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Student

January 31, 2023

Two University of Scranton accounting Ph.D. students won The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Michael J. Barrett Doctoral Dissertation Award this year, becoming the third and fourth doctoral students to win this highly-coveted prize in just the past four years. Scranton is the only university to have had four students win this national award.

Lisa S. Haylon of Hamden, Connecticut, and Xiaobing (Emily) Li of South Abington Township, both students in the University’s Ph.D. in accounting program, received the IIA’s Michael J. Barrett Doctoral Dissertation Award for 2022. Haylon received the award for her dissertation, “An Investigation of the Tactics Used to Create Collusive Fraud Teams,” and Li received the award for her dissertation, “Effects of Management Training Ground and Internal Audit Service Type on External Auditors’ Reliance on Internal Auditors’ Work.” They join previous Barrett award winners from Scranton: Gregory Kogan, DBA ’22, and Joy Chacko, DBA ’21.

“In the history of IIA’s dissertation award, which began in 2004, Scranton is the leading institution for the number of doctoral students that have received this award. This reflects the practice relevance and quality of the research of our doctoral students, faculty and program. Congratulations to Lisa and Emily and their dissertation committees,” said Douglas M. Boyle, DBA, Accounting Department chair and Ph.D. program director.

The Barrett award selection process is competitive and determined through the IIA’s Committee of Research and Education Advisors, which is comprised of both academicians and practitioners actively involved in the profession of internal auditing. The selection includes the following criteria: relevance of the topic to internal auditing; soundness of methodology; coherent organization and clarity of presentation; and quality of data (where applicable). With an international membership of more than 200,000 members, the IIA is among the largest and most respected professional organizations for accountants.

Haylon, who will graduate with a Ph.D. from Scranton in May, was “honored, humbled and grateful to be selected for award.” She said the award demonstrates that Scranton’s Ph.D program, offered in a non-traditional format for working professionals, “provides valuable experience and exposure in research.”

“Through the program, I was able to explore research collaboration opportunities with global scholars who are well-established and respected in their areas of expertise. The research opportunities have been outstanding,” said Haylon, whose research interests include social influence pressures in practice, collusive fraud and psychological components of fraud.

Li agreed, saying Scranton’s Ph.D. program is “a very well-designed, efficient education model.”

“The program provides students first with a solid foundation on how to properly conduct research studies. Then students work with closely with professors who have been successful in publishing multiple research studies on their own. The professors are accessible and very helpful. They are mentors as well as professors,” said Li, who is a transfer pricing consultant for EY LLP and will also graduate with a Ph.D. from Scranton in May.

Li, a certified public accountant, earned her MBA from Scranton 2020. She also earned a master’s degree in mathematics and statistics from Northeast Normal University in Changehun, China. She has worked in the accounting field for a number of years at organizations that include Northeast PA Center for Independent Living and The University of Scranton. Earlier in her career, she was a middle school mathematics teacher in China.

A certified public accountant, Haylon is an assistant professor at Southern Connecticut State University. Her study “How to Handle Pressure to Act Unethically,” with Dr. Boyle, Carol Bishop, D.B.A., and Dana Hermanson, Ph.D., was published in the summer 2022 edition of Management Accounting Quarterly. She previously worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and served as an adjunct professor at Fairfield University, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting.

Housed in the Kania School of Management, this is the first Ph.D. program offered by The University of Scranton. The program was developed with a concentration in accounting, to provide experienced practitioners with a practical pathway to an academic career. The program offers participants flexibility, while still providing for the development of the knowledge and skill set necessary to become a “scholarly academic” – one who is qualified to teach at a school of business that possesses or is seeking formal accreditation by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

AACSB recognized Scranton’s doctoral program for “Innovations and Best Practices in Canada, Latin America and the United States” in 2019.

Scranton Doctoral Students Win National Awards in Record Numbers

Two University of Scranton accounting Ph.D. program students won national Institute of Internal Auditors doctoral dissertation awards.

Scranton Online Programs Ranked Among Best in USA image

Alumni

January 26, 2023

U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 “Best Online Graduate Programs” ranked The University of Scranton’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 54 and its online MBA program at No. 102 in the nation. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 72 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.”

This is the 12^th 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 2023 Best Online Programs ranking, which published Jan. 24, 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); student excellence (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 2023 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, business analytics, enterprise resource planning, finance, healthcare management, human resources management, international business and operations management; master’s degrees in accountancy, applied behavior analysis, business analytics, cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity, finance, health administration, health informatics, human resources management 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 29 consecutive years. Scranton is ranked No. 5 in the 2023 edition of the guidebook. U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 6 in its category for “Best Undergraduate Teaching,” a selection of the top colleges in the nation that express a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.

Scranton Online Programs Ranked Among Best in USA

Scranton’s online graduate programs in business and MBA are among the best in nation, according to U.S. News.

Postcards from 2023 Scranton Intersession image

Student

January 25, 2023

Two Intersession domestic service trips were organized by the Center For Service and Social Justice from Jan. 15-21. One group traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana, where they collaborated with The Saint Bernard Project to build and renovate homes devastated by hurricanes. The second group visited Missoula, Montana, where they volunteered with the Hope Rescue Mission and the Poverello Center homeless shelters and temporary housing agencies.

Domestic service inspires future volunteerism

"This is Scranton’s first trip to Missoula!" said Mia Sandy, '23, of Scranton, who served as a peer facilitator on the trip to rural Montana.

Sandy, a senior Counseling and Human Services (CHS) major, said she helped the group with advance preparation, including several fundraising events to offset trip expenses.

"For me, it was really important to have an understanding of the community we were going to engage with, so I did a lot of reading on rural poverty and I researched the agencies we are working with this week. I have also been working closely with Avianna to prepare for the trip and to prepare my group for the trip," said Sandy, referencing Avianna Carilli '22, coordinator of domestic and international service programs for the Center for Service and Social Justice.

"We had a few meetings in the fall semester in addition to fundraising events, so the group really had to be committed to this experience," said Sandy, shown above, far right, with members of the group that traveled to Montana.

She heard about the Domestic and International trips as a first-year student through a Reflective Service Program called FIRST, then shared stories and experiences of other students encouraged her to participate.

Sandy's travels have motivated her toward service to others in the future.

"I am currently in the accelerated Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program on campus, but I have been exploring an opportunity to do a year of service in Arizona. I am not sure where I will be next year, but I know that I will be participating in some form of service and trying to spread the Scranton love to whoever I meet," Sandy said.

More than 150 students experience education abroad

Approximately 150 students participated in trips abroad during Intersession, according to Associate Director of Global Education Kara Kofira Bishop.

January Intersession programs through the Office of Global Education included trips to:

AIFS Barcelona, Spain
AIFS Granada, Spain
AIFS Rome, Italy
AIFS Paris, France
AIFS London, UK
AIFS Germany, Berlin
Sacred Heart University Dingle, Ireland

Their faculty-led programs included:

T/RS 296 Christianity in the Middle East (Jerusalem, Israel)
BIOL 296 Terrestrial Tropical Ecology (Galapagos Islands, Ecuador)
HAD 595 South America Health Systems (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
NURS 496 Healthcare Systems and Nursing Practice Abroad (Dublin, Ireland)
PS 296 Irish Political Culture (Dublin, Ireland)
ENTR 481 Global Practicum (Paris, France)

Moira Courtney '23, Kinesiology-PT and Philosophy major from Hamilton, New Jersey was among students who participated in a Faculty-led Study Abroad trip to Jerusalem, Israel with Theology/Religious Studies 296: Christianity in the Middle East.

