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University Presents Earth Day Essay Contest Awards image

General

May 24, 2023

Nearly 300 students in grades five to 12 participated in The University of Scranton Earth Day Essay Contest this year. Awards were announced at the University’s Evening of Environmental Science Event on campus in April.

This year’s essay theme was “People’s Planet, Climate Justice.”

Four of the six fifth-grade essay contest winners were from All Saints Academy in Scranton. These students include Lila Tallo, first place; Griffin Maynor, second place; Liam Marante, second place and Talia Lameo, third place. The other fifth-grade winners came from St. Claire/St. Paul’s in Scranton. Brian Clarke won first place and Annie Butler won third place.

The sixth-grade students that took first place in the essay contest were Tommy Killino, from All Saints Academy and Jimmy Doherty, from St Claire/St. Paul’s. The students who won second place were John Paul Kasaczun, from All Saints Academy and Mya DeSantis, from St Claire/St. Paul’s. Receiving a third-place award were Kelly Heffron and Cecelia Gilmartin, both from St. Claires/St. Paul’s.

The first-place winner of the seventh-grade essay contest was Jazleymi V., from Howard Gardner School in Scranton. In second-place was Niko Benko, from All Saints Academy and in third-place was Raeleigh Reiss, also from Howard Gardner.

The eight-grade first-place winners were Mary Guziewicz, from Howard Gardner School and Nethra Purushothaman, from Herndon, Virginia. In second place were Isabella Benjamin, from St Claire/St. Paul’s and Edie Hann, from Scranton STEMM Academy. The third-place winners were Fallon Price, from All Saints Academy and Rebecca Oakes, from Howard Gardner school.

The ninth-10^th grade essay contest winners were: Grace Becklish, first place, North Pocono High school; Clinton J Muir, second place, Holy Cross High School; Emma Woody, second-place, Holy Cross High School; and

The 11^th-12^th grade essay contest winners were all from West Scranton High School. Coming in first-place was Ally Anderson; in second place was Katherine Barnansky and in third-place was Ella Frounfelker.

University of Scranton students who work in the Jesuit school’s Office of Sustainability reviewed the essays submitted, in addition to organizing the award ceremony Nathaniel Smith, Wilkes-Barre, a neuroscience major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM and its Undergraduate Honors Program, served as MC for the award presentation. University student Amelia Farry, South Abington Township, also participated in the ceremony. Mark Murphy, director of the Office of Sustainability at the University, has organized the Earth Day Essay Contest for a decade.

Information about next year’s essay contest will be posted to the University’s Sustainability webpage in January 2024.

Below, from left: University of Scranton students Amelia Farry, South Abington Township, and Nathaniel Smith, Wilkes-Barre; Earth Day Essay Contest 6th grade medalists Tommy Killino, All Saints Academy, and John Paul Kasaczun, All Saints Academy; and Mark Murphy, director of the Office of Sustainability at the University. Gallery shows photos from the Evening of Environmental Science.

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University Presents Earth Day Essay Contest Awards

Hundreds of area students in grades five to 12 participated in The University of Scranton’s Earth Day Essay Contest.

Royal News Announces Summer Schedule image

Announcement

May 24, 2023

Royal News Announces Summer Schedule

The Royal News e-newsletter will now publish on a summer schedule, with timely updates on the website.

Find Tips for Using Your University Desk Phone image

Announcement

May 24, 2023

Find Tips for Using Your University Desk Phone

IT Department hosts a telephone service web page with instructions on how to set up specific features on desk phones such as Call Forwarding or an Alternate Greeting.

Register for June 13 'Kickoff to Summer' Event image

Announcement

June 1, 2023

Register for June 13 'Kickoff to Summer' Event

The Center for Health Education and Wellness invites the University community to the DeNaples Patio and Green for a BBQ lunch, lawn games and a chance to learn about wellness resources on campus and receive a summer giveaway.

Staff Appreciation Ice Cream Social June 7 image

Announcement

May 23, 2023

Staff Appreciation Ice Cream Social June 7

A Groovy Baby ice cream truck, music and camaraderie will be part of a Staff Ice Cream Social on campus Wednesday, June 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. as part of a Staff Ice Cream Social.

Student Organization Receives National Recognition image

General

May 20, 2023

The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) Chapter at The University of Scranton has been awarded Gold Chapter Honors for attaining a distinguished level of achievement in the areas of member recruitment and engagement, community outreach and service, legislative advocacy and fundraising during the 2022-23 academic year.

The announcement was made this week by the parent organization, National NSSLHA, whose members are studying communication sciences and disorders (CSD), speech-language pathology and audiology at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels at college and universities nationwide.

“We are so proud of the 2022-23 Gold Chapter Honors awardees, and we congratulate them on all they’ve achieved this year,” said NSSLHA Executive Council President Gabrielle Howard.

“Each chapter demonstrated a deep commitment to its members, its community, and the professions, and embodied NSSLHA’s values in the areas of collaboration, diversity, education, integrity, leadership and service,” she said.

Through its annual honors program, NSSLHA recognizes outstanding affiliated chapters that have made significant contributions to CSD programs, the national organization and their local chapters. Chapter Honors are awarded at the bronze, silver and gold levels.

During the 2022-23 academic year, the University's chapter participated in multiple community outreach and legislative activities. The chapter has partnered with the Bjorn This Way Foundation and raised over $1,000 to provide speech-language pathology services to individuals who need them.

As a chapter, they decided to contact the University's parking services about the language used on accessible parking signs.The latest update from the University has stated that the parking signs will be updated to reflect person-first language. The chapter then decided to extend this mission to the City of Scranton in regard to city-owned accessible parking. The chapter has been advised to bring this issue to a city meeting where they will propose the changes.

The chapter has handed out flyers for Stuttering Awareness Day, including tips on communicating with individuals who stutter. The chapter has participated in signing Take Action Letters through NSSLHA to request that Congress permanently cover telehealth services under Medicare after the pandemic public health emergency coverage was over.

“I am incredibly proud of all of our chapter members for all of their hard work and dedication throughout the year. This is our first full year as a chapter and first year eligible to receive chapter honors, so I am elated that we were able to receive Gold Chapter Honors this year!” said Chapter President Megan Knecht.

The University of Scranton NSSLHA Chapter is one of only 93 in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to receive Gold Chapter Honors in 2023.

How have efforts by the NSSLHA Chapter at The University helped on a national level?

Efforts made by the NSSLHA Chapter at The University of Scranton helped National NSSLHA:
● Increase awareness of communication sciences and disorders (CSD) on more than 140 local college campuses and communities across the country as well as through virtual platforms;
● Increase advocacy efforts by sending more than 5,400 letters to state and federal legislators;
● Provide scholarships to students in CSD programs by contributing more than $22,500 to the ASHFoundation’s NSSLHA Scholarship;
● Support CSD-related organizations by donating $60,000 and more than 25,000 hours of chapter members’ time.

About the NSSLHA Chapter at The University of Scranton

The Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) program at The University of Scranton strives to focus on a diverse and open-minded education, moral reflection and teaching for social justice while maintaining rigorous scholarship, teaching, service and community partnerships.

The program is held in Edward R. Leahy Hall, which serves the Panuska College of Professional Studies for undergraduate and post-graduate students preparing for careers in health and education.

The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is the only national student organization for pre-professionals studying communication sciences and disorders (CSD) recognized by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Established in 1972, National NSSLHA is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, and supports nearly 11,000 members and more than 350 chapters at colleges and universities nationwide.

Student Organization Receives National Recognition

The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) Chapter at The University of Scranton is one of only 93 in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to be awarded Gold Chapter Honors for attaining a distinguished level of achievement during the 2022-23 academic year.

University Celebrates Donning of the Stole Ceremony image

Student

May 23, 2023

Nearly 70 members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2023 participated in the Jesuit school’s Donning of the Stole Ceremony. The annual ceremony celebrates and honors the accomplishments of members of its class of 2023 from underrepresented identities who received their undergraduate degrees. The purpose of the ceremony, which was a student-led initiative, was to highlight the students’ success in overcoming the particular barriers and obstacles faced by students from these groups, particularly students of color, in attaining a higher education.

The students honored include outstanding academic and leadership achievement award recipients, future physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, counselors, accountants, business analysts, forensic chemists, nurses and many other highly-successful members of the University’s graduating class.

The ceremony, organized by the student committee members and Jose Sanchez, assistant director of the University’s Cultural Centers, took place on campus May 20 as part of Scranton’s commencement activities and events. Janvee Patel, a health administration major from Scranton, spoke on behalf of the class of 2023. Deniya Thompson, of Scranton’s class of 2020, was the Alumni Speaker and Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the University, provided the opening remarks. Also speaking at the ceremony were Sanchez; Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for mission and ministry; and members of the University’s class of 2023 Omolola Adetola, a journalism and electronic media from Bowie, Maryland; and Ayana McCalla, a sociology major from North Baldwin, New York.

Members of Scranton’s class of 2023 receiving stoles were:

Daymara C. Acevedo, Philadelphia, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Carmen G. Acosta, Bronx, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

Maame E. Addison, Bloomfield, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience;

Omolola G. Adetola, Bowie, Maryland, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and electronic media;

Aditya Agrawal, Old Forge, who earned a Master of Accountancy degree in accounting analytics;

Erika Aguilar, Throop, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history;

Valerie A. Alfaro, Deer Park, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education - English and English;

Melissa D. Almada, Bernardsville, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

Paul Amara, Williamsport, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting;

Gabriel Arcentales, Lyndhurst, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing;

Alice B. Banks, Hazle Township, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

Isabella R. Barberio, Leland, North Carolina, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising/public relations and social media strategies;

Jonathane R. Bernardez, Bronx, New York,w ho earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology;

Ryann E. Betancourt, North Bellmore, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy;

Natanael Casiano-Agosto, Trenton, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology;

Carissa A. Ceballo, Stroudsburg, who earned a Master of Science degree in clinical mental health counseling;

Ying Chen, People's Republic of China, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in human resources studies;

Arielle S. Contrera, Brooklyn, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English;

Miranda A. Deevy, Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and sociology;

Abigail M. Eckenrode, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing;

Jessica M. Escalante, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and history;

Naomie T. Felix, Flanders, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing;

Gianna C. Filiberti, Eastchester, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing;

Romina B. Gamarra, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in counseling and human services;

Gabriel Gomez-Tirado, Bronx, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology;

Gabriela A. Gonzalez, Farmingdale, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international business;

Tika M. Kadariya, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health administration;

Marilena Kumbios, Staten Island, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting;

Kaylee E. Lopez, New York, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing;

Ian J. Lui, Brooklyn, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history;

Christine F. Mack, Rochelle Park, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

Megan Magallanes, Chester, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience;

Erica Jeanne C. Mascardo, Kansas City, Missouri, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Steve Shabu Mathew, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering management;

Ayana McCalla, North Baldwin, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology;

Mei Lin Q. McElhill, Moorestown, New Jersey, who earned a Master of Science degree in clinical mental health counseling;

Ashley Moronta, Hazleton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in forensic chemistry;

Damain D. Morris, East Stroudsburg, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology;

Kimberly J. Murillo, Harrison, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice;

Adeyemi A. Onafowokan, Garfield, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in counseling and human services;

Diya S. Patel, Parsippany, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and criminal justice;

Drashti A. Patel, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Hirali Patel, East Stroudsburg, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and management;

Janvee U. Patel, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health administration;

Jenis A. Patel, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science;

Siddharth A. Patel, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry;

Yashi D. Patel, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

Juna Pokhrel, Taylor, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Skyler A. Pozo, Wayne, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education - citizenship and political science and political science;

Johanna N. Rene, Union, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience;

Ariana L. Rivera, New Haven, Connecticut, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology;

Daniella M. Rodriguez, Franklin Square, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting;

James L. Russo, Franklin Square, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and philosophy;

Vanessa E. Ryan, Wyoming, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

Kasey Samalot, Port Jervis, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy;

Sara T. Serrano, Milford, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising/public relations and social media strategies;

Gaurav A. Shah, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Tanya M. Siberon, North Baldwin, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and counseling and human services;

Gracie F. Silva, Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology;

Danica May Nichole I. Sinson, Floral Park, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and philosophy;

Anaiyah D. Smith, Bethel, Connecticut, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice;

Natalie E. Tiu, Metuchen, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology;

Michael G. Trought, New Rochelle, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology;

Luis A. Vasquez, West Hazleton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in counseling and human services;

Stephanie C. Vasquez, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education - citizenship and history and history;

Andrea Velez, Easton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy;

Ying Wang, York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

University Celebrates Donning of the Stole Ceremony

The University of Scranton held its annual Donning of the Stole Ceremony, honoring members of its class of 2023.

Graduating Class of 2023 Names Teacher of the Year image

Faculty

May 23, 2023

William Lambert, faculty specialist for occupational therapy, was named Teacher of the Year by The University of Scranton’s class of 2023. The award was presented at Class Night on May 19.

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.

