ The Scranton Club
- Scoops on Spruce
- Scranton Cultural Center
- Scranton Public Library
- Steamtown Hot Yoga & Barre
- The Daisy Collective
- The Garden Mediterranean Café
- The Salad Shop
- Tom Grudis Optical and The Bare Accessories
- Yoga West
Photo Gallery
11th Annual Downtown Scavenger Hunt Winners Announced
Faculty
October 26, 2021
Daniel J. West Jr., Ph.D., professor and chair the Health Administration and Human Resources Department at The University of Scranton, received the John L. Earl III Award for service to the University, the faculty and the wider community. The 2021 John L. Earl III Award was presented at the University’s annual Fall Convocation, which took place on campus on Sept. 3.
The award is given annually to a member of the University community who demonstrates the spirit of generosity and dedication that the late Dr. John Earl, a distinguished professor of history, exemplified during his years at Scranton from 1964 to 1996.
A well-respected teacher and scholar with specialization in international health care, globalization, multiculturalism and diversity management, Dr. West holds a professor in public health appointment at Trnava University, as well as a visiting professor appointment at the University of Matej Bel, Slovakia and affiliated faculty at Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. He previously served as a CEO for a hospital, medical practice and several health care businesses. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 1990.
Leonard G. Gougeon, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of English and Theatre at the University and the 2020 John L. Earl III Award recipient, in presenting the award to Dr. West, referred to him as a “quiet overachiever,” as he listed the impressive accomplishments and service Dr. West has generously given to the University over the past three decades.
“For nearly two decades, he has served as the chairperson of his department, overseeing two undergraduate and three graduate programs of study. He has planned and conducted dozens of study abroad tours for graduate students and faculty to countries as diverse as Bolivia, Slovakia, Haiti and China. He has served as faculty senator, but his most under-appreciated contributions have been made, in the spirit of Jack Earl, through his commitment to the Faculty Affairs Council,” said Dr. Gougeon.
Dr. West maintains a fellowship with the American College of Healthcare Executives, American College of Medical Practice Executives, American Academy of Medical Administrators, American College of Health Care Administrators, American Academy of Behavioral Medicine and Association of Behavioral Healthcare Management. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Health Care Management Forum of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Regents Advisory Council for Northeast Pennsylvania. His other board memberships include the Healthy Northeast Pennsylvania Initiative, Scranton Temple Residency Program, Medical Advisory Board of the International Brain Trauma Association, Scranton Temple Residency Program IRB and the Behavioral Health Research Institute.
A resident of Covington Township, Dr. West received his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from the Pennsylvania State University. In 2019, he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Trnava University, Slovakia.
$content.getChild('content').textValueProfessor Dan West, Ph.D., Receives Earl Award
Community
October 26, 2021
This fall’s Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon Seminars at The University of Scranton promise an array of thought-provoking, timely lectures, presented both in-person and remotely.
The series will feature eight highly accomplished speakers in all, with all luncheons taking place from noon to 1:30 p.m. With the exception of the second seminar, all events will take place in Brennan Hall’s Rose Room 509, with Zoom links provided to attendees who would prefer to attend remotely.
Admission is free for University students, faculty and staff and Schemel Forum members. For non-members, the luncheons are $25 in-person and $10 remote only.
The series kicks off Friday, Sept. 10, with a lecture by Akhil Reed Amar, J.D., titled “The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840.” During the talk, Atty. Amar, the Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University, will explore the theories found in his book, “The Words That Made Us,” which revives the constitutional history of the United States for a 21st-century nation and confronts the founders’ failures and successes with admirable frankness. Signed copies of Atty. Amar’s book will be sold following the lecture.
Next, on Tuesday, Sept. 14, former acting solicitor of the United States Neal Katyal, J.D., will present “Arguing at the Supreme Court in a Time of Conflict.” During the talk, Atty. Katyal, who has conducted 44 oral arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court (more than any minority attorney in American history), will explain the Supreme Court’s role in times of conflict. A regular contributor to MSNBC, Atty. Katyal is currently a partner at Hogan Lovells and the Paul and Patricia Saunders Professor of National Security Law at Georgetown University Law Center.
This luncheon will take place in Edward Leahy Hall’s Kane Forum, with Atty. Katyal presenting his talk remotely.
On Monday, Sept. 20, Philadelphia Inquirer Worldview columnist Trudy Rubin will present “Biden and the World,” in which she’ll assess President Joe Biden’s handling of a number of complex foreign policy issues, including an increasingly aggressive China, a vengeful Russia and the lingering effects of conflicts in the Mideast and Afghanistan that occupied previous administrations.
On Tuesday, Sept. 28, local attorneys Dan Brier, J.D., and Donna Walsh, J.D., partners at Myers, Brier & Kelly, LLP, will present “The 2020 Pennsylvania Presidential Election Litigation,” a backstage tour of the court challenges that played out statewide in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.
Scranton Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti will present “Jane Jacobs’ First City: What Comes Next?” on Thursday, Oct. 7. During the talk, Cognetti will note Scranton’s reputation as a city during the 1930s as seen through the eyes of city native and iconic urbanist/activist Jane Jacobs, and then address present issues and her visions for the city’s future.
“In May of this year, our city celebrated the life and work of Jane Jacobs, a Scranton native who as a child observed the impact that city planning has on community, culture and life,” Cognetti said. “I’m excited to continue this conversation at the Schemel Forum this fall, sharing what we hope to accomplish in Scranton in the coming years and hearing from attendees about their ideas.”
On Friday, Oct. 15, Fintan O’Toole, columnist for The Irish Times and Leonard L. Milberg Lecturer in Irish Letters at Princeton University, will present “Democracy in America? An Outsider’s View.” The Irish writer will discuss his unique perspective on the American democratic experiment, the troubles it has faced in recent years and how those difficulties seem to go beyond immediate political events to raise more fundamental questions about systems, values and institutions. O’Toole will explore how deep this crisis goes, and whether the promise that America once held for the rest of the world can be restored.
Finally, on Tuesday, Oct. 26, Carol Rittner, RSM, D.Ed., distinguished professor emerita of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the Dr. Marsha Raticoff Grossman Professor Emerita of Holocaust Studies at Stockton University, will present “The Holocaust and Jewish-Christian Relations,” which will look at how the Christian churches, especially the Roman Catholic Church, have re-evaluated their theology, religious education and prayers when it comes to Jews and Judaism in the decades since the Holocaust.
To register for the seminars, contact Alicen Morrison, Schemel Forum assistant, at 570-941-6206 or alicen.morrison@scranton.edu. To pay by credit card over the phone, contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816, or to pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.
For more information on Schemel Forum programs and memberships, contact Sondra Myers, Schemel Forum director, at 570-941-4089 or sondra.myers@scranton.edu.
World Affairs Luncheon Seminars Planned for Fall
General
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton is once again counted among the best colleges in the nation according to The Princeton Review. Scranton is among the 14 percent of schools listed in the 2022 edition of the “Best 387 Colleges” guidebook, marking the 20th consecutive year the University was selected by The Princeton Review to be among the top colleges in the country.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary for the guidebook, which was published August 31. To mark the milestone, The Princeton Review put together 26 “Great Lists” to recognize schools with the most impressive history of being included in the guidebook’s annual “best of” lists. Scranton made the “Great List” for “Best Campus Food.” The Princeton Review did not publish their “best of” lists this year because of the pandemic. The “Best of” lists of the “Top 20” colleges in 62 categories are based entirely on surveys of students at colleges selected by The Princeton Review for inclusion in its guidebook.
“With most students attended college remotely this past year due to COVID, we knew it would be impossible to survey them about their on-campus experiences – from how they rated their college library to their campus food,” said Robert Franek, editor-in-chief at The Princeton Review.
In addition to consistently making the “Best Campus Food” listing, The Princeton Review has also included Scranton in its listing of the nation’s “Best Science Lab Facilities” for six consecutive years (No. 8 in the 2021 edition).
The 2022 edition of the guidebook includes detailed profiles of each of “The Best 387 Colleges.” Scranton’s profile mentions its “strong science programs, which result in a ‘high rate of students get- ting acceptance to medical schools.’” The Jesuit university’s professors were described as “awesome,” “caring” and “really supportive” and that “they really ‘want their students to excel’ and ‘care about their...success.’”
In addition to The Princeton Review, U.S. News has ranked Scranton among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 27 consecutive years, placing the University No. 6 in its 2020 edition of the “Best Colleges” guidebook. In addition, U.S. News ranked Scranton No. 14 in its category in a “Best Undergraduate Teaching” listing of the top colleges expressing “a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.”
Scranton Makes Best College List for 20 Years
General
October 26, 2021
Pet Therapy is back in person! Join us on the Dionne Green on Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. to pet all the dogs! Wait...we need dogs. If you have an even-tempered, social dog that is fully vaccinated and great with lots of people and other dogs, you have the time and would like to come- email ellen.judge@scranton.edu. Even though this is outdoors, it will be very well attended so masks will be required for all the humans and leashes for the canines.
Please refer to our Royals Back Together plan for our safety and vaccination requirements for guests and participants. We can't wait to see you!
Register your dog here. No advance registration for visitors but you must swipe in with your Royal Card. This event is hosted by The Center for Service & Social Justice, DeNaples 205B.
Pet Therapy Returns, Sept. 28
General
October 26, 2021
CHEW is kicking off Weekly Wellness Classes this week.
Monday
Mindfulness Meditation @ 5:00-5:30 p.m. in Library 305 *Exception 8/30- Rose Garden (rain location 4th-floor theater)
Light Weights & Abs @ 5:00-6:00 p.m. in The Royals Room *Employees Only
Tuesday
POUND @ 6:00-6:45 p.m. in The Royals Rooms
Wednesday
Lunchtime Yoga Flow @ 12:15-12:45 p.m. in The Royals Room
Light Weights & Abs @ 5:00-6:00 p.m. in The Royals Room *Employees Only
Thursday
Energizing Yoga @ 5:00-5:45 p.m. in The Royals Room
Check out CHEW's Weekly Wellness Class offerings and descriptions on RoyalSync, IM Leagues, here or email chew@scranton.edu. All classes are open to students, faculty and staff.
Please sign CHEW'S Weekly Wellness Class Waiver.
One waiver covers all CHEW's Weekly Wellness Classes.
CHEW's Weekly Wellness Classes Begin
Faculty
October 26, 2021
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) has a monthly raffle during the academic year (once during the summer) for members of the University who submit external grant proposals. ORSP will randomly select a name from all faculty and staff members who have applied for an external grant during that time period. The winner will receive a $25 Gift Card.
The summer 2021 winner is Dr. Jason Graham, Faculty, Math Department.
ORSP Raffle Winner: Jason Graham, Ph.D.
Student
October 26, 2021
Despite the rain, students and their families enjoyed a successful Move-in Weekend on Aug. 28 and 29.
"I'm very happy to be here with a lot of love and support from everyone," said Marisol Olivares '25.
Move-in volunteers helped new students with carloads of luggage and appliances on Saturday.
"I'm super excited to be here and meet new friends," said Tyler Carpenter '25.
Later in the day, all faith traditions were invited to the Class of 2025 Welcome Mass.
Class of 2025 Royals who have family members who attended Scranton attended a Legacy Families photo.
Read about the first-year class, here.
See more photos from Move-in Weekend, here.
Royals Return to Campus
Student
October 26, 2021
Shelby Traver '24 spent a week doing a virtual immersion with Christians for Peace in El Salvador through the Center for Service and Social Justice (CSSJ) this summer, which consisted of speakers and reflections. We asked her a few questions about her experience.
What do you enjoy most about service?
I enjoy participating in events like this because it is very enlightening and provides perspectives I would not have otherwise heard. It also helps us amplify the voices of people not often heard and, through this, we can become better advocates for them.
What are some of the skills you have learned?
I think this program made me a much better listener and made me more willing to question the narratives that may be given to us by the US media, something which may sanitize the reality of what goes on in the countries without the resources of Western Europe and North America.
What were your expectations of the project? Does it match the reality?
My expectations of the project were that I was going to hear about the policies and problems that currently plague El Salvador from advocates and professionals, giving me more of a broad knowledge of the issues there. I did expect to hear personal anecdotes but I figured it would be more based on the laws that impact Salvadorians, something which was similar to a previous immersion I participated in. While everyone who spoke were professionals, I did not expect to hear all of the stories were and how almost every single Salvadorian had been impacted. I remember specifically, on that Wednesday, we talked about violence against women in the nation, and one woman spoke with such brutal honesty and passion, which drove many of us to tears. In our reflection afterward, all of us were crying together trying to process it. It was not an experience I expected but one I would not trade.
How do you feel service has prepared you for the real world?
As someone who wants to work in the policy field, this event helped me to better understand issues around immigration and the situation in El Salvador and other South American countries. Many issues found there the US and other colonizing nations (and nations that supported revolutions) have a direct hand in and little has been done to correct this. This better understanding and the variety of personal narratives that I heard have made me want to advocate for accountability for the nations have that have caused turmoil in the affected nations.
Learn more about CSSJ, here.
Summer Spotlight: Shelby Traver '24
Alumni
October 26, 2021
The University will hold the 2021 Medical Alumni Council (MAC) Symposium in the DeNaples Center’s Moskovitz Theater Oct. 2; in addition to the in-person gathering, the University will also offer a virtual attendance option. To register for the event, visit this link.
Although the day-long symposium is primarily designed for Scranton physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, retired physicians, medical school students and undergrad pre-professional students, attendance is also open to medical professionals and students not affiliated with the University. The event will feature presentations on a variety of CME topics from accomplished alumni*, including the following:
7:45 a.m. - Registration & Continental Breakfast - The DeNaples Center
8:30 a.m. - Welcome & Opening Remarks - April Troy, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.A.P. '02
Executive Committee Chair, Medical Alumni Council
General Pediatrician, Pediatrics of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Assistant Clinical Professor, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
8:45 a.m. - Patrick Donnelly, D.M.D., Ph.D. '09
Cipriani Dental Associates; Newtown, PA
TOPIC: Treating the Whole Patient: Where Medicine & Dentistry Converge
9:40 a.m. - Scranton Short
9:50 a.m. - Kevin Brazill, D.O., F.A.P.A. '95
Medical Director, John D Kelly Mental Health Clinic
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital; Finger Lakes Health; Penn Yan, New York
TOPIC: Managing Anxiety in the Clinical Office Setting: Improving Comfort & Outcomes at Routine Medical & Dental Visits
10:45 a.m. - Scranton Short
10:55 a.m. - Break
11:15 a.m. - Panel Discussion
Melissa Edwards, M.D., M.H.A. '20
MDvSystem Serviceline Director of Women's Health, PeaceHealth
Christopher Jones, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.A.H.P.M. '02
Palliative Medicine Specialist, Duke Health
Thomas Langan, Jr., D.M.D., M.S. '09
Periodontist, Perio Health and Dental Implants
President, Scranton District Dental Society
Joseph Mastroianni, V.M.D., '14
Veterinarian, Wallenpaupack Veterinary Clinic
Pamela Taffera-Deihl, D.O., M.B.A. '02
Hospitalist and System Medical Director, Patient Logistics and Transfer Center, WellSpan Health, York, PA
TOPIC: The US Healthcare Reemergence from COVID-19: Strategies from the Storm
12:45 p.m. – Lunch
1:45 p.m. - Scranton Short
1:55 p.m. - Scott Peslak, M.D., Ph.D. '06
Instructor, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pennsylvania
TOPIC: Novel Therapeutic Approaches & Patient-directed care in Sickle Cell Disease- Past, Present, & Future
2:50 p.m. - Scranton Short
3:00 p.m. - John Mercuri, M.D., M.A. Bioethics '07
Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction, Geisinger Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
TOPIC: Ethics, Policy, & Orthopedic Surgery
4:30 p.m. - Farewell - Joseph Butash, M.D. '07
Incoming Chair, Executive Committee, Medical Alumni Council
Emergency Medicine
St. Luke's University Health Network
*Schedule of activities is subject to change.
MAC Symposium Returns Oct. 2
Alumni
October 26, 2021
The Legacy Families of The Class of 2025 met with Father Marina Saturday at the front steps of the Loyola Science Center to mark the beginning of their students' college careers. To see photos from the event, visit this link.
Class Of 2025 Legacy Families Launch Students' Scranton Careers
Alumni
October 26, 2021
The University will hold "Career Change and How to Navigate It," the latest chapter in its alumni career development webinar series, September 29 at 7 p.m.
The workshop, hosted by Director for Career Development Chris Whitney G'06 and Assistant Director for Career Development Lori Moran '93, G'95, will focus on how Royals can sucessfully change careers in the time of "The Great Resignation." To register, visit this link.
The series sprang from a partnership between The Alumni Society Advisory Board and The Center for Career Development. The University will hold "Interviewing," the final installment in the series, May 26.
The first five installments in the series, "What The Center For Career Development Can Do For Scranton Alumni," "Changes Within Your Career," "Building And Enhancing Your Resume," "The Job Search" and "Interviewing," are available to view at scranton.edu/alumnicareers.
University To Continue Alumni Career Development Webinar Series Sept. 29
Alumni
October 26, 2021
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
John “Jack” Lynch ’83, Bryn Mawr, was elected to the Board of Trustees of the American Hospital Association (AHA) for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2022. The Board of Trustees is the highest policymaking body of the AHA and has ultimate authority for the governance and management of its directions and finances.
Jennifer Donatelli ’95, Brooklyn Park, Maryland, has been writing correspondence on behalf of Maryland State Comptroller Peter Franchot's office since July 2021. She also has worked as a freelance web content producer for WJZ TV in Baltimore, Maryland.
Timothy M. Gallen ’96, Hatfield, was recently honored by the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling with their McClintick Service Award; the award recognizes a person who has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the profession and leadership to the association while planning to continue to work on behalf of students to ensure access to postsecondary education.
Brian Eltz ’02, G’05, Millersville, recently published his second children's book, "Perking Up Poe," as a follow-up to last year's "Shaking Up Shakespeare."
BIRTHS
A daughter, Quinn Kathleen, to Kerry and Paul Boye '09, West Orange, New Jersey
DEATHS
William P. Morris ’57, Old Forge
John P. Gower ’58, Rockville, Maryland
Richard J. Rembecki ’58, Scranton
Brian E. McHugh G’59, Kingston
Edward J. Manley, Sr. ’60, H’97, Scranton
James F. Kettrick, M.D.’67, Zion Crossroads, Virginia
William P. Lawler ’69, West Wyoming
Charles J. Pineno, Ph.D. ’69, Marco Island, Florida
Paul A. Ruddy ’69, Dunmore
Patrick G. McHale ’73, Carbondale
Lorraine C. Kevra ’77, Fair Haven, New Jersey
Karen Edwards Smith ’83, Matamoras
Robert J. Kleck, Jr. ’84, Harding
Sarah Farrell Hutchison ’08, Glenburn Township
FRIENDS' DEATHS
Michael G. Cappucci, husband of Rosemarie Clark Cappucci ’86, brother-in-law of Charlene Clark Laniewski ’88 and Marybeth Clark ’00
Carol Ann Clark, mother of Rosemarie Clark Cappucci ’86, Charlene Clark Laniewski ’88 and Marybeth Clark ’00
Eugene Demyan, brother of Phil Demyan ’76
Patricia Anne Gahagan, wife of Mike Gahagan ’00
Nicholas Huth, father of Peggy Huth Redmond '90
Alumni Class Notes, September 2021
August
View August Listing Page
Athletics
October 26, 2021
With the start of the Fall 2021 semester at The University of Scranton, the department of athletics has announced the following measures for fans attending Royals athletic events on-campus throughout the fall.
- All spectators must comply with the health and safety measures of the Royals Back Together plan. Individuals refusing to comply may be asked to leave campus by University Police.
- All spectators must be masked at indoor athletic events, regardless of vaccination status.
- For outdoor athletics events, unvaccinated individuals must remain masked when social distancing is not possible. Vaccinated individuals are not required to mask, but are welcome to do so at their own discretion.
- Masks are required for all individuals in restrooms at outdoor athletics venues.
- In accordance with University policy and for the safety of student-athletes and fans, no pets are allowed at University of Scranton athletics facilities. Only certified service animals will be allowed within the confines of the facilities.
As always, fans are reminded to stay with athletics.scranton.edu and follow the Royals on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @RoyalAthletics for any updates on spectator protocols as they become available throughout the fall semester.
Fall 2021 Information for Specators at University of Scranton Athletic Events
Student
October 26, 2021
A note to the University community from the Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., vice president for Mission and Ministry regarding the fall Mass schedule.
As noted in the Royals Back Together plan, the University is carefully monitoring the spread of the virus in our surrounding community and adapting campus health and safety requirements accordingly. Given that Lackawanna and neighboring counties continue to experience substantial or high spread of the virus, the University is implementing several safety requirements. One of these requirements is that the campus is essentially closed right now to the general public.
Therefore, attendance at Mass, both weekdays and Sundays, will be limited to members of the University of Scranton community and access will be by Royal Card only. As is required in all indoor spaces on campus, masks are required for all in attendance.
These provisions will remain in place at least through Monday, Sept. 13, at which time the University will announce any continuation or change.
Fall Mass Schedule
SUNDAY MASSES will be held at 11:00 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. in Madonna della Strada Chapel when school is in session.
WEEKDAY MASSES (Monday through Saturday) will be held at 12:05 p.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel when school is in session. Also, an additional Mass will be held on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm and will be followed by benediction and the rosary.
Fall Mass Schedule for University Community
Faculty
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton granted promotions and/or tenure to 19 faculty members effective at the start of the 2021-22 academic year.
Nine faculty members have been promoted to professor: Doug Boyle, D.B.A., accounting; Bryan Burnham, Ph.D., psychology; Patrick Clark, Ph.D., theology and religious studies; Paul Cutrufello, Ph.D., health and human performance; Christian Krokus, Ph.D., theology and religious studies; Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., philosophy; Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., philosophy; Murli Rajan, Ph.D., economics and finance; and Yamile Silva, Ph.D. world languages and cultures.
Michael Landram, Ph.D., health and human performance, was named associate professor and granted tenure.
Six faculty members were named associate professor: Hamza Adeinat, Ph.D., operations and analytics; Julie Nastasi, O.T.D., Sc.D., occupational therapy; Ismail Onat, Ph.D., sociology, criminal justice and criminology; John Ruddy, D.P.S., economics and finance; Stacy Smulowitz, Ph.D., communication and media; and Andrew Venezia, Ph.D., health and human performance.
Three professors were granted tenure: Peter Andersen, Ph.D., management, marketing and entrepreneurship; Wendy Manetti, Ph.D., nursing; and Katherine Stumpo, Ph.D., chemistry.
Dr. Boyle, chair of the Accounting Department and director of the Doctor of Business Administration Program, received his bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, his master’s degree from Columbia University and his doctorate from Kennesaw State University. He has worked for the University since 2009.
Dr. Burnham received his bachelor’s degree from Utica College of Syracuse University, and his master’s degree and doctorate from the State University of New York at Albany. He has worked at the University since 2007.
Dr. Clark received his bachelor’s degree from Duke University, his master’s degree from Boston College and his doctorate from the University of Notre Dame. He has worked for the University since 2010.
Dr. Cutrufello, chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance, received his bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University, his master’s degree from Bloomsburg University and his doctorate from Marywood University. He has worked for the University since 2008.
Dr. Krokus received his bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College, and his master’s degree and doctorate from Boston College. He has worked at the University since 2009.
Dr. LaZella, co-director of the undergraduate Honors Program, received his bachelor’s degree from Hamline University, and his master’s degree and doctorate from DePaul University. He has worked at the University since 2010.
Dr. Meyer, faculty director for the Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities and pre-law advisor, received his bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas, his master’s degree from Harvard University and his doctorate from Boston University. He has worked for the University since 2010.
Dr. Rajan, associate dean of the Kania School of Management, received his bachelor’s degree from the Victoria University, his master’s degrees from the Delhi School of Economics of the University of Delhi and The University of Scranton, and his doctorate from Temple University. He has worked for the University since 1989.
Dr. Silva, chair of the Department of World Languages and Cultures, received her bachelor’s degree from Los Andes University, and her master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She has worked at the University since 2009.
Dr. Landram received his bachelor’s degree from Truman State University, his master’s degree from Appalachian State University and his doctorate from the University of Roma. He has worked for the University since 2015.
Dr. Adeinat received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Jordan, his master’s degree from the University of Houston and his doctorate from The Pennsylvania State University. He has worked for the University since 2016.
Dr. Nastasi, director of low vision therapy for the Edward R. Leahy Jr. Center Clinic for the Uninsured, received her bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, her master’s degree from Tufts University and doctorate degrees from the Boston University and Towson University. She has worked at the University since 2011.
Dr. Onat, chief analyst for the Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime, received his bachelor’s degree from the Turkish National Police Academy, and his master’s degree and doctorate from the State University of New Jersey, Rutgers. He has worked at the University since 2016.
Dr. Ruddy received his bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, his master’s degree from George Washington University and his doctorate from Pace University. He has worked at the University since 2013.
Dr. Smulowitz received her bachelor’s degree from Wilkes University, her master’s degree from Ithaca College Park School of Communication and her doctorate degree from Rutgers University School of Communication. She has worked at the University since 2009.
Dr. Venezia received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Bloomsburg University and his doctorate from the University of Maryland. He has worked at the University since 2016.
Dr. Andersen received his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Tehran and doctorate degrees from the University of Malaya and the University of Texas, Pan American. He has worked at the University since 2015.
Dr. Manetti received her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from The University of Scranton, and her doctorate from Widener University. She has worked at the University since 2011.
Dr. Stumpo received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and her doctorate from Texas A and M University. She has worked at the University since 2015.
University Announces Faculty Promotions
Staff
October 26, 2021
Join us via Zoom for the next D+I = A Better U! lunch and learn featuring Dr. Abhijit Roy, DBA, faculty in marketing who will present A Business Case for Diversity & Inclusion in the Marketplace, on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. Dr. Roy will discuss why businesses should focus on diverse characteristics in their management, employees and customers, how businesses should think beyond traditional benchmarks of diversity, and when businesses should leverage diverse business processes to attract a broader segment of the market.
Dr. Roy is a professor of marketing and the William and Elizabeth Burkavage Fellow in Business Ethics & Social Responsibility from 2014-2018. He has a doctorate in marketing from Boston University, an MBA and an MS from the University of Arizona and an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Allahabad, India. His courses taught include Marketing Management and Strategy, Global Marketing, Social Innovations and Entrepreneurship, Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research and Integrated Marketing Communications.
Registration is required. Please click here to register.
Faculty and Staff: We’re Back! Diversity + Inclusion Lunch and Learn Continues
Student
October 26, 2021
From the ancient birthplace of Islam to the modern world’s top producer of black gold, Saudi Arabia again moves to center stage with a new plan for the people: Vision 2030. Fahad Alajmi ’22, a graduate student in business, will discuss the beginning of a new era for the Saudi people at the first Global Insights program, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, at 11:30 a.m., in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall 509. Cultural cuisine will be offered at the luncheon event. This is free and open to University community members. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Alajmi is studying for his master’s degree in business administration. He serves as the Saudi Student representative on campus. He earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA. Alajmi says he misses his family, hanging out with friends at the coffee shops and the food and coffee in Saudi Arabia. The coffee is different than what we are used to here as the beans come mainly from Yemen. The Coffea Arabica beans are grown at higher altitudes of 3,000-6,000ft and roasted for a shorter amount of time which increases the caffeine content.
Alajmi is looking forward to sharing the Saudi culture, including the native dress of the men and women and one of his favorite foods – kabsah.
This program is being offered by the Office of Global Education, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. For more information, please contact international@scranton.edu or 570-941-4841.
Global Insights Opens with Saudi Arabia
Community
October 26, 2021
The National Endowment for the Humanities awarded a $152,791 grant to The University of Scranton to support a multifaceted two-year project that seeks to capture the unique story of Scranton and relate it to the history of the United States. The project, called “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story,” involves multiple community partners and relates Scranton’s industrial, religious and ethnically diverse heritage and aspirations to the history of the nation, responding to the NEH special initiative “A More Perfect Union” commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The project also seeks to share underrepresented Scranton stories, including that of recent immigrants, Black Scrantonians and Indigenous history, in order to stitch together a full local and national narrative.
The University was among just 239 projects in the nation to receive NEH support and among 16 projects in Pennsylvania to receive funding. The grants awarded “demonstrate the resilience and breadth of our nation’s humanities institutions and practitioners,” said NEH’s Acting Chairman Adam Wolfson in a news release announcing $28.4 million in funding support for the 239 projects.
“We are grateful to the National Endowment for the Humanities for its support of this important project for the University, Scranton and the nation,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton. “The humanities play an integral part of the transformational nature of the Jesuit education we provide to our students. This project will give our students and the greater community a more profound understanding of the human transformations that have occurred in the lives of Scrantonians and Americans.”
“We have lots of stories to tell about how the Electric City has powered and shaped our great nation over the course of our history, and I can’t think of anyone better to lift them up than The University of Scranton,” said Rep. Matt Cartwright. “I am very much looking forward to seeing the results of this project, but I know it will offer all of us new reasons to be proud of our Northeastern Pennsylvania ties.”
“Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” incorporates eight themes ranging from how Scranton has been portrayed in the popular imagination, to its industrial era growth, Indigenous history, religious tapestry, diverse immigrant populations – past and present – and the role it played in the Underground Railroad and Black history. Throughout, civic engagement, founding debates, and local and national identity will be explored by considering how the Scranton, and American, story may be understood anew 250 years later and the roles and responsibilities of local citizens.
The programs will involve lectures with question and answer interactive sessions, panel discussions with audience responses, public facilitated dialogues, and story exchanges, as well as walking and bus tours, youth writing workshops, and oral history story collection and community mapping projects that will provide new humanities material and content for discussion.
“As a broad team of university faculty and community organization partners, we are proud and excited to be able to highlight Scranton’s multi-faceted story in the context of our nation’s story with the support of the NEH,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president for Community and Government Affairs and Project Director. “All events will enable audience and community participation and engagement, drawing on humanities resources in history, literature, philosophy and religious studies and facilitate story-telling and dialogue to build civic engagement.”
Cohen noted the facilitated dialogues are based on public and student dialogues run by the University combining the reflective, structured dialogue methods of non-profit Essential Partners and the non-sectarian tradition of reflection and discernment of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Events will begin in Oct. 2021 and end in fall 2023.
Community organizations collaborating on the project include: Black Scranton Project, Center for the Living City, Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department, The Lackawanna Historical Society, Lackawanna County Immigration Inclusion Committee, Narrative 4, the Scranton Area Ministerium, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania and WVIA.
The project comprises a range of University offices. In addition to Cohen, project team members include, from The University of Scranton: Patrick Clark, PhD., associate professor of theology and religious studies; David J. Dzurec, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of History; Colleen Farry, assistant professor and digital services librarian; Teresa A. Grettano, Ph.D.; associate professor of English and theatre; Gregory W. Jordan, executive director of the Slattery Center for the Humanities; Aiala Levy, Ph.D., assistant professor of history, Latin American studies, and women’s and gender studies; Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and faculty director of the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Humanities; Sondra Myers, senior fellow for international, civic and cultural projects and director of the Schemel Forum; Jessica A. Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology; Adam J. Pratt, Ph.D., associate professor of history; Sheli E. Pratt-McHugh, assistant dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library; Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., Theatre Program director and associate professor of English and theatre; and Carolyn M. Bonacci, community and civic engagement coordinator. Community humanities partners include: Erika Funke, senior producer, classical producer and program host at WVIA Public Media; Maureen McGuigan, director of the Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department; Glynis Johns, founder and CEO of the Black Scranton Project; Sarah Piccini, assistant director of the Lackawanna Historical Society; and Mary Ann Moran-Savakinus, director of the Lackawanna Historical Society.
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Community
October 26, 2021
The 20th Annual U.S. Conference on disAbility at The University of Scranton will be held in a virtual format on Oct. 14. The conference, “Exploring Autism Across the Spectrum: Building Inclusive Communities,” is open to the public free of charge and will feature a number of live and pre-recorded speakers. Registration is required to attend the conference.
Speakers at this year’s conference include a keynote address by Maria Davis–Pierre, founder and CEO of Autism In Black, Inc., and licensed mental health counselor, who will look at Autism from a cultural perspective. Award-winning artist Devin Wildes, who was diagnosed with autism when he was 4 years old, and his mother, AJ Paron-Wildes, a design consultant in healthcare and education, will share their inspirational story. The conference also includes a panel discussion of “Dads Making a Difference” with Jose Velasco (moderator), vice president of product development for SAP and U.S. ambassador of Autism at Work (an employment initiative of SAP); V. R. Ferose, senior vice president and head of SAP Engineering Academy; and Thorkil Sonne, founder of Specialisterne and Specialisterne Foundation.
The conference will also include pre-recorded sessions on curriculum and inclusive classrooms and first responder training, as well as panel discussions with employees with ASD, with the ACCE Grant Founders Panel about creative collaborations, and a discussion with The Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation/National Employment Team business partners. The conference is presented by the University’s 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. Registration and 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.
Annual U.S. Conference on disAbility Turns 20
Edward R. and Patricia Leahy will serve as Honorary Conference Co-Chairs for the 2021 U.S. Conference on disAbility, which they helped to establish 20 years ago.
“We established the endowment as a way to remember our son and do something to help children with disabilities,” said University of Scranton alumnus and benefactor Edward Leahy ’68, H’01.
“Providing a quality education, proper resources and access to qualified professionals will empower individuals with disabilities to secure high quality employment, live independently in the community, and share fully in the American dream,” said Patricia Leahy at the inaugural U.S. Conference on disAbility in 2002.
Over the past two decades, numerous nationally-recognized speakers have discussed topics such as transitioning from school to work and enhancing the quality of life of individuals with disabilities, autism across the lifespan, veterans’ issues, the evolution of the Americans with Disabilities Act., vocational workforce innovations and technology for accessing education, employment and life. Since 2019, through a partnership with AllOne Foundation, the conference has focused on “Exploring Autism Across the Spectrum: Building Inclusive Communities.”
Past Conference on disAbility keynote speakers include John Hockenberry, an Emmy Award-winning journalist; Richard Pimentel, disability rights activist and subject of the film “Music Within;” Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D., former president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Archbishop of Louisville, Kentucky; actor R.J. Mitte, who played Walter “Flynn” White Jr. in the television series “Breaking Bad;” and well-known authors including Denise Bissonnette, Br. Rick Curry, S.J, Dr. Edward Hallowell, Jonathan Mooney, Nelson Lauver, Kerry Magro, Ph.D., and Dr. Temple Grandin, world-renowned animal behaviorist and autism spokesperson. U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey Jr., also spoke at several conferences.
Another constant presence at the conferences has been Dr. Bruch, who has had a role in the conferences since they began in 2002.
“The conference will offer participants a chance to explore best practices, increase their knowledge of resources, technology and legislation, and develop advocacy skills that can help school-age students with disabilities,” said Dr. Bruch in 2002. The U.S. Conference on disAbilities continues to provide world-class resources and information to empower individuals with disAbilities to meet their full potential as well as the families and professionals who help them.
A look at the U.S. Conference on disAbility over the years.
Conference on disAbility Marks 20th Year
Community
October 26, 2021
The 11th Annual Downtown Scavenger Hunt is announced for Welcome Weekend 2021. This year’s event will run from 1 PM on Thursday, September 2nd through 9 PM Friday, September 3rd following the modified format introduced last year with students participating in the hunt asynchronously. New this year is an additional First Friday event on Sept. 3 from 5-9 p.m. outside of Brown Hall located at 600 Linden Street. The first 100 Hunt participants to stop by the First Friday event will receive a free Scavenger Hunt t-shirt featuring the Scavenger Hunt logo.
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. This event offers students a unique opportunity to explore downtown Scranton area and to learn more about our small businesses, cultural venues, and unique features, such as landmarks and murals. This year’s Hunt features 31 participating downtown partners.
The 2021 Scavenger Hunt will not be timed and students can participate in it over a 2-day period. All students must follow the Royals Back Together plan along with business guidelines if they choose to enter a business. Hunt clues featuring our University’s “Iggy” mascot will be shared via QR codes and be displayed in business windows to keep the hunt entirely outdoors.
Hunt participants can compete in additional photo contests by visiting a list of downtown historical landmarks and murals, take photos, and submit these to community@scranton.edu to win a grand prize. There will also be a contest for the most creative photo overall. These photo contests offer students additional chances to win great prizes and new ways to engage with the downtown area.
Registration with waiver is required in Royal Sync (see event listing). Students can also register by scanning the QR codes on Scavenger Hunt posters located around campus. Registered students will receive an email on Thursday, September 2nd with a special downtown map and rules sheet that will detail how the scavenger hunt will proceed. A smartphone will be necessary to scan QR codes that will unlock clues at different locations.
To our new students, Class of 2025, welcome! To our returning students, welcome back! 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.
For more information about the annual Scavenger Hunt and the greater Scranton area, follow The Office of Community Relations on Facebook @uscrantoncommunityrelations and on Instagram and Twitter @uofscommunity or contact by email at community@scranton.edu.
11th Annual Downtown Scavenger Hunt Planned for Welcome Weekend
Student
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton will welcome more than 1,100 incoming students for the start of the fall semester and a return to in-person class instruction and activities on a fully-vaccinated campus. Only graduate courses which were offered online prior to the pandemic will continue to be offered in an online format.
Incoming University students include more than 825 members of its undergraduate class of 2025, more than 40 transfer students and more than 250 graduate students, both on-campus and online.
The University’s undergraduate class of 2025, selected from a pool of more than 9,225 applicants, has an average SAT score of 1,230. Incoming students represent 405 high schools and 17 states, including Arizona, Delaware, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Virginia. Approximately 25 percent of the class is from Northeast Pennsylvania. More than 20 percent of incoming students identify as people of color and 27 percent identify as first generation college students. The most common majors chosen by members of the incoming class are biology, nursing, kinesiology, occupational therapy, business administration and psychology.
The class of 2025 also includes 64 legacy children whose parents are University of Scranton alumni.
The University’s Fall Welcome events include a Mass, a class legacy photo, residence hall and commuter meetings and other events and activities. The University will display a special tribute to returning students on its Class of 2020 Gateway, which will run on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
In addition to the undergraduate class of 2025, the University’s incoming graduate students represent several states and foreign countries, including India, China, Bangladesh, Ghana, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Fall semester classes on campus begin Monday, Aug. 30.
Scranton Welcomes Class of 2025
Student
October 26, 2021
The Center for Service & Social Justice, DeNaples 205B, is currently interviewing for Federally Eligible student work-study positions for this fall. Interested candidates must have experience volunteering in their community, working knowledge of Microsoft Office, the ability to interact well with the public and have a valid driver's license, in addition to being comfortable driving a mini-van.
Students will work 10 hours per week, in addition to some weekend events.
Contact Ellen.Judge@scranton.edu to set up an interview.
Seeking Federally Eligible Student Workers at CSSJ
General
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton will use a tile near the top of its Royals Back Together plan to indicate if masks are required indoors for full-vaccinated individuals and whether or not the campus is open to the general public.
The Royals Back Together plan takes into account the latest health and safety recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH). The University will adjust the plan regarding masking and other health requirements based on the virus spread within the local community.
The University announced in a campus update on Aug. 23 that masks will be required indoors for fully-vaccinated individuals through to Sept. 13, when the University will update the campus to any changes. Masks will be required indoors for unvaccinated individuals throughout the semester.
The University also announced that the campus is only open to invited guests, which include parents and family members of students who will be on campus this weekend helping their children move into residence halls.
In addition to parents and family members, invited guests include those registered for admissions tours and guests; spectators at athletic events; invited speakers or guests for meetings and events; contractors and other campus service providers; and fully vaccinated guests in University residence halls, for which registration required. The campus is closed to the general public through to Sept. 13 and a Royal Card is needed to access buildings on campus.
The full update available on the Royals Back Together webpage.
Masking Requirements and Campus Access Updated
Student
October 26, 2021
Students, as you finalize your packing list for fall (here is a great list!), you might be wondering what you should bring to stay healthy and safe during the pandemic. If so, then this is the list for you.
What to Bring
The first step to maintaining a safe and healthy campus is remembering to pack the COVID-19 essentials!
- Masks, disposable or reusable (Check out the types of masks, here.)
- Oral or no-touch thermometer
- Insurance card
- Hand Sanitizer, varying sizes for your residence hall and backpack, plus antibacterial soap
- Prescriptions and/or pain medication
- Disinfectant wipes and other basic cleaning supplies
- Tissues
- A plan for isolation and/or quarantining off campus (see below!)
How to Plan
It’s important to plan ahead! The University will temporarily accommodate residential students who need to isolate/quarantine as they solidify their off-campus isolation/quarantine plan.
Unvaccinated students who test positive for COVID-19 or are required to quarantine/isolate must do so off-campus.
Vaccinated students who test positive for COVID-19 and are required to isolate must do so off-campus.
This is something you should talk through with your family prior to arriving on campus.
As excited as we are to welcome all of our students this semester, we must remember to follow University guidelines in accordance with our Royals Back Together plan!
For more information about the Royals Back Together plan, click here.
Royals Back Together: Packing and Planning
General
October 26, 2021
In response to the pandemic last year, Facilities Operations at The University of Scranton implemented multiple adjustments to Campus Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems in academic buildings and most office buildings on campus to improve indoor air quality.
The University increased the outdoor air and relief air of HVAC systems where possible. This process reduces the recirculation of air into the space while improving the air quality by flushing more impurities out of the space. The University will also continue to run HVAC systems longer, both before and after the space is occupied, in order to clear more aerosols from the space. The University will also increase the supply air rate in the HVAC system by increasing the fan speeds wherever possible, thereby increasing the air change rate in the space. The University has also treated all heating and cooling coils with an anti-bacterial spray and has replaced air filters prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
For residence hall bedrooms and remote office spaces that did not have HVAC systems, the University has provided portable room air cleaners with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. HEPA is a type of pleated mechanical air filter that can remove 99.97 percent of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and any airborne particles down to 0.1 microns. New HEPA filters have bene installed in all the existing portable air cleaners in preparation of the fall semester.
HVAC Adjustments Continued for Cleaner Air Indoors
Community
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum returns this fall with three evening courses that will be delivered both in-person and remotely.
Covering a range of stimulating and timely topics, the courses will be taught in six weekly sessions from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in room 305 of the University’s Weinberg Memorial Library, with Zoom links provided via email for those who would like to attend remotely.
The courses are free for University students, faculty, staff and Schemel Forum members. For non-members, the in-person fee is $75 per individual and $125 per couple, and $60 for remote-only.
Paul Sampson, Ph.D., assistant professor of history at the University, will present “Trust the Science? A Political History of Science,” Thursday evenings Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30 and Oct. 7 and 14.
Sampson will use the course to examine how conventional scientific views on subjects like climate change, vaccinations, the theory of evolution and even the shape of the earth have become controversial among some in contemporary American society by linking these ideas to the history of modern science, which emerged as an attempt to avoid political and religious disagreement by viewing nature with “objectivity.”
Among other things, the course will look at the creationist vs. geological conceptions of Earth’s origins, debates surrounding Darwin’s theory of evolution and the rise and fall of eugenics practices to get a sense of how political and religious concerns have always played a role in scientific work.
The goal, Sampson said, is to show how scientific ideas and practices have a history, and to better understand how that history and the place of scientists within the wider society continues to influence and inform scientific work.
“This course is essentially a condensed version of the History of Science course I teach at the University,” Sampson said. “The standard version of the history of science that most people were taught begins in Europe around 1600 and focuses on ‘geniuses’ who made astounding discoveries and cleared away ‘superstitious’ ideas about the nature and the universe. What I try to do in my course is to show that the story is much more complicated than that. Science has never been exclusive to Europe; it has always involved large networks of people rather than lone ‘geniuses,’ and there has always been a lot of interaction between science, religion and politics.”
Sampson said he’s very excited to be participating in the Schemel Forum.
“I am a strong believer in making history public and accessible, and I am glad that the University is helping to make that happen,” he said. “I am also looking forward to continuing some of the conversations that I started with my students and hearing the thoughts of the lifelong learners here in Scranton.”
Joe Kraus, Ph.D., professor and chair of the University’s Department of English and Theatre and president of MELUS (Society for the Study of Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States), will present the course, “Invisible Men: Novels by Ralph Ellison and Viet Thanh Nguyen,” Monday evenings Sept. 13, 20 and 27 and Oct. 4, 18 and 25.
During the sessions, Kraus and the class will explore W.E.B. DuBois’s concept of double-consciousness and its adaptation into Ralph Ellison’s concept of invisibility in his iconic novel, “Invisible Man.” From there, the class will read Viet Thanh Nguyen’s “The Sympathizer” to see how those concepts were reworked in an Asian-American context.
Kevin Nordberg, Ph.D., professor emeritus of philosophy and Latin American studies at the University, will present “Social and Moral Issues in Information Technology” Wednesday evenings Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27 and Nov. 3 and 10.
Throughout the course, Nordberg will cover a number of relevant technological issues, including intellectual property, software and music video piracy, liability for defective software, privacy, free speech, facial recognition and computer crime. Among the questions that will be posed -- Is the internet used as a distraction technology rather than an informative technology?
To register for the courses, contact Alicen Morrison, Schemel Forum assistant, at 570-941-6206 or alicen.morrison@scranton.edu. To pay by credit card over the phone, contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816, or to pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.
For more information on Schemel Forum programs and memberships, contact Sondra Myers, Schemel Forum director, at 570-941-4089 or sondra.myers@scranton.edu.
Schemel Forum to Begin Courses in Multiple Formats
General
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton has returned its campus to pre-pandemic configurations for the return of in-person classes and activities for the fall 2021 semester. The photo gallery shows how indoor lounges, classrooms, labs, dining facilities and other spaces on campus now look just prior to the start of the semester on Monday, August 30.
The University will continue to follow health and safety guidelines as outlined in the Royals Back Together plan during the semester. The plan incorporates health and safety recommendations for a fully-vaccinated campus. The University has instituted a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for students and employees for the start of the semester.
The plan also takes into account the latest health and safety recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH), including flexibility to adjust the plans masking and other health requirements based on the virus spread within the local community.
More information about the plan is available on the Royals Back Together webpage.
Campus Ready for Royals Back Together
General
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton announced its Royals Back Together plan for the return of in-person classes and activities for the fall 2021 semester, which begins on Monday, Aug. 30. The plan incorporates the University’s previously announced COVID-19 vaccine requirement for students and employees.
The plan also takes into account the latest health and safety recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH), including flexibility to adjust the plans masking and other health requirements based on the virus spread within the local community.
Vaccinated individuals do not need to participate in COVID-19 surveillance testing. Following CDC guidelines, the University will adjust indoor masking requirements for vaccinated individuals based on community spread. A Mask Status tile on the Royals Back Together webpage will indicate if masks are required indoors for vaccinated individuals. (Currently, the University is following its summer plan, which requires all individuals to wear masks indoors.) Throughout the semester, masks can be worn by individuals if they prefer, and faculty and staff can require masks be worn in their offices, classroom or labs if desired.
In accordance with Pennsylvania law, students and employees may request a waiver to the vaccine requirement for religious or medical reasons. For students or employees who are granted a vaccine waiver, the Royals Back Together plan requires weekly COVID-19 surveillance testing, mask requirements when indoors or in crowded spaces outdoors where social distancing cannot be met, daily health screenings via a wellness app, as well as specific quarantine and isolation instructions and other health and safety guidelines.
Students who are required to quarantine or isolate must do so off-campus during the fall semester. The University will provide temporary areas for quarantine and isolation if needed while off-campus arrangements are being made.
The Royals Back Together plan reminds members of the University community of their individual responsibility to follow guidelines to protect the health and well-being of themselves and others.
The Royals Back Together plan also addresses cleaning protocols, health services, student life, athletics and a number of other critical areas, including contact tracing procedures. The plan also recognizes the need to continue to adapt to changing circumstances.
Move-in for the fall semester is Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 28 and 29. Classes resume on Monday, Aug. 30.
More information about the plan is available on the Royals Back Together webpage.
Fall Semester Royals Back Together Plan Announced
Student
October 26, 2021
Students living in campus residence hall will notice something different in their laundry rooms this fall - new washers and dryers. And, they will notice something missing: A Royal swipe card connection to the machines.
The 100 new washing machines and 100 new dryers installed over the summer no longer require a Royal card for use. The LG commercial-grade laundry machines are all front service accessible. The programming controls are intuitive and allow students to choose from a variety of functions and programs easily.
“Students in residence hall you will no longer need to swipe a Royal Card or load a machine with quarters to activate the washers and dryers. They can just load their clothes into the new machines, choose a cycle and press start key. It’s that simple and they can do as many loads as they want” said Bradley Troy, director of residence life.
A laundry service was added to the housing charges, allowing the University to invest in the new washers and dryers, and allowing students living in residence halls use of new appliances during the year without accessing their Royal Card.
Troy said the change would make doing laundry easier for the students, as well as the staff, because credits would no longer have to be issued for any problems incurred with the equipment.
In addition to the new machines, new instructions will be placed on the walls in the laundry rooms for the students should they encounter a problem with the new washers and dryers.
The laundry rooms are also equipped with new instructions for using the LG appliances to wash and dry clothes.
After all, college is about learning, even if the lesson is about laundry.
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Faculty
October 26, 2021
Ashley L. Stampone ’10, G’11, faculty specialist in the Accounting Department of The University of Scranton, received the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Ursel K. Albers IMA Campus Advocate of the Year Award and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Young Leaders Award for 2021.
The IMA Campus Advocate of the Year Award recognizes a campus advocate/student chapter advisor who has made significant contributions to the IMA overall and the IMA student members in particular. Prof. Stampone serves as the faculty advisor for the University’s IMA student chapter, which has been recognized as one of IMA five Outstanding Student Chapters in the nation for the past three consecutive years. Through the chapter, University students have participated in numerous educational and professional development events, including IMA’s student case competition and its student manuscript competition, as well as IMA’s student leadership conference.
The PICPA Young Leaders Award recognizes members under the age of 40 who demonstrate a commitment to the accounting profession through active PICPA or community volunteer activities.
Prof. Stampone has received several awards recognizing her for leadership and dedication to the accounting field, as well as for teaching and service. She received the University’s the Kania School of Management Professor of the Year twice, in 2021 and 2020. Student members of the University’s Business Club select a faculty member for the annual award.
In 2019, Prof. Stampone was also honored with the IMA’s Faculty Leadership Award. The national award recognizes one faculty member annually who has demonstrated significant leadership activities at the national, regional, and/or local levels of IMA and has made additional contributions to IMA.
Prof. Stampone joined the faculty at Scranton in 2016. Previously, she worked as an internal auditor for QVC, Inc., as a senior financial systems analyst for Bridon American Corporation, as an inventory accountant for International Salt Company and a staff accountant for ParenteBeard, LLC.
A resident of Old Forge, Prof. Stampone received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA from The University of Scranton. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Scranton.
Faculty Member Ashley Stampone Nationally Feted
Student
October 26, 2021
Jillian Haller '23 is interning as an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Jong-Hyun Son’s neurodevelopment lab and working on a project she designed, "Olfactory-Driven Anxiety-like Behavior in the Zebrafish Model."
Here, she answers questions about her experience.
Describe a typical day at the lab.
I arrive at the lab in the morning (anywhere from 8 a.m.-10 a.m.) and begin either writing out or reading my protocol for that day. I always make sure to check in with Dr. Son before I begin collecting the materials I need for whatever I am doing that day. Once I’m done with the tests or procedures I need to run, I wrap up for the day and head home.
What is the duration of your research?
I work on my research year-round, but for the summer I stayed in Scranton so I could work on my project. This enabled me to give it more focus and attention than I typically can during the academic year. The number of hours I put in each day varies anywhere from 4-9 depending upon what I have on my to-do list for that day.
What do you enjoy most about your research?
The independence I have gained while conducting my own research study has to be my favorite thing about my job. It has allowed me to develop critical thinking skills far beyond what I ever could have imagined. Being able to see my work and seedlings of ideas grow for the last two years has been incredibly rewarding and an experience that has inspired my future career path. I have been able to watch myself fail and get back up again more times than I can count throughout this project, but I have discovered that it is through these failures and shortcomings I learn the most.
What are some of the skills you have learned?
I imagine the most valuable skill I have learned is time management. I am admittedly a long-time procrastinator, and I knew I needed to improve upon this skill going into this job. Running my own research project has forced me to create schedules for myself and adhere to the four to-do lists I have running.
In the laboratory, however, I learn a new skill almost every day. From enhancing my ability to think on my toes to learn how to use equipment like the confocal microscope or Cryostat, Dr. Son is helping me build up quite the repertoire of lab techniques I will use for the rest of my life. Dr. Son has also recognized some of my weaknesses in the lab and has helped me improve upon those throughout my time working with him. One such weakness, my mental math skills, is one he is determined to help me improve through constantly asking me how to make certain solutions without the use of a calculator.
What were your expectations of the job? Does it match the reality?
I had expected this job to be rewarding, but not without challenge. So far, it has met my expectations. I had envisioned myself learning how to devise a scientific experiment and gaining more independence along with confidence each day. Since starting I have experienced just that, and it has been an experience that has altered my life and aspirations. One thing I did not accurately envision was the number of obstacles I would meet along the way. I had anticipated some missteps in my journey working in this lab, however, I underestimated the number of errors I would make. One thing I learned through Dr. Son is not to be discouraged by the things that may go wrong in the lab; that’s simply science. Coming back from your mistakes and adjusting without quitting is where the learning takes place. From this, I have discovered that mistakes are oftentimes more valuable than triumphs.
Pictured, clockwise from top left: Haller's workbench while immunostaining brain tissue, so that she can image under the confocal microscope; Haller working at the microscope; Haller's setup for filming the behavior of her Zebrafishan; and an image captured under the confocal microscope of a tissue section of one of the brains Haller sliced and stained using immunohistochemistry.
How do you feel this job has prepared you for the real world?
Most importantly, I think this job has inspired a redirection in career paths for me. I had gone into this summer with the vision of pursuing an M.D. after my time at Scranton. However, after this experience, research has become something I cannot see my life without, therefore I am now considering pursuing an M.D./Ph.D. instead. This job has fed my hunger for knowledge and love for science more than I thought it could and has equipped me with the skills necessary to continue pursuing my career goal.
Lastly, understanding how to cope with failures and turn them into lessons learned has been a skill I will utilize in my future career. I also realize that this skill is easily translated into life outside of academia, as I find myself handling my personal setbacks with grace and an open mind.
Summer Spotlight: Jillian Haller '23
Community
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton’s new Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service will offer its inaugural workshop “An Introduction to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for NEPA Government Official” on Tuesday, Aug. 31. The workshop, offered free of charge offered free of charge to county and city officials of Northeastern Pennsylvania via Zoom, will run from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be facilitated by DNG Consulting, an independent diversity, inclusion and equity consulting group (see attached flyer for facilitator bios). PNC is the exclusive sponsor of the event.
“Promoting and maintaining diversity, equity and inclusion is imperative in ensuring ethical and effective governance for all. We are glad to provide a workshop on these timely issues and we look forward to having the Center offer programs on a range of topics that can aid public officials and their staff in their important work,” said JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science and co-director of the Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service.
The interactive workshop will address why attentiveness to diversity, equity and inclusion is important for effective governance and articulate how implicit bias and systemic racism are defined and identified. The workshop will also cover best practices in how government bodies and officials can take matters of racism and bias into consideration in evaluating institutions and policy effectiveness.
Three experienced consultants with DNG will facilitate in the workshop. Principal at DNG Consulting, Danielle N. Gadson, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of public administration at Villanova University and chairs their Public Administration Department Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. As a professor and a trained Intergroup Dialogue facilitator focusing on race, Dr. Gadson teaches courses in public administration theory, data analysis, health services planning, and intergroup relations.
Senior consultant at DNG, Stephen A. Sheridan, Jr. works as the director for accountability, accreditation and assessment services at Villanova University, providing leadership and expertise in the design, implementation, and analysis of assessment activities related to student development and learning outcomes. He is a trained Intergroup Dialogue facilitator with experience facilitating on the topics of disability, race and socioeconomic status.
Senior consultant at DNG, Terri Boyer, Ed.D., is the founding director of the Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership and an associate professor of education and counseling at Villanova University. Dr. Boyer has published widely on educational and workforce equity, institutional reform for equity, women’s education and leadership, the effectiveness of equity programs, and assessment and teacher training.
The workshop is convened by the University’s Center for Excellence in Ethics and Public Service with its Office of Community and Government Relations in collaboration with DNG Consulting. Registration is required to participate in the event and can be completed online or by e-mailing ceeps@scranton.edu.
The University of Scranton Center for Ethics and Excellence and Public Service is focused on advocating for and promoting the common good of all through programs that support the development of ethical and competent public officials and of civically knowledgeable, responsible and engaged community members. Through education, collaboration and outreach, the Center seeks to support communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania in which local and state public officials and community members are dedicated to governance. The Center is housed in the University’s Political Science Department and is co-directed by Dr. Hopper and Jean Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science.
Workshop Offered for NEPA Government Officials
Student
October 26, 2021
For the third consecutive year, the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) named the University of Scranton’s student chapter as one of just five Outstanding Student Chapters in the nation for the 2020-2021 academic year. The IMA’s Award of Excellence is presented to the top student chapters that qualified for Gold Status.
Officers of the University’s IMA student chapter for 2020-2021 were: Grace Gallagher ’21 of Dalton, president; Ngoc Nguyen ’21 New Tripoli, vice president; Zeli-Anne Policarpio ’21 of South Plainfield, New Jersey, secretary; Sarin Baldante ’21 of Sayville, New York, treasurer; and Charles Csaszar of Hopewell Junction, New York, junior officer. Ashley Stampone, CPA, faculty specialist in the Accounting Department, serves as the faculty advisor for the University’s student chapter. Prof. Stampone received the IMA’s Ursel K. Albers IMA Campus Advocate of the Year Award for 2021. The award recognizes an IMA Campus Advocate/Student Chapter Advisor who has made significant contributions to the IMA overall and the IMA student members in particular.
In order to qualify for IMA’s student chapter Award of Excellence, the chapter had to facilitate/sponsor numerous student events and meetings including a new member orientation, a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam information session, ethics and other educational opportunities in addition to participating in the IMA’s national student case competition, its national student manuscript competition and the Student Leadership Conference.
The numerous events hosted by Scranton’s IMA student chapter during the academic year included a new member orientation, a remote internship panel discussion, a CMA exam information session, an accounting industry panel discussion and virtual office tours with BKD and PwC. In addition, the student officers coordinated an Easter Basket Drive within the Kania School of Management to support the Center for Service and Social Justice’s initiative to benefit Friends of the Poor. IMA student members also participated in the IMA’s Student Case Competition, the Clark Johnson Achievement Award Competition and the Student Manuscript Competition. The team consisting of Gallagher, Csaszar, Aidan Cagner of Rockville Centre, NY, and Annalisa Mechanick of Randolph, New Jersey, had their virtual presentation selected as a “Semi-Final 8” for the IMA Case Competition.
Gallagher also was awarded the IMA’s Memorial Education Fund Scholarship for 2020, The scholarship is presented annually to top accounting, finance, and IT students demonstrating exceptional commitment to the IMA and the management accounting profession, extraordinary leadership abilities, and the highest personal integrity.
“I am so honored to have been awarded the IMA’s MEF scholarship,” said Gallager. “Being a part of the IMA student chapter is one of my proudest accomplishments, and it is an honor to be recognized for such involvement. Additionally, winning the Outstanding Student Chapter Award of Excellence, signifying we are one of the top chapters in the nation, not only makes us as a student chapter proud of our hard work, but even more determined to continue this work into the future. I am incredibly honored to be part of this team of student leaders.”
The University’s IMA student chapter formed in 2017.
The IMA’s Endorsement of Higher Education initiative recognizes programs that meet rigorous educational standards, enabling students to pursue and earn the CMA credential. The University’s undergraduate accounting program was endorsed by the IMA in 2017.
Student Group Wins Third National Award in a Row
Faculty
October 26, 2021
Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., assistant professor in The University of Scranton’s Physics and Engineering Department, was awarded a $481,260 grant through the NASA’s Space Weather Applications Operations 2 Research Program. He will serve as the principal investigator for the research project entitled, “Enabling Space Weather Research with Global Scale Amateur Radio Datasets,” with collaborators at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Haystack Observatory and The University of Alabama.
According to Dr. Frissell, the grant will fund “the development of an empirical model for the prediction of traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) in high frequency radio communications while investigating the geophysical drivers of these disturbances.” The grant funds will be disbursed over a two-year period.
“This grant includes significant funding for participation of Scranton undergraduate students in this research, as well as support for new computation resources,” said Dr. Frissell.
Dr. Frissell explained that the predictive, empirical TID models the research project will develop will use data collected by automated, Global-scale radio communication observation networks that are voluntarily operated by the amateur radio community. Undergraduate students will help the faculty researchers create algorithms used for the model development. This new NASA award complements the five-year, $616,054 NSF CAREER grant Dr. Frissell received in 2020, which aims to understand the source of the TIDs observed in both the amateur radio data and other scientific datasets.
In 2019, Dr. Frissell received a $1.3 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to fund a three-year initiative to measure modulations produced in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. The grant supports a collaborative team to develop a modular, multi-instrument, ground-based space science observation platform known as the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station that will be used to study variability in the coupled geospace system and better understand high frequency radio propagation.
This is the second research project for which Dr. Frissell has received funding from NASA. A space physicist, Dr. Frissell is among the researchers working on a NASA Living With a Star project entitled, “Wave-Driven Asymmetries in the Ionosphere-Thermosphere due to Asymmetries in the Northern and Southern Polar Vortices.” That project is being led by Richard Collins, Ph.D., principal investigator, of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute.
Dr. Frissell joined the faculty at Scranton in the fall of 2019. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He is the founder and lead organizer of the international citizen science space physics research collective known as the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI.org). Dr. Frissell also serves as advisor to the student W3USR University of Scranton Amateur Radio Club.
Physics Professor Awarded $481,260 NASA Research Grant
Community
October 26, 2021
Twenty 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 two-week summer institute, which took place on the University’s campus 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 summer institute 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 summer program featured presentations by University faculty, staff and students as well as counselors from Lackawanna County Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center. At the institute, students learned about alternate renewable energy sources, sustainability, climate change, physics, neurobiology research and neurological disorders, among other topics. The institute included field trips to Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in Pike County and the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. The students also volunteered for a cleanup project at the Advocacy Center and helped to water plants in the Community Garden on the University’s campus.
Following the summer institute, 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; BB&T Bank; The Dime Bank; Fidelity Bank; Charles A. Frueauff Foundation; Carl and JoAnne Kuehner; Medico Industries; Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, Inc.; Overlook Estate Foundation; Peoples Security Bank and Trust; PPL Foundation; Lisa C. Thomas, M.D.; and Waste Management.
Students entering the University of Success program are as follows:
Christain Alers, Scranton, who attended West Scranton Intermediate School;
Brandon Amorim, Scranton, who attended West Scranton Intermediate School;
Amiya Brown, Scranton, who attended Abington Heights Middle School;
Christopher Cordero, Scranton, who attended Northeast Intermediate School;
Christina Denney, Clifford Township, who attended Mountain View Middle School;
Nathan Fuller, Scranton, who attended Northeast Intermediate School;
Alisha Jackson, Scranton, who attended Northeast Intermediate School;
Leslie Martinez, Scranton, who attended Northeast Intermediate School;
Luisa Martinez, Taylor, who attended Riverside High School;
Pujan Nepal, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;
Aiden Norton, New Milford, who attended Mountain View Middle School;
Latifa Pearson, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;
Christian Quintana, Scranton, who attended West Scranton Intermediate School;
Dawson Reed Machado, Peckville, who attended Valley View Middle School;
JoAnn Regan, Moosic, who attended Riverside High School;
Jorge Rodriguez, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;
Mikayla Sansky, Clifford, who attended Mountain View Middle School;
Sulekha Sharma, Moosic, who attended Riverside High School;
Gabriella Singh, South Abington Township, who attended Abington Heights Middle School;
Amber Wine, Scranton, who attended South Scranton Intermediate School;
For additional information, visit the University of Success web site.
$content.getChild('content').textValueTwenty Area Students Begin University of Success
Community
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton has been approved for Tuition Assistance through Memorandum of Understanding with Department of Defense. Active duty, National Guard and Reserve Component Service members enrolling at Scranton in an approved program of study by the VA may be eligible for Tuition Assistance benefits.
Those interested in pursuing tuition assistance should first consult with their individual unit or base education office for procedures on establishing benefits as well as payment rates, as all branches of service have varying rules and regulations for service members to follow. Once application is made through their individual unit, applicants can contact the University’s Financial Aid office for information on next steps and certification.
The University has a long history of successfully administering Veteran Administration (VA) education benefits through the Montgomery GI Bill®, Post 9/11 GI Bill® to veterans, active duty service members and their families and we are also proud to work with the VA to cover tuition and fees to qualifying veterans and their dependent children through the VA Yellow Ribbon program.
The University of Scranton has been recognized for its support of veterans and active personnel of the U.S. military and their families. In the 2017 edition, the U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton No. 2 for Best College for Veterans. Scranton was also selected by G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly School.
More information on tuition assistance and VA education benefits, visit Veteran Information page of the University’s webpage.
University Approved for Tuition Assistance with DOD
Community
October 26, 2021
The University ran two summer camps for high school students: physics and cybercrime investigation. Read about them, here.
UNIVERSITY HOLDS CYBERCRIME INVESTIGATION CAMP
Nineteen high school students received hands-on training in investigating and thwarting cybercrimes from experts in the much-in-demand field of cyber security at The University of Scranton’s first Cybercrime Investigation Summer Camp. Run by faculty of the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology, the camp took place July 13-15 in the University’s Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime on campus.
Through lectures, exercises, case discussions, the University’s data center tour, computer simulations and a capture-the-flag competition, the students learned about cyber threats, cybercriminal profiling, cyber law, cyber security and how to conduct a cyber forensics investigation. They also learned about the various roles and responsibilities assumed by professionals working in the growing field.
The job outlook for cybersecurity analysts is predicted to increase by 31 percent for the period between 2019 and 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The annual median salary for cybersecurity analysts in 2020 was $103,900. The University offers a major in cybercrime and homeland security.
The camp was offered free of charge to participants through support from the University’s College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office and the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology.
Read on, here.
UNIVERSITY HOLDS PHYSICS SUMMER CAMP
High school students were introduced to the extraordinary world of physics at a summer camp hosted at The University of Scranton. The three-day camp for 9th and 10th grade high school students, taught by University physics faculty members, included mini-lectures and hands-on activities to introduce basic physics concepts of electricity and magnetism, as well as dramatic real-life examples of these principals in action.
At the camp, which took place July 19-21, 12 high school students learned about types of waves, oscilloscopes, magnetic coils, loudspeakers and software defined radio. They built a generator, a motor, and learned to use cutting edge Software Defined Radios (SDR). They installed and got to keep an actual SDR to use at home.
The students were also introduced to an array of much-in-demand careers available to physicists, or “supercharged engineers,” as the profession is described by Declan Mulhall, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering at Scranton.
“Physicists have a depth of knowledge and training to give them a broad understanding of a subject and are able to apply their training to find solutions to complex problems and issues,” said Dr. Mulhall, who was among the faculty members leading the camp. “People always have to learn new technology to enter the workforce because of technological advances. Physics – and to some extent engineers – are the source of those advances, and we are training future physicists.”
Read on, here.
University-run Summer Camps are a Success
Student
October 26, 2021
Several students were recently honored with awards. Read about them here.
STUDENTS RECEIVE FRANK O’HARA AWARDS
Frank O’Hara medals were given to University students with the highest grade-point averages in their first-, second- and third-year in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the Panuska College of Professional Studies for the 2019-20 academic year. The awards, named in honor of the late Frank O’Hara who served the University for 53 years in various administrative positions, were presented at a ceremony held recently on campus.
Read about them here.
STUDENT AWARDED NATIONAL ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
University student Marissa Angelo, Dickson City, was among the 253 students in the nation selected to receive a $10,000 scholarship from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) for the 2021-2022 academic year.
The merit scholarship program is funded through the collection of PCAOB monetary penalties generated through the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Students attending accredited college accounting degree programs, preferably at schools holding the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) accreditation, are eligible for the program. The undergraduate and master’s programs in business offered by the University’s Kania School of Management have been accredited AACSB International for the past 25 years.
The goals of the PCAOB Scholars Program are: to benefit outstanding students who are likely to become auditors; and to make a difference to eligible students who might otherwise pursue a different career path.
Read on, here.
STUDENTS AND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS RECOGNIZED
The University recognized students and their high school teachers, who they credit for contributing to their success, with Rose Kelly Awards at a recent virtual ceremony.
The Rose Kelly Award was established by University of Scranton alumnus Joseph Wineburgh, Ph.D., to link the efforts of educators to the achievements of college students. The award is presented jointly to a student in each of the University’s colleges who has completed two years at Scranton and to the teacher whom he or she recognizes as having a great impact in his or her life. Students are selected based on exemplary achievement in both academics and general campus involvement.
Read more, here.
STUDENT AWARDED CHINESE LANGUAGE SCHOLARSHIP
University student Mary-Katherine Cotter ’22, Massapequa, New York, was awarded a 2021 Huayu Enrichment Chinese Language Immersion Scholarship from the Education Division of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York. The scholarship will allow her to study Mandarin at Fu Jen Catholic University, a Jesuit university in Taipei, Taiwan, during the summer.
The scholarship was established in 2005 by Ministry of Education of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to encourage international students and individuals to study the Mandarin Chinese language in Taiwan.
A dean’s list student at Scranton, Cotter is studying both Chinese and Japanese languages at the Jesuit university. She is a history and political science double major with an Asian studies concentration. She also participates in the University’s undergraduate Honors Program.
Read on, here.
STUDENTS PLACE AT PHI BETA LAMBDA CONFERENCE
University of Scranton students won top awards at state level business competitions to qualify for the 2021 Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference in their first year of existence as a chapter at Scranton. The national Future Business Leaders of America conference is for collegiate business students from across the United States in addition to a few other countries who have successfully competed at the state level and qualified for the highest level of competition.