"I really wanted the opportunity to learn more about my faith while exploring the Holy Land, which I’ve heard so much about. Especially with the ongoing occupation, my interest in this area has been growing; I have been seeking to connect faith and social justice," said Courtney.

"Our group has explored Holy sites, local churches, and some of the beautiful cities of Palestine. During these tours we have been discussing the importance of religion in the region, as well as the current occupation. We have gotten the opportunity to discuss these important topics with individuals who experience the effects on a daily basis," she added.

Stephanie Lehner '24, shown above, kneeling at right, a biology and philosophy double major from Poughkeepsie, New York, explained what inspired her to attend the program led by Rev. Michael G. Azar, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department Of Theology/Religious Studies.

"I first heard about the study abroad trip, Christianity in the Middle East, when Father Azar hosted a Zoom session prior to the commencement of my freshman year. As I listened to him speak about the many holy sites that I could visit and people that I could meet, I knew that I wanted to attend this trip during my four years.

As a student who has attended Catholic school my entire life, I was intrigued at the prospect of seeing the holy sites and the land where Jesus had taught. However, after doing the coursework prior to leaving for the trip, I also realized that meeting with the people who live in the Holy Land is equally important, for the rich culture of the Holy Land is kept alive by its people."

Lehner discussed her time spent with in Jerusalem and expressed gratitude for the opportunity:

"I believe that learning about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and most importantly, seeing it firsthand, has been a vital aspect of my continued education at The University of Scranton. Additionally, as a group, we were able to go on a hike through the Judean desert, which I deeply enjoyed, for I was able to experience the serenity of the desert that monks, hermits, and other people have experienced for centuries prior.
Further, I also enjoyed seeing the many churches and holy sites and learning about the rich culture that surrounds them. Lastly, speaking with the people living in the Holy Land and going to other sites, such as the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee, and the Dead Sea were incredible opportunities as well."

"I would like to thank Father Azar, The University of Scranton, and all those involved for making this trip possible. I certainly feel that this has been a once in a lifetime experience, and I am extremely grateful to have had this amazing opportunity."

Ariana Isayiw, sophomore Kinesiology major, shown below, participated in the Sacred Heart University study abroad winter 2023 session in Dingle, Ireland from Dec. 28 through Jan.12.

"I was able to celebrate New Year's in Dingle! I took a three-credit class while abroad that fulfilled my theology elective at Scranton. I was assigned housing in a cute cottage on the Dingle harbor. I had a great view from my front walkway and was even able to see the fireworks show on New Year’s Eve from the front door!"

Isayiw offered insight into the course and the program.

"I loved being able to fully immerse myself in the Irish culture for those two weeks while also taking a class. The course included a mix of in-class lecture and field trips to local religious sites.

The study abroad program itself included activities for us to participate in outside of class such as a cookery class, horseback riding on the coast, a bus tour (with a stop to hold a baby sheep!), and a day trip to Killarney. We also had a few group dinners with our professor, class, and the other students in the program.
The locals were all very welcoming and the professors were excited to have us in their classes and loved showing us around town and teaching us about their culture.

I truly enjoyed my time in Dingle and would recommend the program to anyone looking for a short term study abroad experience!"

For information, visit: studyabroad.scranton.edu

Postcards from 2023 Scranton Intersession

University students who participated in domestic and international Intersession trips share their experiences.

'Moonlight' to Open Black History Month Film Series Feb. 1 image

Faculty

January 25, 2023

"Moonlight" will open a Black History Month Film Series on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the DeNaples Center's Moskovitz Theater.

The series, presented by The Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union and The University of Scranton's Weinberg Memorial Library, will be shown throughout February. Dr. Anthony Betancourt, assistant professor in the Psychology Department, and Dr. Melissa Anyiwo, associate professor in the History Department, will introduce and contextualize one film each Wednesday, beginning at 7 p.m.

“Black History Month is an important time for us to reflect on the experiences and contributions of Black people in American history. The Weinberg Memorial Library is proud to partner with the Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union on this important initiative," said George Aulisio, dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library at the University.

"The Library is committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and being a welcoming place for our community. Furthermore, the Library’s longstanding expertise with Media Resources was an obvious avenue for us to promote understanding and play our part to help create a more equitable future."

The film schedule is as follows:

February 1, "Moonlight"
February 8, "Blackkklansman"
Feburary 15, "Whose Streets"
Feb. 22, "Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975"
Feb. 28, "Sparkle"

Faculty to introduce and contextualize Black History Month Film Series

anyiwo Dr. Anyiwo, who joined the University in 2022, is an award-winning teacher and researcher who specializes in using historical methods to explore racial and gender stereotypes. Most recently, Dr. Anyiwo was a faculty member at Curry College as a professor of politics and history, and prior to that the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Dr. Anyiwo earned her bachelor’s degree in American studies and politics and her Ph.D. at the University of Wales Swansea, where her dissertation analyzed the dominant stereotypes of African-American women from the 16th century to present.

Dr. Betancourt, who joined the University in 2022, is the founder and chief executive officer of ABLE Research LLC in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He brings to Scranton expertise in the subjects of bullying, scientific racism, learning disabilities and economic inequality. He has taught at the City College of New York and won a coveted fellowship at the City University of New York teaching undergraduate psychology.

Dr. Betancourt earned his Bachelor of Science in psychology at The University of Scranton, his Master of Arts in general theoretical psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and both his Master of Philosophy and his Ph.D. in educational psychology at the City University of New York.

The Black History Month Film Series is supported by a 2023 grant awarded by the Diversity Initiatives Review Board.

'Moonlight' to Open Black History Month Film Series Feb. 1

Dr. Anthony Betancourt, assistant professor in the Psychology Department, and Dr. Melissa Anyiwo, associate professor in the History Department, will introduce and contextualize each film in the series presented by The Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union and The University of Scranton's Weinberg Memorial Library.

Schemel Forum Courses Set for Spring image

Community

January 25, 2023

This spring, The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum will hold another semester’s worth of stimulating programming courtesy of its ever-diverse collection of courses, luncheons and collaborative programs geared around contemporary cultural and political issues.

There will be three courses this spring, with the first one beginning Thursday, Feb. 2. Taught by University faculty members, the courses are presented in six weekly sessions from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Weinberg Memorial Library.

The courses are free for University students, faculty, staff and Schemel Forum members, and $75 per individual and $125 per couple for non-members.

Joseph Kraus, Ph.D., professor in the University’s Department of English and Theatre, will present “Down These Mean Streets: An Ethics of Hardboiled, Noir Fiction,” on Monday evenings Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27, and March 6 and 13.

During the course, Dr. Kraus and the class will examine the roots of noir fiction, beginning with its roots in the 1920s and moving all the way up to today’s contemporary practitioners of the form. The class will discuss a selection of stories and novels, as well as some of the classic films they inspired.

Most people hear the word “noir” and think of Humphrey Bogart in a fedora, Dr. Kraus said. That’s true -- but only partly, he stressed.