Prof. Lambert joined the faculty at Scranton in 2009 and has more than 22 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families in inpatient and community settings. At the University, he teaches the psychosocial-based courses and has conducted ongoing research on current preferred adolescent interests and occupations. He developed the Scranton Adolescent Interest Checklist © as a contemporary assessment tool for use with this population.

Prof. Lambert authored chapters on both children and adolescents in Cara and MacRae’s 2019 textbook “Psychosocial Occupational Therapy: An Evolving Process” and on posttraumatic stress disorder in Weiss, Morgan, and Kinnealey’s “A Practitioners Guide to Clinical Occupational Therapy,” published in 2012. Prof. Lambert was the lead author of the psychosocial chapters in the National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam Review and Study Guide, published in 2019, and the National OTA Certification Exam Review and Study Guide, both edited by Rita P. Fleming-Castaldy. He has presented numerous times at state and national occupational therapy conferences.

Prof. Lambert is on the editorial board of the journal Occupational Therapy in Healthcare. He is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists

Prof. Lambert earned a bachelor’s degree in English and psychology from King’s College, a bachelor’s in occupational therapy from Misericordia University and a master’s in occupational therapy from The University of Scranton.

A recording of the Class Night ceremony can be seen here.

Graduating Class of 2023 Names Teacher of the Year

The University of Scranton’s graduating class of 2023 named Occupational Therapy Faculty Specialist William Lambert as Teacher of the Year.

Outstanding Master’s and Doctoral Graduates Awarded image

Student

May 23, 2023

The University of Scranton recognized outstanding master’s and doctoral degree graduates at its graduate commencement events the weekend of May 19-21, including at the graduate commencement ceremony at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre.

The following graduate students were honored for achievement in their academic area.

Hailey M. Kenyon, Ringoes, New Jersey, received the Doctor of Physical Therapy Outstanding Student Award;

Laura B. Lamb, Oswego, New York, received the Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting Outstanding Student Award;

Thomas P. Simanski, South Abington Township, received the Doctor of Nursing Practice Outstanding Student Award for Nurse Anesthesia;

Khadiga A. AboBakr, Dunmore, received the Outstanding Student Award for Secondary Education;

Abigail Sarah Anderson, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Finance;

Mariah A. Carey, Kingston, received the Outstanding Student Award for Clinical Mental Health Counseling;

Charles M. Csaszar, Hopewell Junction, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting Analytics;

Michelle E. Culley, Park City, Utah, received the Outstanding Student Award for Applied Behavior Analysis;

Kate N. Dalrymple, Berwick, received the Outstanding Student Award for Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling;

Gabriella Ettinger, Scott Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Family Nurse Practitioner;

Mark J. Ferraro, Jessup, received the Outstanding Student Award for Chemistry;

Christopher A. Franko, Falls, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics;

Clarence J. Gallagher, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Software Engineering;

Pamela Gagliardi Giarratano, Mountain Top, received the Outstanding Student Award for General Business Administration;

Nicole E. Halis, Morris Plains, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Human Resources;

Jamie R. Johns, Shavertown, received the Outstanding Student Award for Finance;

Aayush H. Kubavat, Baltimore, Maryland, received the Outstanding Student Award for Health Administration;

Alexander Kudziela, Avenel, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Enterprise Resource Planning;

Matthew Lara, East Stroudsburg, received the Outstanding Student Award for Biochemistry;

Reilly J. Medzadourian, Township Washington, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Special Education;

Kevin R. Merle, Stroudsburg, received the Outstanding Student Award for Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity;

Neel C. Patel, Essex Fells, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Healthcare Management;

Jillian R. Paulus, Dickson City, received the Outstanding Student Award for School Counseling;

Delia M. Pellettiere, Staten Island, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Occupational Therapy;

Christina F. Piscitelli, New City, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Operations Management;

Naushaba Khan Rasha, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics;

Sherlyn E. Smithmyer, Lewisberry, received the Outstanding Student Award for Human Resources Management;

Kimberly A. Stossel, East Stroudsburg, received the Outstanding Student Award for Marketing;

Mary Kate Yatsonsky, Jefferson Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting.

Pictured below, outstanding student award recipients from the Panuska College of Professional Studies include, first row, from left: Khadiga A. AboBakr, Dunmore; Reilly J. Medzadourian, Township Washington, New Jersey; Jillian R. Paulus, Dickson City; Michelle E. Culley, Park City, Utah; Hailey M. Kenyon, Ringoes, New Jersey; and Gabriella Ettinger, Scott Township. Back row: Aayush H. Kubavat, Baltimore, Maryland; Delia M. Pellettiere, Staten Island, New York; Thomas P. Simanski, South Abington Township; Kate N. Dalrymple, Berwick; and Mariah A. Carey, Kingston.

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Outstanding Master’s and Doctoral Graduates Awarded

The University of Scranton recognized outstanding master’s and doctoral degree graduates at its 2023 commencement events.

Outstanding Graduates Recognized at Class Night image

Student

May 23, 2023

The University of Scranton honored 62 members of its undergraduate class of 2023 for academic excellence, service or both at a Class Night ceremony on campus May 19.

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.

Class of 2023 O’Hara Award recipients were: Rosa M. Azzato, Harrisburg, and Cassandra K. Haw, Scranton, for the Panuska College of Professional Studies; Kevin P. Duffy, Springfield, New Jersey, for the Kania School of Management; and Dominic G. Finan, Malvern, for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Also recognized at the ceremony were two recipients of prestigious student Fulbright Awards for the 2023/2024 academic year. Elise P. Westhafer, Reinholds, of the class of 2023, received a Fulbright Open Study/Research Award to Slovenia; and Isaiah J. Livelsberger, Hanover, of the University’s class of 2022, received a Fulbright Open Study/Research Award to Guatemala.

In addition, students were honored for outstanding academic achievement in their fields of study and leadership and service.

The students honored and the awards received are as follows:

Azzato also received the Excellence in Occupational Therapy Award;

Alice B. Banks, Hazle Township, received the Excellence in Finance Award;

Brian W. Bartoli, Duryea, received the Excellence in Economics Award (College of Arts and Sciences);

Darby M. Bennett, Panama City, Florida, received the Excellence in Biology Award;

Emma R. Boyle, Peckville, received the Excellence in Accounting Award;

Teleri R. Broomhead, Lower Gwynedd, received the Excellence in Business Administration Award;

Chutikarn Chantavoralak, Scranton, received the Excellence in Chemistry Award;

Emma R. Coar, Dunmore, received the Excellence in International Studies Award and The Military Science Leadership Award;

Brandon J. DaGrosa, Hazle Township, received the Excellence in Health Administration Award and the Jesuit Community Award for Outstanding Service;

Marykate M. De Notaris, Hershey, received the Excellence in Health Promotion Award;

Thomas G. Del Gaizo, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Operations Management Award;

Olivia N. Diana, Marlboro, New Jersey, received the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Award;

McCae A. Dougher, Scranton, received the Prof. Joseph G. Brunner Award for Excellence in Foreign Languages;

Clara M. Downey, Easthampton, Massachusetts, received the Prof. Timothy H. Scully for Excellence in Political Science Award and the Student Life Award;

Hailey K. Dufour, Wayne, received the Excellence in Health Advocacy Award;

Michael J. Edwards, Wadsworth, Ohio, received the Excellence in Mathematics Award;

Keenaan N. Elias, Bethlehem, received the Excellence in Business Analytics Award;

Molly A. Feustel, Endicott, New York, received the Excellence in Applied Mathematics Award;

Daniel Finning, Rockville Centre, New York, received the Prof. Frank C. Brown Award for Excellence in History;

Emily R. Fleming, Shavertown, received the Excellence in Biochemistry Award;

Julia M. Gavigan, Long Beach, New York, received the Prof. Bernard J. McGurl Award for Excellence in Communication;

Sydney L. Gero, Somerset, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Criminal Justice Award;

Colin P. Gildea, Jupiter, Florida, received the Excellence in Information Technology Award;

Gabriela A. Gonzalez, Farmingdale, New York, received the Excellence in International Business Award;

Jillian E. Haller, Williston Park, New York, received the Lawrence A. Mann Award, ex aequo;

Angela R. Hudock, Sayre, received the J.J. Quinn, S.J., Achievement Award for Demonstration of Excellence in English Studies;

Christopher Ruth Karpiak, Scranton, received the Excellence in Theatre Award;

Alex B. Kovacs, River Vale, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Economics Award;

Kaitlin E. Kremsky, Doylestown, received the Excellence in Kinesiology Award;

Oliver I. Lay, Fairfield, Connecticut, received the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award;

Jack V. Lear, Chester Springs, received the Excellence in Middle Level Teacher Education Award;

Henry J. Lembo, Hackettstown, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Applied Computing Award;

Sarah A. Liskowicz, Wilkes Barre, received the J. Timothy Cannon Award for Excellence in Neuroscience;

Francis J. Lynch, Richboro, received the Dr. A.J. Cawley Award for Excellence in Electrical Engineering;

Thomas J. Meehan, Elmhurst Township, received the Excellence in Computer Science Award;

Ashley Moronta, Hazleton, received the Excellence in Forensic Chemistry Award;

Damain D. Morris, East Stroudsburg, received the Excellence in Physiology Award;

Matthew D. Morris, Bayville, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Chemistry Business Award;

Anne K. Murphy, Flemington, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Counseling and Human Services Award;

Kelly E. Nee, Hopatcong, New Jersey, received the J. Harold Brislin Memorial Award for Excellence in Journalism;

Molly C. Neeson, Pottstown, received the Excellence in Environmental Science Award;

Emma C. Nessel, Randolph, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Psychology Award;

Jennifer L. Noll, Paoli, received the Excellence in Early and Primary Education Award;

Dev U. Patel, Scranton, received the Edward J. Spitzer Scholarship Award;

Hirali Patel, East Stroudsburg, received the Excellence in Management Award and the Lawrence A. Mann Award, ex aequo;

David A. Pennino, Smithtown, New York, received the Mary E. Quinn Award for Excellence in Secondary Education;

Shontae A. Petrie, Brooklyn, New York, received the Excellence in Sociology Award;

Colin S. Pierce, Chatham, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Cybercrime and Homeland Security Award;

Michael Quinnan, Shavertown, received the Excellence in Biomathematics Award;

Maria Rocha, Bound Brook, New Jersey, received the Lawrence Lennon Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement in Psychology;

Muhammad Shaaf Sarwar, Qazalbash Chowk, Pakistan, received the Excellence in Mathematical Sciences Award and the Prof. Joseph P. Harper Award for Excellence in Physics;

Claire K. Sunday, South Abington Township, received the Excellence in Theology and Religious Studies Award;

Zachary J. Turnitza, Cumbola, received the Excellence in Nursing Award;

Joshua S. Vituszynski, Dickson City, received the Prof. Joseph B. Cullather Award for Excellence in English;

Kathleen I. Wallace, Bowie, Maryland, received the Excellence in Philosophy Award and the Alumni Loyalty and Service Award;

Michael J. Walton, Gloucester City, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Marketing Award;

Saige E. Yoder, Reading, received the Excellence in Human Resources Studies Award;

Olivia A. Zehel, Scranton, received the Excellence in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Award. $content.getChild('content').textValue

Outstanding Graduates Recognized at Class Night

University of Scranton class of 2023 graduates were recognized for academic excellence, leadership and service at Class Night.

2023 Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize Winners image

Announcement

May 24, 2023

George Aulisio, Dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize competition.

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

Undergraduate Foundational Winner: Allison Magee, for the project, Genetics in Life Insurance, completed in WRTG 107: Composition for Prof. Dawn D'Aries Zera

Undergraduate Upper-level Winner: Abigail Christine Gillen, for the project, Effectiveness of Yoga on Symptom Management for Persons Living with Breast Cancer, completed in OT 250: Scientific Writing and Information Literacy in OT for Dr. Lisa Kozden

Graduate Winner: E Kerr and Ashley Dugasz, for the project, Occupational Therapy, Medicine and Queer Identity, completed in OT 501: Leadership in OT for Dr. Marlene Morgan

Currently celebrating its 12th year, the prize was inaugurated by the Weinberg Memorial Library 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 Mentions:

Gabriella Greene, for the project, What Is Odinism? How Has It Developed Over Time?, completed in COMM 121X: Mythology in the Media for Dr. Howard Fisher

James William O'Malley IV, for the project, Batteries: Sustainable or Unsustainable?, completed in WRTG 107: Composition for Prof. Dawn D'Aries Zera

Undergraduate Upper-level Honorable Mentions:

Elizabeth D. Behling, for the project, The Effect of Movement Therapy on Symptom Severity in Adults with Parkinson’s Disease: An Evidence Review, completed in OT 350: Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods for Dr. Ann Romanosky

Jessica Tsu, for the project, Efficacy of Functional Electrical Stimulation Versus Virtual Reality in Improving Upper Extremity Function in Patients with Stroke: An Evidence Review, completed in OT 350: Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods for Dr. Deborah Budash

Graduate Honorable Mentions:

Kerri Breznak, Hannah Woodeshick, Jessica Book, and Karllo Pozo, for the project, Virtual Reality for Gait and Balance in Adults with Unilateral Amputation: A Systematic Review, completed in PT 773: Scientific Inquiry III in PT for Dr. Renée Hakim

Kameron Matthews, Taylor Baloga, Matthew Schreck, and Carli Tetla, for the project, Impact of Service on Social Responsibility and Cultural Competency in DPT Students: A Systematic Review, completed in PT 773: Scientific Inquiry III in PT for Dr. Dana Maida

Prize winners were honored at an awards ceremony on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in the Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library.