Scranton’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter won 1st Place for Local Chapter Annual Business Report and 2nd Place, Gold Seal Chapter Designation – Most Outstanding – at the 2021 Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference. At the 2021 National Leadership Conference, the Scranton chapter came in 8th Place for Local Chapter Annual Business Report, which is a 15-page summary the chapter’s activities for the year.
Read on, here.
University Students Receive Awards
Faculty
October 26, 2021
Several faculty members received awards recently. Read about them here.
UNIVERSITY FACULTY RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE
Nine University of Scranton faculty members were honored with Provost Faculty Enhancement awards for excellence in teaching, scholarship or service. The Office of the Provost and the Provost Advisory Group selected the recipients from a pool of candidates nominated by academic deans and department chairs.
Read about them here.
PROFESSOR NAMED AMONG ELITE GLOBAL ETHICAL HACKERS
Mehmet F. Bastug, Ph.D., assistant professor in The University of Scranton’s Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology Department, was named to the 100-member Certified Ethical Hacker Hall of Fame by the EC-Council, the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants. The 2021 Hall of Fame celebrates some of the most accomplished Certified Ethical Hackers (CEHs) around the world.
The Hall of Fame recognizes EC-Council members who earned their Certified Ethical Hacking certification with a score of 90 percent or better, who were chosen by the council’s selection committee based on their accomplishments regarding their contribution to society and their role in the organization where they are employed, among other factors.
Dr. Bastug, who joined the faculty at Scranton in 2020, has conducted research and presented at several conferences. He has also co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. His areas of expertise include counter-terrorism, cybercrime and cyber forensics.
Read on, here.
Recent Faculty Awards
Athletics
October 26, 2021
Two of the top student-athletes at The University of Scranton were honored once again for their accomplishments both in their respective fields of play and in the classroom on Wednesday, as graduates Lauren Byrne (Cranford, N.J./Cranford) of the women's swimming & diving team and Tarquin McGurrin (Clarks Summit, Pa./Scranton Prep) of the men's tennis team were named to the 2021 College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-America® Division III At-Large Team.
Byrne, who was named to the Women's At-Large Academic All-America® Second Team, and McGurrin, who earned a spot on the Men's At-Large Academic All-America® Third Team, are the 43rd and 44th Academic All-American selections in University of Scranton history.
Byrne is the first women's swimmer to earn the honor since Sarah Gazdalski (2000, 2001) and is just the second student-athlete in the history of the program to earn the accolade. McGurrin, meanwhile, joins his older brother Tim McGurrin (2012, 2013) and Clay Yeager (1994, 1995, 1996) as the only Academic All-American selections in men's tennis program history at Scranton.
For Byrne, the selection to the Academic All-American team adds to a long list of accomplishments in her career at Scranton, which includes two CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team selections in 2019 and 2021.
A 16-time Landmark Conference champion at four Landmark Championship meets, Byrne was named the Landmark Female Swimmer of the Year twice (2019 & 2021), while also earning the Landmark's Rookie of the Year accolades in 2018. In 2020, Byrne qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships in the 200-IM, going on to earn All-American accolades in the event to become just the third swimmer in program history to accomplish that feat. In all, she holds nine school records (five in individual events), three overall Landmark Conference records, and four Landmark Conference Championships records, as well.
The Department of Athletics' 2020-21 female Carlesimo Award winner honoring a senior student-athlete for outstanding academic and athletic achievement, Byrne was the Landmark Conference's Senior Scholar Athlete for women's swimming & diving in 2021. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science in 2020 and is a current Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate student, where she has notched a 3.9 GPA in her academic career.
McGurrin was a CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team selection in each of the last two years and academically posted a perfect 4.0 GPA both in his undergraduate and graduate career. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Accounting in 2020 and recently earned his Masters in Business Administration (with an accounting specialization) from Scranton this past May.
The 2021 Landmark Conference's Senior Scholar Athlete for men's tennis, McGurrin was the 2021 Landmark Player of the Year and a three-time All-Landmark First Team selection in both singles and doubles play. The Clarks Summit native finished his career at Scranton ranked in the top-10 all-time in program history in both singles wins (38) and doubles wins (34).
For the full 2021 CoSIDA Academic All-America® Division III At-Large Teams, click here.
Two Named to 2021 CoSIDA Academic All-America® Division III At-Large Teams
Community
October 26, 2021
The Scranton Brass Orchestra will perform a “pops” concert on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center at The University of Scranton. Admission is free, and the performance is open to the public. Doors will open at 6:50 p.m. with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis. Masks will be required for all audience members.
Guests are reminded to check the Performance Music website at scranton.edu/music regularly for changes or updates in attendance guidelines and requirements.
The program for the concert features a variety of arrangements and transcriptions for brass band/brass orchestra of pops hits, Great American Songbook ballads and folk songs, including Bohemian Rhapsody, MacArthur Park, Amazing Grace, Guantanamera, Black Bottom Stomp, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Over The Rainbow, When I Fall In Love, Someone To Watch Over Me and others.
The Scranton Brass Orchestra is under the direction of founder and director Cheryl Y. Boga and is presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton. Now in its 11th season, it is a fully professional 28-member ensemble comprised of brass & percussion players/teachers from the region. The group's performances are free of charge and open to the public, and have often featured nationally and internationally acclaimed guests, including many of the most respected brass players of our time. The group made its debut before hundreds of appreciative audience members in June 2011, and has since garnered acclaim from both audiences and musicians alike.
For additional information, visit scranton.edu/music or email music@scranton.edu.
Scranton Brass Orchestra to Perform August 22
Community
October 26, 2021
During the uncertainty and physical distancing of the 2020-21 academic year, The University of Scranton’s Community-Based Learning (CBL) projects offered opportunities for students to connect with the city of Scranton and our community members in new ways.
Marketing Students Memorialize Stories of Hospice Patients and Families
In fall 2020, students in associate professor of marketing Satya P. Chattopadhyay’s First Year Seminar courses engaged in a community-based learning project partnering with Compassionate Care Hospice to capture the life stories of patients to create biographies for their families and caregivers. For the project, Chattopadhyay’s students were trained as Hospice volunteers and met virtually via Zoom with Cassie Kobeski, volunteer coordinator for Compassionate Care Hospice, and then worked together in small groups with the caregivers and families of the Hospice patients to listen and learn about their patients to create biographies. These biographies captured the life stories of patients and provided a keepsake for families to memorialize the lives of their loved ones.
During this project, Chattopadhyay’s students conducted virtual interviews with family members and caregivers over Zoom and on the phone. These interviews impacted both the families and caregivers, along with University students. Caregiver Jessica Homschek connected with marketing students Allison Buckman from Shrewsbury, New Jersey; Karina Roettger from Brick, New Jersey; and Aidan Bohn from Scranton to share the life and story of her father Salvatore Falvo.
“It was a pleasure working with the students. I told them to cherish life and hold on to memories because [life] is short and can change in a moment with no warning and you never know what’s in store for you,” said Homschek.
In addition to providing perspective and important life lessons, this project also helped students, patients, and caregivers alike to find new connections with people that they may have otherwise never encountered.
“In this challenging time when all of us must work harder to stay connected and present, this biography program has connected individuals whose paths may have never crossed. In addition, our hospice staff looks forward to each new patient’s story shared. When a patient begins our hospice services, we may not always get to know the full breadth of their life experience. The biography program has been a shining light, highlighting the personality and memories sometimes shrouded by the immediate concern of the illness at hand. I am very grateful to The University of Scranton for helping to give a voice to these stories,” said Cassie Kobeski.
Communications Course Shares Experiences of Pine Brook Neighborhood
In another CBL course, students in assistant professor of communications Kimberly Pavlick’s COMM 224: Media Writing course worked with United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA to help support their Pine Brook Neighborhood Revitalization project. This CBL project connected Pavlick’s students with business owners and long-time Pine Brook area residents to create feature stories highlighting the residents’ stories and experiences of Pine Brook. Students curated stories with photos of the Pine Brook residents to help tell the story of this area of Scranton. This project provided students with insights into this area of Scranton right next to downtown that they may have otherwise not encountered. Interviews included the stories of lifelong Pine Brook residents John and Cathy Giumento, Groove Brewing and UNC’s Director of Community Revitalization Christina Manuel.
Occupational Therapy Students Explore Accessibilty in the City
In addition to these community-building projects, CBL projects from this past academic year included other projects that worked to connect University coursework with Scranton community needs and priorities. Occupational therapy faculty specialist Patricia Wisniewski, MS, OTR/L, CPRP worked with two sections of her OT121: Occupational Performance to identify ways to improve accessibility and walkability from an occupational therapy perspective, in collaboration with both the City of Scranton and the Scranton Public Library. These projects provided actionable insights for the community partners and also gave students a new perspective on what navigating spaces may be like for community members with diverse needs and the importance of resolving health and social disparities in the community.
Community-Based Learning a Source of Connection, Learning, and Impact
Looking ahead to what the 2021-22 academic year may bring, Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president for Community and Government Relations and the Community-Based Learning Board Chair, is hopeful about returning to some pre-pandemic community activities, but confident that regardless of mode, community-based learning will continue to offer special ways for University students to learn about and become a part of the Scranton community.
“This past year truly demonstrated the need for University-community connections and partnerships," she said. "These CBL experiences not only enhanced the coursework for students while helping to meet community-defined needs, but they are also a vehicle for students to truly become a part of our Scranton community.”
To learn more about Community-Based Learning at The University of Scranton click here.
Community-Based Learning Projects Share Stories, Foster Connections
Faculty
October 26, 2021
Mehmet F. Bastug, Ph.D., assistant professor in The University of Scranton’s Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology Department, was named to the 100-member Certified Ethical Hacker Hall of Fame by the EC-Council, the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants. The 2021 Hall of Fame celebrates some of the most accomplished Certified Ethical Hackers (CEHs) around the world.
The Hall of Fame recognizes EC-Council members who earned their Certified Ethical Hacking certification with a score of 90 percent or better, who were chosen by the council’s selection committee based on their accomplishments regarding their contribution to society and their role in the organization where they are employed, among other factors.
Dr. Bastug, who joined the faculty at Scranton in 2020, has conducted research and presented at several conferences. He has also co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. His areas of expertise include counter-terrorism, cybercrime and cyber forensics.
Dr. Bastug previously was an adjunct professor in the Criminology Program at Lakehead University in Orillia, Ontario; an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa; and online video conferencing instructor in the Cybersecurity Governance and Operations Certificate Program at Montclair State University in New Jersey. He earned a doctorate and master’s degree in global affairs from Rutgers University; a master’s degree in international relations from Akdeniz University in Antalya, Turkey; and a bachelor’s degree in security studies and criminal justice from the Turkish National Police University in Ankara.
Founded in 2001, the EC-Council is the world’s leading global cybersecurity certification body, employing over 400 people worldwide with 10 global offices in the USA, Canada, U.K., Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Indonesia.
The University of Scranton began offering a major in the much-in-demand field of cybercrime and homeland security in the fall of 2020.
Professor Named Among Elite Global Ethical Hackers
Alumni
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton will offer a new graduate certificate in business analytics beginning in the fall 2021 semester. The 12-credit program in the emerging, high-growth field can be completed on-campus or online in as little as six-months.
Business analytics is one of the fastest growing professions in the country, with job opportunities available in virtually every type of industry, as companies seek qualified employees capable of analyzing complex data to make informed decisions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects double-digit employment growth for management analysts and market research analysts from 2019 to 2029, with job opportunities for management analysts expected to increase by 11 percent, and market research analyst positions projected to increase by 18 percent.
The graduate certificate program in business analytics is offered through the University’s Kania School of Management, which holds accreditation by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). The curriculum is comprised of four courses, which includes two required courses (Introduction to Business Analytics and Data Mining) and two electives that can focus on highly sought skills related to Python, R, Tableau, or SQL. Students admitted to the program without business knowledge in statistics, management science and information systems may need to take foundational courses in those areas.
In addition to the graduate certificate, the University offers a 30-credit master’s degree in business analytics and a 36-credit MBA degree with a specialization in business analytics both of which are offered in on-campus and online modalities. The University also offers a bachelor’s degree in business analytics, as well as a business analytics minor and concentration. The programs are housed in the University’s Operations and Analytics Department.
For additional information, contact the University’s Office of Graduate Admissions at 888-727-2686 or by email gradadmissions@scranton.edu, or Nabil Tamini, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Operations and Analytics Department at nabil.tamini@scranton.edu.
New Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics
Student
October 26, 2021
University of Scranton student Marissa Angelo, Dickson City, was among the 253 students in the nation selected to receive a $10,000 scholarship from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) for the 2021-2022 academic year.
The merit scholarship program is funded through the collection of PCAOB monetary penalties generated through the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Students attending accredited college accounting degree programs, preferably at schools holding the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) accreditation, are eligible for the program. The undergraduate and master’s programs in business offered by the University’s Kania School of Management have been accredited AACSB International for the past 25 years.
The goals of the PCAOB Scholars Program are: to benefit outstanding students who are likely to become auditors; and to make a difference to eligible students who might otherwise pursue a different career path.
Students nominated for the scholarship by their university, must show an aptitude and interest in accounting and auditing as evidenced by an overall GPA of 3.3 or higher or being in the top third of their overall class, and demonstrate high ethical standards, as well as meet other program requirements.
A dean’s list student in her junior year at Scranton, Angelo is majoring in accounting while participating both the Business Honors Program and the Business Leadership Honors Program. She is a member of the Omega Beta Sigma honor society. She participates in a number of campus organizations including the Institute of Management Accountants Student Chapter, the Business Club, Kania Women in Business and the Society of Accounting Students. She is also a member of the Kania Student Advisory Board.
Angelo graduated as valedictorian of her high school class at Mid Valley Secondary Center.
“Congratulations to our PCAOB Scholars who achieved this distinction during an unquestionably challenging period for students everywhere,” said PCAOB Acting Chairperson Duane M. DesParte. “The PCAOB is pleased to help support these dedicated individuals on their paths to becoming leaders in accounting and auditing.”
Since the program’s inception in 2011, the PCAOB has awarded $16.23 million in scholarships to 1,623 recipients.
Student Awarded National Accounting Scholarship
Alumni
October 26, 2021
The President’s Business Council (PBC) will present President’s Medals to John E. (Jack) Brennan ’68, P’06 (in memoriam), Patricia A. Byrnes Clarke ’86, P17,’19, and Thomas P. O’Brien ’86, P’19 at its 20th Annual Award Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 7, at Gotham Hall in New York City.
“We are all excited by the prospects of gathering together in person to celebrate our Honorees, the University, our students, and the PBC’s 20th anniversary,” said Timothy J. Pryle ’89, executive director of the PBC. “We are also mindful of the ebb and flow of the state of today’s world with COVID-19 and will continue to monitor all of the current health guidelines to prepare for a safe in-person event for our expected attendees. Given the viewership success of last year’s virtual celebration, we will also provide a livestream link for remote viewing on October seventh.
“A delay in the remodeling of the ballroom at The Pierre Hotel, our host for all of the previous dinners, necessitated a move to a new venue this year. We are looking forward to welcoming our attendees to Gotham Hall.”
John E. (Jack) Brennan ’68, P’06 received a bachelor’s degree in management from the University in 1968. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served as a 1st lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corp. in Thailand. Following his years of service, Mr. Brennan joined Motorola as a salesman. He later co-founded Metro Mobile CTS, Inc., and served as the president and chief operating officer. Metro Mobile was later sold to Bell Atlantic, which would eventually become Verizon Communications. He was also president of Activated Communications and a member of the board of directors at Spectrum Signal Processing. At the time of his retirement, he was the vice chairman of the board of Southern Union Co. (later acquired by Energy Transfer LP).
During his professional career, Mr. Brennan was an active member of his community, serving as president of the Radio Club of America, as president of the Old Tappan Board of Education, as a member of the Old Tappan Planning Board, and as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. In support of his passion for furthering the education of young minds, Mr. Brennan was a long-time member of the Board of Trustees at Christ the King School (Cristo Rey) in Newark, N.J., and at the University, where he was also a founding member of the Kania School of Management Advisory Board. He was also among the inaugural inductees to the Business Leader Hall of Fame. In Oct. 2000, the University named Brennan Hall, the home of the Kania School of Management, in his honor.
Mr. Brennan passed away in Sept. 2020 after battling cancer. He is survived by his wife, Cindy, their two children and their grandchildren.
Patricia A. Byrnes Clarke ’86, P’17,’19 is the global chief talent officer for the Havas Group, one of the world's largest global communications groups founded in 1835 in Paris and part of the Vivendi Group. Ms. Clarke is responsible for leading all aspects of global human resources as well as talent and cultural strategy for the group’s 20,000+ employees in over 100 countries. During her time at Havas, she has built a talent management approach that includes initiatives on network mobility, high-potential leadership development, women’s leadership advancement, global employee engagement, employer branding, and global diversity, equity and inclusion.
Prior to joining Havas, Ms. Clarke ran her own consulting business with a focus on helping private equity-backed companies develop their talent management capabilities. She also had a 20-year stint at Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), where she was chief human resources officer for 9 years and also ran global internal communications. She led D&B to industry honors as one of Fortune Magazine’s “Most Admired Companies.”
Ms. Clarke earned a bachelor’s degree in management from the University in 1986. She is a current member of the University’s Board of Trustees and a former member of the Kania School of Management Advisory Board and the Parents’ Executive Council (PEC). She is also a former chair of the PBC and created the PBC/Kania School of Management Career Coaches Program, in which she remains a mentor to current University students. She and her husband, David, reside in Atlantic Highlands, N.J., and have five children.
Thomas P. O’Brien ’86, P’19 is a co-founder and the current chief executive officer and president of SumRidge Partners, LLC, based in Jersey City, N.J. Formed in 2010, SumRidge Partners is a top-ranked, electronic fixed income market maker specializing in high-yield, investment-grade corporate bonds, municipal bonds, institutional preferred securities, and emerging market bonds.
Prior to launching SumRidge Partners, Mr. O’Brien was co-head of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney’s Capital Markets division and was also a member of the firm’s management and risk committees. He was instrumental in building and developing the retail capital markets division into an industry leader. Previously, he was head of Morgan Stanley’s retail fixed income trading, which included U.S. credit, rates and municipal bond trading. He began his career with Dean Witter as an institutional MBS trader and subsequently traded various fixed income products; later, he took responsibility for risk management oversight of several product lines.
Mr. O’Brien earned a bachelor’s degree of economics/finance from the University in 1986 and a master of business administration from Fordham University. He is a former member of the University’s Board of Trustees, where he served as vice chairman, and a former chair of the PBC. Today, he acts as a mentor to current University students and frequently teaches in the fixed income securities and markets course, which he co-developed with the late Frank Corcione, Ph.D. Mr. O’Brien resides in Basking Ridge, N.J., with his wife, Denise, and their three sons.
In presenting the President’s Medal, the University and the PBC recognize individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields, who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion for others, and who personify the University’s mission of Catholic and Jesuit excellence and service. Since its inaugural dinner in 2002, the PBC has generated more than $18 million for the Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund.
Planning for this year’s dinner, including a virtual Honorees Announcement, is ongoing, so please visit our website at scranton.edu/PBCdinner. For more information on this year’s event or the PBC, please contact Tim Pryle at (570) 941-5837 or pbc@scranton.edu.
University Announces Honorees for PBC 20th Annual Award Dinner
Alumni
October 26, 2021
The University has opened registration for the 2021 Medical Alumni Council Symposium. The day-long gathering will be held Oct. 2 in the DeNaples Center's Moskovitz Theater, and the University will also offer a virtual attendance option. Visit this link to register today, or visit this link to view the full schedule of events.
Registration Now Open For MAC Symposium Oct. 2
Alumni
October 26, 2021
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
Marion Munley ’83, Moosic, was re-elected to the Executive Committee of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) for the 2021-2022 year at its annual convention. In addition, Munley received two awards in recognition of her service to AAJ: the Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes members of AAJ Board of Governors have been a special assistant to the president of the Association during the past year, and the Above and Beyond Award, which honors AAJ members who have made exceptional contributions to sustain and strengthen the organization.
John P. McShea ’12, Abington Township, joined Eastburn and Gray, PC and will be working in the firm’s litigation, real estate, land use and zoning, and municipal law practice groups.
Marriages
Blaire E. Wilkie ’15, D.P.T. ’18 to Michael C. Balcon ’13, D.P.T. ’16
Deaths
Vincent J. Gryctko ’50, Altavista, Virginia
Gregory Hodowanec ’50, Edison, New Jersey
Thomas B. Stim, Ph.D. ’51, Ambler
Peter E. Herguth ’61, Fountain Hills, Arizona
Michael Kosh ’68, Redwood City, California
Martin J. Domiano ’69, Apalachin, New York
Gerard A. Coury ’71, Peckville
James Volz ’75, Scranton
John J. Wehrum ’77, Dunmore
George P. Skumanick ’83, Tunkhannock
Linda R. Young G’85, Bethlehem
Michael F. Mazzarella ’86, Scranton
Christine Medico Harding ’90, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Ryan J. Kiess ’18, Manhasset, New York
Friends' Deaths
Walter Frank Karas, father of Noelle D. Karas '97 and April Karas Fletcher '00
Sally Ann Kozlowski, wife of Frederick J. Kozlowski ’64 and mother of Frederick H. Kozlowski, M.D. ’90
Marilyn Lewis, mother of James Lewis ’77 and grandmother of Jason Lewis, M.D. ’00
Adeline Mazzucelli, mother of Colette Mazzucelli, Ph.D. ’83
Alumni Class Notes, August 2021
Staff
October 26, 2021
Over the past year, all packages have been delivered to Printing and Mailing Services and we have delivered to offices. With buildings reopening for fall 2021, we will revert back to the previous practice of UPS, Fed Ex, Amazon and other shippers (other than U.S. Postal Service) delivering directly to offices. This will be effective on Aug. 30. We will continue to deliver to campus offices packages from the US Postal Service.
When ordering items that are being shipped to you it?s very important that you update your shipping address to your physical location (instead of 314 Kressler Court which is the address that has been used while campus buildings have been locked over the past year). The only exception would be anything shipping via U.S. Postal Service, in which case you continue to use 800 Linden Street.
Campus Mail Delivery for University Offices
General
October 26, 2021
The DeNaples Mailroom will reopen on August 16. Hours are as follows:
Aug. 16 - 27
• Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 28
• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Beginning Aug. 30
• Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 11 and 18: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m
Aug. 16 - 27
• Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Aug. 28
• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Beginning Aug. 30
• Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 11 and 18: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m
DeNaples Mailroom Reopening
Staff
October 26, 2021
The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!
THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for August 2021 is: Laura Richards-External Affairs.
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Laura does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Laura and all our August nominees.
How long have you worked at the University? 7 years
What do you like best about your job? The people and their stories! This community is so welcoming, and I'm happy to be a part of it.
What do you like to do for fun? I've enjoyed discovering hiking and biking trails with my family this past year. I also love to read when my kids let me!
Laura will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of August. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner, and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.
August 2021 Nominees:
Karl Johns -Technology Support Center
Jill Lear - Nursing
Laura Richards - External Affairs
Ellen Morgan - Counseling Center
Glen Pace - Information Technology
Lisa Bealla - Student Engagement
Rose Ann Jubinski-Enterprise Application Services
Mike Ritterbeck-Center for Student Engagement
August 2021 Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award Winner
July
View July Listing Page
General
October 26, 2021
University of Scranton President Joseph G. Marina, S.J., sent “Best Wishes for the Feast” to The University of Scranton faculty and staff.
Dear Friends,
I hope you are having a wonderful summer and that everyone you know and love is safe and healthy.
On Saturday, the Church will celebrate the great Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola, made even more marvelous this year as the Society of Jesus and all Jesuit works have begun an initiative called “The Ignatian Year.” This celebration goes from May 2021 until July 2022 and honors the 500th anniversary of the transformation of Inigo the glory seeker into Ignatius the humble pilgrim and future saint. You will hear more about the Ignatian Year in weeks to come but, for this year’s feast, I hope you will find much consolation and grace in remembering that our University is a strategic and integral part of a dynamic mission that goes back nearly five centuries and, with God’s help, will continue for many more to come.
This Saturday also marks the birthday of our beloved past president, Fr. Scott Pilarz. It’s a beautiful coincidence, or perhaps no coincidence at all, that he was born on the anniversary of the feast of the founder of the Jesuits and author of the Spiritual Exercises. Having now spent nearly six weeks here at Scranton, it’s very clear to me why Fr. Pilarz referred to our University as “the miracle in the mountains.” Please remember him in your prayers in a special way this weekend.
Over the past several weeks, our campus has come to life with the presence of various groups of people, from middle-school children in the Regis High School REACH Program to harpists and their friends with the Welsh Heritage Society to the National Point Guard Basketball Camp and on it goes. I can only imagine how good it will be when all of our students and you will be back on campus in the fall. That said, I am very grateful for those who are here now –dedicated staff in offices and on the grounds, our excellent faculty teaching summer courses here or online, the student ambassadors leading visitors up and down the campus, and other student volunteers involved in service.
As you know, the effort to protect our community through COVID-19 vaccination and other safety measures is continuing. Various campus facilities are being readied for the fall opening. And the summer is flying by, as it always does. But I wanted to take a moment to call our collective attention to the spiritual dimension of life, which is always with us, by wishing you a very happy feast on St. Ignatius Day 2021. May the spirit of Ignatius fill our minds and hearts with the desire to seek God in all things and the energy to advance the service of faith and promotion of justice.
Enjoy the rest of the summer and be assured of my prayers and very best wishes on the feast and always!
Yours faithfully,
Fr. Marina
Prayers and Best Wishes for the Feast from President
Community
October 26, 2021
High school students were introduced to the extraordinary world of physics at a summer camp hosted at The University of Scranton. The three-day camp for 9th and 10th grade high school students, taught by University physics faculty members, included mini-lectures and hands-on activities to introduce basic physics concepts of electricity and magnetism, as well as dramatic real-life examples of these principals in action.
At the camp, which took place July 19-21, 12 high school students learned about types of waves, oscilloscopes, magnetic coils, loudspeakers and software defined radio. They built a generator, a motor, and learned to use cutting edge Software Defined Radios (SDR). They installed and got to keep an actual SDR to use at home.
The students were also introduced to an array of much-in-demand careers available to physicists, or “supercharged engineers,” as the profession is described by Declan Mulhall, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering at Scranton.
“Physicists have a depth of knowledge and training to give them a broad understanding of a subject and are able to apply their training to find solutions to complex problems and issues,” said Dr. Mulhall, who was among the faculty members leading the camp. “People always have to learn new technology to enter the workforce because of technological advances. Physics – and to some extent engineers – are the source of those advances, and we are training future physicists.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook physicists and astronomers is projected to grow seven percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for physicists was $129,850 in May 2020.
Dr. Mulhall said graduates earning a bachelor’s degree in physics work in a number of industries. Recent graduates of the University are working as industrial physicists at Collins Aerospace, optical systems designers at Thorlabs, as well as pursuing graduate studies in physics or astrophysics. “One student is working on cutting edge quantum computers at Michigan State University. She reports loving it,” he said.
The summer camp was offered free of charge to participants through support from the University’s Department of Physics and Engineering and a National Science Foundation grant.
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Alumni
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton conferred doctor of business administration (DBA) degrees to the first cohort of students to graduate from the program at a special ceremony in the McIllhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on July 12.
The University’s DBA program with a concentration in accounting was developed to provide experienced practitioners with a practical pathway to an academic career at a school of business that possesses or is seeking formal accreditation by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).
“When this program was born, we inspired to transform experienced accounting professionals into exceptional academics and teachers capable of producing advanced-practice relevant research grounded in the ethical foundation of our institution’s St. Ignatian identity,” said Douglas M. Boyle, DBA, chair of the University’s Accounting Department and DBA program director, at the ceremony. “Graduates of cohort one, you have exceeded our expectations and we look forward to witnessing the continued impact you will have on the world of business through the education and formation of future generations of leaders in industry grounded in the ethical formation of Ignatian identity.”
Dr. Boyle noted that the DBA graduates and faculty have already co-authored and published 15 manuscripts in internationally recognized refereed journals with six of the publications winning awards from the Institute of Management Accountants. He noted that each of the graduates had been successful in securing at least one publication as a co-author while still attending the program. He also said the majority of cohort one graduates have already secured tenure-track position in AACSB-accredited schools of business, with others continuing to work in industry or establishing consulting practices.
Scranton’s DBA program, which began in 2018, has already been internationally recognized when AACSB listed the program among the “Innovations and Best Practices in Canada, Latin America and the United States.” The program was recognized for providing a non-traditional research DBA in accounting that “promotes diversity and practice relevance by providing a flexible path for experienced practitioners to gain the knowledge and credentials required to succeed in tenure-track positions at AACSB-accredited institutions.”
At the ceremony, degrees were conferred by Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, upon candidates presented by Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
“Your education lives on after this day. Although it belongs to you, it also belongs to the world, where you are called and needed to be agents of change, to be ethical leaders and to work for the common good,” said Father Marina at the ceremony.
Also at the ceremony, George W. Krull, Jr., Ph.D., global strategic advisor for the University’s DBA program, provided the keynote address and Todd DeZoort, Ph.D., a global scholar in Scranton’s DBA program and the Durr-Fillauer Chair in Business Ethics and Professor of Accounting at the University of Alabama, was recognized as the Kania School of Management Global Scholar of the Year. Rev. Patrick Rogers, S.J., executive director of the University’s Jesuit Center, provided the Invocation and Father Marina provided the Benediction.
Class of 2021 graduates of The University of Scranton’s DBA program are:
Marcus Justin Burke of Highland Village, Texas;
Joy Chacko of Chandler, Arizona;
Anthony Lamont Fulmore of Killeen, Texas;
Craig Gallagher of South Abington Township;
Daniel J. Gaydon of Plains;
Elena V. Isaacson of Niskayuna, New York;
Heather J. Losi of Liverpool, New York;
Amanda Sue Marcy of Clifford Township;
Patrick Edward O’Brien of North Merrick New York;
Ronald Douglas Parker of Franklin, North Carolina;
Savas Saymaz of Allentown.
$content.getChild('content').textValueScranton DBA Program Graduates First Students
Student
October 26, 2021
Frank O’Hara medals were given to University of Scranton students with the highest grade-point averages in their first-, second- and third-year in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the Panuska College of Professional Studies for the 2019-20 academic year. The awards, named in honor of the late Frank O’Hara who served the University for 53 years in various administrative positions, were presented at a ceremony held recently on campus.
College of Arts and Sciences
Nathaniel Smith, Wilkes-Barre, received a medal for academic achievement for his freshman year. He is currently a rising junior majoring in neuroscience and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM. On campus, he is a work study student for the Office of Sustainability.
Molly Neeson, Pottstown, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, she is currently a rising senior majoring in environmental science. She is also member of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.
Gabriel Ragusa, New Hyde Park, New York, received a medal for academic achievement for his junior year. He earned his bachelor’s degree in in biology with a double minor in biochemistry and Spanish in May of 2021, where he was among the students with the highest GPA in each of the University’s three undergraduate colleges to receive Frank J. O’Hara Awards for General Academic Excellence at commencement. A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, Ragusa also received the University’s Excellence in Biology Award. He is a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta and Alpha Sigma Nu honor societies. On campus, he was a member of the Health Professions Organization and the Men’s Crew Team and served as a resident assistant. He was a leader of the Manresa and the SPARK programs offered through the University’s Campus Ministries Office. He performed research in the Plant Population Genetics Lab of Anne Royer, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, and the Environmental Microbiology Lab of Bryan Crable, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology. He also participated in study abroad to Peru.
Kania School of Management
Marissa Angelo, Dickson City, received a medal for academic achievement for her freshman year. She is currently a rising junior majoring in accounting and is also a member of the Kania School of Management Business Honors Program. On campus, she is a member of the Business Club, Kania Women in Business Club, the Institute of Management Accountants Student Chapter and Omega Beta Sigma Honor Society.
Madison Jashembowski, Middletown, New York, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. She is currently a rising senior double majoring in accounting and finance. On campus, she is a portfolio manager for the University’s Investment Club, a member of Random Acts of Kindness Club, and participates in intermural soccer. She also participates on the Kania School of Management Student Advisory Board, with the University’s Business Club mentorship program and volunteers at the University’s Safe Trick or Treat, Street Sweep, and Fall Move-In events. She has interned at Cetera Investors, K-12 Financials Advisors and KPMG in their audit practice.
Kyle Shaffer, Mahwah, New Jersey, received a medal for academic achievement for his junior year. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in business leadership in May of 2021, where he was among the students with the highest GPA in each of the University’s three undergraduate colleges to receive Frank J. O’Hara Awards for General Academic Excellence at commencement. He also participated in the University’s Business Leadership Honors Program. He is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma and Alpha Sigma Nu honor societies. On campus, he was the executive chair of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board; student advisor for the University’s Kania School of Management Strategic Planning Committee; co-president of PRISM Investment Group and president of Scranton’s Wall Bootcamp. He served as captain of the University’s Division III Wrestling Team and was named an Academic All-American and regional medalist in 2019. He was a financial services intern for Kolinsky Wealth Management, a summer intern for Verizon, and an investment management summer analyst for Goldman Sachs.
Panuska College of Professional Studies
Zachary Turnitza, Cumbola, received a medal for academic achievement for his freshman year. He is currently a rising junior majoring in nursing. He is a ROTC Army cadet and member of the Royal Warrior Battalion. Through ROTC program, he competed in the annual Ranger Challenge Competition at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
Emily Kale, Succasunna, New Jersey, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. She is currently a rising senior majoring in nursing with a concentration in nutrition. She was the freshman representative for the University’s Student Nursing Association and attended the National Student Nursing Association conference. She also served as an anatomy lab teaching assistant and studied abroad in Perugia, Italy.
Kate Wisner, Hanover, received a medal for academic achievement for her junior year. A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, she earned her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy in May of 2021, where she was among the students with the highest GPA in each of the University’s three undergraduate colleges to receive Frank J. O’Hara Awards for General Academic Excellence at commencement. At Scranton, she was secretary of the Royal Singers, a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association and the knitting club. She served as a teaching assistant for occupational therapy courses in anatomy and kinesiology. She also volunteered with the University’s Take Back the Night, Love Your Body Day and Safe Trick-or-Treat events.
Students Receive Frank O’Hara Awards
Student
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton recognized students and their high school teachers, who they credit for contributing to their success, with Rose Kelly Awards at a recent virtual ceremony.
The Rose Kelly Award was established by University of Scranton alumnus Joseph Wineburgh, Ph.D., to link the efforts of educators to the achievements of college students. The award is presented jointly to a student in each of the University’s colleges who has completed two years at Scranton and to the teacher whom he or she recognizes as having a great impact in his or her life. Students are selected based on exemplary achievement in both academics and general campus involvement.
Sarah White, Brooklyn, New York, received the Rose Kelly Award for the College of Arts and Sciences. She honored Dr. Marie O’Brien, her American Literature class teacher at Marymount School of New York in New York City.
A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, White is a biology and philosophy double-major with a mathematics minor at Scranton. She is also member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM. She received the University’s Frank O’Hara award for academic excellence in 2019.
Additionally, White serves as a tutor in the University’s Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, community service chair of the Royal Signers, a P.A.C.T. peer facilitator, a lector, and chair of the Team Development Committee of Relay for Life. She is a member of Esprit, the Random Acts of Kindness Club and Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society. She has also participated in the University’s Faculty-Student Research Program.
Hanna Guarnuccio, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, received the Rose Kelly Award for the Kania School of Management. She honored Kathleen Brennan, her AP macroeconomics teacher from Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, New Jersey.
Guarnuccio is majoring in economics at Scranton and participates in the University’s Business Honors Program and the Business Leadership Honors Program. On campus, she serves as co-leader of the Value Team of PRISM, and as Alumni Relations Chair for Kania Women in Business. She is the founding member of KSOM’s Fed Challenge Team.
Kelly Goria, River Edge, New Jersey, received the Rose Kelly Award for the Panuska College of Professional Studies. She honored Sharon Vogt, her Honors English II and Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition teacher at River Dell Regional High School, Oradell, New Jersey.
Goria is a counseling and human services major at Scranton. She is a member of Tau Upsilon Alpha Honor Society. She participates the Counseling and Human Services Association, Her Campus and volunteers for service events such as Safe Trick or Treat and Take Back the Night.
Students and High School Teachers Recognized
Student
October 26, 2021
University of Scranton student Mary-Katherine Cotter ’22, Massapequa, New York, was awarded a 2021 Huayu Enrichment Chinese Language Immersion Scholarship from the Education Division of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York. The scholarship will allow her to study Mandarin at Fu Jen Catholic University, a Jesuit university in Taipei, Taiwan, during the summer.
The scholarship was established in 2005 by Ministry of Education of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to encourage international students and individuals to study the Mandarin Chinese language in Taiwan.
A dean’s list student at Scranton, Cotter is studying both Chinese and Japanese languages at the Jesuit university. She is a history and political science double major with an Asian studies concentration. She also participates in the University’s undergraduate Honors Program.
With support from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, the University has strengthened its Chinese language program and hosted numerous events that showcase and educate members of the University and greater Scranton community about Taiwanese culture. During the past decade, the University has hosted a Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company performance of an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice;” the Taiwanese Film and Cultural Festival; and performances by the Taiyuan Puppet Theatre Company and the Chai Found Music Workshop, among other enrichment and educational events.
In 2012, the University was formally presented with the Kinmen Peace Bell Replica by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York in recognition of the cordial relationship and collaboration between the University and the various government agencies and universities of Taiwan. The Peace Bell, engraved with the word “peace” in more than 100 languages, can be seen in the atrium of the Loyola Science Center.
Student Awarded Chinese Language Scholarship
Community
October 26, 2021
Nineteen high school students received hands-on training in investigating and thwarting cybercrimes from experts in the much-in-demand field of cyber security at The University of Scranton’s first Cybercrime Investigation Summer Camp. Run by faculty of the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology, the camp took place July 13-15 in the University’s Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime on campus.
Through lectures, exercises, case discussions, the University’s data center tour, computer simulations and a capture-the-flag competition, the students learned about cyber threats, cybercriminal profiling, cyber law, cyber security and how to conduct a cyber forensics investigation. They also learned about the various roles and responsibilities assumed by professionals working in the growing field.
The job outlook for cybersecurity analysts is predicted to increase by 31 percent for the period between 2019 and 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The annual median salary for cybersecurity analysts in 2020 was $103,900. The University offers a major in cybercrime and homeland security.
The camp was offered free of charge to participants through support from the University’s College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office and the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology.
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Community
October 26, 2021
The innovation, cooperation and success of The Electric City Connection, an effort led during the pandemic by The University of Scranton, Scranton Tomorrow and Friends of the Poor, was presented at the International Town and Gown Association conference. The program, which raised more than $66,500 since its launch in March of 2020, enabled local restaurants to use donations from area residents to supply meals for members of our community who were in need.
Topics discussed at the three-day virtual conference hosted by Marquette University in May included “Partnerships to Mutually Strengthen What Are Perceived to be Disparate Communities.” University of Scranton representatives Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president of community and government relations, and Carolyn M. Bonacci, community and civic engagement coordinator, with community partners Liz Baldi, project coordinator of Scranton Tomorrow and Meghan Loftus, president and CEO of Friends of the Poor, presented “Electric City Connection – Addressing Small Business Needs and Food Insecurity as an Anchor Institution Amidst COVID.”
The initiative partnered with more than 20 restaurants in Scranton to provide more than 4,400 meals to area residents who were facing food insecurity during the pandemic.
Members of the International Town and Gown Association represent colleges and universities, municipalities, businesses, and strategic partners. The organization is a resource for addressing challenges, emerging issues and opportunities between and among institutions of higher education and the communities in which they reside.
Partnership Program Spotlighted at International Conference
Faculty
October 26, 2021
Nine University of Scranton faculty members were honored with Provost Faculty Enhancement awards for excellence in teaching, scholarship or service. The Office of the Provost and the Provost Advisory Group selected the recipients from a pool of candidates nominated by academic deans and department chairs.
Douglas Boyle, D.B.A., received the Excellence for University Service and Leadership Award, which recognizes faculty members who have contributed service to the University community, particularly those who demonstrate academic leadership by effectively mentoring their junior colleagues. Dr. Boyle, chair of the Accounting Department and director of the DBA program at Scranton, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2009. He is the founder and director of the University’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program. He earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, his master’s degree from Columbia University and his doctorate from Kennesaw State University.
Paul Datti, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Integrating Diversity in Learning Award, which recognizes a faculty member whose efforts to integrate diversity in the curriculum have enriched the students’ learning experiences. Dr. Datti, professor of counseling and human services, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2009. He earned his bachelor’s degree and doctorate from the Pennsylvania State University, and his master’s degree from The University of Scranton.
LeeAnn Eschbach, Ph.D., received the Faculty Senate Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award, which recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates dedication to teaching graduate students in a manner that creates an encouraging and intellectually stimulating environment that promotes critical thinking and learning. Dr. Eschbach, associate professor of counseling and human services, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1986. She earned her bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Washington State University.
Virginia Picchietti, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Advancing Global Learning Award, which recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated noteworthy academic leadership in integrating international issues/perspectives into the curriculum and through whose efforts, students have acquired the competencies, attributes and insights required to meaningfully and successfully participate in an increasingly interdependent world. Dr. Picchietti, professor of world languages and cultures, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1995. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Rosary College and her master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the Indiana University.
Charles Pinches, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Advancing Interdisciplinary Study Award, which recognizes a faculty member who demonstrates noteworthy academic leadership in promoting and strengthening cross-disciplinary or interdepartmental teaching and learning endeavors. Dr. Pinches, professor of theology ad religions studies, joined Scranton’s faculty in 1990. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College and his master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Notre Dame.
Rose Sebastinelli, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Integrating Sustainability into the Curriculum Award, which recognizes the efforts of faculty who make extraordinary efforts to introduce that sustainability into the curriculum. Dr. Sebastinelli, professor of operations and information management and Alperin Professor of Business Administration, joined the faculty at Scranton in 1988. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and her master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the Pennsylvania State University.
Lori Walton, Ph.D., D.P.T., received the Excellence in Integrating Mission and Justice into the Curriculum Award. This award honors a faculty members whose special efforts ensure that students have a keen understanding and appreciation of the realities of the world, including pressing justice issues in a local, national and global context. Dr. Walton, professor of physical therapy, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2020. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Andrews University, her D.P.T. from Creighton University and her Ph.D. from Nova Southern University.
Jill Warker, Ph.D., received the Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award, presented to faculty members who make extraordinary efforts to enhance student learning and who practice teaching as a form of scholarship. Dr. Warker, associate professor of psychology, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2011. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the Bucknell University and her master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Illinois.
Patricia Wright, Ph.D., received the Excellence in Scholarly Publication Award, presented to faculty members who have attained distinction in scholarship or creative activity. Dr. Wright, professor of nursing, joined the faculty at Scranton in 2007. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from College Mistericordia and her Ph.D. from Loyola University of Chicago.
University Faculty Recognized for Excellence
Student
October 26, 2021
University of Scranton students won top awards at state level business competitions to qualify for the 2021 Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference in their first year of existence as a chapter at Scranton. The national Future Business Leaders of America conference is for collegiate business students from across the United States in addition to a few other countries who have successfully competed at the state level and qualified for the highest level of competition.
Scranton’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter won 1st Place for Local Chapter Annual Business Report and 2nd Place, Gold Seal Chapter Designation – Most Outstanding – at the 2021 Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference. At the 2021 National Leadership Conference, the Scranton chapter came in 8th Place for Local Chapter Annual Business Report, which is a 15-page summary the chapter’s activities for the year.
Carolina Murphy ’22, Jenkintown, and Matthew Kronenberg ’22, Succasunna, New Jersey, competed as a team and took 1stplace for Financial Analysis and Decision Making at the 2021 Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference, becoming the first national champions in the history of the University’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter. Both also won 1st place in Financial Analysis and Decision Making at the Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference.
Murphy serves as vice president the University’s chapter of Phi Beta Lambda. She is a finance major at Scranton.
Kronenberg is the treasurer of Scranton’s chapter and is a finance major.
At the 2021 Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference Qualifier, Peter Amicucci ’22, Poughquag, New York, came in 1st Place for Future Business Executive and 2nd Place for Organizational Behavior and Leadership, qualifying him for national competition in both categories. At the 2021 Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference, he came in 6th place in Organizational Behavior and Leadership and in 6th place in Future Business Executive.
Amicucci is the president of the University’s chapter of Phi Beta Lambda. He is an operations management major.
Kevin Scanlon ’22, Verona, New Jersey, and Joseph DeFeo ’23, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, came in 2nd place in the 2021 Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference Qualifier in Marketing Analysis and Decision Making and qualified as a team to compete at the national conference. They came in 5th place in the Marketing Analysis and Decision Making event at the 2021 Phi Beta Lambda National Leadership Conference.
Scanlon is the historian for the University’s chapter of Phi Beta Lambda. He is a history major. He also came in as First Pennsylvania PBL Alternate for Entrepreneurship Concepts at the 2021 Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference Qualifier.
DeFeo is the secretary for the University’s chapter of Phi Beta Lambda. He is a marketing major at Scranton. He also participated in Management and Marketing at the 2021 Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference Qualifier.
Thomas Yager ’23, Randolph, New Jersey, came in 1st Place for Financial Concepts at the Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference Qualifier and competed in that category at the national leadership conference. He is an accounting major.
Hirali Patel ’23, East Stroudsburg, received the CMAP Directors Award Winner at the 2021 Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference Qualifier. She participated in Management Concepts and Personal Finance at the state qualifier. Patel is an accounting major at Scranton.
Justin Galli ’23, Wayne, New Jersey, participated in Microeconomics at the 2021 Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference Qualifier. He is an accounting major at Scranton.
Students Place at Phi Beta Lambda Conference
Community
October 26, 2021
Laura Adamo, East Stroudsburg; Tara Atkins, North Abington Township; Vandy Galvez, Bushkill; Kristy Jamison, Scranton; Cliffette Longford, Scranton; Esther Pagan, Bushkill; Christina Ranallo, Forest City; Ashley Shipsky, Jermyn; Brianna Turner, Wilkes-Barre; and Valerie Valenti, Scranton, and one other individual completed The University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center and Small Business Development Center StartUP Program in June.
Facilitated by experienced Small Business Development Center (SBDC) consultants, this certificate series is designed for women in transition or those trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. This program offers women education, support and guidance in determining if entrepreneurship is an option for them while teaching business startup basics, legal and insurance considerations, marketing and social media essentials, business plan development, accounting and budget skills, financing options and goal setting.
Housed in the Kania School of Management, The University of Scranton Women’s Entrepreneurship Center is a program of the SBDC. WEC student interns and SBDC staff offer business start-up information, guidance, and encouragement. Participating interns included: Erin Hahn, junior accounting and corporate finance major, Flourtown; Iris Hu, junior finance major, Tianjin, China; Jaqueline Heraty, senior neuroscience major, New York, New York; Jennifer Rossiter, junior business administration major, Jenkintown; Jordyn Lieber, junior business administration major, Edison, New Jersey; Kimberly Stossel, junior marketing major, East Stroudsburg; Nicole Freeman, junior biology major, New Tripoli; and Rebecca Farrell, sophomore entrepreneurship major, Clarks Summit.
Scranton’s SBDC serves eight counties in Northeastern and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.
Participants Complete SBDC StartUP Program
Student
October 26, 2021
Five members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2021 have committed to post-graduation long-term service projects with nonprofit organizations and underserved populations throughout the country. Their service begins this summer at programs run by the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.
The following is a list of members of the University’s class of 2021 who committed to long-term service projects and their places of service.
Abigail Guziewicz, a psychology and philosophy major from Peckville, will serve as a workforce development associate at Homeboy Industries, Los Angeles, California.
Julia L. Hack, a political science major from Lake Katrine, New York, will serve as a client engagement specialist at St. Joseph the Worker, Phoenix, Arizona.
Sarah A. Lajeunesse, a mathematics and philosophy major from Havertown, will serve as a client advocate with the Gabrielle Giffords Resource Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
Brian J. Luisi, a marketing major from Ledgewood, New Jersey, will serve as a director of outreach services at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, San Antonio, Texas.
Madison Ziobro, a biochemistry and Hispanic studies major from Scott Township, will work in a high school health office with Native American Health Centers, Oakland, California.
Nationally recognized for its commitment to service, The University of Scranton was among just 29 elite colleges in the nation selected to the Catholic Volunteer Network’s 2020 “Top Schools for Service.” was among just 361 colleges in the nation to earn the highly-respected Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Community Engagement Classification and was among the higher education institutions named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Each year, more than 2,800 Scranton students volunteer for more than 175,000 hours of service.
Graduates Commit to Long Term Service Positions
Staff
October 26, 2021
To help plan for a successful return to campus, we have created a list of technology considerations prior to your return. We suggest each returning employee set aside some time to check that their on-campus technology is ready to use.
Staff: Technology Checklist For Your Return to Campus
Student
October 26, 2021
The University recognized dozens of members of the class of 2021 for their outstanding work or service. Read about their achievements below.
OUTSTANDING GRADUATES RECOGNIZED AT CLASS NIGHT
The University of Scranton honored 63 members of its undergraduate class of 2021 for academic excellence, service or both at a virtual Class Night ceremony on May 21.
OUTSTANDING MASTER’S AND DOCTORAL GRADUATES AWARDED
The University of Scranton recognized outstanding master’s and doctoral degree graduates at its in-person graduate commencement ceremony on May 22. At the ceremony at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, the University conferred post-baccalaureate degrees to more than 500 graduates who had completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2020, as well as January and May of 2021.
GRADUATES COMMIT TO LONG-TERM SERVICE POSITIONS
Five members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2021 have committed to post-graduation long-term service projects with nonprofit organizations and underserved populations throughout the country. Their service begins this summer at programs run by the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.
Meet the Honors Graduates
Business Leadership Honors Program Graduates
Fifteen members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2021 graduated from its Business Leadership Honors Program, which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence.
SPECIAL JESUIT LIBERAL ARTS HONORS PROGRAM GRADUATES
Thirty-seven members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2021 graduated from its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program (SJLA), which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in SJLA pursue a rigorous education designed to develop enhanced writing, oral and critical-thinking skills through specially designed courses in philosophy, theology and literature.
CLASS OF 2021 HONORS PROGRAM GRADUATES
Twenty-one members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2021 graduated from its undergraduate Honors Program, which is one of the Jesuit university’s programs of excellence. Students in the Honors Program pursue a rigorous education that stresses independent work through close engagement with professors and other honors students, including the preparation, presentation and defense of a research or creative project during their senior year.
CLASS OF 2021 GRADUATES OF MAGIS HONORS PROGRAM
Seven members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2021 graduated from its Magis Honors Program in STEM. The program, which began as a pilot program in the fall of 2017, combines the development of STEM knowledge and research techniques with programing to further the students’ understanding of the impact science has on society. The University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM was officially approved as the University’s fifth honors program in 2019.
Class of 2021 Graduates Recognized for Achievements
Athletics
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton athletics department is now accepting nominations for the Wall of Fame until Aug. 9. The Class of 2021 (along with the Class of 2020) will be announced this fall with the induction ceremony scheduled for this coming winter on a date to be announced.
The University's Wall of Fame was founded in 1970 to honor former student-athletes, coaches, and administrators, as well as members of the local community, who have been instrumental in the development and success of the University's athletics programs.
For a former student-athlete to be eligible, at least 10 years must have passed since his or her class graduated from the University. Former student-athletes whose class graduated in 2011 or earlier are eligible for the Class of 2021.
To nominate someone for The University of Scranton Wall of Fame, click here.
For more Athletics news visit athletics.scranton.edu.
Wall of Fame Nominations Now Being Accepted
Alumni
October 26, 2021
On June 14, the University honored Scranton golf legend Ed Karpovich ’76, G’86 with the 2021 Peter A. Carlesimo Award at the annual Carlesimo Golf Tournament & Award Dinner at Glenmaura National Golf Club.
The event raised more than $100,000 for Scranton Athletics. Quandel Construction Group served as the event’s title sponsor.
More than 160 alumni and friends of the University participated in the golf tournament, and an additional 50 guests attended the award dinner.
Cheers erupted from Royal and friend alike as Dave Martin, executive director of Athletics at the University, recognized Karpovich, the guest of honor, prior to the beginning of the meal.
“The University is proud to honor one of our very own tonight, University of Scranton coaching legend Eddie Karpovich, with the 2021 Peter A. Carlesimo Award,” Martin said before introducing the evening’s speakers: current softball player Lauren Cawley ’23, a secondary education and math major, basketball legend P.J. Carlesimo, the son of the University athletic director the award is named after, and, on his very first day on the job, the Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., the twenty-ninth president of The University of Scranton.
“I would like to start by saying, ‘Thank you,’” Cawley said. “Thank you … for the generous support you have all provided. Because of you, Scranton athletes are able to have a transformative experience both on and off the field as we journey through our four years.”
Father Marina spoke next, mentioning some of Karpovich’s outstanding achievements prior to providing the evening’s Invocation.
“Under Ed’s great coaching, golf at Scranton has achieved nearly 400 wins,” Marina said. “Absolutely amazing. He’s obviously touched countless lives for the better.”
After dinner, Carlesimo spoke about the parallels between Karpovich’s legacy and that of his late father.
“Karp, I’m really here representing our family, and especially my father,” he said. “To continue to have my father’s name associated with the University is really meaningful to our family.
“Karp reminds me an awful lot of my father in how much he cared about this school and the students that he worked with at this school. He’s meant so much to it, and I’m so happy that his name is on the Carlesimo Award.”
After receiving the award, Karpovich expressed his gratitude for the continued support of the event’s attendees on behalf of his fellow Scranton coaches.
“We appreciate this from the bottom of our heart,” he said, “and this tournament just helps every athletic team out in a big way, so thank you.
“I am honored and privileged to get this award.”
A remarkable career
Karpovich has been a part of the men’s golf program at the University for more than four decades. In 39 seasons as the head men’s golf coach at the University, he has compiled an overall record of 354-120-2 in dual match competition. He also led Scranton to a Middle Atlantic Conference team championship in 1988. That team, which featured All-American and MAC individual champion Will Carey III ‘88, set a school record with a 24-0 regular season mark. Thirty-four of his players have earned all-conference honors, while two – Carey and Mike Chomicz – have competed in the NCAA Division III championships.
In the fall of 2016, Karpovich was instrumental in starting the women’s golf program at the University. In five seasons as the women’s head coach, he has led the Royals to 32 dual match victories.
Karpovich has also been an ambassador for the sport, joining former King’s College head coach Tom Davis in 1999 to found the Glenmaura National Collegiate Invitational, an annual event that attracts some of the top Division III talent in the region. Glenmaura National also serves as the Royals’ home course. In addition, he served on the NCAA regional committee in 2011.
Karpovich is a 1976 graduate of the University and a member of its prestigious Wall of Fame. As a player, he led the Royals to three MAC team titles (1973, 1975, 1976) while capturing MAC individual championships in 1974 and 1976. He also competed in the 1974 and 1976 NCAA championships, finishing tied for 150th in 1974 and tied for 42nd in 1976. He currently serves as treasurer of Lackawanna County.
About the event
Named in honor of Peter A. Carlesimo, former University of Scranton coach and athletics director, the Carlesimo Golf Tournament & Award Dinner celebrates athletics at the University by honoring a person who has made special contributions to athletics and Catholic education. The Golf Tournament and Award Dinner serves as a fundraising event to support and enhance the student-athlete experience at Scranton. To see photos from this year’s event, visit this link. For more information, visit scranton.edu/carlesimoaward.
University Honors Karpovich With Carlesimo Award
Alumni
October 26, 2021
Joe A. Vinson, Ph.D., emeritus professor of chemistry at the University, believes so strongly in the value of research opportunities that he is providing a $25,000 gift to the University to permanently create them.
According to Vinson’s bio, he first became “hooked on research” during his student days at the University of California at Berkeley, and, over the course of his career, he authored more than 90 articles in scientific publications; additionally, he has been mentioned in many lay publications for his contributions to the field of antioxidants in health and disease. Although Vinson taught his final class at the University in 2015, he is now an emeritus professor.
Vinson recently committed a $25,000 leadership gift to initiate The Joe A. Vinson, Ph.D., Endowment for Summer Thesis Research in Chemistry. While the minimum threshold for an endowment investment at the University is $50,000, Vinson hopes his gift will inspire others to support the initiative in the hope of creating a consistent and perpetual source of research income for future Scranton students.
Upon learning of Vinson’s generosity, one of his former students, Michael G. Coco Jr., Ph. D. ’13, a chemist at KBR, Inc., sought to aid Vinson’s efforts by reaching out to his fellow chemistry alumni, writing, “(Vinson’s) personal commitment to continue research opportunities at our alma mater is so impressive that I had to be part of this effort. To make this perpetual fund possible, I invite you to help create this important legacy. Please join me in making a generous gift to support this initiative.
“Let us ensure that Dr. Vinson’s legacy will continue to enrich the lives of students well beyond our years and for the life of our wonderful University!”
To support The Joe A. Vinson, Ph.D., Endowment for Summer Thesis Research in Chemistry, visit Scranton.edu/makeagift. To find research articles by faculty members in the Chemistry department, visit this link. To contact Dr. Vinson directly, email him at joe.vinson@scranton.edu.
University Seeks To Fund Chemistry Research Through Vinson Endowment
Student
October 26, 2021
Christina Alfano ’22, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Red Bank, New Jersey, is a senior undergraduate researcher in the microbiology lab of Amelia Randich, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at The University of Scranton. She is doing summer research as part of the University's Royal Experience Internship Program.
Describe a typical day for you this summer.
For the first week of summer research, the six of us met in a classroom. We discussed introductory research ideas like what our goals are for the summer, how to keep a lab notebook and how to design an experiment. Since then, we’ve been working with the bacteria species Caulobacter crescentus and learning basic microbiology techniques.
My peers, Victoria Caruso and Nick Socci, and I have been trying to generate a growth curve for our specific C. crescentus strain so we can calculate how many cells are in a solution. After many attempts of spot plate assays, dilution plates, and optical density curves, I think we’re ready to put all the techniques together.
What do you enjoy most about your summer experience?
I really enjoy just how much I’m learning about research. Doing actual research is very different from the lab courses taught here, we have to do a lot more application of what we know and problem-solving. I’m finding out that a lot of the time it’s just trial and error and getting negative or unexpected results is simply just a redirection of ideas.
What are some of the skills you have learned?
I’ve learned a lot of lab skills and techniques so far. The autoclave, the incubator, and the spectrophotometer are just some of the machines I’ve learned how to use. Another important skill is how use past research from other scientists to try and solve your questions. I think teamwork is one of the biggest skills we’re all learning.
What were your expectations of the internship? Does it match the reality?
I expected doing summer research to be difficult but rewarding. Reality definitely matches my expectations. It took some time to balance my time and work as well as put my mind in the right mindset of using critical thinking. When you’re at school studying for a test or mimicking a lab technique in class, you’re just regurgitating information. You’re not really applying or critically thinking about what you’re doing or what the information is saying. Doing this summer research is like exercising a muscle I’ve never used before; every day I learn something new about the research mindset.
How do you feel this internship prepared you for the real world?
Teamwork is an important skill for anything in this world now. Also, I feel that this opportunity is really preparing me for graduate school. I really want a Ph.D. I’m the kind of person that likes to build a foundation of the skills that I would eventually learn in the future before ever really needing to know them. So, my research this summer is teaching me some of the basic skills I’d learn my first year of graduate school like how to think critically, teamwork in the lab, etc. I think this entire opportunity is showing me that research is what I want to do in the future.
What advice would you give to college students pursuing an internship during the summer?
The advice I’d give to other students would be to just ask. There’s nothing wrong with just asking people questions and gathering information. Back in February when I emailed Dr. Randich, I simply asked, “Can I do research with you this summer?” The worst thing she could say was no, and then I’d be on my way to ask other professors. Now, it’s easy for me to tell students just to ask questions, but it’s another story about getting over the fear of rejection. Getting a rejection is not a reflection of who you are or who you could be. I learned this by changing my perception. Rejections are simply a redirection and another push in the right direction. It takes time, don’t get me wrong. But once you get over the hurdle of possible rejection, asking questions is one of the best things you can do.
Summer Spotlight: Christina Alfano '22
Alumni
October 26, 2021
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
William R. Savage ’79, Lemoyne, had a Dramatists Guild/Philadelphia reading of his play “Leave it to the Angels” on June 24. Last summer, his play “Men of the Empire” received a reading in support of the Globe Theatre in London. Earlier in 2020, Savage had live readings of “Say He Was a Soldier” and “Mom, I Smoke!” at the Parkway Central Library I Philadelphia, also through Dramatists Guild.
Thomas J. Grech ’84, Malverne, New York, has been appointed to the Board of the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and the Local Development Corporation (LDC).
Lisa W. Shearman ’89, Lansdale, a partner with the firm Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin, PC, has recently been elected a fellow to the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).
Matthew Cooper, M.D. ’90, Columbia, Maryland, has been named president of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Board of Directors. This position in solid organ transplantation is recognized as the most influential position in the world with the U.S. donation and transplantation system being the most successful around the globe. UNOS is the mission-driven nonprofit serving the nation’s transplant system. Cooper currently serves as the director of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation at the Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute based at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC.
Nathanial J. Sann ’00, Mechanicsville, Virginia, was named the 12th President of The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Integrated Health section. The vision of the society is to improve public health and well-being by lessening the burden of the disease of obesity and related diseases throughout the world. Sann is responsible for directing the activities of the Integrated Health Section of the ASMBS, including strategic planning and acting as representatives of their disciplines to the Executive Council of the Society. He guides the activities of the IH committees and initiatives. The primary goal is to cultivate a knowledgeable, skilled and empowered membership inclusive of all integrated health specialties and increase the integrated health professional membership value. Sann is a family nurse practitioner at Advanced Surgical Partners of Virginia.
Howard R. Kindred, Jr. G’06, Georgetown, Texas, chief financial officer at Trimbuilt Construction, was nominated for best CFO for a large private company in Austin, Texas. .
Deaths
Eugene J. Roe, M.D. ’51, Clarks Summit
Paul J. Coolican, D.D.S. ’52, Clarks Summit
LTC Edmund Sieminski ’55, Mountaintop
Joseph A. Noto, M.D. ’57, Asheville, North Carolina
Robert C. Moran ’58, Columbus, New Jersey
Robert C. Davey ’60, Branford, Connecticut
Eugene J. Sullivan ’65, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
E. John Fedor ’69, York
Gerard A. Coury ’71, Peckville
John V. Kane ’79, Concord, North Carolina
Ellen Moran DeLorenzo ’81, Bloomfield, Connecticut
Eugene J. Kane, Jr. ’84, Clarks Summit and Vero Beach, Florida
John T. Dellamalva ’05, G’05, Moosic
Patrick J. Mulhern, Jr. ’05, Springfield
Alumni Class Notes, July 2021
Community
October 26, 2021
Small businesses in the Northeastern and Northern Tier regions of Pennsylvania continue to receive guidance and education from The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as they respond to and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. “In 2020, we worked with over 730 clients through training events or consulting to assist their businesses,” said Leigh Fennie, business consultant at the SBDC.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, SBDC business consultant Leigh Fennie worked with businesses to continue assisting in training small business owners in various areas including marketing, social media, starting a daycare, as well as various topics specifically for food and agriculture businesses and are continuing to do so.
“We also offered and continue to offer one-on-one, confidential consulting sessions for small business owners and entrepreneurs,” Fennie said. “Many businesses that were affected by COVID-19 used these sessions to get assistance with determining what finding options were available to them for their specific business.”
With the group's broad reach of eight counties throughout Northeastern and Northern Pennsylvania, Fennie and the Scranton SBDC continue to look to expand their reach and assist businesses in any way they can as the aftereffects of the pandemic linger.
“We are hopeful that with the allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, there will be more funds allocated to the state and local levels for additional funds for small businesses,” Fennie said. “We will continue to keep as up-to-date as possible with all of the funds available for small businesses and have taken great care to ensure that the information we are sharing with clients is the most up-to-date and accurate information available.”
The University of Scranton SBDC is housed in the Kania School of Management and has a wide service area that includes Bradford, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming counties. The team of professional Business Consultants and student interns provide educational programs and no-cost, confidential consulting services to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a small business.
Kathy Reap, owner of Rock Steady Boxing Northeast Pennsylvania said that the Scranton SBDC has been an invaluable resource to her as a new business owner for the past five years. “Before I opened my doors, I attended the StartUP program for new business owners offered by the SBDC,” Reap said. “This gave me much necessary information about starting a business and increased confidence to proceed with my plan.” Reap said that she continues to find value in the SBDC as an existing business owner. She said the team has assisted her with things like budgeting, marketing, applying for local funds for hiring interns, accounting software tutorials, developing job descriptions and advertising open positions.
“I would highly recommend that any small business make use of their excellent resources,” Reap said. “I have specific issues that come up and they already know my business and we come up with great solutions and learn new resources relatively quickly. I feel like I have a built-in mentor that I can turn to at any time.”
Katelyn McManamon, the special projects coordinator at the SBDC, said the organization is quite versatile and can help both aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses and help those existing firms expand. “The University of Scranton SBDC is the resource entrepreneurs in all industry sectors can turn to for help and provide insight for businesses making critical decisions,” McManamon said. “This help can make the difference between success and failure.”
In addition to confidential, one-on-one consulting services, the SBDC offers training programs on a variety of topics and recently launched on-demand training videos, which can be accessed by entrepreneurs whenever they have time. Information about live and on-demand trainings can be found on their website: scrantonsbdc.com/training/.
For more information about The University of Scranton SBDC and its services, please visit scrantonsbdc.com, call (570) 941-7588, or email sbdc@scranton.edu.
Scranton SBDC Supports Small Business through Pandemic and Beyond
Student
Maria Paterson
Daniel Harding
Dean Huber
Nikki Olson (left)
Lauren Statts (RIGHT)
Reagan Dolan
October 26, 2021
During eight one-day orientation sessions, The University of Scranton welcomed members of its class of 2025. Here's what a few new students had to say about why they chose Scranton and what they're most excited about in the years to come.
Maria Paterson
Nursing
"The nursing program is so well recognized. The stories you hear about successful alumni are great to hear as a first-year."
Paterson is pictured at left with her mom, who said:
"We've never met anyone who has attended Scranton who hasn't told us they loved it."
Daniel Harding
Business Administration
“I chose The University of Scranton because it has one of the best business schools in the country.”
Dean Huber
Accounting
“This was actually my mother’s alma mater, so when I came to visit I tried the food and I was hooked!”
Nikki Olson (left)
Occupational Therapy
“I am most looking forward to the community. I’ve heard a lot of people say it’s a really great group of people. Plus, I’ve already met a lot of nice people and can’t wait to meet more!”
Lauren Statts (RIGHT)
Nursing
“I’m definitely looking forward to the food, I’ve heard it’s great! But I’m also looking forward to meeting people within and outside my major, and moving in on Aug. 28.”
Val Quiceno
Business, Undecided
“I chose The University of Scranton because I heard a lot of good things about the community.”
Reagan Dolan
Business Marketing
“I chose The University of Scranton because it gave me the best opportunities both academically and athletically.”
Fall welcome weekend for incoming students is set for Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 28 and 29. Classes for the University’s fall semester will begin on campus on Monday, Aug. 30.
Read more about Scranton's orientation sessions, which took place in June and July, here.
Meet Members of the Class of 2025
Student
October 26, 2021
The University of Scranton honored 63 members of its undergraduate class of 2021 for academic excellence, service or both at a virtual Class Night ceremonyon May 21.
Students with the highest GPA in each of the University’s three undergraduate colleges were presented Frank J. O’Hara Awards for General Academic Excellence, a memorial to the late administrator who served the University for 53 years.
This year’s O’Hara Award recipients were: Gabriel J. Ragusa, New Hyde Park, New York, for the College of Arts and Sciences; Kyle S. Shaffer, Mahwah, New Jersey, and Nicole C. Cavanaugh, Dallas, for the Kania School of Management; and Kate E. Wisner, Hanover, for the Panuska College of Professional Studies.
In addition, students were honored for outstanding academic achievement in their fields of study and leadership and service.