“For me, noir begins with the crisis of faith that (Ernest) Hemingway and others explored in the 1920s as Modernism developed in literature. Hemingway’s stories show us characters who have lost their faith in something larger – whether religion or some cultural system – and then he shows how they develop ‘codes’ for moving forward in their lives,” Dr. Kraus said. “The first full-blown successful hardboiled/noir writers, Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, move forward with that idea of characters who employ codes of conduct in contexts where faith has collapsed. Chandler gives us detectives who aspire to be modern-day knights but settle for being emotionally insulated men doing what they can to protect flawed clients. Hammett ironizes the whole situation, giving us characters who seem cut-throat but act from clear and sustained motives.”

“Put another way, I see noir as a form of ‘applied ethics,’” Dr. Kraus added. “It asks the question of how we should carry ourselves in a world where – as Nietzsche suggested and Hemingway echoed – we’ve lost the moral clarity of an inherited faith.”

Ann A. Pang-White, Ph.D., professor in the University’s Department of Philosophy and director of the Asian Studies program, will present “Philosophy East and West” Wednesdays March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 and April 5.

Why teach philosophy comparatively and cross-culturally? What are the benefits of thinking outside the box? Those are some of the questions Dr. Pang-White will explore in the class, reviewing the works of Western thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Aquinas and Kant and then thematically compare them to Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism on topics of self-and-other, virtue, government, gender and ecology.

The purpose of this comparative approach, according to Dr. Pang-White, is to broaden people’s mental horizons by considering alternative conceptual frameworks that can serve as useful resources for treatment of contemporary social, political and environmental problems.

“Oftentimes intercultural conflict arises from a lack of understanding of other cultures,” Dr. Pang-White said. “Because of my international heritage and background in philosophy, I thought it would be a great use of my knowledge and interest to bring Western philosophy into conversation with non-Western philosophy on key issues as a step toward peace-making, using a method that questions rigid binary thinking about self and others. I am excited to teach this course and hope that participants will find the class experience enjoyable and thought-provoking.”

Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., professor in the University’s Department of Philosophy, will present “The Anatomy of Contemporary Conservatism in the U.S.” Thursdays Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 and March 2 and 9.

The course, Meyer said, will explore “the different strands of conservatism that have emerged in recent years, from George Will’s defense of classic liberalism to Yoram Hazony’s turn to nationalism, and ask to what extent, if at all, these different strands are compatible with each other.”

This semester will be the final one for longtime Schemel Forum Director Sondra Myers, who is retiring.

“It has been a privilege for me to serve you with issues and ideas through all these years and get to know you all,” Myers said in remarks to the Schemel Forum community. “We’ll always be friends.”

To register for the courses, or for more information on the Schemel Forum, contact Brooke Leonard at 570-941-4740 or brooke.leonard@scranton.edu. Or, to pay online, visit: www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

Additional Schemel Forum events can be found on the Schemel Forum’s webpage.

Schemel Forum Courses Set for Spring

The University of Scranton’s Schemel Forum will offer an array of enrichment courses throughout the spring semester.

Campus Coffeehouse with Travis Prince Feb. 23 image

General

January 25, 2023

Campus Coffeehouse with Travis Prince Feb. 23

In conjunction with the Hope Horn Gallery exhibition "A New Understanding: Paintings by Travis Prince," a Campus Coffeehouse with the artist will be held Feb. 23 from 7 -8 p.m. in the Rose Room, 5th floor, Brennan Hall.

CHEW'S Weekly Wellness Classes Begin for Spring Semester image

General

January 25, 2023

CHEW'S Weekly Wellness Classes Begin for Spring Semester

Students, faculty and staff are invited to join the Center for Health Education and Wellness (CHEW) for classes taught by professional instructors to promote stress relief and increase strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.

University Announces Fall 2022 Dean’s List image

Student

January 25, 2023

University Announces Fall 2022 Dean’s List

Students were named to The University of Scranton Dean’s List for the 2022 fall semester.

Angel Bladt is Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award Winner image

Staff

January 24, 2023

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 2023 is: Angel Bladt, Mail Carrier Services

How long have you worked for the University?
1.5 years

What do you like to do for fun?
"I enjoy spending time with my family."

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

Angel 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 Pavilion for the month of January. 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 nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

January 2023 Nominees:

Mary Kay Aston, Financial Aid

Angel Bladt, Mailing

Maureen Carlton, Financial Aid

Christopher Carter, Physical plant

Bridget Chomko, Advancement

Donna Cochrane-Kalinowski, Nursing

Thomas Cody, Infrastructure & Security Services

Kelly Connor Lewis, Admissions

Deb Cwalinski, Physical Plant

Janelle Decker, Music

Shonna Emmick, Facilities

Phil Erb, Infrastructure Services

Lori Flynn, Registrars Office

Jacob Harris, Facilities Operations

Tom Kern, IT

Brooke Leonard, Schemel Forum

Mary Ann Maslar, CAS Dean's Office

Peg Mazzino, Facilities

Peter Nguyen, University Police

Eileen Notarianni, Human Resources

John Ochman, IT

Hollie Roscioli, Facilities

Dolores Rozelle, PCPS Field Placement

Reka Shayka, Residence Life

Melissa Sherrill, Printshop

Rose Striefsky, University Advancement

Justin Tambeau, Facilites

Rose Termini, CTLE

Jillian Wall, Admissions

Eve Walsh-Bisignani, IT

Angel Bladt is Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award Winner

Angel Bladt, Campus Mail Carrier, receives the Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award for Jan. 2023

Important Update to Campus Banking Options image

General

January 24, 2023

Important Update to Campus Banking Options

Earlier this month, the PNC Automated Teller Machine (ATM) situated in the McGurrin Hall vestibule was deactivated. The ATM in the DeNaples Center vestibule will remain in service.

Women's Hoops Ranked No. 4 in Latest D3hoops.com and WBCA Top 25 Polls image

Athletics

January 24, 2023

Women's Hoops Ranked No. 4 in Latest D3hoops.com and WBCA Top 25 Polls

The University women's basketball team is ranked No. 4 for the second straight week in the latest D3hoops.com and WBCA Top 25 polls that were unveiled on Jan. 24.

Student

January 24, 2023

Students Added to Spring 2022 Dean’s List

Students added to The University of Scranton Dean’s List for the spring 2022 semester.

Spring Events Planned at University image

General

January 24, 2023

Jan. 28 8:30 a.m. Campaign School 2023. League of Women Voters of Lackawanna County's campaign training program, co-sponsored by the University's Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service. The program also includes a panel of elected local government officials offering helpful tips. Brennan Hall, Rose Room. Fees vary. Register at www.lwvlackawanna.org or email ceeps@scranton.edu.

Feb. 1 7 p.m. Black History Month Film Series: “Moonlight” presented by the Weinberg Memorial Library and the Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-7524 or email george.aulisio@scranton.edu.

Feb. 3 through Mar. 10 Art Exhibit: “A New Understanding: Paintings by Travis Prince.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Feb. 3 5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “A New Understanding: Paintings by Travis Prince” presented by Travis Prince, exhibiting artist. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Reception to follow at the Hope Horn Gallery. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Feb. 4 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring Tony Lustig Trio. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Feb. 5 3 p.m. Black History PBS Film Series “Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom.” This event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project. Black Scranton Project Center for Arts & Culture. Registration required. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email info@blackscranton.org.