A special thank you to the judges of this year’s competition: Dr. Ovidiu Cocieru, Kate Cummings, Dr. Roxana Curiel, Dr. Marian Farrell, Dr. Michael Landram, Bonnie Markowski, Dr. Bill Miller, Corinne Nulton, Ian O’Hara, Sylvia Orner, Brian Snapp, Dr. Jong-Hyun Son and Ashley Stampone.

2023 Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize Winners

The winners of the 2023 Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize competition are announced.

University Confers Master’s and Doctoral Degrees image

Student

May 23, 2023

The University of Scranton conferred more than 500 master’s and doctoral degrees at its graduate commencement ceremony on May 21 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 2022, as well as January and May of 2023.

At the ceremony, the University conferred its first doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in accounting degrees to 12 graduates. The University also conferred doctor of nursing practice degrees and doctor of physical therapy degrees, in addition to master’s degrees in various disciplines. Graduates represented 27 states, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia, among others. Students also represented Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia and India. The programs with the most graduates were the master of business administration, master of health administration, master of occupational therapy, master of accountancy and doctor of physical therapy.

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, addressed the graduates at the ceremony, and conferred degrees upon candidates presented by Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies; David Dzurec, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Mark Higgins, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management.

Max Saintvil, Queens Village, New York, who earned his Master of Health Administration degree from Scranton, spoke on behalf of the class of 2023.

Also speaking at the ceremony were Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and Paul DiPietrantonio ’97, president of the University’s Alumni Society. Teresa Conte, Ph.D., associate professor of nursing, provided the Benediction and Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for mission and ministry, provided the Invocation.

An archived recording of the ceremony can be seen here.

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University Confers Master’s and Doctoral Degrees

The University of Scranton conferred more than 500 master’s and doctoral degrees at its graduate commencement ceremony May 21.

Scranton Holds Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony image

Student

May 23, 2023

The University of Scranton conferred more than 850 bachelor’s degrees at its undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21 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 2022, as well as January and May of 2023.

Members of the University’s undergraduate class of 2023 represent 17 states, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Undergraduate majors with the most graduates are nursing, kinesiology, biology, finance, occupational therapy and accounting.

Judee M. Bavaria ’G72, former University of Scranton trustee and retired president emeritus of Presby’s Inspired Life; James M. Murray II, Ph.D. ’90, chief security officer for Snap, Inc., and former director of the United States Secret Service; and James M. Slattery ’86, former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and chief operating officer of North America for Melrose PLC; received honorary degrees from The University of Scranton at the commencement ceremony. Dr. Murray also served as the principal speaker.

“Rest assured that all you’ve experienced and been exposed to in your time here at Scranton will serve you well in years to come. Your immersion in the Jesuit way has not only afforded you increased knowledge, but it’s given you the chance to examine and develop you: the whole person – mind, body and spirit,” said Dr. Murray in his remarks. “Prime amongst the values, virtues and abilities you have honed here at Scranton is a quality that I encourage to redouble your investment in and make top of mind from now on ... and that is your character.”

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, addressed the graduates at the ceremony, and conferred degrees upon candidates presented by Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies; David Dzurec, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Mark Higgins, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management.

Gabrielle Allen ’23, Mickleton, New Jersey, spoke on behalf of the class of 2023. Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, provided the Invocation and Sarah Kenehan, Ph.D. ’02, executive director of the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities, provided the Benediction. Also speaking at the ceremony were Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and Paul DiPietrantonio ’97, president of the University’s Alumni Society.

Members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2023, who were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army at a ceremony yesterday on campus and presented colors to begin the undergraduate commencement ceremony, were: 2nd Lt. Steven Gasperini, distinguished military graduate and an international studies major from Denville, New Jersey; 2nd Lt. Zachary Turnitza, distinguished military graduate and nursing major from Cumbola; 2nd Lt. Thomas Montefour, a political science major from Carbondale (holding Pennsylvania flag); 2nd Lt. Josephine Middleton, distinguished military graduate and a biology major from Sugarloaf; and 2nd Lt. Declan Maurer, distinguished military graduate, an accounting major and member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program from Whitehouse Station, New Jersey.

An archived recording of the ceremony can be seen at this link..

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Scranton Holds Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

The University of Scranton conferred more than 850 bachelor’s degrees at its undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21.

Student

May 19, 2023

Quick Facts: Commencement 2023

Quick facts about The University of Scranton’s class of 2023 commencement.

Sentimental Much, #Royals2023? View a Video of Your Move-in Day Moments. image

Student

May 15, 2023

Sentimental Much, #Royals2023? View a Video of Your Move-in Day Moments.

As #Royals2023 prepare for a weekend of Commencement events hosted in their honor, they can start the flood of emotions by viewing a video created during their Move-In Day in 2019.

Last Call for Student Community Engagement Survey image

Announcement

May 15, 2023

Last Call for Student Community Engagement Survey

Students are invited to take a few minutes to share feedback through a five-minute community survey that features an optional drawing for a chance to win a $25 downtown coffee shop gift card.

Student

May 14, 2023

The Operation and Analytics Department at the Kania School of Management of The University of Scranton recently organized a Python Night event for their business students. The event was aimed at increasing awareness among students of the importance of learning Python programming.

"Python is a critical skill for the job market, innovation and entrepreneurship," said event organizer Dr. Wesam Alramadeen.

"Python's versatility, ease of use and extensive library support make it an indispensable tool for professionals in various industries. Whether it's data analysis, web development or machine learning, Python empowers individuals to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful innovation. Moreover, its vibrant community and vast resources make it an ideal choice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build their ideas into reality," he added.

The event was a fun-filled evening that included entertainment, music, snacks and games to engage students in learning “Python,” a highly sought programming language in the industry. According to student Julia Kopf, the event was both fun and educational.
KSOM students at Python event

The event was a great way for students of all class years and backgrounds to come together and learn about the importance of Python in business. Chaz DellaCorte appreciated the informative quizzes and Yasmin Ramirez enjoyed the event's beginner-level Python competition, workshops and recognition for the participants. Connor Stahl, who had no prior experience with Python, found the event to be a great way for attendees to challenge themselves while using a familiar platform. Overall, Python Night was a great success, offering a valuable learning experience and promoting collaboration among students.

Dr. Alramadeen conducted three workshops in the lead-up to the event to equip teams and interested students with essential programming concepts that can be valuable for their future careers.

"The workshops I conducted on Python provided participants with practical examples of its application in analyzing the stock market. We started by showcasing how Python can be used to gather stock market data, perform data cleaning and preprocessing and extract valuable insights," said Dr. Alramadeen.

"During the workshops, we emphasized the importance of understanding the core concepts of Python programming. We covered topics such as variables, mathematical calculation, functions, if statement and loop. This foundational knowledge enabled participants to grasp the fundamentals of Python and build a solid programming skill set."

The Python Night event was a resounding success, with all teams displaying impressive programming skills. Dr. Alramadeen presented certificates and gifts to the winners of the competition, who were Anthony Mazzaro, Luke Glidewell, Christian Rizzotti, Chaz DellaCorte, Yasmin Ramirez, Augustine Brapoh Jr., James Powell, Thomas Melody, Matthew Hondros, Robert Stefano, David Kelly, and Michael Castellino, as well as our event planners Julia Kopf and Connor Stahl.

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The KSOM School of The University of Scranton is committed to providing its students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the business world. Events such as the inaugural Python Night are an integral part of this effort, and the school plans to organize more of such events in the future, according to Dr. Alramadeen.

"Given the positive response and the value we believe this workshop brings to participants, we have plans to host it annually. Our intention is to make it a recurring event that provides individuals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with Python and its practical applications in the field of stock market analysis," said Dr. Alramadeen.

"We are committed to refining and improving the workshop each year based on participant feedback and evolving industry needs."

According to Dr. Alramadeen, the Python Night event was a great success as it demonstrated the students' enthusiasm for learning programming languages for business success. The event showcased the students' technical skills and their ability to work together in a team, which are essential qualities in the business world.

For business students, Python can be a valuable tool that enhances their skill set and opens up several career paths. Here are a few career paths that often involve practical applications of Python:

Data Analysis and Business Intelligence
Financial Analysis and Quantitative Modeling
Marketing Analytics
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Business Automation and Process Improvement
Entrepreneurship and Startups

KSOM School Hosts Successful Python Night for Business Students

The Operation and Analytics Department at the Kania School of Management of The University of Scranton recently organized an event for business students aimed at increasing awareness of Python programming, a 'critical skill for the job market'.

American Sign Language Students Share Skills in Community image

Announcement

May 14, 2023

American Sign Language Students Share Skills in Community

Students at The University of Scranton put classroom skills to use with the Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Abington Community Library and the Choices for Children Early Intervention program.

Announcement

May 16, 2023

PA Secretary of Aging To Present Master Plan on May 25

Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich '97 will lead a discussion at a statewide kickoff and presentation of the development of the state's 10-Year Master Plan on Aging and Disabilities at the University on May 25 at 1:30 p.m.

Student

May 16, 2023

Three University of Scranton students were selected to join the national Common Home Corps program, offered by the Catholic Climate Covenant in collaboration with Loyola University Chicago and Creighton University. The students will attend a summer training program at Loyola Chicago to learn about Catholic social teaching, the Vatican’s Laudato Si’ Action Platform, climate science and impacts, community organizing and climate advocacy, so that they can then become leaders for ecological conversations in their Catholic Diocesan communities. Participants will receive a stipend throughout the academic year in support of their work as Common Home Corps Leaders.

University of Scranton students selected for Common Home Corps program are: Thomas Elias ’24, a philosophy and theology and religious studies double major from Tunkhannock; Grace Lennox ’26, a political science and philosophy double major from Peckville; and Davida Padi ’25, a social media strategies major from Parsippany, New Jersey.

Elias is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and a recipient of Scranton’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, who is completing his junior year at Scranton. He is pursuing a minor in Arabic and concentrations in Peace and Justice Studies and Catholic Studies. A dean’s list student at Scranton, he is a member of Alpha Sigma Nu (national Jesuit honor society), Sigma Tau (national honor society for English) and Theta Alpha Kappa (national theology and religious studies honor society). He received the University’s O’Hara Award for academic achievement for his freshman year.

Elias will serve as a resident assistant, as president of Students for Healing, Accountability, Reconciliation and Education (SHARE) Club, and as a Slattery Center Student Fellow for the 2023-2024 academic year. He currently serves as a Royal Ambassador tour guide and as an intern for the Admissions Office at the University. He is a member of Christians for the Common Good and hosts a radio show on 99.5 WUSR, among other activities. Most recently, he was vice president of Student Government and a student representative to the University’s Board of Trustees. Last summer, he served as a teaching assistant for the Leadership and Civic Responsibilities course. He has also served as a youth ministry leader for the Diocese of Scranton.

Lennox is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program who is completing her first year at Scranton. A dean’s list student, she is pursuing a minor in history and a concentration in legal studies. She is a member of the University’s mock trial team, the political science club, college democrats and serves as secretary of the philosophy society. She also participated in Scranton’s varsity women’s tennis team and serves on the student athletic advisory committee.

Off-campus, Lennox served as a campaign fellow for Cartwright for Congress and helped to organize the Valley View Tennis Summer Camp.

Padi is on the pre-law track at Scranton and is completing her sophomore year. She is studying abroad this semester through the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) Global Scholars Open Campus program. This semester, she was in Rome, London and Madrid. A dean’s list student at Scranton, Padi has received the Teen Vogue 21 under 21 Award, Truth Initiative Impact Scholarship and the Bill Davis Scholarship. On campus, she is a member of the Advertising Club and Pre-Law Society, and participates in the online publication Her Campus.

Padi currently serves as consultant with MTV Youth Mental Health Action Forum and as a Rare Impact Ambassador for Rare Beauty. In addition, she has served as a communications intern for the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation in Washington, D.C. and as a teaching assistant for the National Student Leadership Conference, also in Washington, D.C.

In April, The University of Scranton announced it has begun an extensive seven-year journey to become designated as a Laudato Si’ University by the Vatican. Inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical letter “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home,” the University will join Catholic and non-Catholic colleges around the world who have committed to develop, implement and evaluate initiatives around seven goals to meet the Pope’s call for integral ecology, that is when science, ethics, spirituality and action are mutually respected and empowered.

Three Students to Become Common Home Corps Leaders

Three University of Scranton students were selected to join the national Common Home Corps program.

Student

May 16, 2023

A little bit of timely, focused mentorship can make a huge difference in a young person’s life, as The University of Scranton’s Meg Cullen-Brown SMART (Scranton Mentors Actively Reaching Teens) program continues to prove year after year.