The students honoredand the awards received are as follows:
Devin J. Adams, White House Station, New Jersey, Excellence in Applied Mathematics Award;
Ann E. Amentler, Drums, Excellence in Finance Award;
Julia Victoria Joan Betti, Dickson City, Excellence in Marketing Award and the Edward J. Spitzer Scholarship Award;
Carly S. Bock, Cedar Grove, New Jersey, Excellence in Psychology Award;
Lauren E. Buscarino, Centereach, New York, Excellence in Community Health Education Award;
Mya M. Buschman, Nottingham, Maryland, the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Award;
Nicole C. Cavanaugh, Dallas, Excellence in Accounting Award;
Kathleen A. Coar, Dunmore, Excellence in Criminal Justice Awardand The Military Science Leadership Award;
Jeffrey M. Colucci, Mahwah, New Jersey, the Student Life Award ex aequo;
Danielle M. Cook, Kingston, the Lawrence Lennon Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement in Psychology;
Abigail R. Corrigan, Carbondale, the Alumni Loyalty and Service Award;
Sarah E. Coulson, Branchburg, New Jersey, Excellence in Exercise Science Award;
Ryne E. Culley, Rockville, Maryland, Excellence in Environmental Science Award;
Michael J. Curran, Clarks Green, Excellence in Management Award;
Daniel J. Damico, Wyckoff, New Jersey, the Mary E. Quinn Award for Excellence in Secondary Education;
Matthew M. DeBenedetto, Westfield, New Jersey, Excellence in Operations Management Award;
Tyler DeGeorge, Otisville, New York, Excellence in Business Analytics Award;
Kristen M. Denniston, Hawley, the Lawrence A. Mann Award ex aequo;
Brooke K. Devers, New Tripoli, Excellence in Health Administration Award;
Crisel R. Divinagracia, West Nyack, New York, the Lawrence A. Mann Award ex aequo;
Carly F. Dugan, Westwood, New Jersey, Excellence in Counseling and Human Services Award;
Evan M. Esposito, Pittston, Excellence in Computer Science Award;
Corinne E. Estes, Ivyland, Excellence in Early and Primary Education Award;
Rachael E. Gallagher, Havertown, Excellence in Occupational Therapy Award;
Jithin V. George, Newtown, Excellence in Neuroscience Award ex aequo;
Giovanni Gunawan, Scranton, Excellence in Neuroscience Award ex aequo;
Julia L. Hack, Lake Katrine, New York, the Prof. Timothy H. Scully Award for Excellence in Political Science;
Isaiah J. Harris, Scranton, The J.J. Quinn, S.J., Achievement Award for Demonstration of Excellence in English Studies;
Angela M. Hendricks, Newtown, Excellence in Middle Level Education Award;
Christine Jiang, Philadelphia, Excellence in Business Administration Award;
Tatiana S. Klacko, Scranton, Excellence in Human Resource Studies Award;
Sarah A. Lajeunesse, Havertown, Excellence in Mathematics Award (B.A.);
Bailey C. McLaughlin, Allentown, New Jersey, the Jesuit Community Award for Outstanding Service;
Matthew S. Mills, Sewell, New Jersey, Excellence in Information Technology Award;
Maria K. Montauredes, Mexico Beach, Florida,Excellence in Chemistry-Business Award;
Jacob F. Myers, Blue Bell, Excellence in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology Award;
Victoria K. Norman, Pittsburgh, the Professor Joseph P. Harper Award for Excellence in Physics;
Megan R. Osborne, Mifflinville, Excellence in Mathematics Award (B.S.);
Sara C. Pellegrino, Stroudsburg, Excellence in Sociology Award;
Mary T. Petrucci, Ambler, Dr. A.J. Cawley Award for Excellence in Electrical Engineering ex aequo;
Mary R. Purcell, Ocean City, New Jersey, theProf. Joseph B. Cullather Award for Excellence in English ex aequo;
Gabriel John Ragusa, New Hyde Park, New York,Excellence in Biology Award;
Dagny C. Rippon, South Abington Township, Excellence in International Business Award;
Alexa D. Romberger, Valley View, Excellence in Biochemistry Award;
Aubrey N. Savage, Scranton, the Dr. A.J. Cawley Award for Excellence in Electrical Engineering ex aequo;
Ryan C. Schultze, Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Award;
Jake D. Selingo, Shavertown, Excellence in Chemistry Award;
Hollyann Serp, Commack, New York, Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award;
Alana B. Siock, Jefferson Township, Excellence in International Studies Award;
Ann Marie Siock, Jefferson Township, the Professor Bernard J. McGurl Award for Excellence in Communication;
Ashley C. Spencer, Tunkhannock, Excellence in Biomathematics Award;
Emily A. Swenarton, Tinton Falls, New Jersey, Excellence in Health Advocacy Award;
Erin H. Toburen, Harleysville, Academic Excellence in Nursing Award;
Amanda B. Tolvaisa, Springfield, the Prof. Joseph B. Cullather Award for Excellence in English ex aequo;
Gabrielle M. Verbeke-O’Boyle, Mountain Top, Excellence in Physiology Award;
Tyler B. Wakalowski, Harford, Excellence in Economics Award (Kania School of Management);
Ashley L. Walker, Drexel Hill, the Student Life Award ex aequo;
Casey E. Welby, Scranton, the Prof. Joseph G. Brunner Award for Excellence in Foreign Languages (Classical) and the Prof. Frank C. Brown Award for Excellence in History;
Kelsey E. Wynn, South Abington Township, the J. Harold Brislin Memorial Award for Excellence in Journalism;
Brianna L. Zettlemoyer, Reading, the Excellence in Forensic Chemistry Award;
Madison Ziobro, Scott Township, the Prof. Joseph G. Brunner Award for Excellence in Foreign Languages (Modern).
Outstanding Graduates Recognized at Class Night
June
View June Listing Page
Staff
October 26, 2021
The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!
THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for July 2021 is: Jason Oakey-Audio/Video Services.
How long have you worked at the University?
I started in 2009.
What do you like best about your job?
I love how my job is different every day. It is amazing to work at a place where you can be creative, technical, have a focus on service, and be a part of the education of our future generations all in the course of one day.
What do you like to do for fun?
My wife and I enjoy being parents. That being said, we love to get away too. We are always looking for new places to walk or hike, and we love to travel -- sometimes driving to nowhere. Music and technology have always been an important and fun part of our lives too, live music is naturally magnetic for us.
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Jason does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Jason and all our July nominees.
Jason will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of July. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner, and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.
July 2021 Nominees:
Karl Johns -Technology Support Center
Dave Martin - Athletics
Scott MccFadden - Facilities
Donna Cochrane Kalinoski - Nursing
Shawn Beistline - Field Services Tech
Jason Oakey - Audio/Video Services
Laura Richards - External Affairs
July Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award Winner
Community
October 26, 2021
Eighteen of high school students completed The University of Scranton’s University of Success program, a multi-year, pre-college program that is designed for high school students to develop the skills needed to successfully gain acceptance to college. One graduate will take a gap year, all the other graduates have been admitted to post-secondary schools or have enlisted in the military.
Students enter the University of Success at the completion of the eighth grade and continue through their high school years. The program offers enrichment courses in study skills, SAT prep, public speaking, math, science, art and cultural activities, as well as financial aid and wellness seminars. The ultimate goal is for University of Success students to be accepted into a four-year college or university.
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 Foundation, BB&T Bank, Dime Bank, Fidelity Bank, Carl and JoAnne Kuehner, Charles A. Frueauff Foundation, Medico Industries, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, Inc., Overlook Estate Foundation, Peoples Security Bank and Trust, PPL Foundation, Lisa C. Thomas, M.D., and Waste Management.
The following is a list of 2021 University of Success graduates, the high school they attended, and their post-high school plans.
Nicholas Alejandro of Cresco, East Stroudsburg Senior High School, plans to attend Washington and Lee University and major in biochemistry.
Rachel Batista of Scott Township, Lakeland Senior High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in communications.
Raphel Carvalho of Scranton, West Scranton High School, plans to attend Penn State, Wilkes Barre campus, and major in pre-med.
Maria Do Vale of Dickson City, Mid Valley Secondary Center, plans to attend Temple University and major in sports medicine.
Nicholas Freeswick of Olyphant, Mid Valley Secondary Center, plans to attend North Point Bible College and major in theology.
Nicholas Hipolto of Scranton, West Scranton High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in mathematics.
Shak’ee Hoskins of Carbondale, Carbondale High School, plans to attend King's College and major in psychology.
Kimberly Kovalcki of Scranton, Lackawanna Trail High School, plans to attend West Chester University and has not yet declared a major.
Mauri Kurcin of Olyphant, Mid Valley Secondary Center, plans to attend Bloomsburg University and major in communications and speech.
Wilber Lopez of Scranton, Scranton High School, has enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Marisol Olivares of Covington Township, North Pocono High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and major in accounting.
Dev Patel of Scranton, Scranton High School, plans to attend The University of Scranton and has not yet declared a major.
Haripriya Ramkissoon of Milford, Delaware Valley High School, plans to attend Bloomsburg University and major in music.
Marytere Qunitana of Scranton, West Scranton High School, plans to attend Wilkes University and major in political science.
Brayan Rodriquez of Scranton, Scranton High School, has enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Zi Xuan Weng of Plains, Coughlin High School, plans to attend the University of Florida and major in computer science.
Ivan Urena of Scranton, Scranton High School, plans to attend Johnson College following a gap year.
Paige Zona of Tunkhannock, Tunkhannock High School, plans to attend Marywood University and major in nursing.
For additional information, visit the University of Success web site.
Seniors Graduate from University of Success
Student
October 26, 2021
More than 1,875 students were named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2021 spring semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, Kania School of Management and Panuska College of Professional Studies.
A list of students making the Dean’s List can be seen here.
University Announces Spring 2021 Dean’s List
Student
October 26, 2021
The following students were added to The University of Scranton Dean’s List for the fall 2020 semester after publication of the list in January of 2021.
The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence during the 2020 fall semester. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the Panuska College of Professional Studies.
Students added to the fall 2020 Dean’s List are:
Drake Bayard
Brian Bulger
Alena Couto
Michael Dinardi
Christopher Draina
Zohal Gul Mohammad
Timothy Lanahan
Guillermo Martinez
Michael Meyer
Ryan Peterson
Claire Pikal
Laura Rebolledo
Catherine Renton
Dylan Weybrecht
Joseph Zani
Students Added to Fall 2020 Dean’s List
Staff
June 24, 2021
The summer months are a great time to recharge both mentally and physically. Join The Center for Health Education & Wellness for our Employee Wellness Summer Programs designed to build strength and stamina, reduce stress, and connect with colleagues.
Weekly Wellness Classes will be offered both virtually through Zoom and in-person on campus.
- Rooftop Lunchtime Yoga is back! Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. in the ELH 4th Floor Rooftop Garden. Enjoy an outdoor yoga class surrounded by flowers and take in a fantastic view of downtown Scranton. This 4-week series starts June 8.
- Light Weights & Abs: Wednesdays at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Email chew@scranton.edu for the class code. Gain strength, flexibility and take part in a fun group exercise class all from the comfort of your own home.
Learn to Play Pickleball: Join us for a 3-week series on Tuesdays in August (3, 10, 17) at 12:15 p.m. in the Byron Gym.
A hybrid of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America.
Please click here to register, if you are interested in learning Pickleball.
Be Kind to your Mind: Wellness Break Anytime. Need to recharge? Check out our series of 15-minute videos featuring guided stretching, breathing and mediation on CHEW'S YouTube Channel.
Employee Wellness Summer Update
Community
June 24, 2021
Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., vice president for Mission and Ministry at The University of Scranton, has accepted a position in the Theology Department at Scranton Preparatory School, effective in the summer of 2022. In his position at Scranton Prep, Father Keller will return to the classroom and will also provide pastoral support for students, including involvement with the school’s Kairos retreat program.
Father Keller will step down as vice president for Mission and Ministry at the end of the 2021-22 academic year. The division he leads includes Campus Ministries, the Center for Service and Social Justice, and The Jesuit Center. He has held the role since 2019, having previously served as the University’s interim president for the 2017-2018 academic year and as special assistant to the president.
“On behalf of the University, I am deeply grateful for the many ways in which he has helped advance our Catholic and Jesuit mission, from his leadership of Mission and Ministry to his generous service as interim president,” said Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton. “The University community, especially our students, benefit from Father Keller’s deep devotion to personal and spiritual development, and we are fortunate to have his continued service this coming year both in mission and ministries and as a member of the President’s Cabinet.”
“We wish him every grace and blessing as he prepares for this next chapter of his distinguished service to the Society of Jesus,” he added.
“I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to have worked at The University of Scranton for these past years and am especially honored to have served as interim president. In turn, I am grateful to Scranton Preparatory School for the invitation to join the school full time as a teacher and pastoral minister.” Father Keller said. “After 37 years as a high school and college administrator, I greatly look forward to this new opportunity and this new mission that I have received from my Jesuit Provincial.”
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.
He 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 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 was named principal of his alma mater, Saint Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, and also served as rector of the Jesuit Community.
In 2016, Father Keller served as a delegate from the Maryland Province for the Society of Jesus' General Congregation 36. In addition to servicing 17 years on The University of Scranton’s board across several terms, he is a past trustee of Fairfield University and Saint Joseph’s University, as well as Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School and Gonzaga College High School. In 2006, Father Keller received an honorary doctoral degree from The University of Scranton.
Father Keller Returning to Scranton Prep in 2022
Student
June 24, 2021
The University of Scranton recognized outstanding master’s and doctoral degree graduates at its in-person graduate commencement ceremony on May 22. At the ceremony at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, the University conferred post-baccalaureate degrees to more than 500 graduates who had completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2020, as well as January and May of 2021.
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. An archived recording of the ceremony can be seen here.
The following graduate students were honored for achievement in their academic area.
Jill L. Hanisak, Phillipsburg, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Morgan Lynn Rentzheimer, Laurys Station, received the Outstanding Student Award for Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Jillian Marie Balberchak, West Pittston, received the Outstanding Student Award for Nurse Anesthesia.
Kanak Manjari Chattopadhyay, South Abington Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Operations Management.
Wenhan Cheng, Provo, Utah, received the Outstanding Student Award for Clinical Chemistry.
Jeanene Contreras, Danville, received the Outstanding Student Award for General Business Administration.
Nicholas M. DeAntonio, Lake Ariel, received the Outstanding Student Award for Marketing.
Cassandra Lee Enck, Ephrata, received the Outstanding Student Award for Rehabilitation Counseling.
Joseph M. Fose, N. Tonawanda, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Chemistry.
Xicong Ge, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Family Nurse Practitioner.
Lauren Elizabeth Hughes, Fairport, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting.
Minori Koga, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Secondary Education.
Caitlin Jane Leonard, Ringwood, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Enterprise Resource Planning.
Meghan C. Lonergan, Springfield, Virginia, received the Outstanding Student Award for Educational Administration.
Maria R. Marinucci, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Human Resources.
Sean J. McTiernan, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Software Engineering.
Katherine Grace Melilli, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Special Education.
Sara Laura Miraglia, Eynon, received the Outstanding Student Award for Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Kristen Dawn Mott, Roanoke, Virginia, received the Outstanding Student Award for Finance.
Laura Ann Moyer, Salt Lake City, Utah, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accountancy.
Alicia Jean O’Toole, Lincroft, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Occupational Therapy.
Steven N. Parrinelli, Huntington, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Biochemistry.
Megan Elizabeth Pierce, Henrico, Virginia, received the Outstanding Student Award for Healthcare Management.
Sarah Virginia Redick, Equinunk, received the Outstanding Student Award for School Counseling.
Irfan Sabir, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Finance.
Jaime Sainz, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics.
William F. Schwalm, Ringwood, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for International Business.
Corin E. Ulichney, Catawissa, received the Outstanding Student Award for Curriculum and Instruction.
Stacy Marie van der Putten, Jersey Shore, received the Outstanding Student Award for Health Informatics.
Outstanding Master’s and Doctoral Graduates Awarded
Student
For more information, or to submit a resume and cover letter, email cms@scranton.edu
June 22, 2021
The Department of Marketing Communications in the Division of External Affairs & Enrollment Management is looking for a capable student to assist in web projects at The University of Scranton.
The intern will work directly with the Web Designer/Developer on small and large projects, primarily within the University's content management system.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Organizing folders and assets within the CMS
- Optimizing web programming code.
- Audit folders/pages to locate and solve issues like:
- Broken/dead links
- Outdated content
- Consolidate system assets
- Optimizing page/system performance
Requirements Skills/Knowledge
- Knowledge of HTML/CSS/XML
- Knowledge of Java and Java reference objects.
Other Skills (preferred but not required)
- Experience with WordPress, Cascade CMS, or other CMS platform
- Knowledge of XML transformation languages like XSLT or Velocity
Academic Qualifications
Computer Science, Information Technology, or Software Engineering major
Preferred classwork:
- Web programming/development
- System Integration & Architecture
- Preferred Class Year:
- Sophomore
- Junior
For more information, or to submit a resume and cover letter, email cms@scranton.edu
Web Developer Internship
Student
June 22, 2021
An atmospheric sensing device built by University of Scranton physics undergraduates will be among those launched into space by NASA in a rocket on June 24, 2021. The device was built as part of a special NASA program called the RockOn Workshop through which students were sent kits to build atmospheric sensing devices, called payloads. The devices were built and tested on campus then sent to the RockOn program headquartered in Colorado.
Three University students, all majoring in physics, participated in workshop: Veronica Romanek, Hampton, New Jersey; Kevin Phiefer, Hamburg, New Jersey; and Ryan Lebron, East Stroudsburg.
Romanek’s device was among the 28 chosen to be launched on June 24th from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility on a two-stage Terrier-Orion rocket to an altitude of about 73 miles. Other devices submitted for RockOn Workshop will be launched in a NASA high altitude balloon in September 2021.
Each of the sensing devices include an accelerometer, gyroscope, Geiger counter and equipment to measure atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity, as well as a secure digital card to capture data and a gravity switch that will activate the device during the launch. All of the components of the device built by the students had to be tested as part of the project prior to being sent to the workshop.
Following the launches, the devices with the data collected will be returned to the University for the students to then study further.
According to Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics and electrical engineering at the University, measuring devices used in satellites are often first tested through rocket launches and high altitude balloons, such as those used in the RockOn Workshop.
A recording of Romanek’s Zoom presentation about the RockOn Workshop can be seen here.
NASA Includes Scranton Student Project in Rocket
Student
June 22, 2021
In-person summer orientation sessions for students, parents and guardians of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 will begin next week. Due to health and safety measures put in place in response to the pandemic that allow for smaller groups to gather, the University will conduct eight one-day sessions on June 21, 22, 24, 25, 28, 29 and July 1 and 2.
Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, will welcome the students and their families at each of the summer orientation sessions.
Scranton’s summer orientation is designed to introduce new students and their families to the University’s procedures, facilities and support services, and to provide them with the opportunity to meet with faculty, administrators and staff, as well as each other.
Sessions for students include information about academic life, the successful transition to college, Scranton’s inclusive community, campus life and mission and ministry, as well as smaller sessions for students to get to know each. A track of sessions is also set for parents that include information about academics, financial aid services, career development, mission and ministry, campus life and strategies for success.
Student orientation leaders Mary Bunone, a senior occupational therap major from Ramsey, New Jersey; Michael Meyer, a junior neuroscience major from Paramus, New Jersey; and Hirali Patel, a junior accounting major and member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program from East Stroudsburg; along with a team of University administrators, staff, faculty and nearly 50 student orientation assistants, will participate in the sessions to help acquaint the incoming class to Scranton.
Incoming students will also attend additional virtual events during the summer to allow them to get to know the University and their classmates better.
Fall welcome weekend for incoming students is set for Saturday and Sunday, August 28 and 29. Classes for the University’s fall semester will begin on campus on Monday, August 30.
Summer Orientation to Begin for Class of 2025
Community
June 22, 2021
University of Scranton President Joseph G. Marina, S.J., sent “A Call to Reflection on Juneteenth” to the University community.
Dear Friends,
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the day that enslaved African Americans in Texas learned of their freedom – two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
While this liberation happened over 156 years ago, Black Americans continue to feel the effects of systemic racism through criminal laws that disparately impact them, unequal access to education and health care, and attempts to silence their voices and those of their allies.
Over the last year, and especially following the murder of George Floyd, the University has intensified its commitment to equality and opportunity for all. Efforts to date include approving and sharing an updated Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy, increasing training, education and development programs about diversity and inclusion, and deepening our commitment to diversify our faculty and staff, including the creation of four new faculty positions. In the coming year, I look forward to even more progress, especially the completion of a Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan.
Our work to address institutional racism at the University and in the community must continue. Let us use the celebration of Juneteenth to reflect on our collective challenge to continue building a campus committed to equity and equality that welcomes everyone. As a resource, the Weinberg Memorial Library has developed a list of readings, podcasts, media and other materials related to racism that I encourage you to explore in your reflection.
These are just small steps on a long road but we are moving in the right direction. And, with the help of God’s grace, we will continue to approach the vision of a society rooted in peace and fully committed to justice. Thank you for all you have done already to help advance this essential part of our Catholic and Jesuit identity. I look forward to walking with you in the journey ahead.
Yours faithfully,
Joseph G. Marina, S.J.
President
University President Calls for Reflection on Juneteenth
Student
June 22, 2021
The University of Scranton announced plans to establish a Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service, with a full launch planned during the fall semester 2021. Housed in the University’s Political Science Department of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Center will work to foster the development of ethical and competent public officials and civically knowledgeable, responsible, and engaged community members. It will develop new educational and networking opportunities for incumbent and aspiring public servants including training in the legal and ethical obligations of public servants as well as the knowledge, skills and capacities essential to just and effective governance. Moreover, the Center will be a clearinghouse for information on local and state governments and officials in NEPA, and relevant educational and training opportunities for public servants provided by other public and professional entities.
In addition to its community offerings, the Center will offer students internships (both on-campus and in the community), training programs, networking events with state and local government officials, and research opportunities, all of which will be focused on ethics and public service.
“The programming and research created and shared by the Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service will offer new and meaningful opportunities for students who wish to pursue a career in public service or are interested in findings ways to pursue justice and contribute positively to their communities,” said Jean Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science and co-director of the Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service.
Dr. Harris noted that Northeast Pennsylvania is uniquely positioned to study “swing state” politics, since the region is one of the central focal points of federal races, where presidential, congressional and senate candidates visit and focus their attention. This will provide additional opportunities for the Center’s programs and initiatives.
“We are excited to partner with local and state public officials, the University’s Office of Community Engagement and Government Affairs, and NEPA communities to offer education and resources to foster good governance and create a more knowledgeable and engaged citizenry” said JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science and co-director of the Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service. “The Center will provide students with opportunities to be an active part of improving the lives of NEPA residents.”
“This kind of Center will be one-of-a-kind in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The University works regularly with local and state government agencies and officials in a range of ways. The Center provides something unique – bringing academic, government and community stakeholders together to pursue just and effective governance. The kinds of resources, tools and networking that will be available fill a gap when we look at other parts of the Commonwealth and nation,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president for community engagement and government affairs at the University.
The Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service at the University will launch fully in the fall semester. For additional information, contact Dr. Harris or Dr. Hopper at the Political Science Department at CEEPS@scranton.edu or 570-941-6326.
Center for Ethics in Public Service Planned
Student
June 22, 2021
Emma Davidson '21 lost her father to cancer just two days before graduation. In part because of a promise she made to him, she walked across the stage to get her diploma on May 23. Later, she shared her story on social media:
A little over two months ago, my entire world flipped upside down. How I thought I was going to close out my college career took a turn in another direction and I rethought my life post-grad.
On April 5, I got a call from my mom and she told me my father was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon cancer. The day after I found out, I called my dad and he said to me, “Emma, you need to do exactly what you need to do to make sure you’re OK in this world. Get your degree and make yourself happy. Whether I have two months, two years or even 20, you need to make sure you are alright. It’s in God's hands and I’ll always be proud of you.”
Two days before I could walk and get my diploma, my father passed away peacefully at home. I sat with him until he took his final breath and asked him to walk beside me moving forward. I made a promise to my dad that I would finish out strong and make him proud.
On May 23, 2021, I graduated from The University of Scranton with a Bachelor of Arts degree in strategic communications. As I walked, I looked up to the sky saying, “I did it, Dad!” And somehow that moment was caught on film.
From what my father told me, I plan to go forward, do what I need to do and continue to make him proud. After all, I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.
Davidson has received an outpouring of support since posting her story on social media.
"I can't express how thankful I am for The U and I am grateful for the school being a big part of my story with my dad. Without my experience there, I wouldn't have the friends, professors or family who have -- and still are -- helping me through this new adjustment," she said recently.
She was especially grateful to Herbert Keller, S.J., vice president of mission and ministry at Scranton, who captured the photo of her from the stage on graduation day while she looked to the sky.
"It was a very special thing to hear from him after graduation," she said. "Fr. Keller touched on how he believes it was a sign from my father and God to have a special remembrance of that moment. After he told me about the photo, it touched my heart because my family and I hold a lot of faith, especially my dad. During his short diagnosis, he only spoke to a priest. I think there is something special in how it wasn’t just some random coincidence, but that Fr. Keller was the one to capture this moment for me."
Graduate Shares a Special Moment With Her Dad
Community
June 22, 2021
Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., will begin his tenure as the 29th president of The University of Scranton on Monday, June 14th. Acting President Jeff Gingerich, Ph. D., announced the official start-date of the incoming president in a message sent to the University community June 11. The University named Father Marina as the incoming president in February 2021, following approval from the University’s Board of Trustees at the conclusion of a national search overseen by a broadly representative search committee that included trustees and representatives from the faculty, staff, student body, alumni and administration.
Among his first duties as president, Father Marina will greet incoming members of the University’s Class of 2025 and their families at eight one-day orientation sessions which run from June 21 to July 2.
Since the announcement, members of the University community were introduced to the incoming president through an interview and Q and A series and videos, including an introduction video, “Humanities” and “First Things List” recordings published in Royal News.
Prior to becoming Scranton’s 29th president, Father Marina served as provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of education at Le Moyne College from 2016 through the spring of 2021. His responsibilities included overseeing the Jesuit college’s three academic schools, honors program, library, campus life, student housing, conduct and Title IX compliance, diversity and inclusion programming, global education, student success and support services, disability services, and several other areas. From December 2020 to February 2021, Father Marina served as acting president at Le Moyne while the college’s president Linda M. LeMura, Ph.D., participated as a Chancellor’s Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Syracuse University.
Prior to his tenure as provost and vice president for academic affairs, Father Marina held positions at Le Moyne as associate provost, interim chair of the education department and special assistant to the president.
Earlier in his career, Father Marina served as the dean of the School of Continuing Education at Providence College, assistant dean for the College of Science and Mathematics at Montclair State University, and assistant dean for Metropolitan College at St. John’s University. In addition, he taught religious studies at Providence College and mathematics at St. John’s University. He served as pastor of the Church of St. Francis Xavier and as associate pastor of the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, both of which are in New York City.
Father Marina was recently a trustee at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, New York, and serves currently on the board of Canisius High School in Buffalo, New York, where he is chair of the board’s governance committee. He previously served on the boards of St. Thomas Aquinas College, Regis University, Canisius College, Xavier High School and Le Moyne College.
His research interests include leadership and organizational change, and, in the area of theology, scripture and the question of non-belief. His presentations include “Inner-city Healthcare and Higher Education: A Partnership in Catholic Social Teaching,” “Graduate and Continuing Education in the Jesuit Tradition” and “Educational Delivery System Options: Programs to Attract and Retain and Educate Adult Students.”
Father Marina holds a Doctor of Philosophy in administration and supervision from Fordham University, a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology from Boston College and a Master of Science in Secondary Education from St. John’s University. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences, with a theology minor, from St. John’s University.
Father Marina entered the Society of Jesus in 2004 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2012.
Joseph G. Marina, S.J., Begins Presidency June 14
Staff
June 22, 2021
The University of Scranton has named David Marx, Ph.D., associate provost of academic affairs, concluding a national search for the position. A long-time chemistry faculty member at Scranton, Dr. Marx currently serves as the interim associate provost.
“Dr. Marx brings great experience as a faculty advocate, curriculum expert and research scholar,” said Acting President Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., in an announcement to the University community. He also thanked members of the University’s search committee, chaired by Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, for their work in finding the right candidate for the position.
As associate provost, Dr. Marx will oversee the University’s Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, Office of Institutional Reporting and Data Analytics, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, Office of Educational Assessment, Office of Graduate Academic and Student Services, the Office of Global Education and the Office of Planning and Institutional Effectiveness.
Dr. Marx joined the faculty at Scranton in 1987. Over more than 30 years, he has served the University in numerous ways, including as chair of the Department of Chemistry for five consecutive terms, as the University’s chemical hygiene officer for nearly two decades, as a faculty senator for many years. He served on numerous senate and campus-wide committees, including the University Governance, University Planning and Provost’s Academic Policy Committee. Recently, he served important roles as coordinator of general education and co-chair of the Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee. He also served as the faculty representative to the Education Committee of the Board of Trustees for four years.
As a scholar, Dr. Marx has presented his research on topics including kinetics and photochemistry at national and international conferences. He has also earned numerous research grants to support his work and holds several U.S. Patents.
Dr. Marx was ordained as a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Scranton and is assigned to St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pittston.
Dr. Marx earned his bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University and his Ph.D. from Binghamton University.
Associate Provost of Academic Affairs Named
Student
June 22, 2021
Seven members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2021 graduated from its Magis Honors Program in STEM. The program, which began as a pilot program in the fall of 2017, combines the development of STEM knowledge and research techniques with programing to further the students’ understanding of the impact science has on society. The University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM was officially approved as the University’s fifth honors program in 2019.
The Magis Honors Program offers talented students a more intense, interdisciplinary experience of research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Courses taken over four years at Scranton combine a series of seminars on STEM and society with humanities courses. With guidance by faculty mentors, the students in the program develop, present and defend a thesis based on their individual research projects. In addition, the program requires participation in annual community service projects as well as professional development programs.
The following members of Scranton’s class of 2021 graduated as members of the Magis Honors Program in STEM.
Elena K. Donato, Langhorne, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Donato worked with faculty mentor Katherine Stumpo, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled “Extraction of eumelanin from gray catbird feathers, and distinctions in concentration between sexes.”
Molly K. Elkins, Owings, Maryland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology and philosophy double major. Elkins worked with faculty mentor Bryan Crable, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Analysis of the constitutive expression of the PAO1 Type VI secretion system of P. aeruginosa.” Elkins was also a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program and the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.
Alexander J. Kidd, Tunkhannock, graduated as a biology major. Kidd worked with faculty mentor Janice Voltzow, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Biology Department and director of the Magis Honors Program in STEM, on a thesis titled “The compressive strength of the valves of Mytilus edulis.”
Jacob F. Myers, Blue Bell, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology major. Myers worked with faculty mentor Timothy Foley, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled “Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as a sensor for cellular metabolic states.” Myers was also a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program and the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.
Elizabeth R. Ridge, Southampton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Ridge worked with faculty mentor Cara Krieg, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled “1MAN size does not affect song variability in adult male house wren (Troglodytes aedon).” Ridge was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.
Karlee B. Ruth, Schwenksville, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry major. Ruth worked with faculty mentor Joan Wasilewski, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Chemistry Department, on a thesis titled “An investigation of redox therapies through the effect of ebselen and mercaptosuccinic acid in the absence and presence of hydrogen peroxide using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a cancer cell model.” Ruth was also a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program.
Michael L. Samulevich, Shickshinny, graduated, cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology and philosophy double major. Samulevich worked with faculty mentor Michael Fennie, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled “Investigating the intramolecular interactions in the formation of 2-cyano-tryptophan.” Samulevich was also a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program and the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.
Class of 2021 Graduates of Magis Honors Program
Student
June 22, 2021
Twenty-one members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2021 graduated from its undergraduate Honors Program, which is one of the Jesuit university’s programs of excellence. Students in the Honors Program pursue a rigorous education that stresses independent work through close engagement with professors and other honors students, including the preparation, presentation and defense of a research or creative project during their senior year.
The following is a list of the class of 2020 undergraduate Honors Program graduates, their faculty mentors and their research projects.
Brittany Cadwalder, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology major. Cadwalder worked with faculty advisor Kathleen Dwyer, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Design and Preparation of the CRISPR Constructs pBC1g11280CR2 and pBC4g10767CR2 Targeting the Arabidopsis thaliana Receptor-Like Kinase (RLK) Gene At1g11280 and the S-Locus Cysteine_Rich Like (SCRL) Gene At4g10767.” Cadwalder was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.
Danielle M. Cook, Kingston, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology major. Cook worked with faculty advisor Emily Hopkins, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology, on a thesis titled “Parent/Child Play: A Descriptive Analysis of Mothers, Fathers, Gender Norms, and the Division of Labor.”
Molly K. Elkins, Owings, Maryland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology and philosophy double major. Elkins worked with faculty advisor Bryan Crable, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Analysis of the Constitutive Expression of the P. aeruginosa PAO1 Type VI Secretion System.” Elkins was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM and was the recipient of a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.
Jessica L. Fanelli, Carbondale, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major. Fanelli worked with faculty advisor Robert Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology on a thesis titled “A Study of the Impact of Habitat on the Composition of Breeding Bird Communities in the Lackawanna State Park During the Summer of 2020.”
Jithin V. George, Newtown, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience and biomathematics double major. George worked with faculty advisor Patrick Orr, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, on a thesis titled “2-Week Exposure to High-Fat Diet Sufficient to Produce Glucose Intolerance, Not Visuospatial Memory ImpairmentsorMolecular Changes in C57Bl/6 Mice.” George was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.
Jesse L. Hunt, Williamsport, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Hunt worked with faculty advisor Marc Seid, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Lateralization of olfactory associative learning in Camponotus floridanus.”
Traevon Malakai Martin, Springfield, Massachusetts, graduated as a neuroscience major. Martin worked with faculty advisor Marc Seid, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “The Effect of Light Deprivation on Mushroom Body Neuroplasticity in the Camponotus florinadus Ant.”
Jacob F. Myers, Blue Bell, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology major. Myers worked with faculty advisor Timothy Foley, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled “Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase as a sensor of Cellular Metabolic States.” Myers was also a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM and was the recipient of a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.
Denise L. Pinto, Pittston, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology major. Pinto worked with faculty advisor Kathleen Dwyer, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Design and Preparation of CRISPR Construct pDP4g03230CR2 Targeting Arabidopsis thaliana Receptor Like Kinase (RLK) Gene At4g03230.”
Parita Ray, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology major. Ray worked with faculty advisor Cara Krieg, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Geographical Variation in the Song Structure of Female Troglodytes aedon.”
Zachary S. Rieker, Pottstown, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and biomathematics double major. Rieker worked with faculty advisor Robert Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology on a thesis titled “Effects of Anthropogenic Noise on the Characteristics of Birdsong.”
Dagny C. Rippon, South Abington Township, graduated, magna cum laude, as a international business major. Rippon worked with faculty advisor Susan Trussler, Ph.D., associate professor of economics and finance, on a thesis titled “Gender Inequality and Conceptualization in International Business Research.” Rippon was also a member of the University's Business Leadership Honors Program.
Alexa D. Romberger, Valley View, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biochemistry major. Romberger worked with faculty advisor Michael Fennie, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled “Investigations of New Ways to Synthesize the Precursors to Heterocycles.”
Karlee B. Ruth, Schwenksville, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry major. Ruth worked with faculty advisor Joan Wasilewski, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Chemistry Department, on a thesis titled “An Investigation of Redox Therapies Through the Effect of Ebselen and Mercaptosuccinic Acid in the Absence and Presence of Hydrogen Peroxide using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a Cancer Cell Model.” Ruth was also a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.
Michael L. Samulevich, Shickshinny, graduated, cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology and philosophy double major. Samulevich worked with faculty advisor Michael Fennie, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled “Investigating the Intramolecular Interactions in the Formation of 2-Cyano-Tryptophan.” Samulevich was also a member of the University’s the Magis Honors Program in STEM and the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.
Ashley C. Spencer, Tunkhannock, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and biomathematics double major. Spencer worked with faculty advisor Bryan Crable, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled “The Antimicrobial Effects of Pennsylvania Honey on Clinical Isolates of Escherichia coli.”
Richard R. Terranova, Staten Island, New York, graduated, cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Terranova worked with faculty advisor Marc Seid, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “The effects of social isolation on axonal pruning in the mushroom bodies of the ant Pheidole dentata.”
Cara F. Webster, Bradford, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major. Webster worked with faculty advisor Gary Kwiecinski, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Impact of Hurricane Maria on the bat populations of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.” Webster was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.
Casey E. Welby, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a classical language Latin and history double major. Welby worked with faculty advisor Michael Knies, professor, library, on a thesis titled “European Medieval Manuscript Leaves: Varieties of Script and Content from the Jims Sims Collection.”
Alexis A. Wislotsky, Ashland, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Alexis Wislotsky worked with faculty advisor Patrick Orr, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, on a thesis titled “Acetaminophen may Upregulate p42 ERK Phosphorylation in c57B1/6 Female Mice.”
Makayla C. Wislotsky, Ashland, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology major. Makayla Wislotsky worked with faculty advisor Cara Krieg, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Immunological tradeoffs with Female Aggression in Troglodytes aedon.”
Class of 2021 Honors Program Graduates
Student
June 22, 2021
Fifteen members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2021 graduated from its Business Leadership Honors Program, which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in this highly-selective program explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy and analysis, in addition to field trips to learn from top executives and projects in leadership, service and mentoring.
The following is a list of the class of 2021 Business Leadership Honors Program graduates and their majors:
Ann E. Amentler, Drums, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major.
Nicole C. Cavanaugh, Dallas, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major.
Jenna N. Cyr, Coopersburg, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting and finance double major.
Matthew M. DeBenedetto, Westfield, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an operations management and philosophy double major. DeBenedetto was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.
Michael E. Diehl, Hopewell Junction, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major.
Andrew J. Ferrier, Bayonne, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an economics major.
Grace M. Gallagher, Dalton, graduated as an accounting major.
Livia M. Kelly, Rockville Centre, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major. Kelly was also a member of the University’s Business Honors Program.
Elena M. Loeffler, Matawan, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a business communication major.
Matthew T. Marcotte, Monroe, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major.
Ngoc K. Nguyen, New Tripoli, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting and finance double major.
Dagny C. Rippon, South Abington Township, graduated, magna cum laude, as an international business major. Rippon was also a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program.
Robert Joseph Scholly, Glenside, graduated, magna cum laude, as a marketing major.
Kyle S. Shaffer, Mahwah, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major.
David J. Vergaray Ramirez, Harrison, New Jersey, graduated, cum laude, as a finance major.
Business Leadership Honors Program Graduates
Student
June 22, 2021
Thirty-seven members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2021 graduated from its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program (SJLA), which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in SJLA pursue a rigorous education designed to develop enhanced writing, oral and critical-thinking skills through specially designed courses in philosophy, theology and literature.
The following is a list of the class of 2021 SJLA Honors Program graduates and their majors.
Nicholas P. Brown, Kingston, graduated, cum laude, as a biochemistry and philosophy double major.
Brittany Cadwalder, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology major. Cadwalder was also a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program.
Elizabeth F. Carpenter, Philadelphia, graduated as a computer science major.
Alaina T. Ciorra, Merrick, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology and philosophy double major.
Alena J. Couto, Edison, New Jersey, graduated as a neuroscience and philosophy double major.
Matthew M. DeBenedetto, Westfield, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a operations management and philosophy double major. DeBenedetto was also a member of the University’s Business Leadership Honors Program.
Laura E. Demytrk, Bushkill, graduated, cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.
Kristen M. Denniston, Hawley, graduated, cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology and philosophy double major.
Colette J. Deppe, East Amherst, New York, graduated as a biomathematics and philosophy double major.
Elena K. Donato, Langhorne, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Donato was also a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.
Maxwell B. Earl, Clarks Summit, graduated, magna cum laude, as a journalism - electronic media and philosophy double major.
Molly K. Elkins, Owings, Maryland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology and philosophy double major. Elkins was also a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM. She was the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.
Emily E. Foster, West Chester, graduated, magna cum laude, as a marketing and philosophy double major.
Christopher P. Gallant, Doylestown, graduated, cum laude, as an English and philosophy double major.
Jithin V. George, Newtown, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience and biomathematics double major. George was also a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program.
Giovanni Gunawan, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major.
Abigail Guziewicz, Peckville, graduated, magna cum laude, as a psychology and philosophy double major.
Braden F. Hood, Abington, graduated as an electrical engineering major.
Andrew N. Lacina, Kingston, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology and philosophy double major.
Sarah A. Lajeunesse, Havertown, graduated, magna cum laude, as a mathematics and philosophy double major.
Alexis M. Manzo, Moosic, graduated, cum laude, as an accounting and philosophy double major.
Marilyn G. Murphy, Wyckoff, New Jersey, graduated, cum laude, as an accounting major.
Halle T. Music, Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.
Elisa R. Palmieri, Northford, Connecticut graduated, cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major.
Mary T. Petrucci, Ambler, graduated, magna cum laude, as an electrical engineering and philosophy double major.
Zeli-Anne V. Policarpio, South Plainfield, New Jersey, graduated as an accounting major.
Mary R. Purcell, Ocean City, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an English and philosophy double major.
Christian D. Rickrode, Mountain Top, graduated as a finance and philosophy double major.
Elizabeth R. Ridge, Southampton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Ridge was also a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.
Joshua T. Rudolph, Peckville, graduated, summa cum laude, as a journalism - electronic media and philosophy double major.
James T. Ruff, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, graduated as a computer science and philosophy double major.
Sandra Rutkowski, Lindenhurst, New York, graduated as a biology and philosophy double major.
Michael L. Samulevich, Shickshinny, graduated, cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology and philosophy double major. Samulevich was also a member of the University’s undergraduate Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM.
Amanda B. Tolvaisa, Springfield, graduated, summa cum laude, as an English and philosophy double major. She was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.
Cara F. Webster, Bradford, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major. Webster was also a member of the University's undergraduate Honors Program.
Quinn A. Williams, Hawley, graduated as a philosophy major.
Kyle Zaboski, Wyoming, graduated as a strategic communication and philosophy double major.
Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program Graduates
Student
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton Strings with Eddie Barbash is now streaming and available on YouTube. Check it out!
MANY thanks to the rights holders of the included works for supporting music education by pricing their licensing at a reasonable level for school's pandemic music-making was challenging enough with people limits and time limits and aerosolization restrictions and distancing requirements and extra expenses and and and constraining what could be accomplished, and we are grateful to the many publishers and licensing entities who chose to support our efforts throughout the year!
University of Scranton Strings with Eddie Barbash Now Streaming!
Staff
June 2, 2021
A note from Ryan Sheehan, J.D., Assistant Director, The Jesuit Center, for University staff.
I would like to invite you to participate in the "Faith for Real Life, The Year of St. Ignatius" seminar taking place June 11-13 at the Chapman Lake Retreat Center.
The seminar will offer participants an opportunity to enjoy a retreat-like atmosphere at Chapman Lake (participants are welcome to but not required to stay overnight) as we explore Ignatian spirituality as it applies to our personal and professional lives and experiences.
Participants will arrive early evening on Friday, June 11, for dinner and cocktails. We will depart early Sunday, June 13, and receive a stipend of $200 at the conclusion of the seminar. All meals will be provided.
Readings and videos will be provided ahead of time and will serve as the foundation for our discussions. As usual, past participants are welcome to attend.
Please note that if the dates for the seminar coincide with your work schedule, you will need to request for Mission Leave from your supervisor.
If you are interested in attending or have any questions, please respond to ryan.sheehan@scranton.edu.
I hope that you are able to join us! After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, it will be great to spend time together. Summer at the retreat center is gorgeous and downtime allows for kayaking, swimming, and relaxation with colleagues and friends.
This seminar will follow the Royal Safe Together protocol at all times.
Jesuit Center Seminar for Staff, June 11-13
Alumni
June 2, 2021
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.
Scranton Alumni Network Continues To Thrive
Alumni
June 2, 2021
During the Alumni Society Advisory Board’s virtual meeting May 22, outgoing Chair of the Board Mike Short ’99 transferred leadership of the Board to his successor, Joseph L. Sorbera III ’08.
Sorbera joined the Alumni Society Advisory Board in 2017 and has led the Student Engagement Committee of the Board for the last year, working closely with the Future Alumni Network of Scranton (FANS) Club to foster the alumni-student connection. Joe graduated cum laude with a B.S. in Management and a minor in Japanese language. During his student days, Sorbera founded the Italian Society on campus, acted in many Liva Arts Company performances and participated in the Business Leadership Program and the Model UN.
Sorbera, vice president of JLS Cost Management Systems in Manhattan, lives in Kearny, New Jersey, with his wife, Kristen ’09, and their daughter, Danielle. The two met at an Alumni Christmas reception and were both engaged and married on campus. He is the former co-chair of the Young Professionals Committee for Bideawee, a 116-year-old animal rescue organization based in Manhattan, and also serves on the alumni board for Loyola School in New York City.
View current members of the Alumni Society Advisory Board at Scranton.edu/alumniboard.
Alumni Society Advisory Board Names New Chair
Alumni
June 2, 2021
Mara I. Smith, Esq. ’13, G’21, outgoing chair of the Council of Alumni Lawyers (CAL), has completed her term and transferred leadership of the CAL to Eric D. Brophy, Esq. ’92, executive director of the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority. Brophy will begin formerly leading the CAL as chair at the next meeting this fall.
Brophy serves as the chief executive officer of the Authority and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a New Jersey independent authority responsible for the issuance of taxable and tax-exempt bonds, as well as the administration of several state-backed grant programs for institutions of higher education in New Jersey.
Previously, Brophy served as a member of The University of Scranton Alumni Society Advisory Board. In addition, he and his wife, Elaine '92, endowed the Ignatian Global Citizen Program in the University’s Department of Political Science in 2018. Eric graduated from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1999 and spent 20 years in private practice at several law firms, eventually running his own law firm for 11 years before joining Governor Murphy’s administration.
Council Of Alumni Lawyers Names Next Chair
Faculty
June 2, 2021
Yaodong Bi, Ph.D., professor of computing sciences, was named Teacher of the Year by The University of Scranton’s class of 2021. The award was presented at a virtual Class Night event on May 21.
The award honors a faculty member who maintains high standards of academic excellence and fairness, and through enthusiasm and dedication, inspires the interest of students in a field of education. The University’s Faculty Senate Academic Support Committee instituted the award in 1996.
Dr. Bi joined the faculty at Scranton in 1991. For nearly 25 years, he has served as the director of the University’s master’s program in software engineering. The courses he teaches at the University include Computer and Information Literacy, Database Systems, Mobile Application Development, Special Topics: Real-Time Systems, Principles and Applications of Software Design, and Engineering of Software Systems, among others.
Dr. Bi’s research interests include software engineering, real-time systems, database systems, operating systems, mobile application development and software design. He has presented research at professional conferences and has published articles in peer-reviewed academic journals. He is a member of the computer society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Dr. Bi earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the Northeast University of Technology Shenyang, People’s Republic of China, and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois.
Graduating Class of 2021 Names Teacher of the Year
Community
June 2, 2021
During the spring semester, University students in two sections of Dr. Ovi Cocieru’s Principles of Management and Entrepreneurship II (MGMT352) courses worked on a community-based learning (CBL) project to provide an updated inventory of Scranton businesses. For this project, students worked with the City of Scranton’s Office of Economic Development and community-partner organizations Scranton Tomorrow, NeighborWorks Northeastern PA, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern PA, and The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to create and conduct a business inventory survey.
Through the courses, students worked to create an up-to-date business inventory by conducting online research by reaching out to businesses via phone and email. The goal of this outreach was to help capture the current climate of businesses in the city of Scranton and to provide this information to community-partner organizations to help inform their outreach to and support of businesses in the city of Scranton.
This CBL project proved to have an impact on both students in Dr. Cocieru’s courses and on the work done by community-partner organizations.
“From a pedagogical perspective, this project was at the intersection of community-based learning and classroom-as-organization. In this approach, the instructor acts as a guide and trusts the students with critical real-world decisions. When it works, it is an empowering, meaningful, and rewarding learning experience. Despite the pandemic and online learning challenges, our students showed a lot of dedication to improving the city. They own the success of this project, and I am very proud of them.” said Ovidiu Cocieru, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing, management and entrepreneurship.
Participating in this type of course can provide a unique and transformational learning experience for students. Students in Dr. Cocieru’s courses needed to work together to identify how best to execute the course project.
“One aspect of this project that I loved was the opportunity to work on a team with a few members of my class, and then with the class as a whole. It helped us to come together and try to make Scranton a better place,” said Hallie Murphy’21, an accounting major.
In addition to working in both large and small teams, University students also needed to identify how best to gather business information while remaining mindful of the pandemic and its impact on the business community.
“The project was nothing like I have ever experienced in a class before. It really brought the management class full circle because we were able to experience what we were learning about in class and apply it,” said Emma Nemitz ’22, a chemistry and business major.
She continues “I think this project made everyone realize how much the pandemic had an effect on businesses and all of them in completely different ways. It was very personal because we weren't hearing it from the news, people were personally telling us their stories.”
One common theme identified by students in Dr. Cocieru’s courses is the personal connections that this project provided. Hearing the individual perspectives of Scranton business owners truly made the numbers and data come to life for University students.
“The CBL report allowed me to see how COVID affected everyone personally. Throughout the semester being allowed to speak to different business owners gave me insight into the hardships they persevered through. It also turned the statistics we all saw on TV into real events, it was no longer abstract, but rather true stories. Having these conversations was truly impactful,” said Gerardo Sanchez Garcia ’22, a finance major.
By engaging directly with Scranton business owners during one of the most unique and challenging times in memory, University students were able to hear firsthand about how businesses were adapting to survive during the pandemic.
“This project has instilled in me an appreciation for our city’s entrepreneurs, especially family-run businesses. It was an eye-opening experience to see the resilience of the business owners in my community and the diverse challenges each has had to overcome running a business, particularly during the pandemic,” said Gabriele Hanstein ’22, business management major with an environmental studies concentration.
As the students in Dr. Cocieru’s courses worked to help provide insights into Scranton’s business climate, many students found that they were learning a lot about Scranton and all the city has to offer.
“It was a really interesting experience, as even though I'm a lifelong Scranton resident, I never realized how much of the city I didn't know about. I'm from West Scranton, so many things that I want are nearby, and I'm usually pretty hesitant when it comes to trying out new things or places to buy them. Doing this project, being required to go out of my comfort zone and reach out to a slew of businesses across South Side, was eye-opening. There are some great businesses run by amazing people that I will most certainly give my business in the future. I'm so glad that I was given this opportunity to discover even more great things about the city where I live and love,” said Jimmy Greenfield ’22, an accounting major.
Perhaps the most important part of the project is the continuing impact that it will have on Scranton businesses. The data captured from this CBL project will be used by the community-partner organizations in their work to support businesses in the city of Scranton.
“As a nonprofit organization, NeighborWorks is always looking for ways to do more with less. The students helped us identify the greatest challenges facing small business owners so that we can help them grow their businesses as part of our long-term neighborhood revitalization efforts in West Scranton. The assistance the students provided is indispensable. We wouldn’t have been able to reach out to so many business owners without their help,” said Todd Pousley, the neighborhood revitalization manager, NeighborWorks NEPA.
This project also provided insights into the many different neighborhoods within the city of Scranton. During their outreach, University students learned about the variety of businesses and business owners in the Scranton community, and in turn were able to share these insights with the community-partners to help guide their work to support Scranton businesses.
“It was a great experience working with the students on the Scranton Business Directory CBL project. They provided insights into how we can better serve our small business community, especially in underserved and immigrant populations. These types of projects are invaluable to a social service organization like UNC, allowing us to dig deeper to uncover and address important needs in the community.” said Chrissy Manuel, Director of Community Revitalization, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA.
As the community-partners look ahead to how they can best support businesses as we hopefully move out of the pandemic, the work from this CBL project will continue to inform their outreach.
“It has been a great help to have so many students connecting with businesses in the City of Scranton and gathering this information,” said Lisa Hall Zielinski, director of The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC). “It will be impactful as we continue to work, along with our economic development partners, to help businesses address problems, pursue opportunities and continue to grow.”
For more information about the Office of Community-Based Learning, please visit here or email carolyn.bonacci@scranton.edu.
Spring CBL Project Sheds Light on Climate of Scranton Business Community
Alumni
June 2, 2021
The University recently held "Acing The Interview," the final installment in a five-part series of alumni career development webinars.
The workshop, hosted by Director for Career Development Chris Whitney G'06 and Assistant Director for Career Development Lori Moran '93, G'95, focuses on how Royals can succeed during the interview process.
The series sprang from a partnership between The Alumni Society Advisory Board and The Center for Career Development. All of the installments in the series, including "What The Center For Career Development Can Do For Scranton Alumni," "Changes Within Your Career," "Building And Enhancing Your Resume" and "The Job Search," are available for viewing at scranton.edu/alumnicareers.
University Concludes Alumni Career Development Webinar Series
Alumni
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton will present the 2021 Peter A. Carlesimo Award to Ed Karpovich ’76, G’86 at the annual Carlesimo Golf Tournament & Award Dinner June 14 at Glenmaura National Golf Club. The event celebrates athletics at The University of Scranton and honors a person who has made special contributions to athletics and Catholic education.
Karpovich has been a part of the men’s golf program at The University of Scranton for more than four decades. In 39 seasons as the head men’s golf coach at The University of Scranton, he has compiled an overall record of 354-120-2 in dual match competition. He also led Scranton to a Middle Atlantic Conference team championship in 1988. That team, which featured All-American and MAC individual champion Will Carey III ‘88, set a school record with a 24-0 regular season mark. Thirty-four of his players have earned all-conference honors, while two – Carey and Mike Chomicz – have competed in the NCAA Division III championships.
In the fall of 2016, Karpovich was instrumental in starting the women’s golf program at the University. In five seasons as the women’s head coach, he has led the Royals to 32 dual match victories.
Karpovich has also been an ambassador for the sport, joining former King’s College head coach Tom Davis in 1999 to found the Glenmaura National Collegiate Invitational, an annual event that attracts some of the top Division III talent in the region. Glenmaura National also serves as the Royals’ home course. In addition, he served on the NCAA regional committee in 2011.
“Coach Karpovich has been a tremendous part of our athletics program for decades,” said Executive Director of Athletics Dave Martin. “His career as a student-athlete was one of the best in school history for any sport and is only surpassed by his tireless dedication to our golf program as the head coach for nearly four decades. His devotion to the University and our Jesuit and Catholic ideals has been an invaluable asset to our department from the first day he stepped on campus nearly 50 years ago.”
“I am honored to be chosen to receive the Carlesimo Award, named after a great man who achieved national recognition for his contributions to collegiate athletics,” said Karpovich. “I thank The University of Scranton, the athletics department, and its director, Dave Martin, for considering me for this recognition.”
Karpovich is a 1976 graduate of the University and a member of its prestigious Wall of Fame. As a player, he led the Royals to three MAC team titles (1973, 1975, 1976) while capturing MAC individual championships in 1974 and 1976. He also competed in the 1974 and 1976 NCAA championships, finishing tied for 150th in 1974 and tied for 42nd in 1976. He currently serves as treasurer of Lackawanna County.
While the golf portion of this year’s event is sold out, there are still tickets available for the evening reception and award dinner. For additional information or to register, please visit scranton.edu/carlesimoaward.
Karpovich To Receive 2021 Peter A. Carlesimo Award
Student
June 2, 2021
Twelve members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2021, along with graduates from East Stroudsburg University, King’s College, Penn State Scranton and Wilkes University, were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army during an in-person ceremony held on campus on May 29.
The University of Scranton ROTC graduates who were commissioned at the ceremony are:
2nd Lt. Edward Burke of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan;
2nd Lt. Kathleen Coar of Dunmore;
2nd Lt. Shannon Everton of Sykesville, Maryland;
2nd Lt. Sean Gannon of Garrison, New York;
2nd Lt. Miranda Livingston of Simsbury, Connecticut;
2nd Lt. Diana Mesa of Miami, Florida;
2nd Lt. Mackenzie Murray of Lebanon, New Jersey;
2nd Lt. Samuel Polhemus of Syracuse, New York;
2nd Lt. Jack Rickard of Honesdale;
2nd Lt. Jonathan Sheehan of Jim Thorpe;
2nd Lt. Alec Sullivan of Rock Tavern, New York;
2nd Lt. Kyle Wood of Clarks Summit.
In addition, 10 ROTC graduates from area colleges were also commissioned as officers at the ceremony. Second Lieutenants commissioned from East Stroudsburg University were: Mattison Barone, King of Prussia; Mickayla Grow, Lykens; Victoria Reid, East Stroudsburg; and Jacquleine Tracy, Kunkletown. Second Lieutenants commissioned from King’s College were Antonio Angelini, Wilmington, Delaware; Michael Brubaker, Sinking Spring; and Nicholas Rottger, Auburn, New York. The 2nd Lieutenant commissioned from Penn State Scranton was Antonio Cerminaro, Mayfield. Second Lieutenants commissioned from Wilkes University were Megan Magoon, Barnegat, New Jersey; and Matthew Rojas, Orlando, Florida.
$content.getChild('content').textValueGraduates Commissioned as Second Lieutenants
Student
June 2, 2021
The Royal Experience Summer Internship Program will provide five University of Scranton students, selected from a competitive pool, a stipend of up to $4,000 to support their participation in a meaningful unpaid internship for the summer of 2021. The program was started in 2016 through funding by the University’s Parents’ Executive Council and the donations of alumni and friends of the University.
Students receiving support are writing about their internship experiences in a blog published on the University’s Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development webpage.
The following is a list of students who will participate in the 2021 Royal Experience Summer Internship program.
Royal Experience Recipients Summer 2021
Tiannah Adams ’22, a psychology major from New York, New York, will be a summer intern at Manhattan Justice Opportunities, in New York city.
Christina Alfano ’22, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Red Bank, New Jersey, will be a senior undergraduate researcher in the microbiology lab of Amelia Randich, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at The University of Scranton.
Jillian Haller ’23, a neuroscience major from Williston Park, New York, will be a research assistant in the Neurodevelopment lab of Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at The University of Scranton.
Samuel Marranca ’22, a history from Pittston, will be a legal intern at Atty. Rose Randazzo Law Offices in Pittston.
Kathleen Wallace ’23, a philosophy and theology double major from Bowie, Maryland, will be an outreach intern for the Churches for Middle East Peace in Washington, D.C.
Royal Experience Program Names Summer Interns
Faculty
June 2, 2021
For the second year in a row, student members of The University of Scranton’s Business Club selected Ashley L. Stampone ’10, G’11, faculty specialist in the Accounting Department as the Kania School of Management Professor of the Year. The virtual announcement was made May 19. Prof. Stampone was also selected for this honor in May or 2020.
A graduate of The University of Scranton, Prof. Stampone became a faculty member at her alma mater in 2016. In 2019, she was also honored with the Faculty Leadership Award from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The national award recognizes one faculty member annually who has demonstrated significant leadership activities at the national, regional, and/or local levels of IMA and has made additional contributions to IMA.
At Scranton, Prof. Stampone serves as the moderator of the University’s IMA student chapter, through which University students participated in IMA’s student case competition and its student manuscript competition, as well as IMA’s student leadership conference. IMA selected Scranton’s student chapter as one of just five Outstanding Student Chapters in the nation for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Previously, Prof. Stampone worked as an internal auditor for QVC, Inc., as a senior financial systems analyst for Bridon American Corporation, as an inventory accountant for International Salt Company and a staff accountant for ParenteBeard, LLC.
A resident of Old Forge, Prof. Stampone received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA from The University of Scranton. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at the University.
Ashley Stampone Named KSOM Professor of the Year
Alumni
June 2, 2021
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
Thomas J. Grech ’84, Malverne, New York, has been appointed to the Board of the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and the Local Development Corporation (LDC).
Lisa W. Shearman ’89, Lansdale, a partner with the firm Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin, PC, has recently been elected a fellow to the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).
Deaths
Paul J. Coolican, D.D.S. ’52, Clarks Summit
Robert C. Davey ’60, Branford, Connecticut
E. John Fedor ’69, York
Ellen Moran DeLorenzo ’81, Bloomfield, Connecticut
John T. Dellamalva ’05, G’05, Moosic
Patrick J. Mulhern, Jr. ’05, Springfield
Alumni Class Notes, June 2021
Staff
June 2, 2021
The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!
THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for June 2021 is:
Don McCall -Technology Support Center
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Don does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Don and all our June nominees.
How long have you worked at the University?
I will hit 20 years on July 12!
What do you like best about your job?
I love working with our students. We usually employ more than 20 student workers at the TSC and it is a pleasure to work with them. I often get to work with them through their entire college experience and it is so amazing to see them grow and mature while they are here. I still keep up with many of our former student workers to this day, even some from almost 20 years ago!
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with friends, going out to eat, walking up at Lake Scranton, or renting a cabin to get away for the weekend.
Don will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of June. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner, and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.
June 2021 Nominees:
Don McCall -Technology Support Center
Jason Oakey - Audio/Video Services
Laura Richards - External Affairs
Eileen Notarianni - Human Resources
Jill Lear - Nursing
Katelyn McManamon - SBDC
Scott McFadden - Mechanic/Grounds
Dave Martin - Athletics
Maria Marinucci - Cross Cultural Centers
June 2021 Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award Winner
Alumni
June 2, 2021
Twins Mary Lynn Massino G’20 and Maria Ehnot (née Massino) G’15 chose the same career and the same graduate school to help them achieve their goals.
They received graduate degrees in rehabilitation counseling at The University of Scranton. Both currently work as vocational rehabilitation counselors, Mary Lynn with the Hartford Insurance Agency and Maria with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation through the Department of Labor and Industry.
We recently talked to Mary Lynn (ML) and Maria (M) about their experience at Scranton and beyond.
How did you choose Scranton?
M: Being familiar with The University of Scranton and the excellent reputation the school has I knew this is where I wanted to apply and continue onto my master’s degree. Living just a few blocks from the campus too made the commute very easy.
ML: My sister told me a lot about the program and her positive experience which ultimately led to me to choose The University of Scranton. I felt very supported by my professors and always felt I had their guidance along the way.
What was your best experience here?
ML: My best experience at The University of Scranton was the support of the faculty and the other students I met throughout my program and the relationships I formed. I felt very supported by my professors and always felt I had their guidance along the way. It was also important to me to meet other students and build relationships in my program. I met so many wonderful people over the two and a half years.
M: After reflecting on my experience, I would say that practicum has helped prepare me for my career which is crucial and just what I was hoping to achieve as I went through the experience. Typically, for counselors, this is the most stressful part of the program. Working long hours to fulfill the requirements of practicum was tough for sure, but overall the experience certainly helped prepare me for my future. My mentor at that time was Dr. Lori Bruch. The guidance I received from her was so professional and supportive. That meant everything to me!
"I felt very supported by my professors and always felt I had their guidance along the way." - Mary Lynn Massino G’20
Tell us about your current position.
ML: I help individuals who are on short-term disability and long-term disability get back to work. My involvement is to provide vocational expertise knowledge to these customers to ensure they return to work safely and successfully.
M: As a vocational rehabilitation counselor, I assist individuals with disabilities who have barriers to employment and help them prepare for, obtain or maintain competitive employment. I cover a rural area and have a mixed caseload of working with transition students with IEP’s or 504 plans as well as adults with achieving their employment needs for the workforce.
What do you enjoy most about it?
M: I mostly enjoy the rewarding feeling of helping someone achieve their goal and connecting/meeting with other community agencies.
ML: It is very rewarding being able to help others and to see my customers achieve their personal goals.
How did Scranton help you along the way?
M: The counseling professors have amazing connections with other counseling professionals and community agencies and helped guide me towards my position. As a vocational rehabilitation counselor, it’s crucial to develop working relationships with outside agencies and other professionals. I try to work on this as part of my professionalism as a counselor.
ML: Scranton helped me tremendously. The information I had learned in my program is being applied to real life in the work that I do every day. I really feel the rehabilitation counseling program prepared me to be successful in my role today as a working professional.
Twin Sisters Get Matching Graduate Degrees at Scranton
General
June 2, 2021
After our June 2 issue, the University's Royal News e-newsletter will publish on a summer schedule, though the website will continue to be updated daily. And we will return periodically to update our community on the goings-on around campus.
We will publish on Wednesday, July 7, and then again on Aug. 4.
We will return to regular action on Wednesday, Aug. 25, and continue our regular weekly publishing schedule throughout the fall 2020 semester.
We welcome announcement submissions at any time throughout the summer (to include in one of these three issues, and beyond), so please send them along. See the instructions here.
Thanks, and have a great summer!
Royal News, Summer Schedule
Alumni
June 2, 2021
Reminder: Please take our survey! The deadline is Friday, June 4.
Every few years, The University of Scranton reaches out to the readers of The Scranton Journal, our alumni magazine, to get their input on the magazine. This past academic year, due to the pandemic, the University decided to publish digital-only issues of the magazine. This helped us to conserve resources and provide our readers with more current, relevant content.
We hope you’ll let us know how you felt about your experience with our online issues of the Journal.
Our web-based survey is easy to use and takes about 5 minutes to complete.
If you have questions about this survey, please contact scrantonjournal@scranton.edu.
Alumni, thank you in advance for helping to make The Scranton Journal even better. To begin the survey, click on the following link or copy and paste it into your browser.
Reminder: We Need Your Input to Improve the Online Scranton Journal!
May
View May Listing Page
General
June 2, 2021
The University's Baccalaureate Mass for The Class of 2021 premiered on May 22.
"Today we pray with and for you, the Class of 2021," said celebrant Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., vice president for Mission and Ministry at The University of Scranton. "We ask God that He will bless you as you go forward from this place."
Father Keller remembered when he was serving as interim president during the Class of 2021's first year at Scranton, and he noted just how much the members of the class have changed since that first day.
"As a class, you came to an awareness of the presence of the Lord during your own experience of passion in dealing with COVID, experiencing the suffering and death of loved ones, or the inconvenience of quarantine or isolation. ... You discovered that love was stronger than any illness, and you discovered those gifts by staying together."
Watch the entire Mass below.
Baccalaureate Mass for The Class of 2021
General
June 2, 2021
Missed Commencement? No problem.
You can still watch the recordings of The University of Scranton's Commencement Weekend events or share them with family and friends.
The events are:
The Donning of the Kente Ceremony
Physical Therapy Graduation Awards Ceremony
Class Night for the Class of 2021
Graduate Commencement
Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Baccalaureate Mass for The Class of 2021
Sigma Theta-lota Omega Chapter Induction
PCPS Commencement Ceremony
KSOM Commencement Ceremony
CAS Commencement Ceremony
And, still to come: ROTC Commissioning, scheduled for May 29 at 10 a.m.
Click below for the entire Commencement playlist.
Missed Commencement? Watch the Recordings Here!
Staff
June 2, 2021
This is an excerpt from Connections, the newsletter of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. You can read the full article here.
When I think of the value of a Jesuit education, I am reminded of the famous line in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet: “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
Beyond competence in one’s field, organizations most value those who can think critically, communicate effectively, and lead ethically. In other words, those with a Jesuit education.
Employer surveys confirm this. According to a 2015 study by Hart Research Associates, 91% of employers agree that for career success, “a candidate’s demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is more important than his or her undergraduate major.”
The very essence of the education we provide to our students at Jesuit colleges and universities is exactly what employers want, only they don’t necessarily use the same terms. They might not say a “liberal arts education,” or “an education grounded in the humanities,” or “Jesuit-educated,” but that is what they mean.
Continue reading, here.
Through the Humanities, Scranton Helps Students Find Their Calling
Student
June 2, 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 12th 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.
The full ceremony can be seen from the University’s Commencement 2021 webpage $content.getChild('content').textValueDonning of the Kente Stole Ceremony Held
Faculty
June 2, 2021
A member of The University of Scranton’s first graduating class of its Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Program, Ronald Douglas Parker, DBA ’21 and two of his accounting professors won a prestigious 2021 Institute of Management Accountants’ Lybrand Silver Medal for an article they co-authored. The article, “Dark Triad Personality Types and Fraud Behavior,” was co-authored with Dr. Parker by Douglas M. Boyle, DBA, chair of the Accounting Department and director of the DBA program at Scranton, and Brian W. Carpenter, Ph.D., professor of accounting.
Articles selected for award in the Lybrand Competition are drawn from all manuscripts published during the year in the Institute of Management Accountants’ (IMA) Strategic Finance and Management Accounting Quarterly journals, both of which are rated among the top five refereed practitioner journals.
Dr. Parker is the third member of Scranton’s DBA class of 2021 cohort to win a Lybrand medal, joining classmates Daniel J. Gaydon, DBA ’21, and Marcus Burke, DBA ’21, who won 2020 Lybrand Silver and Bronze medals, respectively, for articles co-authored with Dr. Boyle and Daniel P. Mahoney, Ph.D., professor of accounting. In addition, Patrick O’Brian, DBA ’21, received a 2020 Lybrand certificate of merit and Amanda Marcy, ’10, G’11, DBA ’21, faculty specialist, received the inaugural IMA Curt Verschoor Ethics Feature of the Year award in 2020.
Scranton’s accounting faculty have been awarded more Lybrand Medals in the past decade than any other institution in the nation, previously winning six Lybrand medals, including two gold medals, two silver medals and two bronze medals, as well as five certificates of merit. They have also been internationally recognized for their research and publishing efficiency in the 2020 Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings, which ranks accounting programs and faculty throughout the world based on their success in publishing in top-tier accounting journals. The report, which is updated annually and includes ranks for specific categories of research and for specific time periods, ranks the Accounting Department at Scranton as the fourth most prolific department in the world for accounting education research (excluding cases) over the most recent six-year period. The department was also ranked internationally for all methods, audit and experimental accounting research.
With respect to authorships of individual accounting faculty in the area of accounting education, Dr. Boyle was ranked No. 7, and Dr. Carpenter was ranked No. 22 (tied). Additionally, Dr. Boyle was ranked for all methods, auditing, and experimental research and Dr. Carpenter was ranked for all methods.
Scranton’s DBA program also received international recognition when the prestigious accrediting body, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), listed the program in 2019 among the “Innovations and Best Practices in Canada, Latin America and the United States.” Scranton’s DBA was recognized for providing a non-traditional research DBA in accounting that “promotes diversity and practice relevance by providing a flexible path for experienced practitioners to gain the knowledge and credentials required to succeed in tenure-track positions at AACSB-accredited institutions.”
Dr. Parker’s dissertation is “A Bright Side of the Dark: The Effects of Machiavellian Personality Trait and Fraud Risk Indicators on Auditors’ Skeptical Judgments.” A resident of Franklin, North Carolina, Dr. Parker is a tenure-track assistant professor of accounting at Western Carolina University, which is where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
A Certified Public Accountant as well as a Certified Management Accountant, Dr. Boyle has more than 25 years of industry executive experience. An award-winning teacher, Dr. Boyle was profiled in 2020 and 2019 as one of just six “Professors to Know in Business Programs Based in the Northeast” selected by Bschools.org, an online resource for entrepreneurs. He was awarded the University Service and Leadership Award from the Provost in 2021, the Award in Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award from the Faculty Senate at Scranton in 2019 and has won numerous other awards for teaching and research. He is the founder and director of the University’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program.