Feb. 8 7 p.m. Black History Month Film Series: “Blackkklansman” presented by the Weinberg Memorial Library and the Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-7524 or email george.aulisio@scranton.edu.

Feb. 9 6 p.m. Asian New Year Celebration and Workshop. Brennan Hall, Rose Room. Free. Registration required at https://tinyurl.com/AsianNewYearUofS or email asianstudies@scranton.edu.

Feb. 9 6 p.m. Community-Based Learning Talk “Black History and Housing in Scranton” featuring Glynis Johns, CEO and founder of the Black Scranton Project. This event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Registration required at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBL23BlackHistoryHousing Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Feb. 11 1 p.m. 21^th Annual Northeast PA Brain Bee sponsored by the Neuroscience Program at The University of Scranton. Snow date Feb. 18. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Pre-registration required. Call 570-941-4324 or email robert.waldeck@scranton.edu.

Feb. 15 7 p.m. Black History Month Film Series: “Whose Streets?” presented by the Weinberg Memorial Library and the Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-7524 or email george.aulisio@scranton.edu.

Feb. 19 3 p.m. Black History PBS Film Series “Becoming Frederick Douglass.” This event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project. Black Scranton Project Center for Arts & Culture. Free. Registration required by emailing info@blackscranton.org or call 570-941-4419.

Feb 19 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band with guest soloist Matt Munisteri, guitar and voice. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Feb. 22 7 p.m. Black History Month Film Series: “Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975” presented by the Weinberg Memorial Library and the Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-7524 or email george.aulisio@scranton.edu.

Feb. 23 5:30 p.m. The Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Humanities Lecture: “Towards a Just Economy: Guaranteed Income and Human Potential” with Amy Castro, Ph.D., associate professor, University of Pennsylvania. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

Feb. 24-26 and Mar. 3-5 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Performance: “Little Women; the Broadway Musical” music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, book by Allan Knee presented by The University of Scranton Players. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu.

Feb. 26 3 p.m. Black History PBS Film Series “Jim Crow of the North.” This event is part of the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Registration required by emailing info@blackscranton.org or call 570-941-4419.

Feb. 28 7 p.m. Black History Month Film Series: “Sparkle” presented by the Weinberg Memorial Library and the Louis Stanley Brown Black Student Union. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-7524 or email george.aulisio@scranton.edu.

Mar. 4 Talk Back immediately after the performance of “Little Women; the Broadway Musical” by The University of Scranton Players as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50^th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu.

Mar. 5 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Concert Choir and The Scranton Brass Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Mar. 7 6 p.m. Salary Negotiations Workshop offered by The University of Scranton’s Career Development Office and the Jane Kopas Women’s Center as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50^th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. Room 405, The DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email jkwc@scranton.edu.

Mar. 8 3 p.m. Women of Vision and Courage Award Presentation offered by The University of Scranton’s Jane Kopas Women’s Center as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50^th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email jkwc@scranton.edu.

Mar. 13 noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The Courage to Care” presented by 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, New Jersey. The luncheon is part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50^th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Mar. 20 through Apr. 14 Art Exhibit: “Post COVID: Art by Students for the Scranton School District.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Mar. 23 11:45 a.m. Community-Based Learning Talk “Environmental Health” presented by Tonyehn Verkitus. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4419 or email community@scranton.edu.

Mar. 24 5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “Post COVID: Art by Students for the Scranton School District” presented by Darlene Miller-Lanning. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Reception to follow at the Hope Horn Gallery. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Mar. 25 9 a.m. Preview Day for accepted students to The University of Scranton’s class of 2027. Various locations on campus. Call 570-941-7540 or email admissions@scranton.edu.

Mar. 28 noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “A Foreigner Called Picasso” presented by Annie Cohen-Solal, writer and social historian, distinguished professor at Bocconi University, Milan, Italy. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Mar. 29 5:30 p.m. Schemel Forum with Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Mozart: The Mind and Music of a Genius” presented by Richard Kogan, M.D., professor of psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College and artistic director, Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Program. Sordoni Theater, WVIA Public Media Studies. Reception to follow. Registration required. $35 per person. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Mar. 29 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “General Recital” featuring flute choir, percussion ensemble, steel drums and more. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Mar. 30 7:30 p.m. Office of Sustainability film and panel discussion “The Seeds of Vandana Shiva.” Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.

Mar. 30 5 p.m. 26^th Annual ACHE Healthcare Symposium: “Bedside and Administration: A Strategic Alliance.” McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Includes dinner, presentation and panel discussion. Fees vary. Call 570-709-9892 or email scarlet.alexander@scranton.edu.

Apr. 1 9 a.m. Regional National History Day Competition for junior and senior high school students. The DeNaples Center. Pre-registration required. Call 570-941-4549 or email nhdparegion2@gmail.com.

Apr. 2 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Mikaela Bennett, voice. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Apr. 14-25 Environmental Art Show. Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free. Call 570-941-7482 or email marleen.cloutier@scranton.edu.

Apr. 14 4:30 p.m. Environmental Art Show opening event – Artist Talk with Stéphanie Williams. Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free. Call 570-941-7482 or email marleen.cloutier@scranton.edu.

Apr. 15 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band and Saxophone Ensemble with guest baritone/bass saxophonist Leigh Pilzer. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Apr. 18 11 a.m. Earth Day Fair with interactive games, presentation and information related to the environment and sustainable practices. Atrium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.

Apr. 20 8:30 a.m. Hayes Family Competition in physics and engineering for high school students. Byron Complex. Registration required. Call 570-941-7509 or email salisa.brown@scranton.edu.

Apr. 20 4 p.m. Henry George Lecture: “Where Does Wealth Come From?” presented by Sandra Black, Ph.D., Columbia University. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email john.ruddy@scranton.edu.

Apr. 20 5:30 p.m. Earth Day “Evening of Environmental Science” with University student-run interactive science experiments and exhibit of University of Scranton Earth Day Essay Contest submissions. Essay contest awards will be announced at the event. Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email susan.falbo@scranton.edu.

Apr. 23 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Singers and Symphonic Band. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Apr. 24 through May 5 Art Exhibit: “The University of Scranton Student Exhibition Online.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call. 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu

Apr. 27 5 p.m. Campus Take Back the Night. Dionne Green. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email brandice.ricciardi@scranton.edu.

Apr. 27-30 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Theatrical performance of “Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight” by The University of Scranton’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the English and Theatre Department as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50^th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. Studio Theatre of the McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-6194 or email jkwc@scranton.edu.