This year’s SMART program paired 18 University student mentors with 26 student mentees from Scranton and West Scranton high schools for six weeks of knowledge- and character-building sessions. The goal is to help the mentees establish a strong relationship with college students who can model the advantages of performing well in school and attending college, which in turn can lead to a boost in their overall self-confidence.

SMART started in 2012 and was renamed in 2017 in honor of Meg Cullen-Brown, a beloved former University administrator who passed away in 2016. The program’s funding comes via a memorial fund established by her family and friends.

Patricia Vaccaro, director of the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice, came up with the concept for SMART, believing it could greatly benefit high school students with high academic ability whose life circumstances might be inhibiting their future prospects.

Numerous studies have shown that students who forge meaningful relationships with a mentor improve their chances of academic success.

“I’m always looking to develop service programs that both bring community to us and allow us to go out in the community,” Vaccaro said. “With SMART, we thought it would be great to bring to the campus kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to walk onto a college campus. For some of them, college might not even be a goal.”

“We had a very culturally diverse group of mentees this year,” Vaccaro continued. “These are kids who could easily fall through the cracks, so they can really benefit from the program.”

This year marked SMART’s return to the campus after being put on pause by the COVID-19 pandemic. As always, the University student mentors spent weeks training with staff members and graduate students before embarking on the program.

Every Friday for six weeks, the mentors and mentees met on campus and spent several hours engaged in fun, interactive exercises geared around an array of topics, including enhancing communication skills, building healthy relationships, confronting bullies/cyber bullies, overcoming obstacles, and understanding self-worth.

“We focus on the strengths of the kids and try to help them identify their gifts and talents,” Vaccaro said. “We put a lot of emphasis on self-image, which is so crucial given self-esteem among teens is now at an all-time low, especially in the wake of COVID.”

Erin Grell, a student in the University’s Occupational Therapy master’s program, served as graduate assistant and coordinator of SMART this year. As she sees it, the program is mutually beneficial.

“It gives our University students the chance to use their own lived experiences to serve as role models and share and learn from the high school mentees,” Grell said. “Although the program is considered a mentorship program, the mentors and mentees are truly in kinship with one another. Over the course of the program, they guide one another, learn from each other, and lift one another up – it’s a two-way street.”

Janvee Patel, a senior healthcare administration major and business administration minor at the University, was first exposed to SMART as a high school student. Her experience as a mentee was “life-changing,” making the decision to return as a mentor an easy one.

“It made me confident, and most importantly, comfortable with who I am. As soon as I finished the program, I knew that I wanted to become a mentor and hopefully make the same impact on my mentees,” Patel said. “I am so glad I got to have a full-circle moment and experience this program in its entirety and get to know my mentees. All these students are a bright group who have their own set of gifts and talents that will get them to big places in life. I really hope that this program helped them realize the potential they all have.”

“While I knew I would benefit from the mentoring experience by strengthening my interpersonal and leadership skills, it is the unexpected benefits that I reflect on,” added fellow mentor Conor Dougherty, a senior neuroscience and philosophy major. “Because of these students’ willingness to share their opinions and experiences, I gained new perspectives and am more socially conscious of their socio-economic challenges.”

For Vaccaro, the best part of the program is the closing ceremony, which is attended by the students’ families. There, the mentees receive a free Google Chromebook and get to offer testimonials about how much they’ve grown from the experience.

“Just to see how much they change over the six weeks is incredible for me,” Vaccaro said. “I’m just grateful we can offer something like this to the community. Our students get so much out of it, and I really think it makes so much of a difference to the high school students.”

“The program has reminded me of the importance of loving and appreciating others for who they are,” Grell added. “When we are authentically ourselves, we can make the world a better place together.”

Students Complete SMART Mentoring Program

Twenty-six area high school students complete Meg Cullen-Brown SMART mentoring program with University of Scranton student mentors.

Commencement Events Scheduled for Class of 2023 image

Student

May 16, 2023

The University will host numerous events honoring members of its graduating class of 2023 on Friday, May 19, Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21.

Friday evening events include the Panuska College of Professional Studies (PCPS) Outstanding Graduate Awards Ceremony, which will take place at 4 p.m. in the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall. At 5:30 p.m., Kania School of Management will host a reception for their graduates on the 5^th floor of Brennan Hall.

Also on Friday evening, undergraduates will be recognized for academic achievement, leadership and service at Class Night, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center.

On Saturday, May 20, at 9 a.m., the University will conduct a pinning ceremony for nursing graduates in the Byron Recreation Complex. A reception will follow in the lobby of the Long Center. The Donning of the Stole Ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Byron Recreation Complex. A reception immediately follows the ceremony in the lobby of the Long Center. At 12 p.m., the University will hold the Doctor of Physical Therapy Graduation Awards Ceremony in the DeNaples McIlhenny Ballroom. The Class of 2023 Legacy Photo will take place at 2:45 p.m. on the patio area near the Atrium of the Loyola Science Center.

The Baccalaureate Mass begins at 4 p.m. in the Byron Recreation Complex. Graduates will assemble for the Mass in the Long Center at 3:30 p.m. with the procession to the Byron Complex beginning at 3:45 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, ROTC Army cadets will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army during a ceremony in the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall.

Saturday evening, at 8 p.m., the University will host the President’s Reception for Graduates and Parents in the Byron Recreation Complex. Tickets are required to attend this event.

On Sunday, May 21, the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will take place in the Mohegan Sun Arena, Wilkes-Barre, at 11 a.m. Doors will open at 9:45 a.m. James M. Murray II, Ph.D. ’90, chief security officer for Snap, Inc., and former director of the United States Secret Service, will serve as the commencement speaker. Dr. Murray, Judee M. Bavaria ’G72, former University of Scranton trustee and retired president emeritus of Presby’s Inspired Life, and James M. Slattery ’86, former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and chief operating officer of North America for Melrose PLC will receive honorary degrees at the ceremony.

The University will hold its Graduate Commencement Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. in the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Guests attending the events at the Mohegan Sun Arena can review their security procedures, which include a clear bag policy and security checkpoints, to assist with alleviating the time required for entry to the commencement ceremonies. Tickets are not required for the undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies.

The University will live video stream several of the commencement events. For additional information about the University’s 2023 commencement events, including live stream of events, visit scranton.edu/commencement. Post on social media using #Royals2023 for a chance to be featured on the University’s commencement page.

How time flies – just four years ago the Class of 2023 moved onto campus.

Commencement Events Scheduled for Class of 2023

The University of Scranton will host numerous events to celebrate its class of 2023 May 19-21.

Student

May 15, 2023

Students Inducted into National Honor Societies

Hundreds of University of Scranton students were inducted into national honor societies during the 2023 spring semester.

Student

May 15, 2023

Seventy-one University of Scranton students were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the national honor society for students in Jesuit colleges and universities for 2022. 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.

Also at the ceremony, five University community members were given honorary inductions into the honor society. Honorary inductees were: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Christopher Burne ’80, Scranton alumnus and former Judge Advocate General for the U.S. Air Force; Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for mission and ministry; Rev. James F. Duffy, S.J., M.D. ’88, superior for the Scranton Jesuit Community; Bryn Schofield, coordinator of academic affairs, College of Arts and Sciences; and Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology.

In addition, Christian S. Krokus, Ph.D., professor of theology and religious studies at the University, was presented with the Edward Gannon, S.J. Teacher of the Year Award.

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

Emily Amershek;

Rosa Azzato;

Bethany Belkowski;

Madison Borys;

Sarah Boyle;

Evelyn Bruggeman;

Madalyne Buhler;

Stephen Butler;

Lauren Byrne;

Claudia Campo Mirabent;

Emma Coar;

Aidan Corrigan;

Peggy Doolittle;

Victoria Dowling;

Matthew Duffy;

Matthew Earley;

Michael Edwards;

Thomas Elias;

Fione Evans;

Jared Fernandez;

Dominic Finan;

Eva Fine;

Daniel Finning;

Kiera Flannery;

Diana Franceschelli;

Sophia Franz;

Sydney Gero;

Andrew Gordos;

Miranda Hanson;

Cassandra Haw;

Teresa Hegarty;

Angela Hudock;

Elisabeth Johnson;

Kelsey Jopling;

Hailey Kenyon;

Julie Kilmer;

Amanda Kinback;

Hannah Kohrn;

Amanda Lamphere;

Stephanie Lehner;

Julia Loury;

Diana Lozinger;

John Lynott;

Sean MacCallum;

Brett McCartney;

Vanessa Moylan;

Meghan Munkirs;

John Nelson;

Jennifer Noll;

Emily Nowak;

Victoria Peacock;

Hannah Phelan;

Vanessa Pinto;

Michael Quinnan;

Kaitlyn Reimer;

Madelyn Ronan;

Kasey Samalot;

Megan Schurra;

Alexandra Shomali;

Matthew Simms;

Susan Stopper;

Owen Stanczak;

Nicholas Tomassoni;

Shelby Traver;

Noelle Walker;

Grace Washney;

Cayman Webber;

Kyla Weckel;

Nicole Weinstein;

Isabelle Wohlleber;

Elisa Yanni.

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Students Inducted into Jesuit Honor Society

Seventy-one Scranton students were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the national honor society for students in Jesuit colleges and universities.

Student

May 19, 2023

Recent graduate Eva Kurilla '23, a biology major, with a minor in French, recently answered a series of questions regarding her experience with a foreign language as well as the process of learning a language here at the University.

Q. Were you exposed to another language during your childhood?

"I was never really around any other language but English until I was in seventh grade. That was when I started taking French courses."

Q. What guided your interest toward studying French?

"While growing up, I always had the dream of traveling to France, and I thought that French was such a beautiful language. I decided to take French in seventh grade because I wanted to be able to go to France and communicate with the locals. After my first year of learning the language, I knew I wanted to stick with it throughout all of my education."

Q. How has knowing French helped you in your studies? Job? Personal life?

"Learning French has opened many doors of opportunities for me. During high school, I was given the opportunity to travel to France and stay with a French family for a month. I was able to see Alsace, Paris, and the South of France. I have also been blessed with a work study job as a French tutor at the Language Learning Center. Moreover, I have been able to cultivate worldly knowledge about cultures, history and traditions that I never knew about. Studying French has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people and helped open my eyes to different cultures around me."

Q. What career or job are you aiming for?

"I am currently on the pre-vet track and applying to veterinarian school this upcoming cycle. My goal is to become a small animal exotics vet (reptiles, small mammals, fish, and birds)."

Q. What has been your favorite French class? Why?

"One of my favorite language classes here at The University of Scranton was French Conversation. I loved being able to discuss different topics and learn more about the students I have been in French with since I started courses here. I also really enjoyed the course that pertained to Francophone women authors. This course really heightened my reading ability and allowed me to understand more about different Francophone countries and their histories."

Q. What is the best thing about studying a language at the University?

"The best part about studying a language at The University of Scranton -- people in the department. The [ World ] Language Department is the most welcoming group of people, and every one of my classmates were so kind and helpful. The Language Learning Center also offers a variety of extra material that helped me expand my French outside of class as well. My teachers and all the other staff in the department have been so wonderful and helpful."

Q. What is one of your favorite memories from studying French at the University?

"One of my favorite memories from my time as a French minor at The University of Scranton was reading the book "En Compagnie Des Hommes" ["In the Company of Men"] by Véronique Tadjo. I have always been very passionate about the environment, and this book really opened my eyes on issues relating the environment to mankind. Some of the chapters are written from the perspective of a Baobab tree, which lived through years of human destruction. This book was very moving and taught me more about the Ebola outbreak and how it relates to the annihilation of the environment."

Q. What advice do you have for students who are considering studying another language?

"I would confidently tell every student considering languages to take the courses. Through taking a language at the University, a variety of opportunities are offered to you. There are multiple cultural events, Conversation Hours for different languages, job opportunities, and an array of other events."

Q. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

"I enjoy being outside and hiking. I am a believer in getting at least 20 minutes of fresh air each day. I also really enjoy art and music."

Q. Where do you see yourself in ten years?

"In ten years, I see myself working at an exotics clinic and volunteering with large animal exotics, as well. I have always found veterinarian work at zoos to be extremely interesting. I would also like to spend my free time teaching kids about animal science and medicine, to spread the knowledge I have gained throughout studying biology and animal anatomy."

Q. Are you involved in clubs or sports?

"I am the vice president of Pre-vet club, a member of the Health Profession Organizations Club, a member of Alpha Mu Gamma Honors Society and a Royal Ambassador for Admissions."

Student Spotlight: Eva Kurilla

University senior talks about her World Language Department experience at Scranton and the enjoyment of foreign language conversations.

Alpha Sigma Nu Students Name Teacher of the Year image

Faculty

May 15, 2023

Christian S. Krokus, Ph.D., professor of theology/religious studies at The University of Scranton, was named the 2023 Alpha Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year.

The award, formally known as the Gannon Award for Teaching in honor of Edward Gannon, S.J., is the oldest teaching award at the University. Established in 1969 by the University’s chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu, the national honor society for students in Jesuit colleges and universities, the award recognizes outstanding teaching among faculty. Student members of Alpha Sigma Nu select the professor to be honored.