Dr. Boyle’s research has been published in numerous academic and practitioner journals, such as The Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, Accounting Horizons, Issues in Accounting Education, Current Issues in Auditing, The Journal of Accounting Education, The Accounting Educators’ Journal, The Journal of Accountancy, Strategic Finance, Fraud Magazine, Internal Auditor, Management Accounting Quarterly, The CPA Journal, Internal Auditing, The Journal of Applied Business Research and The Journal of Business and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Boyle earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton, an MBA from Columbia University and a doctorate from Kennesaw State University.
Dr. Carpenter, who was named the University’s inaugural PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) LLP Accounting Research Chair, also received numerous teaching awards throughout his distinguished career. In 1990, he was named as The University of Scranton’s Alpha Sigma Nu Professor of the Year. In 1997, he was selected as Pennsylvania’s Accounting Professor of the Year by the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In 2002, he was selected as Scranton’s CASE Professor of the Year. In 2008, he was a recipient of the university’s Provost Excellence Award for the Scholarship of Teaching.
Dr. Carpenter co-authored two textbooks and published more than 50 articles in numerous professional and academic journals, including Accounting Organizations and Society, Accounting Horizons, The CPA Journal, Strategic Finance, Management Accounting Quarterly, The Internal Auditor, Internal Auditing, the Journal of Accounting Education, the Pennsylvania CPA Journal, the Journal of Applied Business Research and the Journal of Business and Economics Research. He holds an MBA from The University of Scranton as well as a bachelor’s degree and doctorate in accounting from the Pennsylvania State University.
DBA Graduate and Professors Win Silver Medal
Athletics
June 2, 2021
The top-seeded University of Scranton baseball team (20-9) held off a couple of late Elizabethtown rallies and captured the program's first Landmark Conference title with a 6-3 victory over the No. 3 seed Blue Jays (17-11) in the decisive game three on Sunday afternoon at Volpe Field. The team will compete in the Collegeville, Minnesota Regional hosted by Saint John's University beginning on Thursday.
The Royals are headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history and will find out where they are headed for regional play later on tonight. Stay tuned to athletics.scranton.edu for more information as it becomes available.
Junior Tyler Kirsten was 4-5 with an RBI and two runs scored on the afternoon and earned MVP honors for Scranton. On the weekend, Kirsten went 6-14 with a triple, three RBI and two runs scored in three games.
Trailing 6-3, the Blue Jays brought the tying run to the plate with two runners on and two outs in the ninth, but junior southpaw Ryan Heiser got Tyler McGonigle to ground to Kirsten at short and the celebration ensued for the Royals.
Scranton added two key insurance runs in the home half of the eighth as freshman Corey Zientek tripled off the wall in left center and scored on a balk and sophomore Justin Pinckert plated Kirsten with an RBI single to make it 6-3.
The insurance runs came on the heels of an ETown threat in the top of the inning with the tying run at third and two outs in a 4-3 game before freshman right-hander George Sengos got Robbie Bertuccio to fly to right and end the threat.
Junior righty Josh Lydon earned the win for the Royals after giving up two runs on seven hits while fanning a pair over six innings of work. The trio of senior righty Matt Morrow, Sengos and Heiser combined to close things out in relief.
Kelly Holdren surrendered four runs (one earned) on seven hits to go along with five walks and eight strikeouts in six-plus innings and took the loss for the Blue Jays. The earned run allowed by Holdren in the sixth inning was the first he had allowed this season.
ETown struck first with a run in the top of the second, but the Royals took the lead for good with three two-out runs in the third. A single and a walk put two men on before an error by McGonigle at short allowed the tying run to score and set the stage for consecutive RBI singles from junior Jake Lisicky and senior Kevin Johnson.
McGonigle knocked in a run with an RBI groundout in the sixth to cut the lead to 3-2 for the time being and Kirsten immediately answered for the Royals with a two-out RBI single in the home half of the frame. ETown cut the lead to 4-3 with an RBI single in the top of the seventh.
Kirsten matched his career-high with four hits in the win and Pinckert added a hit, RBI, two walks and a run scored.
Get the latest at athletics.scranton.edu.
CHAMPS! Baseball Holds Off Late ETown Rally to Capture First Landmark Title
Student
June 2, 2021
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 24th and 27th 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.
An archived recording of the ceremony can be seen here. $content.getChild('content').textValueUndergraduate Commencement Ceremonies Held
Student
June 2, 2021
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 24th and 27th 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.
$content.getChild('content').textValueUniversity Confers Master’s and Doctoral Degrees
Faculty
June 2, 2021
Faculty specialist David Ingber, Ph.D. wrote about the coming of the cicada in a recent Discover NEPA article.
"Right now, an entomological phenomenon nearly two decades in the making is poised to explode!" he wrote in the article. "You may have heard the buzz (pun 100% intended) surrounding this year’s 'Brood X' cicada, emerging from underground for the first time in 17 years."
Dr. Ingber is the coordinator of the General Biology Laboratories (BIOL 141L/142L) and an instructor of General Biology (BIOL 141/142). Dr. Ingber has studied the evolution of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) resistance in species of insect pests of corn as a response to transgenic corn hybrids. His research interests are in the fields of entomology, integrated pest management (IPM), insect resistance management (IRM), invertebrate zoology, ecology, and evolution.
Find out what you need to know about the coming of the "periodical" cicada, here.
The Cicada are Coming!
Athletics
June 2, 2021
Senior Anthony Lambroia delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth and The University of Scranton baseball team (18-8) captured its second walk-off win in as many days and advanced to the Landmark Conference Championship Series with a come-from-behind 11-10 victory over the Susquehanna River Hawks (11-17) on Sunday afternoon at Volpe Field.
The Royals erased deficits of 8-2 and 10-5 with a five-run seventh inning to tie the game at 10 and set the stage for another walk-off win.
Scranton will host Elizabethtown in the Landmark Conference best of three Championship series beginning on Saturday.
Lambroia's walk-off single scored sophomore pinch-runner Anthony Tramonte who entered the game after a leadoff double down the left field line from junior Jake Lisicky.
Junior left-hander Ryan Heiser tossed a 1-2-3 top of the ninth and notched his second win in as many days for Scranton. Dillan Weikel allowed the run on two hits in 1 1/3 IP and took the loss for the River Hawks.
In fact, the quartet of Heiser, freshman left-hander Michael Fox, junior righty Mason Boettger and freshman righty George Sengos combined to retire 10 straight over the final 3 1/3 innings.
Trailing 10-5, the Royals tied the game with the afore-mentioned five-run seventh as junior Tyler Kirsten knocked in a run with an RBI double and Lisicky cleared the bases with a three-run double that knotted things at 10.
Susquehanna starter Kyle Sears surrendered the 10 runs (nine earned) on nine hits to go along with two walks and five strikeouts in 6 1/3 IP. Junior right-hander Josh Lydon made the start for the Royals and allowed five runs on seven hits in 1 2/3 IP.
The River Hawks struck first with a run in the top of the first, but the Royals quickly answered with two in the home half including an RBI single from senior Kevin Johnson. Susquehanna plated four in the top of the second and added three more in the fourth to take an 8-2 lead for the time being.
Scranton began the comeback with a three-run blast from freshman Corey Zientek in the home half of the fifth, his second home run in as many days, that made it an 8-5 game before the River Hawks plated two more in the top of the sixth to take a 10-5 lead.
Senior Connor Harding was 2-5 with a double and three runs scored, while Zientek (2-3, 3 RBI, 3 R) and Lisicky (2-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI) also added multi-hit games for head coach Mike Bartoletti's squad.
Stay tuned to athletics.scranton.edu later in the week for a full preview of next weekend's Landmark Conference Championship series.
Lambroia's Walk-Off Single Lifts Baseball into Landmark Championship Series
Student
June 2, 2021
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.
SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Required for Students for Fall
Community
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton’s Cybercrime and Homeland Security program is launching a new Cybercrime Investigation Camp this July. This camp will offer high school students a special opportunity to explore the emerging and dynamic field of cybersecurity, explore potential career paths, and offers real-world learning experiences in cybercriminal profiling, cybersecurity countermeasures, cyber law, and digital forensics.
“Recent events have shown us how vital cyber is for our everyday life. We're pleased to offer this introduction to cybercrime investigation, as a way of educating local students on cybersecurity threats and to encourage them to consider a future in the cyber profession.” said Dr. Michael Jenkins, Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice, & Criminology.
The inaugural Cybersecurity investigation Camp will take place from July 13 through July 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. There is no fee for students attending this camp and participation is open to students who will be in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in Fall 2021. The priority application deadline is Monday, May 31, 2021, after which new applications will continue to be considered until spots are filled. Interested students can apply for the camp here.
The Cybercrime and Homeland Security program is one of the University’s newest programs and is located within the Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology Department. For more information about the University’s Cybercrime and Homeland Security program please click here.
For more information or questions about the Cybercrime and Homeland Security Camp, please contact Dr. Michael Jenkins at Michael.Jenkins@scranton.edu or 570-941-6170.
Inaugural Cybercrime Investigation Camp July 13-15
Student
June 2, 2021
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.
Students Participate in Advertising Competition
General
June 2, 2021
Commencement Weekend is just a few days away. This year, with three in-person undergraduate ceremonies and one graduate, plus several virtual and in-person special interest events, it’s just a little more complicated than usual, so we are laying it all out for you here.
If you can’t find the answer below, visit scranton.edu/commencement. For a chance for your photo to be featured on the Commencement page, use #Royals2021 when posting!
Who graduates when?
The graduate commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 22 at 10 a.m., and the three undergraduate ceremonies will take place on Sunday, May 23.
PCPS Undergraduate Commencement: May 23, 9:30 a.m.
KSOM Undergraduate Commencement: May 23, 1 p.m.
CAS Undergraduate Commencement: May 23, 4:30 p.m.
All events have limited seating capacities due to health and safety measures put in place because of the pandemic. Tickets are required to attend. More information about the Commencement ceremonies is here.
I don’t have a ticket. How do I celebrate with my graduate?
No problem! You can watch most of the events, live. Live streams can be found here.
My best friend is graduating from a different college. How do I watch his/her graduation?
Members of the Class of 2021 are invited to join together to view the Commencement live stream for the college ceremonies that they are not attending. Limited seating will be available in the Moskovitz Theater (DeNaples Center, 4th Floor).
Which events are in person, and which are virtual?
Most events are in person this year with limited tickets. However, Class Night and Baccalaureate Mass were pre-recorded, and will be able to be streamed here. Many other events are in person over the weekend and will also be live streamed.
A list of all of the special interest events, from the Donning of the Kente Ceremony to Nurses’ Pinning are listed here.
Do masks have to be worn, even if I’m vaccinated?
Through the end of the semester, the University will maintain the health and safety protocols of the Royals Safe Together Plan, including the requirement for everyone to wear masks on campus and at Commencement events.
I couldn’t pick up Commencement tickets for myself or my guests, now what?
You will be able to pick up tickets at separate will-call locations prior to each ceremony at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Graduates can pick up their will-call tickets at the East Gate and guests can pick up their will-call tickets at the West Gate.
What am I allowed to bring to Commencement?
Please do not bring extra items that you would have to carry in your hands (i.e. cameras, purses, etc.). All graduates will be screened upon entering the Arena. As of January 1, 2019, Mohegan Sun Arena implemented a clear bag policy to bring items into the venue. Find information about the policy, here.
When should I arrive at my Commencement ceremony?
- Arrive at the Mohegan Sun Arena 45 minutes prior to your ceremony.
- Graduate Commencement Arrival Time, May 22: 9:15 a.m.
- PCPS Arrival Time, May 23: 8:45 a.m.
- KSOM Arrival Time, May 23: 12:15 p.m.
- CAS Arrival Time, May 23: 3:45 p.m.
Is there a formal procession at my graduation?
There will not be a formal procession of the graduates.
At arrival, graduates must proceed to their assigned seats on the Arena floor. Seats are numbered by row/seat, and and seating instructions were sent to your Scranton.edu email address on Monday, May 17.
Are there meals on campus during Commencement Weekend?
Yes, there are, but not for guests.
Please show your Royal Card at the time of purchase.
Flex can be used in dining locations, POD and SBUX. All remaining flex will be lost if not used before Saturday, May 22, 2021.
Get more meal information and other information for graduates, here.
Which way does this tassel go?
To the right!
Student Ambassadors will assist with ensuring your academic attire (hood, cap, tassel) is on correctly. The velvet of your hood should be placed closest to your chin. The tassel for your cap should be placed on the right and the provost will instruct you to move it to the other side during the ceremony. Honor stoles and cords, if applicable, should be placed on your person before you don your hood. The stole and cords hang down the front of your gown.
Need a video? Student Government did one for you! Click on the image below for a video.
For more information on academic attire, visit this page.
Congratulations graduates!
For all other commencement information, please visit scranton.edu/commencement.
FAQ About Commencement Weekend
Student
June 2, 2021
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.
$content.getChild('content').textValue“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.”
Class of 2021 Evergreen Dedicated at Scranton
Student
June 2, 2021
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.
2021 Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize Winners
Student
June 2, 2021
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.
$content.getChild('content').textValueRenovations Underway for Mechanical Engineering
Athletics
June 2, 2021
For the second straight year, The University of Scranton department of athletics is pleased to announce that they will honor and recognize all graduating senior student-athletes on Thursday, May 27 in a virtual awards presentation that will be broadcast live on Zoom beginning at 7 p.m.
Along with the 2021 senior class, all student-athletes are encouraged to attend and take part in the show.
To RSVP for the show, click here: https://scranton.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IzzW_JcTQSGqZKtkoAboHA. Once you register for the show, you will be sent an automated e-mail with a link to access the show on May 27.
As COVID-19 restrictions are still in place across the state and on-campus, the event will be presented live via Zoom teleconference for the second consecutive year on the 27th. Here are some highlights to look forward to during the show.
- The athletics department will announce the five main senior awards during the show: the O'Hara, Carlesimo, Fitzpatrick, Willensky, and Ocorr awards. For more on the annual awards and past winners, click here: https://athletics.scranton.edu/Awards_-_Honors/Senior_Athlete_Awards/Senior_awards2020.pdf.
- Each senior, along with their teams, will be recognized throughout the evening, as well as the programs' highest-earning GPA award recipients.
- The show will also include some of the best (and funniest) moments throughout the year, as viewers will be able to participate in live polling for three superlative awards - best dance move, best game face, and best collision.
More information will be posted on the 2020-21 University of Scranton Senior Student-Athlete Celebration over the next two weeks as we countdown to May 27, so stay tuned to athletics.scranton.edu for more information as it becomes available!
Fans are reminded that you can also follow University of Scranton Athletics all year on both Instagram and Twitter @RoyalAthletics.
Department of Athletics to Host Virtual Senior Student-Athlete Celebration May 27
Student
June 2, 2021
As the semester winds down, students present their artwork, plays, music, writing and more during various final events, both online and in-person.
Performance Music Presents Steel Pans Drum Band
The May 15 event is for members of the campus community ONLY.
Get all the details, here.
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.)
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.)
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)
Students in the Arts Showcase Talent in Final Shows of Year
Student
June 2, 2021
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.
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.)
Senior Research Spotlight: Jessica Fanelli
Staff
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton presented Sursum Corda (Lift Up Your Hearts) Awards to staff members, Kim Hurst, payroll specialist; Maryjane Rooney, director of strategic outreach and presidential events; and JoAnn Stavisky, caretaker of the Retreat Center at Chapman Lake; at a ceremony held on campus that can be viewed here. The awards, presented by Acting President Jeffrey P. Gingerich, Ph.D., recognize members of the University’s professional/paraprofessional staff, clerical/technical staff and maintenance/public safety staff who have made outstanding contributions to the life and mission of the University.
“This year we will honor three staff members who have shown exceptional dedication or creativity in performing their duties; built, contributed or nurtured the sense of community; and contributed in a significant way to helping members of our community,” said Patricia Tetreault, vice president for human resources, at the ceremony.
In his remarks, Dr. Gingerich thanked “all the staff and faculty who have done so much this year and who are all deserving of awards” prior to presenting Sursum Corda Awards to three “exceptional staff members.”
“Since day one, Kim has shown herself to be a dedicated, loyal and conscientious employee, working under strict deadlines each week to be sure the various payrolls she is responsible for are all completed accurately and on-time,” said Dr. Gingerich in presenting the Sursum Corda Award to Kim Hurst. “Kim is known to regularly plan her vacation time around payroll dates.”
In presenting the award to Maryjane Rooney, Dr. Gingerich said that she has served the University through her work in the Alumni Office “with grace, care and a true sense of mission for the past 32 years.”
“For Maryjane, 51,000 is not merely a number, there is a story and a memory behind each one and the fact that she can recall so many of them is astonishing,” said Dr. Gingerich. “She makes it a point to get to know students and alumni on a personal level, strengthening their Scranton connection.”
Dr. Gingerich said JoAnn Stavisky is more than the caretaker for the University’s Retreat Center – “she’s the innkeeper.”
“In speaking with JoAnn, one knows the fulfillment she gets in making sure the Retreat Center is a place of contemplation, reflection and enjoyment for all that walk through any of its doors. She prepares the Chapel and the Lake Room so the students have the space needed to interact with each other, their leaders and the Lord.”
Staff members who joined the University in the fall of 2020 and in 2021 were also recognized at the ceremony.
$content.getChild('content').textValueSursum Corda Awards Presented to Staff Members
Community
June 2, 2021
This spring The University of Scranton offered several structured dialogues to a variety of participants as a part of its ongoing Dialogue initiative. The goal of these structured dialogues is to provide participants with a space to engage and encounter each other's experiences and views -- not debate or persuade -- to build understanding. This spring the University offered two nonpartisan student political dialogues, community dialogues and youth dialogues.
Campus Political Dialogues
In March and April, the University’s Political Dialogues Working Group offered two virtual student political dialogues on two current issues: what it takes to sustain democracy and exploring “cancel culture.” A total of 107 University of Scranton students attended. The first political dialogue, Democracy: Are We “Brave Enough to Be It”?, took place on Wednesday, March 3, and was inspired by National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman’s inauguration poem “The Hill We Climb”. The second political dialogue, Exploring “Cancel Culture,” took place on Tuesday, April 20, and offered an opportunity for students to discuss the phenomenon of cancel culture and its impact on both society and individuals.
Scranton City Dialogue
On the evening of May 5 Scranton community members joined for a special community dialogue event, Community Conversation: A Scranton City Dialogue. This Jane Jacobs inspired community conversation focused on questions and themes raised by Jacobs in a seminal 1987 letter to the City about “what Scranton is, has been, and can be.” Over 30 participants joined via Zoom for a structured dialogue to share what they love about Scranton and to identify ways that we can work to address Scranton’s most pressing challenges. This community dialogue was sponsored by The University of Scranton and The Center for the Living City in partnership with United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, NeighborWorks of NEPA, Scranton Tomorrow, Valley in Motion, the Greater Scranton MLK Commission, and the Scranton Area Ministerium.
Dialogues on Topics of Race and Black History
In January, the University also partnered with the Greater Scranton MLK Commission to offer two community dialogue events. These community conversations were offered as a follow up to the MLK Commission’s MLK Day event featuring Dr. John Amechi, OBE and provided participants with an opportunity to expand upon the ideas shared by Dr. Amechi and to connect with others within their home communities to discuss how to build a more inclusive and equitable community. A total of 46 community members attended.
Several youth dialogues were also offered this spring. On Feb. 3, middle and high school students came together for a dialogue focused on this year’s Scranton Reads Book Never Caught: The Story of the Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge, by Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar. Students joined to discuss Dunbar’s book and to reflect on our nation’s founding ideals and the lived reality of slavery and racism.
Youth Dialogues as Part of a Community-Based Learning Course
Two additional youth dialogues were held as a part of a community-based learning course, Family Issues and Social Policy, offered by sociology professor Dr. Loreen Wolfer. Dr. Wolfer’s students prepared for these dialogues by participating in campus dialogues, attending facilitator training, and crafting their own original dialogue questions. For these dialogues, students from community-partner United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA “Leader’s In Training” (LIT) program joined with University student facilitators for two structured dialogue sessions focused on current affairs. The first dialogue, “Covid Challenges: We’re All Feeling It” took place on April 29 and examined the impact, both positive and negative, that this past year has had on relationships, school, and social relationships. The second dialogue, “Exploring Issues of Bullying and Cancel Culture,” took place on May 6 and offered LIT students an opportunity to discuss their own experiences and also to listen to learn from the experiences of others when it comes to bullying and “cancel culture.”
“There are many challenges of doing social science-related, community-based learning during a pandemic. The Structured Dialogues between my Family Issues and Social Policy students, the UNC Youth program, and the Office of Community Based Learning created a unique opportunity for my students to relate some of the issues covered in the class to the perspectives of local high school students in a way that my students found to be informative and personally rewarding. In fact, my students enjoyed connecting with the area high schoolers so much that I am going to look for pedagogical ways to incorporate this as a consistent option for CBL in this class,” said Dr. Wolfer.
The University has organized similar structured discussions on campus since 2017 as part of an ongoing dialogue initiative. (scranton.edu/alumni/journal/issues/2018/fall/features/political-bubble.shtml). Questions about the virtual political and community dialogues can be directed to community@scranton.edu.
University Continues Dialogue Initiative with a Variety of Events this Spring
Student
June 2, 2021
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.
$content.getChild('content').textValueStudents Win Cyber Forensic Competition
Alumni
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton will formally recognize four honorary degree recipients at its undergraduate commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 23. Receiving honorary degrees from the University, which were conferred by the University’s Board of Trustees prior to commencement, are: Susan M. St. Ledger ’86, president of worldwide field operations for Okta, Inc.; 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 Nicole Young ’00, Emmy Award-winning producer for 60 Minutes. St. Ledger will also serve as the principal speaker at the 2021 commencement on Sunday, May 23.
Susan M. St. Ledger ’86
At Okta, a global provider of secure identity management platforms, St. Ledger’s responsibilities include worldwide sales, customer success and support, professional services, partner and channel ecosystems, marketing and brand, and business operations. She has more than 25 years of senior leadership in high-growth technology companies. She previously served for more than four years as president of worldwide field operations for Splunk, more than 11 years at Salesforce and more than 12 years at Sun Microsystems. She is a passionate learner and anchors her leadership principles in what she calls a high-growth mindset, which is required to transform and accelerate business. She has demonstrated expertise in identifying market opportunity and business transformation needs for SaaS environments.
St. Ledger started her career in several technical jobs, including her first role out of college as a software engineer at the National Security Agency. In November 2019, St. Ledger became the first independent board member of HashiCorp, the leader in multi-cloud infrastructure automation software.
St. Ledger earned her bachelor’s degree in computer science, magna cum laude, from the University in 1986.
Rev. Otto Hentz, S.J.
Fr. Hentz has been a professor at Georgetown University for more than 50 years. A gifted and dedicated teacher, Georgetown University named him a Wall Street Alliance Honoree in 2015.
In 1955, Fr. Hentz entered the Society of Jesus, and later taught philosophy at Georgetown from 1962-1965. He was ordained as a priest in 1968. He earned a doctoral degree in theology from the University of Chicago. He returned to Georgetown in 1972 as a member of the Department of Theology and has served as an associate professor at Georgetown since 1978, teaching courses on the Catholic Church in the modern world, Christianity and Jesus Christ, and systematic theology.
Fr. Hentz has served two terms as a member of The University of Scranton’s board of trustees.
Rev. Columba A. Stewart, O.S.B.
Through his work at the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library, Fr. Stewart has traveled to the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and South Asia, working with international religious leaders, government authorities and archivists to preserve ancient to early-modern religious manuscripts. In 2015, the Hill Museum launched an online reading room to provide access to the library’s growing digitized collection, which is already the world’s largest digital collection of ancient manuscripts. His work has been featured in stories in 60 Minutes, the BBC, Harvard Magazine and The Atlantic.
A scholar of early Christian monasticism, Fr. Stewart’s books include Working the Earth of the Heart: the Messalian Controversy in History, Texts and Language to 431 and Prayer and Community: the Benedictine Tradition.
Fr. Stewart earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, his master’s in religious studies from Yale University, and his doctorate in theology from Oxford University.
Nicole Young ’00
During her distinguished career, Young has been honored with 16 News and Documentary Emmy Awards, three Alfred I. DuPont- Columbia Awards, four Writer’s Guild Awards, two Gerald Loeb Awards, two Sigma Delta Chi Awards, four National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Salute to Excellence Awards, a George Foster Peabody Award, a George Polk Award, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and a Wilbur Award to name a few.
Young’s most recent 60 Minutes assignments include breaking news coverage on the impeachment inquiry against President Donald Trump; reporting on Syria from the front lines on the refugee crisis, the use of chemical weapons and The Syrian Civil Defense, also known as “The White Helmets” and Ethiopia’s Rock-hewn Churches of Lalibela. Some of Young’s most critical stories, however, are those focusing on job loss, poverty, homelessness and especially child hunger in the United States.
In addition to producing pieces for 60 Minutes, Young played an essential role as a senior producer at the CBS Evening News for six years where she broke major stories for the nightly broadcast.
Young arrived at CBS News as an intern at the age of 19 and has worked for CBS in Washington, D.C., London and New York. She joined 60 Minutes in 2004 as Scott Pelley’s assistant and became his producer a few years later. A member of The University of Scranton’s Board of Trustees, Young earned her bachelor’s degree from Scranton in 2000 and her master’s degree from City, University of London.
Undergraduate commencement ceremonies will be held on Sunday, May 23, for graduates of the University’s Panuska College of Professional Studies at 9:30 a.m.; the Kania School of Management at 1 p.m.; and for the College of Arts and Sciences at 4:30 p.m.
Four Receive Honorary Degrees from University
Student
June 2, 2021
"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.
Students Honor Father Pilarz in New Video
Student
Requirements
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.
June 2, 2021
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
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.
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.
Apply to be a Social Media Intern at University
General
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton Players is proud to present its final show of the year, the 313 Monroe Variety Hour. An evening of classic radio for the podcasting era.
Available from May 7 to May 14 on YouTube. Enjoy this family-friendly romp through the golden age of radio featuring comedy from Abbot and Costello, the Marx Brothers, and many, many more.
Join us via this link.
UofS Players Present: 313 Monroe Variety Hour
Student
June 2, 2021
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!
DeNaples Mailroom Hours for Summer
Student
June 2, 2021
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!)
Campus Community Invited: Steel Pans Drum Band Debut Performance
Student
June 2, 2021
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.
Student Art Exhibition 2021 Online
Student
June 2, 2021
Esprit Virtual Reading
Alumni
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton will celebrate 5.06, its seventh annual Day of Giving, on Thursday, May 6. This year’s goal is to reach 2,427 donors by midnight on 5.06 in honor of the University’s 24th and 27th president, the Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
There are many ways to participate in the 5.06 fun, including wearing purple, posting fond Scranton memories and photos on social media using #RoyalsDontWasteLove and #GiveToScrantON506, and making a gift to the campus fund of your choice. More than 506 alumni, students, parents and friends of the University have already registered for this year’s Virtual 5.06K, a virtual exercise challenge that invites participants to exercise in any way by Thursday at midnight. All 5.06K participants will automatically be counted as 5.06 donors, and registrants can designate their registration fees to the University cause of their choice. Donors to the Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. Scholarship will receive a “Don’t Waste Love” T-shirt honoring the memory of Father Pilarz.
To make your 5.06 gift, visit this link. To register for the Virtual 5.06K, visit this link. For more information on 5.06.21, visit this link.University To Celebrate Day Of Giving May 6
Alumni
June 2, 2021
Every few years, The University of Scranton reaches out to the readers of The Scranton Journal, our alumni magazine, to get their input on the magazine. This past academic year, due to the pandemic, the University decided to publish digital-only issues of the magazine. This helped us to conserve resources and provide our readers with more current, relevant content.
We hope you’ll let us know how you felt about your experience with our online issues of the Journal.
Our web-based survey is easy to use and takes about 5 minutes to complete.
If you have questions about this survey, please contact scrantonjournal@scranton.edu.
Alumni, thank you in advance for helping to make The Scranton Journal even better. To begin the survey, click on the following link or copy and paste it into your browser.
Alumni: We Need Your Input to Improve the Online Scranton Journal!
Alumni
June 2, 2021
Rainbow Royals, the University's LGBTQIA+ and ally alumni network, will hold a virtual meet and greet via zoom May 12 at 7 p.m.
The virtual meeting will feature 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 on campus. To register for the event, visit this link.
To learn more about Rainbow Royals, visit this link.
Rainbow Royals to Hold Virtual Meet and Greet May 12
Alumni
June 2, 2021
The University will hold "Interviewing," the final installment in its series of alumni career development webinars, Wednesday, May 26, at 7 p.m.
The workshop, hosted by Director for Career Development Chris Whitney G'06 and Assistant Director for Career Development Lori Moran '93, G'95, will focus on how Royals can succeed during the interview process. Registration will open soon.
The series sprang from a partnership between The Alumni Society Advisory Board and The Center for Career Development. The University will hold "Interviewing," the final installment in the series, May 26.
The first four installments in the series, "What The Center For Career Development Can Do For Scranton Alumni," "Changes Within Your Career," "Building And Enhancing Your Resume" and "The Job Search," are available to view at scranton.edu/alumnicareers.
University to Continue Alumni Career Development Webinar Series May 26
Staff
June 2, 2021
The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!
THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for May 2021 is: Colleen McGoff - Nursing
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Colleen does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Colleen and all our nominees.
How long have you worked at the University?
I have worked at the University since 2008.
What do you like best about your job?
The best part of my job is the interaction with the students and watching the students' level of confidence and knowledge grow as they progress through the program.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to spend time with my children, read, walk, watch sports, and laugh for fun!
Colleen will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of March. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner, and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.
May 2021 Nominees:
Maria Marinucci - Cross Cultural Centers
Jon Kessell - IT Services
Mike Ridder - HVAC
Don McCall - Technology Support Center
Lisa Bealla - Student Activities
Eileen Notarianni - Human Resources
Jill Lear - Nursing
Scott McFadden - Facilities
Colleen McGoff - Nursing
Shawn Beistline - IT
Adam Szydlowski - KSOM Advising
Kevin Stanford - KSOM Advising
Karen Marx - KSOM Advising
Tracy McFadden-Operations & Info Management
Jason Oakey - IT/Audio Video Services
Laura Richards - External Affairs
Barbara King - Center for Service and Social Justice
Valarie Clark - Printing & Mailing Svcs
May 2021 Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award Winner
Student
June 2, 2021
We asked Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., the 29th 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.
Get to Know Father Marina
General
June 2, 2021
For faculty, staff and students: If you have missed, or would like to take a second look at, any of our diversity and inclusion programming this year, we encourage you to visit our website, and click on the blue bar 'Diversity & Inclusion Recorded Programs for Faculty, Staff and Students.'
**Please note: The Milagros Castillo-Montoya Antiracist Teaching Pedagogy Videos are only available for a short time. We encourage faculty to view them at their earliest convenience.
If you have any questions or have difficulty accessing a video, please contact jennifer.pennington@scranton.edu.
Diversity Programming and Workshop Videos Posted
Alumni
June 2, 2021
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
William L. Kovacs ’69, Great Falls, Virginia, was awarded the 2021 Independent Press Award (category Social/Political change) for his book "Reform the Kakistocracy: Rule by the Least Able or Least Principled Citizens." In 2020, his book received the bronze award from the Non-Fiction Book Association. It was also given five stars from Readers’ Favorite. "Reform the Kakistocracy" sets out how the federal government transformed itself from one of limited powers to one of immense power without any constitutional changes. Kovacs states, “These changes in institutional power fundamentally affect the relationship of citizens to their government. Government is now the master and citizens the servant of government. The loyalty of today’s elected officials is to a political party and interest groups, not to solving problems for citizens.” Unlike many books on government reform, "Reform the Kakistocracy" does not dangle fuzzy proposals in front of the reader; instead, it presents clear, thought-provoking ideas for reforming government.
Michael F. Cosgrove ’82, Dunmore, partner in the law firm of Haggerty Hinton & Cosgrove, LLP, is president-elect for the Lackawanna Bar Association and was elected president of The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick for 2021-22.
Michael A. Sebastian ’88, Moosic, has joined Marshall Dennehey’s Moosic, PA office as a shareholder in the Workers’ Compensation Department. Sebastian concentrates the entirety of his practice on workers’ compensation defense and represents employers, insurance carriers and third-party administrators. With more than 20 years of experience, he has appeared on behalf of his clients before many local judges, the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board, the Commonwealth Court and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. In addition to litigating claims, Sebastian counsels clients on implementing risk management strategies that focus on lowering workers’ compensation costs and avoiding liability exposure.
Judith Pinataro Castrogiovanni ’97, G’01, Moscow, principal of Jefferson Elementary School, Jefferson Township, in the North Pocono School District, has been named Pennsylvania’s 2021 National Distinguished Principal (NDP) by the Pennsylvania Principals Association. As a state winner in the National Association of Elementary School Principals’ (NAESP) National Distinguished Principal (NDP) Program, Castrogiovanni will be honored by NAESP and the PA Principals Association at special award ceremonies in the fall.
Melissa M. Donahue ’98, Philadelphia, has joined Bancroft Capital, a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, specializing in Institutional Brokerage and Capital Markets services, as vice-president. Donahue will work on the equity trading desk at the Fort Washington office and will assist with compliance and back-office operations.
Kelly A. Thompson-Brazill ’99, Wake Forest, North Carolina, has been promoted to associate professor, School of Nursing and Health Studies, at Georgetown University.
Robin Raju ’04, Bronxville, New York, has been appointed to chief financial officer of Equitable Holding, a financial service holding company comprised of Equitable and AllianceBernstein.
BIRTHS
A son, David William Savino, to Dave ’13 and Cassie Doheny Savino ’14, Paramus, New Jersey
DEATHS
Hugh P. Donlan ’55, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
J. Roger Kemple ’58, Alachua, Florida
James J. Peyton ’59, Binghamton, New York
Edward M. Marinchak ’63, King of Prussia
David M. Philips ’69, Northampton
Col. Arthur T. Carey, USA, Ret. ’70, Jonesboro, Georgia
Paul Serpico ’70, Fairfield, New Jersey
Eugene F. Killiany ’73, G’78, Scranton
Patricia A. Mellow ’82, Forest City
Friends' Deaths
Christopher J. Sauer, son of Joseph F. Sauer ’64
Alumni Class Notes, May 2021
Student
June 2, 2021
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.
Scully Scholars Summer Internship Program 2021
Student
June 2, 2021
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
Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan Cornerstone Scholarship
Student
June 2, 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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General
June 2, 2021
This IT Matters was created in collaboration with the Administrative Technology Advisory Council (ATAC) Data Governance Subcommittee, which provides guidance and advice on the enterprise administrative systems at the University.
This edition highlights the ways offices have adopted various technologies to enhance or to allow for business continuity, which was necessary when the University switched to remote work in March 2020.
We hope that you find this information insightful.
In this issue:
- Graduation Audits for Graduate Students Move Online!
- Rank and Tenure Review Moves Online.
- Printing safely with UniPrint.
- Student Absences due to Quarantine/Isolation: Notification Process Improvement.
Read the articles here.
Have You Read the Latest IT Matters?
Student
June 2, 2021
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.”
Six Royals Become Members of the Catholic Church
Student
June 2, 2021
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
12th Annual Festival of Nations
Community
June 2, 2021
The Commuter Student Association (CSA) is sponsoring the first-ever "CSA Restaurant Fest" on May 13 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. For the event, the CSA is sponsoring meals for 100 University of Scranton students that will include an appetizer, entree and dessert, each from a different downtown Scranton restaurant. Participation is open to all University students and pre-registration is required here.
The goal of this event is to promote downtown restaurant businesses and encourage University students to explore the many diverse food options in downtown Scranton. The event includes five different meal routes. Each route will offer University students a different appetizer, entrée and dessert from three different downtown Scranton restaurants. The routes will be assigned at random to participating University students, mindful of any dietary needs and offer students the chance to both try new downtown restaurant businesses while also enjoying a walk around downtown Scranton.
"Restaurant Fest was conceived with our local businesses in mind. We wanted to organize a COVID-safe in-person event that would be engaging for students while supporting local businesses, who have been hit hard by the economic consequence of the pandemic. We are so thrilled to introduce the university students to the cuisine available within walking distance of our campus," said Mollie Boyd ’21, CSA president.
During this event, students are encouraged to stop by the Scranton Courthouse, with masks and social distancing, to visit the Jane Jacobs glasses art installation, which is a part of the Observe Scranton Jane Jacobs First City Festival. Students can take a photo in the oversized glasses and send to community@scranton.edu for a chance to win prizes including gift certificates to downtown Scranton businesses.
CSA Restaurant Fest is the newest program offered by the CSA that aims to help University of Scranton students experience the City of Scranton and all that it has to offer. The CSA partnered with the Office of Community Relations for the outreach to downtown eateries.
“With the University's restrictions to keep students and the community safe, we needed to cancel many CSA traditions, but this challenged our team to think outside the box to create new and exciting programs after a long and difficult year. We have been partnering with Scranton businesses to produce events such as a Drive-In Movie, Small Business Bingo, and now Restaurant Fest," said Sarah Ferraro ’22, CSA vice president.
For more information about the CSA Restaurant Fest please contact CSA president Mollie Boyd at mollie.boyd@scranton.edu.
CSA to Offer First Ever Restaurant Fest
Student
June 2, 2021
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.
Alpha Lambda Delta
Alpha Sigma Lambda
Beta Beta Beta
Chi Delta Rho
Institute for Management Accountants
Kappa Delta Pi
Nu Rho Psi
Omega Beta Sigma
Phi Delta Kappa
Phi Lambda Upsilon
Pi Sigma Alpha
Sigma Nu Tau
Sigma Pi Sigma
Sigma Theta Tau
Sigma Xi
Tau Upsilon Alpha
Theta Alpha Kappa
Students Inducted into National Honor Societies
Student
June 2, 2021
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:
Peter Amicucci
Amy Atkinson
Joseph Barry
Emma Boyle
Shannon Broderick
Mya Buschman
Emily Campo
Kanak Chattopadhyay
Alaina Ciorra
Sarah Coulson
Hannah Crilley
Jenna Cyr
Emily D’Urso
Michael Diehl
Elizabeth DiGiovine
Crisel Divinagracia
Allison Eichinger
Elizabeth Filachek
Autumn Flick
Emily Foster
Melisa Gallo
Amanda Gerenza
Anna Giannantonio
Jack Golden
Jessica Goldschlager
Bridget Gras
Erin Grell
Hanna Guarnuccio
Giovanni Gunawan
Emily Harvan
Joseph Hassey
Kathie Kaopuiki Nestrick
Sarah Lajeunesse
Alicia Lipinski
Isaiah Livelsberger
Clare Long
Megan Maloney
Vincent McClosky
Marnie Monahan
Kimberly Morris
Bridget Neal
Alexis Pagonis
Simon Peter
Julia Piermatteo
Matthew Pinto
Jessica Raichel
Morgan Rentzheimer
Katherine Rodrigo
Meghan Rohr
Julia Romanovich
Kyle Shaffer
Zachary Shaffer
Christina Shaffern
Evan Spinner
Salvatore Sullivan
Claire Sunday
Jordyn Thompson
Casey Trezza
Katherine Welby
Christiana Wood
Mary Kate Yatsonsky
Students Inducted into Jesuit Honor Society
April
View April Listing Page
Community
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton’s partnered with Hometown Healthcare of NEPA to hold a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for students, faculty and staff in the Byron Recreation Complex on April 23. In addition to members of the University community, spouses and children who 16 or older of faculty and staff, and students from Scranton Preparatory School aged 16 or older, also received their first doses of the Pfizer vaccine at the clinic. In total, 969 people were vaccinated at the clinic.
Participants will receive the second dose of the vaccine at a clinic on campus scheduled for Friday, May 14.
The University’s Center for Health Education and Wellness (CHEW) worked with Hometown Healthcare of NEPA to arrange the clinic. In addition to staff members of CHEW, 52 students, faculty and staff volunteered at the clinic, including 16 students enrolled in the University’s nursing program who helped to administer the vaccinations.
As part of the University’s Royals Safe Together Plan, students who are fully vaccinated are asked to upload their vaccine information through the student health portal. Based on vaccination documents submitted, a student survey and participation in the campus vaccine clinic last week, the University estimates that more than 2,500 students have already received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Held on Campus
Faculty
June 2, 2021
This note was sent by Father Herb Keller, S.J., rector, Jesuit Community, to faculty and staff.
Each year the Scranton Jesuit Community recognizes a member of the graduating class who has exemplified the Ignatian ideal of being “a man or woman for and with others.”
The Jesuit Community Award for Outstanding Service is given to the graduate who has rendered extraordinary volunteer service to those in need in the Scranton area and elsewhere. The widest possible definition of this service is used, but ordinarily, it would occur outside the University. The service could have been rendered as part of a group effort or as an individual; through an agency or informally. It should be verifiable in some way. Ordinary club activity is not included, unless it involves a substantial service component.
With this message, I invite you to submit nominations for this award to the Director of Campus Ministries’ Center for Service and Social Justice, Pat Vaccaro. Pat’s e-mail address is patricia.vaccaro@scranton.edu. Pat will forward the names to the Jesuit Community. Please include all relevant information (an outline of service, resume, vitae, etc.) and send the e-mail recommendation by Friday, April 30 at noon. If you wish to send a written nomination, you are welcome to do so.
Faculty and Staff: Jesuit Community Award Nominations
Staff
June 2, 2021
The Employee Wellness Program is excited to introduce a new Walk for Wellness 3- week program for staff and faculty beginning May 3 asking participants to challenge themselves to walk 30 minutes/5 days a week or 150 minutes a week.
The registration deadline is Sunday, May 2.
This program is designed to motivate, reward, and build community among employees at the University of Scranton. Walking is easy, cost-effective and has many powerful physical and mental health benefits.
Register Here or Scan code with your camera phone on the poster below.
Staff and Faculty: Walk for Wellness
Student
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton's annual End of the Year Drive, hosted by The Center for Service & Social Justice, collects all the items that students would normally discard at the end of the academic year. A team of more than 20 underclassmen undertakes the effort to collect, sort and distribute the donations, volunteering to stay on campus after final exams.
Donations are given to area agencies in need such as Friends of the Poor, Community Invention Center, and St. Francis of Assisi Clothing House and food pantry.
Boxes will be placed in all residence halls and The DeNaples Center on Tuesday, May 4 and Wednesday, May 5 and will remain there until graduation.
For more information or questions, please contact Avianna.Carilli@scranton.edu or Marino.Angeloni@scranton.edu.
End of the Year Drive
General
June 2, 2021
On Saturday, April 17, 2021, The Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children students and their families joined Mary Ann Stefko to celebrate Earth Day and plant flowers and trees. Professor Stefko teaches American Sign Language at The University of Scranton and at The Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children. Several University of Scranton alumni who studied American Sign Language under Professor Stefko volunteered to join the students and their families for the day and had the chance to use their skills in ASL to communicate with these children.
These alumni include Kayla Concannon '19, who is an occupational therapist in Philadelphia who works with individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Matthew Busch '18 is a fourth-year medical student at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and upon graduation this spring will begin a residency in pediatrics.
Jackie Bailey '18 did her counseling clinical at The Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children and became the school counselor.
These three alumni joined Professor Stefko, her students, and their families for this Earth Day celebration and had the opportunity to interact with the children who attended the event using ASL.
“To say that ‘one language class can change your life’ might be lofty, but for these alumni and the children and families I serve, it certainly is the truth," said Professor Stefko.
Learning American Sign Language through The University of Scranton gives students and alumni the chance to impact lives for the better. This is just one example of how learning a world language can give you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people in your community and the world.
American Sign Language I will be offered in the fall of 2021 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-5:15 p.m.
Would you like to learn more about ASL and other world languages at The University of Scranton?
Contact Dr. Yamile Silva at yamile.silva@scranton.edu.
How Languages Impact Lives for the Better
General
June 2, 2021
The Committee on the Status of Women (CSW) works to promote and pursue equitable and just treatment for women and all members of the University community. The CSW seeks to both raise community awareness of issues that impact the status of women, collaborate with other organizations that advocate for gender issues, and identify concerns that need further study.
To help identify concerns related to gender issues on campus, the CSW invites all members of the University community to its next meeting on Thursday, May 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Zoom ID available here.) You are welcome to come for just a little bit or for the full time! All attendees are welcome to share concerns about gender issues on campus, ideas for ways we can do better, or simply just listen. Following this open discussion, we invite all attendees to stay for a dialogue on the topic “Feminism as Leadership at The University of Scranton.” This discussion may include but is not limited to:
-What is “feminism,” and why is it relevant both for community members who are women and community members who are not women?
-What does/doesn't feminism look like at the University, and who are our feminist leaders?
-What does/doesn't feminism look like nationally, and who are feminist leaders in our country?
-How might feminism function both as leadership and to support leadership?
Attendees will also receive a CSW T-shirt!
If you have a concern but are unable to attend, you are welcome to submit your concerns through the anonymous virtual suggestion box on the CSW website.
Community members are also welcome to bring concerns to the open portion of any CSW meeting.
The meeting schedule can be found here.
Open Discussion on Gender at the University!
General
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton community is invited to gather at an all faiths prayer vigil for reflection and prayer regarding recent deaths that underscore the tragic consequences of systemic racism and oppression faced by Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ (especially transgender) persons, women, and others who are marginalized in our country, especially on the basis of race.
We encourage you to submit the names of persons you would like to honor by visiting this form.
The vigil program will be held on the Dionne Green, Tuesday, May 4 (rain date May 5) and will consist of an opening prayer at 4:00 p.m. a reading of the submitted names at 7:30 p.m. and a closing prayer at 9:00 p.m. Other activities and support and resources will be available during the vigil. Masks and social distancing will be required.
This University of Scranton program is being offered by the Office of Equity & Diversity, Campus Ministries, and the Cross Cultural Centers. For more information, please contact Dr. Helen Wolf at helen.wolf@scranton.edu, or call (570) 941-7419.
'Giving Voice to the Silenced' University Vigil
Faculty
June 2, 2021
Leonard G. Gougeon, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of English and Theatre at The University of Scranton, received the John L. Earl III Award for service to the University, the faculty and the wider community. The 2020 John L. Earl III Award was presented at a virtual faculty award ceremony on campus that took place in April 2021.
The award is given annually to a member of the University community who demonstrates the spirit of generosity and dedication that the late Dr. John Earl, a distinguished professor of history, exemplified during his years at Scranton from 1964 to 1996.
An internationally recognized scholar on Ralph Waldo Emerson, Dr. Gougeon has taught at the University for nearly fifty years. He joined the faculty at Scranton in 1974. A past-president of the Ralph Waldo Emerson Society, Dr. Gougeon received the society’s Distinguished Achievement Award in 2008. He has presented on Emerson and the British at Oxford University, and, in 2003, was one of a small group of invited scholars who spoke at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Historical Society as part of the Emerson Bicentennial celebration.
Dr. Gougeon is the author of Virtue’s Hero: Emerson, Antislavery, and Reform; Emerson and Eros: The Making of a Cultural Hero; and Emerson’s Truth, Emerson’s Wisdom: Transcendental Advice for Everyday Life. He is the coeditor of Emerson’s Antislavery Writings. He has published numerous scholarly articles on major figures of the American antebellum period in such journals as The New England Quarterly, American Literature, Walt Whitman Quarterly Review, Studies in the American Renaissance, Modern Language Studies and others. His essays appear in a number of collections including The Oxford Handbook to Transcendentalism, Emerson Bicentennial Essays, The Cambridge Companion to Henry David Thoreau, Thoreau at 200: Essays and Reassessments, A Political Companion to Ralph Waldo Emerson, Emerson in Context, Teaching Emerson and others. In 2015, he received the University’s Excellence in Scholarly Publication Award.
During his distinguished career at Scranton, Dr. Gougeon served as a member of the Faulty Senate for 31 years, including as a member of the Senate Committee on Shared Governance and Leadership. He also served as chair of the University Senate and as a member of the Faculty Affairs Council, where he served on its Board on Rank and Tenure and its Handbook Committee.
Dr. Gougeon earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University Halifax, and his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
English and Theatre Professor Receives Earl Award
Student
June 2, 2021
The eighth installment of the Manresa Retreat occurred the weekend of April 17 at the Bryn Mawr Retreat Center in Honesdale. Over the span of three days, the retreat focused on exploring the life’s work of the founding Jesuit saint, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and some of his unique contributions to the philosophy of love and religion.
“Manresa was the first retreat of my life and I didn’t know what to expect. I went in with an open mind and came out with new perspectives about God and spirituality. It was a great experience to meet new people and immerse myself in the University culture,” said Matthew Morris ’23.
One of the most outstanding accomplishments of St. Ignatius was his Spiritual Exercises, a prayer and meditation guide written in the town of Manresa in 1548. Ignatius provides a well-developed overview of the Spiritual Exercises in the first five stanzas of its introductory Principle and Foundation. This Principle helped the Manresa retreatants explore the concepts of love for self, for God, and for others. Retreatants uncovered in prayer and in various discussions the meaning of finding God in all things, gratitude and reverence, faith that does justice, Ignatian indifference, and magis and discernment.
"My experience with the Manresa retreat has been nothing but positive. It has allowed me to recognize the gifts that I see in myself and how I can use them to impact the world around me," said HollyAnn Serp ‘21.
In what was a wonderful and impressionable weekend, everybody left in appreciation of the fact that we are all truly from love, of love, and for love.
The Manresa Retreat: From Love, Of Love, and For Love
Community
June 2, 2021
As the pandemic continued during the spring semester and community-based learning pivoted to a remote format, the Office of Community-Based Learning in collaboration with various campus partners created a new series of “CBL Talks” to give students a way to learn about the city of Scranton’s people, challenges, and opportunities and how students can be a part of positive change.
From February to April, a series of three live sessions were offered to students so they could hear from various speakers from local organizations and ask questions about Scranton community issues and topics. Overall, a total of 280 students and faculty attended the events, often as part of a CBL or other relevant course.
This series began during Black History Month with a presentation from the Black Scranton Project founder and CEO Glynis Johns. In her CBL Talk “Black Scranton Then and Now” on Feb. 23, Johns presented on her research into the longstanding roots of the Black community in the city of Scranton, including notable figures in local Black history, as well as University history related to a regrettable regional and nationwide pattern of past “mock slave auction fundraiser” events. She focused on how we can examine both our city and University history to identify ways in which we can make positive change moving forward, to create a more equitable and inclusive community.
The next “CBL Talk” in the series, “Economic Insecurity Amidst a Pandemic,” was offered to students on Tuesday, March 16. This event featured speakers Lisa Durkin, CEO of United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, and Meghan Loftus, president and CEO of Friends of the Poor. Durkin and Loftus shared information about the work of their respective organizations to address the needs of low-income neighbors in our community with the impact of economic, food and housing insecurity, all of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Durkin discussed the problems of negative assumptions sometimes made about people facing poverty and the stigma that can be associated with receiving charitable or governmental aid. Loftus focused on how their efforts at Friends of the Poor address both urgent needs and long-term solutions and reflected, as a University of Scranton alumna, about the rewards of work in the nonprofit sector.
The final event in the series was on April 12 and focused on “Immigrant Inclusion,” and featured the chairs of Lackawanna County’s Immigrant Inclusion Committee, Alejandra Marroquin and Jenny Gonzalez, who have worked to address bias in the community and advocate for greater inclusion. They talked about the diversity of recent waves of immigration from a variety of Latin American nations, the different factors and causes that lead to migration – from extreme poverty to civil war – and the challenges and promise of the American immigrant experience. Marroquin and Gonzalez also talked about current challenges at the U.S.-Mexico border and the ongoing and urgent need for solidarity.
Co-sponsors included the Office of Community-Based Learning, Office of Community and Government Relations, Center for Service and Social Justice, Black Student Union, Multi-Cultural Affairs Office, and Latin American Studies Program. While instituted during a pandemic year, these events may become an annual tradition, serving as one way to foster community-engaged learning, discussion, collaboration and solidarity.
Series Provides University Students With Insights into Scranton Community
Alumni
June 2, 2021
Fortune’s inaugural ranking of the “Best Online MBAs” placed The University of Scranton at No. 72 in the nation. Fortune initiated the new ranking in response to the transition of many schools to virtual formats for learning caused by the pandemic. Fortune expects the popularity of the online format for MBA programs will increase in the coming years.
The “Best Online MBAs” ranking was published online on April 26.
For the ranking, Fortune looked at the quality of the online MBA program at the colleges as measured by their students’ average undergraduate GPA and GMAT score, the number of students enrolled, the colleges’ first-year retention rate and its graduation rate, which accounted for 55 percent of the overall ranking score. Fortune partnered with Ipsos to survey thousands of business professionals and hiring managers to produce a measurement of the “brand appeal” of the college, or “how much a group of people want to recruit from the university” (20 percent). Fortune also counted the number of Fortune 1000 executives who earned an MBA from the college (17.5 percent) and calculated the “prestige score” of a college based its online MBA program rankings by other national sources such as U.S. News, The Princeton Review and others (7.5 percent).
Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 48; and its online MBA program at No. 111 in the nation in its “Best Online Programs” guide. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 67 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.” The University’s online and on-campus programs have been ranked by numerous sources, including The Princeton Review and The Wall Street Journal.
Fortune Best Online MBA Programs Includes Scranton
Community
June 2, 2021
Sixty-four students in grades six to 12 from Pennsylvania, New York and Singapore participated in The University of Scranton Earth Day Essay Contest this year. Awards were announced in a virtual ceremony on Earth Day, April 22.
University students who work in the Jesuit school’s Office of Sustainability reviewed the essays submitted, in addition to organizing and participating in the virtual award ceremony. University students participating in the ceremony were: Angela Hudock, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Sayre; Samuel Marranca, a history major from Pittston; Michael Quinnan a biomathematics major from Shavertown; and Nathaniel Smith, a neuroscience major from of Wilkes-Barre.
“The quality of the submittals was very impressive again this year,” said Mark Murphy, director of the Office of Sustainability at the University. “The essay contest creates an opportunity for our young people to select an Earth Day topic, research it and write about it. Many students relate their topics to personal experiences and we feel this is a powerful way to impact our young people to care for our planet.”
This year’s essay theme was “Caring for our Common Home.”
According to Murphy, topics covered in essays this year included recycling, conservation, minimalism, plant based diets, single-use items, bees, gardening, the Paris Climate Agreement, agriculture, food composting, upcycling and micro-plastics, among others.
The sixth-grade essay contest winners were all from Bay Academy in Brooklyn, New York: Sophia Kokaram, first place; Ameen Zafar, second place; and Michael Gotesman, third place.
The seventh-eighth grade essay contest winners were: Stephen Tharian, first place, Bay Academy; Kayla Marie Goultone, second place, Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School, Scranton; and Abernathy Itterly, third place (tie), Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School and Haram Shahid, third place (tie), Bay Academy.
The eighth-grade essay contest winners were: Ronan Whittaker, first place, Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School; Gianna Coroniti, second place, Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School; Jaela Callender, third place (tie), Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School and Brian Yablonovskiy, third place (tie), Bay Academy.
The ninth-10thgrade essay contest winners were: Kiera Kupsho, first place, Hazleton Area Academy of Science, Drums; and Brooke Charette, second place, Hazleton Area High School, Hazleton.
The 11th-12th grade essay contest winners were not designated as first, second or third place, but recognized as award winners. The students receiving an award for the 11th and 12th grade category were: Hannah Burke, Blue Mountain High School, Schuylkill Haven; Chan Kia Meng Charles, Dunman High School, Singapore; Gavin Ross, Abington Heights High School, Clarks Summit; and Ashley Sabia, Hazleton Area Academy of Science.
Information about next year’s essay contest will be posted to the University’s Sustainability webpage in January 2022.
Earth Day Essay Contest Awards Presented
Community
June 2, 2021
The Center for the Living City, with community partner organizations including The University of Scranton, will offer a series of events for the Observe Scranton Jane Jacobs First City Festival.
On May 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Scranton community members are invited to attend for a special event, Community Conversation: A Scranton City Dialogue. This Jane Jacobs inspired community conversation will focus on questions and themes she raised in a seminal 1987 letter to the City about “what Scranton is, has been, and can be.” This community dialogue event will be held via Zoom. For more information, please visit scranton.edu/ScrantonCityDialogue. Registration is required for this event here.
This community dialogue is sponsored by The University of Scranton and The Center for the Living City in partnership with United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, NeighborWorks of NEPA, Scranton Tomorrow, Valley in Motion, the Greater Scranton MLK Commission, and the Scranton Area Ministerium.
This special virtual dialogue event is a part of the Observe Scranton “Jane Jacob’s First City Festival,” a weeklong celebration of Jane Jacobs’s life and legacy hosted by The Center for the Living City. Festival events will take place in Scranton, PA and virtually from May 4, 2021, through May 8, 2021. Highlights include the Book Launch of Jane Jacob’s First City: Learning from Scranton, Pennsylvania and a Story Slam. In-person events will follow all Covid safety protocols. For more information about Observe Scranton and the festival events and exhibits, please visit observescranton.org.
The Observe Festival will also offer a variety of events as a part of the First Friday Scranton offerings this May 7 from 5 – 9 p.m. At the Observe Festival HQ, community members are invited to participate in an interactive art exhibit that will allow participants to share their thoughts about the past, present and future of Scranton. This event will take place at 600 Spruce Street and is sponsored by The University of Scranton in partnership with The Center for the Living City and United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA.
Another First Friday and festival offering is coordinated by the Northeast Art Project (NEAP) the “Light the Night Ride,” a community bicycle ride and contest, to Scranton. Community members can participate by either coming down to enjoy the incredible display or register in advance to participate. For more details or to register your bike for Light the Night Ride, visit NEAP’s website, northeastartproject.com, contact via email at admin@northeastartproject.com, or follow Northeast Art Project on Instagram and Facebook.
Upcoming Community Events for Observe Scranton Jane Jacobs Festival
Staff
June 2, 2021
Representatives from TIAA will be hosting individual retirement counseling sessions via Zoom on April 28, May 26 and June 2.
These sessions will provide you the opportunity to confidentially review and discuss your current investments, ask questions and review options to help you meet your retirement goals. Our TIAA-CREF representatives will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Please visit tiaa.org/scranton and scroll down to the bottom left to schedule an appointment or call (800) 732-8353, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to secure a time slot. Appointments are one hour in length.
Reminder -- TIAA Individual Retirement Counseling
Athletics
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton Department of Athletics once again celebrated NCAA Division III Week from April 5-11, which for the second straight year was done virtually online due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The highlight of the entire week, however, came on April 9, when for the second straight year, various teams from across the department took part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to spread awareness for ALS.
The challenge this year was simple - student-athletes who are also members of Scranton's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) challenged their coaches. In turn, these same student-athletes raised money throughout the week for a chance to dump a bucket of water on their coach's head.
The funds donated, however, would go straight to The Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. Scholarship, named in honor of the late 24th and 27th President of The University of Scranton who tragically passed away from complications related to ALS on March 10. The scholarship provides financial assistance to University of Scranton students in need.
The response across the department was overwhelming.
Throughout the day, various Scranton athletics teams posted their coaches taking the Ice Bucket challenge on social media channels. These were then shared across Scranton Athletics' own Instagram page, generating positive responses.
When the water dried at the end of the day, Scranton student-athletes and coaches had raised $1,720 for the Pilarz Scholarship, an incredible achievement for the entire department of athletics.
For more on The ALS Association, click here: https://www.als.org/. And, for more on Scranton's SAAC, follow them on Twitter & Instagram @ScrantonSAAC.
Teams Raise Over $1,000 for Pilarz Scholarship During D3Week
General
June 2, 2021
Dear Members of the University Community,
Late this afternoon, a Minneapolis jury returned a guilty verdict on all counts in the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. As the trial unfolded on national television, it reminded us of the outrage and anguish that followed the murder of Mr. Floyd at the hands of police last May. While justice was served with today’s guilty verdict, it does not remove this pain and anger. We join so many across our nation today in praying that it provides a path for peace, justice and action.
Campus Ministry, the Cross Cultural Centers and the Office of Equity & Diversity are collaborating to conduct “Giving Voice to the Silenced,” a prayer vigil on May 4 (rain date of May 5) on the Dionne Green from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. As a University committed to cura personalis, education and social justice, we want to provide time and space to mourn, express our feelings, support each other, and work toward a better future. Students, faculty and staff can visit for any amount of time in prayer, reflection and solidarity as we remember Mr. Floyd and so many others whose lives were cut short as a tragic consequence of systemic racism and oppression in our nation.
As Father Pilarz noted last June, “As a university, we seek truth. As a Catholic and Jesuit university, we insist that truth be accompanied by freedom, justice and love.” We must as a University continue to build a community in which all are welcome and thrive without fear or prejudice. We will educate ourselves and improve the culture and systems at The University of Scranton for equity and inclusion.
At this time, I ask that we pray for Mr. Floyd and his family, for the people of Minneapolis and for persons everywhere who face injustice and violence in their lives and in their communities.
Sincerely,
Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D.
Acting President
Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Statement on Verdict in Chauvin Trial
General
June 2, 2021
April 22 marks the 51st celebration of Earth Day.
While the in-person Earth Day fair is not taking place due to the pandemic, the University is holding several virtual Earth Day events and USPB is holding a celebration on the Dionne Green for students. See below for more information!
Environmental Art Show
The Environmental Art Show is being held for the 10th year, however this year it is virtual.
The exhibit debuted this past Monday.
Students, staff and faculty are responsible for this year’s submissions.
View this year’s art show here!
Climate Reality: There is Good News
On Wed. April 21, Lincoln Fetcher will hold an event on the current state of the climate.
The event will be held over Zoom.
Essay Contest
The University of Scranton also held an essay contest for local students in grades 7 through 12.
This year’s theme is “Caring for our Common Home.”
A virtual event will be held to honor participants through the Sustainability Office Facebook page 7 p.m. April 22.
More information could be found here.
USPB Earth day celebration
USPB is celebrating Earth Day by giving students free plants. Register via RoyalSync!
Banner
A banner to recognize the importance of Earth Day was hung outside of the DeNaples Center facing the Dionne Green.
Virtual Earth Day Events
Student
June 2, 2021
Each year, about 1.9 billion Muslims fast for a month. But do you know why? Come join us Thursday, April 29, from 6:30-7:40 p.m. for Ramadan Around the World, a Zoom event organized by the University’s Department of World Languages and Cultures and presented by French Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Chama Laassassy and Arabic Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Belal Elkurd.
Ramadan is usually the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered to be one of the holiest months in Islam. As part of observing Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world participate in a month of fasting, which involves observers not eating or drinking anything during daylight hours. Prayer is also a major component in observing Ramadan.
If you have any questions about the event, do not hesitate to reach out to Hannah Jackson at hannah.jackson@scranton.edu. Please use this link to attend the event.
We look forward to (virtually) seeing you!
Students, Faculty: Ramadan Events
Student
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton’s Department of World Languages and Cultures invites you to join us in celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival Thursday, April 22, at 7 p.m. The event will be hosted by visiting lecturer of Chinese Hsiang-Ling (Charlize) Wang via Zoom.
The Dragon Boat Festival is an annual tradition in China that is normally celebrated the fifth day of the month of the traditional Chinese calendar. The festival is a celebration to commemorate the life and death of Qu Yuan, a famous Chinese scholar. There are various traditions associated with the Dragon Boat festival including eating rice dumplings, making an egg stand at noon, and—of course—racing dragon boats!
If you have any questions about the event, be sure to contact Charlize at hsiangling.wang@scranton.edu or Hannah Jackson at hannah.jackson@scranton.edu. Registration is required for this event. To register, please click here.
We look forward to (virtually) seeing you there!
Students, Faculty: Dragon Boat Festival
Student
June 2, 2021
Forty-eight University of Scranton education majors served as student teachers during the fall and spring semesters at 15 local schools in the following 10 school districts: Carbondale Area, Dunmore, Lackawanna Trail, Lakeland, Mid Valley, Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit, North Pocono, Valley View, Wayne Highlands and Western Wayne.
The following is a list of undergraduate and graduate students who served as student teachers and the schools to which they were assigned during the fall semester.
Kayleigh Basovsky of Hillsdale, New Jersey, taught at Valley View Intermediate;
Meghan Bode of Sparta, New Jersey, taught at Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center;
Sarah Collette of Oyster Bay, New York, taught at Fell Charter School;
Angelica Divietro Colontonio of Little Ferry, New Jersey, taught at Commonwealth Charter Academy;
Corinne Estes of Ivyland taught at Valley View Elementary;
Emmaline Freeman of Walton, New York, taught at Fell Charter School;
Gillian Groom of Wantagh, New York, taught at Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center;
Margaret Kiess of Glen Rock, New Jersey, taught at Fell Charter School;
Katherine Roughan of Oceanside, New York, taught at Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center;
Leigh Scarano of Westfield, New Jersey, taught at Valley View Elementary;
Tylar Smith of Garden City, New York, taught at Mayfield Elementary School;
Julia Zendell of Suffern, New York, taught at Valley View Elementary.
The following is a list of undergraduate and graduate students who are serving as student teachers and the schools to which they have been assigned during the spring semester.
Alexandra Altier of Clarks Summit is teaching at Dunmore Elementary Center;
Michelle Brenneman of Auburn is teaching at Commonwealth Charter Academy;
Nadine Brosnan of Goshen, New York, is teaching at Commonwealth Charter Academy;
TaraRae Burns of Brooklyn, New York, is teaching at Dunmore Elementary;
Mia Carty of Short Hills, New Jersey, is teaching at Mid Valley Elementary Center;
Anna Christiansen of Honesdale is teaching at Commonwealth Charter Academy;
Daniel Damico of Wyckoff, New Jersey, is teaching at North Pocono High School;
Alba DeLeon of Somerset, New Jersey, is teaching at Commonwealth Charter Academy;
Kathleen DeTreux of Wayne is teaching at Evergreen Elementary;
Julia Dobel of Kenilworth, New Jersey, is teaching at Valley View Elementary;
Margaret Donnelly of New Hyde Park, New York, is teaching at Mid Valley Secondary Center;
Thomas Doyle of Florham Park, New Jersey, is teaching at Dunmore Learning Campus;
Michael Farry of South Abington Township is teaching at Mid Valley Secondary Center;
Shaelynn Guilfoyle of West Nyack, New York, is teaching at Mid Valley Elementary Center;
Angela Hendricks of Newtown is teaching at North Pocono Intermediate School;
Katheryn Hickey of South Huntington, New York, is teaching at Evergreen Elementary;
Megan Houlihan of New Milford is teaching at Commonwealth Charter Academy;
Regan Hughes of Scranton is teaching at Mid Valley Secondary Center;
Minori Koga of Scranton is teaching at Commonwealth Charter Academy;
Shane Maurer of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, is teaching at Mid Valley Secondary Center;
Grace McAllister of Horsham is teaching at Mid Valley Elementary Center;
Katherine Melilli of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, is teaching at Commonwealth Charter Academy;
Anna Oliveri of Bridgewater, New Jersey, is teaching at North Pocono Intermediate School;
Lauren Ottomanelli of East Northport, New York, is teaching at Evergreen Elementary;
Jessica Persky of Wantagh, New York, is teaching at Commonwealth Charter Academy;
Christina Rombousek of Milford is teaching at Dunmore Elementary Center;
Nicole Rutman of Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, is teaching at Valley View Elementary;
Danielle Sauro of Armonk, New York, is teaching at Dunmore Elementary Center;
Angela Scurti of Melville, New York, is teaching at Commonwealth Charter Academy;
Molly Skinner of Reading, Massachusetts, is teaching at Lakeside Elementary School;
Caleigh Snead of Kings Park, New York, is teaching at Dunmore Elementary Center;
Allison Steitz of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, is teaching at Dunmore Learning Campus;
Mazie Stiles of Nyack, New York, is teaching at Mid Valley Elementary Center;
Mary Wolf of Malverne, New York, is teaching at Commonwealth Charter Academy;
Christiana Wood of Marlboro, New York, is teaching at Lakeside Elementary School;
Megan Zinn of Bridgewater, New Jersey, is teaching at Valley View Elementary.
University Student Teachers Serve at Area Schools
Faculty
June 2, 2021
A book by Stacy Smulowitz, Ph.D., associate professor of communication and media at The University of Scranton, was published recently by Rowman and Littlefield Publishers. The book, “The Communication Solution: Leading Successful Change in Higher Education,” provides a practical and theoretical guide based on preexisting and original research data to issues surrounding planned organizational change strategies, core competencies and other aspects of the change process needed for effective leadership in higher education.
Dr. Smulowitz’s research focuses on theory and strategy for assessing and promoting excellence in organizational leadership. Her work has been featured in Leadership and Organization Development Journal, Journal of Intercultural Communication Studies, Measuring Business Excellence, Change Management: An International Journal, The International Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods and in several books, book chapters and training manuals.
At the University, Dr. Smulowitz teaches courses in advertising, leadership and organizational communication. She often includes community-based learning projects for students in her classes, which include developing and pitching marketing-based, integrated advertising campaigns to area organizations. She also serves as moderator for the University’s Advertising Club.
In March of 2021, Dr. Smulowitz received the American Advertising Federation of NEPA Silver Medal Award.
An Accredited Business Communicator (A.B.C.), Dr. Smulowitz is president of Smulowitz Communications, a strategic communication and leadership consulting firm. She also serves as executive director of the Eastern Communication Association and education chair of Boost Business NEPA.
A resident of Shavertown, Dr. Smulowitz earned a bachelor’s degree from Wilkes University, a master’s degree from Ithaca College and a Ph.D. from Rutgers University.
Professor Publishes Book on Leadership
General
June 2, 2021
Media outlets worldwide report an alarming increase of verbal slurs, threats, and physical violence against Asian people over the past year, especially in the United States. Join us on Tuesday, April 27 at 11:30 a.m., for an important panel discussion reflecting on the roots of anti-Asian violence, discriminatory immigration acts and laws, and harmful stereotyping that continues to impact the Asian community today.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Please click here to register.
The next part of the Diversity + Inclusion = A Better U! series will be moderated by Elizabeth M. Garcia, executive director of the Office of Equity and Diversity.