Apr. 27 7 p.m. Schemel Forum with Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute at The University of Scranton Collaborative Program: “Only in America? Religion, State, and a Hasidic Town in Rural New York” presented by David N. Myers, Ph.D., distinguished professor of history, Sady and Ludwig Kahn Chair in Jewish History and director of the Luskin Center for History and Policy, UCLA. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Registration required. $15 per person. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Apr. 28 noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The World after the Ukraine War” presented by Jill Dougherty, Russian expert, former CNN Moscow Bureau Chief, current CNN on-air contributor and professor, Georgetown University. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Apr. 29-30 9 a.m. Saturday; Noon Sunday. Friends of the Library Book and Plant Sale. Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

May 2 noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The Promise of American Democracy” presented by Fredrik Logevall, Ph.D., Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School and professor of history, Harvard University. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

May 6 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “40^th Annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert” The University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir featuring two new works by composer/conductor Philip J. Kuehn. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

May 9 noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Vocalising and Music in the Development of Speech Language and Consciousness” presented by Harmar Brereton, M.D., medical and radiation oncologist, Weill Cornell Medical School faculty and clinical professor of medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

May 12 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

May 20 TBA Commencement Baccalaureate Mass. Byron Recreation Complex. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

May 21 TBA Graduate and Undergraduate Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

Schemel Forum Courses

Mondays: Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 & Mar. 6, 13 6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Down These Mean Streets: An Ethics of Hardboiled, Noir Fiction” presented by Joseph Kraus, Ph.D., professor, Department of English and Theatre, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Wednesdays: Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 & Apr. 5 6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Philosophy East and West” presented by Ann A. Pang-White, Ph.D., professor, Department of Philosophy and director, Asian Studies Program, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Thursdays: Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23 & Mar. 2, 9 6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “The Anatomy of Contemporary Conservatism in the US” presented by Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., professor, Department of Philosophy, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

Spring Events Planned at University

The following is a list of University of Scranton events planned for the 2023 spring semester.

Community

January 24, 2023

The Office of Community-Based Learning (CBL), in collaboration with campus partners, is pleased to offer a series of three "CBL Talks" in the Spring 2023 semester. The goal of these talks is to provide University students, as well as the wider community, with information and insights into some of the major challenges and opportunities facing the Scranton area and how they can be part of positive change. This spring's talks will focus on: Black History and Housing in Scranton; Environmental Health; and the Living Wage Study 2022 Report.

Each of the CBL Talks will be offered as a live session, beginning with a presentation from guest speakers, followed by Q&A. These sessions will also be recorded to serve as a resource for CBL courses and reflection questions will be provided to student attendees after each event. The CBL Talks can be used as a teaching resource for CBL faculty members. This year’s series is also a special collaboration of the Office of Community-Based Learning with the Panuska College of Professional Studies T.A.P.E.S.T.R.Y. program. The talks can also be attended by the wider university and Scranton community.

The spring 2023 CBL Talks are:

Black History and Housing in Scranton with Glynis Johns

On Thursday, Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. in the Moscowitz Theater, Glynis Johns, CEO and Founder of the Black Scranton Project, a local history and heritage initiative, will discuss the Black history of Adams Avenue in the downtown Scranton area where a predominantly African American neighborhood existed prior to redevelopment in the 1970s. This CBL Talk will explore themes around Blackness, housing, racial discrimination, and affordability that remain relevant today.

Registration required at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBL23BlackHistoryHousing

This event is sponsored by the Office of Community-Based Learning in collaboration with the Office of Community Relations and the Multicultural Center. It is also part of the Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story project supported by the NEH and in collaboration with the Black Scranton Project and other community partners.

Environmental Health with Tonyehn Verkitus, Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania

On Thursday, March 23 at 11:45 a.m. in The DeNaples Center Ballroom, Tonyehn Verkitus, Executive Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania will provide a discussion on how environmental factors such as air and water quality are one of many determinants of our health and well-being. These and other environmental factors can lead to disease and health disparities in the places where people live, work, learn and play. This discussion will highlight how existing environmental disparities in communities exposed to a combination of poor environmental quality and social inequities lead to more sickness and disease than you see in wealthier, less polluted communities.

Registration required at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBL23EnvironmentalHealth

This event is sponsored by the Office of Community-Based Learning in collaboration with the Office of Community Relations, the Office of Sustainability and the Environmental Studies Concentration. This event is also a part of the University's 2023 Earth Month events.

Living Wage Study 2022 Report with Julie Schumacher Cohen, The University of Scranton and Meghan Loftus, Friends of the Poor Scranton

On Friday, April 14 at 3 p.m. in the Moskowitz Theater, Julie Schumacher Cohen, AVP for Community Engagement & Government Affairs at The University of Scranton and Meghan Loftus, President & CEO of the Friends of the Poor Scranton will highlight the Living Wage Report 2022, including key findings of the study and its recommendations related to what constitutes a living wage in NEPA and issues related to economic justice, racial disparities, and public policy action through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Meghan Loftus, university partner and alumna, will discuss the work of Friends of the Poor around the realities of poverty and the need for systemic change.

Registration required at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CBL23LivingWage

This event is sponsored by the Office of Community-Based Learning in collaboration with The Ellacuría Initiative and the Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service.

For more information on the CBL Talks program, please visit www.scranton.edu/cbltalks or email cbl@scranton.edu.

Spring Talks Highlight Community Issues

A series of three talks will highlight community partners and issues including Black history and housing, environmental health, and what is necessary to make a living wage in NEPA.

Community

January 20, 2023

The Scranton Area Community Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to The University of Scranton to support the ongoing “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project.

“Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” explores the aspirational journey to fulfill our national ideals through the lens of Scranton, an iconic American city that has experienced many of the key elements of our nation’s experience, such as industrial era growth and decline, waves of immigration past and present and Black and Indigenous experiences. The ongoing two-year project is supported by a 2021 National Endowment for the Humanities grant. The project includes a number of programs in a variety of participatory formats and as well as story collection component that will engage a diverse group of Scrantonians, which the Scranton Area Community Foundation grant will help to support.

“The story collection project is rooted in the central place that diverse human stories play in the humanities, critical to the goal of sharing Scranton’s stories as archetypal of other stories representing the many American experiences,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president for Community and Government Affairs and “Scranton Stories” project director, who also noted that University students majoring in communication have assisted in the recording of the stories through community-based-learning projects included in their courses.

Cohen said that the ongoing story collection includes a public engagement phase this fall that includes an “I am Scranton” social media campaign and collection process at public events inviting stories in different modes, formats and through an online submission form.

Community organizations collaborating on this project include Black Scranton Project, Center for the Living City, Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department, The Lackawanna Historical Society, Lackawanna County Immigration Inclusion Comm., Narrative 4, the Scranton Area Ministerium, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA and WVIA.

Scranton Area Community Foundation Grant Awarded

Scranton Area Community Foundation $5,000 grant will support ongoing “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project.

Journey to Citizenship Discussed at Scranton image

Community

January 19, 2023

Journey to Citizenship Discussed at Scranton

The NEH-funded Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story project hosted a program about The Journey from ‘Immigrant’ to Citizen.

Scranton Students Offer Free Income Tax Assistance image

Community

January 17, 2023

Area residents, whose households earned $60,000 or less in 2022, can receive free assistance in completing and filing their federal, state and local tax returns from University of Scranton accounting students through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

University students have assisted residents with low and moderate incomes who need help with their basic tax returns for more than 30 years.

Walk-in service in Brennan Hall on the University’s campus begins on Wednesday, Feb. 1. The VITA service is offered on a first-come, first served basis during scheduled hours. Appointments are not available at the University.

Residents can schedule appointments at other locations by contacting the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties by visiting www.uwlc.net or calling 211 or 1-855-567-5341.

Residents who qualify for the free VITA service are asked to bring the following items: a valid photo ID; Social Security cards for all taxpayers and dependents; all W2 forms; last year’s tax returns; all 1099 forms (interest, dividends, pensions); unemployment paperwork; Form 8332 for non-custodial parents; information related to income and expenses (business, rental properties, sale of stocks); a personal banking account check if direct deposit is desired; documentation related to health insurance for themselves and anyone on the tax return, such as Form 1095-A, -B or –C; and real estate tax receipts if you qualify for the rent/tax rebate.