Dr. Krokus has published multiple articles in academic journals, and has presented at more than a dozen conferences. His areas of research interest include Christian-Muslim comparative theology; Islamic mysticism; Salesian, Ignatian and Carmelite Spiritualities; Louis Massignon; Bernard Lonergan, S.J.; and Francis de Sales. His book, “The Theology of Louis Massignon: Islam, Christ, and the Church,” was published by The Catholic University of America Press in 2017.

Dr. Krokus was the featured speaker at the 2019 McNulty Lecture at Niagara University’s Castellani Art Museum, and was among the esteemed presenters at the 2022 Islamic Studies Association, Delhi and the Jesuit Secretariat for Service of Faith in South Asia webinar series to celebrate Human Fraternity Day.

In addition, he coordinates the annual meeting for Jesuits and faculty members at Jesuit universities who work on interreligious dialogue.

Dr. Krokus, who joined the faculty at Scranton in 2009, received the University’s Intersession Research Grant, Diversity Initiatives Grant and Education for Justice Grant. He was also awarded the Carnegie Corporation Grant for Teaching about Islam and Middle Eastern Culture, the Ernest Fortin Memorial Research Grant at Boston College and the Badley Fellowship from Institute of Medieval Philosophy and Theology at Boston College.

Dr. Krokus earned his bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College and his master’s degree, with distinction, and his Ph.D. from Boston College.

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 at the University who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service are eligible for membership.

Alpha Sigma Nu Students Name Teacher of the Year

Student members of the National Jesuit Honor Society named Theology Professor Christian Krokus, Ph.D., the 2023 Teacher of the Year.

$Math Integration Bee Finalists Announced image$

Community

May 11, 2023

Math Integration Bee Finalists Announced

Finalists and winner of The University of Scranton Math Integration Bee high school competition is announced.

Winners of 2023 Brain Bee Competition Announced image

Community

May 11, 2023

Winners of 2023 Brain Bee Competition Announced

The University of Scranton hosted the 21st Annual Northeast PA Brain Bee for high school students sponsored by the Neuroscience Program.

Announcement

May 10, 2023

The University of Scranton String Orchestra To Perform May 12

The free concert will feature pieces by a variety of composers from different eras, including John Corigliano, Samuel Barber, Igor Stravinsky, Edvard Grieg, Erik Satie, Felix Mendelssohn and Claude Debussy.

Faculty Community Engagement Survey Available Now image

Announcement

May 25, 2023

As part of the Annual Report process, faculty is requested to please take a few minutes to share community-based learning (CBL), community-based research or other personal or professional community engagement/service involvements that help to improve our local Northeastern Pennsylvania or broader global community.

The survey can be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/faculty-2023.

Information participants share should pertain to the 2022-2023 academic year.

Why is this year's survey particularly important?

PLEASE NOTE: This year’s survey is particularly important, and slightly longer, because this is the academic year that will be the basis of our application for renewal of the elective Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. This application is due in 2026 but will analyze AY 2022-2023 data and information.

Your response will help the University complete the Carnegie application as well as:

inform and guide community engagement and community-based learning efforts,
improve college-specific and campus-wide tracking and assessment of community engagement activities.

Your response may be used in other University publications, including those that highlight efforts in support of our Strategic Plan.

Those who complete the form between now and June 23 will be entered to win a $100 gift certificate to a downtown Scranton restaurant. The survey will remain open through August 15, 2023.

The survey can be accessed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/faculty-2023.

Please take a few moments to complete the survey and help us track and celebrate community-related activities undertaken by faculty and to prepare for our Carnegie Classification application.

Questions about the survey? Please contact Julie Schumacher Cohen, Assistance Vice President, Community Engagement and Government Affairs and Community Based Learning Board Chair, Debra Fetherman, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Health and Human Performance and CBL Faculty Coordinator or Kathryn Yerkes, Assistant Provost, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness.

Faculty Community Engagement Survey Available Now

This survey will serve as a basis of the University's application for renewal of the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement.

Student Community Survey Features Gift Card Raffle image

Announcement

May 10, 2023

Student Community Survey Features Gift Card Raffle

Students are invited to take a few minutes to share feedback through a five-minute community survey that features an optional drawing for a chance to win a $25 downtown coffee shop gift card.

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Student

May 4, 2023

Expressing Creativity and Celebrating Heritage with Henna

University of Scranton students learned to create richly-colored designs, freehand and with stencils, at a recent 'Henna and Tea' event in celebration of Arab American Heritage Month.

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Announcement

May 5, 2023

The University of Scranton's 37th annual induction ceremony for Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Society, Gamma Chapter of Pennsylvania took place on Friday, May 5. Upsilon Pi Epsilon is the first and only existing International Honor Society in the Computing and Information Disciplines, founded in 1967, and endorsed by the two largest professional organizations in the world, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the IEEE Computer Society (IEEE-CS).

The mission of Upsilon Pi Epsilon is to recognize academic excellence at both the undergraduate and graduate levels in the Computing and Information Disciplines. The University’s Gamma Chapter was founded in 1985 and now numbers over 448 members.

Invited speaker for the event was Dave Grizzanti ’05, G’06, Principal Engineer at The New York Times.

The 2023 inductees include: Luke S. Brunetti, Luke R. Capper, Tyler S. Cichetti, Zachary L. Danchak, Christian Di Troia, James P. Fox, Nicholas J. Guerra, Amanda R. Lamphere, Thomas J. Meehan, Shane N. Novitsky, David F. Reese, Simal Sami, Charles J. Seitz, Francis H. Tholley, Ethan S. Thomas, Ciara R. Trigg and Daniel E. Zych.

UPE Officials include: President – Tim Gallagher ’23, G’24 , Vice-President – David DiCesare ’23, G’24, Secretary – Cuong Nguyen ‘23 , Treasurer – Brian Memmen ’23, G’24 , Directors – Clarence Gallagher ’19, G’23, Morgan McGuire ’23, G’24 , Justin Thomas ’21, G’23.

Induction into the Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Society for the Computing Sciences is offered to eligible students. Persons eligible for election to membership to the Chapter shall not be judged according to race, creed, color, or gender, but must belong to one of the following four categories:

* An undergraduate student must have completed at least 64 semester hours of overall credit, with at least 18 in Computing Sciences courses (which are those courses designated for programs of study offered through the Department of Computing Sciences).

* They must have a minimum GPA of 3.2 both overall and in these Computing Sciences courses.

* A graduate student must have completed at least one half of the graduate degree requirement (15 credits in Software Engineering courses) and must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in those courses.

* All candidates for election to membership shall be reviewed by a Faculty Advisory Committee. Those reported favorably by the Committee shall be proposed for election to a standing committee on eligibility and membership, consisting of current members.

At the induction ceremony May 5, honor society officers are shown from left: Secretary Cuong Nguyen '23, President Timothy Gallagher '23 and Vice President David DiCesare '23.

Simal Sami '23 is inducted by President Timothy Gallagher '23.

Inductees Christian Di Troia '24, Nicholas J. Guerra '24 and Tyler S. Cichetti '24 at the event that took place May 5.

Honor Society for Computing Sciences Inducts 17

Dave Grizzanti ’05, G’06, Principal Engineer at The New York Times, addressed attendees May 5 at The University of Scranton's 37th annual induction ceremony for Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Society, Gamma Chapter of Pennsylvania.

Alumni

May 4, 2023

Recent graduates, Crysta O’Donnell '22 and Carolina Murphy '22 studied a language at The University of Scranton and it has opened many doors for them.

Andorra is a tiny country located between Spain and France, among the southern peaks of the Pyrenees Mountains. This microstate is also the destination of O’Donnell, one of the two ambassadors chosen last year by the Fulbright organization to represent the United States abroad during the 2022-2023 academic year.

“I am really thrilled. I could not believe it when I was informed that I had been awarded the Fulbright,” explains O'Donnell.

She graduated last May with a double major in International Studies and Hispanic Studies and a minor in French. Now, O'Donnell will have the chance to put in motion all the skills she developed at The University of Scranton. Andorrans speak Spanish and French.

“And I’ve been told that I will have to learn Catalan too, the official language of the country,” she added.

Her position is the English Teaching Assistant in the Escola Andorrana, one of the education systems of the small country. Andorra is technically a principality whose Heads of State are the President of France and the Bishop of Urgel, Spain. It has an elected Parliament and Government, though. The country is known for its sky stations and duty-free stores.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said O'Donnell before leaving Scranton.

The other University recipient of the Fulbright grant was Peter Amicucci '22, major in business administration. His destination will be further north in Europe: Finland.

Murphy ended her tenure at The University of Scranton with a bang. Last May at the Class Night ceremony she received the Professor Joseph G. Brunner Award for Excellence in Foreign Languages.

“I am very honored to be receiving this award, and I am excited my hard work over the past four years here at Scranton has paid off! This award gives me the opportunity to represent the department that has supported me during my time here and inspires me to continue my hard work,” said Murphy.

She graduated in May with a double major in finance and Spanish studies and a minor in business leadership.

“I have been passionate about studying Spanish since middle school and am grateful to have pursued it throughout my academic career. I would highly recommend studying a foreign language, it has given me incredible opportunities in learning about a diverse group of cultures, meaningful traditions, and connecting with people I otherwise could not communicate with,” Murphy said. Her 4.0 GPA in Spanish studies demonstrates her passion for the program.

-- Submitted by: Jaime Meilán del Río, Faculty Specialist, Department of World Languages and Cultures

Language Studies Opens Doors for Alumni

Scranton alumni discuss the postgraduate opportunities related to language studies.

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Faculty

May 9, 2023

Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry at The University of Scranton, published a digital primer titled “Spectroscopic and Chemometric Techniques for Pharmaceutical Applications” through the American Chemical Society (ACS), one of the largest scientific societies and the premier home of chemistry professionals with over 155,000 members worldwide. The peer-reviewed and by invitation only ACS primer focuses on providing basic content about various spectroscopic and chemometric tools in pharmaceutical analyses. In collaboration with five professors and scientists from throughout the world, the primer has been purchased by over 300 libraries worldwide to date and is also available for sale to individuals through Google Play.

According to Dr. Dumancas, chemometrics is a highly-specialized discipline that uses statistics and computer applications in analytical chemistry. The primary goal of chemometrics is to utilize various statistical, mathematical and software techniques to develop analytical methods that can interpret data in a more meaningful manner. In pharmaceutical industries, chemometrics is essentially used for quality control of laboratory results, drug development and synthesis, as well as toxicity classification and prediction of drug efficacy to name a few. Utilizing chemometrics reduces time of analysis and minimizes the use of chemicals, thereby providing industries with time and cost-saving resources to optimize results.

The digital primer provides chemists across all levels an overview on important chemometrics topics in just three to four hours.

“A nice introductory overview of the potential of chemometrics for pharmaceutical analysis, which couples a wide overview of the instrumental possibilities and, at the same time, of the possible applications. Good for people who don’t want to struggle much with the theory while focusing on the practical use of the techniques,” as noted by Federico Marini, Ph.D., of the University of Rome La Sapienza in Spain who also served as one of the chemometrician reviewers for the primer.

Dr. Dumancas joined the faculty of The University of Scranton in the spring of 2022 and has then generated 18 peer reviewed publications in high-impact factor journals. Over the course of his academic career, he has won seven international and one U.S. national awards for excellence in research from the American Chemical Society, American Oil Chemists’ Society and the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening. In 2018, he was awarded by the former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte with a Balik Scientist Award as one of the Outstanding Scientists of the Philippines.

In 2022, Dr. Dumancas, received a $1.158 million National Science Foundation funded Noyce Scholars grant to support future science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) high school teachers in high-need school districts.

Dr. Dumancas earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of the Philippines and his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Oklahoma State University.

Professor Publishes Primer on Chemometrics

University of Scranton chemistry faculty member Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., published an American Chemical Society digital primer.

Nearly 200 High School Students Test Physics Skills image

Community

May 8, 2023

Nearly 200 area students participated in The University of Scranton’s annual Hayes Family Science Competition for High School Physics and Engineering Students. The academic competition tested the high school students’ knowledge of physics and engineering through a series of quizzes and hands-on challenges. Students competed individually and in teams.

John Lockwood from Delaware Valley High School came in first place in the individual competition, based on a quiz given to all participants and placement in a Jeopardy game of those with highest quiz scores. Noah Beckish from North Pocono High School came in second place. John Ebert from Berwick High School came in third place.

In the team competition, the Delaware Valley High School team placed first. Members of that team were: John Lockwood, Olivia Bogert, Nixon Kameen, Clint Murray, Jess Rhule, John Rivera and Wil Salus. Steve Rhule was their coach. Wyoming Area High School team two came in second place. Members of the Wyoming Area team were: Nathan Ambrosino, Ben Hollister, Andrew Lucas, Joseph Marranca and Jadan Pepe. David Pizano was their coach. Berwick High School team one placed third. Members of the third-place finishing team were: Gabe Hook, John Ebert, Alysa Lewis, Karly Kile and Luke Peters. Matthew Shrader was their coach.