Dr. Meghan Ashlin Rich, Ph.D., is a professor of Sociology and Women’s and Gender Studies at The University of Scranton. She also serves as faculty coordinator for the Office of Community-Based Learning. She trained in sociology at University of Delaware (Ph.D.), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (M.A.), and University of Maryland (B.A.). Dr. Rich will discuss the history of Asian immigration to the U.S., highlighting the exclusionary immigration acts and discriminatory laws aimed at limiting and restricting Asian Americans and Asian immigration, post-1965 immigration trends and the “pan-ethnic” Asian American identity, constructed in the face of discrimination and will explain aspects of the “model minority” and gendered stereotypes, and the harm they cause to Asian Americans.
Dr. Amitava Krishna Dutt, Ph.D., is a Professor of Economics and Political Science Department of Political Science at University of Notre Dame, and Fellow at the Kroc Institute of International Peace Studies and Kellogg Institute of International Studies. He received his BA and MA from University of Calcutta, and his Ph.D., from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1983. Dr. Dutta will discuss anti-Asian violence in the US, with respect to Asian immigration, general issues about “nationalism and race/ethnicity issues concerning Asians in the US in particular, involving social, political and economic factors, and finally, about how attitudes are influenced by some politicians for their personal benefit.
Dr. Jingyi Song, Ph.D., is a professor of history, teaching courses such as Chinese Diaspora and a graduate school level class, Transnational Migration and Identify: Asian American History at the Department of History and Philosophy, SUNY at Old Westbury. She has several published works on these topics. Dr. Song will discuss the Denver Riot that took place October 31, 1880, and its legacy of racism against Asian Americans. She will depict the various dimensions of ethnicity, culture, ideology, politics and economic policies that shape the anti-Chinese sentiment leading to the Riot.
For more information on the program and the diversity and inclusion lunch and learn series, contact Liz Garcia at 570-941-6645 or email elizabeth.garcia2@scranton.edu. Questions regarding registration and Zoom information may be sent to jennifer.pennington@scranton.edu.
This program is being sponsored by the Office of Equity and Diversity, Asian Studies, The CAS Dean's Office, The Provost's Office and the Cross Cultural Centers.
University Hosts Panel Reflecting on Anti-Asian Violence
Community
June 2, 2021
Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., assistant professor in The University of Scranton’s Physics and Engineering Department, is among the scientists participating in research projects on traveling ionospheric disturbances. One project received funding support from NASA. The second project is through an International Space Science Institute (ISSI) team. Through these projects, the University will receive more than $167,000 in funding to support graduate students, data analysis/computing equipment and conference travel.
Dr. Frissell is among the researchers working on a NASA Living With a Star project entitled, “Wave-Driven Asymmetries in the Ionosphere-Thermosphere due to Asymmetries in the Northern and Southern Polar Vortices.” The project is being led by Richard Collins, Ph.D., principal investigator, of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute.
A space physicist, Dr. Frissell is also part of an International Space Science Institute (ISSI) team entitled, “Resolving the generation mechanisms and electrodynamical effects of Medium Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances (MSTIDs).” The team is led by Jeffrey Klenzing, Ph.D., of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, and Katherine Zawdie, Ph.D., of the Naval Research Laboratory.
Dr. Frissell explained that traveling ionospheric disturbances, also known as TIDs, are wave-like variations in electron density in the ionosphere, the electrically charged region of the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Dr. Frissell and his students will be using TID observations from the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN), GPS Total Electron Content databases, and the amateur radio databases in their research.
In 2019, Dr. Frissell received a $1.3 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to fund a three-year initiative to measure modulations produced in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Through the grant, Dr. Frissell will develop a network of licensed amateur radio operators and will lead a collaborative team to develop modular, multi-instrument, ground-based space science observation equipment and data collection and analysis software to measure the effects of weather in the upper levels of Earth’s atmosphere.
Dr. Frissell joined the faculty at Scranton in the fall of 2019. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and his master’s degree and Ph.D. from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He is the founder and lead organizer of the international citizen science space physics research collective known as the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI.org). Dr. Frissell also serves as advisor to the student W3USR University of Scranton Amateur Radio Club.
Professor Among Researchers for NASA Project
Athletics
June 2, 2021
This article originally appeared on athletics.scranton.edu, where you can go for more Athletics news.
Senior Megan Gallagher (Thorndale, Pa./Bishop Shanahan) of The University of Scranton field hockey team capped off an impressive career with the Royals on Tuesday morning as she was named the 2021 Landmark Field Hockey Senior Scholar Athlete.
Gallagher is the second player in program history to earn Landmark Senior Scholar Athlete honors following Gretchen Kempf in 2012-13. She is also the second student-athlete from The University to be honored this year after Lauren Byrne received the honor in Women's Swimming & Diving and the 43rd Royals student-athlete to be honored since Scranton joined the Landmark for the 2007-08 season.
The Thorndale, Pa., native started all 34 games she appeared in over two seasons for the Royals and tallied nine goals and 15 assists for a total of 33 points. Gallagher shares the single-game record for assists with three in a victory over King's on Sept. 13, 2018, and is also tied for the second most assists in a single season in program history with eight.
Gallagher is a two-time All-Landmark Conference honoree after receiving Second Team honors as a freshman in 2017 and First Team honors as a sophomore in 2018. She also received National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-South Atlantic Region Second Team honors following the 2018 season.
During Gallagher's career, the Royals captured the program's first Landmark title in 2019 when she served as a student manager while injured and were runners-up in 2018. She was also a member of the 2017 team that won 15 games, which is the second most in a single season in program history.
In the classroom, Gallagher boasts a 3.71 GPA and will earn a degree from Scranton in Exercise Science this spring. She is a two-time member of the Landmark Conference Academic Honor Roll and the NFHCA National Academic Squad.
Click here for more info on the Landmark's Senior Scholar Athlete Program.
Field Hockey's Megan Gallagher Earns Landmark Senior Scholar Athlete Honors
Staff
June 2, 2021
The Staff Senate Election and Membership Committee would like to thank all the staff members who put their names forward for this year’s election. We were thrilled to have a such a talented slate of individuals that were willing to serve the University community a member of the senate. The election closed last night and the results are below. All new senators and alternates will begin their respective terms in June 2021.
Get more Staff Senate news, here.
Staff Senate Election Results
Student
June 2, 2021
The results of the 2021-2022 Student Government Elections are in. Congratulations to all, including the first-ever all-female University Student Government Executive team.
The results:
President & Vice President:
Adrianna Smith & Claire Sunday
Class of 2022:
Abril Lopez
Class of 2023:
Elizabeth Wescoe
Josephine Middleton
Kathleen Wallace
Clara Downey
Class of 2024:
David Reese
Caitlin Doughton
Jeremy Dickinson
Thomas Elias
Residential Senator:
Henry Lembo
Off-Campus Senator:
John Murphy
Commuter Senator:
Maggie Kowalewski
Vanessa Moylan
International Senator:
Erica Jeanne Mascardo
Student Government Results
Student
June 2, 2021
This article originally appeared in Campus Corner, our student-written blog.
With graduation only a few weeks away, many Scranton seniors are reflecting on their four years at Scranton.
Ashley Fischetti is an occupational therapy major at the University.
Her senior year has been filled with lots of friends and, most recently, lounging in the sun on campus.
“I’ve made so many memories with different people across different places on campus,” Fischetti said.
Out of all the places on campus, her favorite spot to relax?
“I love hammocking behind Alumni Memorial Hall.
Being a part of Liva Arts Company has been important to her during her years as a Royal. She was most recently cast as Angie in the club’s production of The Wedding Singer. The production will be performed on May 1.
One of her favorite memories at Scranton was last year’s rehearsals of Mamma Mia!, right before the pandemic forced students home in the spring semester.
“Although there was so much uncertainty and fear about what was to come . . . we had so much fun performing what was our last song and dance together as a full cast," she recalled.
If she could go back in time even further to give her first-year self some advice, she would offer a sense of calm.
“I would just tell myself to not stress over the little things you can’t control,” Fischetti said.
She said it's the connections she's made that have changed her.
“The close-knit community has had the biggest impact on me,” Fischetti said. “I’ll miss spending time with my friends and performing with them on stage,” Fischetti said.
Once the spring semester does come to an end, Fischetti will be taking part in the occupational therapy graduate program at The University of Scranton. After that? Fischetti said she hopes to find a job once graduated in 2022.
“I hope to find a job as a mental health occupational therapist in the NEPA area,” Fischetti said.
Senior Spotlight: Ashley Fischetti
Student
June 2, 2021
A flame ignited in the hearts of students from Jesuit universities across the globe they discussed the unique ways in which their shared experience of Ignatian humanities shape their lives around the common goal of making the world a better place for all. Students from The University of Scranton, Loyola Andalucia en Seville in Spain and Universidad Antonio Ruiz de Montoya in Peru were moved by their common spiritual base as they learned from and with one another through a two-day virtual Ignatian Humanities event sponsored by Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities at Scranton.
“It was really fulfilling, more so in the personal than the academic level. It felt like our education is truly helping us have an effect in the world, and that we are not alone in the values we carry with us every day,” said Juan Galera, Loyola Andalucia en Seville.
The two-day event, held April 7-8, brought together more than 40 students from the three Jesuit universities to explore Ignatian humanities. The virtual event included breakout sessions with students from three continents in which they reacted to a lecture by Scranton Philosophy professor Duane Armitage, Ph.D., entitled, “Finding God in All Things: Jesuit Truism or Ignatian Truth?”
“Interacting with other students from Jesuit universities around the world, especially on the central Ignatian topic of social justice, facilitated a profound examination into how we apply Jesuit values and principles toward the injustices we witness in the world today,” said Isaiah Livelsberger, a senior at The University of Scranton from New Oxford, Pennsylvania.
Alberto Gonzales Guzmán of the Universidad Antonio Ruiz de Montoya found the discussion sessions “exciting and challenging. The distances and differences of our peoples are not as many as we think they are. Each partner experiences the emotion and challenge and transmits it vividly. We are not alone, we are a great community.”
“I felt that my experience was heard and valued by people who share the same convictions, each participant had an open heart to different social conflicts,” said Naiara Cruz Ramirez Cabrera, Universidad Antonio Ruiz de Montoya. “Especially in this pandemic situation that has exposed humanity’s inability to act together, spaces like this promote citizen participation and the vocation of service in the function of our community and those who need it most.”
Dr. Armitage argued in his keynote lecture that social justice without spirituality risks devolving into mere Marxism. He explained in his address that for St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, God is Christ, and that “Christ is the crucified, that is, the victim, the marginalized, the weak.” Social justice must include what students in the event came to call “spiritual justice” for it to truly mimic Christ’s teaching on reconciliation and the divinity of every human life.
“Thus to find God, Christ, in ‘all things’ is primarily to encounter God in the oppressed, the persecuted, the victimized, which of course provides justification for the social justice ethic of siding with the weak,” said Dr. Armitage. “When we think of God then as Christ, as the victim, as the marginalized, as the weak, the idea of finding God ‘Christ’ in all things begins to take on new meaning, meaning that is thoroughly steeped in Social Justice.”
In addition to core Ignatian principles and teachings, the students shared another common idea: the hope the Ignatian Humanities event will grow in future years to involve more students, school and face-to-face dialog.
The University of Scranton’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities was established to advance the University’s liberal arts tradition and to enhance the role it plays in the formation of students to become “men and women for and with others.”
What Students from Jesuit Colleges Across Globe Share
General
June 2, 2021
Join The University of Scranton Office of Sustainability, Political Science Department and Environmental Studies on April 14 at 7 p.m., for a special virtual discussion in honor of Earth Day: "Paris v. Pittsburgh: A Conversation on the Paris Climate Agreement."
More information below:
For questions, please contact Mark Murphy at mark.murphy@scranton.edu.
Paris v. Pittsburgh: A Conversation on the Paris Climate Agreement
Alumni
June 2, 2021
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Jammu, and The University of Scranton have signed an agreement to develop academic exchanges for students and faculty members and channel research collaborations.
The agreement was signed virtually by both partners on April 13, 2021, in the presence of senior representatives, including: Director Professor B. S. Sahay, Ph.D., Professor Jabir Ali, Ph.D., and Aakash Kamble, Ph.D., from IIM Jammu; and Jeffrey Gingerich, Ph.D., acting president and provost/senior vice president of academic affairs, Gerald Zaboski, vice president for enrollment management and external affairs, Sam Beldona, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management, and Murli Rajan, Ph.D., associate dean of the Kania School of Management, from The University of Scranton.
This strategic collaboration paves a roadmap for the internationalization of education with a broader objective to build synergies between both partners in academics, research and executive education. With the National Education Policy 2020 announcing strategic changes in the associations between Indian and foreign education providers, the association between IIM Jammu and Scranton provides a unique opportunity for Indian students to experience a blended variant of global education.
The strategic models of engagement have been identified to form the basis of the association. They will focus on student exchange for the MBA Program and the five-year Integrated Program in Management with faculty exchanges and doctoral research scholar exchange between the partners. The faculty members at both institutions will also conduct research collaborations and joint research projects.
Dr. Sahay from IIM Jammu, said, “the National Education Policy 2020 has given impetus to the internationalization of the Indian education system. Academic and research collaborations are the pathways to create an institute par excellence. The collaborations with leading global universities align with the vision and mission of IIM Jammu to provide a global outlook to the student with a strong foundation of regional and national focus. The partnership with The University of Scranton opens up doors for IIM Jammu students to pursue international student exchange programs in the USA, thus enriching their learning experience.”
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Gingerich from The University of Scranton said, “We are delighted to have an association with IIM Jammu. One of our objectives at Scranton is to connect and partner with high-achieving education providers worldwide. These partnerships are important to the University since they provide alternative learning experiences and allow for the sharing of ideas and experiences. The partnership with IIM Jammu will provide an opportunity to collaborate with world-class teachers and researchers and expand global research. It will also help students gain international experience that will benefit them in their future careers.”
About the Indian Institute of Management, Jammu:
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, an Institute of National Importance, was established by the Ministry of Education, Government of India in 2016 in Jammu, India. IIM Jammu offers MBA and Ph.D. programs in Management and has launched the 5-year Integrated Programme in Management from the upcoming academic year 2021-22. IIM Jammu has set high standards to provide value-based education and research, executive education, consultancy, and strong corporate and international linkages. The 200-acre, state-of-the-art campus of IIM Jammu is coming up at Jagti in Jammu with a footprint of 750,000 sq. ft. IIM Jammu also has set up an off campus in Srinagar.
About The University of Scranton:
Founded in 1888, The University of Scranton is a comprehensive, co-educational Catholic and Jesuit institution located in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Northeast with an enrollment of approximately 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students. “Best 380 Colleges,” “Best Buys in College Education,” “America's Best Colleges,” “A Focus on Student Success,” “Best Undergraduate Teaching,” “Most Innovative Schools,” “Best Catholic Colleges” – these are just a few of the ways that the nation’s leading college rankings and guidebooks consistently refer to The University of Scranton.
Agreement with Indian Institute of Management Signed
Community
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton’s Political Dialogues Working Group will offer a virtual student political dialogue Exploring “Cancel Culture” on April 20 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. This dialogue event will offer University of Scranton students the opportunity to engage with other University students in open conversation about the phenomenon of “cancel culture” and its impact on both individuals and society at large. Registration is required here.
In this dialogue event, 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. Interested students can learn more about this event and past dialogues by visiting the Bursting Our Political Bubbles Civic Dialogue website.
This is the second nonpartisan political dialogue of the semester. The first political dialogue, Democracy: Are We “Brave Enough to Be It”?, was held on Wednesday, March 3 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. In this dialogue, over 50 University students joined for a dialogue focused on the shared value of democracy. This dialogue was inspired by National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman’s inauguration poem “The Hill We Climb” and offered students an opportunity to consider the ideas Gorman put forth in her poem about what it takes to come together as a nation and to reengage with what it means to live out our democratic promise.
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.
Questions about the virtual political dialogues can be directed to community@scranton.edu.
Nonpartisan Student Political Dialogue to Explore 'Cancel Culture'
Faculty
June 2, 2021
A book written by University of Scranton English and Theatre Professor Joe Kraus, Ph.D., was a finalist for the inaugural Union League Club of Chicago’s Outstanding Book on the History of Chicago Award 2021, which was presented in a virtual format on April 7. His book, “The Kosher Capones: A History of Chicago’s Jewish Gangsters,” was one of 10 finalists. The 2021 award was presented to “Occupied Territory” by Simon Balto.
In 2019, Dr. Kraus’s book, “The Kosher Capone,” won the 2019 bronze Indie Award in the category of history (adult non-fiction).
“The Kosher Capones,” published by Northern Illinois University Press, tells the story of Chicago’s Jewish gangsters from the end of the 19th century into the 1980s. Dr. Kraus’s grandfather and great-uncles were part of the notorious Miller Brothers of the Jewish West Side, who were among Chicago’s early Jewish gangsters. Dr. Kraus spent thirty years collecting details from newspapers, archives, photo collections and other sources. The book traces the changing political, demographic, and economic pressures that transformed the opportunistic gamblers and bootleggers of Maxwell Street and Lawndale into some of the under-the-radar architects of the Chicago Syndicate that grew out of the gang made famous under Al Capone’s leadership.
Dr. Kraus is chair of the Department of English and Theatre at Scranton. He joined the faculty at the University in 2004. From 2015 to April of 2021, he served as president of the Society for the Study of Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States (MELUS).
A resident of Shavertown, Dr. Kraus earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, his master’s degree from Columbia University and his doctorate from Northwestern University.
“The Kosher Capones” is available in hardcover, paper, audio and as an e-book. For more information about the book, visit www.thekoshercapones.com.
Book by English Professor is Award Finalist
Student
June 2, 2021
College students across the country dream of “making a difference” in the world, but how does this lofty goal translate to their chosen professions as an occupational therapist, accountant or cybercrime investigator?
The University of Scranton received a $47,635 Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE) program development grant to extend its efforts in helping students address that question. The grant will allow the University to extend to all four-years of study what is already a successful First-Year Seminar program that initiates and encourages student reflection on what it might mean to be called to be, in the Ignatian phrase, “men and women for and with others.”
“To have a “vocation” is to have a ‘calling’ or summons that comes to us from beyond us, urging us to offer particular kinds of service to God and others. Although often thought of only in a religious context, a vocation can extend to anyone in any field or career, and includes being called to the defining commitments of our lives, such as being a parent, friend or student.” said Charles Pinches, Ph.D., professor of theology and religious studies and director of the University’s First-Year Seminar. “The heart of the educational mission of the University is its commitment to form students to become ‘men and women for and with others.’ This mission brings to the surface the question of where our students are headed in their adult lives, and how a vision for this commitment can be encouraged within them.”
In 2013, the University implemented a three-credit First-Year Seminar taught by full-time faculty members and intended, in part, to introduce students to the Jesuit and Catholic mission of the University and grow student capabilities in critical and discerning thought.
With support from a 2013-15 NetVUE Program Development Grant and additional internal University funding, faculty who teach First-Year Seminar courses participated in workshops to encourage ways to consider mission and vocation related matters with Scranton’s incoming students. The current grant, which builds on work completed during that earlier grant, aims to institute a practice for incoming students whereby they write a “letter my future self” about what they hope for their lives, where they might be headed, and how they might best identify and use their gifts and talents. Initially composed within one of the 55 or so sections of the First-Year Seminar courses taught during the fall semester, that letter can be revisited and revised over the course of the student’s time at the University, with the help of peers and faculty guides and in light of a growing sense of the student’s vocations. Funding will support faculty training and program development for this initiative beginning this summer and continuing through the 2022-23 academic year.
The University is among is among a group of NetVUE members institutions selected to receive a grant, the purpose of which is to deepen vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students. NetVUE Program Development Grants are made possible through financial support to the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) by Lilly Endowment Inc.
NetVUE is a nationwide network of colleges and universities formed to enrich the intellectual and theological exploration of vocation among undergraduate students. The initiative is administered by CIC with support from Lilly Endowment Inc. and members’ dues. The Lilly Endowment is a private philanthropic foundation, established by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr, of the firm Eli Lilly and Company.
Grant Supports Turning a Career into a Vocation
General
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton presents its first video in a series featuring Joseph G. Marina, S.J., to help Royals get to know its next University president. Father Marina will begin his tenure at Scranton this summer.
What is the first thing he will do when he arrives? Find out here.
Getting to Know Father Marina: First Things List
Athletics
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton is joining with more than 440 schools across the country in celebration of NCAA Division III Week, which officially runs from Monday, April 5 and runs through Sunday, April 11.
The NCAA describes Division III Week as "a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with Division III to observe and celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community."
With the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, The University of Scranton will once again celebrate D3 Week virtually, marking the second straight year events will take place online.
Fans are reminded to follow Scranton Athletics on various social media channels as we celebrate D3 Week. On Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, follow us @RoyalAthletics. All three links are also available on our website, as well.
Here is the full schedule for the rest of D3 Week.
Tuesday, April 6th, Faculty Mentor Spotlight
- Throughout the day, The University of Scranton SAAC Instagram page (@scrantonsaac) will profile four Faculty Mentors, who work with four different teams at the University. On athletics.scranton.edu, a profile of each faculty mentor will be posted, as well.
Wednesday, April 7th, Landmark Conference Takeover/#LCGearDay
- On Wednesday, the Royals will take over the Landmark Conference's Instagram account @landmark_conf, as student-athletes will be posting in the conference's story feed all day long. It is also #LCGearDay, in which we'll ask Royal fans across the country to wear their favorite piece of Scranton gear and send us a picture to post on our own social media channels.
Thursday, April 8th, Alumni Spotlight
- Throughout the day, individual Scranton team accounts will be posting profiles from alumni, which will also be shared on Scranton's official social media channels, as well.
Friday, April 9, ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
- For the second straight year, the Royals will participate in an #ALSIceBucketChallenge to spread awareness of ALS. This year, SAAC student-athletes are challenging their coaches, where student-athletes will raise money for a chance to dump a bucket of water on their coach's head. All proceeds from the event will be donated to The Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. Scholarship that will provide financial assistance to University of Scranton students in need.
Saturday, April 10, Virtual Watch Party
- On a busy day for many Royal athletics teams, we'll ask our fans across the land to tag themselves in photos on social media watching Scranton live in the comfort of their homes by using the #GoRoyalsLive hashtag.
For more on NCAA Division III Week, click here: https://www.ncaa.org/about/division-iii-week-2021
University Athletics Celebrates NCAA D3 Week
Faculty
June 2, 2021
University of Scranton professor Michael E. Kelley, Ph.D., will be a guest on WVIA’s Call the Doctor, where he will talk about autism. The segment will air April 7 at 7:30 p.m.; April 8 at 10 p.m.; and April 11 at 4 p.m.
Watch the preview, here.
The full segment can also be seen on WVIA’s website, here.
WVIA Call the Doctor Features University Professor
Alumni
June 2, 2021
The Medical Alumni Council of The University of Scranton will hold The MAC Symposium Saturday, Oct. 2.
The symposium will feature presentations by Scranton alumni doctors, dentists and veterinarians. Check future issues of Royal News for registration information.
University To Hold MAC Symposium Oct. 2
Alumni
June 2, 2021
The University will hold its Annual Pre-law Advisory Program Banquet via zoom Monday, May 3, at 6 p.m.
The celebration will feature a keynote address delivered by Melinda Ghilardi, Esq. ’80 and Kathleen Santora, Esq. ’80, alumnae lawyers who both formerly served as members of the University's Board of Trustees. Anyone affiliated with the University's prelaw program is welcome to attend. Registration will open soon.
University To Hold Annual Pre-law Advisory Program Banquet Virtually May 3
Staff
June 2, 2021
The Office of Human Resources presents
FOR YOUR BENEFIT:
A series of Information Sessions on Benefits Topics
The Office of Human Resources is pleased to announce the continuation of the learning series, For Your Benefit, with sessions geared toward resources, planning and guidance on topics including our various employee benefit plans and life issues such as tuition remission, retirement readiness and more.
Session 3: April 13, 2021 2:30- 4:00 p.m. Register here.
Getting Ready to Retire
What’s your dream? Sailing around the world? Just taking it easy? Or working as long as possible because, to you, it’s not “work”- it’s life and you love it? Join us for this information session where Transamerica will go over some key concept to consider as you get ready to retire: Investments, Income Planning, Healthcare, Legacy and Lifestyle.
Retirement. Make it yours.
While the transition to retirement can be complex, it can also be rewarding. Whatever your retirement dreams, Transamerica is here to help you pursue them.
Join Transamerica for an informational webinar to learn about strategies for transitioning into retirement, and the questions you should be asking now to prepare.
Specific topics to be addressed include:
• Lifestyle: While retiring from something, do you have a clear understanding of what you are retiring to?
• Income: Without a paycheck, what will be your income sources, how can they be maximized, and how long will they last?
• Investments: While you have spent a lifetime accumulating, how should you adjust this strategy for income?
• Healthcare: Without a health plan through work, how will you leverage the A, B, C’s, and D’s of Medicare?
• Legacy Planning: We’ll all leave a legacy. What role should wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, and beneficiary designations have in your plan?
In reviewing these areas, the goal is simple: to help you retire on your terms and on your timeline.
JOIN TRANSAMERICA FOR THIS EDUCATIONAL WEBINAR
April 13, 2021
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For Your Benefit: A Series of Information Sessions on Benefits Topics
Alumni
June 2, 2021
The University will hold its annual Day of Service April 24.
Each year, alumni throughout the nation honor the University's mission by volunteering with their fellow Royals in their regions. This year, the University will offer service projects in the following regions:
Massachusetts
Boston - Greater Boston Food Bank: 1-4 p.m.
Pennsylvania
Harrisburg - Central PA Food Bank: 9 a.m.-noon
NEPA: The University of Scranton We Care Wednesday Program 9-11 a.m.: This site will be a "Drop-Off Drive." The Center for Service and Social Justice will be providing a wish list of items they need, and alumni/parents/friends can drop them off at the DeNaples Center Turnaround (on Mulberry Street between the Parking Pavilion and The DeNaples Center).
New Jersey
Hillside - Community Food Bank of New Jersey: 9-11 a.m.
THIS SITE IS AT CAPACITY. Email alumni@scranton.edu to be placed on the wait list.
Camden - Joseph's House 10 a.m.-noon: This site will be a "Drop-Off Drive." Joseph's House will be providing a wish list of items they need, and alumni/parents/friends can drop them off.
New York
New York City - City Harvest Mobile Market Washington Heights: 8 a.m.- noon
THIS SITE IS AT CAPACITY. Email alumni@scranton.edu to be placed on the wait list.
Stony Brook - Cooking for Long Island Veterans: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: This site will be a "Drop-Off Drive." Cooking for Long Island Veterans will be providing a wish list of items they need, and alumni/parents/friends can drop them off at the Target in Farmingdale located at 100 Willow Street, Farmingdale, NY.
For more information and registration, visit scranton.edu/dayofservice.
Reminder: University To Hold Day Of Service April 24
Alumni
June 2, 2021
The University will hold "The Job Search," the fourth installment in its series of alumni career development webinars, Wednesday, April 28, at 7 p.m.
The workshop, hosted by Director for Career Development Chris Whitney G'06 and Career Development Coordinator Lori Moran '93, G'95, will focus on finding the right job in today's competitive market. To register, visit this link.
The series sprang from a partnership between The Alumni Society Advisory Board and The Center for Career Development. The University will hold "Interviewing," the final installment in the series, May 26.
The first three installments in the series, "What The Center For Career Development Can Do For Scranton Alumni," "Changes Within Your Career" and "Building And Enhancing Your Resume," are available to view at scranton.edu/alumnicareers.
University Continues Alumni Career Development Webinar Series April 28
Student
June 2, 2021
ATTENTION: GRADUATING SENIORS
Teacher of the Year Award
Each year the Graduating Senior Class selects its "Teacher of the Year." Beginning Monday, April 26, please vote for the full-time faculty member who you believe best exhibits the following characteristics:
- Maintains the highest standards of academic excellence and fairness.
- Inspires interest in the discipline through personal enthusiasm and dedication.
- Is consistently effective in communication.
- Is available outside of the classroom.
The award will be presented during Class Night on Friday, May 21, 2021.
HOW TO VOTE: To cast your electronic ballot, access scranton.edu/toy
WHEN TO VOTE: Monday, April 26, 9:00 a.m. - Friday, April 30, 4:00 p.m.
Remember a Faculty Member Whose Teaching Has Inspired You!
Graduating Seniors: Vote for Teacher of the Year
Alumni
June 2, 2021
The University of Scranton is proud to announce the 2021 Carlesimo Golf Tournament & Award Dinner will be held at Glenmaura National Golf Club in Moosic, PA, on Monday, June 14.
This year, the University will honor legendary golf coach Ed Karpovich '76, G'86 with the 2021 Peter A. Carlesimo Award. We are once again partnering with the Quandel Construction Group as Title Sponsor for this event.
Please visit scranton.edu/carlesimoaward for more information and to register for this event. Space is limited this year, so please register as soon as possible to ensure your reservation.
Ed Karpovich has been the face of the golf program at The University of Scranton for more than four decades. A 1976 graduate of the University, Karpovich was a standout on the men’s golf team, leading the Royals to three MAC team titles while capturing the MAC individual crown in 1974 and 1976. He also competed in the 1974 and 1976 NCAA championships.
Karpovich returned to the University in 1982 as the head coach of the men’s golf team, a position he still holds today. When the University added women’s golf in 2016, Karpovich was the obvious choice to lead the program from the beginning. In 38 years, he has posted more than 350 victories between the two programs, including 12 finishes in the top three at conference championships.
While his numbers on the golf course are staggering, Karpovich’s loyalty and dedication to The University of Scranton and its student-athletes has been his true gift to the community. His knowledge of the game of golf, his belief in the Catholic and Jesuit ideals the University embodies, and his tireless work ethic have made the University a better place.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the event or sponsorship opportunities, contact Eric Eckenrode at eric.eckenrode@scranton.edu.
Named in honor of Peter A. Carlesimo, former University of Scranton coach and athletics director, the Carlesimo Golf Tournament & Award Dinner celebrates athletics at The University of Scranton and honors a person who has made special contributions to athletics and Catholic education. The Golf Tournament and Award Dinner serves as a fundraising event to support and enhance the student-athlete experience at Scranton.
University To Hold Carlesimo Golf Tournament And Award Dinner June 14
Alumni
June 2, 2021
The University recently released "Bridges To El Salvador: A University of Scranton Documentary," a video that chronicles Scranton's 20-year relationship with the people of Las Delicias, a village in El Salvador.
Featuring interviews with the Rev. Brendan Lally, S.J. '70, the former campus minister and rector of the University, Marie Karam, former director of the Language Learning Center at the University, the Rev. Ronald McKinney, S.J., professor of philosophy at the University, and alumni who traveled to El Salvador during their student days, the video examines the origin and evolution of Scranton's faculty, staff, and student service and immersion trips to El Salvador in the aftermath of its brutal civil war. The video also focuses on the work of the University's SEED (Scholarships to Establish Educational Development) Program, which has sponsored the educations of hundreds of children in Las Delicias since its inception, and The SCOPE (Salvadoran Children Of the Poor Education) Foundation, an independent organization founded by Lally and several Scranton alumni that has sponsored thousands of students at the Santa Luisa School in Las Delicias.
View the documentary, below.
For more information on the University's SEED Program, visit this link. For more information on The SCOPE Foundation, visit this link.
University Releases 'Bridges To El Salvador: A University of Scranton Documentary'
Alumni
June 2, 2021
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
Marion Munley ’83, Moosic, a partner at Munley Law, recently spoke at the Attorneys Information Exchange Group’s (AIEG) 2020 Virtual Symposium on trucking accident litigation. Munley gave a virtual presentation on “Setting Up Your Trial Story.” The AIEG is “a national organization dedicated to sharing information and ideas among member attorneys for the benefit of clients who have been affected by dangerous and defective products.”
Frank R. DiMaio, M.D. ’84, Old Brookville, New York, an orthopedic joint replacement surgeon at St. Francis Hospital, has been named director of External Partnerships, Catholic Health Physicians partners, the full-time practice operated by the six hospitals of the Catholic Healthcare system of Long Island.
Paul M. Collins, Ph.D. ’00, Amherst, Massachusetts, has received two grants from the National Science Foundation. The first, at $400,000, is for a team of faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students to examine how law and legality is understood in LGBTQ+ media. The grant will fund Collins and his team of researchers to study how legal issues rise and fall in the agendas of LGBTQ+ media, how the legal consciousness of the LGBTQ+ community develops over time and how legal decisions influence public awareness and attitudes toward law and legal actors. The team, including graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, will also develop and release two large, comprehensive datasets of specialized media coverage. The second grant will fund a national conference that will give graduate students the opportunity to be mentored by leading scholars in the field of law, politics and society, which will be held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2023. Collins is a Professor of Legal Studies and Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His third book was recently published by Cambridge University Press, titled "The President and the Supreme Court: Going Public on Judicial Decisions from Washington to Trump."
Tommy Noonan ’06, Darien, Connecticut, was promoted to partner at Butler Tibbetts Butler Tibbetts, a leading law firm known for guiding clients through their most vulnerable moments in business and in life. Noonan is a resourceful and versatile lawyer with a wide array of litigation experience. He represents individuals and businesses at both the trial and appellate levels, deploying creative and effective strategies customized to meet unique client needs ranging from negotiations and mediation to litigation and trials. Noonan handles complex cases involving a broad range of sectors and scenarios, focused primarily in the areas of healthcare and managed care, civil and commercial, construction, corporate, personal injury, and probate.
Marriages
Julia Joyce ’15 to James Dembesky ’14
Births
A son, Hayes Michael, to Jonathan ’14 and Shannon O’Gorman Grueter ’15, Nutley, New Jersey
Deaths
Leonard G. Tarantini ’51, Clarks Summit
Edmund R. Tylenda ’55, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Donald J. Whalen ’55, Waverly
John J. Costanzi, M.D.’57, Austin, Texas
John J. Jordan, D.D.S.’57, Havre De Grace, Maryland
Harry E. Phillips ’57, Wyomissing
Frank J. Killino ’58, Delran, New Jersey
Andrew Scott McGowan, Ph.D. ’61, Bronx, New York
Thomas G. Cupillari ’63, Factoryville
William M. Nicholas ’65, Allentown
Thomas A. Joseph ’66, Mountaintop
Brother John P. Calvey ’67, Loretto
Stephen J. Kavulich ’68, Clarks Summit
John J. Purcell ’70, West Pittston
Harry W. Salavantis ’71, G’73 Shavertown
Msgr. Godfrey T. Mosley ’75, Washington, D.C.
Bruno J. Chellino ’72, Carbondale
William Janovsky ’75, Hillsborough, New Jersey
Cornelius J. Milliken, D.D.S. ’77, Elmira, New York
Peter J. White ’80, Scranton
John W. Fortuna, Jr. ’81, Taylor
Friends' Deaths
Carmen Perry DeNaples, father of Carmen DeNaples, Jr. '21
Martin Holleran III, son of Martin Holleran, Jr. ’64
Elizabeth Strickland, mother of Harry Strickland, Jr. ’86 and Elizabeth Strickland Elick ’93, grandfather of Oliver Strickland ’13, Hayden Strickland ’15, G’20, Chloe Strickland ’17 and Benjamin Strickland ’20
Alumni Class Notes, April 2021
Student
June 2, 2021
The resources available through The University of Scranton’s Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development are available to students as soon as they start at Scranton. The Career Roadmap, along with other resources on the Career Development website, provides students with year-to-year tips for their career success based on their major, beginning with their first-year on campus.
“It’s never too early to prepare for your career,” said Chris Whitney, director of the Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development, who would encourage students to meet with the Center’s staff. “When we understand their unique skills, talents and goals, we can better help them to identify opportunities early on that will position them for success.”
The advice for the first-year student on the Career Roadmap was develop based on input from faculty, students and alumni. Tips include meeting with their academic advisors and getting to know their professors, as well as finding resources on campus to help students achieve and maintain strong G.P.A.s. The advice also suggests clubs and organizations on campus students can join, based on their majors, and enrichment programs offered by their colleges or academic departments in which students can participate.
During their four-years at Scranton, students can use a number of resources offered through the Center for Career Development to prepare or update their resumes or to schedule a mock interview. The Center also has tools students can use to build their LinkedIn profile, such as LinkedIn University for Students or the LinkedIn Profile Checklist and several resources to assist students looking for internships, including paid experiential learning opportunities.
In addition, the Center can provide resources to students who are undecided or thinking of changing their major, or who are applying to graduate or professional schools.
According to the First Destination Survey report by the Center for Career Development, 99 percent of Scranton’s class of 2019 graduates, at both the undergraduate and graduate level, reported being successful in their choice of career path of either employment or pursuing additional education within six months of graduation.
To learn more, visit the Center for Career Development website or use the drop-in zoom hours posted to speak with a career counselor.
Career Development Begins Year One at Scranton
Student
June 2, 2021
The Multicultural Center in partnership with the Office of Campus Ministries Center for Service and Social Justice and the University Minister for Service and Social Justice at the University of Detroit Mercy are hosting a Virtual Social Justice Retreat on April 16 and April 17. Tentatively, the retreat will start on the evening of Friday, April 16 from 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m., and Saturday, April 17 from 10 a.m. -12:15 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m.- 4 p.m. Participants will receive a schedule once they complete their registration.
The goal of our Virtual Social Retreat is to provide both The University of Scranton and University of Detroit Mercy students with a space to engage in conversations on topics related to racial justice, migration, environmental, and educational justice. The retreat will feature student leaders? presenters and will offer opportunities to network, engage in small and large group sharing, individual reflection, and ending with each participant creating their r own action plan. Engage with us and, Register here.
We want to thank you in advance for your time, consideration, and support of our virtual retreat. Use the link on this post or on Royal Sync. We are looking to confirm our group for this by Monday, April 12.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Cathy Seymour, catherine.seymour@scranton.edu -OR- Jose Sanchez, jose.sanchez@scranton.edu.
Virtual Social Justice Retreat
General
June 2, 2021
The Schemel Forum Presents: A Jesuit Education and Integrative Thinking in Biotechnology (fighting Tuberculosis) and Economics (eradicating poverty)
Michael Fairbanks, Ph.D., Fellow at Harvard and the chairman and founder of Akagera Medicines, a Biotech company based in Boston and San Francisco focussed on cures for infectious diseases
The Scranton tradition of “scholarship and service” is only part of it. Taking the best ideas and tools from one academic domain and applying them to the challenges of another is how innovation occurs.
Friday, April 16
Via ZOOM- link will be emailed; Noon to 1:30 p.m.
To register contact Alicen.Morrison@scranton.edu
Free to University of Scranton Staff, Students, Faculty and Schemel Forum Members/ $10 per person
Schemel Forum, April 16
General
June 2, 2021
Hopefully this is our last virtual version of Pet Therapy before we get back to fun Scranton in-person activities! In the meantime, we would love to feature your pet on our social media outlets on Friday, April 30!
Send an email to ellen.judge@scranton.edu with the subject line: Pet Therapy
• One photo or short video of your pet
• Your name and class year or department
• Your pet’s name and little fun info about them! Be sure to include their quirks, likes/dislike, their breed and where you got them!
• Deadline for Submissions, Wednesday, April 28 at 12 p.m. They will be featured on our Instagram and Facebook pages! Be sure to subscribe to both!
• Feel free to share with friends and family…we want to see them all!
• We hope to be able to hold our next Pet Therapy day on campus on Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 1130 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the Dionne Green, adhering the Royals Safe Together Plan.
Virtual Pet Therapy, April 30
Student
June 2, 2021
Join us for a refreshing weekend in the mountains at Bryn Mawr Retreat Center for the Manresa Retreat from Friday evening, April 16 to Sunday afternoon April 18. This retreat is led by a team of students and will help us reflect on the Ignatian themes such as Finding God in All Things, Gratitude, and Justice and Service. Each participant will have their own bedroom and all Royals Safe Together protocols will be followed. All meals, snacks and transportation are included. The cost is $75, however fee assistance is available if the fee presents a hardship.
Register on Royal Sync here.
Please contact amy.hoegen@scranton.edu with any questions.
Manresa Retreat - April 16 to 18
Student
June 2, 2021
Graduating Class of 2021: The Multicultural Center is excited to announce its Donning of the Kente Stole Ceremony, which follows its Inaugural Ceremony last year. This event has a rich history at other colleges and universities and seeks to recognize and honor the success of graduating students from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly students of color. Participating graduates attend a ceremony where they are bestowed with a Kente stole that can be worn at Commencement as a symbol of their accomplishments. This year, the Donning of the Kente Stole Committee will be planning to host an in-person ceremony with graduates on campus (location to be announced) following our Royal Safe Together Plan. We will likely accommodate guests virtually. This ceremony will take place on Friday, May 21, at 4 p.m.
We invite all graduating students to visit our application on RoyalSync to learn more and register for the event if they feel it applies to them! The direct link to the application is here. The deadline to fill out the application is Friday, April 30 at 4 p.m. We hope you consider applying!
If you have any questions, please contact the assistant director of Cross Cultural Center, Jose Sanchez at jose.sanchez@scranton.edu or Student Leader of the Donning Kente Stole Ceremony, Committee Samiel Torres at samiel.torres@scranton.edu.
Donning of the Kente Stole Ceremony Application
Alumni
June 2, 2021
Several online information websites for prospective undergraduate and graduate students have ranked some of The University of Scranton’s programs to be among the nation’s best in recently published rankings.
Intellegent.com ranked a dozen of the University’s program among the nation’s best in listings that include: No. 2 among the best master’s in human resources; No. 10 among the best MBA in international Business; No. 13 among the best MBA in healthcare management; No. 14 among the best MBA in human resources; No. 15 among the best online master’s of accountancy; No. 19 among the best accounting degree programs; No. 25 best master’s in health informatics; and No. 33 among the best master’s in healthcare administration, among others. The ranking is based on an assessment of student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third-party evaluations of the programs.
In the first Nursing Schools Almanac rankings published, Scranton’s nursing program ranked No. 71 in the nation. Scranton also ranked No. 30 among private nursing school in the U.S. Nursing Schools Almanac noted Scranton students benefit from “small class sizes and a strong clinical focus, with clinical experiences beginning during sophomore year” and that undergraduates “have opportunities for research, study abroad, and participation in domestic and international service trips.” The rankings are based on evaluation of academic prestige and perceived value; the breadth and depth of nursing programs offered; and student success rates, particularly on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX) national licensure exam.
Besthealthdegrees.com ranked Scranton’s online master’s degree in health informatics No. 10 in the nation; and its bachelor’s degree programs in healthcare management at No. 18 in the country. Among the factors considered in this ranking are the cost of attendance, reputation and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report and other higher education rating publications.
Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked several of the University’s graduate programs among America’s best and the University’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 48; and its online MBA program at No. 111 in the nation in its “Best Online Programs” guide. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 67 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.”
Scranton Programs Ranked Among Best in Nation
Community
June 2, 2021
The spring semester’s State of Scranton series seminar will be offered virtually on Monday, April 12 at 12 p.m. with Representative Matt Cartwright, U.S. House Representative for PA's 8th Congressional District.
In this online public presentation and discussion, U.S. Rep. Cartwright will provide an overview of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. University faculty, staff, and students, along with Greater Scranton area community members, are invited to attend this special virtual presentation that will highlight key components of the American Rescue Plan and discuss the impact of this legislation for the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The recently enacted American Rescue Plan Act is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill that offers immediate and direct economic-relief, geared largely to supporting low to middle income Americans and aims to speed up the United States' recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing recession.
First sworn into Congress on January 3, 2013, Rep. Cartwright is committed to working across the aisle to advocate for working families. His priorities include strengthening the middle class, creating jobs, ensuring quality health care, protecting seniors, and supporting veterans and military families. Rep. Cartwright serves on the House Appropriations Committee, is the chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science, and is one of the co-chairs of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. He graduated magna cum laude with a history degree from Hamilton College in 1983 and earned his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1986.
The Zoom session will include Opening Comments and Q&A. Registration is required before 9 a.m. on April 12. Register here.
This online presentation and discussion is a part of the State of Scranton seminar series. Through campus and guest speakers, this series serves to engage the varied opportunities and challenges facing the Greater Scranton area. Q&A and discussion will provide an opportunity for engagement. We are pleased to provide this seminar in virtual format during this extraordinary time.
For questions, please email community@scranton.edu.
This event is sponsored by the Office of Community and Government Relations, Center for Service and Social Justice, the Jesuit Center, Faculty Senate, Staff Senate, the Ellacuría Initiative, and the Political Science Department.
April 12 State of Scranton to Feature Rep. Cartwright
General
June 2, 2021
Located in the middle of the southern vast Pacific, wondrous volcanic and coral archipelagos make up the region of Oceana knows as French Polynesia. Global Insights is pleased to feature University student, Jessica Moufa, senior nursing major, as the last Global Insights presentation of the semester. Join us Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. Registration is required. Click here to register.
Home of Tahiti, a beautiful landscape and warm tropical sun are enough of a draw to this island paradise. However, Moufa says that the people and traditional activities are what makes French Polynesia a place to visit.
“The French Polynesians are sociable and hospitable individuals. Also, the culture involves a lot of flowers (crown flowers, flowers on the ears, flower necklaces), singing, music, dancing, and tattoos," she said.
She says there is special meaning to wearing flowers on the ears and will share that with the audience during her presentation.
A favorite tradition is early morning shopping at the local markets.
“There is a tradition that every Sunday, the locals would wake up early in the morning (around 4 a.m.) to go to the main market on the island. There, you would find every island delicacy such as French patisseries (croissant, pain au chocolat, baguette), local cook or uncooked food (taro, breadfruit, plantain), freshly farmed vegetables, reef fish, pua’a roti (roasted pork), firi firi (twisted coconut donuts) and some Chinese food," she said.
Students, faculty and staff are invited to learn more about the food, surf and traditions at the Global Insights French Polynesia presentation Please click here to register. Zoom information will be sent out 1-2 days before the event.
This program is being offered by the Office of Global Education, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. For more information, please contact international@scranton.edu or 570-941-4841.
Global Insights Lands in French Polynesia!
March
View March Listing Page
Staff
March 17, 2021
Update, March 31, 2021:
The Staff Senate is still looking for nominations for the Paraprofessional/Professional constituent group. Please consider nominating yourself or speaking to a colleague about their interest.
The Staff Senate meets monthly and senators are asked to serve on one of the seven standing committees. Check out our website for more details and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
https://www.scranton.edu/staff-senate/index.shtml
The Staff Senate elections will be held from April 6 – 13, 2021. Beginning today, the Election and Membership Committee will collect nominations for inclusion on the ballot. The Staff Senate is a great way to get involved in the University community, meet new people and develop professionally. Please consider nominating yourself, or a colleague!
The following seats are available:
Clerical – 1 seats and 2 alternates
Maintenance/Custodial, Trades, Technical, Police – 6 seats and 2 alternates
Professional/Paraprofessional – 5 seats and 2 alternates
Please see your email for details regarding the nomination process. The deadline for submitting nominations is March 30, 2021, 4:30 p.m.
Email nominations are preferred (amy.driscollmcnulty@scranton.edu) or you may send the attached and completed form to Kristin Klien, Ciszek Hall by March 30, 2021, 4:30 p.m.
Thank you,
The Staff Senate Election & Memberships Committee:
Amy Driscoll McNulty (co-chair), Kristi Klien (co-chair), Pete Sakowski, Rose Ann Jubinski and Janet Schieber
Call for Nominations for Staff Senate
Staff
March 17, 2021
Do you manage a social media account for the University? It's time to join the Social Media User Group (SMUG) on campus (and on Facebook and Yammer)!
We will have an open meeting for staff who manage social media accounts for their group or department in early May. Please email socialmedia@scranton.edu if you aren't sure if you are on our email list and you are interested in learning about what's new in social media and our social media community guidelines, which can be found here. We'll also show you how to use the new gif stickers!
The SMUG Facebook group is a forum for departments and organizations involved in social media on behalf of the University to share ideas, social media tips and news, ask questions, post meeting information, share campaign information and more. We also share social media conference materials via email every so often.
Be sure to email socialmedia@scranton.edu to be invited to the SMUG Facebook group and/or added to the group email or Yammer group.
Join the University's Social Media User Group
Student
March 17, 2021
During the fall 2020 semester, Transact’s Mobile Ordering application was introduced to the University community for use in the DeNaples Dining Center. It allowed students, faculty and staff to order their food ahead and avoid crowding. Information Technology and Aramark partnered to develop the app as a part of the Royals Safe Together plan.
According to Information Technology, "Mobile Ordering is about more than just providing new technology to our community. It is an opportunity to provide outstanding service to our school community and help to ensure a safe environment for the entire campus."
The app allows students to order meals from Chick-Fil-A, Zoca, Which Which, Grille Works and the Pizza and Pasta stations through their mobile phones.
Newly added locations for the spring 2021 semester include Einstein Bros. Bagels and the Mulberry Food Court.
Students both on- and off-campus have been using mobile ordering: scheduling orders, checking order status in real-time and using the various pay options.
Sara Tavares, a junior marketing major, uses mobile ordering roughly three times a week.
Tavares said she often orders from Einstein Bros. Bagels for breakfast in between classes and enjoys how simple the mobile ordering is.
Dante Malleo, a junior psychology major minoring in general business, also uses the mobile ordering app at least once a day.
Malleo said he appreciates the convenience of the app and the ability to skip all of the lines.
“Being able to look on the app to see what’s open before you even get there and placing an order is incredibly convenient,” Malleo said.
Malleo likes how he can pick up his food when he’s on the go.
“It is so nice to quickly order something off of the app and go pick it up on your way to class, or wherever you might be going,” Malleo said.
Students Enjoy Ease of Mobile Ordering App
Community
March 17, 2021
Several of The University of Scranton’s graduate programs are once again ranked among the America’s best by U.S. News & World Report in its 2022 edition of “Best Graduate Schools” that published online March 30.
Scranton’s graduate program in nursing ranked No. 88 and its part-time MBA program ranked No. 95 in the nation. U.S. News also listed several Scranton programs among the Best Graduate Schools Ranking by MBA Specialties in the nation, ranking programs in information systems No. 20; production operations No. 22; accounting No. 28; and finance No. 36. Scranton’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program ranked at No. 113 in the nation.
For the graduate school rankings, U.S. News uses data gathered by surveys of college faculty and administrators, and for nursing programs, from professionals working in health care, to assess the quality of programs. U.S. News also uses statistical data such as faculty student ratios and student test scores. The U.S. News ranking of the Best Graduate Schools Ranking by MBA Specialties is based solely on ratings by business school deans and directors of AACSB-accredited MBA programs.
Graduate nursing degrees offered by Scranton include Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN, and post-master’s certificate; Executive Nursing Leadership, M.S.N; and Nurse Anesthesia, DNP, and an accelerated MSN degree program.
The University’s graduate-level business programs include a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Master of Accountancy (MAcc), Master of Science in Finance (MSF). Master of Science in Business Analytics and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in general management or with a specialization in accounting, business analytics, finance, healthcare management, international business, management information systems, marketing and operations management. The University also offers combined/accelerated bachelor’s and master’s level programs including accounting BS/MBA, operations management BS/MBA, finance BS/MBA, management BS/MBA, and College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor’s/MBA, and other programs.
All of the University’s graduate programs hold the highest national accreditation within each discipline, including accreditation by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) for business and accreditation by The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for nursing and Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) for nurse anesthesia.
Earlier this year, U.S. News’ “Best Online Programs” publication ranked the University’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 48; and its online MBA program at No. 111 in the nation. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 67 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.”
In other rankings published by U.S. News, Scranton has been ranked among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 27 consecutive years. Scranton is ranked No. 6 in the 2021 edition of the guidebook. U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 14 in its category for “Best Undergraduate Teaching.”
MBA and Nursing Program Ranked Among Best in U.S.
Community
March 17, 2021
University of Scranton student volunteers with the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice (CSSJ) have been hard at work to make sure that Scranton-area community members have the food that they need. This week dozens of University student volunteers worked together with the Friends of the Poor Scranton to create meal baskets for over 150 families. Meal baskets were created with all Covid safety measures in place and include a full holiday dinner with a ham, vegetables, and dessert. This effort was recently highlighted in a WBRE-WYOU Eyewitness News story, as well as coverage by WNEP-TV, Fox 56 News, and the Scranton Times-Tribune.
The Easter basket dinner preparation is one of many programs that CSSJ volunteers are working on to assist residents in the Scranton community. Students also recently participated in the “Servathon” – a full day of service that engages students in projects that meet local community needs. During this event, CSSJ students created more than 275 Easter baskets and 200 hand-made Easter cards.
These efforts build upon the Center for Service and Social Justice’s ongoing work to help Scranton area community members. At the onset of the pandemic, CSSJ launched the “We Care Wednesday” program to help support Friends of the Poor Scranton’s efforts to provide meals to low-income community members. This weekly event provides meals and snacks along with hand-written cheerful notes to let community members know that someone is thinking about them.
This program has served provided over 2,000 meals to area residents and has expanded for the spring semester to include Thursday “We Care” meal distributions. Additional “We Care” programs include the creation of 400 thank you notes to essential workers during the pandemic.
For more information about the Center for Service and Social Justice please visit here and follow CSSJ on Facebook at @UofSCSSJ.
University Students Work to Provide Meals to Community Members in Need
Athletics
March 17, 2021
After having their respective fall schedules canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, four University of Scranton teams made the most of a shortened schedule that concluded this past weekend.
Field hockey, men's & women's soccer and volleyball hit their respective fields and courts of play starting on March 6. Each team played four games, apiece, all against Landmark Conference competition. Here are some highlights for each team.
Field Hockey
- The defending Landmark Conference champions, the Royals were impressive in their four-game slate, going 4-0, while outscoring their opponents by a staggering 14-0 margin. The season was punctuated on Mar. 28 when Scranton blitzed past Drew, 9-0, on the road.
- The Scranton program was also able to honor their 2021 senior class before their Mar. 14 game with Moravian at Weiss Field. The seniors honored were Annie Amentler (Drums, Pa./Hazleton Area), Megan Gallagher (Thorndale, Pa./Bishop Shanhan), Christina Motz (Glenside, Pa./Gwynedd Mercy Academy), Sheila Newby (Media, Pa./Cardinal O'Hara), Brittany Schumann (Andover, N.J./Newton) and Amelia Sharp (Yardley, Pa./Pennsbury).
Women's Soccer
- The women's soccer team, also the defending Landmark champs, were just as impressive on the pitch in the spring campaign, going a perfect 4-0, while out scoring the opposition by 12-0 margin.
- Junior Grace Elliott (Westfield, N.J./Westfield) was named the Landmark's Athlete of the Week for the Royals, as she scored four goals in four matches for Scranton.
- Before the Juniata game on Mar. 7, the Royals honored their 2021 seniors, who were Anna Donnelly (Floral Park, N.J./Sacred Heart Academy), Shae Guilfoyle (West Nyack, N.Y./Pearl River), Mazie Stiles (Nyack, N.Y./Albertus Magnus), Erin Toburen (Harleysville, Pa./Lansdale Catholic) and Alexis Long (Wayne. N.J./Wayne Hills).
Volleyball
- The Royals' volleyball team went 2-2 in matches throughout March, posting a pair of three-set sweeps inside the Long Center over Moravian (Mar. 13) and Susquehanna (Mar. 19).
- Before the win over Susquehanna, the Royals honored their lone senior for 2021, Jillian Graham (Wantagh, N.Y./Wantagh), who followed up the ceremony by posting eight kills in the three-set win over the visiting River Hawks.
Men's Soccer
- The Royals men's soccer team also went 2-2 during the month, beating Juniata (Mar. 7) and Moravian (Mar. 13) by 1-0 scores.
- Before Scranton's first game of the year vs. Juniata on Mar. 7, the Royals program honored their senior class of Matt Bolock (Cresco, Pa./Pocono Mountain East), Jarred Corbett (Wenonah, N.J./St. Augustine Prep), Andrew Ferrier (Bayonne, N.J./Saint Peter's Prep), John McCane (Albany, N.Y./Christian Brothers Academy) and Aidan Thornell (Summit, N.J./Saint Peter's Prep).
- Earning Landmark Conference Athlete of the Week honors for the Royals was Thornell, who started 47 of 50 games played over the last three seasons in the Scranton midfield.
All four teams eagerly await their return to action in September when they open their normal fall 2021 schedules.
Fans are reminded to continue to visit athletics.scranton.edu for continuing information from the Department of Athletics, and to follow the Royals on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @RoyalAthletics for updates throughout the offseason.
Four Fall Sports Teams Complete Successful Spring Campaign
Student
March 17, 2021
This article originally appeared in Campus Corner, a blog about campus life, which you can find here.
With commencement approaching, the reality is beginning to set in for some seniors. Their time as undergraduate students is coming to an end.
Stephen Chimenti is an exercise science major, and though his academic career is set to continue -- he will go on to get his doctorate in physical therapy -- he said he is going to miss one major thing when he leaves Scranton.
“There are so many things about [Scranton] that I will miss, but if I had to narrow it down ... it would be the community,” Chimenti said. “Meeting my friends and seeing people on my walks to class are things I have appreciated from the [first] day I stepped foot on campus.”
Chimenti met many of his friends during his first year as a Royal and was thankful to keep those connections during his four years.
“My lifelong favorite memories from Scranton come from the first semester of my first year,” Chimenti said. “Every day was a new experience, and I met more people than I ever have before.”
Though Chimenti looks back at his first year with fond memories, he said he'd give his past self some advice.
“I wish I could tell my first-year self to stress less and just enjoy each day,” Chimenti said.
However, the stress that came from Chimenti’s first year also taught him something important.
“The biggest lesson Scranton taught me is that if you really want something, you must constantly work hard at it until you achieve it,” Chimenti said.
This learned work ethic, he hopes, will help him down the line.
“After Doctor of Physical Therapy school, I will hopefully run my own clinic one day,” Chimenti said.
For now? He wants to make the most of the final weeks of his senior year.
“I hope my senior entails lots of growth and productivity,” Chimenti said. “I also hope to get lots of quality time with my friends.”
Read more senior spotlights in Campus Corner, here.
Seniors, remember to use #Royals2021 on all your commencement-related posts!
Senior Spotlight: Stephen Chimenti
General
March 17, 2021
The Schemel Forum will present "The Abolitionist International" by Manisha Sinha, Ph.D., Draper Chair in American History, the University of Connecticut on April 9.
The talk re-imagines abolition as a radical international movement composed of ordinary men and women, whites and blacks. It shows how the fight to end slavery overlapped with contemporary social movements such as feminism, utopian socialism, pacifism as well as struggles for rights of labor, immigrants and Native Americans.
Via ZOOM- link will be emailed; Noon to 1:30 p.m.
To register contact Alicen.Morrison@scranton.edu
Free to University of Scranton Staff, Students, Faculty and Schemel Forum Members/ $10 per person
Virtual Schemel Forum, April 9
General
March 17, 2021
The Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities, the Panuska College of Professional Studies, and the Department of Philosophy present
The Inaugural Celebration of the Life and Work of Dr. Edmund Pellegrino
"The Humanities and Healthcare: Medicine as a Moral and Spiritual Enterprise"
Wednesday, April 7, 2021 • 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Featuring Katherine Brown-Saltzman, RN, MA
Internationally-recognized leader in nursing and health care ethics and
Former Director of the UCLA Health Ethics Center
The virtual Zoom presentation will be moderated by:
Kim Subasic, Ph.D., MS, RN, CNE, chair of The University of Scranton's Department of Nursing,
and Matthew F. Shea, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Philosophy
The focus on Dr. Pellegrino's legacy as a physician, philosopher, bioethicist, teacher, writer, university president, devoted Catholic, and devotee of the humanities will annually inspire our students, faculty, and staff to embrace Ignatian ideas in their studies and work. Dr. Pellegrino's conviction that the humanities and spirituality merit a specific, prominent, and permanent role in the education of healthcare professionals, in the healthcare system, and in patient care will form the foundation of this annual celebration.
Register here.
The Slattery Center Invites You - April 7
Student
March 17, 2021
The University of Scranton received a second grant from the Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation to establish an endowed scholarship fund to support students who demonstrate financial need and academic potential. The Stabler Foundation has contributed a total of $585,000 in grants to the University since 2019.
Recipients of the scholarship must be residents of Pennsylvania who are able to demonstrate their academic potential, financial need and eagerness for a college education.
Mr. and Mrs. Stabler recognized the importance of higher education and had an unwavering dedication to providing opportunities for deserving students. They also firmly believed that the recipients of financial aid should be encouraged to “pay it forward” to help others have the advantage of similar assistance. The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Scholarship Fund has been established at the University in their honor.
“The University of Scranton is grateful to be among the select universities to receive generous support from the Stabler Foundation. The structure of the scholarship endowment matches well with our core Jesuit mission and the characteristics we strive to encourage in our students,” said Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., acting president.
The fund is uniquely positioned to be self-sustaining through the gratitude of the scholarship recipients. Students who receive a Stabler Scholarship are asked to pledge to make contributions to the endowment scholarship fund after they graduate. The commitment is more of a “debt of conscience” rather than a legal obligation with the intent of encouraging philanthropy in students who have received funding and support through the scholarship program.
The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation, located in Harrisburg, was established by Mr. and Mrs. Stabler in 1966 exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, literary or educational purposes. Generally, the Stabler Foundation makes grants to organizations and institutions that are located, or provide their primary services, in central and/or eastern Pennsylvania.
Stabler Foundation Scholarship Established
General
March 17, 2021
May 21 8 p.m. Virtual Class Night. Presentation of outstanding academic, service and leadership awards to Class of 2021 undergraduates. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.
May 22 10 a.m. Graduate Degree Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Tickets required. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.
May 22 4:30 p.m. Virtual Commencement Baccalaureate Mass. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.
May 23 9:30 a.m. Undergraduate Commencement for Panuska College of Professional Studies. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Tickets required. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.
May 23 1 p.m. Undergraduate Commencement for Kania School of Management. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Tickets required. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.
May 23 4:30 p.m. Undergraduate Commencement for College of Arts and Sciences. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Tickets required. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.
University Announces Events for 2021 Commencement
General
March 17, 2021
Celebrating a Very Royal National Puppy Day
Community
March 17, 2021
The University of Scranton will host a Virtual Preview Day for high school students accepted to its Class of 2025 and their families on Saturday, Mar. 27. The virtual event, which will begin at 10 a.m., will include live, interactive sessions with faculty, students and staff members, as well as informational videos and panel discussions. The event will include virtual tours of campus and labs and allow for personal appointments with staff from the Financial Aid Office.
The virtual event will include residence hall tours and live Q and A sessions with current students; sessions on more than 35 academic programs, pre-law, honors programs and pre-health professions; live sessions on student life, study abroad, and career development; mission and ministries and more.
The virtual event will provide an opportunity for accepted students to take a closer look at the Jesuit university before making their final college decision. The last sessions will begin at 1 p.m.
For additional information or to register for Virtual Preview Day, visit the Virtual Preview Day webpage or contact The University of Scranton Admissions Office at 1-888-SCRANTON.
Preview Day Set for Accepted Students on March 27
Community
March 17, 2021
The University of Scranton’s Office of Community Relations is pleased to offer a virtual after-school program to students in Scranton. The program will begin on March 29 and run for the duration of the spring semester until May 6. The program will offer four different 45-minute sessions per week for students in grades 3-5. During the sessions, Scranton-area students can join with University of Scranton student tutors for homework help and small group academic support in various academic areas including: reading and English; spelling and grammar; math; and science.
This program aims to offer Scranton grade school students the opportunity to connect with University student tutors to receive academic support in a small group setting. Due to the current Covid-related restrictions in place, this program will be hosted virtually via Zoom and requires a parent/guardian waiver for students to participate. Sessions are limited to 12 participants per session and students with signed waivers will be accepted into session on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested parents/guardians can register their 3rd-5th grade students here.
University student mentors are drawn from various academic departments, including physical therapy, sociology, and biology, and are participating as part of community-based learning or as a co-curricular activity. The program will recruit student mentees from area elementary schools, including the University’s community partner school in the Scranton School District, McNichols Plaza Elementary in South Side.
Over intersession, the University piloted this tutoring program to offer Scranton-area 3rd-5th graders an opportunity to have some extra help with their academic work and also to have the opportunity to connect with University of Scranton student tutors. As remote and hybrid learning continue in schools, the University is expanding the tutoring program to offer 4 weekly sessions to area students.
For more information or for questions, please email community@scarnton.edu
University Students to Offer Virtual Tutoring to Scranton Area Students
General
March 17, 2021
Join The University of Scranton Players this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m. for John Cariani's Love/Sick via Broadway on Demand (you will need to create a free or log in to your existing Broadway on Demand account to see the show) directed by Michael O'Steen.
March 25: http://bit.ly/uofsplayersmarch25
March 26: http://bit.ly/uofsplayersmarch26
March 27: http://bit.ly/uofsplayersmarch27
A darker cousin to Almost, Maine, John Cariani's Love/Sick is a collection of nine slightly twisted and completely hilarious short plays. Set on a Friday night in an alternate suburban reality, this 80-minute romp explores the pain and the joy that comes with being in love. Full of imperfect lovers and dreamers, Love/Sick is an unromantic comedy for the romantic in everyone.
University of Scranton Players Present Love/Sick
Faculty
March 17, 2021
The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, through a Strategic Initiatives Grant awarded to the Office of Equity and Diversity, will host two inclusion pedagogy workshops for faculty featuring Dr. Milagros Castillo-Montoya, Ed.D. Both workshops will focus on antiracist teaching. The first will be held on Thursday, April 15, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., and will introduce key cross-disciplinary elements of antiracist teaching, engage in practicing one of these elements, and consider how those elements align with Catholic and Jesuit values. In the second workshop to be held the following Thursday, April 22, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., faculty will apply one element of antiracist teaching to their own teaching and work in disciplinary-related teams to improve an element of their teaching to advance antiracist teaching.
“Milagros Castillo-Montoya is a first-generation scholar. She is an Assistant Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs in the Educational Leadership Department at the Neag School of Education in the University of Connecticut. She also serves as a Faculty Fellow at the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, Assistant Director of Faculty Development at the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), and as an Affiliate Faculty with El Instituto and with the Sustainable Global Cities Initiative. Her research focuses on educational equity for first-generation college students, as well as racially minoritized students. Dr. Castillo-Montoya studies teaching and learning in racially and ethnically diverse college classrooms, particularly culturally relevant teaching in higher education. Dr. Castillo-Montoya’s scholarly work led her to be selected as an ACPA Emerging Scholar.
Dr. Castillo-Montoya has published in the Journal of Higher Education, Review of Educational Research, Review of Higher Education, Teaching in Higher Education, Harvard Educational Review, among other outlets. Dr. Castillo-Montoya has 20 years of professional experience in various areas of higher education including faculty work, higher education policy, academic affairs, and student affairs. She began her career as an educational opportunity fund program advisor (a Trio program for first-generation low-income college students) at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She is a mom of two children and loves being in nature.1
Registration is required: Click here to register. It is highly recommended that faculty attend both sessions. Questions, contact: amy.simolo@scranton.edu or 570-941-7498. This program is sponsored by a Strategic Initiatives Grant awarded to the Office of Equity & Diversity.
1.Source: https://education.uconn.edu/person/milagros-castillo-montoya/ -biography
REVISED DATES: Inclusion Pedagogy Workshops for Faculty: Antiracist Teaching
General
March 17, 2021
Scranton Isolation 'Informance' No. 17: Donate Like Capitalism Depended On It!
Wednesday, Mar. 24, 2021, 7:00 p.m.
To Watch: facebook.com/PerformanceMusicAtTheUniversityOfScranton
We live in a time where the Top 0.1percent own more than the bottom 80 percent, but we hear more and more about donor burnout. U.S. nonprofit performing arts organizations, and by extension artists, rely on the largess of these large donors - so why are they not stepping up to strengthen safety nets to similar levels seen in countries like Germany? The answers require going all the way back to the Revenue Act of 1913 and how that influenced the development of the nonprofit tax-exempt status.
Join Cheryl Boga, director of Performance Music, and her co-hosts S.P. Chattopadhyay, Ph.D., professor of management, marketing, and entrepreneurship and Hal Baillie, Ph.D., professor of philosophy and ethics as they welcome their guest Drew McManus, arts consultant and principal of Venture Industries Online to engage in this discussion. They will also field questions from viewers.
Drew McManus may be Venture's principal but don't let that title fool you into thinking he's just a tech geek. He brings 20 years of global broad-based arts consulting experience to the table and helps clients break the cycle of choosing one-size-fits-none solutions and instead, deliver an option that allows them to get ahead of the tech curve instead of trying to catch up by going slower.
With the vision of legacy support strategy and the delights of creative insights, his mission is to deliver a sophisticated next generation technology designed especially for our business. The first step in that journey began in 2010 when he released The Venture Platform, a purpose-designed managed website development solution designed especially for arts organizations and artists.
His expertise spans multiple sectors and regularly quoted as an industry expert in media outlets including New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Dallas Daily News, The Guardian Unlimited, and the Melbourne Age along with more than 100 additional newspapers, trade journals, and magazine outlets. Broadcast appearances include NPR's All Things Considered, NPR's Weekend Edition, NPR's Morning Edition, WQXR's Conducting Business, WNYC's Soundcheck, CBC One's Definitely Not The Opera, and SoundNotion.TV along with two dozen additional regional market appearances.
As a sought-after speaker and panelist, he has worked with Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network, Opera America, Americans for the Arts, National Arts Marketing Project Conference, Southeastern Theatre Conference, National Performing Arts Conference, Chamber Music America, NewMusicBox, The Conductors Guild, the Organization of Canadian Symphony Musicians, and the International Conference of Symphony Orchestra Musicians. He's been a featured lecturer at University of Wisconsin-Madison's Bolz Center for Arts Administration, Northwestern University School of Music, Eastman School of Music, and Arizona State University. In 2011, he was featured presenter for Chicago's TEDx Michigan Ave conference.
For fun, he writes a daily blog about the orchestra business, provides a platform for arts insiders to speak their mind, leads a team of intrepid arts pros to hack the arts, founded a free arts admin jobs board, and loves a good coffee drink.