Walk-in VITA service without an appointment is available in room 111 of Brennan Hall, Madison Avenue, on the University’s campus on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, from noon to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Service begins on Wednesday, Feb. 1, and continues to Wednesday, April. 5, except for the week of March 13 to March 17, when the University is closed for Spring Break. Service. The VITA office may also close due to inclement weather.

The University reserves the right to cap the number of walk-in residents they can serve within a single day.

Residents with questions may call the University at 570-941-4045.

Scranton Students Offer Free Income Tax Assistance

University of Scranton Accounting students will assist local residents with their tax returns for free as part of the VITA program.

Tony Lustig Trio to Perform at Houlihan-McLean Center image

Community

January 13, 2023

On Saturday, Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m., Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert by the Tony Lustig Trio. The 7:30 p.m. concert will take place in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Tony Lustig is a dynamic saxophonist hailing from Fraser, Michigan. His musical journey began under the mentorship of Detroit trumpeter Marcus Belgrave. Through Belgrave, Lustig had the opportunity to play with such greats as Jon Hendricks, Patti Austin and Gerald Wilson. He received his bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University where he studied with Rodney Whitaker, Diego Rivera, Wes Anderson and others. From there he went on to earn his master’s degree at the illustrious Juilliard School, where he studied with baritone saxophone titan Joe Temperley.

Lustig spent a decade freelancing in New York City. He performed in and out of the jazz idiom with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, The Birdland Big Band – which he was a member of for nearly ten years - the house band of America’s Got Talent, Leslie Odom, Jr., Santino Fontana, Gloria Gaynor, Jon Batiste, Louis Cole, the 8-Bit Big Band, Thomas Rhett and others. His playing brought him all around the world and to such notable stages as the Kennedy Center, Madison Square Garden, Saturday Night Live and the CMT Music Awards. Lustig taught briefly at Connecticut College and now resides in Rhode Island where he has been the house composer for Providence Ballet Theatre for the past five years.

The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no music major at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) from every major are eligible for membership in the University bands, choirs and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year, and a number of University faculty, staff and alumni perform with them.

Performance Music’s large ensembles include Concert/Symphonic Band, Concert Choir/Singers, String Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble (big band format). Smaller groups are made up of members from within the large ensembles, and include Steel Drum Band, Percussion Ensemble, Flute Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble and Clarinet Ensemble, plus other small vocal and instrumental groups in various formats. Solo, duo and trio performance opportunities are available to members of the ensembles through general recitals each semester.

Other programs within the department, including guest artist concerts, World Premiere Composition Series, 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. Please check Performance Music’s website, scranton.edu/music, within 24 hours of the concert for information regarding venue requirements for audiences, as policies regarding campus health and safety may change throughout the season.

For more information on Tony Lustig’s music, please visit: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B01C3LSM9Y/tony-lustig-quintet.

Tony Lustig Trio to Perform at Houlihan-McLean Center

Tony Lustig Trio in Concert, presented by Performance Music at the University is set for Saturday, Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m.

Rose Kelly Awards Presented at University image

Student

January 9, 2023

The University of Scranton recognized students and their elementary or high school teachers, who they credit for contributing to their success, with Rose Kelly Awards at a recent ceremony held on campus.

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.

Dominic Finan, Malvern, received the Rose Kelly Award for the College of Arts and Sciences. He honored Kathleen Crisi, his biology teacher at Great Valley High School, Malvern. Finan is a neuroscience and philosophy double major at Scranton with a minor in biochemistry and a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, Finan is a member of the international philosophy and the national chemistry and biology honor societies. He is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Kathryn Moore, Oyster Bay, New York, received the Rose Kelly Award for the Panuska College of Professional Studies. She honored Rebecca Lieberman, her guidance counselor at Oyster Bay High School. Moore is a counseling and human services major at Scranton enrolled in the University’s accelerated graduate program for clinical mental health counseling. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is a member of the national human services honor society and the international psychology honor society.

Madelyn Ronan, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, received the Rose Kelly Award for the Kania School of Management. She honored Leigh Ann Larkin, her honors and advanced chemistry teacher at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, Pennsauken Township. Ronan is an accounting and finance double major at Scranton with a minor in business leadership. She is a member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the University’s Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is a member of the Women’s Business Honor Society.

In photo below, from left Mark Higgins, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management, and Rose Kelly Award recipient Madelyn Ronan. Her high school teacher honored, Leigh Ann Larkin, was absent from the photo. Dominic Finan, who received the Rose Kelly Award for the College of Arts and Sciences, and the teacher he honored were also absent from the photo.

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Rose Kelly Awards Presented at University

The University recognized students and their high school teachers, who they credit for contributing to their success.

Greater Scranton MLK Commission Hosts Annual Community Dinner image

Announcement

January 4, 2023

Greater Scranton MLK Commission Hosts Annual Community Dinner

The Office of Government and Community Relations is sponsoring a table for faculty, staff and students. Contact community@scranton.edu to make a reservation.

Staff

January 4, 2023

Staff Senate and Staff Development Committee Present Wellness Event

At the Jan. 5 event, Gerianne Barber, NCC, LPC will lead "Restoration, Resilience, and Resolutions," a discussion on Wellness and You.

Alumni

January 4, 2023

In Memory of Pope Benedict XVI

University of Scranton marks the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Save The Date For Shamrockin' Eve March 10 image

Alumni

January 3, 2023

Save The Date For Shamrockin' Eve March 10

Royals from the Classes of 2019-2023 to gather together for Scranton tradition.

Student

January 3, 2023

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 2021-22 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

Patrick DelBalso, Plains, received a medal for academic achievement for his freshman year. A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, he is currently a sophomore majoring in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and participates in the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the University’s Undergraduate Honors Program. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, he is a member of the Health Professions Organization, and is an editor for Esprit, the University’s literary magazine.

Mary Krichbaum, Endicot, New York, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, she is a double majoring in mathematics and philosophy with a minor in chemistry. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she participates in the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM. On campus, she is a lector for Campus Ministries. She is also mathematics tutor with the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence and is involved in research in the Chemistry Department.

Emily Amershek, New Ringgold, received a medal for academic achievement for her junior year. A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, she is currently a junior majoring in philosophy with minors in theology and international studies and concentrations in legal studies and health humanities. She participates in the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is a member of the National Philosophy Honors Society and the National Theology Honors Society. At Scranton, she was awarded a Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities Fellowship and the President’s Fellowship for Summer Research, where she researches bail reform and originalism in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization opinion that overturned Roe v. Wade. She also was the recipient of the O’Hara Award in 2021. She is a tour guide, an orientation assistant, a Campus Ministries lector, a tutor for logic courses, a student conduct University Review Board member and a member of the Pre-Law Society. In the greater Scranton community, she volunteers with Men’s Clothesline project and works part-time as a legal assistant at a local law firm.

Kania School of Management

Samuel Hannah, Dunmore, received a medal for academic achievement for his freshman year. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, he is currently a sophomore majoring in accounting. On campus, he is a member of the Society of Accounting Students and The Institute of Management Accountants. He also serves in the Visitor’s Center of the Admissions Office.