Throughout the daylong competition, the students participated in teams in a series of hands-on challenges that tested their skills in several areas of physics and engineering, including a Data Analysis Event, Static Equilibrium Event, an All Power Out Event and a Trebuchet Event, for which the students had to predict the landing point of a basketball launched across the gym by medieval catapult.

In the Data Analysis Event, the Delaware Valley High School team won first place. In the event titled, “All Power Out,” Berwick High School team one and Wyoming Area High School team one won first place. The first-place winner in the Static Equilibrium Event was North Pocono High School team two. The first-place winner of the Trebuchet Event was Mid Valley High School team one.

The competition was organized by the University’s Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering to encourage more students to pursue careers in physics and engineering.

Nearly 200 High School Students Test Physics Skills

University hosts its annual Hayes Science Competition for High School Physics and Engineering Students.

Winning Numbers Announced for TikTok Challenge image

Announcement

May 8, 2023

Winning Numbers Announced for TikTok Challenge

Starbucks gift cards are ready for pick up by TikTok challenge winners.

Student

May 5, 2023

Students representing The University of Scranton came in first and second place in the annual Cyber Forensic Student Competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. Utica University hosted the virtual, two-day competition in April, which included evidence discovery, gathering and preservation, investigation and analysis and a formal written report documenting the forensic investigation.

This is the third consecutive year that Scranton students have taken first place in the competition, which included student teams from Boston University, University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Utica University, among other colleges. Sinchul Back, Ph.D., director of cybercrime and cybersecurity for the University’s Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime and assistant professor in the Department of Sociology, Cybersecurity and Sociology, served as the advisor for the teams.

Members of The University of Scranton’s team who placed first in the 2023 competition are: Andrew Cupo, West Orange, New Jersey, a cybercrime and homeland security and criminal justice double major in his sophomore year at Scranton; Bradley W. Rausch Sr., Byram Township, New Jersey, a cybercrime and homeland security major in his junior year at Scranton; and Emilia R. Tobey, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, a criminal justice major in her sophomore year at Scranton.

Members of the Scranton’s team that placed second are: Frank Magistro III, Hawley, a cybercrime and homeland security major in his sophomore year at Scranton; John A. McMonagle, Philadelphia, a cybercrime and homeland security and philosophy double major in his sophomore year at Scranton and Jessica Sommo, Commack, New York, a cybercrime and homeland security major in her first year at Scranton.

The University began offering a bachelor’s degree in cybercrime and homeland security in the fall of 2020 and master’s degree in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity in a fully online format in the fall of 2022.

Students Win First and Second Place in Cyber Forensic Competition

For third consecutive year, University of Scranton students won the national Cyber Forensic Student Competition sponsored by the DOJ.

Student

May 5, 2023

Student Recognized for Volunteer Service

University of Scranton sophomore Taegan Mills earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award Bronze Medal.

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Student

May 5, 2023

By Lydia Grossman ’24, student correspondent

As part of The University of Scranton’s Earth Day events, Nicole Negowetti, managing director of the Plant Based Foods Institute and vice president of Policy and Food Systems at the Plant Based Foods Association, discussed her work with food, climate and culture. Her lecture, titled “The Regeneration Revolution: Working at the Nexus of Food, Climate, and Culture,” included a discussion of her research findings and work done to promote a more sustainable relationship between food production and the climate.

Negowetti began her lecture by describing food as the portal to a relationship with the planet.

“Food connects us to one another, our culture and our mother Earth,” Negowetti said, at the talk that was offered by the University’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities.

Although Negowetti began her talk with positive connotations of food, she quickly went into various environmental concerns and explained how the current food system sits at the heart of the problem. She explained that these problems include climate change, biodiversity loss, shifts in nutrient cycles and land use, saying society’s irresponsible methods within the food system and agricultural production contribute greatly to each issue.

“Each of us is a part of the food system. Food has tremendous potential to improve human health and environmental sustainability, but rather than nourishing our collective health and well-being, food systems are at the heart of social and environmental crisis that we face,” Negowetti said.

After sharing her various forms of research and environmental statistics concerning the current food system, Negowetti explained that the country’s large global footprint has led the Earth into the Anthropocene, which is defined as the period of time during which human activities have impacted the environment enough to constitute a distinct geological change. This era that humans have self-produced led Negowetti to pose the question: “Why are we creating a world in which none of us would choose?”

“The dominant food production system in the U.S can be categorized by large-scale monoculture in which only one plant or animal species is farmed at a time, and there’s heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers. This allows farmers to increase yields in the short term, but the practice depletes soil and nutrients over time, and has led to reduced nutrient content in food, which impairs our health,” Negowetti said.

To decrease harm and better the environment Negowetti encourages a complete transformation of the food system. In her talk, she explained that for society to truly engage in such a transformation, conversations must be regularly held to shed light on current flaws within the food system and within agricultural practices. If everyone does their part, Negowetti believes there is hope for reform.

“By cultivating our spiritual practices, can we discern what’s uniquely ours to do in these times. How we can be of service and how we can act in accordance with our values … it’s important to realize that systems change begins with us,” Negowetti said.

The University of Scranton recently announced, in answer to the call by Pope Francis to “Care for Our Common Home,” the University has begun an intensive seven-year journey to become designated as a Laudato Si’ University by the Vatican.

The Future of Food Analyzed with Nicole Negowetti

Plant-based food executive calls on individuals to change eating habits and take part in reforming the food system.

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Staff

May 3, 2023

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced that Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., has been named Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Scranton, effective May 1, 2023. Dean Rivera had been serving as interim vice president for student life and dean of students at Scranton. She will continue to serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.

“Since joining the University community in 2009, Lauren has made an impact across all areas of student life. Personally, I marvel at the depth of her commitment to cura personalis, always working to ensure the best possible experience for our students,” said Father Marina in the campus announcement about Dean Rivera’s new position. “Lauren has been instrumental in many successful Student Life programs and projects, including Resilient Royals, which supports first-year students in their transition to college, and the Fail Forward Panel, a program started in 2019, in which speakers share stories of resilience and navigating struggle. She has displayed a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice and strives to foster a campus community where students of all identities can thrive.”

The Division of Student Life includes the Center for Career Development, the Center for Student Engagement, the Cultural Centers (Multicultural Center and Jane Kopas Women’s Center), the Center for Health Education and Wellness, the Counseling Center, Student Conduct and Assessment, Student Health Services, Student Government, Residence Life and University Police.

Dean Rivera joined The University of Scranton community in 2009 as director of student conduct and assessment. In 2015, she was named assistant vice president for student formation and campus life (later student life) and dean of students. Under her leadership, the University expanded student support for issues such as wellness, grief, transition and social challenges. The University launched THR1VE, an initiative that supports first-generation students. In 2022, Scranton was named a First-Gen Forward institution. Colleges selected to the First-gen Forward program receive professional development, community-building experiences and have access to research and other resources.

Dean Rivera also supported the development of ROCK (Royals of Color Kickoff) and shepherded the completion of the expanded Multicultural Center. Recently, she announced a reorganization in Student Life, to integrate better the various functions that support student health and wellness and to advance the University’s campus-wide plan for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Dean Rivera is active in student life professional associations. She has presented at national conferences and authored a chapter in the 2019 book “Keep Calm and Call the Students: A Guide to Understanding the Many Faces of the Dean of Students’ Role.”

Dean Rivera earned her bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University and helped to develop a joint-degree program in law and education at Pennsylvania State University, where she earned her master’s of education and juris doctorate degrees.

Vice President for Student Life Named

Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., has been named vice president for student life and dean of students at The University of Scranton.

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Community

May 5, 2023

Schemel Forum Collaborative Lecture Held

An American town populated entirely by Satmar Hasidic Jews discussed at the Schemel Forum and Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute lecture.

14th Festival of Nations Set for May 5 image

Student

May 1, 2023

14th Festival of Nations Set for May 5

The University of Scranton community will unite from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday at Dionne Green and DeNaples Patio in celebration of the ethnic and cultural diversity on campus. Rain location will be Byron Center.

Community Engagement Internships Available for Summer, Fall image

Announcement

May 3, 2023

Community Engagement Internships Available for Summer, Fall

The Office of Community and Government Relations is seeking three summer and fall 2023 interns in the areas of: communications/social media, community-based learning and civic/voter engagement.

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Announcement

May 3, 2023

Places of Worship Multi-Faith Bus Tour May 7 and 13

The 'Scranton's Story, Our Nation's Story' project spring events focusing on the 'Religious Tapestry of Scranton: Past and Present' continue with a pair of bus tours to explore multi-faith places of worship in Scranton.

Student

May 3, 2023

Nearly 100 students mentored by more than 50 faculty members presented 80 projects at The University of Scranton’s Celebration of Student Scholars, held on campus April 26. The annual event, held in the atrium of the Loyola Science Center, provides a forum for students to present their work conducted in collaboration with faculty.

Fields of research presented at the Celebration of Student Scholars included biology, chemistry, counseling and human services, criminal justice, cybersecurity and sociology, English and theatre, health and human performance, history, management, marketing and entrepreneurship, mathematics, occupational therapy, philosophy, physical therapy, physics and engineering, and psychology, among other disciplines.

Poster presentations included:

“Practicing Occupational Therapist Self-Reported Levels of Knowledge About and Confidence Using Population Health Concepts: A Mixed Methods Explanatory Sequential Study” by graduate students Morgan Albro, Cicero, New York; Mary Bunone, Ramsey, New Jersey; Kristine Fusaro, Dix Hills, New York; Sinead Girdusky, Middle Village, New York; Rachel Harrington, Franklin Square, New York; Emma Kiernan, Nanuet, New York; Jocelyn McCauley, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; and Amanda Grace Ruiz, Whippany, New Jersey; with faculty mentor Jennifer Whittaker, adjunct professor, Occupational Therapy Department.

“An Analysis of Remote Working Habits” by undergraduate student Teleri Broomhead, Lower Gwynedd, with faculty mentor Nancy Cummings, faculty specialist, Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department.

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) bot ChatGPT in higher education and cyber-situational crime prevention (Cyber-SCP) strategy” by undergraduate students Andrew Fernandez, Basking Ridge, New Jersey; Zoe Honney, Scranton; and Jessica Sommo, Commack, New York; with faculty mentor Sinchul Back, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminal justice, cybersecurity and sociology.

“Ozone Concentration effect on Serotonin and Dopamine of Camponotus Floridanus” by undergraduate student Francesca Fidaleo, Fairfield, Connecticut, with faculty mentor Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology.

“Computational Investigations of the Electrochemical and Thermochemical Transformations of Pinene” by undergraduate student Devang Patel, Scranton, with faculty mentor Nicholas Sizemore, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry.

“Prevalence of Blood Parasites in Grey Catbirds in relation to gender and season” by undergraduate student Maitree Patel, Scranton, with faculty mentor Robert Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology.

“Toward Developing an Algorithm for Separation of Transmitters of High Frequency Chirp Signals of Opportunity for the Purpose of Ionospheric Sounding” by undergraduate student Simal Sami, Jessup, with faculty mentor Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics and engineering.

“Does Liberal Education Belong in Elementary School” by undergraduate student Emily Sanchez, Bloomfield, New Jersey, with faculty mentor Duane Armitage, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy.

“Using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to generate Hsd17b7-deficient NIH3T3 cells” undergraduate student Sofia Zingone, Randolph, New Jersey, with faculty mentor Ashley Driver, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology.

In addition to course work, initiatives such as the faculty-student research program and summer research fellowships encourage University of Scranton students to participate in research projects with faculty members. Several of the University’s Honors Programs also include a research component, such as the Magis Honors Program in STEM and the Undergraduate Honors Program.

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Student Scholars Celebrated at Scranton

Nearly 100 students presented 80 research projects at The University of Scranton’s Celebration of Student Scholars.

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Announcement

April 26, 2023

Filipino Cultural Food Feast May 2

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, The University of Scranton Students’ Association of the Philippines invites the University community to the event, which will include food, line dancing and karaoke.

Taiwanese Night Market May 4 Celebrates Heritage Month image

Announcement

May 2, 2023

Taiwanese Night Market May 4 Celebrates Heritage Month

Chinese language instructor Lily Chiang offered a presentation on various foods found in Taiwanese night markets recently. A second night market event will take place May 4 as part of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Coeducation 50th Anniversary Closing Program May 8 image

Announcement

May 2, 2023

Coeducation 50th Anniversary Closing Program May 8

University President Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., will be among those sharing remarks at the closing ceremony of “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation” on May 8. Festivities will include an ice cream social.

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Community

May 2, 2023

The University of Scranton was ranked No. 9 in the nation in Fortune’s “Best Online Master’s Degree Programs in Accounting” listing published online April 28. In addition, an accompanying article titled “What can you do with a master’s degree in accounting,” also published by Fortune on April 28, quoted Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of the Accounting Department and director of the Ph.D. program at The University of Scranton.

“To eventually land a role in senior management, you need to be well-versed in technology, and master’s degree programs in accounting are incorporating more analytical components to help prepare future business leaders,” said Dr. Boyle in the Fortune article. “That’s what a master’s of accountancy (MAcc) provides because accounting is really transitioning, and is one of the leading professions on implementing analytics.”