He currently resides in the Chicago's Streeterville neighborhood with his wife, violinist Holly Mulcahy.
Scranton Isolation 'Informance' No. 17
Student
March 17, 2021
The University of Scranton’s Department of World Languages and Cultures is proud to announce that it will be hosting its second Fulbright Night of the spring 2021 semester Thursday, March 25, from 7-8 p.m. via Zoom. Come join World Languages and Cultures and Spanish Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Cecilia Nunez to learn more about Carnival celebrations in different countries.
Carnival is a season of celebration before Lent, normally taking place around February or March. Some common Carnival traditions include wearing colorful masks, wearing elaborate costumes, and participating in festive parades. However, every country has its own traditions that make its Carnival celebration unique! During this Fulbright Night, we'll be taking a closer look at what makes each country’s Carnival celebration special.
You can use this link to register for the event, here. If you have any questions about the event, please reach out to Hannah Jackson at Hannah.Jackson@scranton.edu.
We hope to (virtually) see you there!
Fulbright Night Carnival
Staff
March 17, 2021
Dan Guzzo from Transamerica will be available for individual retirement counseling sessions on Tuesday, March 30, via phone or video conferencing.
These sessions will provide you the opportunity to meet confidentially to review and discuss your current investments, ask questions and review options to help you meet your retirement goals.
Appointments will be in The Office of Human Resources and will be 45 minutes in length. To schedule an appointment, click here.
For Staff: Transamerica - Individual Retirement Counseling
Faculty
March 17, 2021
Staff Senate Communications Committee and Human Resources invite staff and faculty to attend this semester's Communications Symposium, The Strategic Plan’s Influence on Future Academic, Finance, and Operation Initiatives on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Our panelists for this semester's symposium include Gerald Zaboski, Vice President for Enrollment Management & External Affairs, Jeff Gingerich, Acting President/Provost/Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Ed Steinmetz, Senior Vice President for Finance & Administration, and Kate Yerkes, Assistant Provost for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness. The Symposium will be moderated by Mark Murphy.
Please register for our event at the link here:
Register by Friday, April 9, 2021.
Communications Symposium for Faculty, Staff, April 13
Staff
March 17, 2021
Join IT staff and guests on Wednesday, April 14, at 2:00 p.m. to learn how various Microsoft tools are being used on campus.
WARNING: This session may cause you to reimagine your work processes which could result in increased productivity and more efficient communications.
Register today, here.
A Zoom invitation to confirm your registration will be emailed the day before the event.
Microsoft Apps that will be reviewed:
Bookings: Schedule and manage appointments.
SharePoint: Share and manage content, knowledge, and documents to empower teamwork, quickly find information, and seamlessly collaborate across the organization.
Forms: Create surveys and polls to collect customer feedback, measure employee satisfaction, and organize team events.
Power Automate: Create automated workflows between apps and services to get notifications and more.
Teams: Chat, Meet, Call, and Collaborate all in one place. Call from Anywhere. Host Meetings. App Integrations. Instant Messaging. Cloud Phone System. Video Conferencing.
Faculty and Staff: Register for the IT Forum on April 14
Student
March 17, 2021
The University of Scranton announced plans to return to fully in-person classes for the fall semester and will begin to open the campus to in-person camps and conferences beginning this summer. The University will adhere to capacity limits established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and will continue to follow other health and safety requirements, which include social distancing and mask wearing.
The campus will remain closed to the general public through the summer.
“Since the pandemic began, the University planned and adapted based on state and federal guidance and directives, the best available scientific advice, and circumstances within our campus and surrounding community,” said Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., acting president, noting the University’s planning placed “the health and safety of our community at the center of our decisions.”
“We have succeeded thus far in responding to the pandemic because our care and concern for each other has inspired personal responsibility and sacrifice,” said Dr. Gingerich in an announcement sent to the University community announcing plans for the fall and summer. “I am confident that our love for each other and for the University will continue to inspire the best in us as we strive to remain Royals Safe Together.”
The University plans to offer undergraduate and graduate classes fully in-person in the fall 2021 semester, which begins August 30. The University will continue to offer graduate programs online that have been traditionally offered in that format.
An in-person Fall Welcome Weekend is being planned for Saturday and Sunday, August 28 and 29, and in-person summer orientation sessions are being planned for the Class of 2025.
This summer, the University will offer some in-person classes and laboratories, University-sponsored summer programs, and conferences and camps conducted by outside community groups and organizations. On-campus admissions tours will continue to be offered.
Additional information will be shared in the coming weeks, with more details about campus safety requirements as adaptions are made to the University’s Royals Safe Together Plan to follow updated guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The Royals Safe Together plan will continue to updated in the months ahead as the situation related to the pandemic continues to develop.
Fully In-person Classes to Resume at University in Fall
Community
March 17, 2021
Michelle Gonzalez Maldonado, Ph.D., dean of The University of Scranton’s College of Arts and Sciences, was among the distinguished panelists who participated in “The Francis Factor at Eight Years: Global Impacts, U.S. Challenges” discussion hosted by Georgetown University. The virtual March 18th event was part of Georgetown University’s Dahlgren Dialogues and was co-sponsored by its Office of Mission and Ministry and the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life.
Georgetown’s Francis Factor dialogues focus on Pope Francis’ mission and message, his priorities and leadership, his impact, and the challenges he offers to U.S. Catholics.
Joining Dr. Maldonado as panelist were Cardinal Seán O’Malley, OFM Cap, Archbishop of Boston; Cardinal Peter Turkson, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development; and Cindy Wooden, Rome bureau chief of Catholic News Service.
A scholar of religious studies, Dr. Maldonado’s areas of specialization include Latino/a and Latin American theology; Afro-Caribbean and Latino/a studies; U.S. minority, Third World and feminist theologies; and constructive and cultural theologies. She is the editor, co-author or author of 10 books, two of which won Catholic Press Association book awards. She has published more than 40 articles in academic journals and book chapters, presented at 85 academic conferences and meetings, and contributed more than a dozen book reviews. She has also written a number of articles for the National Catholic Reporter.
Dr. Maldonado began her service as dean at Scranton in July 2020. She previously served as assistant provost of undergraduate education at the University of Miami.
Dr. Maldonado earned her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University; her master’s degree from the Union Theology Seminary and her Ph.D. from the Graduate Theological Union.
Read more about “The Francis Factor” discussion in this Catholic News Service article.
CAS Dean Discusses the Francis Factor
General
March 17, 2021
Dear Members of the University Community,
The University stands in solidarity with our Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander students, faculty and staff and members of the local Scranton community and condemns any acts of hate, racism and violence.
We join the nation in mourning the killing of eight people this week in Atlanta, six of whom were Asian women. These murders follow a surge of racism, violence and harassment against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Our prayers are with the victims and their families and with those who live in fear of similar actions against them. As a Catholic and Jesuit university, we use our voices and direct our actions to serve communities affected by hate and violence.
Nationally, nearly 3,800 hate incidents have been reported against AAPI individuals over the last year, mostly against women. This is deeply troubling. While discrimination has risen during the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-Asian racism is longstanding in the United States.
We are committed to promoting opportunities to build better understanding of the richness and diversity of Asian cultures and experiences. I would like to remind members of our campus community that should you witness or experience discrimination, harassment or bias, resources are available within the Office of Equity and Diversity.
At this time, we commit ourselves in words and deeds to ensure that all those of Asian descent and other marginalized groups know that The University of Scranton stands with them.
Sincerely,
Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D.
Acting President
Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
A Statement Condemning Anti-Asian Racism and Violence
Community
March 17, 2021
The University of Scranton will stop accepting new clients though the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program on Thursday, Mar. 25, so students volunteering with the program have the time needed to complete their course requirements and prepare for final examinations.
The accounting students will assist area residents with filing their federal, state and local tax returns whose information is received prior to the cut-off date.
Because of the pandemic, the University has developed a contactless process for assisting residents who qualify for the free tax assistance program. Residents of Lackawanna and Wayne counties with household incomes of $57,000 or less for 2020 can provide the information needed to complete tax forms in a secure “drop-off box” located in the University Police Department, 820 Mulberry Street, Mondays through Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. until Mar. 25. Forms will be processed remotely by University student volunteers. Clients will be contacted by phone or email with any questions and when their tax forms have been filed electronically. The documents provided, or copies of documents if originals were needed for filing, will be then returned to participants.
The documents needed for filing tax forms include:
- name, email and phone number;
- a copy of the taxpayer’s driver’s license (and spouse’s if applicable);
- a copy of Social Security cards for the taxpayer, the spouse, and any dependents;
- all Wage and earning statements, including, but not limited to:
-
- Form W-2 (employees);
- W-2G (gambling winnings);
- 1099-R (retirement withdrawals);
- 1099-Misc, 1099-NEC(miscellaneous income) and any related expenses;
- 1099-G (unemployment income);
- 1099-SA (Social Security statement);
- 1099-B (sales of stock);
- interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099-INT and 1099-DIV);
- a copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available;
- a voided check for proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit;
- forms 1095-A, B and C, health coverage statements;
- any information pertinent to deductions and credits the taxpayer may be eligible for, such as:
-
- 1098-T for anyone on the tax return who attended a higher education institution during 2020;
- totals paid to daycare providers and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number, name, and address;
- for those who qualify for a property tax or rent rebate (age 65 and older, a widow/widower, disabled, and within certain income limits), copies of property tax receipts for any property taxes paid during the 2020 tax year;
- list of charitable donations;
- note if you received the first stimulus payment? (spring of 2020) $1,200/taxpayer-spouse and $500 for each qualifying child;
- also note if you received the economic impact payment? (late 2020 or early 2021) $600/ taxpayer-spouse and each qualifying child.
Residents with questions may call the University at 570-941-4045.
University students have participated in the VITA program for more than 30 years.
University VITA Program to Close for Tax Season
Student
March 17, 2021
University of Scranton alumnus William F. Demarest, Jr. ’69, established a scholarship for Scranton students attending Boston College School of Law. Atty. Demarest graduated from Boston College School of Law, magna cum laude, in 1972.
The scholarship, which will be funded by Atty. Demarest and his wife, Donna, will provide scholarship aid to a graduating student from the University to attend Boston College School of Law. Preference will be given to Scranton graduates who majored in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) The scholarship will begin in the 2021-2022 academic year.
Atty. Demarest graduated, cum laude, from Scranton with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.
“My undergrad training in the scientific method, as well as a broad liberal arts education, prepared me well for the case method in law school,” said Atty. Demarest. “Due to a special relationship which appeared to exist between B.C. Law and the University in the late ‘60s, I was fortunate to receive an academic full-tuition Presidential Scholarship from B.C. Law.”
As a law student at Boston College, Atty. Demarest was Articles Editor of the Boston College Law Review. He won a judicial clerkship with the Hon. Ruggero J. Aldisert on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. His distinguished career in law included serving as counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Commerce, and counsel to its chair, Hon. John Dingell.
“Having now retired, my wife, Donna, and I are most appreciative of the opportunities that attending B.C. Law provided to us and our family. I am also of the view that the legal profession can benefit from greater participation by individuals trained in sciences,” said Atty. Demarest, explaining his motivation in establishing the scholarship.
The University of Scranton and Boston College School of Law have an early admissions agreement that allows Scranton students who meet program requirements to be eligible for admission to the prestigious law school after three years at Scranton. The agreement, commonly referred to as a “3-3 program,” allows Scranton students to earn a bachelor’s degree from Scranton and a juris doctor (JD) degree from Boston College in six, rather than seven years. Scranton also has 3-3 program agreements with Villanova School of Law, Duquesne University School of Law and Penn State Law in University Park.
For more information about the scholarship or Scranton’s 3-3 programs, visit Scranton’s pre-law webpage, or contact Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., pre-law advisor and professor of philosophy at The University of Scranton, at 570-941-5814 or matthew.meyer@scranton.edu.
Law Scholarship Started for Scranton STEM Grads
Student
March 17, 2021
The University of Scranton announced plans for in-person graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies for its class of 2021, which will now be held May 22-23, one week earlier than originally scheduled. Additionally, the University will now hold separate ceremonies for each of its undergraduate colleges and for graduate students at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Following Pennsylvania’s current indoor capacity guidelines, a maximum of 2,500 people would be able to attend each ceremony at the arena.
The graduate commencement ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 22. Separate undergraduate commencement ceremonies will be held on Sunday, May 23, for graduates of: the Panuska College of Professional Studies at 9:30 a.m.; the Kania School of Management at 1 p.m.; and for the College of Arts and Sciences at 4:30 p.m.
Graduates will receive four tickets for guests to attend their ceremonies to ensure space capacity limits are followed. Other health and safety guidelines, such as social distancing and wearing masks, will also be followed. The ceremonies will also be live streamed for online viewing.
The announcement, sent to the University community by Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., acting president, also mentioned plans for a virtual Baccalaureate Mass at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 22. On Friday, May 21, at 8 p.m., the University will hold a virtual Class Night event, at which undergraduate students will be recognized for academic, service and leadership excellence. Information about additional commencement events will be shared in the coming weeks and will be posted on the University’s commencement webpage.
The University was able to determine plans for in-person commencement ceremonies because of recent modifications in Pennsylvania’s pandemic restrictions, which were announced Mar. 15. The University will continue to monitor and adapt to changes in health and safety recommendations from federal or state guidelines between now and May.
In-person Commencement Events Planned May 22-23
General
March 17, 2021
The University has launched a memorial website to honor the life and service of Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., The University of Scranton’s 24th and 27th president, who passed away on March 10, 2021.
"Anyone who spent time with Father Pilarz experienced his humor, compassion and genuine humanity. He was a person for others in every sense, devoted to a life of service that exemplifies what it means to be a Jesuit and a priest,” wrote James M. Slattery ’86, chair of the Board of Trustees in the announcement of Father Pilarz’s death, which will be displayed on the website along with the obituary and the recording of the Mass of Christian Burial.
The site includes a photo gallery featuring Father Pilarz alongside students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends on and around campus during his two Scranton presidencies.
“Don’t waste love,” Father Pilarz often reminded the University community. Many continue to follow this advice in the wake of his death. Condolences, tributes and shared memories have come in from across the country in remembrance of his extraordinary life and career. Members of the University community and friends are invited to view these memories and condolences and submit their own through a form on the site.
Social media posts and comments about Father Pilarz are being added to the site as well.
The website also includes tributes from his colleagues and friends in higher education, the Jesuit community and government officials.
“We all admired his boundless energy and his capacity to share himself with others,” wrote Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., president of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU). “But, of all the things he taught us, his last gift was showing us how to face adversity with grace and dignity, with the same abandonment of personal will and comfort that characterized his Jesuit priesthood. That final lesson, his struggle with ALS, is, perhaps, his greatest legacy and a most eloquent example of a life lived totally for others and for Christ.”
Remembering Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
General
March 17, 2021
Virtual Choir “Be Thou My Vision” is presented by a virtual choir comprised of representatives of Performance Music at The University of Scranton student and alumni musicians in a performance dedicated to celebrating the life of Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., who loved celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Scranton.
Virtual Choir 'Be Thou My Vision'
General
March 17, 2021
Please join the Hope Horn Gallery for a Zoom reception with artists exhibiting in 'Soaring Gardens Artists Retreat: The Second Decade' at the Hope Horn Gallery on Thursday, March 18, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. EDT.
Please contact Darlene Miller-Lanning, Gallery Director, for the Zoom link, at darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.
Soaring Gardens Artists Zoom Reception
General
March 17, 2021
On Thursday, March 18 at 11:30 a.m., Fr. Emmanuel Katongole will give a talk entitled “Hope & Healing for Ugandan Youth: Educating Amidst Environmental Degradation, Food Insecurity, and Poverty Through the Bethany Land Institute” via Zoom here. This talk is a part of our 2020-21 Humanities Forum through the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities.
A longtime friend of the University of Scranton, Fr. Katongole previously taught in our Theology/Religious Studies Department. He is currently Professor of Theology and Peace Studies at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies in the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame.
Fr. Katongole recently welcomed the first group of caretaker trainees to the Bethany Land Institute, which he co-founded in 2012.
We hope you will join us for this engaging talk.On Thursday, March 18 at 11:30, Fr. Emmanuel Katongole will give a talk entitled “Hope & Healing for Ugandan Youth: Educating Amidst Environmental Degradation, Food Insecurity, and Poverty Through the Bethany Land Institute” via Zoom here. This talk is a part of our 2020-21 Humanities Forum through the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities.
A longtime friend of the University of Scranton, Fr. Katongole previously taught in our Theology/Religious Studies Department. He is currently Professor of Theology and Peace Studies at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies in the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame.
Fr. Katongole recently welcomed the first group of caretaker trainees to the Bethany Land Institute, which he co-founded in 2012.
We hope you will join us for this engaging talk.
Fr. Emmanuel Katongole to Give Talk, 'Hope and Healing for Ugandan Youth'
Student
March 17, 2021
When asked to describe the Office of Campus Ministries’ Lenten program, Breaking Open the Word (BOW), Fred Mercadante, campus minister for Retreats and Sacramental Formation, shared a quote from an unknown author: “First we read Scripture, and then Scripture reads us.” The process is simple and dates back all the way to the early Church:
- Christians and those preparing to become Christians hear the Word of God proclaimed at Eucharist.
- They then gather to “break open” that Word; that is, they discuss how the Scripture (in particular Sunday’s Gospel reading) speaks to them as individuals and, perhaps more importantly, as a community of faith.
Scranton’s BOW takes place after the 7:00 p.m. Mass during the Sundays of Lent and is led by a team of students. The student leaders, who prepared weekly during the Fall semester through a team formation process, facilitate each BOW gathering. Participants are invited to re-hear the day’s Gospel, listen to a witness talk prepared and delivered by a team leader, break into small groups to discuss, and then gather together again to wrap up with closing thoughts and a prayer.
“It’s part Bible study, part mini-retreat, and part catechetical program,” explained Mercadante. “We basically try to answer the same question each week: ‘What does today’s Gospel theme have to do with my life as a college student?’”
“BOW has been one of the first big steps throughout my religious journey,” said Ariana Flores ‘24. “From listening to all the inspirational talks from students, to being able to connect with others who share that common interest, to learning and growing through discussion, I would say BOW is definitely memorable and always leaves me wanting to learn more!”
Inherent in Scranton’s mission as a Catholic and Jesuit university is the call to be centered on the Gospel and to cultivate Gospel values. BOW provides an opportunity for students to answer this call in an interactive, peer-led fashion.
Scranton Students 'Break Open the Word' During Lent
Student
March 17, 2021
The University of Scranton Bookstore is seeking part-time cashier to work weekdays and some Saturdays. Please call Don at 570.941.6393 or 570.941.7454 or e-mail 0808mgr@follett.com if interested in the position or apply within.
Commuter students are encouraged to apply.
Bookstore Part-time Cashier Needed
General
March 17, 2021
Students, faculty and staff are invited to the next Diversity + Inclusion Lunch and Learn.
Dr. Adam J. Pratt, Ph.D., Associate Professor, History department, will present Uncovering Scranton's Native Past, Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. Please click here to register.
Dr. Pratt will delve into the groups of Native people that lived in the northeastern Pennsylvania area, when, and what happened to them; the steps toward creating a Native Land Acknowledgement Statement; and, what other actions should the University make toward addressing past injustices.
Dr. Adam Pratt is an associate professor of History. His courses taught include 19th-century United States history, the Age of Andrew Jackson, Native American history, and the Civil War and Reconstruction. His book, Toward Cherokee Removal: Land, Violence, and the White Man’s Chance was published last year with the University of Georgia Press. He discussed his book and research in a recent Alarmist podcast in November which can be heard here.
This educational program for all students, faculty and staff is a part of the Diversity + Inclusion = A Better U! series, hosted by the Office of Equity and Diversity. Registration is required. Please click here to register.
For more information on the program, please contact elizabeth.garcia2@scranton.edu. Registration and zoom questions contact Jennifer.pennington@scranton.edu.
Event for Students, Faculty and Staff: Uncovering Scranton’s Native Past
Staff
March 17, 2021
Register today! The Employee Wellness Program is excited to introduce a new Hydration Challenge for staff & faculty beginning March 22.
Registration deadline is Monday, March 22, at noon!
The Employee Wellness 3-weeks Hydration Challenge for staff and faculty will ask participants to challenge themselves to drink water throughout their day and track water intake.
Once you register, you will receive a custom-made University of Scranton Employee Wellness water bottle, a Water Log to track your daily water intake, motivational emails to encourage you to drink more water throughout your day, and a chance to be entered into a grand prize raffle at the end of the program.
Click here to register.
Check out the Employee Wellness webpage-Hydration Challenge for more information.
Hydration Challenge for Staff and Faculty
Student
March 15, 2021
Interested in joining Student Government? Attend an Election Information session on March 17 at 6 p.m. to be eligible to run for a position or reach out to julia.hack@scranton.edu if you cannot attend.
Available positions are President/Vice President, 4 Class of 2022 Senators, 4 Class of 2023 Senators, 4 Class of 2024 Senators, 3 Residential Senators, 2 Off-Campus Senators, 2 Commuter Senators, 1 International Senator.
Zoom information can be found on Royal Sync.
Student Government '21-22: Elections Info Session
General
March 15, 2021
Meet the World Languages and Cultures Department's Fulbright Language Teaching Assistants from all over the world and learn about their countries and cultures at the 2021 TA talks on Zoom.
TA Talk 1: Germany & Canada
Monday, April 12, 2021
7:00-8:00 P.M.
Click here to register.
TA Talk 2: Palestine & Uruguay
Thursday, May 6, 2021
12:00-1:00 P.M.
Click here to register.
2021 Fulbright Language Teaching Assistant Talks
General
March 15, 2021
Palm Sunday Masses, March 28, will be held at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Byron. Access to our campus continues to be restricted and are limited to current students, faculty and staff of the University. Royal Card access is required.
Sunday Mass will be offered at 7:00 p.m. each week (Jan. 31 thru May 16) while school is in session. The Sunday Mass will be held in the Byron Recreation Complex.
Please note:
* There will be two Masses on Palm Sunday (March 28): 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
* There will be no Masses or services during Easter break (April 1 - April 5).
Palm Sunday Mass Schedule
Alumni
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics degree will offer a specialization in data analytics, beginning in the fall 2021 semester. Applications are currently being accepted for the program.
The curriculum for the master’s degree in health informatics was designed by Scranton faculty, who are active leaders and experts in this burgeoning field. The health informatics program’s mission is to “promote excellence in the Jesuit tradition by preparing graduates in the interdisciplinary field of health informatics to use data, information, knowledge and wisdom to improve health.”
Health informatics, data analytics and their associated tools have seen a rapid increase in importance in healthcare due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. This increase comes after a period of amplified interest in big data analysis in healthcare, in an effort to improve patient outcomes and efficiency. A 2019 Leadership survey conducted by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) shows that executive-level leaders at both health information technology vendors and hospitals are now seeing clinical and business analytics as a higher priority than in the past. As a result, the demand for health informaticians who have data analytics, data mining and data visualization skills is increasing. Another HIMSS analysis shows one of the top five job growth areas for health informatics was found to be analytics consultant.
Burning Glass Technologies, a job market analysis company, projects positions for health information managers and directors will grow 20.5 percent through 2029, which is more than four times the national average. Master’s-educated professionals in this position earn up to $106,000 annually.
The online program with a data analytics specialization includes three courses that are offered by Scranton’s Operations and Information Management Department, requiring the completion of a total of 39-41 credits for the master’s degree in health informatics with this specialization. Two one-credit modules in statistics and management science are also required, but may be waived depending on the student’s background.
The additional courses students will take for data analytics specialization will provide an overview of descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics, data mining and data visualization. Graduates will be prepared to turn health data into actionable information.
Applicants to the graduate program must meet admission requirements. For additional information, visit the Master of Science degree in Health Informatics webpage or contact Margarete L. Zalon, Ph.D., professor of nursing and director of the University’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics Program at Margarete.zalon@scranton.edu or 570-941-7655.
New Online Master’s Degree Specialization Offered
Faculty
March 15, 2021
The American Advertising Federation of NEPA recognized Stacy Smulowitz, Ph.D., associate professor of communication and media at The University of Scranton, with the Silver Medal Award at a virtual ceremony on Mar. 12.
An Accredited Business Communicator (A.B.C.), Dr. Smulowitz is president of Smulowitz Communications, a strategic communication and leadership consulting firm. She also serves as executive director of the Eastern Communication Association and education chair of Boost Business NEPA.
At the University, Dr. Smulowitz teaches courses in advertising, leadership and organizational communication. She often includes community-based learning projects for students in her classes, which include developing and pitching marketing-based, integrated advertising campaigns to area organizations. Past clients for the classes have included Scranton Tomorrow, Cedar Bike & Paddle, East Scranton Business Association, Anthracite Heritage Museum and others. In addition, through her academic courses, University students also participate in the American Advertising Federation’s National Student Advertising Competition.
Dr. Smulowitz also serves as moderator for the University’s Advertising Club, through which students also work with area businesses to gain real-world experiences. Clients the student club has previously worked with include Sno Mountain, Café Sveda, Duffy’s Accessories, Coconut Summer, Stinky’s Chili and Anthracite Bicycle Coalition.
Dr. Smulowitz’s research focus is on theory and strategy for assessing and promoting excellence in organizational leadership. Her most recent book, The communication solution: Leading successful change in higher education, was published in 2021. Her work has also been featured in Leadership and Organization Development Journal, Journal of Intercultural Communication Studies, Measuring Business Excellence, Change Management: An International Journal, The International Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods and in several books, book chapters and training manuals.
Dr. Smulowitz also volunteers with the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania and serves as a troop leader.
A resident of Shavertown, Dr. Smulowitz earned a bachelor’s degree from Wilkes University, a master’s degree from Ithaca College and a Ph.D. from Rutgers University.
Community Group Awards Faculty Member
Community
March 15, 2021
Treasured quotes said by Father Pilarz; words written by his favorite poets; memories penned by University students and bouquets of purple and white flowers adorned the Byron Recreation Complex, which served as the site of a public viewing and Mass of Christian Burial for University of Scranton President Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
Thousands of mourners attended the public viewing for Father Pilarz on Friday, March 12, and thousands more watched the broadcast of his Mass of Christian burial on Saturday, March 13.
Rev. Herbert Keller, S.J., vice president for mission and ministry at the University and rector of the Scranton Jesuit community, served as principal celebrant for the Mass.
“Father Scott Pilarz had many loves in his life, and these loves shaped the person, the Jesuit and the priest that he was. Scott was fond of saying ‘don’t waste love,’ and it is clear in his own life, he never did,” said Father Keller in his Homily. He spoke of Father Pilarz’s love for his family, friends, the Church, the Society of Jesus, the sacred mission of Catholic and Jesuit education, the people of northeastern Pennsylvania and The University of Scranton, the place Father Pilarz called in his first Presidential Inaugural address the “miracle in the mountains.”
“It turned out he was the miracle who inspired us to be our best selves,” said Father Keller. He quoted from a reflection of Father Pilarz shared by former University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham University: “‘What an iconic son of St. Ignatius, a pastor and a teacher to the end.’”
“If there is one guiding image that somehow captures the blessings of Father Pilarz’s life, it is that of the teacher. Teaching was the source his fulfillment and happiness,” said Father Keller.
“Scott saw the amazing possibilities for the transformation of lives in education and the belief that education ultimately reveals to us in (Gerard Manley) Hopkin’s phrase ‘a world charged with the grandeur of God.’”
In his Homily, Father Keller described lessons of faith, love and hope learned from Father Pilarz, quoting from the Gospel of St. John, and from the words of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, S.J., Saint Robert Southwell, S.J., poet Mary Oliver and “the bard of New Jersey, Bruce Springsteen”
“We are called on this earth to build one another up. We are called to support each other. Strengthened and loved by God, it is our task in this world to strengthen and love one another. This belief was at the foundation of his vision of a Catholic and Jesuit university – a place where one can discover the extraordinary grace and goodness of God in the ordinary,” said Father Keller. “We thank God for the gift of his life and the blessing that it was to walk this road with him.”
Steven Surovick, S.J., ’96 cousin of Father Pilarz, concelebrated the Mass and provided the eulogy.
“No matter which part of the family you are from, be it New Jersey, Georgetown, the Society or Scranton, we knew Scott. We loved Scott. We know that where Scott loved, he lived. We know that where Scott loved, we lived,” said Father Surovick. “In gratitude for the life and love we have known, we continue in that life and continue in that love, until together again.”
In addition to family and friends, The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton, attended the Mass as did dozens of Catholic priests and Jesuits and University of Scranton President-elect Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J. The Very Reverend Joseph M. O’Keefe, provincial of the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus, was represented at the Mass by Provincial Assistant Rev. Jack Hanwell, S.J.
Born in 1959 on the Feast of St. Ignatius, Father Pilarz served as Scranton’s president for two terms: first as the 24th president from 2003-2011; then as the 27th president from 2018-2021. He was the second-longest- serving president in Scranton’s history.
University of Scranton President Laid to Rest
Community
March 15, 2021
The city of Scranton offers a wide variety of unique small-businesses and boasts a diverse array of restaurants offering something for everyone. To highlight our Scranton business partners both to the University and greater Scranton community, the University’s Office of Community Relations is offering weekly business alerts on its social media channels.
Despite the challenges offered by the pandemic, several new businesses are opening in the city of Scranton. One of these new additions to our city is Commonwealth Coffeehouse, a new downtown café offering a variety of drinks and grab and go meal options, located on the corners of Penn Avenue and Lackawanna Avenue. This business was recently featured in the weekly business alert to let both community members and University students know about this great new addition to our downtown.
This week’s feature, the Brooklyn Deli Grocery, is another new business on Cedar Avenue in South Scranton. The Brooklyn Deli Grocery offers many great options including pizza, subs, and empanadas, all available for safe takeout. By highlighting businesses like the Brooklyn Deli Grocery, the Office of Community Relations hopes to support these new additions to our Scranton community.
The Office of Community Relations is working with a variety of community partners, including Scranton Tomorrow, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, and NeighborWorks of NEPA to identify new businesses in our area. In April the weekly business alerts feature hopes to highlight sustainable and eco-conscious businesses in the city of Scranton. Weekly business alerts will continue for the duration of the spring semester and feature new types of businesses monthly.
To view the weekly business alerts, please follow the Office of Community Relations on its social media channels. Facebook: @uscrantoncommunityrelations; Instagram & Twitter: @uofscommunity.
For more information or to share your business, please email community@scranton.edu.
New and Unique Scranton Businesses Open Even Amidst Pandemic
General
March 15, 2021
A private Mass of Christian Burial for Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 13. You may livestream the Mass by following this link.
Also, as was shared in the obituary, a walk-by viewing for students, faculty and staff will be held in the Byron Recreation Complex on campus on Friday, March 12, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The viewing will be open to the general public as well from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Guests will be asked to maintain social distance and to wear masks at all times.
In addition, you may pay tribute to Father Pilarz by sharing your condolences or your own special memory of him through this form. In the days and weeks to come, these entries will be collected and displayed on our website in his honor.
Livestream Mass of Christian Burial for Father Pilarz, March 13
Community
March 15, 2021
Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. ’H15, President of The University of Scranton, passed away Wednesday, March 10, in Scranton from complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 61.
Father Pilarz served as Scranton’s President for two terms: first as the 24th President from 2003-2011; then as the 27th President from 2018-2021. He was the second-longest- serving President in Scranton’s history. He announced his ALS diagnosis in 2018, committing himself to continued service and to raising awareness about the disease.
During Father Pilarz’s second tenure as President at Scranton, he leveraged the University’s strengths and responsibilities as a Jesuit and Catholic institution to be a source for understanding and positive change in the community and the wider world. He marshaled resources in response to the national call to action against systemic racism, and formed the Task Force on Healing, Reconciliation and Hope as part of the University’s response to the sexual abuse crisis facing the Church. He also established the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities and supported the humanities generally at the University to further advance the liberal arts tradition that is at the core of Jesuit education.
Under his leadership, the University developed and adopted the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, which includes goals focused on diversity and inclusion, and the humanities. He also led the University’s fundraising efforts to strengthen scholarship endowments to keep Scranton accessible to students and families, and strongly supported efforts to ensure the health and future vitality of Scranton’s Catholic and Jesuit mission and identity.
Most recently, Father Pilarz calmly and competently guided the University’s response to the pandemic, focusing steadfastly on the school’s sacred mission to provide students with a transformational Catholic and Jesuit education. He brought students back to campus during the fall and spring semesters of the 2020-2021 academic year, ensuring extensive health and safety protocols were in place to protect all members of the University community. Throughout the pandemic, he shared his love and support for the University community through pastoral messages of courage, hope and even humor, including classic reflections on campus Christmas tree challenges.
During Father Pilarz’s first term as President, the University earned national recognition for academic quality, community engagement and student success, achieving then record admissions and undertaking the largest construction projects in its history. He expanded international mission and service opportunities and programs to enhance its Catholic and Jesuit identity. The University also earned the highly selective Community Engagement Classification designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Guided by a 2005-2010 Strategic Plan – Pride, Passion, Promise: Shaping Our Jesuit Tradition, Father Pilarz was instrumental in planning and securing resources for transformational capital projects that included the Patrick and Margaret DeNaples Center; the Christopher and Margaret Condron Hall; the John and Jacquelyn Dionne Campus Green; the expansion of the Retreat Center at Chapman Lake, Montrone Hall and the building named in his honor, Pilarz Hall, on Mulberry Street; and the Loyola Science Center.
Father Pilarz’s other accomplishments as Scranton’s 24th President included dedicated support for research by new faculty, and establishing the President’s Colloquy for Presidential Scholars and five endowed chairs to attract top scholars. The University’s progress was supported by the Pride, Passion, Promise Campaign, the most ambitious capital campaign in the University’s history, which surpassed its $125 million fundraising goal.
Prior to Father Pilarz returning to Scranton for his second term as President, he served as President of Georgetown Preparatory School in Washington, D.C., from 2014 to 2018. His accomplishments at Georgetown Prep included leading the community in a celebration of the 225th anniversary of its founding, guiding the development of a comprehensive strategic plan, and working to secure the largest gift in the school’s history.
During his service as President of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from 2011 to 2013, he spearheaded a strategic planning process and also guided the school into the newly configured Big East athletic conference.
Always a teacher at heart, he found time during his various administrative positions to teach courses and seminars focused on Shakespeare, Renaissance poetry and prose, and Jesuit education.
Earlier in his career, he served as an Assistant Professor of English and Interim University Chaplain at Georgetown University, where he worked on numerous committees and leadership roles for various academic and spiritual programs, and retreats for students and alumni. During his Jesuit formation, he was a visiting professor at St. Joseph’s University, a lecturer in philosophy at Sts. Peter & Paul Seminary at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and an English teacher at Loyola High School, Towson, Maryland.
Throughout his Jesuit service as a researcher, teacher and administrator, he shared his deep love of poetry with all, frequently including quotes from favorite poets in speeches and talks. At The University of Scranton, he selected a quotation from the poet who was the subject of his research, St. Robert Southwell, S.J., to be etched above a prominent entrance to the DeNaples Center. It reads: “Not where I breathe, but where I love, I live.” Father Pilarz chose that same quote as the theme of his second Inauguration at Scranton, capturing a feeling toward the school and its sense of community that he had in common with the entire Scranton family.
The leadership skill of Father Pilarz was recognized through his inclusion among the 38 successful individuals profiled by Ronald Shapiro in The New York Times bestseller Dare to Prepare: How to Win Before You Begin. As a scholar, Father Pilarz delivered numerous papers at scholarly conferences on various aspects of medieval and Renaissance literature. He also lectured and published on topics related to Jesuit education. His book, Robert Southwell, S.J., and the Mission of Literature 1561-1595: Writing Reconciliation, was published by Ashgate Press. He was a professional member of numerous scholarly and academic societies including the Renaissance Society of America, Shakespeare Association of America, John Donne Society and Modern Language Association.
He received multiple awards for teaching, service and scholarship, including the John Carroll Award from Georgetown University for lifetime achievement, the highest honor bestowed by the Georgetown University Alumni Association. He received the Ignatian Award from Scranton Preparatory School, and was awarded honorary degrees from King’s College, Wilkes University, Marywood University and The University of Scranton. He served on the board of trustees of several institutions, including Boston College and Saint Joseph’s University, and as President of the board of his alma mater, Camden Catholic High School.
A proud Polish son of New Jersey and an avid dog lover, Father Pilarz earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Georgetown University, winning three Saint Genevieve Awards for his acting and directing; a master’s degree in philosophy from Fordham University; and a master’s degree in divinity from the Weston School of Theology, Cambridge, Massachusetts. He earned a Ph.D. in English at the City University of New York. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1981, and was ordained a priest in 1992.
A devoted son, brother and uncle, Father Pilarz is survived by his parents, Ron and Joan Pilarz, a sister, Susan, and brother-in-law, Joseph Lappin, Lewisville, Texas, a niece, Carly, nephew, Joey, and grandniece, Marin.
A walk-by viewing for students, faculty and staff will be held in the Byron Recreation Complex on campus on Friday, March 12, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The viewing will be open to the general public as well from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A private Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 13. The Mass will be available for viewing online.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. Scholarship that will provide financial assistance to University of Scranton students in need. Contributions can be mailed to The Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., Scholarship care of: University Advancement, The University of Scranton, 800 Linden St., Scranton,18510. Contributions can also be made online.
Obituary Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. ’H15
General
March 15, 2021
Dear Members of the University Community,
I am saddened to report that Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., the University’s 24th and 27th President, passed away today at the age of 61 from complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Father Pilarz shared the news of his ALS diagnosis in 2018, promising to “move forward” and “keep working” in service of a university and a community he had grown to love as his home. In the years that followed, he poured himself into the work together with all of you, achieving so many remarkable accomplishments. He challenged us to dream and plan for the University’s future while never forgetting our mission as a Catholic and Jesuit university. He spoke passionately on behalf of others facing ALS, helping to dispel myths as he raised awareness.
Anyone who spent time with Father Pilarz experienced his humor, compassion and genuine humanity. He was a person for others in every sense, devoted to a life of service that exemplifies what it means to be a Jesuit and a priest. Along the way, the depth of his vocation and of his love for all that makes us human inspired countless students, alumni, parents, friends and colleagues to see beyond themselves and to strive for something more.
Over the last year, perhaps the most challenging ever faced in higher education, Father Pilarz guided us calmly and confidently through the pandemic’s chaos, focused always on our students and on the sacred mission to provide them with a transformational Catholic and Jesuit education. He met other challenges head-on as well, harnessing our strengths to serve the needs of the community and the wider world. He championed the University’s response against racism and the sexual abuse crisis facing the Church. He advocated tirelessly for the humanities and for the liberal arts as core to the formation of students.
Through his two terms as President, he transformed campus and advanced our mission. The exceptional success of the Pride, Passion, Promise Campaign made possible the largest and most ambitious projects in the University’s history – everything from the Patrick & Margaret DeNaples Center, John & Jacquelyn Dionne Campus Green and Loyola Science Center, to Christopher and Margaret Condron Hall, and Sandra & Paul Montrone Hall and the hall that would bear his name.
Also during his tenure, Scranton earned national recognition for academic quality, community engagement and student success, achieving record admissions. He expanded international mission and service opportunities and programs, and provided dedicated support for research by new faculty members, among a host of other accomplishments.
As we all mourn his loss, the trustees are keenly aware that, more than anything, Father Pilarz would insist on the University continuing to “move forward” and “keep working” on behalf of our students and mission. In accord with the University’s by-laws,Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, will serve as Acting President. As previously announced, Joseph G. Marina, S.J., begins his term as President in June.
Information will be shared soon about ways for the University community to pay their respects. A public viewing is being planned. A funeral mass, while private, will be available for online viewing.
In a special way, please join me in expressing our great sadness to Father’s parents, Ron and Joan Pilarz, who themselves have become part of the Scranton family. Please remember Father Pilarz and his family and many friends in your prayers.
Remember also to care for one another. I want to remind students of the support available on campus through the Counseling Center and Campus Ministries, and faculty and staff of support through the University’s Employee Assistance Program.
Father Pilarz concluded the announcement of his diagnosis by reminding us that we must “find God in all things” and inviting us to do so with him. May he continue to inspire us to follow that example.
May God bless you, may God bless Catholic and Jesuit education, and may God bless The University of Scranton.
Sincerely,
James M. Slattery ’86
Chair, Board of Trustees
Death of University President Scott R. Pilarz S.J.
Student
March 15, 2021
One student writes about how Wellness Day helped her recharge.
Tuesday was Wellness Day at Scranton, which meant that no classes were to be held, virtually or in-person. The incorporation of this Wellness Day into the calendar was intended to give students a well-deserved break from the stress and work required by their classes. Students were not only given a break from their classwork, but they were also met with some spring-like temperatures and sunshine.
With temperatures finally rising above freezing, I was able to get out of my apartment to take a walk around campus and enjoy the weather. It was so nice to see so much activity on campus, from friends playing catch on the Founder’s Green to roommates spending time out on the Dionne Green to finish up their work for the day. Everywhere I turned, I was met with the sight of people out and about in Scranton, a tell-tale sign that this Wellness Day was not only appreciated but thoroughly enjoyed as well.
Aside from my brisk walk on campus, my Wellness Day was spent taking care of myself in various other ways. I was able to catch up on some much-needed sleep and head to the gym first thing in the morning to get my body moving. After the gym, I took my time to cook breakfast for myself, enjoying the feeling of not being in a rush to make it to my classes on time. After breakfast, I was able to settle in and get through some work I had for the week. After managing to get ahead of some work, banking up some more free wellness time for myself later on in the week, I decided to spend the remainder of my Wellness Day doing a few of my favorite things.
Wellness Day Gives Students a Chance to Recharge
Community
March 15, 2021
During the spring semester, The University of Scranton World Languages & Cultures Department and Language Learning Center is offering free adult English as a Second Language (ESL) virtual tutoring sessions for community members interested in learning the English language. Sessions are held on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. for one hour and are guided by tutors at the University’s Language Learning Center. The 4 p.m. session is for intermediate to advanced English speakers and the 5 p.m. session is for novice or beginner English speakers.
The program provides community members with an opportunity to connect with others and gain confidence as they learn the English language.
“It’s very heartwarming and amazing to see the same nervous and shy students become more confident and fluent in English after tutoring them for a while, it’s very rewarding,” said Megan Magallanes, sophomore and tutor.
Interested community members can join the sessions via Zoom each week to receive tutoring, support, and to practice their English language communications skills. The goal of these sessions is to provide community members with free support on their journey to learn a new language. The virtual sessions offer the convenience of joining the sessions from anywhere.
“One of the primary ways that the World Languages and Cultures Department is able to give back to the Scranton community is through our English as a Second Language tutoring program. This program allows community members to work one-on-one or in small groups with a University of Scranton tutor to improve their English skills. I have loved being a part of a program that empowers members of the community by helping them to gain the English skills and support they need to communicate.” remarked Hannah Jackson, Director of the Language Learning Center.
Although virtual, the sessions still aim to provide connections both with other ESL students and University of Scranton community members. Having the ability to practice and share progress with others has had an impact for both the ESL tutors and the students.
"Leading the ESL conversation hours allows me to connect members of the Scranton community through the English language, regardless of their background. As a former ESL student, I’m honored that I get to pass my knowledge onto them and learn from their experiences as non-native English speakers," said Crysta O’Donnell, junior and tutor.
The spring ESL tutoring sessions are currently underway and will continue through the conclusion of the spring semester in May 2021.
Interested community members can register for the spring ESL sessions here.
For more information, please contact Hannah Jackson, Director of the Language Learning Center at Hannah.jackson@scranton.edu or by phone at (570)-941-4711.
University Offers ESL Conversation Hour to Community Members
Student
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton women's basketball team (7-1) held off a late Catholic rally and captured the program's sixth straight conference championship with a 56-55 victory over the Cardinals (7-3) in the Landmark Conference Championship game on Saturday afternoon at the John Long Center in Scranton.
This marks the second straight year that the Lady Royals have defeated Catholic in the conference title game and the ninth overall Landmark title in program history. It was also the fifth time in seven years that the two teams have played in the conference title game.
The Lady Royals led 55-44 with 3:52 to play before Catholic cut the lead to three with an 8-0 run with 1:04 left. Erin Doherty missed a pair of free throws for the Cardinals in the final minute before junior Emily Shurina (East Meadow, N.Y./East Meadow) hit a free throw for Scranton to make it a two possession game once again at 56-52 with 0:12 remaining.
Freshman Maddie Hartnett (Chatham, N.J./Chatham) was named Landmark Conference Tournament MVP after scoring a career-high 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc. Sophomore Bridget Monaghan (Florham Park, N.J./Morristown-Beard) added 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting to go along with five rebounds and three assists, while Shurina tallied 10 points and six rebounds.
Doherty paced Catholic with 21 points and Amanda Johnson added 18.
Scranton came storming out of the gate on a 9-0 run capped by a layup from sophomore Kyra Quigley (Drexel Hill, Pa./Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr) with 7:59 left in the opening stanza. A three-pointer from Hartnett stretched the lead to 13 at 16-3 with 3:08 left in the quarter and the Lady Royals led 19-10 after one. Shurina hit a layup with 7:01 left in the second quarter to make it a 23-12 game before the Cardinals answered with a 9-3 run over the remainder of the quarter and Doherty's jumper in the final minute made it a 26-21 game at the break.
The Lady Royals led 28-23 in the early stages of the third quarter and junior Danielle McCurdy (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan) hit a layup to kickstart a 13-5 run over the remainder of the period to give the hosts a 41-28 lead after three following a three from Hartnett in the final minute. Both teams traded baskets for a majority of the fourth quarter before the afore-mentioned triple from Hartnett opened up the 55-44 lead at the 3:52 mark and a pair of free throws from Rachel Bussanich on the other end kicked off the 8-0 run for Catholic.
Head coach Nick DiPillo's squad shot 36.2% (21-of-58) from the floor and 40.9% (9-of-22) from deep, while Catholic was 19-of-55 (34.5%) from the field and 7-of-12 (58.3%) from beyond the arc. Scranton held a 43-37 edge in the rebounding battle led by eight rebounds from sophomore Hannah Angelini (Baldwin Place, N.Y./Somers) and seven from McCurdy.
The Lady Royals cap the abbreviated 2021 campaign at 7-1 with their sixth straight Landmark Conference crown.
Get more athletics news at athletics.scranton.edu.
Lady Royals Capture Sixth Straight Landmark Conference Crown
Student
March 15, 2021
Nursing students Jordana Bove and Daniella Cangelosi started Kindness for Chemo this past fall.
“We were inspired to start this club because we are both interested in working in pediatrics as future nurses,” Bove said. “We are both devoted to helping others and want to bring joy to pediatric oncology patients and put smiles on their faces during their journeys.”
The club had its first fundraiser last winter, raising a total of $1,137, all of which was donated to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) Christmas Drive.
“We were so excited about how much we were able to raise and see how many toys we were able to donate to the children as a result,” Bove said.
The two are grateful for the other members of the club and everything they have in common.
“Our favorite part about being in the club is the sense of community we have within the club,” Bove said. “All of the members are so sweet and committed to helping others.”
Bove and Cangelosi have developed professional relationships with employees at CHOP and said that they have been met with gratitude. Kindness for Chemo and CHOP have even been working closely to plan possible virtual events for the club.
“The people we have been in touch with at CHOP have been so appreciative of our club and donations,” Bove said.
Continue reading in Campus Corner, here.
Two Nursing Students Create Kindness for Chemo Club
Student
March 15, 2021
The Rev. J.J. Quinn, S.J. Achievement Award for Demonstration of Excellence in English Studies Application for 2021 Graduation
ELIGIBILITY: The Rev. J.J. Quinn, S.J. Achievement Award was established by the late Fredrick A. Hensley, Jr., M.D. '75 to be awarded to a University graduating senior majoring in any discipline and accepted at an accredited U.S. Medical School. This award is a merit-based award and the award will be made on Class Night.
Applications are available online at scranton.edu/financialaid. Click on Scholarships and Grants; Additional Scholarship Opportunities.
You can find more information here.
2020-2021 Rev J.J. Quinn Scholarship
Student
March 15, 2021
Applications for Pi Gamma Mu, the Social Sciences Honor Society, are now being accepted and are available in the Psychology Department (Alumni Memorial Hall room 200) or by emailing donna.rupp@scranton.edu. We also have a (preferred) online application option here.
Eligibility:
• Must have completed a minimum of 45 credit hours
• Top 35% of class -- Overall GPA of at least 3.63
• Earned a grade of “B” or better in seven graded courses in any combination of Economics, History, Human Services, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology
• AP and TC courses are not considered for eligibility
Applications must be submitted or returned by March 25.
Pi Gamma Mu Social Sciences Honor Society
General
March 15, 2021
America: The Farther Shore
Carla McCabe, President & CEO, WVIA
"Believe that a farther shore is reachable from here.” Those words of Nobel Laureate poet Seamus Heaney were my inspiration for coming to America. I grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. But here I am in Scranton, PA, honored to lead WVIA, a PBS/NPR affiliate station. My aim is to ensure that we are embedded in the core of the communities we serve, producing programs that reflect who we are, and at the same time, open our hearts and minds to the world we live in.
Tuesday, March 16
Via ZOOM- link will be emailed; Noon to 1:30 p.m.
RSVP to Alicen.Morrison@scranton.edu
Free to University of Scranton Staff, Students, Faculty and Schemel Forum Members; $10/person
Schemel Forum: The Farther Shore
Student
March 15, 2021
Just a few days after returning to campus for the spring semester, a small group of students (due to social distancing requirements) retreated to Chapman Lake on Feb. 5 for an Ignatian Silent Retreat.
Students spent time in personal and communal prayer and pondered the deeper questions of life as they looked out over a frozen and snow-covered Chapman Lake.
Prayer exercises from St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises guided the retreatants along with Spiritual Directors from Campus Ministries, the Center for Service and Social Justice, and the Jesuit Center.
Silent Retreat Starts Out the Spring Semester for Campus Ministries
Staff
March 15, 2021
THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for March 2021 is:
Tim Meade - IT Cyber-Forensic & Cybersecurity Lab Team
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Tim and the entire Cybersecurity Team does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Tim, and all our nominees.
Tim will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of March. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition luncheon in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner, and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.
How long have you worked at the University?
12 Years.
What do you like best about your job?
The diversity of the projects and challenges we work on as a community.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy playing videogames and board games with friends.
March 2021 Nominees:
Tom Salitsky - University Advancement
Mark Fischetti - IT
Don McCall - Technology Support
Mary Beth Watson - PCPS
Crystal Ondrick - Financial Aid
Lori Moran - Career Development
Joe Krisanda - Cyber-Forensic & Cybersecurity Lab Team
Ray Frey - Cyber-Forensic & Cybersecurity Lab Team
Tim Meade - Cyber-Forensic & Cybersecurity Lab Team
Gus Fernandez - Cyber-Forensic & Cybersecurity Lab Team
Diane Kennedy - Cyber-Forensic & Cybersecurity Lab Team
Vince Merkel - Cyber-Forensic & Cybersecurity Lab Team
Joe Kitcho - Cyber-Forensic & Cybersecurity Lab Team
Glen Pace - Cyber-Forensic & Cybersecurity Lab Team
Shawn Beistline - Cyber-Forensic & Cybersecurity Lab Team
Rob Kennedy - Cyber-Forensic & Cybersecurity Lab Team
Sean Lehman - Cyber-Forensic & Cybersecurity Lab Team
Jason Oakey - IT Audio/Video Services
Laura Richards - External Affairs
Announcing the March 2021 Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award Winner!
Student
March 15, 2021
University of Scranton students Daniel Crossan, Media, and Jacob Lisicky, Whitehall, were quoted in an article that appeared in Yahoo! News and Scranton Times-Tribune about their experience conducting an inventory survey of Scranton businesses. The real-life project is a community-based learning assignment for their Principles of Management and Entrepreneurship II (Mgt 352) course.
Through the project, the students are calling Scranton businesses to update their information and learn about their needs, challenges and experiences. They will then create an up-to-date business inventory that captures the current climate of business in Scranton that will be shared with community partners to provide them with a better understanding of how they can best work to support businesses in the City of Scranton.
Ovidiu Cocieru, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing, management and entrepreneurship who teaches the course, was also quoted in the article as were owners of Scranton businesses and representatives of the project’s community partners, which include the City of Scranton (Office of Economic Development); Scranton Tomorrow; NeighborWorks Northeastern PA; and the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern PA.
Crossan is a business administration major in his junior year at Scranton.
Lisicky, is an accounting major who is also in his junior year at Scranton.
Students Discuss Community-Based Learning Project
General
March 15, 2021
The following note about the Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union (BSU) was sent to the University community on March 5, from Robert W. Davis Jr., Ed.D., vice president for Student Life, Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost/senior vice president for Academic Affairs and Elizabeth M. Garcia, Esq., special assistant to the president, executive director for the Office of Equity and Diversity and Title IX Coordinator.
Dear Members of the University Community,
More than a year ago, a group of Scranton students led by junior Tiannah Adams began working to form a new group on campus that would focus on the needs and concerns of Black students. Their work succeeded last fall when Student Government officially approved the charter for the Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union (BSU).
The Black Student Union draws its name from Mr. Louis Stanley Brown, who earned a commercial degree in the Class of 1919 and is the University’s first Black graduate. Mr. Brown grew up and lived in Scranton for most of his life. The University honored and recognized him in 2016 through the dedication of Louis Stanley Brown Hall, located on the corner of Linden Street and Adams Avenue.
The Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union will advocate for the needs of all Black students on campus. It will provide a safe space for Black students to engage in conversation about the modern-day challenges of the Black experience. It will also provide leadership for current and future Black students, fostering the kind of community that will help them to achieve their full potential. At Scranton, community is rooted in the Ignatian commitment to cura personalis – care for individuals in their own uniqueness, which is essential to our mission as a Catholic and Jesuit university.
Through events and speakers exploring all aspects of Black culture, the Black Student Union will offer opportunities for the entire University to learn, reflect and grow in our understanding of and appreciation for the countless contributions of Black Americans throughout our nation’s history.
We want to congratulate the founding BSU President Ms. Adams, members of the BSU cabinet Ravenne Cooper, Koebe Diaz, Ayana McCalla, Damain Morris and Omolola Adetola, and their moderator Ruth David ’14 for successfully championing the Black Student Union on campus. We pledge our support and encouragement as they and their fellow students work to ensure that our community is inclusive and welcoming for all students.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Davis Jr., Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Life
Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D.
Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Elizabeth M. Garcia, Esq.
Special Assistant to the President, Executive Director for the
Office of Equity and Diversity, and Title IX Coordinator
Hear from members of the Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union (BSU), below.
A Year in the Making: The Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union
Community
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities will host a virtual presentation titled “Hope and Healing for Ugandan Youth: Educating Amidst Environmental Degradation, Food Insecurity, and Poverty Through the Bethany Land Institute.” Rev. Emmanuel Katongole, professor of theology and peace studies at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies in the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, will present the lecture at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Mar. 18.
The talk, part of the 2020-21 Humanities Forums at Scranton, is open to the public and can be viewed on Zoom at: http://bit.ly/3bApVZU, or on YouTube at http://bit.ly/2Ipj8Hv.
Father Katongole holds a joint appointment with the Keough School of Global Affairs, where he serves as a full-time faculty member of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies. A member of the Contending Modernities Initiative team, he coordinates an inter-disciplinary research project, which investigates how religious and secular forces compete or collaborate in shaping new modes of authority, community and identity within the context of nation-state modalities in Africa. He is a Catholic priest of Kampala Archdiocese, Uganda, where he was ordained in 1987.
His research focuses on politics and violence in Sub-Saharan Africa; political theology; global Catholicism; theology and peace studies and reconciliation His publications include “Born from Lament: the theology and Politics of Hope in Africa” (Eerdmans, 2017); “The Journey of Reconciliation: Groaning for a New Creation in Africa” (Orbis, 2017); and “Reconciling All Things: A Christian vision of Justice, Peace and Healing” (IVP Books, 2018).
Before joining the University of Notre Dame in 2013, Father Katongole served as associate professor of theology and world Christianity at Duke University, and as founding co-director of the Duke Center for Reconciliation. He taught at The University of Scranton in the Theology/Religious Studies Department during the 1999-2000 academic year.
Talk on Challenges of Educating Youth in Uganda Set
General
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton Strategic Plan 2020 highlights diversity and inclusion as one of the five main goals: “Diversity & Inclusion - A Welcoming and Supportive Community: 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.”
The Diversity Initiatives Review Board is accepting applications for grants to support creative, educational programs that promote diversity, provide opportunity for inter-cultural engagement and expand opportunities for multicultural experiences for our community.
With the strategic plan goal in mind, we have committed to “expand both required and in-time orientation, training and leadership programming and resources for students, faculty, and staff that promote inclusion and cultural understanding, furthering our collective ability to be a more welcoming and respectful campus community.”
Some of the campus initiatives that have been made possible by this grant are: TA Talks featuring the teaching assistants in the World Languages and Cultures department; Safe Zone Training through the Cross Cultural Centers; Festival of Nations hosted by the Multicultural Center; Holi Festival of Colors through the Asia Club and Asian Studies department; Justice on Tour through Office of Community Outreach; the Annual disAbilites Conference keynote speakers including RJ Mitte, through the Panuska College; some Schemel Forums; the Weinberg Library International Film Festival; faculty and staff development webinar A Call to Conversion: Eliminating Anti-Black Racism as a Jesuit, Catholic University; art exhibits, multicultural music events and many more!
The Diversity Initiatives Fund is available to students, faculty and staff, campus groups, departments or individuals seeking to promote a greater understanding of diversity through inclusive pedagogies, educational opportunities, multicultural activities and community outreach programs. The grant is intended to launch new, innovative, or educational opportunities for the University community. Recurring projects may apply for funding as well.
Please visit the Diversity Initiatives webpage for a full list of recent award winners, and to access the guidelines and application.
Applications will be accepted, reviewed and approved on a rolling basis. Semester deadlines for applications are November 30 and April 30. Questions on the application process may be sent to Jennifer.pennington@scranton.edu.
Fulfilling Strategic Plan Through Diversity Initiatives Grant Programs
Community
March 15, 2021
The fourth annual HamSCI Workshop 2021 for amateur radio operators and professional scientists will be held in a virtual format on Friday and Saturday, March 19-20. The University of Scranton will serve as host for the Zoom webinar, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), that will include addresses by guest speakers, poster presentations and demonstrations of relevant instrumentation and software.
Participation is free through support from the NSF and the University. The theme of this year’s workshop is midlatitude ionospheric science.
The workshop will also serve as a team meeting for the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station project, which is a NSF funded project awarded to University of Scranton physics and electrical engineering professor Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D. The project seeks to harness the power of a network of licensed amateur radio operators to better understand and measure the effects of weather in the upper levels of Earth’s atmosphere.
The workshop’s keynote address on the “History of Radio” will be given by Elizabeth Bruton, Ph.D., curator of technology and engineering at the Science Museum of London. She will discuss the history, science, technology and licensing of radio amateur communities from the early 1900s through to the present day, exploring how individuals and communities contributed to “citizen science” long before the term entered popular usage in the 1990s. Dr. Bruton has been a non-licensed member of Oxford and District Amateur Radio Society since 2014 and their web manager since 2015.
Michael Ruohoniemi, Ph.D., professor of electrical and computer engineering at Virginia Tech and principal investigator of the Virginia Tech SuperDARN Initiative, will review the physics of the midlatitude ionosphere and discuss ways in which the amateur radio community can contribute to advancing scientific understanding and technical capabilities. Joe Dzekevich K1YOW, an amateur radio citizen scientist who recently published his work in CQ Magazine, will present “Amateur Radio Observations and The Science of Midlatitude Sporadic E.” The event will also include virtual oral presentations by researchers from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, MIT Haystack Observatory, the University of Oslo, the University of Bath, Case Western Reserve University, Dartmouth College. the University of Alabama, Clemson University, the New Jersey Institute of Technology and The University of Scranton, among others.
University students Veronica Romanek (KD2UHN), Hampton, New Jersey; Cuong Nguyen, Ashley; and M. Shaaf Sarwar (KC3PVF), Lahore, Punjab, are among the iposter presenters.
A full schedule of speakers and registration information can be found on the HamSCI Workshop 2021website.
Virtual HamSCI Workshop Planned for March 19-20
Community
March 15, 2021
Area students in grades seven to 12 can participate in The University of Scranton’s Earth Day Essay Contest 2021. The contest is offered free of charge and this year’s essay theme is “Caring for our Common Home.”
Essays for students in grades seven and eight must be between 200 to 400 words. Essays for students in grades nine to 12 must be between 300 to 500 words. Electronic submissions must be sent to susan.falbo@scranton.edu on or before Friday, April 9.
Visit the University’s Sustainability website for complete submission rules and details. Only electronic submissions will be accepted this year. Mail-in entries will not be accepted for 2021.
Winners of the Earth Day Essay Contest will be announced via an event hosted on The University of Scranton Sustainability Office Facebook page on Earth Day, April 22, beginning at 7 p.m.
This year marks the 51st anniversary of Earth Day.
Earth Day Essay Contest Open for Submissions
Student
March 15, 2021
Emma Barber, Chatham, New Jersey, was awarded second place in After Dinner Speaking at the Southern-Northern Atlantic Forensics Union speech and debate tournament, which took place in a virtual format Feb. 28. Cornell University served as the tournament’s host.
Barber is a sophomore at Scranton, majoring in women’s and gender studies.
Students compete in collegiate forensics tournaments as part of The University of Scranton Speech and Debate Team, a co-curricular student organization.
University Student Medals in Forensics Tournament
Community
March 15, 2021
Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., the newly named 29th president of The University of Scranton, answered a few questions about himself, the University, its strategic plan, the city and more in a Q & A session for Royal News, part of which is included in a video posted on the announcement webpage. Father Marina will begin serving as the 29th president this summer.
What about The University of Scranton inspired you to want to become its 29th president?
Since the first day I joined the Jesuits, I heard that The University of Scranton takes seriously its Catholic and Jesuit identity. I’ve heard that so many times, it has to be true. When I became aware of the opportunity to serve as president and thought about how the mission and identity ring true, I knew that I had to apply.
What were your impressions of the University before the search, and what have you learned through the process that surprised you?
My impressions were always very good. I’ve known for some time how Scranton has fared in the ratings in U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and many other national rankings. But it wasn’t really until the search process itself that I started to become really familiar with the University, its components, and, most especially, its people. All of that has confirmed everything that I have believed in with regard to the University for some time now.
You entered the Jesuits a little bit later in life. Can you share some of what led you to make that decision?
I met the Jesuits when I began my doctoral program at Fordham University. This is a little hard to explain, but meeting them was comparable to being away on a long journey, coming home, putting your key in the door and walking in. There’s no feeling like the one you get when you know that you’re “home.” That’s how joining the Society of Jesus felt to me. Even though I didn’t know the Jesuits well, it still felt like home to me whenever I was on the campus of Fordham, learning about St. Ignatius and Ignatian spirituality, or engaging in other things related to the Jesuits. I took more formal steps to get to know the Society of Jesus later in my life. I entered at 42, which is really quite unusual even these days, but I don’t regret a moment of it. In fact, I wish I had started the process sooner!
Could you talk a little about how you see the relationship between the University and the city?
I learned from one of my Jesuit mentors that a Jesuit university is only worth its salt if it has a direct and beneficial impact on the city around it. I’m well aware of the mutually beneficial relationship that exists between the City of Scranton and the University, and I’m really interested in learning more about it and helping that relationship to grow. Also, I’d like to meet Bishop Bambera, and hear about the impact and the needs of the local church. All of these things work together with local industry to allow us as a team to provide the greatest impact and benefit that we can. It is a dynamic relationship already, and I think it can only get better from here. I'm’ looking forward to learning and doing more to help this relationship grow.
How do you see yourself connecting with students? Do you have certain things in mind that you think helps you to connect best with them?
The way that I connect with students here at Le Moyne is in both formal and informal ways. That means meeting formally with student leadership, being present at club meetings and such. Then I also like to spend time with them informally, having lunch or dinner with them in the dining hall, walking around the campus and chatting for a few minutes as they make their way to class. Sometimes I will take my laptop to the library in the evening and catch up on my email there. It’s a chance to say hello to students and answer a quick question they may have, or just ask them how they’re doing. It’s essential that a university president be accessible to students and I intend to be so.
What would you like to say to the Scranton family?
What I'd like to say to the Scranton family is thank you. Thank you for inviting me into your midst. This is the privilege of a lifetime. I promise you that I'm going to do everything I can to live up to the confidence that you're showing in me at this moment. And, the last thing I'll say is, "Go Royals."
Students provided their own welcome to Father Marina in this video.
Update, March 2021: Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., was named the University's 28th president in February 2021, but with the addition of Jeffrey Gingerich, Ph.D. as acting president after the passing of Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., the University's 27th president, in March 2021, Father Marina will become the 29th University president. Dr. Gingerich is the 28th University president. Where it was possible, the University has updated references to reflect this change.
Q and A with the University’s 29th President
Alumni
March 15, 2021
The University will hold its annual Day of Service April 24.
Each year, alumni throughout the nation honor the University's mission by volunteering with their fellow Royals in their regions. This year, the University will offer service projects in Boston, Mass., Harrisburg, Hillside, N.J., Camden, N.J., New York City and Stony Brook, N.Y. Registration for the projects will open in mid-March. For more information, visit scranton.edu/dayofservice. If you would like to coordinate a COVID-safe project or site in your region, email Marge Gleason, P'14, '17 at margery.gleason@scranton.edu.
University to Hold Day of Service April 24
Alumni
March 15, 2021
The University recently launched Rainbow Royals, Scranton’s LGBTQIA+ and ally alumni network.
The group’s mission, according to its website, is “to foster continuing connections between Scranton's LGBTQIA+ alumni with other LGBTQIA+ university members and the broader university community. Aligning with our Catholic and Jesuit values, Rainbow Royals will work towards cultivating community and creating a space where all are welcomed and valued. Leaning on the Jesuit ideal of Cura Personalis, we are committed to caring for the whole person of every person. We will create an inclusive environment that will be promoted both on-campus and at our off-campus events.”
The club plans to promote educational, professional, social, and service opportunities and events, as well as the sharing of experiences and knowledge for the betterment of the Scranton community. Additionally, Rainbow Royals will connect with student clubs, organizations, faculty and staff to foster a space that allows for resources, a strong network and community for those who identify as LGBTQIA+ on campus. In a spirit of inclusivity and mutual support, Rainbow Royals welcomes all members of Scranton's LGBTQIA+ and ally alumni community.
The establishment of Rainbow Royals represents the combined efforts of Scranton's Alumni Engagement team, the Cross Cultural Centers, and LGBTQIA+ and ally alumni. Formation of the club exemplifies Scranton's continued support and recognition of all alumni who identify as LGBTQIA+.
More than 50 Scranton alumni have joined Rainbow Royals since its inception, and the group plans to begin holding virtual events soon. To join the club, visit this link. Follow Rainbow Royals on Facebook here and on Instagram here.
University Launches Rainbow Royals
Alumni
March 15, 2021
Nearly 150 students recently attended “Mindset for a Successful Future: Reflections of a KSOM Alumnus with Joe Sorbera ’08," the first in a series of “Agape Latte virtual coffee sessions" that sprang from a partnership between The Alumni Society Advisory Board and The Future Alumni Network of Scranton (FANS).
The next installment in the series, which will debut March 24, will feature Marissa Papula '13. Registration will open soon.
FANS And Alumni Board Launch Agape Latte Virtual Series
Alumni
March 15, 2021
The University will hold "Building And Enhancing Your Resume," the third installment in its series of alumni career development webinars, Wednesday, March 31 at 7 p.m.
The workshop, hosted by Director for Career Development Chris Whitney G'06 and Career Development Coordinator Lori Moran '93, G'95, will focus on maintaining a competitive resume in today's world. To register, visit this link.
The series sprang from a partnership between The Alumni Society Advisory Board and The Center for Career Development. The University will hold additional webinars on alumni-centered topics in the coming months, including "Job Search" April 28 and "Interviewing" May 26. Check future installments of Royal News for registration information.
The first two installments in the series, "What The Center For Career Development Can Do For Scranton Alumni" and "Changes Within Your Career," are both available to view at scranton.edu/alumnicareers.
University Continues Alumni Career Development Webinar Series March 31
Alumni
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton will offer a new Master of Science degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, which will provide students with the educational and supervised fieldwork experiences necessary to achieve national board certification in the much-in-demand profession. Applications are currently being accepted for the graduate program that begins in the fall 2021 semester.
Annual demand for board certified behavior analysts “has increased each year since 2010, with a 1,942 percent increase from 2010 to 2018 and a 127 percent increase from 2017 to 2018,” according to a 2019 Behavior Analyst Certification Board report on U.S. Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts: 2010-2018 (Littleton, CO. author). In addition, the report noted that demand has also increased in all 50 states during this period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects above-average job growth of 22 percent for behavior analysts between 2018 and 2028. According to Payscale.com, the average salary for Board Certified Behavior Analysists is $62,472.
“There is a critical shortage of skilled professionals who can offer behavioral intervention. Board Certified Behavior Analysts are required to demonstrate a high level of understanding and application of behavioral principles and concepts that are scientific and evidence-based,” said Michael E. Kelley, Ph.D., LP, BCBA-D, program director.
The 42-credit master’s degree program will be housed in the Counseling and Human Services Department of the University’s Panuska College of Professional Studies. The course content is consistent with certification rules for individuals and accreditation standards for programs that meet the eligibility requirements for graduates to sit for the national certification exam for Behavior Analysis, as specified by Behavior Analysis Certification Board.
“Board certification is required for working with individuals living with autism in behavior analysis in most states in the United States of America,” said Dr. Kelley. “Highly-educated and skilled providers of autism services are needed in our region to help our children and family members who are waiting – often desperately – for services.”