Madalyne Buhler, Stony Point, New York, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is currently a junior majoring in finance with a business leadership minor. She participates in the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the University’s Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program. She is a member of the Women’s Business Honor Society. On campus, she is co-captain of the Women’s Golf Team and was awarded first-team all-conference honors for her sophomore season. She is a member of Scranton’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and serves as executive chair of the Kania School of Management’s Student Advisory Board, and co-president of PRISM, the University’s student investment club. She also participated in Wall Street Bootcamp. Buhler served as a summer intern for MetLife Investment Management and next summer will be a global markets summer analyst for RBC Capital Markets.

Alice Banks, Hazle Township, received a medal for academic achievement for her junior year. She is currently a junior majoring in finance and participates in the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program. She was also the recipient of the O’Hara Award in 2021. On campus, she is a Royal Start Ambassador for first-year students and a resident assistant for junior and senior housing. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is a member of the Women’s Business Honor Society, the United Cultures Organization, Praise and Worship and the University of Scranton Black Student Union.

Panuska College of Professional Studies

Priyal Patel, Mountaintop, received a medal for academic achievement for her freshman year. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is currently a sophomore majoring in health administration with a minor in business. Off-campus, she volunteered with the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania.

Elizabeth Behling, Raritan, New Jersey, received a medal for academic achievement for her sophomore year. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is currently a junior and is majoring in occupational therapy. On campus, she is a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), where she served as a delegate for the Class of 2024 on SOTA’s Executive Board and currently serves as the club’s vice president. She also serves as a teaching assistant for a second-year occupational therapy anatomy course, and served as a tutor for several anatomy courses.

Rosa Azzato, Harrisburg, received a medal for academic achievement for her junior year. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is currently a senior majoring in occupational therapy with a minor in psychology and a concentration in lifespan development. She is a member of the Psychology Honors Society. On campus, she serves as vice president of AFYA: The Global Health Club, as secretary and social media representative of the Student Occupational Therapy Association, and as the social media representative for the Students for Life Club. She is a peer mentor and a teaching assistant for the occupation therapy Anatomy and Mechanics of Human Movement course. She also participates in the University’s Performance Music choir and steel drum band, and the University’s music ministries choir, and the Praise and Worship Club. Azzato volunteers with service programs offered through the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice. In the greater Scranton community, she volunteered at the Lackawanna Blind Association.

In photos below, from left: Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies, and O’Hara Award recipients Elizabeth Behling, Priyal Patel and Rosa Azzato. From left: David Dzurec, Ph.D., interim dean for The University of Scranton’s College of Arts and Science; and O’Hara Award recipients Emily Amershek, Patrick DelBalso and Mary Krichbaum.

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University Students Receive Frank O’Hara Awards

University of Scranton students received esteemed Frank O’Hara awards in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement.

Scranton President Meets With Taiwanese Officials image

Community

January 3, 2023

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, met with James K.J. Lee, director-general, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in New York, and head of the United Nations Affairs Task Force in New York, and other TECO officials to discuss current and future programming opportunities. He also met with Hans Chunyu Chang, deputy director general of TECO, New York, and Min-Ling Yang, Ph.D., director of the Education Division of TECO, New York. Ann Pang-White, Ph.D., professor of philosophy and director of Asian Studies at Scranton, and Gerry Zaboski, senior vice president for the Office of the President at Scranton, also attended the meetings.

The University has a long-standing relationship with TECO which began in 2010. Most recently, the University and Fu Jen Catholic University, a Jesuit university in Taiwan, entered into an articulation agreement for a 4+1 MBA degree partnership. The agreement allows qualified students at Fu Jen Catholic University’s College of Management to take graduate-level courses at Fu Jen during their senior year, which will be recognized at The University of Scranton and allow the students to earn an MBA from Scranton in as little as one year after completing their bachelor’s degree at Fu Jen.

Programming established through the University’s international partnership with the Education Division of TECO-New York and Taiwan Ministry of Education includes university-level faculty- and student-exchange programs with elite universities in Taiwan, such as Fu Jen Catholic University. With support from the “Chinese language-and-culture teacher from Taiwan” grant, Scranton hosts visiting instructors annually. In addition, more than 10 University of Scranton students have participated in “Huayu Language Immersion Scholarship” to study in Taiwan at a university-level language center.

Through the partnership with the Taiwan Ministry of Culture, the University has hosted numerous programs in Scranton, including performances by the Taiwan Bangzi Opera Company, the Chai Found Music Workshop and the Taiyuan Puppet Theater, in addition to hosting several lectures and film festivals with meet the author and director discussions.

In 2014, the University was presented with replica of the Kinmen Peace Bell from Taiwan in honor of Scranton’s charter membership in the Taiwan Academy and its success with its Taiwanese cultural programming and Asian Studies program.

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Scranton President Meets With Taiwanese Officials

University of Scranton President met with the director-general and representatives of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York.

Alumni

January 3, 2023

Joe Fitzgerald, M.D. ’64 has figured out the key to a happy, successful retirement: serve the children of his community and play a lot of golf.

The retired orthopedic surgeon, who resides in Kingston, Rhode Island, with his wife, Kathleen, spends every Tuesday and Thursday at Clothes to Kids Rhode Island, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides new and quality used clothing to low-income or in-crisis school-age children in Providence County free of charge so that they may attend school with the confidence and self-esteem needed to achieve academic success.

“It’s supposed to add self-esteem, and I think it works,” Fitzgerald said. “I think it makes the world a better place.”

Fitzgerald’s interest in making the world a better place can be traced back to the example he saw his mother, a nurse, and his father, a school teacher, set for him when he was growing up in Throop, Pennsylvania. His love affair with golf also began early in his life after an uncle arranged for him to play for free at a local course.

“I played golf about 45 holes a day when I was 13,” he said, “so I got pretty good as a result of that.”

As a student at Throop High School, Fitzgerald already knew he wanted to attend the University.

“Where else would I go?” he said with a laugh. “Everybody went to Scranton. I was five miles away from Scranton.

“It was affordable and it was a rite of passage.”

After spending a few weeks considering what he wanted to do with the rest of his life, Fitzgerald realized he enjoyed his science courses and thought a life spent helping others through medicine would be a life well-spent.

“I was very happy I did that,” he said. “I never regretted that.”

Fitzgerald commuted to campus each day with a few friends who also commuted. At Scranton, he double-majored in biology and philosophy in an early version of what would become the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, and he played on the Golf Team, where he achieved a three-stroke handicap. During his senior year, he was accepted at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C., where he initially lived above the office of a doctor who happened to be a Scranton native.

During the rest of his time at medical school, Fitzgerald lived at the District of Columbia General Hospital, where he worked a few hours a week in exchange for room and board. In addition to that arrangement, he also worked as a lab technician to cover the rest of his expenses. He graduated from medical school in 1968 and met his future wife, Kathleen, who was then a student nurse, during his time as a medical intern.

“We got married about a year-and-a-half later,” he said, adding that they eventually brought two children, Matthew and Jennifer, into the world.

After finishing his internship, Fitzgerald spent two years in the U.S. Army as a general medical officer. After he was discharged, he landed a prestigious residency in orthopedics at Rhode Island Hospital. After finishing his residency, he founded South County Orthopedics and became the Chief Team Physician at the University of Rhode Island. While running South County Orthopedics, he found a way to “pay it forward” that proved to be as spiritually rewarding as it was financially advantageous.