The article noted that Scranton’s online master’s in accountancy program offers specializations in forensic accounting and accounting analytics. Fortune also noted that the field is growing, with “more than 136,400 job openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.”

For the “Best Online Master’s Degree Programs in Accounting” ranking, Fortune assessed the selectivity of the online Master of Accounting programs at the colleges as measured by their students’ average undergraduate GPA and the average number of years of work experience of those students, in addition to also considering the colleges’ first-year retention rate and its graduation rate, which accounted for 75 percent of the overall ranking score. In addition, Fortune looked at the one-year enrollment growth of each program (15 percent) and partnered with Ipsos to survey 2,500 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” (10 percent).

For two consecutive years, Fortune included Scranton among America’s “Best Online MBA Programs,” including in its 2022-2023 listing. Scranton was also ranked at No. 57 in the nation in Fortune’s 2022-2023 listing of the “Best Part-time MBA Programs.”

Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked 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 in its “Best Online Programs” guide. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 72 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.”

Online Accounting Master Degree Ranked 9 in U.S.

The University of Scranton’s Online Master of Accountancy Degree was ranked No. 9 in the nation by Fortune.

Earnings of Teacher Graduates Placed 8 in U.S. image

Student

May 2, 2023

Earnings of Teacher Graduates Placed 8 in U.S.

A national ranking of colleges that have produced the highest-earning early career teachers placed Scranton at No. 8 in the country.

Three Alumni to Receive Honorary Degrees image

Student

May 2, 2023

Judee M. Bavaria ’G72, former University of Scranton trustee and retired president emeritus of Presby’s Inspired Life; James M. Murray II, Ph.D. ’90, chief security officer for Snap, Inc., and former director of the United States Secret Service and James M. Slattery ’86, former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and chief operating officer of North America for Melrose PLC; will receive honorary degrees from The University of Scranton at its undergraduate commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 21. Dr. Murray will also serve as the principal speaker at the ceremony.

Prior to her retirement as president emeritus in 2019, Bavaria served as Presby’s president and CEO since 2005. A not-for-profit, faith-based ministry that provides continuing care and affordable housing to 3,000 economically-disadvantaged senior adults in southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, Presby grew significantly under Bavaria’s leadership. During her tenure, the affordable housing ministry had grown from 12 communities in 1999 to more than 30 in both sponsored and managed sites. She also executed several strategic plans to expand and improve Presby’s continuing care communities to better meet residents’ evolving needs.

Prior to joining Presby, Bavaria was corporate compliance officer and vice president of operations for Lutheran Services Northeast, a multi-site social ministry in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She also served in a variety of leadership roles for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare. She was a frequent presenter at various state and national senior living conferences.

Bavaria served as vice chair for the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging and as chair of Catholic Senior Housing and Healthcare Services in Bethlehem for 12 years, before resigning from the post in 2014. Additionally, she served as co-chair of Leading Age’s Leadership Circle, a member of Leading Age’s Nominating Committee; and a member of the Leading Age PA Board of Directors. As a member of The University of Scranton’s Board of Trustees, Bavaria served as co-vice chair and as chair of its governance committee.

Bavaria was selected from among her state-wide peers as the 2007 Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Homes for the Aging Leader of the Year. She also received the Inspired Service Award in 2019 from the organization Human Good, which is presented annually to those who exceptionally serve people aged 62 and older across the Philadelphia region.

A registered nurse and licensed nursing home administrator, Bavaria earned her bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University and her master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from The University of Scranton. She is a graduate of Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing. She resides in Dunedin, Florida.

At Snap, Inc., Dr. Murray leads the organization’s global security, intelligence, resilience and protective services operations to safeguard their workforce of more than 6,000 people at 45 facilities in 23 countries. Prior to joining Snap, Inc., Dr. Murray served as the 26th director of the United States Secret Service from May, 2019, to September, 2022, where he led more than 8,000 special agents, police officers and mission support personnel in the execution of the Secret Service’s integrated investigative and protective mission. Previously, he served as their assistant director for the Office of Protective Operations and was responsible for coordinating and executing the Secret Service’s global protective mission. From 2016 to 2018, Dr. Murray served as deputy assistant director of the Office of Protective Operations, where he led combined agency efforts for the 2016 presidential campaign, transition and inauguration. He began his Secret Service career in 1995 as a special agent in the New York Field Office, where he would later serve as the Agency’s primary representative on the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force.

In recognition of his distinguished public service, Dr. Murray received the 2021 Alexander Hamilton Award, the highest honor issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and, in 2022, was awarded the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service by President Joseph Biden ’H76.

A native of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Dr. Murray earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from The University of Scranton, where he also completed the Reserve Officer Training Corps program and earned a commission as a U.S. Army Officer. He earned his master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Seton Hall University. Dr. Murray also graduated from the American University Key Executive Leadership Program and the 2016 FBI Leadership in Counterterrorism FVEY Fellowship Program. He serves on the Advisory Board for Seton Hall University’s Police Graduate Studies Program.

A certified public accountant, Slattery is the chief operating officer of North America for Melrose PLC, a London-based company that buys, improves, and sells companies that engage in the manufacture of highly engineered products. Prior to joining Melrose, he was the chief financial officer for McKechnie Aerospace. Previously, Slattery served as chief financial officer for 180s, Struever Bros. Eccles and Rouse and DAP Products, Inc., and as controller for Wassall PLC. He began his career with Coopers and Lybrand.

Slattery earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from The University of Scranton and served as the chair of the University’s President’s Business Council (PBC) Annual Award Dinner in 2013. He and his wife, Betsy, established the University’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities, named in honor of his parents who instilled in him a commitment to Catholic higher education. He resides in Peachtree City, Georgia.

The University’s undergraduate commencement ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on May 21 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.

Three Alumni to Receive Honorary Degrees

The University will bestow honorary degrees upon three alumni at its 2023 undergraduate commencement ceremony May 21.

University To Celebrate 5.06 Day of Giving May 6 image

Alumni

April 27, 2023

University To Celebrate 5.06 Day of Giving May 6

Celebrate Scranton’s ninth annual Day of Giving by supporting your favorite campus cause.

Reminder: Register Today For Reunion 2023 June 9-11 image

Alumni

May 2, 2023

Reminder: Register Today For Reunion 2023 June 9-11

Reconnect with your friends and classmates.

Alumni

May 2, 2023

What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.

Tom Miller, Ph.D. G’67, Lexington, Kentucky, an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine at the University of Kentucky and the Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention & Policy at the University of Connecticut, just saw his 15th book, School Violence and Primary Prevention (2023), published by Springer International Publications. Chapters range from the conceptual to the practical, detailing the many forms of violence, prevention, assessment and treatment. Issues related to key figures involved in addressing violence in our schools—school superintendents, law enforcement, educators, and health care professionals - are discussed.

Nick Camera ’71, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has been appointed as Community Service chairman of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the state of South Carolina. A 1971 ARMY ROTC graduate, he retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel and is still serving veterans as a Past Post Commander and a state officer.

Dennis Size ’76, Port Washington, New York, executive vice-president of the Lighting Design Group in NYC, recently received the 2022 Sports EMMY Award for his Lighting Design of NBC's Broadcast Coverage of Super Bowl LVI at the SOFI Stadium in Los Angeles.

Melinda Ghilardi, Esq. ’80, Dunmore, participated in the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Fourth Annual Federal Practice Institute. Ghilardi moderated a panel of lawyers and a district court judge who analyzed the criminal implications of the hypothetical fact pattern "The Criminal Conundrum."

Hon. Terrence R. Nealon ’81, Scranton, was presented with the Civil Litigation Professional Excellence Award by The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Civil Litigation Section.

Mike Cosgrove ’82, Dunmore, recently served as the 2022 President of the Lackawanna Bar Association, as well as the 2022 President of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Lackawanna County. He is a partner in the law firm of Haggerty, Hinton and Cosgrove, LLP.

Lisa M. Weckbacher, Ph.D. ’91, Thousand Oaks, California, published her first children's picture storybook, "What Is the Shape of My Egg?" the first in a series of books dedicated to nurturing spatial reasoning and the development of basic geometric concepts.

Michael A. Malia ’97, Manasquan, New Jersey, was elevated to name partner in the law firm Peri Stewart Malia, which has offices in Fairfield and Sea Girt, New Jersey, as well as New York.

COL Cristin Kiley Mount ’99, M.D., Lakewood, Washington, is retiring from the U.S. Army after 24 years of service. She will stay in Tacoma, Washington, continuing her practice as an intensivist, and will serve as an ultrasound instructor for the Society of Critical Care Medicine.

Timothy Donahue ’00, Bridgewater, New Jersey, earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Donahue’s dissertation examined how high school assistant principals conceptualize and implement disciplinary practices, and how these practices change over time.

BIRTHS

A daughter, Gal Helena McCann, to Zach and Kerry Madden McCann ’12, Bethlehem

A daughter, Collins Christie, to Jonathan ’14 and Shannon O’Gorman Grueter, Nutley, New Jersey

A daughter, Heidi Lynn, to Sarah Jencarelli ’20 and Ty Frankhouser, Plymouth Meeting

DEATHS

Wallace E. Fletcher ’60, Westport, Massachusetts
William J. Davis ’63, Clarks Green
Michael J. DeVergilius ’65, Old Forge
Joseph J. Barrette, D.M.D. ’66, Dunmore
Fred Sunderman ’67, El Paso, Texas
Mildred M. Petcavage G’71, Wilkes-Barre
John J. Bannon ’74, Waldorf, Maryland
John F. Boland ’77, G’79, Scranton
Janet Colman Brehm G’96, McDonough, Georgia
Joseph P. Voyt ’98, Scranton

FRIENDS' DEATHS

Victor L'Eplattenier, father of Renee L'Eplattenier '95

Tom Tennant, father of Elizabeth Tennant Klein '92 and grandfather of Bridget Klein '23 and Kelly Klein '25

Alumni Class Notes, May 2023

Share your story with your Royal Family.

History Honors Students Present at Regional Conference image

Announcement

May 2, 2023

History Honors Students Present at Regional Conference

University of Scranton students attended and presented papers at the Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Conference of Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society.

University Strategic Plan: A Midpoint Check-in image

General

May 1, 2023

Spring 2023 marks the halfway point of the University Strategic Plan. This five-year plan outlines our shared institutional goals for the Humanities: supporting students as they explore their faith, passion and purpose, advancing the University though innovation, supporting diversity, equity and inclusion and expanding partnerships in our mission.

Regular progress and impact reports at the Strategic Plan website showcase initiatives and outcomes, highlighting the many ways the University community has embraced and continues to support these goals.

We recently chatted with Dr. Michelle Maldonado, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chair of the University Planning Committee and Kate Yerkes, Assistant Provost for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, to discuss what has been accomplished and what is on the horizon.

Q. Kate, in your role you coordinate planning activities across the University, with particular focus on the Strategic Plan. What is a strategic plan? Why do we have one?

"In simplest terms, a strategic plan is a document defining specific goals an organization hopes to achieve over a particular span of time. The plan serves as a framework for decision making and committing to goals that address the most the important issues and needs and ultimately, as a guide for prioritizing our time and resources.

To answer why we have one, it's important to think about what not having one would mean. In the absence of shared goals, we run the risk of different areas of the University moving in very different directions. I'd also be remiss if I did not note that having institutional goals in place, and providing evidence that they are aligned with our mission and being actively pursued, is a requirement for our institutional accreditation with Middle States. So, taken together, strategic planning is a matter of best practice, good business, and of accountability."

Q: How does the strategic plan connect to the University’s Catholic, Jesuit mission?
KY: "Every college and university has a mission, some statement that defines its scope and purpose and who it serves – it’s guiding north star, if you will. This mission is the foundation for strategic goals. We do not want to embrace goals that take us far from that focal point.

Our Catholic, Jesuit mission guided our earliest conversation about the strategic plan, and it permeates it in very concrete ways. To name just a few examples:

1. The Humanities goal objectives relate to the Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities, and exploring connections between the Humanities and Jesuit education.

2. Jesuit ideals frame our approach to supporting students as they understand and pursue their faith, passion, and purpose.

3. Our approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including our commitment to cura personalis, understanding and supporting each individual in their uniqueness.

4. The Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preferences challenge us to better care for our common home and for others, and these are included in the plan’s objectives related to sustainability and service to our broader community."

Q: The Strategic Plan web page includes a lot of information about activities and outcomes. What have been some of the most significant?

Dr. Maldonado: "There have been very significant efforts to address affordability and expand our infrastructure to support student success, such as the new Opening Doors Scholarship and the restructuring of the CTLE (Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence).

The creation of an Office of Student Support and Success mirrors best practices in higher education, where student success is approached in a comprehensive manner. The Office will also have a specialist who focuses on first generation and historically underrepresented students.

In addition, the formation of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) Conference on Student Success and Retention this year, as well as a shared commitment by all AJCU Provosts to focus on student success as a priority, mirrors the work we are doing here at the University."