Students in this graduate program will complete: 30 credit hours of classroom-based didactic courses; six credit hours of thesis or capstone; and six credit hours of a supervised fieldwork experience. The supervised fieldwork experience will provide students with real-world experience in the application of Behavior Analytic principles, clinical services and research. The clinical site selection will be based on the student’s career goals.
The University currently offers an 21-credit post-graduate Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study. The University also serves as the Executive Hub of five Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence, which are part of a multi-year, multi-million regional initiative supported by the AllOne Foundation to enhance the service delivery system for individuals with autism and their families living in 13 counties in Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania. The University’s executive hub, located on Mulberry Street, has state-of-the-art assessment labs to aide in education and training of graduate students. The center is also used for evaluation purposes and research.
Applicants to the graduate program must meet admission requirements. For additional information, visit the applied behavior analysis master’s degree program webpage or contact Dr. Kelley at Michael.kelley@scranton.edu or Caitlyn Hollingshead, director of graduate, transfer and international admissions, at Caitlyn.Hollingshead@scranton.edu or 570-941-6202.
New Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis
Alumni
March 15, 2021
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
Joseph Agostinelli , D.P.M., Colonel , USAF , Retired ’77, Niceville, Florida was elected president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine for the 2021 calendar year. Dr. Agostinelli is an Emeritus Fellow of the academy. He is a noted author and lecturer on conservative and surgical sports medicine treatments throughout the country.
Weddings
Margaret Mester '15, DPT '18 to Gary Gifford '12, DPT '15
Deaths
Rudolph J. Panaro, M.D. ’51, King of Prussia
James H. Davey, Sr. ’57, Clarks Summit
John J. Jordan, D.D.S. ’57, Havre De Grace, Maryland
Francis M. Regan ’62, Fort Worth, Texas
John R. Galli ’64, G’70, Apalachin, New York
Michael J. Jezuit ’64, West Wyoming
Thomas P. Walsh ’64, Scranton
Russell J. G. Symons ’67, Greenfield Township
William L. Smith ’71, Sarasota, Florida
Carol R. Conaboy G’74, South Abington Township
Elmer J. Generotti ’74, Plantation, Florida
Frank C. Sabatino ’76, Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Thomas S. Daye ’84, Greensboro, North Carolina
Kimberly Kern Shafer ’87, Clarks Summit
Anthony S. Blasi ’89, Scranton
Christian Karenbauer G’19, Cranberry
Friends' deaths
Patricia O’Dowd McLaughlin, mother of James McLaughlin, D.O. '79, grandmother of Aimee McLaughlin ’07, Nathan McLaughlin ’08 and Ryan McLaughlin ’09
Julius Prezelski, father of Janice Prezelski Vollkommer ’82 and Julius Prezelski ’86
Adeline Sabatino, mother of Frank Sabatino ’76
Harry Strickland, Ph.D., father of Harry Strickland, Jr. ’86 and Elizabeth Strickland Elick ’93, grandfather of Oliver Strickland ’13, Hayden Strickland ’15, G’20, Chloe Strickland ’17 and Benjamin Strickland ’20
Alumni Class Notes, March 2021
Community
March 15, 2021
University of Scranton Magis Honors Program students have worked to create a series of fun and educational science videos for kids. This series of videos covers interesting topics from why the sky is blue and why leaves change colors, to offering a virtual introduction to some of the animals living in the University’s Loyola Science Center. The video collection can be viewed here.
Guided by program director and biology faculty chairperson Dr. Janice Voltzow, Magis Honors students created these videos to keep connected with K-12 students and to and to offer insights into the field of STEM. The Magis Honors Program in STEM is designed to provide undergraduate students with a more intense, interdisciplinary experience of research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In addition to focusing on the intellectual and technical skills needed to carry out and communicate original research, this program also aims to lay the foundations for Magis students to become socially responsible scientists and to engage with K-12 students in the Scranton community.
“With the challenges of the pandemic and remote learning, we sought new ways to reach out to local schools with interesting and fun exercises in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Our Magis students put their collective, talented heads together and developed these videos. I continue to be so impressed with their dedication and creativity!” said Dr. Voltzow.
The Magis Science videos are the newest edition to a collection of K-12 virtual resources that The University of Scranton’s Office of Community Relations is working to compile and share as a resource for students during the pandemic. This effort builds up The University of Scranton’s aim to continue serving as a community resource during this time of physical distancing.
Additional virtual resources include exercise and wellness videos for kids created by students in Dr. Jennifer Swartz’s Physical Therapy course, Integrated Art Lesson Videos created by Education students in Dr. Catherine Cullen’s Math for Grades 2 – 4 course, and a virtual Scranton Story Time project from students volunteering with the Center for Service and Social JusticeThese virtual K-12 resources are available on The University of Scranton’s Office of Community Relations website. Parents and guardians can access the videos by visiting scranton.edu/virtualkidsactivities. The resources will be available for the duration of remote instruction due to the pandemic.
If you are an educator interested in utilizing these videos and would like to consider the possibility of University students offering a virtual live presentation, please contact Carolyn M. Bonacci, community and civic engagement coordinator, at carolyn.bonacci@scranton.edu.
For more information about the Magis Honor Program visit here or contact Dr. Janice Voltzow at janice.voltzow@scranton.edu. For more information about the Office of Community-Based Learning please visit here or email community@scranton.edu.
University Students Create Fun and Educational Science Videos for Kids
Student
March 15, 2021
Students welcome Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president-elect, to Scranton and give him some insider information about the University and its campus.
Father Marina will serve as Scranton’s 29th president beginning this summer.
Fr. Marina answered a few questions about himself, the University, its strategic plan, the city and more in a Q & A session for Royal News, part of which is included in a video posted on the announcement webpage.
Video: Students Welcome President-elect
General
March 15, 2021
Global Insights is pleased to feature University staff and students from the Fernandez family as speakers for Global Insights: Paraguay. University staff member Gustavo N. Fernandez, IT client services analyst, along with his two children, University students Rachel Fernandez ’21, occupational therapy, and Jared Fernandez ’23, nursing, will co-present on their Paraguayan heritage, Thursday, March 25, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. Registration is required.
Students, faculty, staff: Click here to register.
Since 1996, Gustavo N. Fernandez has served the University as an anchor of the IT client services department, coming to the rescue of faculty and staff who are in need of technology problem solving and hardware/software updates. Born in Paraguay, Gustavo came to the United States as a student, ultimately earning a bachelor of science degree from Bloomsburg University, and a master of science degree from the University of Scranton, while working and starting a family in northeastern Pennsylvania. He says “There’s not a lot that’s similar between NEPA and Paraguay. NEPA is mountainous, Paraguay is flat. NEPA has four distinct seasons, Paraguay has summer and a bit of pretend winter. The one thing I would say is somewhat similar, is that both NEPA and Paraguay are very family-centric.” While Paraguay enjoys beautiful grasslands, a subtropical climate and woodland forests, the main reason for visiting Paraguay is the people. “Yes, there beautiful places to see but it’s the people that make Paraguay special.”
Senior occupational therapy major, Rachel Fernandez, said that her favorite thing to do in Paraguay was visit with family.
I really enjoy learning about the culture and traveling to exploring the capital city and the countryside alongside family,” she said.
When asked if she would encourage others to visit Paraguay, she responded joyfully, “I definitely encourage others to travel here. If they visit, they should definitely visit the capital (Asunción), Iguazú Falls, Itaipú Dam, and the Paraguayan Chaco!”
While Jared Fernandez, sophomore nursing major, agreed that enjoying time with family was a great experience and what he misses most about Paraguay, he went on to say “My favorite thing to do in Paraguay is pretty much anything that involves the food there. I love cooking and especially love eating the cuisine.” Like his father and sister, he would encourage traveling to Paraguay. “Honestly, I say just driving through and enjoying the countryside is worth doing, especially if you're traveling with the right people who know how to make any trip enjoyable.”
Students, faculty and staff are invited to learn more about Paraguay, known as the heart of South America, the climate, cuisine, and culture on March 25, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. Please click here to register. Zoom information will be sent out 1-2 days before the event.
This program is being offered by the Office of Global Education, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. For more information, please contact international@scranton.edu or 570-941-4841.
Upcoming Global Insights is a Paraguayan Family Affair!
Staff
March 15, 2021
Stephanie Adamec, director of the Center for Health, Education and Wellness (CHEW), wrote an article for Connections, the AJCU newsletter. An excerpt is below.
For more than a decade, data has driven health and wellness programming at The University of Scranton, resulting in strong participation and satisfaction scores, as well as innovative initiatives to meet emerging needs.
The University of Scranton’s Center for Health, Education and Wellness (CHEW) has led the way by closely monitoring the “pulse of the campus.” Ideas for health and wellness programming often emerge from common concerns heard by CHEW and Student Life staff members through conversations with students, as well as formal, campus-wide surveys of faculty and staff—here are a few.
Campus Health Assessment
Between 2016 and 2019, CHEW staff analyzed Scranton’s data from the National College Health Assessment to inform services, health promotion offerings, and ongoing department planning and programming. As a result, CHEW has prioritized proactive mental health education and services, in addition to alcohol education, with an increased emphasis on bystander engagement and promotion of the University’s Amnesty/Good Samaritan policy. These efforts aim to further support the University’s mission, and the principle of cura personalis, by encouraging wellness in mind, body and spirit.
Continue reading the article in Connections, including about the Happiness Habit Challenge, here.
CHEW Director Writes 'Data Drives Health and Wellness'
General
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton’s Department of World Languages and Cultures is excited to announce that it will be hosting its first Fulbright Night of the spring semester via Zoom Thursday, March 4, from 12 to 1 p.m. The event will focus on the olive harvest season in Palestine and will be presented by Arabic Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Belal Elkurd.
Olive harvest season in Palestine is the time of year when Palestinians come together to gather olives, a mainstay crop of the Palestinian economy. Join us in learning more about this wonderful time of year in Palestine and the traditions associated with it.
Registration is required if you are interested in attending this Fulbright Night. If you are interested, you can register here. If you have any questions about registration or would like more information about the event, please contact Hannah Jackson at Hannah.Jackson@scranton.edu.
We hope to (virtually) see you there!
Fulbright Night: Olive Harvest
Staff
March 15, 2021
Microsoft Bookings is a scheduling tool that allows end-users to view calendars and schedule appointments with a department or organization for specific services.
Microsoft Teams is a workspace for real-time collaboration and communication, meetings, file and app sharing, and more.
Find out how to start using these, here.
Staff and Faculty: Use New Microsoft Tools
Student
March 15, 2021
Several scholarships have upcoming deadlines. Learn more here.
The Edward J. Spitzer Scholarship was endowed to The University of Scranton by the estate of Marian Robling to be awarded to a University graduating senior who will be attending a graduate program in the area of Business Administration at any college. The award will be made on Class Night.
Deadline: Monday, April 12, 2021
Find more information here.
Rising juniors can apply for the William E. Atkisson and William J. Brady, Sr. Scholarship.
Established by William J. Brady '83 and Nancy Atkisson Brady `83
2021-2022
Candidates for this award must be considered:
• First-generation college student
• Junior in the 2021-2022 academic year
• Leadership qualities
Deadline: Friday, April 23, 2021
Find more information here.
The Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan Cornerstone Scholarship was established in 2007 by the non-profit 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
Deadline: April 30, 2021
Find more information here.
Student Scholarships -- Apply Today!
February
View February Listing Page
Alumni
March 15, 2021
The gold standard for business school accreditation – AACSB International – will continue at The University of Scranton for the next five years. The undergraduate and master’s programs in business offered by The Kania School of Management have been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) for the past 25 years. AACSB has extended Scranton’s accreditation through 2025.
Schools accredited by AACSB submit to a comprehensive, 360-degree review every five years to prove that the college continues to offer students an exceptional and relevant business education.
“Parents and students recognize AACSB as the de facto gold standard for business school accreditation. The external accrediting body provides them reassurance of the quality of the business programs being offered at Scranton,” said Sam Beldona, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management.
Less than five percent of business colleges worldwide - 882 schools of business in 57 countries – hold the prestigious AACSB accreditation.
Dean Beldona credits the success of the AACSB accreditation review to the scholarship and passion for teaching of the faculty; the care given to students by staff, alumni and business partners; and the motivation and aptitude of our students.
The accreditation review, completed by deans of other AACSB accredited schools, includes an extensive written report in addition to an onsite visit. The visiting deans meet with faculty, staff and students, the provost and president, as well as multiple advisory committees. The process seeks evidence to prove the education provided by colleges remain relevant to the current needs of businesses. The review looks at a school’s course creation or innovation; the course delivery or engagement of faculty, staff, students and other shareholders; and outcomes or assessment of learning.
Dean Beldona noted that the successful innovations at the Kania School of Management include the launching of a business honors program, a new master’s degree in finance, new undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business analytics and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Program, which AACSB recognized in 2019 for “Innovations and Best Practices in Canada, Latin America and the United States.”
“Faculty have not only remained current with research, but have been internationally and nationally noted for successful research and publication,” said Dean Beldona. Most recently, the Accounting Department was ranked as the fourth most prolific department in the world for accounting education research (excluding cases) over the most recent six-year period in a 2020 Brigham Young University report. The report also ranked three faculty members with respect to authorships of individual accounting faculty in the area of accounting education.
“Examples of the University’s engagement with the community include MBA curriculum content developed specifically for and delivered at Geisinger in Danville and for Tobyhanna Army Depot. In addition, we have worked with The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to develop initiatives for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Center, as well as other programming,” said Murli Rajan, Ph.D., associate dean of the Kania School of Management.
Undergraduate Kania School of Management programs include bachelor’s degree programs in accounting, business administration, business analytics, economics, electronic commerce, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, management, marketing and operations and information management.
Graduate level Kania School of Management programs include a master’s in accountancy, a master’s in finance, a master’s in business analytics and a master of business administration (MBA) in general management or with a specialization in accounting, business analytics, finance, healthcare management international business, management information systems, marketing and operations management.
Combined bachelor’s and master’s level programs include accounting BS/MBA, operations management BS/MBA and finance BS/MBA, as well as accelerated programs in a number of areas.
The University also offers online MBA programs in general management or with specialization in accounting, business analytics, enterprise resource planning, finance, healthcare management, human resources, international business and operations management.
Founded in 1916, AACSB International is the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, master’s level and doctoral degrees in business.
Kania School of Management Accreditation Extended
Community
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton will offer a new undergraduate major in communication sciences and disorders, which will prepare students to pursue graduate studies in the much-in-demand fields of speech-language pathology, audiology or a related discipline. The new major, housed in the University’s Panuska College of Professional Studies, is currently enrolling students for the fall 2021 semester.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for speech-language pathologists and audiologists is stronger than average for growth and has high earnings potential. For speech-language pathologists, which requires a master’s degree, the job growth projected for 2019-2029 is 25 percent. The median pay for 2019 was $79,120. For audiologists, which requires a doctoral degree, the job growth projected for 2019-2029 is 13 percent. The median pay for 2019 was $77,600.
The new major will focus on the basic science of human communication, including biological, physical, social, and linguistic aspects. Students will develop an understanding of what happens when communication is impaired, and how to treat those impairments. Infused within the program, students will complete the prerequisite coursework required to apply for graduate studies in speech-language pathology and/or audiology. However, if the student chooses an alternate path, the completion of the degree program will prepare the student for the advanced study in a related discipline such as education, counseling and human services, gerontology, public health, or neuroscience.
Students pursing a major in communication sciences and disorders will complete coursework in statistics, social/behavioral science, biological science, and chemistry or physics. They will develop enhanced critical thinking skills, professional and technical oral and writing skills, and problem-solving skills as they engage in projects that examine and analyze current research, participate in clinical case study reviews, and develop empirical studies that focus on communication disorders. In addition, ethics of clinical research practices and evidence-based practice will be emphasized. Clinical intervention techniques and empirical studies for the assessment and treatment of various communication disorders will be introduced. Students will also be required to orally present a detailed case study and analysis of a specific treatment approach within an evidence-based practice framework.
For additional information, contact the University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 888-727-2686 or email admissions@scranton.edu, or Hope E. Baylow, D.A., assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, at hope.baylow@scranton.edu.
Communication Sciences and Disorders Major Added
General
March 15, 2021
Campus Ministries and the Center for Service & Social Justice have put together some resources for the Lenten journey. They developed a Lenten Calendar – each day they will offer a suggestion of a prayer intention, fasting idea, and act of giving. Items listed in the “Give” column on the calendar will be distributed to those in need. Items can be placed into donation boxes outside the Center for Service & Social Justice office (TDC 205B) and near the TDC first floor elevators.
As we are still in the midst of this global pandemic, we developed these resources so that – apart yet together – we can find ways to make this Lenten journey in community.
If you would like to receive a daily email reminder about the Lenten Calendar prayer, fasting, and giving suggestions, please email Dr. Helen Wolf, Director of Campus Ministries.
Lenten Resources for Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving
Student
March 15, 2021
Students representing The University of Scranton were among the four teams named as finalists in the 2021 Philadelphia CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Institute Research Challenge.
The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual global competition that provides college students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis and professional ethics. Local level competitions are organized and judged by CFA Institute society members and volunteers who function as local hosts. The winning university team from each local competition advances to the sub-regional competition, then to regional, and global competitions.
The University’s team members were finance majors: Jack W. Brining ’21, Sloatsburg, New York; Gary Guinane ’21, Limerick, Republic of Ireland; and Ana C. Luta ’22, Sterling, Virginia. Scranton alumnus William Burns ’97, senior investment consultant at Vanguard, served as the team’s industry mentor. John Ruddy, D.P.S., assistant professor of finance, served as the team’s faculty mentor.
In addition to Scranton, two teams Temple University and a team from the University of Delaware were also named as finalists in the 2021 Philadelphia CFA Institute Research Challenge.
The University’s team did not advance beyond the 2021 Philadelphia Sub-regional Competition, which was held in a virtual format on Feb. 16.
The CFA Institute is a global, not-for-profit professional organization with more than 170,000 members that provides investment professionals with finance education
Students Compete in Finance Research Challenge
General
March 15, 2021
The University has been so blessed this academic year to continue celebrating the Eucharist in the midst of this global pandemic. University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., made it a priority for Campus Ministries to facilitate a weekly Sunday Mass in the Byron Center with about 320 chairs set apart so congregants would be socially distanced.
Following the Royals Safe Together plan and the directives from the Diocese of Scranton, the University community has been able to worship together as a faith community since the fall semester.
On Ash Wednesday, Campus Ministries offered four Masses for students, faculty and staff. Just about 1,000 people received ashes, applied with a Q-tip, and celebrated the Eucharist.
Ash Wednesday at The University of Scranton
Student
March 15, 2021
This year’s Divinely Designed retreat looked different but felt similar to previous years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the retreat leaders had to prepare in accordance with social distancing guidelines. The retreat took place at a new location: Bryn Mawr Retreat Center.
At first, the leaders felt daunted by the large facility -- it did not compare to the cozy atmosphere that radiates from beloved Chapman Lake. After the leaders decorated their small group rooms and the common areas, Bryn Mawr embodied the safe space the leaders needed to create an amazing weekend full of reflection, laughter, some crying and joy; something everyone seems to be craving during these uncertain times. The retreat had been an experience the leaders and retreatants needed. This year’s theme focused on growth, and after the turbulent year we all endured, a little bit of growth was something we all could learn to cherish.
Marnie Monahan, junior occupational therapy major, had attended the retreat as a first-year student and became a team leader for this year’s retreat. While Monahan said the task of leading a retreat in the times of this pandemic was “intimidating and a bit overwhelming,” she said she never could have imagined the impact this weekend would have not only on the retreatants but herself as well.
“It was incredible seeing everyone come together to listen, reflect and open up on this retreat,” said the junior OT major. “For the first time in a long time, it felt like a bit of normalcy, despite the distancing, masks and sanitizing. It was so nice to have some human interaction and be in the presence of some amazing people,” says Monahan.
Another leader, Sultana Rahman, felt that the message behind the retreat still remains the same despite several changes. “The leaders worked incredibly hard to show each other and the retreatants that there is strength in your vulnerability,” said the junior political science major. The facility accommodated for safe social distancing while allowing retreatants to meet new people.
Rahman was in awe during meals because “everyone was getting that little bit of human interaction that we had been missing for the past year.”
She said she an overwhelming sense of pride for the leaders and is thankful for their patience and their willingness to adapt to this new change.
Overall, the weekend had been such a success as a result of everyone working together. We wanted to take the time to thank the staff at the Bryn Mawr Retreat Center for opening their space to us and helping us create a welcoming environment for this year's Divinely Designed Retreat.
In-person Divinely Designed Retreat is a Success
Student
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton’s Department of World Languages and Cultures is proud to announce that virtual drop-in tutoring and Conversation Hours are back for the Spring 2021 semester! Virtual drop-in tutoring sessions allow language students to get any of their language questions answered by one of our Language Learning Center’s tutors. This semester, the Language Learning Center is offering drop-in tutoring sessions in the following languages: Spanish, Chinese, French, Arabic, Italian and German.
Conversation Hours provide students with an opportunity to practice their language skills with a Language Learning Center tutor. This semester, the Language Learning Center is offering Conversation Hours in the following languages: French, Spanish, Chinese, Italian, German, English as a Second Language and Arabic. Conversation Hours will be offered both in-person and online through Zoom this semester. To attend a Conversation Hour in person, please visit O’Hara Hall room 306.
For more information about virtual drop-in tutoring and Conversation Hours, please visit the Department of World Languages and Cultures website. If you have any questions about drop-in tutoring, Conversation Hour sessions, or would like to meet with tutor one-on-one online or in-person, please contact Hannah Jackson at Hannah.Jackson@scranton.edu.
Language Learning Center Tutoring
Staff
March 15, 2021
Director of the Center for Career Development Chris Whitney was recently profiled in an article by the Scranton Times-Tribune, "Northeast Woman: New Milford woman guides University of Scranton students on paths to future."
An excerpt from the Times-Tribune:
Chris Whitney understands the feeling of not quite knowing what career path to follow.
She majored in language and literacy education at Pennsylvania State University after graduating from Blue Ridge High School but said she “had no idea” she’d end up guiding students facing uncertainty like she once did.
“I feel like I always knew that I was going to do something to help students, but it just took years for me to figure out that I really wanted to help college students,” Whitney recalled. “And then it was about helping them to follow their path.”
Since 1995, the New Milford resident has worked in higher education, holding jobs in residence life, admissions and careering counseling. Whitney just marked her six-year anniversary at University of Scranton, where she works as director of the Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development.
Read on, here.
Chris Whitney Profiled in Times-Tribune
Community
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton’s Political Dialogues Working Group will offer two virtual student political dialogues for the spring 2021 semester. These dialogue events will offer University of Scranton students the opportunity to engage in nonpartisan open discussion about two current issues: what it takes to sustain democracy and exploring “cancel culture.”
The first political dialogue, Democracy: Are We “Brave Enough to Be It”?, will take place on Wednesday, March 3 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. This dialogue will focus on the shared value of democracy and is inspired by National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman’s inauguration poem “The Hill We Climb”. This dialogue will offer students the opportunity to consider the ideas Gorman puts forth in her poem about what it takes to come together as a nation and to reengage with what it means to live out our democratic promise. Register for March 3 Dialogue here.
The second political dialogue, Exploring “Cancel Culture”, will take place on Tuesday, April 20, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. This dialogue will offer an opportunity for students to discuss the phenomenon of cancel culture. Register for April 20 Dialogue here.
In both dialogue events, 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 for the dialogue events and interested students can learn more by visiting the Bursting Our Political Bubbles Civic Dialogue website.
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.
Questions about the virtual political dialogues can be directed to community@scranton.edu.
Two Nonpartisan Student Political Dialogues Planned for Spring Semester
Student
March 15, 2021
Regan Hughes picked up long-distance running during the quarantine. After her gym closed, Hughes said she wanted to continue to stay active.
“I was working from home and spent a lot of time indoors,” Hughes said. “I was looking for more ways to get outside and see new things while still staying safe.”
Over the past year, many Scranton students have picked up hobbies, helping to keep them occupied during the stay-at-home and state shutdown orders. Some hobbies were new, some revisited, but all had a continued presence after the shutdowns were lifted.
Hughes ’21, a middle-level education major with a concentration in mathematics, has improved her pace this past year.
“When I first started running, I could only run about six miles at a time and was very slow,” Hughes said. “I have been getting much faster and can now run upwards of 15 miles at a time.”
Hughes plans to continue to run and hopes to races such as the Marine Corps Marathon and the Steamtown Marathon when they resume in person.
“Running is when I can relieve stress and clear my head,” she said. “It has helped me check in with my mental health each day and stay sane during this crazy time.”
For the time being, Hughes hopes to continue improving her distance and pace. She said she enjoys achieving new records.
“It’s fun to find new limits and continue to improve and break through those limits,” she said.
Justin Reagan ’21 picked up his guitar again this past year.He revisited the hobby after some intense Guitar Hero competitions with his housemates on the Nintendo Wii. Reagan said he wanted to take his guitar playing to the next level. Reagan took lessons when he was in middle school, and his memory served him well once he finally picked up a guitar again. Reagan said this allowed him to stay motivated.
“I already had the muscle memory and finger strength for the basic ‘cowboy chords,’ G, D, C, E and A,” Reagan said. “This allowed me to play several basic songs, in the beginning, to stay motivated.”
Reagan, a biochemistry major, has learned to play a handful of songs by artists such as Eric Clapton, Green Day and ACDC. However, he is focusing on more than simply learning songs, he’s learning about music theory.
“When learning theory, I learn what notes sound good together and what potential notes I could play that will also sound good with them,” Reagan said.
His goal is eventually to record and mix his own pieces.
“This basic understanding of music helps me improvise my own songs, play by ear and understand the notes I’m playing in songs I’ve already learned,” Reagan said. “I can now pick up a guitar and just play, I don’t have to think of a specific song.”
Reagan said his favorite aspect of playing guitar is getting to play with others.
“It’s a great bonding activity to jam with friends,” Reagan said, “I actually got to play with my brother a little bit over winter break.”
Another new goal? To pick up the guitar every day, no matter for how long. He said consistency is key in improving his newfound skill.
“I want to get better every day and play more complex songs and solos, but that just comes with practice,” Reagan said.
Practice Makes Perfect: Students Hone Skills During the Pandemic
Community
March 15, 2021
University of Scranton students will work with the City of Scranton and area civic organizations to conduct a business inventory survey during the spring semester. This community-based learning project is part of the Principles of Management and Entrepreneurship II (Mgt 352) courses taught by Ovidiu Cocieru, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing, management and entrepreneurship.
Through the courses, students will create an up-to-date business inventory to capture the current climate of business in Scranton. During the semester, students will phone Scranton businesses to update their information and learn about their needs, challenges and experiences. The information gathered will be shared with community partners to provide them with a better understanding of how they can best work to support businesses in the City of Scranton.
The partners for the project are: the City of Scranton (Office of Economic Development); Scranton Tomorrow; NeighborWorks Northeastern PA; and the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern PA.
Students have already begun to contact Scranton businesses. Surveys will continue throughout the spring semester, which ends May 21. Participation in the survey is optional for Scranton businesses.
For more information, contact any of the business partners or The University of Scranton’s Community Relations Office at community@scranton.edu.
Through community-based learning projects offered in academic courses, University of Scranton students partner with area organizations to bring their class work to life with real-world initiatives and activities. Because of current health and safety restrictions caused by the pandemic, community-based learning project for the spring semester are being conducted in remote formats.
Students to Survey Scranton Businesses about Needs
General
March 15, 2021
The Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities Presents
Humanities in Action Lecture Series
Uncanny Transformations: Music, the Self, and the Other
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
In this Humanities in Action conversation, internationally renowned musician Dr. Wycliffe A. Gordon, H. `06 -- composer, arranger, bandleader, music educator, and 2006 University of Scranton commencement speaker -- joins moderators Father Pat Rogers and Cheryl Y. Boga, along with our guests and viewers to discuss his legendary career playing, writing, and teaching music. Dr. Gordon will also focus on how organized music-making experiences as part of an ensemble become transformative for the person and the group. Regardless of one's major or career goal, making music together can be a powerful part of the Ignatian journey, an exercise in which the self and the other unite in the divine.
Register here.
Humanities in Action Lecture Series
Community
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton was awarded a $1.5 million Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant to support renovations of Hyland Hall to create new laboratory and classroom space for the new mechanical engineering program. The facility renovations are necessary to support the multidisciplinary, high-impact learning design of the undergraduate engineering program that will prepare students to meet the modern-day workforce needs of the field. The renovated space in Hyland Hall will include four engineering laboratories; a student classroom; a garage; staff offices and equipment to allow students to learn using the latest simulation and modeling techniques.
Students graduating in mechanical engineering will have the ability to use the techniques and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice; design a system or process within budgetary, environmental, safety and other constraints; and understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context. Scranton graduates will be able to communicate effectively, function on multidisciplinary teams and understand the professional and ethical responsibility inherent in the field. They will be well prepared to enter the workforce in such industries as automotive, HVAC, aerospace, biotechnology, computers/ electronics, and manufacturing.
The University will use the RACP grant to fund a portion of the costs associated with the Hyland Hall renovation project, which will be undertaken in two phases. The first phase will be completed by the start of the 2021-2022 academic year to allow students to begin to use the space in the fall semester. The full project will be completed in the spring of 2022.
The University’s Mechanical Engineering program addresses a local need for a much-in-demand field. Few mechanical engineering programs exist in the northeast states, and only seven Jesuit universities in the nation offer this major. Scranton’s 131-credit program will draw students to Northeastern Pennsylvania and also help retain those students who might otherwise leave to study elsewhere. The program will also improve regional workforce development by being responsive to industry needs through the program’s Industrial Advisory Board.
“Our mechanical engineering program was conceived and became a reality due to advice and help of our Industrial Advisory Board,” said W. Andrew Berger, Ph.D., professor and chair of the University’s Physics and Engineering Department.
The University of Scranton, and the physics and electrical engineering programs in particular, have a long and successful record of placing its students in many science and engineering related careers.
“The University of Scranton is one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the country and this grant will allow the University to expand its course offerings and add a cutting edge mechanical engineering program,” said then Pennsylvania Senator John Blake in a press release in January 2021.
In addition to mechanical engineering, other majors offered at Scranton 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.
University Awarded $1.5 Million PA RACP Grant
Staff
March 15, 2021
Join the Office of Global Education for Global Insights this spring.
February 25, 11:30 -12:30 p.m. - Egypt.
Former Fulbright Teaching Assistant. Ms. Khadiga AboBakr will share about Egypt.
March 25,11:30-12:30 p.m.- Paraguay
Gustavo Fernandez will share his Paraguayan heritage with us.
April 15, 11:30-12:30 p.m.- French Polynesia
Nursing major Jessica Moufa is proud to share the islander lifestyle in French Polynesia.
Please note that upon registration, you will then receive the passcode for the Zoom session.
If you have questions or suggestions about the program, please contact The Office of Global Education or any of the partners for the Global Insights program: Jennifer Pennington, Maria Marinucci, Jose Sanchez and Reka Shayka.
Staff Invite: Global Insights Spring 2021
Student
March 15, 2021
Inside Higher Ed published an article written by Performance Music Director Cheryl Y. Boga about adaptions made during the pandemic so that student musicians could still sing and play instruments safely at Scranton.
Excerpts from the article follow.
My students at the University of Scranton were, like many across the country, also prevented by the pandemic from playing a woodwind or brass instrument in a band or singing in the choir this fall. We had all learned a new word -- aerosolization -- the spread of tiny droplets of our breath, which has been shown to increase significantly when playing wind instruments or singing. We offer no major in music, so we decided it just did not make sense to do things that increased risk -- especially since playing such instruments or singing was not part of those students’ formal curriculum nor, most likely, their future livelihood. Still, I wanted to help find a way they could make music together, because it's such an important outlet and means of expression for so many of them. …
The pandemic did not limit opportunities for every musician on our campus. Those who played string and percussion instruments could be fully masked, and we were able to continue those ensembles, although in separate and smaller sections to enable safe setup and social distancing. So we asked ourselves: What if our wind musicians and singers pivoted and learned to make music another way? And we began offering choir members and woodwind and brass players the opportunity to learn to play a string or percussion instrument. …
It also became clear quickly that we needed a way to teach these instruments to adult beginners who were already musicians, a way that moved a little faster by building upon the knowledge and skills they had developed through their other musical pursuits. …
So we created our own methods. We added Zoom master classes with guest artists and friends of our program from places like the Boston Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra and the Juilliard School. I also began an intermittent online webcast called “Scranton Isolation Informances,” in which a changing panel of student, staff and alumni guest hosts discussed interdisciplinary topics with a number of acclaimed musicians we have had the privilege of making music with in past semesters.
The support we received in this undertaking was vital and came not only from within the institution but also from our alumni. Knowing how important making music together was to them while they were students, they responded with generous donations that allowed us to purchase dozens of string instruments, additional percussion equipment and steel drums from Trinidad and Tobago.
The full article can be seen on Inside Higher Ed’s webpage.
Nearly 140 University student musicians participate in the COVID ensembles, which include percussion groups, strings groups and the virtual choir project.
Performance Music Continues with COVID Edition
General
March 15, 2021
Meal delivery. Contact tracing. Package delivery. Communications. Check-ins. Testing. Soup delivery.
Many members of the University community have volunteered their efforts on top of their regular work responsibilities. They are coaches, administrative assistants, vice presidents and other administrative staff, police officers and professors, as well as students who are juggling schoolwork, club activities and more.
Lauren Rivera, J.D., Ed.D., assistant vice president for student life and dean of students, who helped to manage staffing and meals for those isolating or quarantining, said she was grateful for all the volunteers.
"We had a massive team of contact tracers, and we've been delivering up to 140 meals on campus at a meal period," she said, remembering that one particular student this fall wasn't able to eat the meals provided.
"The student could only eat soup, so three different University staff members jumped in to deliver soup around the clock to this student," said Rivera.
The Residence Life team has helped students transition to temporary spaces when they have had to quarantine or isolate themselves on campus.
"At this time last year, we could have never imagined the realities we’re facing and how it would impact our work. Our team has been committed to serving our students to the best of our abilities and we try to bring a positive attitude to our work each day," said Brad Troy, director of Residence Life. "To have the opportunity to contribute to some level of normalcy for our students is a privilege. The students have always been the center of our work."
Troy was especially appreciative of the students helping their peers through this difficult time and said they "deserve recognition for their efforts."
"Having to isolate or quarantine is a disruptive experience and can be stressful for students for a variety of reasons. In addition to students who have had to move to temporary housing, we have a number of students who have volunteered countless hours to support their peers," he said.
Jeff Colucci '21, student government president, delivered meals.
“Whether I’m delivering meals to students in quarantine or meeting with leaders on campus to discuss reopening plans, I have been amazed by the students, faculty and staff who come together to keep our community safe," he said. "Throughout the past year, one thing that has always proven true is that people on this campus care so deeply about the students here and have done everything to keep us connected and safe.”
Liz Garcia, executive director of Equity and Diversity, Title IX coordinator and special assistant to the president, gained another title this past summer: Pandemic Safety Officer. Not only does she oversee the pandemic safety ambassadors and answer questions and enforce rules related to the Royals Safe Together Plan, but she also coordinates and delivers meals to students in isolation and quarantine. She noted that her call for meal, package and water delivery volunteers has been answered by the University community.
"Serving our students is why we are here, including feeding them and checking on their well-being while in quarantine or isolation. This responsibility falls on all of us, and so many from our community have stepped up. We have volunteers from all divisions and titles stepping up to assist," said Garcia.
Find the growing list of meal volunteers, below.
Barbara Eagan |
Chris Whitney |
Bailey McLaughlin |
Cassondra Steiner |
Rebecca Dzikowski |
John Burke |
Jennifer Pennington |
Patti Tetreault |
Barbara King |
Casey Welby |
Jeff Colucci |
Dan Shuck |
Amy Fotta |
Robert Farrell |
Jose Sanchez |
Brian Loughney |
David Schweitzer |
Michael Meyer |
Barbara King |
Susan Bowen |
Kimberly Curran |
Jean Lenville |
Meg Ambrose |
Don Bergmann |
Lynn Gavin |
Liz Garcia |
Melissa Abda |
Tim Pryle |
Michelle Boughton |
Reka Shayka |
Emmanuel Aidoo |
Susan Falbo |
Amy Hoegan |
Patricia Cummings |
Janet Schieber |
Paige Friesema |
Stephen Klingman |
Gerry Zaboski |
Kristi Klien |
Ryan Van Zelst |
Aaron Lichtenwalter |
Eric Morton |
Joseph Fitzhenry |
Robert Davis |
Jeff Gingerich |
Michael Ritterbeck |
Helen Wolf |
Lori Moran |
Matt Marcotte |
Christine Black |
Maria Marinucci |
Natalie Gray |
Julia Hack |
Patricia Sayitts |
Stephanie Adamec |
John Gatto |
Bridget Chomko |
Nicolena Vega |
Sarah Brown |
Brandon Loftus |
Jonathan Wells |
Kaitlyn Lewis |
Alexandra Maier |
Julia Kulpa |
Taylor Roman |
Sophia Gonzalez |
Jane Johnson |
Cheryl Collarini |
Madison Beers |
Dante Malleo |
Sinead Girdusky |
Amy Black |
Brad Troy | Cathy Seymour |
Kaycee O'Neil |
Sean Brennan |
Brian Sawyer |
Alyssa Olcott |
Meghan Kimball | Raven Thomas |
Danielle Higgins |
Devanski Shah |
Ansis Romolins |
Thomas Helmstetter |
Ashley Scovni |
Sarah Neff | Guillermo Martinez | Alexandra Maniscalco | Brittany Angrosina | Benjamin McFadden |
Bobby Hermes |
Laurie McCoy | Rachel Gallagher |
University Community Pitches in During the Pandemic
General
March 15, 2021
Through Mar. 21 Hope Horn Gallery Art Exhibit: Soaring Gardents Artists’ Retreat: The Second Decade. Scheduled appointments only. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.
Feb. 17 Noon. Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar: “Vanguard: How Black Women Overcame Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All” presented by Martha S. Jones, J.D., Ph.D., Society of Black Alumni Presidential Professor, professor of History and the SNF Agora Institute, Johns Hopkins University. ZOOM. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Feb. 19 3 p.m. Northeast Student Data Corps: Data Science Career Virtual Panel. This event is for students and educators interested in learning more about data science careers, internships and education from panelists in academia, government, industry and not for profit organizations. Registration required http://bit.ly/20210219-DATA. Free. Email ahmed.gomaa@scranton.edu.
Feb. 25 3 p.m. Scranton Reads and the Office of Community Relations: “Never Caught: An Online Dialogue.” Registration required. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.
Mar. 9 Noon. Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar: “Next Steps with Russia?” presented by Jill Dougherty, was CNN’s Moscow Bureau Chief for almost a decade, a Russian expert, adjunct professor at Georgetown University and a CNN on-air contributor. ZOOM. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Mar. 16 Noon. Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar: “America: The Farther Shore” presented by Carla McCabe, president and CEO, WVIA. ZOOM. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Mar. 24 Noon. Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar in collaboration with the Department of World Languages and Cultures and Latin American Studies: “Borges and Me: My Travels in the Highlands of Scotland with a Literary Genius” presented by Jay Parini, Axinn Professor of English, Middlebury College, Vermont. ZOOM. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Mar. 26 through Apr. 23 Hope Horn Gallery Art Exhibit: Retrieve: Recent Collage By Zoja Forsberg. Scheduled appointments only. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.
Mar. 27 9 a.m. Virtual Preview Day for accepted students to The University of Scranton’s class of 2025. Reservations required. Call 570-941-7540 or email admissions@scranton.edu.
Apr. 9 Noon. Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar: “The Abolitionist International” presented by Manisha Sinha, Ph.D., Draper Chair in American History, University of Connecticut. ZOOM. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Apr. 16 Noon. Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar: “A Jesuit Education and Integrative Thinking in Biotechnology (fighting Tuberculosis) and Economics (eradicating poverty)” presented Michael Fairbanks, Ph.D., Fellow at Harvard and the chairman and founder of Akagera Medicines, a biotech company based in Boston and San Francisco focused on cures for infectious diseases. ZOOM. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Apr. 22 TBA. University of Scranton Earth Day Essay Contest virtual announcement of winners. ZOOM. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email susan.falbo@scranton.edu.
Apr. 24 11 a.m. Schemel Forum Virtual Tour: “The Museum of the American Revolution.” ZOOM. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
May 2 through 14 Hope Horn Gallery Art Exhibit: University of Scranton Student Exhibition 2021. Scheduled appointments only. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.
May 7-9 9 a.m. National History Day State Competition (virtual) for junior and senior high school students. Registration required. Call 570-941-4549 or email nhdparegion2@gmail.com.
TBA Noon. Schemel Forum World Affairs Seminar: “Consciousness: Life Transitions and the Importance of Story - Continued” presented by Harmar Brereton, M.D. ZOOM. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Schemel Forum Courses
Mondays: Feb. 8, 15, 22 & Mar. 1, 8, 15 6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Eros and Metaphor: Contemporary Love Poems” presented by Billie R. Tadros, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of English & Theatre, The University of Scranton. ZOOM. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Thursdays: Feb. 11, 18, 25 & Mar. 4, 11, 18 6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Addiction, Attachment, Trauma, and Recovery: The Power of Connection” presented by Oliver J. Morgan, Ph.D., professor of Counseling and Human Services, The University of Scranton. ZOOM. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
Tuesdays: Mar. 16, 23, 30 & Apr. 6, 13, 20 6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Women Philosophers of the Middle Ages and Early Modernity” presented by Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, The University of Scranton. ZOOM. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-6206 or email alicen.morrison@scranton.edu.
University Announces Virtual Events for Spring
Faculty
March 15, 2021
University faculty and staff are invited to a special meeting of the Clavius Seminar Open Revolution on Monday, Feb. 22 from 12-1 p.m. that will feature a presentation by guest speaker Jasmine Roberts, titled “Open Education at the Center and Margins of Social Justice.”
Open education is commonly known for the advocacy of OERs (open educational resources), consequently framing the discourse as a textbook issue. However, there is an increasing need to consider the intersections between social justice, inclusion, equity, and open education. Roberts’ talk will address the urgency of centering social justice approaches in open educational practices and the challenges of this process, and provide recommendations for attendees to apply to their context.
Jasmine Roberts is a lecturer in the School of Communication at the Ohio State University, where she teaches in the areas of public relations writing, digital activism and campaign strategy. Roberts’ advocacy work centers on the experiences of people of color, women and queer communities. Along with her communication expertise, Roberts is also a renowned open education leader. She has delivered numerous keynote presentations across the country on the topics of inclusion in open education. She is the author of the highly-rated, openly-licensed book "Writing for Strategic Communication Industries".
Faculty and staff can register here.
This event is part of the 2020-2021 Clavius Seminar Open Revolution hosted by
Kelly Banyas, Assistant Professor, Research & Instruction Librarian
Marleen Cloutier, Assistant Professor, Cataloging & Metadata Librarian
Colleen Farry, Assistant Professor, Digital Services Librarian
Staff and Faculty Event: Clavius Seminar Open Revolution Meeting
Student
March 15, 2021
Update: Please note the deadline has been extended to April 16.
2021
JUNIOR PRE-MED STUDENTS
Francis P. Boland, MD Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements
1. Candidates for this award must be considered juniors in 2021-2022 and intend to graduate in May 2023.
2. First consideration will be given to sons and daughters of the Regional Hospital of Scranton (formerly the Mercy Hospital family). Family is intended to signify persons affiliated with the hospital. If there is no candidate associated with the Regional Hospital of Scranton (formerly the Mercy Hospital), consideration will then be given to Lackawanna County residents.
3. Candidates for the award should intend to pursue a medical degree. The award recipient will be a declared pre-med student.
4. Candidates must submit a profile including G.P.A., classwork and extra-curricular involvement.
5. Candidates must also submit a one-page typed essay expressing their goals in medicine.
6. The candidate will be selected based on merit. Financial need will only be used as the determining factor for a final decision when there is a tie.
7. Deadline for submitting applications is April 16, 2021.
For questions about eligibility or the application process, contact:
The Financial Aid Office, St. Thomas Hall, Suite 401
Boland Scholarship 2021-2022
Community
March 15, 2021
Organizers of the Electric City Connection project are pleased to announce the addition of a new partner to the charitable group: Rally for Restaurants, hosted by Lackawanna College. “The partnership is a natural fit for all organizations involved,” said Leslie Collins, President/CEO, Scranton Tomorrow. “It strengthens an already successful project assisting those who are facing food insecurity in Scranton, while also supporting local restaurants facing economic challenges during COVID-19.”
The Electric City Connection is a collaborative effort between The University of Scranton, Scranton Tomorrow, and Friends of the Poor. Developed by The University of Scranton, the project was first launched at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Members of the community contribute $15 donations to fund the purchase of gift cards and meals from local restaurants. Friends of the Poor distributes the gift cards to Scranton families in need, and participating restaurants provide meals to facilities that are home to senior citizens and members of underserved communities in Scranton. Donations are accepted through Scranton Tomorrow at scrantontomorrow.org.
To date, the project has raised more than $55,000, including $20,000 from a Scranton Area Community Foundation grant. These funds have been directed to 22 participating restaurants to provide more than 4,000 meals to individuals facing food insecurity in Scranton. "The individuals and families who are receiving meals are so extremely grateful that someone cares about them, and that they are getting the food they need,” said Sr. Ann Walsh, Assistant Director, Friends of the Poor. “It makes them feel special that their fellow community members are reaching out and want to help."
Julie Schumacher Cohen, Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement and Government Affairs at The University of Scranton, echoed those sentiments. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause economic hardship, made even more difficult in these winter months. Having the Electric City Connection project and Lackawanna College’s Rally for Restaurants team up is a creative way to leverage partnerships and address community needs at a critical time,” she said.
Rally for Restaurants is a partnership between Lackawanna College, the City of Scranton, and Scranton Tomorrow that launched in September of 2020. The program invites local chefs to work with culinary arts students and use the facilities at Lackawanna College’s student-operated restaurant, 409 on Adams, on select dates. All proceeds benefit participating restaurants. Rally for Restaurants generated significant revenue for local restaurants in the fall, and reservations are now available for select dates, now through May 6. During this semester, guests will have the opportunity to make a contribution to the Electric City Connection at the end of their dining experience. The Electric City Connection contributions will be directed to participating restaurants to provide fresh meals for individuals and families facing food insecurity, seniors, and other community members in need.
“Lackawanna College and our culinary students are excited to expand Rally for Restaurants by joining the Electric City Connection to help our food insecure neighbors, and to continue helping our local restaurants during COVID-19,” said Stephanie Decker, associate vice president of Social and Economic Impact, Lackawanna College.
To learn more about Rally for Restaurants, and to make reservations, visit lackawanna.edu/rally-for-restaurants. To learn more about the Electric City Connection or to donate to the Electric City Connection project, visit scrantontomorrow.org.
Electric City Connection Partners Welcome Rally for Restaurants
Staff
March 15, 2021
Robert B. Farrell, J.D., Ed.D., general counsel at The University of Scranton, received the 2020 Donald A. Gatske Award for Outstanding Dissertation on Higher Education from the American Association of University Administrators. The award was presented recently in a virtual format because of health and safety recommendations caused by the pandemic. His dissertation, which he presented in 2019 for an education doctorate degree from the University of Pennsylvania, was titled “Leadership Response to Campus Free Speech Incidents.” His dissertation also earned distinction from Penn.
The selection criteria for the national award include the importance and relevance of the dissertation’s topic to the broad field of higher education administration, the evidence of the development of a theoretical framework which guided the research, and the overall quality of writing, among other standards.
Dr. Farrell has presented at the national convention of the National Association of College and University Attorneys, of which he is also a member.
Dr. Farrell joined the staff at the University in 2008. Previously, he served as city solicitor for the City of Scranton. He was an associate, then partner, at Kreder, Brooks, Hailstone and Ludwig Law Firm and a law clerk for Judge Chester T. Harhut in the Court of Common Pleas in Lackawanna County.
Dr. Farrell has volunteered his time and expertise at a number of government, civic and nonprofit organizations over the years including the Office of the Mayor of the City of Scranton, serving on the advisory board of directors of Catholic Social Services of Lackawanna County, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, the Nay Aug Conservancy, Scranton Tomorrow and East Scranton Business Association, among others. He served on the Economic Development Advisory Committee of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania. He also serves as a lector and on the Parish Finance Council of Immaculate Conception Parish in Scranton.
Dr. Farrell earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross, his juris doctorate from Dickinson School of Law and his Ed.D. from The University of Pennsylvania.
The American Association of University Administrators is a non-profit professional organization for higher education leaders and administrative personnel from two- and four-year; public, private non-profit and private for-profit colleges in the United States.
Robert Farrell Wins Award for Dissertation
Student
March 15, 2021
The men's and women's basketball teams opened their seasons on Tuesday night against Moravian.
On the court for the first time in almost a year, The University of Scranton men's basketball team didn't miss a beat in their season opener on Tuesday night vs. Moravian in the John Long Center, as senior Logan Bailey (Scranton, Pa./Scranton Prep) scored a game-high 26 points to lead the Royals to a 90-76 win over the Greyhounds.
Read the full article on the Athletics site, here.
The University of Scranton women's basketball team (1-0, 1-0 Landmark) returned to the court for their first game in 340 days and held Moravian to 24.6% shooting in a 56-47 win over the Greyhounds (3-1, 2-1 Landmark) on Tuesday night at Johnston Hall in Bethlehem.
Read the full article on the Athletics site, here.
Basketball Teams Win Season Openers
General
March 15, 2021
The University announced its 29th president on Feb. 9. Get a roundup of yesterday's news here.
The University of Scranton Names 29th President
Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Le Moyne College, Syracuse, N.Y., will serve as the 29th president of The University of Scranton. James M. Slattery ’86, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, made the announcement to the University community.
Father Marina, who will take office in the summer, will succeed Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., ’H15, whose second term as president ends at the close of the 2020-2021 academic year.
Read the press release, here.
The Presidential Website
View the new Presidential Website, which includes a letter from the chair of the Board of Trustees about the announcement, videos of the President-elect, news from local and national sources, and more, here. The website will continue to be updated.
VIDEO: The Announcement of the 29th President of The University of Scranton
View a recording of the announcement of the 29th President of The University of Scranton.
VIDEO: Meet the President-elect
Get to know Joseph G. Marina, S.J., who will succeed Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. as the 29th President of The University of Scranton this summer.
Said about the University's 29th President
“Father Marina belongs at Scranton. He understands well what makes Scranton special, and he believes deeply that Catholic and Jesuit education can have a profound influence on a person’s life. He has experienced it himself. He is committed to justice and realizes the important role colleges – especially Jesuit colleges – play in leading this effort for their immediate communities and for the world.” - Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., ’H15, President, The University of Scranton.
Read what Fr. Pilarz and other leaders had to say about the University's 29th President here.
Students React to News of the President-elect
Though students could not physically attend an announcement ceremony, they still found ways to get involved and welcome President-elect Marina.
Read what students had to say about the news in an article by Rebeca Chiefallo, Royal News campus correspondent, here.
News Items about the President-elect and Announcement
- University of Scranton names 28th president -WNEP-TV
- Joseph G. Marina, S.J., Named 28th President of the University of Scranton -Le Moyne College
- 28th president of The University of Scranton announced -PA Homepage
- Joseph G. Marina, S.J., Named 28th President of the University of Scranton -The Constitution / Urban CNY News Online Edition
- The University of Scranton names 28th President -FOX56.com
- University of Scranton names The Rev. Joseph Marina as next president -The Times Leader
- Bishop Bambera's Statement on the Appointment of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., Ph.D., as President of the University of Scranton -dioceseofscranton.org
- University of Scranton names new president -The Times-Tribune
Be sure to visit the Presidential Website for the latest, here.
Update, March 2021: In February 2021, Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., was named the University’s 28th president. After the passing of Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., in March, Jeffrey Gingerich, Ph.D. became acting president and, therefore, the University’s 28th president.
Father Marina will now become the 29th president of the University when he takes office in summer 2021. Where possible, we have updated references to reflect this change.
News About President-elect Joseph G. Marina, S.J.
Student
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton announced its 28th president, Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., yesterday.
The presidential announcement was held on live stream at 11 a.m.
Though students could not physically attend an announcement ceremony, they still found ways to get involved and welcome President-elect Marina.
Several members of Student Government got together to watch the announcement. They also welcomed him via Zoom later in the day.
Jeffrey Colucci, president of student government and accounting and finance major, said though he is sad to see current University President Pilarz's time serving the University come to an end, he is excited to see where Father Marina's guidance takes Scranton.
"I am thrilled to welcome Father Marina to our University family as our next president," Colucci said, "I have no doubt that Father Marina will lead the University to be even more prosperous and stronger in the future as he embodies our mission and is well-prepared given his vast prior experiences."
Bailey McLaughlin joined Colucci to watch the announcement this morning. McLaughlin said she is excited for Father Marina to become part of the Scranton family.
"His clear focus and dedication to students are what makes me very excited for him to be on campus next year," McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin is a senior, majoring in occupational therapy with a minor in psychology. She is director of communications of student government, a church choir cantor, president of Liva Arts Company and a student coordinator of Craft for a Cause.
Student Government vice president Matthew Marcotte also spent his morning in the student forum watching the presidential announcement.
Marcotte said it was an exciting day on campus to welcome Father Marina as the University's 28th president.
"I look forward to all that Father Marina accomplishes and believe the University has a bright future under his leadership," Marcotte said.
Above: Students talk to President-elect Marina via Zoom.
Julia Hack and Taylor Roman watched the announcement from the comfort of their apartment.
Hack, chief of staff for student government, said that she was excited to witness the announcement of the next Univesity president.
Hack majors in political science at Scranton and is a member of Urban Beats Crew.
"Although I won't be here [next year], I am looking forward to the wonderful things Father Marina will accomplish," Hack said.
Roman is the secretary of Student Government and wanted to wish Father Marina the best in his presidential role.
"I could not be more excited to have had the opportunity to witness an announcement that would impact the campus I love for years to come," Roman said.
Roman is an international business major enrolled in the BS/MBA program. She is involved in Kania Women in Business and serves as vice president of the International Business Club.
Father Marina takes office this summer at The University of Scranton.
Students Respond to News of President-elect
Faculty
March 15, 2021
The recently released 2020 Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings have placed The University of Scranton Accounting Department and faculty among the best in the world.
The BYU report ranks accounting programs and faculty throughout the world based on their success in publishing in top-tier accounting journals. The report is updated annually and includes ranks for specific categories of research and for specific time periods. The recently released BYU update ranks the Accounting Department at The University of Scranton as the fourth most prolific department in the world for accounting education research (excluding cases) over the most recent six-year period. The department was also ranked internationally for all methods, audit and experimental accounting research.
With respect to authorships of individual accounting faculty in the area of accounting education, three Scranton faculty members were ranked internationally. Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., associate professor, chair of the Accounting Department, and director of the DBA program was ranked No. 7. James F. Boyle, D.B.A., assistant professor and director of the MAcc program, and Brian W. Carpenter, Ph.D., professor, ranked No. 22 (tied). Additionally, Dr. Douglas Boyle was ranked for all methods, auditing, and experimental research and Dr. Carpenter was ranked for all methods.
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools (AACSB) estimates that there are more than 13,000 business schools in the world. Since 1990, only 664 of those 13,000 schools had any publications in any of the top-tier journals used in the BYU rankings, and only 336 of these schools had any publications in the top-tier accounting education journals used in the BYU rankings.
The University of Scranton’s Accounting Departmental fourth place ranking is a continuation of research accolades received by the department, faculty, and students. Last year, the department was ranked No. 1 in the nation in “The Intersection of Academia and Practice: Publishing in Leading U.S. Accounting Organizations’ Journals” (Issues in Accounting Education, May 2020), for the number of publications in the leading refereed accounting practitioner journals, over the most recent five-year period. Four Scranton accounting faculty received individual national rankings: Dr. Douglas Boyle ranked No. 1, Dr. Carpenter ranked No. 2 (tied); Daniel P. Mahoney, Ph.D., professor, was ranked No. 3 (tied), and Dr. James Boyle was ranked No. 7 (tied).
“We are very proud of the scholarly accomplishments of our Accounting department faculty and especially glad to see their commitment to publishing with students. This student-centered approach to scholarship is integral to our Jesuit mission and tradition,” said Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
Additionally, last year articles co-authored by accounting faculty and Doctor of Business Administration program (DBA) students were recognized in the most recent international Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Lybrand competition. Lybrand awards are given annually to the top three articles published by the IMA whose journals reach more than 120,000 subscribers. Dr. Douglas Boyle and DBA student Daniel Gaydon received the Lybrand silver medal for an article titled “SEC Whistleblower Program Expands,” published in Strategic Finance. Dr. Douglas Boyle and Dr. Mahoney and DBA student Marcus Burke received the Lybrand bronze medal for an article titled “Goodwill Accounting: The Matter of Serial Non-Impairment,” published in Management Accounting Quarterly. Dr. Douglas Boyle and DBA student Patrick O’Brian received a Lybrand certificate of merit for an article titled “Do You Have Emotional Intelligence?” published in Strategic Finance. Drs. Douglas Boyle, James Boyle, and Mahoney and DBA student Amanda Marcy received the IMA inaugural Curt Verschoor Ethics Feature of the Year for an article titled “The Value of Trust to Financial Professionals and Their Organizations,” published in Strategic Finance.
With these most recent recognitions, Scranton’s Accounting Department has received more Lybrand awards than any other program in the world over the past ten years with six Lybrand medals (two gold, two silver and two bronze) and five certificates of merit (“An Analysis of IMA’s Lybrand Awards: 2010-2019,” Management Accounting Quarterly, 2020). Four Scranton faculty received individual rankings: Dr. Douglas Boyle ranked No. 1; Dr. Carpenter ranked No. 3; Dr. Mahoney ranked No. 4 (tied); and Dr. James Boyle ranked No. 6 (tied).
Accounting Faculty Research Ranked Among the Top in World
Student
March 15, 2021
We are taking a creative approach to celebrate Asian New Year this year, given the conditions of Covid-19. Asian Studies and the Department of World Languages and Cultures are co-sponsoring a Student Video Competition on "How to Celebrate Asian New Year." The competition comes with cash prizes: the 1st place ($75 Amazon e-gift card), 2nd place ($50 e-card), and "most liked" ($35 e-card) awards.
We encourage students to submit creative videos (no longer than 5 minutes) that showcase how New Year is celebrated in Asian countries, for example, in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Taiwan, Vietnam, etc.
The evaluation criteria are: cultural contents, liveliness, creativity and originality.
The deadline for video submissions is Feb. 13, 11:59 p.m. More details about what to do, where to submit, how to submit and terms/conditions, can be found on the flyer.
Finalists and winners will be announced on the Event Day, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Student finalists will share their video-making ideas/inspirations and present their videos at the Feb. 25 event time.
To receive the Zoom link for the Feb. 25 event, please register here.
For further questions, please email: ann.pang-white@scranton.edu.
Video Competition: How to Celebrate Asian New Year
Community
March 15, 2021
The Scranton Public Library System is hosting a series of events this February for its annual Scranton Reads event. This year’s selected title, Never Caught: The Story of the Washingtons’ Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge, is written by Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar and was a finalist of the National Book award. In her work, Dunbar provides historical insights into lives of the Washingtons during the founding of our nation and the concurrent lived reality of those that they enslaved, one of whom was Ona Judge. Never Caught is Ona’s story of freedom and survival.
The Scranton Public Library will host author Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar on Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 6-7 p.m. The author will give a presentation on the research and writing process she conducted during the writing of her book. This will be a 30-minute presentation with time at the end for questions from the audience. To register, visit www.albright.org, email jserrenti@albright.org, or call (570) 348-3000 ext. 3023. All registered attendees will receive the Zoom invitation link.
As a part of the Scranton Reads 2021 events, The University of Scranton will host a virtual youth dialogue for Scranton area middle and high school students on Thursday, February 25 at 3 PM. This dialogue will offer students an opportunity to come together to discuss Dunbar’s book and to reflect on our nation’s founding ideals and the lived reality of slavery and racism. Parents and guardians can register their students here.
Scranton Reads is a joint venture between the Scranton Public Library and the City of Scranton to host an annual event which seeks to encourage reading among people of all ages and to unite the community by means of discussions and activities featuring a specific book.
A complete list of Scranton Reads 2021 events and information on this year’s book “Never Caught” by Erica Armstrong Dunbar can be found on the Scranton Reads website: scrantonreads.org. Those interested in participating in any of these events can register on the Albright Memorial Library’s website, albright.org. Interested participants can obtain a free copy of this year’s Scranton Reads book by visiting any Scranton Public Library location. For questions on the Scranton Reads program, contact Jessica Serrenti at jserrenti@albright.org or (570) 795-4315. For information on the youth dialogue, contact the Office of Community Relations at community@scranton.edu.
Scranton Reads Events Include Presentation with Author and Youth Dialogue
Student
March 15, 2021
• Recommendations for the 2021-2022 Peter S. Graybar Memorial Scholarship are being solicited. The scholarship will provide assistance for students entering their junior social year next fall.
• The Peter S. Graybar Memorial Scholarship was created by the class of 1993 to honor a beloved friend and classmate. The Scholarship will be awarded to a student who is active in extracurricular and community service activities and demonstrates personal impact on fellow students.
• Recommendation forms and information sheets can be found in the Financial Aid Office or at scranton.edu/financialaid. Click on Scholarships and Grants; Additional Scholarship Opportunities.
• DEADLINE: Monday, March 15, 2021
Peter S. Graybar Memorial Scholarship 2021-2022
Student
March 15, 2021
For information about our 2021-2022 Available Scholarships, check out: scranton.edu/financialaid. Click on Scholarships and Grants; Additional Scholarship Opportunities. Refer to application for deadlines.
Deadline: April 23, 2021
The Times Shamrock Communications Scholarship
Leslie Fay Scholarship
Cinram Manufacturing Scholarship
The Fleet PA Services Scholarship
The United Gilsonite Laboratories Scholarship
TRL Associates Scholarship
The John and Lucille Guzey Scholarship
The James Burns Memorial Scholarship
Neal Fasula Scholarship
Irving Grossman Scholarship
Joseph Gallagher Scholarship
Purple Club Scholarship
Students: 2021-2022 Available Scholarships
General
March 15, 2021
Feb. 17, Ash Wednesday – Ashes will be distributed at Masses taking place in the Byron Center at:
1. 12:00 p.m.
2. 4:00 p.m.
3. 7:00 p.m.
4. 8:30 p.m.
Because of the COVID-19 health crisis:
· Masses are limited to current students, faculty, and staff
· Masks and social distancing required
· Royal ID swipe-in required
· Ashes will be distributed only at these Masses in the Byron
Ash Wednesday Mass Schedule
Student
March 15, 2021
While the most talked about features of this ancient, wondrous country are the landscape, dynasties and politics, it is the rich history and culture of the Egyptian people that makes it attractive. Khadiga AboBakr, University of Scranton graduate student in secondary education, will share her heritage and experience at the first Global Insights presentation, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, at 11:30 a.m. Registration is required. Please click here to register.
AboBakr’s presentation will focus on the integrated culture and traditions that “make Egyptians who they truly are, and how the culture contributes to the core of Egyptian identity.”
She relates that “Egypt is not just pyramids and camels.”
As her father is of Sudanese descent, her mother coming from Palestine, and an Egyptian grandmother, Khadiga enjoyed a full, multicultural upbringing with the Egyptian influence playing a major role in her life.
“I was lucky enough to experience how people can share the same mother tongue while having entirely different traditions and customs. Therefore, I have to admit that the Egyptian culture was certainly my favorite as I was raised in Egypt my whole life and I got to experience everything myself.”
AboBakr will share some of her favorite activities in February’s Global Insights presentation. “Attending a wedding in Egypt can completely alter your mood, boost your enthusiasm and even get you to think about getting married yourself.” Family bonding traditions are very special to her. “Family gatherings are what I have always enjoyed in Egypt. The warmth and love you get from these gatherings work as one's support system. You can never be grumpy during family gatherings in Egypt because people around you will make sure you laugh.”
Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend the presentation. Please click here to register. Zoom information will be sent out 1-2 days before the event.
This program is being offered by the Office of Global Education, the Cross Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. For more information, please contact international@scranton.edu or 570-941-4841.
Students, Faculty, Staff: ‘Spring’ into Global Insights with Egypt
Student
March 15, 2021
The Cross Cultural Centers is proud to host Lynda Blackmon Lowery as our feature speaker for Black History Month with her Presentation: "Turning on 15 on the Road to Freedom: My story of the 1965 of the Selma Voting Rights March"
Join us for a conversation with Lynda Blackmon Lowery as she shares her story of non-violent activism in the Civil Rights Movement.
Wednesday, Feb. 10 AT 7 p.m. via Zoom
Register to received Zoom Link here.
Lynda Blackmon Lowery was the youngest person to walk with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. Join us for a conversation with Lynda Blackmon Lowery as she shares her story of non-violent activism in the Civil Rights Movement.
Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom
In her award-winning memoir, Turning on the Road to Freedom: My Story on the 1965 Selma Voting Rights March, Lowery tells the true story of the brave young activist who protested in nonviolent direct action to effect change against racial injustices throughout the South and the United States. It is an adventurous memoir that appeals to young readers and illustrates an honest and true-to-life depiction of racial segregation in 1965.
For more information or topic suggestions, please contact the Cross Cultural Centers at multicultural@scranton.edu.
A Conversation with Lynda Blackmon Lowery
General
March 15, 2021
The Department of World Languages and Cultures will host a virtual presentation on Zoom of the documentary, Black Italians and Digital Culture in Contemporary Italy, on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7:00 p.m. Filmmaker Fred Kuwornu will present his multimedia lecture on young Black Italian artists and activists who have harnessed the power of both traditional cultural forms and newer digital platforms to shape the conversation on racism, identity, and citizenship.
Fred Kudjo Kuwornu is an Italian-Ghanian filmmaker, activist, producer, and educator who was born and raised in Italy and is currently based in Brooklyn. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Mass Media from the University of Bologna. As a teenager, he started his career as a DJ and producer. Later, he worked as a TV scriptwriter for RAI public television in Rome. In the US, he worked on the production of Spike Lee’s film Miracle at St. Anna. Kuwornu’s own documentary films include the award-winning Inside Buffalo, about the African-American Infantry unit active in combat in WWII; 18 Ius soli, which investigates the issue of citizenship rights for the children of immigrants in Italy; and Blaxploitalian: 100 Years of Blackness in Italian Cinema.
To attend the event, registration in advance is required, here.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
For further information, please contact Dr. Marzia Caporale at marzia.caporale@scranton.edu or Dr. Virginia Picchietti at virginia.picchietti@scranton.edu.
Black Italians and Digital Culture in Contemporary Italy
Community
March 15, 2021
Quotes about Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., the 29th president of The University of Scranton.
“Father Marina brings a vast array of experience that will affirm the Catholic and Jesuit values upon which The University of Scranton has already been built. We are blessed that he has chosen to share his unique gifts and experiences with the students, faculty and staff of The University of Scranton. With a proven track record of being a knowledgeable and respected voice in higher education, Father Marina’s presence will serve The University of Scranton well as it continues to distinguish itself as an academically rigorous, socially responsible learning community where students become men and women for others.” The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton.
“Father Marina belongs at Scranton. He understands well what makes Scranton special, and he believes deeply that Catholic and Jesuit education can have a profound influence on a person’s life. He has experienced it himself. He is committed to justice and realizes the important role colleges – especially Jesuit colleges – play in leading this effort for their immediate communities and for the world.” Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., ’H15, President, The University of Scranton.
“Having had many conversations with Father Marina over the last several months, I will share just one exchange that speaks volumes about who he is, and about how much he already loves the University he will soon lead. At the end of a preliminary interview with a small group of my fellow trustees, I invited Father Marina to offer closing remarks. After reiterating his enthusiasm for the presidency of Scranton, and humbly outlining his own experience and credentials, he had this to say: ‘I would like to speak to you now not as a candidate, but as a Jesuit. For the future of The University of Scranton, and of Jesuit higher education in America, what’s most important to me is not whether you choose me, but that you choose the most qualified candidate. I’ll pray for your discernment.’” Kathleen Sprows Cummings, Ph.D. ‘93, G’93, University of Scranton Trustee, Chair, Search Committee.
“Father Marina will bring his unique experience – as teacher, pastor, scholar and school administrator with more than 20 years of experience in higher education – to Scranton. We are pleased to have him lead our Scranton community.” James M. Slattery ’86, Chair, Board of Trustees, The University of Scranton.
“In both words and actions, throughout his career Father Marina has demonstrated a deep devotion to the mission of Jesuit higher education. He is particularly committed to the mission of educating the whole person and developing ethical leaders and critical thinkers. I’m pleased The University of Scranton has selected Joe as its next president.” Sharon Kinsman Salmon, former Chair Le Moyne College Board of Trustees.
“Joe has been a vital part of Le Moyne's success over the past five years. Among his accomplishment as provost are the continued growth of graduate programs, including the launch of our first doctoral program in Educational Leadership, his work on our strategic plan Sempre Avanti, and the establishment of the Quantitative Reasoning Center and the Writing Center. On a personal level, he has been a confidant, friend and wonderful colleague.” Linda M. LeMura, Ph.D., President, Le Moyne College.
“In addition to his accomplishments as provost, Father Marina has been a great sacramental presence to the entire Le Moyne College community. We are proud of and celebrate Joe’s selection, which once again confirms the College’s historic role in cultivating and exporting great talent that other institutions want and need. It is an honor to know that, in terms of mission and the entrepreneurial spirit, Le Moyne College develops leaders for the greater good of the Jesuit education network.” Robert Reklaitis, Chair, Le Moyne College Board of Trustees.
“I will be delighted to mission Fr. Marina to Scranton. He will bring a wealth of experience as an academic administrator and a pastor. He has a tremendous ability to articulate the Jesuit education vision, and he has the requisite management skills to make that vision a reality.” Rev. Joseph M. O’Keefe, S.J., Provincial of the East Coast Province of the Society of Jesus.
Update, March 2021: In February 2021, Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., was named the University’s 28th president. After the passing of Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., in March, Jeffrey Gingerich, Ph.D. became acting president and, therefore, the University’s 28th president.
Father Marina will now become the 29th president of the University when he takes office in summer 2021. Where possible, we have updated references to reflect this change.
Said about the University’s 29th President
Community
March 15, 2021
Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., provost and vice president for academic affairs at Le Moyne College, Syracuse, N.Y., will serve as the 29th president of The University of Scranton. James M. Slattery ’86, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, made the announcement to the University community today. Father Marina, who will take office in the summer, will succeed Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., ’H15, whose second term as president ends at the close of the 2020-2021 academic year.
“Father Marina brings to Scranton his unique experience as teacher, pastor, scholar and school administrator with more than 20 years of experience in higher education,” said Slattery. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank the members of the presidential search committee for their careful work in leading us through the search process to its successful conclusion.”
“Father Marina has a special dedication to Catholic and Jesuit higher education, and a pastoral approach to leadership that is grounded in his faith, in Ignatian spirituality and in a call for justice. He will further Scranton’s commitment to provide a transformative education, rooted in the liberal arts, and will guide our students to become ‘men and women for and with others,’” said Father Pilarz.
“I am humbled and honored to be chosen as The University of Scranton’s next president and to succeed Father Pilarz who has with his colleagues on campus fostered such a strong foundation on which to build Scranton’s future success,” said Father Marina. “From day one as a Jesuit I have heard time and again how seriously Scranton takes its mission and identity. What strikes me most is how students excel with the help of the authentic commitment of faculty and staff. As we take this journey together beginning this summer, the wonderful truth remains that anything and everything we do at Scranton should be and will be done for our students first. Our shared focus is precisely where it belongs, on our students and their success.”
Father Marina was selected following a national search, which began in August with the appointment of a broadly representative search committee that included trustees and representatives from the faculty, staff, student body, alumni and administration. University Trustee Kathleen Sprows Cummings, Ph.D. ‘93, G’93, H'19, served as chair of the search committee.
“On behalf of the search committee, I want to say how pleased and excited we are that Father Marina has agreed to lead our beloved University,” said Dr. Sprows Cummings. “I am so very grateful to my colleagues on the committee for their thoughtfulness and dedication throughout the search process. Father Marina has our full and enthusiastic support as he prepares to begin his service this summer.”
Since 2016, Father Marina has served as provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of education at Le Moyne College, where he oversees the Jesuit college’s three academic schools, honors program, library, campus life, student housing, conduct and Title IX compliance, diversity and inclusion programming, global education, student success and support services, disability services, and several other areas. Previously at Le Moyne, he held positions as associate provost, interim chair of the education department and special assistant to the president.
On Feb. 12, he will conclude just over two months serving as acting president at Le Moyne while Linda M. LeMura, Ph.D., president, is a Chancellor’s Distinguished Visiting Fellow at Syracuse University.
“I commend The University of Scranton for selecting Father Marina as its next president,” said Dr. LeMura. “Joe has been a vital part of Le Moyne's success over the past five years. Among his accomplishments as provost are the continued growth of graduate programs, including the launch of our first doctoral program in Educational Leadership, his work on our strategic plan Sempre Avanti, and the establishment of the Quantitative Reasoning Center and the Writing Center. On a personal level, he has been a confidant, friend and wonderful colleague. I wish him nothing but the best in his new role.”
His prior experience includes serving as the dean of the School of Continuing Education at Providence College, assistant dean for the College of Science and Mathematics at Montclair State University, and assistant dean for Metropolitan College at St. John’s University. In addition, he taught religious studies at Providence College and mathematics at St. John’s University. He served as pastor of the Church of St. Francis Xavier in New York City and as associate pastor of the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, also in New York City.
Father Marina is currently a trustee at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, New York, and Canisius High School in Buffalo, New York, where he is chair of the board’s governance committee. He previously served on the boards of St. Thomas Aquinas College, Regis University, Canisius College, Xavier High School and Le Moyne College.
His research interests include leadership and organizational change, and, in the area of theology, scripture and the question of non-belief. His presentations include “Inner-city Healthcare and Higher Education: A Partnership in Catholic Social Teaching,” “Graduate and Continuing Education in the Jesuit Tradition” and “Educational Delivery System Options: Programs to Attract and Retain and Educate Adult Students.”
Father Marina holds a Doctor of Philosophy in administration and supervision from Fordham University, a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology from Boston College and a Master of Science in Secondary Education from St. John’s University. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences, with a theology minor, from St. John’s University.
Father Marina entered the Society of Jesus in 2004 and was ordained to the priesthood in 2012.
Rev. Joseph M. O’Keefe, S.J., Provincial of the East Coast Province of the Society of Jesus remarked, “I will be delighted to mission Fr. Marina to Scranton. He will bring a wealth of experience as an academic administrator and a pastor. He has a tremendous ability to articulate the Jesuit education vision, and he has the requisite management skills to make that vision a reality.”
Founded in 1888, The University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit institution located in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Northeast with an enrollment of nearly 5,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Scranton consistently ranks among the nation’s best colleges and universities in publications such as U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, The Princeton Review and others. Scranton is known for the outstanding success of its graduates.
Update, March 2021: In February 2021, Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., was named the University’s 28th president. After the passing of Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., in March, Jeffrey Gingerich, Ph.D. became acting president and, therefore, the University’s 28th president.
Father Marina will now become the 29th president of the University when he takes office in summer 2021. Where possible, we have updated references to reflect this change.
The University of Scranton Names 29th President
Community
March 15, 2021
Accounting students from The University of Scranton will follow an adjusted contactless process to assist local residents with filing their federal, state and local tax returns as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The process for this year has been adjusted to because of COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.
The free service is available to residents of Lackawanna and Wayne counties with household incomes of $57,000 or less for 2020.
Qualified clients can provide the information needed to complete tax forms (see below) in a secure “drop-off box” located in the University Police Department, 820 Mulberry Street. Forms will be processed remotely by University student volunteers. Clients will be contacted by phone or email with any questions and when their tax forms have been filed electronically. The documents provided, or copies of documents if originals were needed for filing, will be then returned to participants.
Documents need for filing tax forms include:
- name, email and phone number;
- a copy of the taxpayer’s driver’s license (and spouse’s if applicable);
- a copy of Social Security cards for the taxpayer, the spouse, and any dependents;
- all Wage and earning statements, including, but not limited to:
- Form W-2 (employees);
- W-2G (gambling winnings);
- 1099-R (retirement withdrawals);
- 1099-Misc, 1099-NEC(miscellaneous income) and any related expenses;
- 1099-G (unemployment income);
- 1099-SA (Social Security statement);
- 1099-B (sales of stock);
- interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099-INT and 1099-DIV);
- a copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available;
- a voided check for proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit;
- forms 1095-A, B and C, health coverage statements;
- any information pertinent to deductions and credits the taxpayer may be eligible for, such as:
- 1098-T for anyone on the tax return who attended a higher education institution during 2020;
- totals paid to daycare providers and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number, name, and address;
- for those who qualify for a property tax or rent rebate (age 65 and older, a widow/widower, disabled, and within certain income limits), copies of property tax receipts for any property taxes paid during the 2020 tax year;
- list of charitable donations;
- note if you received the first stimulus payment? (spring of 2020) $1,200/taxpayer-spouse and $500 for each qualifying child;
- also note if you received the economic impact payment? (late 2020 or early 2021) $600/ taxpayer-spouse and each qualifying child.
Residents can include information above in an envelope and place it in the “drop-off box” in the University Police Department, 820 Mulberry Street, Mondays through Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The VITA Program began on Monday, Feb. 8. The program will end when the capacity to process tax forms received has been met.
Residents with questions may call the University at 570-941-4045.
University students have participated in the VITA program for more than 30 years.
Safe, Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Offered
Staff
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton has named Rebekah Bernard as associate director of admissions and enrollment management information systems. In her new role, she will manage technology systems and data processes for admissions, including the development of statistical reports for data analysis. She will also supervise staff in Admissions Office operations and support the development and automation of communication plans, among other duties.
Bernard joined the staff of the Admissions Office at the University in 2001, where she has worked as an admissions counselor, a communications specialist, and, since 2012, as an information and technology specialist. She has also served as an adjunct professor for the University’s Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship.
At Scranton, Bernard was elected to the Staff Senate in 2017 and has served as vice president and as chair of its Finance Committee and By-Laws Committee, among other positions. She also served on the University’s Strategic Enrollment Planning Committee Undergraduate Programs Working Group, the Employee Wellness Committee and as chair of University Council. She participated in the University’s Kino Border Initiative Immersion Experience and with the University’s International Service Program.
Bernard is a member of the National Association of College Admissions Counseling. She has served as a parent volunteer at Our Lady of Peace School and as a youth sports coach.
Bernard earned her bachelor’s degree in English and her MBA from The University of Scranton.
Rebekah Bernard Named Admissions Associate Director
Staff
March 15, 2021
The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!
THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for February 2021 is: Alicen Morrison- The Schemel Forum
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Alicen does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Alicen, and all our nominees.
Alicen will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as, a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of February. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition luncheon in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner, and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.
How long have you worked at the University?
3.5 years
What do you like best about your job?
Working with the Schemel Forum members and sharing a love of lifelong learning with them.
What do you like to do for fun?Spend time with my husband and two daughters. Also, I've enjoyed cooking more and can't wait to travel again.
February 2021 Nominees:
Don McCall -Technology Support Center
Lisa Bealla - Student Engagement
Ellen Morgan - Counseling Center
Colleen McGoff - Nursing Department
Karen Caparo - Chemistry
Christine Falbo - CAS Advising Center
Ellen Morgan - Counseling Center
Alicen Morrison - The Schemel Forum (Community Seminars)
http://www.scranton.edu/staff-senate/docs/SpiritAward/staffsenatemagisawardnominationform.pdf
http://www.scranton.edu/staff-senate/spirit-award-recipients.shtml
Magis Award Winner for February 2021
General
March 15, 2021
In the absence of fans due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, The University of Scranton men's and women's basketball programs will sell cardboard cutouts for the upcoming season so that fans can be as close to the action inside the John Long Center as possible.
Cardboard cutouts are available for $60 and can be purchased by clicking here. Once you are on the website, click the image of the standard cutout at the bottom of the page and follow the instructions given to place your order.
You can upload a photo of yourself, family member or pet to be included at the Long Center for every game this season so that you can support the Royals and Lady Royals from near or far.
All fans, family, friends and alumni will be able to keep their cutout at the end of the season.
The University of Scranton men's basketball team will open the season on Tuesday, Feb. 9 vs. Moravian at 7 p.m. and the Lady Royals' home opener is slated for Friday, Feb. 12 vs. Drew at 7 p.m. Click the following links to view the full schedules for the men's and women's teams.
Long Center Fan Cutouts Still on Sale for Upcoming Basketball Season
General
March 15, 2021
CHEW is thrilled to announce the Weekly Wellness Class Schedule for Spring Semester!
Students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend free Weekly Wellness Classes.
Monday
Mindfulness Meditation, 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday
Mindfulness Meditation, 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
POUND, 6:00 p.m.- 6:45 p.m.
Wednesday
Yoga Flow, 5:30 p.m.-6:15 p.m.
Light Weights & Abs. 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thursday
Energizing Yoga, 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Check out CHEW's Weekly Wellness Class offerings and Zoom class codes on Royal Sync or email chew@scranton.edu
CHEW'S Weekly Wellness Class Waiver: One waiver is good for all classes. Check Royal Sync for more.
Weekly Wellness Classes, Spring Semester
Staff
March 15, 2021
The Staff Senate and the Office of Human Resources collaborated to offer a special forum with members of the University’s President’s Cabinet to discuss to start of the spring semester and operational plans for the coming months. This initiative was a follow up to the well-attended forum held before the start of the fall semester that provided staff members with a means to discuss the re-opening of campus with University administration.
Nearly 140 staff members attended this past week, submitting questions in advance and during the event. The topics discussed included: COVID-19 testing protocols for students, faculty, and staff; vaccine availability on campus; the University’s budget; staffing plans; and student life.
University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., joined the forum and expressed his gratitude for all of the work that the staff has done during these challenging times. The Staff Senate is grateful to its Cabinet liaison, Patti Tetreault, for assisting with the organization of the forum and to all of the staff and administrators who attended.
Staff Senate Virtual Roundtable
Alumni
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton Book Club will discuss "The Devil's Advocate" by Morris West during its next virtual meeting Sunday, Feb. 21st at 7:30 p.m.
According to a summary of the book posted on the club's webpage, "In an impoverished village in southern Italy, the enigmatic life and mysterious death of Giacomo Nerone has inspired talk of sainthood. Father Blaise Meredith, a dying English priest, is sent by the Vatican to investigate. As he tries to untangle the web of facts, rumors and outright lies that surround Nerone, The Devil's Advocate reminds us how the power of goodness ultimately prevails over despair. The Devil's Advocate was awarded the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the W.H. Heinemann Award of the Royal Society of Literature, and was made into a film."
The book club is a collaboration between the Alumni Office and The Jesuit Center. The Rev. Patrick Rogers, S.J., executive director of The Jesuit Center, serves as moderator of the group's discussions. Since its inaugural discussion of "Tattoos On The Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion" by the Rev. Gregory Boyle, S.J., the virtual club has discussed "The Jesuit Guide To (Almost) Everything: A Spirituality For Real Life" by the Rev. James Martin, S.J. H'17, "Barking To The Choir: The Power Of Radical Kinship," a second work by Boyle, "The Power And The Glory" by Graham Greene and "Caste: The Origins Of Our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson. To join the club, visit this link.
University Book Club to Discuss 'The Devil's Advocate'
Alumni
March 15, 2021
The University's Center for Career Development will hold "Changes Within Your Career," the second installment in its series of alumni career development webinars, Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m.
The workshop, hosted by Director for Career Development Chris Whitney G'06 and Career Development Coordinator Lori Moran '93, G'95, will highlight many of the ways the center can help our alumni achieve their career goals. To register, visit this link.
The Center for Career Development will hold webinars on a variety of alumni-centered topics in the coming months, including "Building And Enhancing Your Resume" March 31, "Job Search" April 28 and "Interviewing" May 26. Check future installments of Royal News for registration information.
The center held "What the Center for Career Development Can Do for Scranton Alumni," the first installment in the series, Jan. 27. To view the webinar, visit this link.
University Continues Alumni Career Development Webinar Series Feb. 24
Alumni
March 15, 2021
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
Gene Gibbons ’64, Alexandria, Virginia, wrote a memoir “Breaking News: A Life in Journalism.” Gibbons covered six U.S. presidents as a White House correspondent for Reuters, and this memoir offers an inside look at modern American history and portraits of presidents, a queen and a pope. The book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Sean Keeler, M.D. ’98, Las Vegas, Nevada, and his wife Mary celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in Paris, France. The couple resides in Las Vegas, NV where Sean is a perinatologist and partner at Desert Perinatal Associates for nearly 6 years.
James G. Demetriades, Jr. ’00, Nesquehoning, was named CEO of Penn Medicine Princeton Health.
John J. Robertson ’04, New York, New York, was promoted to vice president of Distribution by Hearst Television. Robertson will oversee the company’s relationships with OTT distributors and its next-gen tv applications.
BIRTHS
A son, Maxwell Dominic, to Amanda and Jeffrey Manganaro ’02, Ridgewood, NJ.
A son, Sam, to Marlana Morell G’08 and her wife Heather, Raleigh, North Carolina
Weddings
Ashley Fisher '09 to Greg Speca '12, DPT ’15
Deaths
Francis M. Lukash ’44, Exeter
Ted M. Stampien, D.D.S. ’52, Clarks Summit
Robert M. Bessoir ’55, Clarks Summit
Joseph A. Reakes ’64, G’70 Moosic
William M. Gallis ’67, Jefferson Township
Anthony J. Bednarczyk ’74, Blakely
Mark A. Graziadio ’77, White Mills
Susan K. Cirba ’78, Scranton
Jennifer Holdren Mease ’93, Lebanon
Nicole M. Suchter ’03, Scranton
Friends' Deaths
Patricia Ahern, mother of Brian Loftus, D.M.D. ’92
Molly Gilmartin, sister of Jerome Gilmartin ’59
Alumni Class Notes, Feb. 2021
Alumni
March 15, 2021
U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 “Best Online Graduate Programs” ranked The University of Scranton’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 48 and its online MBA program at No. 111 in the nation. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 67 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.”
This is the 10th consecutive year that U.S. News ranked the University’s online programs among the best in the nation. The methodology used by U.S. News to determine the ranking has changed several times throughout the years.
For the 2021 Best Online Programs ranking, which published in January, U.S. News reviewed statistical information submitted by schools. The ranking criteria differed by category. The criteria used by U.S. News to rank online business and MBA programs included student engagement (30 percent), which looked at graduation rates, class size, one-year retention rates, and best practices such as accreditation by AACSB International, among other factors. The ranking criteria also included peer reputation score (25 percent); faculty credentials and training (15 percent); admission selectivity (15 percent); and student services and technology (15 percent).
In addition to offering distance education programs that incorporate coursework that is predominantly online, colleges and universities making the “Best Online Program for Veterans” list must have ranked in top half of 2021 Best Online Program rankings; be regionally accredited; be certified for the GI Bill and participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program; and enroll a “critical mass of veterans” as defined by U.S. News based on the size of the college.
Scranton offers online MBA degrees in general business, accounting, enterprise resource planning, finance, healthcare management, human resources, international business and operations management; master’s degrees in accountancy, business analytics, finance, health administration, health informatics and human resources and a dual MBA/MHA degree, in addition to graduate certificates. For technology, recruitment and marketing support, the University partners with Wiley for the online programs.
In other rankings published by U.S. News, Scranton has been ranked among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 27 consecutive years. Scranton is ranked No. 6 in the 2021 edition of the guidebook. U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 14 in its category for “Best Undergraduate Teaching.” In national rankings of all business programs in America, U.S. News ranked Scranton’s finance program at No. 30, its entrepreneurship program at No. 36 and its accounting program at No. 44 in the country, among other rankings.
Scranton Online Programs Among Best in Nation
Staff
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton has named Mary Kay Aston as associate vice president for financial aid and enrollment. The position was created as part of a restructuring in the University’s Division of Enrollment Management and External Affairs and the retirement of William R. Burke, the long-serving director of Financial Aid at Scranton. In her new role, Aston will lead the Financial Aid Office and work with staff members to help make a Scranton education possible for students and families.
Most recently, Aston served as the University’s assistant vice president for admissions and enrollment. She joined the University in 1993, holding positions in the Chemistry Department and as assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences prior to joining the staff of the Admissions Office. During her tenure at Scranton, Aston served on the University’s Strategic Enrollment Planning Committee, the Information Security Advisory Council and the Provost Committee on Academic Policy and Compliance, among others.
Aston is a member of the National Association of College Admissions Counseling, the Middle States Association of Collegiate Registrars and Officers of Admission and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.
Aston earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Marywood University and her master’s degree in biochemistry from The University of Scranton.
Mary Kay Aston Promoted at Scranton
Community
March 15, 2021
During the spring semester, University of Scranton professors will share their expertise on contemporary love poems, new perspectives on addiction and treatment, and pioneering women philosophers. Schemel Forum evening courses will meet in six weekly virtual sessions from 6 to 7:15 p.m. A zoom link will be emailed to participants.
Billie R. Tadros, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of English and Theatre, will teach “Eros and Metaphor: Contemporary Love Poems.” Dr. Tadros said, “In this seminar, which borrows its title from a talk given by poet Alicia Suskin Ostriker at Rutgers University in 2005, we will develop a vocabulary for the shared practice of close-reading poems, and we’ll analyze and engage twenty-first century love poems. Class discussions will concern the formal and structural aspects of poems, as well as the broader questions of what constitutes a ‘love poem’ – or, even, what constitutes a ‘poem’.” Participants will read poems by a diverse group of contemporary poets including award-winning writers Jericho Brown, Meg Day, Natalie Diaz, Jack Gilbert, Louise Gluck, Terrance Hayes, Maggie Nelson and Carl Phillips. Virtual classes will meet on the following Mondays: Feb. 8, 15 and 22; and Mar. 1, 8 and 15.
“Addiction, Attachment, Trauma, and Recovery: The Power of Connection” will be taught by Oliver J. Morgan, Ph.D., professor of counseling and human services. The Independent Press Award recognized Dr. Morgan’s book “Addiction, Attachment, Trauma, and Recovery: The Power of Connection” as a winner in the category of Addiction and Recovery. Dr. Morgan will provide a fresh take on addiction and recovery through cutting-edge work in attachment, interpersonal neurobiology and trauma, integrated with ecological-systems thinking to provide a consilient and comprehensive picture of addiction. His work reorients understanding and clinical practice for mental health and addiction counselors, psychologists, and social workers, as well as for addicts and those who love them. Virtual classes will meet on the following Thursdays: Feb. 11, 18 and 25; and Mar. 4, 11 and 18.
Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, will teach “Women Philosophers of the Middle Ages and Early Modernity.” This course will study the ideas of six women philosophers of the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period, along with their place in the larger philosophical and historical landscape. The philosophers include Heloise, Julian of Norwich, Christine de Pizan, Princess Elisabeth of Bohemia, Anne Conway and Margaret Cavendish. “Participants will analyze how we construct the narrative of the history of philosophy, what philosophers are included and who is overlooked,” said Dr. LaZella. “The philosophers treated in this course are most often overlooked in canonical tellings of the history of philosophy, yet their voices provide an important perspective in expanding the narrative.” Virtual classes will meet on the following Tuesdays; March 16, 23 and 30; and April 6, 13 and 20.
Participants can enroll in any course for $60; Schemel Forum members and University staff, students and faculty can enroll free of charge. During the spring semester, the Schemel Forum is also offering eight virtual World Affairs Seminars to area residents.
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.
Schemel Forum to Begin Virtual Evening Courses
Community
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton’s University of Success, a four-year pre-college mentorship program, is now accepting applications for the upcoming 2021 academic year that begins this summer.
The University of Success is an academic and enrichment program funded entirely by corporate and foundations grants, so there is no charge to students and their families. The program's goal is to assist first generation bound students to successfully complete high school and gain entrance into a college or university.
Students who are currently in the eighth grade are eligible to apply.
Accepted students will begin the program with a two-week residential summer academy which will be held on the campus of The University of Scranton from July 11, to July 23. Upon completion of the summer program, the students will continue to meet for enrichment sessions during their high school career.
The deadline for submission of applications is Thursday, April 1, 2021.
Applications may be obtained by emailing Margaret Loughney, University of Success program director, at margaret.loughney@scranton.edu. Applications may also be obtained online the University of Success web site.
University of Success Accepting Applications
Staff
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) announced that Elizabeth Geeza, Dalton, has joined its staff as a program coordinator. In this role, she will coordinate logistics for training programs, including programming geared toward small businesses impacted by COVID-19 pandemic, which is supported by SBA CARES Act funding.
In addition to her role with the SBDC, Geeza will continue to work as a conference and events coordinator in the University Advancement Division, a position she has held since 2013.
At the University, Geeza was elected to the Staff Senate in 2018 and served on its Staff Development Committee and as the co-chair of its Communications Committee. She also served as a chaperone for domestic service trips organized by the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice and was a member of University Advancement’s Internal Communications and Core Values committees.
Geeza is an active member of the Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors – International.
Prior to joining the University, Geeza worked in professional sports, where she was marketing manager at the Central Hockey League in Tempe, Arizona, and director of special events and group fulfillment for the Arizona Sundogs, a Central Hockey League member club in Prescott Valley, Arizona.
Geeza earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations from Susquehanna University.
The University of Scranton SBDC, housed in the University’s Kania School of Management, serves eight counties in Northeastern and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.
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.
Elizabeth Geeza Joins University of Scranton SBDC
Community
March 15, 2021
On Monday, Feb. 8, The University of Scranton SBDC, Office of Community Relations, the Black Scranton Project, and Women in Philanthropy, a Project of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, will offer a lunchtime roundtable event “Black Women in Business.” During this special lunchtime event, The Black Scranton Project founder and CEO, Glynis Johns, M.A., will provide an overview of the Project’s NEPA Black-Owned Businesses Directory and its significance to the region. The event will spotlight three women, all local business owners, who will share their stories of entrepreneurship in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Nationally, Black women are the fastest-growing demographic of business owners and represent 42 percent of new women-owned businesses. During this event, three regional business owners will share their own experiences as business owners: Asia Miller, owner, Paradise Soulfood & Sweets LLC; Koni Bennett, owner & stylist, Vanity Boutique Salon; and Juanita Harris, owner, Grooming by Juanita. Participants are invited to join this free virtual event to hear the stories from local women in business, to learn from their experiences, and to gain insights on how to support Black business in our region.
This lunchtime event is open to members of both the University of Scranton and the broader Scranton area communities. Registration for this free event is required at: https://tinyurl.com/y4vyfmfc. A Zoom link will be e-mailed to registrants on the morning of Monday, Feb. 8. Please contact elizabeth.geeza@scranton.edu for assistance.
The event is a collaboration of the Black Scranton Project, Women in Philanthropy, a Project of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, 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.
University to Host Lunchtime Roundtable with Black Women in Business
January
View January Listing Page
Staff
March 15, 2021
The Jesuit Center and the Office of Equity and Diversity will host Dr. Mary Wardell, Vice Provost for Diversity Engagement and Community Outreach at the University of San Francisco, at the next diversity and inclusion lunch and learn workshop. All faculty and staff are invited to participate on Feb. 25, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. Registrants will receive short reading materials to review before the workshop. Please click here to register by Feb. 22.
A Call to Conversion: Eliminating Anti-Black Racism as a Jesuit, Catholic University will show how our Ignatian values and traditions are tied to racial justice work, and teach us how to use our gifts for racial justice. In her work, Dr. Wardell relates, “To ensure the fulfillment of the Universal Apostolic Preference of walking with the poor, the excluded, the outcasts of the world as an act of reconciliation and justice, I would like to offer a reparational framework for racial justice and reconciliation informed by teshuva for Jesuit universities and social works.” She believes it is essential that we “Rebuild our institutional cultures with empathy, accountability, and liberation” The move towards reconciliation and racial justice “will occur when we address anti-Black racism and racial injustice on our campuses.”1
Dr. Wardell is an executive leader with over 20 years’ experience in academic affairs, student life, community engagement, and diversity and inclusion, skilled at building organizational infrastructure through strategic initiatives. She is also an associate professor of organizations, communication and leadership at the University of San Francisco. She has been a leader in developing a creative framework for how a university's mission can be more fully realized as part of the community it resides within for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources.
This event is co-sponsored by The University of Scranton Jesuit Center and a Diversity Initiatives Grant through the Office of Equity and Diversity. Registration is required. RSVP’s requested by Feb. 22 to allow time for preparation of reading material. Please click here to register.
For more information on the program, please contact elizabeth.garcia2@scranton.edu. Registration and zoom questions contact Jennifer.pennington@scranton.edu.
1. Source: The article referenced may be found in this month’s Conversations magazine. Wardell-Ghirarduzzi, M. (Spring 2021). A redemptive call to the altar: Anti-black racism in Jesuit higher education. Conversations on Jesuit Higher Education, 59, 3-5.
Faculty and Staff Event: Ignatian Values Demand Anti-Racism Efforts
Student
March 15, 2021
The Royals Safe Together Plan has been updated for the spring semester. Flip through the slides below to see what's new and what's not, but -- don't forget -- all information is available (and up-to-date) on the Royals Safe Together Plan webpage.
The plan recognizes the need to continue to adapt to changing circumstances.
What's New with the Royals Safe Together Plan
General
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton department of athletics announced in early January that they plan to move forward with details laid out Monday by the Landmark Conference to begin competition in several winter sports beginning in early February.
The sports that will move forward with the Landmark Conference's plan are men's and women's basketball, along with men's and women's swimming & diving.
"All of us in The Landmark Conference and here at Scranton have worked very hard to provide an opportunity for our student-athletes to compete and have a full collegiate athletics experience," said Dave Martin, executive director of athletics. "We feel it is safe to move forward as we have multiple safety precautions and a vigorous testing program in place."
Per the Landmark's statement yesterday, the conference's President's Council approved February 5 as the tentative start of its conference basketball schedule with the intent of submitting the league champion as the automatic-qualifier to the NCAA Division III postseason tournament.
The league's swimming & diving championship will be conducted at campus sites over a three-weekend period with times/scores at different sites being compiled to crown top finishers in each event along with a league champion. This will tentatively begin on Feb. 13.
The University of Scranton will continue to monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19, and if circumstances warrant it, will stop athletics activities until deemed safe. Multiple safety precautions are being followed by the athletics department and the University, including an aggressive COVID testing program.
More information, including schedules and championship information, will be posted on athletics.scranton.edu when it becomes available.
For the full release from the Landmark Conference, click here.
For University of Scranton athletics news, visit: athletics.scranton.edu.
University to Begin Competition in Several Winter Sports
Community
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton announced its Royals Safe Together Plan for the return of students to campus for the spring 2021 semester. The plan takes into account the latest health and safety recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH). Although the plan includes many of the elements put in place for the fall semester, such as campus-wide COVID-19 surveillance testing, social distancing, mask requirements and cleaning protocols, the spring semester plan requires all graduate and undergraduate students returning to campus to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to their arrival on campus. Also, following new recommendations from the CDC, the period required for students to be in quarantine will now be 10 days. The University will follow the updated CDC guidelines for COVID testing students while in quarantine.
During the spring semester, the University will be among the Landmark Conference schools participating in winter, fall and spring sports, following the health and safety recommendations of the NCAA Resocialization Guidelines, as well as Landmark Conference Covid-19 Game Day Policies. Spectators are not allowed at competitions at this time. Live streaming of games is available. Additional information regarding team schedules will be posted on the University’s Athletics webpage.
In November, the University announced changes to its academic calendar for the spring semester, which begins on Monday, Feb. 1, and ends on Friday, May 21. The University will not have a spring break; however, two days with no classes were included in the schedule on Tuesday, Mar. 9, and Wednesday, Mar. 24. The University will have an Easter break from Thursday, Apr. 1, to Monday, Apr. 5.
The Royals Safe Together Plan for the spring semester reminds members of the University community of their individual responsibility to follow guidelines to protect the health and well-being of themselves and others. As in the fall semester, face masks and social distancing are required on campus, and personal hygiene practices, and cleaning and disinfecting regimens that were enacted in the fall continue in the spring semester. Special Student Life guidelines for off-campus students will continue, including to limit group gathering size, and the University will continue to address any non-compliance. All students and employees who are on campus will also participate in COVID-19 PCR surveillance testing, which will be conducted on campus throughout the semester beginning the week of Feb. 8. Members of the University community who are on campus will continue to use a daily wellness self-screening application that provides an easy way for them to review symptoms by responding to a series of simple questions as recommended by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Even those who are vaccinated must adhere to the University’s health and safety requirements.
Also in the spring semester, as in the fall, classes will be offered in a variety of formats including: traditional face-to-face formats in classrooms adjusted to meet social distancing recommendations; hybrid formats with students attending in-person classes and remote formats; and classes that are fully remote.
Laboratory classes will also follow social distancing protocols. Undergraduate, graduate and graduate clinical coursework in off-campus locations will be permitted with the cooperation and permission of external partners. The campus will remain closed to visitors and the general public except by appointment (i.e. admissions visitors, athletics), including the use of the Weinberg Memorial Library.
The Royals Safe Together Plan also addresses cleaning protocols, dining services, Campus Ministries, health services, student life and a number of other critical areas, including contact tracing, and housing arrangements for students requiring isolation or quarantine. The plan also recognizes the need to continue to adapt to changing circumstances.
Decisions regarding Commencement have not yet been made.
More information is available on the Royals Safe Together Plan webpage.Spring Semester Plans Adjust to Latest Guidelines
Community
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities will host virtual lectures that will further examine the Catholic Church and American politics and the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
On Wednesday, Feb. 3, the Center for the Ignatian Humanities will host a Zoom webinar with Massimo Faggioli, Ph.D., author of “Joe Biden and Catholicism in the United States” and professor of professor of theology and religious studies at Villanova University. Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, and Therese Ratliff, Ph.D., publisher, Twenty-Third Publications, will moderate the discussion that promises to be an insightful and spirited reflection on the Catholic Church and American politics, as well as on the faith and life of President Biden. The event begins at 7 p.m. and is offered free of charge. Reservations are required to attend and can be made online.
On Tuesday, Feb. 9, the center will host a Humanities in Action Series Zoom event featuring Rev. Kevin O’Brien, S.J., author of “The Ignatian Adventure” and president of Santa Clara University. Debra A. Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the University’s Panuska College of Professional Studies, and Rose Sebastianelli, Ph.D., professor of operations and information management at Scranton, will moderate the discussion of how the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius have shaped Father O’Brien’s life and work. The event will give members of the Scranton community unique insight into how the Exercises constitute an unparalleled way to embrace the complexities, joys and challenges of the human experience. The event begins at 7 p.m. and is offered free of charge. Reservations are required to participate and can be made online.
For more information about the virtual events, call 570-941-7401.
Two Authors to Speak at Virtual Events in February
Student
March 15, 2021
The photo of University of Scranton nursing student Glen Johnson administering a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine shot, originally taken for the Scranton Times-Tribune, was put on the national wire service by the Associated Press (AP) News and appeared in newspapers across the country, including US News. The photo was taken by University of Scranton graduate Christopher Dolan, who earned his bachelor’s degree in communication in 2014 and now works as a photographer at the Scranton Times-Tribune.
Johnson, Scranton, is nursing student in his junior year at the University. Nursing students and faculty have been serving in vaccination clinics in the Scranton area
Nursing Students Help Administer Vaccine Shots
Student
March 15, 2021
Access to our campus continues to be restricted this Spring due to the COVID-19 health crisis. Therefore, our weekday and Sunday Masses on campus are limited to current students, faculty and staff of the University. Royal Card access is required.
Sunday Mass will be offered at 7:00 p.m. each week (Jan. 31 thru May 16) while school is in session. The Sunday Mass will be held in the Byron Recreation Complex.
Please note:
* Mass on Sunday, Feb. 7 will be at 4 p.m. due to the Super Bowl.
* There will be two Masses on Palm Sunday (March 28): 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
* There will be no Masses or services during Easter break (April 1 - April 5).
Weekday Masses will be offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 12:05 p.m.
(Feb. 3 thru May 20). The Weekday Masses will be held in the Madonna della Strada Chapel on campus (Monroe Avenue just north of Mulberry Street).
Special Masses:
- On Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17) Mass and distribution of ashes will take place at 12:00 p.m, 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in the Byron Recreation Complex.
- On Ascension Thursday (May 13) there will be a 12:05 p.m. Mass in Madonna della Strada and a 7:00 p.m. Mass in the Byron Recreation Complex.
Also, there are two churches located close to campus and their Mass times are listed here:
- Cathedral of Saint Peter (Linden Street and Wyoming Avenue)
Sunday: 6:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 5:00 p.m.
Monday thru Friday: 6:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 12:10 p.m.
Saturday: 6:30 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
- Immaculate Conception (801 Taylor Avenue)
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Monday thru Friday: 8:00 a.m.
Saturday: 4:00 p.m.
Further instructions regarding attendance at campus Masses this Spring:
- If you have a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, or are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, please do not attend.
- At the entry to the Mass site, you will be asked to swipe your Royal Card.
- Face coverings are required for attendance at Mass.
- Please use the designated seats that have been pre-arranged for proper social distancing.
- If we reach our maximum safe seating capacity for a given Mass, we will unfortunately not be able to seat anyone else. Thanks for your understanding.
Let us continue to pray for one another.
Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J.
Vice President for Mission and Ministry
Information About Masses During the Spring Semester
Community
March 15, 2021
The Scranton Reads Committee has released its full list of events happening all month long in February 2021. This year’s Scranton Reads selection Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar, tells the powerful story of Ona Judge, George and Martha Washington's runaway slave who risked everything to escape the nation's capital and reach freedom. The Scranton Reads events will offer community members an opportunity to read this celebrated book and to engage with the issues raised in Dunbar’s narrative.
As a part of the Scranton Reads 2021 events, The University of Scranton will host a virtual youth dialogue for Scranton area middle and high school students on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 3 PM. This dialogue will offer students an opportunity to come together to discuss Dunbar’s book and to reflect on our nation’s founding ideals and the lived reality of slavery and racism. Parents and guardians can register their students here.
The University has hosted similar youth dialogues previously, including in 2018 around the graphic novel March, with the Greater Scranton Martin Luther King Commission. 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.
A complete list of Scranton Reads 2021 events and information on this year’s book “Never Caught” by Erica Armstrong Dunbar can be found on the Scranton Reads website: scrantonreads.org. Events will include book discussion groups and a special virtual talk with the author held in collaboration with the Black Scranton Project on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. Those interested in participating in any of these events can register on the Albright Memorial Library’s website, albright.org.
For questions on the Scranton Reads program, contact Jessica Serrenti at jserrenti@albright.org or (570) 795-4315. For information on the youth dialogue, contact the Office of Community Relations at community@scranton.edu.
University to Host Youth Dialogue in Partnership with Scranton Reads
Faculty
March 15, 2021
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) has a monthly and once during the summer raffle for members of the University who submit external grant proposals. This month the winner is Charles Pinches, Ph.D., Theology Department. ORSP will randomly select a name from all faculty and staff members who have applied for an external grant during that time period. The winner receives a $25.00 gift card.
ORSP December Raffle Winner - Dr. Charles Pinches
Faculty
March 15, 2021
Faculty members, did you publish a book in 2020-21? We want to hear about it!
Email the title and synopsis of your book and how it relates to your discipline to scrantonjournal@scranton.edu and we will feature your work in the upcoming Scranton Journal's Focus on Faculty section.
Faculty: We Want to Feature Your Scholarship
Staff
March 15, 2021
The Staff Senate has been asked to gather nominations for the Sursum Corda Award. The Staff Recognition & Excellence Awards Committee will be collecting nominations. The award information sheet, a list of past recipients and the award nomination form were sent to staff members via email.
In order to facilitate the review process, the Sursum Corda Committee requests that all nominations be submitted on the attached nomination form. A copy of the guidelines and past recipients was sent to you via email.
Please fill out the nomination form (sent to your email) as much as possible (it does not have to be 100% complete) and send it to staffsenaterecognition@scranton.edu by Tuesday, January 26, 2021.
Each year, a Sursum Corda Award is presented to three members of the University Community:
A member of the Professional/Paraprofessional staff;
A member of Clerical/Technical staff; and
A member of the Maintenance/University Police staff
The Sursum Corda (“Lift Up Your Hearts”) Award recognizes those members of the University’s staff who have made outstanding contributions to the life and mission of the University.
The Sursum Corda award celebrates employees who have distinguished themselves in one or more of the following ways:
Ø Shown exceptional dedication and/or creativity in performing his or her duties, and
Ø Built, contributed, or nurtured the sense of community that has always been the hallmark of our campus community, and
Ø Contributed in a significant way to helping members of our community “grow to become the living presence of God in the world” (Fr. General Nicolas, former Superior General of the Society of Jesus).
The Sursum Corda Award is one meaningful way to recognize the contributions of our staff members.
Each recipient of the Sursum Corda Award receives an award certificate and a cash bonus of seven hundred and fifty dollars. In prior years the Sursum Corda Awards were presented at Spring Convocation. While the awards will be announced in the Spring semester, the format for presenting the awards is yet to be determined with more information to follow.
If you have any questions, you can contact us at staffsenaterecognition@scranton.edu.
Thank you,
The Staff Recognition & Excellence Committee
REMINDER: Sursum Corda - Call for Nominations
Community
March 15, 2021
During the spring semester, the Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Seminars at The University of Scranton will deliver a full spectrum of enlightening presentations on current topics. Eight experts in their fields will bring their insights into the homes of area residents, once again through a Zoom format due to health and safety restrictions caused by the pandemic. Events will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m., except the Feb. 3 seminar. Admission is $10 per seminar, and registered attendees will receive an emailed Zoom link prior to each talk.
The series opens on Wednesday, Feb. 3, with “The Post-Pandemic World: Lessons from Asia,” presented by Parag Khanna, Ph.D., managing partner of FutureMap Pte. Ltd. Likening the coronavirus pandemic to the 14th century Black Death, Dr. Khanna asserts that both have caused a profound worldwide loss of life, significant restructuring of trade patterns, major reordering of geopolitical relations and substantial disruption to our daily lives. Dr. Khanna will map out expectations of the future of global capital flows, infrastructure investments, supply chains, industrial policies, accelerating growth sectors and other major drivers of the new world order. This seminar will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, Feb. 17, Martha S. Jones, J.D., Ph.D., Society of Black Alumni Presidential Professor, and professor of history and the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, will present “Vanguard: How Black Women Overcame Barriers, Won the Vote and Insisted on Equality for All.” Dr. Jones said, “In the standard story, the suffrage crusade began in Seneca Falls in 1848 and ended with the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920. But this overwhelmingly white women’s movement did not win the vote for most black women. Securing their rights required a movement of their own.” Dr. Jones will discuss the history of African American women’s political lives in America, from the earliest days of the republic to the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act and beyond.
On Tuesday, March 9, “Next Steps with Russia?” will be presented by Jill Dougherty, formerly CNN’s Moscow Bureau Chief for almost a decade and a frequent participant in the Schemel Forum seminar series. An expert on Russia, she is currently an adjunct Professor at Georgetown University and a CNN on-air contributor. “The new U.S. administration faces a dangerously degraded relationship with Russia,” said Dougherty, who will analyze Russia’s challenge of redefining its relationship with America, without a “reset.”
On Tuesday, March 16, Carla McCabe, president and CEO of WVIA, the regional PBS/NPR affiliate, will present “America: The Farther Shore.” McCabe cited, “‘Believe that a farther shore is reachable from here.’ Those words of Nobel Laureate poet Seamus Heaney were my inspiration for coming to America. I grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, but here I am in Scranton, honored to lead WVIA. My aim is to ensure that we are embedded in the core of the communities we serve, producing programs that reflect who we are, and at the same time, open our hearts and minds to the world we live in.”
On Wednesday, March 24, “Borges and Me: My Travels in the Highlands of Scotland with a Literary Genius” will be presented by Jay Parini, Axinn Professor of English at Middlebury College in Vermont. Parini, a native of Scranton and recipient of the University’s Distinguished Author Award in 2012, is a poet, novelist and biographer. The author of 30 books, Parini’s The Last Station was made into an Academy Award-nominated film. His most recent book, Borges and Me, is a memoir of a young writer’s unexpected, life-changing encounter with literary genius Jorge Luis Borges, an Argentine poet, essayist and short-story writer whose works became classics of 20th-century literature.
On Friday, April 9, Manisha Sinha, Ph.D., Draper Chair in American History at the University of Connecticut, will present “The Abolitionist International.” Dr. Sinha said, “My talk re-imagines abolition as a radical international movement composed of ordinary men and women, whites and blacks. It shows how the fight to end slavery overlapped with contemporary social movements such as feminism, utopian socialism and pacifism, as well as struggles for rights of labor, immigrants and Native Americans.” Adam Pratt, associate professor of history at the University of Scranton, describes Dr. Sinha as a “first-rate scholar, whose work has forced historians to reconsider long-held ideas about how social and political change happened in the 19th century.”
On Friday, April 16, “A Jesuit Education and Integrative Thinking in Biotechnology (fighting tuberculosis) and Economics (eradicating poverty)” will be presented by Michael Fairbanks, Ph.D., fellow at Harvard University and chairman and founder of Akagera Medicines, a Biotech company based in Boston and San Francisco focused on cures for infectious diseases. “The Scranton tradition of ‘scholarship and service’ is only part of the innovation story,” said Dr. Fairbanks. “Taking the best ideas and tools from one academic domain and applying them to the challenges of another is how real progress occurs.” Dr. Fairbanks has advised two-dozen presidents in Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean and Eastern Europe on private sector development. Since 2001, he has been a senior advisor to President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and his company, Akagera Medicines, is a public-private partnership between the people of Rwanda and scientists who are focused on solutions to infectious diseases.
The series will conclude on a to-be-determined date with “Consciousness: Life Transitions and the Importance of Story – Continued,” presented by Harmar Brereton, M.D. A former Scranton-area physician and one of the founders of the Schemel Forum, Dr. Brereton will follow up his fall semester seminar on life transitions with references to cave paintings, Homer, Sophocles, Jung, Tennyson, Shakespeare and Erik Erikson.
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.
Schemel Forum Virtual Seminars Set for Spring
General
March 15, 2021
Are synesthetes more drawn to the arts? Or are more artists synesthetic by virtue of what they do? Please join Boga and her co-hosts Christian S. Adonizio, M.D. '92, a physician, author, researcher and pianist, and Elise Massuet '22, a psychology major and cellist, as they welcome their guest Greta Berman, Ph.D., arts historian, educator, curator, author, singer and liberal arts faculty at The Juilliard School whose special interests are synesthesia and the interrelationship between music and visual art.
They will be discussing how certain musicians and visual artists use their synesthesia in creating and processing art. They will also field questions from viewers, so get your questions ready, and invite your friends!
Isolation 'Informance' No. 16: Synesthesia and The Artist
Student
March 15, 2021
Why learn Chinese? Find out in this session on Jan. 28.
Learn about paid internships and free scholarships in Taiwan as well as Chinese courses at the University in spring 2021 and beyond! 2020 was a difficult year, but let's look ahead in 2021 and think about future opportunities for our students. Join us on January 28, 2021, 2 pm-3 pm, for a live virtue event with presenters and guest speakers, followed by Q&A. Registration is required and for eligibility to win prizes. The registration link is on the poster.
Or, register directly, click here.
Chinese Courses in Spring 2020 and Beyond
Staff
March 15, 2021
Representatives from TIAA-CREF will be available to staff via Zoom on March 24, March 30, April 28, May 26 and June 2. These sessions will provide you the opportunity to confidentially review and discuss your current investments, ask questions and review options to help you meet your retirement goals.
Our TIAA-CREF representatives will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please visit tiaa.org/scranton and scroll down to the bottom left to schedule an appointment or call (800) 732-8353, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to secure a time slot.
Appointments are one hour in length.
TIAA Individual Retirement Counseling
Alumni
March 15, 2021
The University of Scranton’s lighting of the Class of 2020 Gateway and The Estate in amber to honor the lives lost as part of a national moment of remembrance appeared in national television coverage of the Inauguration of President Joe Biden, a native of Scranton and 1976 recipient of an honorary degree from the University.
Since April, the University has lit its new, prominent gateway sign with a red cross on a blue background as part of its Royals Respond initiative to honor those who are bravely and selflessly responding to COVID-19, especially acknowledging the service of alumni and members of the University community. The lighting of the Gateway has changed only a few times since April to mark special occasions, such as the Christmas, Easter, the Fourth of July, Juneteenth National Freedom Day and, most recently, as part of the national moment of remembrance for the Inauguration of President Biden.
The University’s Class of 2020 Gateway features a lit glass wall etched with the seal of The University of Scranton that spans the center of the four-story St. Thomas Hall. The façade can be seen on Linden Street for blocks from downtown Scranton. The sign was first lit in a ceremony in February 2020.
University’s Gateway Makes National Appearance
General
March 15, 2021
University of Scranton President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., shares A Prayerful Reflection on Inauguration Day.
Few times in our nation’s history have we faced so many serious challenges simultaneously. Considering all the uncertainties of the future, I am reminded of these words from Saint Ignatius: “Act as if everything depended on you; trust as if everything depended on God.” Ignatius understood that we must demonstrate our love for each other and for God’s creation through our actions, at the same time striving to find God in all things – even in troubling times.
We pray for the success of President Biden and our nation as we celebrate today his inauguration to serve as the 46th president of the United States.
The road forward will not be easy for our country. We mourn the loss of so many to illness and injustice; we are burdened with division and despair. And yet, with hope in our hearts, we must commit ourselves as Ignatius did “to give, and not to count the cost.”
May God inspire us to join our hands and hearts in solidarity and purpose for the good of our nation and all humankind.
Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
President
The University of Scranton
A Prayerful Reflection on Inauguration Day
General
January 18, 2021
The Office of Campus Ministries invites you to pray reflectively together on the state of our country before the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States. Using the Examen, a prayer exercise rooted in the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, we will together pray to discern and reflect in specific ways about the interrelationship between Gospel values and the peaceful transfer of power, a hallmark of our American democracy. Students, administrators, faculty, and staff led this video prayer experience, which premiered on Monday, Jan 18 on The University of Scranton YouTube channel.
Watch below.
Video: Examen at the Time of National Transition
Student
January 18, 2021
More than 1,800 students were named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2020 fall semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, Kania School of Management and Panuska College of Professional Studies.
Dean’s List students, listed alphabetically, can be seen here.
University Announces Fall 2020 Dean’s List
Student
January 18, 2021
The following students were added to The University of Scranton Dean’s List for the spring 2020 semester after publication of the list in June of 2020.
The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence during the 2020 spring semester. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the Panuska College of Professional Studies.
Students added to the spring 2020 Dean’s List are:
Alexa Anzulewicz
Nicholas Cerep
Victoria Norman
Students Added to Spring 2020 Dean’s List
Alumni
January 18, 2021
The Princeton Review listed The University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management among the nation’s “Best Business Schools” in its 2021 ranking of just 224 colleges in the country. This is the 16th consecutive year that Scranton has been included in the listing the nation’s most elite business colleges. Scranton was included among the list of “Best On-Campus MBA Programs,” which was published online in December.
The listing of business programs is compiled from data from the Princeton Review’s surveys of nearly 24,000 students enrolled in MBA programs at 369 schools, and of administrators at those schools. The data incorporates career outcomes, academic rigor, admissions selectivity and other factors.
The University’s Kania School of Management is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is widely considered the standard of excellence for business schools. Less than five percent of business colleges worldwide hold AACSB accreditation.
The Princeton Review also listed Scranton in its 2021 edition of the “Best 386 Colleges,” ranking Scranton among the nation’s “Best Science Labs” (No. 8), “Best Campus Food” (No. 7) and “Most Religious Schools (No. 15); and included Scranton among the nation’s “Best Online MBA Programs.”
In other national rankings, U.S. News ranked Scranton’s finance program at No. 30, its entrepreneurship program at No. 36 and its accounting program at No. 44 in the country. US News also ranked Scranton among America’s “Best Undergraduate Business Programs” (No. 201), and among the nation’s “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs” (No. 141 among U.S. schools where a doctorate is not offered). In its overall ranking for colleges, Scranton ranked No. 6 among the “Best Regional Universities in the North,” marking the 27th consecutive year that Scranton ranked in the top 10 of its category.
University Among Nation’s Best Business Schools
Community
January 18, 2021
The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is teaming up with the City of Scranton to hold First Step: Scranton, a training event for individuals who are interested in starting a business in the City of Scranton. The training will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, Jan. 20, from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m.
The City of Scranton Office of Economic and Community Development (OECD) will provide information about their mission and an overview of the programs they have to offer for small businesses. The SBDC will talk about their programs and services, and will also present information about applications and licenses needed to start a business, different types of business structure, business plan development, and what to expect in financing. Emphasis on the licenses and registrations in the City of Scranton will be shared.
“At the start of a New Year, many people resolve to finally start the business they’ve been dreaming of,” said Lisa Hall Zielinski, director of The University of Scranton SBDC. “We are teaming up with the City of Scranton to offer the direction and guidance people need to make those dreams a reality and add more small businesses to the city.”
“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the SBDC to help prospective business owners launch a business in the city,” said Eileen Cipriani, executive director of the OECD. “Our goal is to provide the resources and guidance needed to streamline the start-up process. To meet that goal, Mayor Cognetti has combined Licensing, Inspections and Permits with City Planning and the Office of Economic and Community Development to place all the departments under one umbrella, the new Office of Community Development.”
Advance registration is required and can be made by visiting www.scrantonsbdc.com and viewing Upcoming Classes. For more information, contact The University of Scranton SBDC at sbdc@scranton.edu or 570-941-7588.
Scranton’s SBDC, housed in the University’s Kania School of Management, serves eight counties in Northeastern and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.
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 Office of Economic and Community Development (OECD), a self-sufficient department, acts as the grants administration arm of the City of Scranton. OECD identifies grant programs that could provide sources of support for a variety of community and economic development initiatives and aggressively pursue these funds. Employees are responsible for administering these grants, taking care to allocate funds to activities that best address important community and economic development needs and ensuring compliance with their regulations.
SBDC Offers Business Start-Up Training with City
Community
January 18, 2021
University of Scranton President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., sent the following Statement on National Unity to members of The University of Scranton community.
Dear Members of the University Community,
As I am sure is true for you, I watched in horror the incidents that took place in the United States Capitol Building yesterday. This afternoon, the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities issued a statement that I have signed on behalf of the University. What follows is a more personal reflection.
The Capitol Building has always had a deep and abiding sense of sacredness. It is a feeling I remember fondly while interning for my congressman during my early years of college. Years later, I remember touring my niece and nephew through the building and being moved to tears by the importance of this hallowed space and the role it would play in their future
I was reminded also of the deep roots that The University of Scranton family has in the Washington, D.C., area. In a special way, I prayed for the safety and wellbeing of alumni, parents and friends working in the Capitol.
Yesterday’s violation and desecration is a blow to us all both substantially and symbolically. It must be condemned in the strongest terms.
Our nation is in the midst of one of the most divisive times in its history. As a university, we are no stranger to dialogue and disagreement, but we do so with respect. As a Catholic and Jesuit university, we also advocate for justice and the common good, especially in times of great trial.
In the weeks and months ahead, I pray that we move forward as one nation discerning through civil discourse the answers to the substantive challenges we face.
May God Bless the United States of America.
Sincerely,
Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
President
University President Statement on National Unity
Student
January 18, 2021
Although we are in the midst of a pandemic, education must continue, not only for our country’s youth, but also for our pre-service teachers. This semester, 12 student teachers from The University of Scranton braved unchartered territory: the PreK-4 classrooms of local school during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are learning from veteran teachers while overcoming obstacles; their goal being to guide their students to success. The University’s Education Department faculty, staff and student-teacher supervisors are thoroughly impressed with the flexibility and perseverance their student teachers have demonstrated.
Carol Rubel, one of the student-teacher supervisors, said,
“Our student teachers have, as William Faulkner observed, (not only) ‘endured...but prevailed.’ As field supervisors, we have seen students adapt to teaching through the lens of a camera instead of looking into a student’s eyes directly. We have noted that the ability to move between physical and virtual instructional platforms required the acquisition and implementation of new skill sets, and we have seen our students master and apply those new techniques. Supervising student teachers during this semester has included helping them monitor their own physical COVID status as well as handle the changes in classrooms implemented when there was a positive test case inside a district.
Through it all, our University students have worked hard to deliver instruction that reflects the scope, sequence, and rigor of our department’s preparation. Our students have, diligently, exerted conscious effort to teach their students with the Jesuit philosophy of cura personalis in mind; as confusing and challenging as these times are for them and for us, they are even more so for children. Resilience. Responsibility. Reflective process.
During this semester, University student teachers have, as a whole and individually, accepted the challenges presented to them, done the hard work of adaptation, and delivered quality instruction to the children placed into their care. We, Field Supervisors, are always proud of our respective cohorts...but, perhaps, never more than now as we observe them living the conceptual challenge of all educators: embrace a flexibility that respects students' differences and drives solid teaching.
To one and all...from all of us: Well Done!”
The following schools kindly welcomed our student teachers: Fell Charter, Lackawanna Trail Elementary, Mayfield Elementary, Valley View Elementary, and Valley View Intermediate. Additionally, one student teacher was placed at the Commonwealth Charter Academy, the University’s first ever cyber school placement.
Angelica Colontonio, the University’s first cyber student-teacher, makes it a priority to form personal connections with her second-grade students even though they are gathering in a virtual setting. To establish a community among her virtual learners, she has designated a time for students to share stories and events in their lives. Angelica noted that Share Time is the perfect opportunity for her to get to know her students and for them to know her. Emmaline Freeman, who is teaching in-person kindergarten students, is aware that each student’s well-being is of great importance and takes the responsibility seriously. She juggles the balance of fostering the positive attributes her students exhibit, such as helpfulness and kindness, with keeping them safe by acknowledging and praising their desire to be friendly and nice. However, she reminds them that they must give their friends space so everyone can stay healthy.
Once again, the Education Department wants to thank the schools and teachers who have agreed to take on the University’s student teachers during this challenging time. We wish the best of luck to our student teachers who continue to make us proud!
Kayleigh Basovsky is teaching third grade level at Valley View Intermediate School;
Meghan Bode is teaching fourth grade at Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center;
Sarah Collette is teaching first grade at Fell Charter School;
Angelica Colontonio is teaching first grade at Commonwealth Charter Academy;
Corrinne Estes is teaching second grade at Valley View Elementary School;
Emmaline Freeman is teaching kindergarten at Fell Charter School;
Gillian Groom is teaching first grade at Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center;
Margaret Kiess is teaching second grade at Fell Charter School;
Katherine Roughan is teaching third grade at Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center;
Leigh Scarano is teaching kindergarten at Valley View Elementary School;
Tylar Smith is teaching first grade at Mayfield Elementary School;
Julia Zendell is teaching second grade at Valley View Elementary School.
Student Teaching in the Age of COVID-19
Alumni
January 1, 2021
The University's Center for Career Development will hold "What the Center for Career Development Can Do for Scranton Alumni," a professional development webinar exclusively for Scranton alumni, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m.
The workshop, hosted by Director for Career Development Chris Whitney G'06 and Career Development Coordinator Lori Moran '93, G'95, will highlight many of the ways the center can help our alumni achieve their career goals. Registration will open soon.
University To Hold Alumni Career Development Webinar Jan. 27
Alumni
January 1, 2021
Alumni, parents and friends of the University submitted 35 of their favorite Christmas cookie recipes to the Royal Recipes Virtual Cookie Swap.
Submissions included everything from traditional classics to vegan and no-bake delights. To view the recipes, visit this link.
Royals Submit Recipes To Virtual Christmas Cookie Swap
Staff
January 1, 2021
The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!
THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for JANUARY 2021 is: TOM MILLER-MAILING SERVICES!
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Tom does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Tom, and all our nominees.
How long have you worked at the University?
Four years in March.
What is your title?
Campus Mail Carrier
What do you like best about your job?
What I like best is interacting with all of the staff, faculty and students. I work with the best co-workers and love handing out packages to the students, especially when they are not expecting one.
What do you like to do for fun?
What I like to do for fun, of course, bowling, I love playing competitive volleyball and an occasional happy hour.
Tom will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as, a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavillon for the month of January. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition luncheon in May to receive a certificate of appreciation. We congratulate our winner and all the other nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees.
January 2021 Nominees:
Patrick Mullarkey - Information Technology
Tom Miller - Mailing Services
Tom Salitsky - Advancement
Don McCall - Technology Support Center
Debra Price - Mailing Services
Colleen Mcgoff - Nursing Department
Glen Pace - Information Technology
Lisa Bealla - Student Engagement
Tricia Cummings - Student Clubs & Organizations
http://www.scranton.edu/staff-senate/docs/SpiritAward/staffsenatemagisawardnominationform.pdf
http://www.scranton.edu/staff-senate/spirit-award-recipients.shtml
Warm Wishes for a Safe, Blessed and Happy New Year!
Announcing the January 2021 Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award Winner!
Alumni
January 1, 2021
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
William I. Dorfman, Ph.D. ’68, Laud by Sea, Florida, was retired as emeritus professor of Psychology at Nova Southeastern University after 34 years.
Thomas J. Grech ’84, Malverne, New York, has been appointed to the New York City Regional Economic Development Council, one of 10 established state-wide by NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo. The councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government and non-governmental organizations.
John J. Judge, IV ’96, Scranton, was appointed superintendent of the Scranton Fire Department.
Kate Groark Shields ’97, Fort Washington, was named one of the most admired CEOs for 2020 by The Philadelphia Business Journal.
Marriages
Ryan Schuster, Esq., '13 to Monica Skibicki
Births
A son, Emilio Xavier, to Susan Ingraffea ’01 and her husband Luis Meza Emilio, Rahway, New Jersey; grandson of Dominic Ingraffea '67.
Deaths
Constant F. Skaluba ’49, Scranton
Matthias F. Fennell ’52, El Paso, Texas
Walter D. Hedden ’62, Monroe, Connecticut
Daniel J. Millett ’63, Clarks Summit
Daniel R. Coughlin ’67, Concord, North Carolina
Paul C. Hoffman ’69, Wellsboro
David L. Phillips ’69, Clarks Green
James T. Chickson ’72, Scranton
Joseph G. Machek ’72, G’75, Browndale
Emanuel W. Mihalos G’75, Wilkes Barre
Mark J. Moisey ’82, Center Valley
Leslie F. Gettman ’93, Skaneateles, New York
Bishop Sterry David Mahaffey, Jr. ’03, G’05, Sitka, Alaska
Robert M. Bessoir '55, Clarks Summit
Alumni Class Notes, Jan. 2021
Student
January 1, 2021
In celebration and continuance of the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., The Greater Scranton MLK Commission will host a live webinar given by psychologist, international speaker and bestselling author Dr. John Amaechi, OBE, on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021 at 12:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Register here. Additionally, we are very excited to report that this event will be promoted on the national stage as part of the Presidential Inaugural Committee nonpartisan million hours national day of service on MLK Day! Register early if you would like to participate.
In his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize on Dec. 10, 1964, Dr. King spoke of his resolve to end racial and social injustice to bring peace not only to our nation, but to all nations. He said, “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.”
The GSMLKC will host The Unarmed Truth: A Conversation with Dr. John Amaechi, OBE, delving into unarmed truth in an effort to inspire and move our community towards equitable justice, and unconditional love.
“Be prepared to be inspired and transformed as Dr. Amaechi challenges the beliefs and behaviors that prevent us from being our best selves and community, and offers personal insights and tools to create hope and individual growth,” says GSMLKC publicist, Jennifer Pennington, who brought Dr. Amaechi to The University of Scranton as an organizational speaker in 2012.
A respected organizational psychologist, researcher and CEO of APS Ltd., Amaechi graduated from Penn State University and was the first Briton to become a professional player in the NBA. He serves as a non-executive director of a #2.4bn healthcare organization, in addition to being a board advisor for several FTSE100 organizations in the financial, legal and professional services, technology, publishing, engineering and retail sectors, and CEO of his company APS Ltd. In 2019, Amaechi was recognized as one of HR's most influential thinkers by HR Magazine. Amaechi leads a team of psychologists, behavioral scientists, and experienced business strategists that design and deliver evidence-based advisory interventions to service clients with people challenges that impact organizational performance. As a highly sought-after trainer and executive coach, Amaechi is contracted to “understand and unpick complex people challenges through advisory services driven by analytics, motivational presentations, workshops and masterclasses, executive coaching and digital learning.”
This event is being offered to the community free of charge thanks to a sponsorship grant from Geisinger. For more information and registration, please click here. Information on John Amaechi may be found here.
Questions contact Jennifer Pennington at 570-903-9450 or email Jennifer.pennington@scranton.edu.
MLK Day Event with Dr. John Amaechi, OBE
Community
January 1, 2021
Over nine months into a global pandemic, food insecurity continues to soar for local families and restaurant revenue is declining due to COVID-19 protocols. With these increasing needs and challenges organizers of the Electric City Connection are once again seeking community support.
The Electric City Connection project, a collaboration led by The University of Scranton, Scranton Tomorrow, and Friends of the Poor, was launched at the onset of the pandemic with the goal of offering immediate food access to area residents in need and to help provide incoming funds to local restaurants experiencing economic setbacks due to COVID-19.
As we head into the winter months, this project is seeking additional donations of $15 per meal to help area residents and support local Scranton restaurants, both feeling the economic impacts of COVID-19. Contributions can be made through Scranton Tomorrow. To make a contribution, visit scrantontomorrow.org and click on Electric City Connection. Since re-launching the program in December, contributions have totaled more than $6,000.
Originally launched at the end of March 2020, the program received an immediate outpouring of support from generous donors, demonstrating the power of grassroots efforts to address community issues. Over 460 donors contributed funds used directly to purchase gift cards to local Scranton restaurant partners. These gift cards were then distributed by the Friends of the Poor Scranton to area residents facing food insecurity, many of whom were first time recipients of assistance.
“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.”
As the pandemic endured throughout the summer, so did the need to both support local restaurant businesses that were not able to open to full capacity and to continue to provide meals to our neighbors in need. The work of the Electric City Connection project was able to continue over the summer thanks to 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.
This additional support from the Scranton Area Community Foundation grant helped the project’s efforts to 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. Residents in these Downtown Scranton highrises we provided with meals coordinated through local restaurant partners. Many of these residents are in the most vulnerable populations, including the elderly and people with disabilities.
To learn more about The University of Scranton, visit scranton.edu, for more information on Scranton Tomorrow and to make a contribution please visit www.scrantontomorrow.org,and for more information about Friends of the Poor, visit 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.
Electric City Connection Project Reboots for Winter
Community
January 1, 2021
Through multiple community-based learning projects offered in courses during the fall semester, University of Scranton students partnered with area organizations to bring their class work to life virtually with real-world initiatives and activities. In the fall of 2020, students worked remotely with the City of Scranton, the Scranton Area Community Foundation and United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
“Community-based learning projects provide opportunities for learning outside of the classroom and bring what students are exploring in their academic course into an external, local context through addressing community-defined needs. They can apply their skills and, most importantly, learn from community agencies long at work addressing such issues as diversity and inclusion, public health, philanthropy, and community and economic revitalization,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president for community engagement and government affairs and chair of the Community-Based Learning Board at the University.
In the fall semester, community-based learning projects in two courses partnered with the City of Scranton. Students a doctoral course in nursing, Advanced Health Care Policy, taught by Margarete Leib Zalon, Ph.D., professor of nursing, worked with the City of Scranton to help them explore different public health priorities. John J. Strain III, faculty specialist of communication and media, linked his Art of the Pitch course to a community-based learning project for the City of Scranton’s new “Work From Here” initiative. Students in the course researched and developed marketing strategies that they “pitched” to the City of Scranton for the campaign. Read more about these projects here.
Students in a Spanish language-based course, Service and the Hispanic Community, taught by Roxana Curiel, Ph.D., assistant professor of world languages and cultures, undertook 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. The business profiles, provided in both English and Spanish, can be viewed on the Welcoming Scranton Facebook page. Read more about the project here.
Students in a social media communication class taught by Brian J. Snee, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication and media, gained real-world experience on a community-based learning project partnering with the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Read more here.
In 2017, the University launched the Office of Community-Based Learning, headed by Meghan Ashlin Rich, Ph.D., professor of sociology/criminal justice and women’s studies, aimed at further supporting faculty conducting community-based learning courses and strengthening the ways in which the campus engages with the hopes, concerns, challenges and opportunities facing Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Students Work on Real-world Projects in Courses
Faculty
January 1, 2021
The following is a note to the University community from the Provost's Office.
Dear Members of the University Community,
I am saddened to inform you of the passing of Professor Emeritus Frank P. Corcione, Ph.D. He died Dec. 30, 2020, at the age of 80.
Dr. Corcione taught in the Department of Economics/Finance of the Kania School of Management for nearly 30 years before retiring in 2009. His specialty was in the area of labor relations. During his career, he served on a national panel of just 19 experts that evaluated the Federal Job Training Partnership Act of 1982 and helped to negotiate labor contracts for more than 20 labor unions and local governments.
A native of Bethlehem, Dr. Corcione earned a bachelor’s degree from Moravian College. He earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Lehigh University. He served in the U.S Marine Corps from 1958 to 1962.
Dr. Corcione is survived by his wife, Sandra, his two sons, Christopher and Matthew, and his grandson, Michael.
His obituary can be seen here.
Sincerely,
Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D.
Death of Professor Emeritus Frank P. Corcione, Ph.D.
Faculty
January 1, 2021
Research on how people succeed with their resolutions and behavior change by University of Scranton Distinguished Professor John C. Norcross, Ph.D. is often cited in the new year. Here are some highlights from the news that quoted Dr. Norcross or cited his research recently.
On Impact of Pandemic
“Particularly in the United States, resolutions are invariably cast as an individually oriented deprivation task, and this may be exactly the worst time to put that onto yourself,” Washington Post
On Scaling Back
"Most of us are preoccupied with pandemic concerns," Norcross says. "We can't bring the same commitment, motivation, or prioritization to our resolutions as we could in other years. Think of it like trying to drive while distracted." - Newsweek
On Nature's Power
"We call it ‘vitamin N." - WebMD News
On Meeting Goals
"Norcross says that contrary to public opinion, a considerable proportion of New Year resolvers do meet their goals. About 40% to 44% of people who set New Year’s resolutions will be successful at six months, he says." - Washington Times
On Finding Support
"There’s hundreds of studies in the health psychology literature suggesting in fact that social support does in fact make a difference," he says. - CBS Baltimore
On Mulligans or Cheat Day
[Excerpt from CNN]
Slipups happen. So factor them in. Rather than trying to meditate every day, your goal could be to meditate five out of seven days per week.
That's one way to avoid what behavior change researchers call the Abstinence Violation Effect, in which you say "screw it" after missing a day of routine and let it slide even more. So use your slips as an opportunity to learn.
"Don't let a slip become a fall," said John Norcross, distinguished professor and chair of psychology at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania and author of the book "Changeology: 5 Steps to Realizing Your Goals and Resolutions." - CNN
On Success
(Excerpt from The Atlantic)
The four habits associated with successful resolutions are mostly positive: practicing self-liberation (that is, strengthening willpower by reinforcing the belief that one can change); rewarding oneself for ongoing success; avoiding situations of temptation; and engaging in positive thinking (envisioning success). Resolution failure is associated with negative thinking, such as focusing on the harm from the old behavior; berating oneself for slipping up; wishing that the challenge didn’t exist in the first place; and minimizing the threat (denying the importance of the resolution). In sum, the key to success is positive motivation. The Atlantic
On Timing
“My resolutions will begin in June, when enough of the vaccines are out to get something done,’” he says. - Yahoo Life