“Because of my living at D.C. General and the fact that I was able to go through school without much debt, I tended to do a lot of charitable work in my own practice,” he said. “If people could’t pay me, I’d say, ‘That’s OK. Just keep coming back and send your friends,’ and I filled up a practice that way.

“I just wanted to be a doctor, take care of people and do charitable work.”

Fitzgerald continued to operate as a Team Physician at Rhode Island University and as the head of South County Orthopedics for 40 years; when the company merged with a few other groups into Ortho Rhode Island in 2016, he retired and began playing golf three days a week. About three years ago, he discovered Clothes To Kids Rhode Island and dedicated himself to supporting its mission.

“Clothe a child, change a life,” he said, echoing one of Clothes To Kids Rhode Island’s slogans. “It’s very gratifying.

“I shop with people, that’s all, and talk to people about their lives.”

Since opening in 2016, Clothes To Kids Rhode Island, which is primarily funded by donations from local citizens or corporations, has provided 9,000 wardrobes to children in Providence County, a thrift store value of more than $375,000. Fitzgerald plans to continue to serve his community at Clothes To Kids Rhode Island, and he needn’t look any further than the smiles on the faces of the people he serves to know that his efforts are helping to make the world a better place.

"I have a chance to talk to people and smile at them," he said. "In our place, everybody smiles."

Alumni Spotlight: Joe Fitzgerald, M.D. '64

Retired orthopedic surgeon enjoys serving his community at Clothes To Kids Rhode Island.

Reminder: University To Host Lady Royals Post-Game Reception In Philadelphia Jan. 15 image

Alumni

January 3, 2023

Reminder: University To Host Lady Royals Post-Game Reception In Philadelphia Jan. 15

Join your fellow Royals for a post-game reception in the City of Brotherly Love.

Reminder: University To Hold Day of Service April 22 image

Alumni

January 3, 2023

Reminder: University To Hold Day of Service April 22

Show your community the meaning of #Royals4Others.

Royals Celebrate At Presidential Christmas Parties image

Alumni

January 3, 2023

Royals Celebrate At Presidential Christmas Parties

Alumni, parents and friends of the University celebrate the season together in Washington, D.C., New York City, Scranton, and Philadelphia.

Alumni

January 3, 2023

Alumni Class Notes, January 2023

Share your story with your Royal Family.

Faculty

December 12, 2022

Marzia Caporale, Ph.D., Director of Women's & Gender Studies, is a faculty member in the World Languages and Cultures Department. Dr. Caporale, who joined the University in 2007, shares information about her background, and experience working as a professor at the University. This semester, her courses include intermediate Italian, intermediate French, and a hybrid class, Lit 330, Resistance and Resilience: Francophone Women Authors.

Which languages do you speak?

"I speak French, Italian, English, and some Spanish."

What inspired your early interest with languages?

"In my elementary school, we started English in third grade.... I became fascinated knowing there was another language out there. In high school, on a study abroad program, I went to England, where we stayed with English families and explored the culture of the city. I did that for a couple of years. As I got older, I sought out more opportunities. During the summer there I worked as a nanny. I also traveled to France and did home stays with families."

What drew your interest in learning and studying other languages?

"I’ve always been interested in languages, mostly because I’ve wanted to travel. I wanted to talk to others in other countries. I started with English, then French, and continued learning Spanish at the University."

What interested you to teach languages?

"I was inspired by the people who taught me. I was fortunate to have amazing language teachers from early on... elementary school, middle school, and high school. At the university, my French professor was student centered and I loved his style."

Where did you study before you came to The University of Scranton?

"At the University of Florence, I earned my first degree, equivalent to a master’s. I then attended University of Nebraska - Lincoln for my Ph.D."

Which aspects of teaching at The University of Scranton and working in the World Languages Department do you most enjoy?

"What I love is getting students inspired to travel and to learn about the culture. Language serves as a gateway to the culture. This is not just about learning abstract concepts, it’s about learning something that is alive and that can be practiced.

"I love having colleagues from different parts of the world. It’s a constant learning experience since you are exposed to new cultures and new people. It’s always a dynamic process, never static."

What is your favorite course to teach, and why?

"Literature of Global Minorities is a course that the department revised recently. It's for the General Education curriculum, so it has a broad target. I love it because it allows me to use texts from different languages and cultures. It allows me to blend in my expertise into one course. The students have loved the course."

Please discuss your recent research projects.

"Dr. (Virginia A.) Picchietti, the other Italian professor, and I are in the process of translating the book "Born for You," from Italian to English. It tells the story of an Italian man, who as a single parent, adopted a child with a disability. It was the first case of single-parent adoption of a child, because laws in Italy don’t usually allow that.

"I am enjoying the translation of "Born for You," because it’s challenging. Even though I’ve taught courses in translation, I’ve never professionally translated. This book is very important because it talks about acceptance, civil rights and discrimination. It has so many aspects that we want people to learn about. It’s not just translating a novel, it’s a book that can spark a debate about acceptance and rights. Essentially, it’s a project with a purpose.

"I’m also working on a book project titled "Gender in French Banlieue Cinema," which is a collection of articles about the film genre relating to French suburbs."

Faculty Profile: A Conversation With Marzia Caporale

Dr. Marzia Caporale shares information about her background and experiences as a professor in the World Languages and Cultures department at the University.

January 2023

Scranton Doctoral Students Win National Awards in Record Numbers

Scranton Online Programs Ranked Among Best in USA

Domestic service inspires future volunteerism

More than 150 students experience education abroad

Postcards from 2023 Scranton Intersession

Faculty to introduce and contextualize Black History Month Film Series

'Moonlight' to Open Black History Month Film Series Feb. 1

Schemel Forum Courses Set for Spring

Campus Coffeehouse with Travis Prince Feb. 23

CHEW'S Weekly Wellness Classes Begin for Spring Semester

University Announces Fall 2022 Dean’s List

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for JANUARY 2023 is: Angel Bladt, Mail Carrier Services

January 2023 Nominees:

Angel Bladt is Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award Winner

Important Update to Campus Banking Options

Women's Hoops Ranked No. 4 in Latest D3hoops.com and WBCA Top 25 Polls

Students Added to Spring 2022 Dean’s List

Spring Events Planned at University

Spring Talks Highlight Community Issues

Scranton Area Community Foundation Grant Awarded

Journey to Citizenship Discussed at Scranton

Scranton Students Offer Free Income Tax Assistance

Tony Lustig Trio to Perform at Houlihan-McLean Center

Rose Kelly Awards Presented at University

Greater Scranton MLK Commission Hosts Annual Community Dinner

Staff Senate and Staff Development Committee Present Wellness Event

In Memory of Pope Benedict XVI

Save The Date For Shamrockin' Eve March 10

University Students Receive Frank O’Hara Awards

Scranton President Meets With Taiwanese Officials

Alumni Spotlight: Joe Fitzgerald, M.D. '64

Reminder: University To Host Lady Royals Post-Game Reception In Philadelphia Jan. 15

Reminder: University To Hold Day of Service April 22

EVENT PHOTOS

Royals Celebrate At Presidential Christmas Parties

Alumni Class Notes, January 2023

Faculty Profile: A Conversation With Marzia Caporale