KY: "There have been so many areas of impact. One that comes immediately to mind is the work we’ve done to build and now collaboratively implement the new, campus-wide plan for diversity, equity and inclusion. The work being done by staff and faculty to better understand the changing needs of our students and to support them within Student Life and other areas amazes me every day."

Q: Dr. Maldonado, as Provost, in addition to your seat on the President’s Cabinet, you are the Chair of the University Planning Committee. As you guide these groups in considering the work left to be done for this current strategic plan, what do you see as our topmost priorities?

MM: "A key priority is integrating the Strategic Plan more explicitly with the Universal Apostolic Preferences. In addition, the University Planning Committee has agreed that we need to be a key voice in championing priorities and initiatives over the next two years."

Q: What are some external trends that you find yourself thinking most about? How can our strategic planning – both the current plan and future ones – help ready us to address those opportunities and challenges?

MM: "Some of the external trends that we need to consider moving forward include: the ways in which AI (artificial intelligence) is reshaping higher education, the exploration of new academic programs that respond to shifting needs in the workplace and among our students, and a prioritized focus on student success and retention. In addition, we need to support innovative pedagogy and research through collaborative initiatives with our faculty. We address some of these elements in our current plan and newer trends will inform our future approach."

KY: "We’ll start ramping up environmental scanning within the UPC (University Planning Committee) and in other areas. Scanning is a process where we intentionally examine issues and trends to be sure we have current data and information and and try to build an understanding of what their impact could be. This analysis is key to making decisions about what needs to be part of the plan."

Q: When will we start putting pen to paper for these future plans?

KY: "Each strategic plan generally follows a five-year span, so the current one is set to conclude in spring 2025. That means that we hope to be ready to launch a new plan in fall 2025, which with the inclusive process we are committed to usually takes at least 18 months to construct. We want to be sure that all faculty, staff, and students have an opportunity to share their views as part of the planning process. The UPC is already beginning to think about the process for the next plan, and members of the campus community can expect to hear much more in spring 2024."

Q: Dr. Maldonado, you are currently co-chairing the University’s Laudato Si' process. Can you speak a bit about how this connects to our strategic plan goals? What can we expect to see in the coming months?

MM: "The Strategic Plan highlights environmental sustainability. Our new Laudato Si’ initiative will build on this emphasis and address how “care for our common home” can impact the University as a whole. This is a seven-year process, and we will be sharing our journey with the University community in the next academic year. "

Q: What would you both most hope that those reading this article understand about the Strategic Plan?

MM: "I hope that members of the University community see themselves in the Strategic Plan. We want this plan to be ours, and by that I mean a plan where each individual member of our community finds a way to connect to and embody an aspect of its vision."

KY: "That they can be involved. For some, the Strategic Plan may feel big and inaccessible – something that other people are working on that may not relate to their day-to-day life as a student or as a member of the faculty or staff. But there are ways big and small to contribute, for example, everyday steps to support inclusion, or to build connections and partnerships to support students and our broader community.

Faculty and staff can be part of their own departmental, divisional and college planning activities, helping to shape and unpack broader strategic goals in ways that are uniquely meaningful for their areas. Others may feel a connection to the spirit of the plan, for example, the advance goal is very much about innovation. Are there ways they can embrace that spirit of innovation?

Students may reflect on their experiences and how they relate to the goals of the plan in terms of what they are seeing in campus programming and services, or, if they don’t, ask why.

Student leaders may consider if there are goals or objectives in the plan they are well positioned to help with, and suggest how they can continue to be a voice for their fellow students in the planning process as we think about our goals for the future."

Check Royal News this fall for updates on projects related to the University’s Strategic Plan.

University Strategic Plan: A Midpoint Check-in

Royal News chats with Dr. Michelle Maldonado, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chair of the University Planning Committee, and Kate Yerkes, Assistant Provost for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, to discuss what has been accomplished so far and what’s on the horizon.

Alumnae Discuss Early Years of Coeducation at Scranton image

Student

May 1, 2023

By Bethany Belkowski ’24, student correspondent

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of co-education at The University of Scranton, the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Committee for the Celebration of 50 years of Co-education sponsored a panel discussion where three of the University’s early female full-time students shared their experiences with the early stages of co-education in the 1970s.

The panelists included Melinda Ghilardi, J.D. ’80, a former trustee at the University who works at Mulaney Law and previously served as the First Assistant Federal Public Defender, Martina A. Martin ’80, who serves as the senior vice president and chief operating officer at United Way of Central Maryland and Karen L. Pennington, Ph.D. ’76, G’83, H’15, a former trustee at the University who previously served as the vice president of student development and campus life at Montclair State University. Also joining the University graduates was Rev. Bernard R. McIlhenny, who served as the dean of admissions during the University’s shift to co-education. Following brief introductions, Susan Poulson, Ph.D., professor of history at the University and moderator for the event, posed questions to the panel.

Audio of the discussion is available as an episode of The Scranton Shorts Podcast on Apple Podcasts.

Dr. Poulson first asked Father McIlhenny to describe the atmosphere at the University preceding the decision to transition to co-education. He explained that in the early 1970s, enrollment numbers were dropping and the atmosphere was tumultuous, protests and demonstrations often breaking out on campus due to the Vietnam War and other activist passions. In a desperate attempt to keep the University’s doors open, the University decided to adhere to a trend of co-education that first arose in the 1960s. As Father McIlhenny explained, this transition took two years to execute after receiving approval in 1970, as dorms needed to be converted for female occupants and majors such as occupational therapy and nursing needed to be added to the University since they appealed to many female students. With this information, Dr. Poulson noted that the decision to transition to co-education was not ideologically based, but rather market-driven, to which Father McIlhenny agreed. With the decision made, 120 women joined the University’s incoming class of 1972.

Dr. Poulson then asked the female panelists how they found the preparations for women on campus. Dr. Pennington responded, mentioning the type of updates made to Fitch Hall, such as partitions between the showers, removal of the urinals, and the addition of washers and dryers on each floor. Dr. Pennington also mentioned the unequal treatment women experienced at the University, including the imposition of a curfew and dress code for female students, the experience of being the only female student in a class, who was often ignored by professors and harassment by male students and teachers who did not agree with the decision to transition to co-education, or who wished to sexualize the female students.

The female panelists were also asked to reflect on their experiences at the University that shaped their lives after college. Atty. Ghilardi responded saying that although being in the minority in a classroom was a strange feeling, the experience taught her how to achieve success: “the way to success was to get noticed, and the way to get noticed was to always be prepared.”

Martin also responded, noting the importance of speaking up during her time at the University. She recalled being pushed by a mentor to approach a successful man in advertising to convince him to teach a class on his work. Not only did she succeed, but she helped him build a business. “If you want something, ask for it,” Martin encouraged the audience.

Martin also recalled being inspired by the head of the Jesuit Honors program, a woman, during her time at the University. She stressed the importance of witnessing someone who looked like her in a position of authority and success. With this role model, Martin felt she could be successful too.

In a final reflection, each of the three women noted that during their time at the University, the Jesuits stressed the principle of Cura Personalis, or care of the whole person. Martin concluded her reflection, asking the audience to consider their privilege and to ask, if they ever witness an individual in the uncomfortable position of the minority, “are we good allies in the ways the Jesuits were to us?”

The audio of the discussion is available as an episode of The Scranton Shorts Podcast on Apple Podcasts.

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Alumnae Discuss Early Years of Coeducation at Scranton

University hosts panel discussion with three women who were full-time students in the 1970s as part of the 50th anniversary of coeducation celebration.

Announcement

May 1, 2023

Honors Thesis Documentary Film Screening May 5

The University of Scranton Honors Program will host a screening of a documentary film "I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me: The Stories of Refugees in Scranton, PA".

Announcement

May 11, 2023

End of the Year Drive: Many Items Welcome.

Donated items will benefit the campus food pantry and several local agencies.

Therese Kurilla is Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award Winner image

Staff

May 1, 2023

Therese Kurilla is Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award Winner

Therese Kurilla receives the Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award for May 2023

Month of Activities Spotlight Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage image

Announcement

April 27, 2023

Activities celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month began at the DeNaples Campus Center May 1 and 2, with a Multicultural Center event, a Filipino Food Feast and a traveling exhibit. A variety of events will continue throughout the remainder of the semester.

On Monday, the Center hosted a tablesit designed to create awareness and educate the University community regarding history, culture and traditions. On Tuesday, the Asian Studies and the Weinberg Memorial Library presented "I Want the Wide American Earth": A Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit and the Scranton Student Association of the Philippines presented karaoke and a Filipino Food Feast in the evening.

The traveling exhibit, an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month poster series offers a journey through time in four first-floor lobbies: Loyola Science Center Atrium, Weinberg Memorial Library, Brennan Hall and Leahy-McGurrin.

Today, a Japanese Conversation Hour will take place at 1:00 p.m. at the Multicultural Center, DeNaples 1st floor where attendees are invited to learn words and practice speaking Japanese.

Upcoming this week:

* Thursday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m., a Taiwanese Night Market, at the Multicultural Center lounge area offers boba tea, Taiwanese snacks and games.

*Friday, May 5 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the United Cultures Organization and the Multicultural Center Presents: The 14th Annual Festival of Nations at the DeNaples Patio and Dionne Green (Rain location: Long Center and Gymnasium. The Festival of Nations event showcases the ethnic and cultural diversity on our campus through informational poster boards, decorations, a sampling of a traditional dishes and interactive activities. Co-sponsored by the Office of Equity & Diversity, the Office of Global Education and the Office of Residence Life.

* Wednesday, May 10 at 6 p.m. an Asian American Film Screening: "Go Back to China" with a conversation hosted by Dr. Shuhua Fan will take place at the Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall 228. Sponsored by the Weinberg Memorial Library.

Month of Activities Spotlight Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage

A film screening, food feast, conversation hour, night market and more add to this month's programming designed to create awareness and educate the University community regarding history, culture and traditions.

May 2023

University Presents Earth Day Essay Contest Awards

Royal News Announces Summer Schedule

Find Tips for Using Your University Desk Phone

Register for June 13 'Kickoff to Summer' Event

Staff Appreciation Ice Cream Social June 7

How have efforts by the NSSLHA Chapter at The University helped on a national level?

About the NSSLHA Chapter at The University of Scranton

Student Organization Receives National Recognition

University Celebrates Donning of the Stole Ceremony

Graduating Class of 2023 Names Teacher of the Year

Outstanding Master’s and Doctoral Graduates Awarded

Outstanding Graduates Recognized at Class Night

2023 Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize Winners

University Confers Master’s and Doctoral Degrees

Scranton Holds Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

Quick Facts: Commencement 2023

Tips for Commencement weekend

Sentimental Much, #Royals2023? View a Video of Your Move-in Day Moments.

How to enter the gift card raffle

Last Call for Student Community Engagement Survey

KSOM School Hosts Successful Python Night for Business Students

American Sign Language Students Share Skills in Community

PA Secretary of Aging To Present Master Plan on May 25

Three Students to Become Common Home Corps Leaders

Students Complete SMART Mentoring Program

Commencement Events Scheduled for Class of 2023

Students Inducted into National Honor Societies

Students Inducted into Jesuit Honor Society

Student Spotlight: Eva Kurilla

Alpha Sigma Nu Students Name Teacher of the Year

Math Integration Bee Finalists Announced

Winners of 2023 Brain Bee Competition Announced

The University of Scranton String Orchestra To Perform May 12

Why is this year's survey particularly important?

Faculty Community Engagement Survey Available Now

How to enter the gift card raffle

Student Community Survey Features Gift Card Raffle

Expressing Creativity and Celebrating Heritage with Henna

Honor Society for Computing Sciences Inducts 17

Language Studies Opens Doors for Alumni

Professor Publishes Primer on Chemometrics

Nearly 200 High School Students Test Physics Skills

Winning Numbers Announced for TikTok Challenge

Students Win First and Second Place in Cyber Forensic Competition

Student Recognized for Volunteer Service

The Future of Food Analyzed with Nicole Negowetti

Vice President for Student Life Named

Schemel Forum Collaborative Lecture Held

14th Festival of Nations Set for May 5

Community Engagement Internships Available for Summer, Fall

Places of Worship Multi-Faith Bus Tour May 7 and 13

Student Scholars Celebrated at Scranton

Filipino Cultural Food Feast May 2

Taiwanese Night Market this week

Taiwanese Night Market May 4 Celebrates Heritage Month

Coeducation 50th Anniversary Closing Program May 8

Online Accounting Master Degree Ranked 9 in U.S.

Earnings of Teacher Graduates Placed 8 in U.S.

Three Alumni to Receive Honorary Degrees

University To Celebrate 5.06 Day of Giving May 6

Reminder: Register Today For Reunion 2023 June 9-11

Alumni Class Notes, May 2023

History Honors Students Present at Regional Conference

University Strategic Plan: A Midpoint Check-in

Alumnae Discuss Early Years of Coeducation at Scranton

Honors Thesis Documentary Film Screening May 5

End of the Year Drive: Many Items Welcome.

Therese Kurilla is Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award Winner

Month of Activities Spotlight Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage