June 2023

The following students were added to The University of Scranton Dean’s List for the fall 2022 semester after publication of the list in January of 2023.

The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence during the 2022 fall semester. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the Panuska College of Professional Studies.

Students added to the fall 2022 Dean’s List are:

Twenty-Three members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2023 graduated from its Undergraduate Honors Program, which is one of the Jesuit university’s programs of excellence. Students in the Honors Program pursue a rigorous education that stresses independent work through close engagement with professors and other honors students, including the preparation, presentation and defense of a research or creative project during their senior year.

The following is a list of the class of 2023 Undergraduate Honors Program graduates, their faculty mentors and their research projects.

Maame E. Addison, Bloomfield, New Jersey, graduated as a neuroscience major. Addison worked with faculty advisor Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Effects of Propylthiouracil (PTU) on the Development of Zebrafish Larvae."

Teleri R. Broomhead, Lower Gwynedd, graduated, summa cum laude, as a business administration major. Broomhead worked with faculty advisor Ann (Nancy) Cummings, faculty specialist, Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship, on a thesis titled "An Analysis of Remote Working Habits."

Conor J. Dougherty, Cape Coral, Florida, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major. Dougherty worked with faculty advisor Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Exploring the Possibility of the Novel Object Recognition Task as a Valid Behavioral Assay Used in Camponotus floridanus." Dougherty was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Astrid P. D’Souza, Elmwood Park, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major. D’Souza worked with faculty advisor Gerard G. Dumancas, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled "Physical and Chemical Characterization of Ugandan Honey and its Comparison to Manuka Honey."

Emily R. Fleming, Shavertown, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry major. Fleming worked with faculty advisor Timothy D. Foley, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled "Selective Oxidation of Thiols on Alpha-Enolase Expand the physiological Significance of Protein Thiol-Based Redox Regulation and Reveal a Reductive Shift Following Postmortem Ischemia."

Nicole A. Freeman, New Tripoli, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major. Freeman worked with faculty advisor Vincent Farallo, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled "The Effect of Thermally Different Habitats on the Metabolism of Plethodon cinereus Salamanders: Can They Stand the Heat?"

Julia M. Gavigan, Long Beach, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a journalism - electronic media major. Gavigan worked with faculty advisor Brian Snee, Ph.D., associate professor of communication and media, on a thesis titled "Measuring the News Literacy of College Students."

Sydney L Gero, Somerset, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a criminal justice major. Gero worked with faculty advisor Sinchul Back, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminal justice, cybersecurity and sociology, on a thesis titled "The Severity and Certainty of Punishment on the Cyberstalking Offense: An Application of Deterrence Theory."

Jena R. Guilfoyle, Yonkers, New York, graduated, cum laude, as a history major. Guilfoyle worked with faculty advisor Robert Shaffern, Ph.D., professor of history, on a thesis titled "Elizabeth Cary: A Conversion Story."

James C. Hornickle, Reading, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology major. Hornickle worked with faculty advisor Timothy D. Foley, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled "Reversible Oxidations of Alpha-Enolase Thiols Show a Reductive Shift Following Postmortem Ischemia and Support the Relevance of Redox Signaling in the Brain." Hornickle was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Kyle B. Hromisin, Dallas, graduated, magna cum laude, as a forensic chemistry major. Hromisin worked with faculty advisor Michael Fennie, Ph.D., associate professor of organic chemistry, on a thesis titled "A Green Analysis of Acid-Catalyzed Aerobic Degradation of Polystyrene Under Mild Photochemical Conditions."

Adelyne R. Ibanez, Easton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major. Ibanez worked with faculty advisor Michael E. Allison, Ph.D., professor of political science, on a thesis titled "Call of Duty: Refugees, National Security & Public Opinion." Ibanez was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Kyra M. Krzywicki, Kingston, graduated, summa cum laude, as a journalism - electronic media and theology and religious studies double major. Krzywicki worked with faculty advisor John Kilker,  assistant professor of communication and media, on a thesis titled "I was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me: The Stories of Refugees in Scranton, Pennsylvania."

Sarah A.  Liskowicz, Wilkes Barre, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience and biomathematics double major. Liskowicz worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Contributions of taurine and GABA to aggression in crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, and zebrafish, Danio rerio." Liskowicz was also the recipient of the University's full tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Anne K. Murphy, Flemington, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a counseling and human services major. Murphy worked with faculty advisor Paul A. Datti, Ph.D., professor of counseling and human services, on a thesis titled "Analyzing Mental Health of Undocumented and Documented Hispanic and Latino/a/x/e College Students."

Emma C. Nessel, Randolph, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology major. Nessel worked with faculty advisor Emily Hopkins, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology, on a thesis titled "Transmission of gender stereotypes from parent to child through play." Nessel was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Veronica I. Romanek, Hampton, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a physics and Spanish studies double major. Romanek worked with faculty advisor Nathaniel A. Frissell, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics and engineering, on a thesis titled "Climatology of ionospheric Variability with MSTID Periods Observed Using Grape v1 HF Doppler Receivers."

Matthew G. Simms, Newtown, graduated, summa cum laude, as an environmental science and philosophy double major. Simms worked with faculty advisor Robert J. Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Meteorological Conditions Associated with Landbird Migratory Stopover in Northeastern Pennsylvania." Simms was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Nathaniel R. Smith, Wilkes Barre, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Smith worked with faculty advisor Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Navigational failures in Camponotus floridanus due to an Antagonist of Serotonin." Smith was also a member of the University's Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Claire K. Sunday, South Abington Township, graduated, summa cum laude, as a theology and religious studies and philosophy double major. Sunday worked with faculty advisor Christopher M. Hauser, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy, on a thesis titled "Free Will: What, Why, and How?" Sunday was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and was the recipient of Scranton’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Julia E. Turnak, Hingham, Massachusetts, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Turnak worked with faculty advisor Cara Krieg, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled "The Effects of Egg Brightness and Female Aggression on Male Parental Investment in House Wrens (Troglodytes aedon)."Turnak was also a member of the University's Magis Honors Program in STEM and its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Katherine A Welby, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology and biology double major. Welby worked with faculty advisor Mary L. Troy, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling and human services, on a thesis titled "Mental Health in NCAA Division III Student-Athletes."

Piper G. Yerkes, Pottstown, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience and biology double major. Yerkes worked with faculty advisor Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled "The Effect of Melatonin on the Locomotion and Circadian Rhythm of Camponotus floridanus."

Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, and Jill A. Warker, associate professor of psychology, serve as co-directors of the Undergraduate Honors Program.

Seven members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2023 graduated from its Magis Honors Program in STEM. The program, which began as a pilot program in the fall of 2017, combines the development of STEM knowledge and research techniques with programing to further the students’ understanding of the impact science has on society. The University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM was officially approved as the University’s fifth honors program in 2019.

The Magis Honors Program offers talented students a more intense, interdisciplinary experience of research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Courses taken over four years at Scranton combine a series of seminars on STEM and society with humanities courses. With guidance by faculty mentors, the students in the program develop, present and defend a thesis based on their individual research projects. In addition, the program requires participation in annual community service projects as well as professional development programs.

The following members of Scranton’s class of 2023 graduated as members of the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Cloe B. Capalongo, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology major. Capalongo worked with faculty mentor Vinny Farallo, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on her thesis project.

Angela R. Hudock, Sayre, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major. Hudock worked with faculty mentor Michael Fennie, Ph.D., associate professor of organic chemistry, on her thesis project. Hudock was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Taylor N. Moglia, Milford, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Moglia worked with faculty mentor Michael Fennie, Ph.D., associate professor of organic chemistry, on her thesis project.

Michael Quinnan, Shavertown, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biomathematics major. Quinnan worked with faculty mentor Murong Xu, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics, on his thesis project. Quinnan was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Danica May Nichole Ibanez Sinson, Floral Park, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and was a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. Sinson worked with faculty mentor Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on her thesis project.

Nathaniel R. Smith, Wilkes-Barre, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major and was a member of the University's Undergraduate Honors Program. Smith worked with faculty mentor Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on his thesis project.

Julia E. Turnak, Hingham, Massachusetts, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and was a member of the University's Undergraduate Honors Program and its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. Turnak worked with faculty mentor Kara Krieg, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on her thesis project.

Janice Voltzow, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Biology Department, serves as the director of the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Sixteen members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2023 graduated from its Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program Business Honors Program, which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in this program undergo four years of honors studies in the areas of economics, entrepreneurship, operations management, accounting, finance, international business, marketing and management, as well as a series of personal development extracurricular activities in the areas of service and career building.

The following is a list of the class of 2023 Business Honors Program graduates and their majors, as well as their faculty mentors and research project.

Christian J. Aldrich, Franklinville, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting and finance double major. Aldrich worked with faculty advisor Richard O'Hara, faculty specialist, Accounting Department, on a thesis titled "Development of the Auditing Field."

Catherine A. Bryceland, Bronxville, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance major. Bryceland worked with faculty advisor John Ruddy, D.P.S., associate professor of economics and finance, on a thesis titled "How Behavioral Finance Affects the East and West Coast."

Victoria A. Cavallaro, Williston, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a marketing and business analytics double major. Cavallaro worked with faculty advisor Mark Higgins, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management, on a thesis titled "Scranton Ignite Program's Social Media Improvement Strategy."

Kevin P. Duffy, Springfield, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Duffy worked with faculty advisor Amanda Marcy, D.B.A., assistant professor of accounting, on a thesis titled "A Study of Technostress in Accounting Professionals."

Matthew J. Earley, Chalfont, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major. Earley worked with faculty advisor Ziqian Song, Ph.D., assistant professor of operations and analytics, on a thesis titled "Exploring the Challenges of Implementing Artifical Intelligence in the Financial Industry: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis." Earley was also a member of the University's Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program and was the recipient of the full tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Andrew J. Faulkner, Randolph, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Faulkner worked with faculty advisor Amanda Marcy, D.B.A., assistant professor of accounting, on a thesis titled "Diamond Foods, INC. Fraud."

Justin M. Galli, Wayne, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Galli worked with faculty advisor David Mahalak, D.Eng., faculty specialist, Operations and Analytics Department, on a thesis titled "Analyzing Potential External Factors that Affect Bankruptcy."

Teresa C. Hegarty, Bryn Mawr, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Hegarty worked with faculty advisor Richard O'Hara, faculty specialist, Accounting Department, on a thesis titled "Enablers in Auditing: How Automated Forecasting Tools Have Affected Auditing Over the Past 20 Years." Hegarty was also a member of the University's Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

Kaitlyn L. Kruszewski, Simsbury, Connecticut, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance major. Kruszewski worked with faculty advisor John Ruddy, D.P.S., associate professor of economics and finance on a thesis titled "Behavioral Finance: Filling the Gaps in Traditional Investment Theory."

Declan B. Maurer, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major. Maurer worked with faculty advisor Richard O'Hara, faculty specialist, Accounting Department, on a thesis titled "The IRS's Use of Data Analytics in Relation to Tax Avoidance."

Annalisa M. Mechanick, Randolph, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Mechanick worked with faculty advisor Amanda Marcy, D.B.A., assistant professor of accounting, on a thesis titled "Study of Business Student Experiences with Imposter Syndrome."

Dev U. Patel, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a business analytics major. Patel worked with faculty advisor Ozgur Isil, Ph.D., associate professor of operations and analytics, on a thesis titled "An Empirical Investigation of Covid-19 Volatility Dynamics on S&P 500 Index."

Daniella M. Savaglio-Rodriguez, Franklin Square, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a accounting major. Savaglio-Rodriguez worked with faculty advisor Douglas Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of the Accounting Department, on a thesis titled "Accounting Professional's Perceptions of the Importance of Various Communication Skills at Different Career Levels."

Jennifer R. Rossiter, Jenkintown, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance major. Rossiter worked with faculty advisor John Ruddy, D.P.S., associate professor of economics and finance, on a thesis titled "Evaluating a Portfolio and Making Investment Decisions." Rossiter was also a member of the University's Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

Jaclyn I. Vincenti, West Caldwell, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a marketing major. Vincenti worked with faculty advisor Abhijit Roy, D.B.A., professor of management, marketing and entrepreneurship, on a thesis titled "Nonprofit Social Media: Increasing Engagement and Event Promotion for Dress for Success Lackawanna." Vincenti was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Thomas A. Yager, Randolph, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Yager worked with faculty advisor Douglas Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of the Accounting Department, on a thesis titled "Homeboy Industries Cousulting Project." Yager was also a member of the University's Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

Aram Balagyozyan, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, serves as director of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program Business Honors Program.

Seventeen members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2023 graduated from its Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program, which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in this highly-selective program explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy and analysis, in addition to field trips to learn from top executives and projects in leadership, service and mentoring.

The following is a list of the class of 2023 Business Leadership Honors Program graduates and their majors:

Owen P. Ascher, Garden City, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting and finance double major.

Emma R. Boyle, Peckville, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major.

Caitlin C. Connallon, Cranston, Rhode Island, graduated, magna cum laude, as a communication and political science double major.

Kevin J. Connor, Taylor, graduated, magna cum laude, as a physiology major.

Thomas J. Csehovics, Fair Lawn, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance major.

Joshua T. DeMarco, Hillsdale, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a business analytics major.

Genna R. Dominguez, Flanders, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance and business analytics double major.

Matthew J. Earley, Chalfont, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major. Earley was also a member of the University's Business Honors Program. Earley was the recipient of the full tuition Presidential Scholarship

Teresa C. Hegarty, Bryn Mawr, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Hegarty was also a member of the University's Business Honors Program

Jillian D. Heier, Mickleton, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major.

Jessica M. Hook, Gouldsboro, graduated, magna cum laude, as a marketing major.

Jordyn S. Lieber, Edison, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a business administration major.

Francis J. Lynch, Richboro, graduated, summa cum laude, as an electrical engineering major.

Aiden P. Messett, Throop, graduated, summa cum laude, as an finance major.

Kayleigh S. Olszewski, Conshohocken, graduated, cum laude, as an accounting major.

Jennifer R. Rossiter, Jenkintown, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance major. Rossiter was also a member of the University's Business Honors Program

Thomas A. Yager, Randolph, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Yager was also a member of the University's Business Honors Program

Robert McKeage, Ph.D., associate professor of management, marketing and entrepreneurship, serves as director of the University’s Business Leadership Honors Program.

Forty-two members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2023 graduated from its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program (SJLA), which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in SJLA pursue a rigorous education designed to develop enhanced writing, oral and critical-thinking skills through specially designed courses in philosophy, theology and literature.

The following is a list of the class of 2023 SJLA Honors Program graduates and their majors.

Emily M. Amershek, New Ringgold, graduated, summa cum laude, as a philosophy major. Amershek was the recipient of the University's full tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Joseph T. Barry, Blue Point, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major.

George D. Burke, Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, graduated as a political science and philosophy double major.

Mary E. Cabassa, Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, graduated, cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Alexander J. Connor, Wayne, graduated, cum laude, as a criminal justice and philosophy double major.

James J. Cook, Toms River, New Jersey, graduated as a physiology major.

Moira C. Courtney, Hamilton, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a kinesiology and philosophy double major.

Amanda M. Danishanko, Wyoming, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology major.

Conor J. Dougherty, Cape Coral, Florida, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major. Dougherty was also a member of the University's Undergraduate Honors Program.

Michael J. Edwards, Wadsworth, Ohio, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematics and philosophy double major. Edwards was the recipient of the University's full tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Dominic G. Finan, Malvern, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major. Finan was the recipient of the University's full tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Timothy A. Gallagher, River Vale, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a computer science and philosophy double major. Gallagher was the recipient of the University's full tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Adam E. Hill, North Middletown, New Jersey, graduated, cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major.

Autumn M. Hirschfield, Southbury, Connecticut, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science, psychology and philosophy triple major.

James C. Hornickle, Reading, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major. Hornickle was also a member of the University's Undergraduate Honors Program.

Adelyne R. Ibanez, Easton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major. Ibanez was also a member of the University's Undergraduate Honors Program.

Elisabeth E. Johnson, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major.

Ashley N. LoFaso, Seaford, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major.

Cole J. Miller, Levittown, graduated, cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Ashley E. Morelli, Malvern, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Molly C. Neeson, Pottstown, graduated, summa cum laude, as an environmental science and philosophy double major.

Emma C. Nessel, Randolph, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology major. Nessel was also a member of the University's Undergraduate Honors Program.

Laura S. Petrera, Butler, New Jersey, graduated as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and philosophy double major.

Jacob H. Rachwal, Bethlehem, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

James L. Russo, Franklin Square, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Madison S. Schmerder, Vestal, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a physiology and philosophy double major.

Phillip Schoch, Allentown, graduated, cum laude, as a journalism - electronic media major.

Matthew G. Simms, Newtown, graduated, summa cum laude, as an environmental science and philosophy double major. Simms was also a member of the University's Undergraduate Honors Program.

Tess Rui Brady Sinclair, Bensalem, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Danica May Nichole Ibanez Sinson, Floral Park, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology major. Sinson was also a member of the University's Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Lauren M. Staub, Harrisburg, graduated, magna cum laude, as a physiology and philosophy double major.

Christopher C. Stiles, Malvern, graduated as a political science and philosophy double major.

Claire K. Sunday, South Abington Township, graduated, summa cum laude, as a theology and religious studies and philosophy double major. Sunday was also a member of the University's Undergraduate Honors Program and was the recipient of the University's full tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Julia E. Turnak, Hingham, Massachusetts, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Turnak was also a member of the University's Magis Honors Program in STEM and the Undergraduate Honors Program.

Jaclyn I. Vincenti, West Caldwell, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a marketing major. Vincenti was also a member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Joshua S. Vituszynski, Dickson City, graduated, summa cum laude, as a English and philosophy double major.

Andrew C. Vizzard, Havertown, graduated, magna cum laude, as a chemistry major.

Connor J. Waite, Ambler, graduated, magna cum laude, as a history and philosophy double major.

Kathleen I. Wallace, Bowie, Maryland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a philosophy and theology and religious studies double major. Wallace was the recipient of the University's full tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Elisa A. Yanni, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major.

Olivia A. Zehel, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and philosophy double major.

Sofia K. Zingone, Randolph, New Jersey, graduated as a physiology and philosophy double major.

Daniel Haggerty, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Philosophy Department, serves as the director of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

University of Scranton class of 2023 graduate Elise Westhafer, Reinholds, and class of 2022 graduate Isaiah Livelsberger, Hanover, have been awarded 2023-2024 Fulbright Student Scholarships, the premier international academic exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. Competitive, merit-based scholarships allow recipients to spend a year conducting research or teaching abroad.

Westhafer received a Fulbright Award to Slovenia where she will conduct research focusing on neurotransmitters in the aging brain at the University of Ljubljana. Livelsberger, received a Fulbright Award to Guatemala where he will study judicial reform in Guatemala by carrying out research at the Rafael Landívar University and at the Association for Research and Social Studies in Guatemala City.

“The Fulbright awards will give both exceptional graduates the ability to pursue research they are passionate about with world-class experts in their fields,” said Kara Kofira Bishop, University of Scranton Fulbright Program adviser. “An ardent researcher, Elise will work with Dr. Nina Vardjan, a member of the medical faculty at the Institute of Pathophysiology at the University of Ljubljana, to study brain metabolism and neuronal function to gain a better understanding of age-related decline. Zealous in pursuit of social justice, Isaiah will work with Professor Byron Morales of the Jesuit-run Rafael Landívar University, and Pablo Hurtado of the Association for Research and Social Studies to analyze how judicial institutions in Guatemala were impacted by the recently-retired International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala.”

According to Bishop, the Fulbright program awards grants based on the recipients’ records of academic achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. This year’s awards continue Scranton’s decades of success with the Fulbright program.  Since 1972, a total of 129 University students have been awarded Fulbrights.

Elise Westhafer

Fulbright Award recipient Elise Westhafer is tremendously enthusiastic and skillfully strategic in her pursuit of finding ways to restore cognitive functions of the brain. Her plan builds a step-by-step guide to enable understanding of the causes and function of the brain in decline in order to achieve her ultimate goal of being able to reverse the process.

Westhafer graduated, summa cum laude, from The University of Scranton in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and a minor in philosophy. As a student, she developed research protocols and wrote successful grant proposals to fund a project with a new animal model at Scranton – the axolotl, an aquatic salamander, which she used to study regeneration of the central nervous system with her faculty mentor Robert Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and director of Scranton’s Neuroscience Program. She was awarded multiple Neuroscience Student Research awards at Scranton and continued to hone her skills as a researcher at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the summer of 2021.

At Scranton, Westhafer was a member of Nu Rho Psi, Phi Sigma Tau and Sigma Xi honor societies. She was also a member of the Society of Bioethics and the Neuroscience Society, where she held the office of treasurer during her senior year. She served as a tutor for the University’s Center for Teaching and Learning excellence for courses in general and organic chemistry, physics and calculus. She was also a member of PILLAR, an innovative new student-faculty partnership program at the University through which Westhafer worked with two faculty members to make diversity and inclusion changes in courses in real-time.

In addition to her high school studies, Westhafer leveraged the flexibility of being homeschooled to take college courses at Penn State Berks – and to travel.

“Instead of asking my parents for presents for my birthday, I asked for trips,” said Westhafer, and her parents gladly obliged. She visited historical parks throughout the United States, in addition to traveling to France, Italy, Ireland, Argentina and Costa Rica.

Westhafer is greatly looking forward to seeing Slovenia – and nearby countries in Europe – for the first time and continuing the next step of her research plan as a Fulbright Student Scholar.

When she returns to the United States, Westhafer will pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience under the Integrated Biomedical Science program at the University of Kentucky and plans to apply to its M.D./Ph.D. program.

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Isaiah Livelsberger

The Jesuit ideal of accompaniment lives within Isaiah Livelsberger.

As his year of service at the Kino Border Initiative continues, he hears daily of atrocities endured by refugees seeking safety and a more dignified future. He sees first-hand the problematic conditions for migrants created by governments, corruption and cartels. He sees their strength, determination, dignity and hope. He sees children who have left what little they had behind to travel hundreds of miles for reasons they do not yet fully comprehend.

He also sees the smiles brought to children’s faces by serving them a simple meal, playing soccer, or just being with them.

It is those moments that keep Livelsberger going, and motivate him to dedicate his life to improving the plight of people living in – or fleeing from – hostile conditions.

“I know I can’t fix the system, but each day, I can help someone and learn from their strength. I can listen to their stories. I can offer some food. I can play with the children,” said Livelsberger who attends to the needs of the 120 migrants under his care daily. “It is a very difficult situation. Emotions run high. It’s humbling to be someone that they can confide in and to help create an environment where they feel comfortable.”

Livelsberger’s next step on his path will be as Fulbright Student Scholar as he tries to better understand the causes of the conditions in Central American countries, and the efficacy of possible solutions. He will focus on the effectiveness of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) in prosecuting those responsible for human rights abuses, and the current judicial system post-CICIG, which ended in 2019.

Through the Fulbright award, Livelsberger will work with Byron Morales, a professor in the Rafael Landívar University’s Department of Juridical and Political Sciences and Pablo Hurtado, who serves at the Association for Research and Social Studies, which specializes in the judicial and CICIG-related investigations. Livelsberger will use existing data, as well as new information gathered from interviews with individuals that he will conduct as part of the project.

Livelsberger was active with social justice causes during his time as a student at The University of Scranton. He founded the “We Care Awareness Campaign,” co-founded “Students Helping Others Create Kinship,” served as co-president for Helping Professional Residential Learning Community, and was vice president of the Social Justice Club. He was also a mentor for the Meg Cullen Brown SMART Mentoring Program, a Royal-Ties mentor to first-year students, an instructor for English as a Second Language (ESL), a member of the United Cultures Organization Club, and was a resident assistant. He was also a Search Retreat group leader and participated in two domestic service trips. He served as an assistant researcher in Expert Witness Testimony for Asylum Seekers, and researched as a high Impact Practice Grant Recipient.

Livelsberger graduated, summa cum laude, from Scranton in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in both international studies and philosophy and minor in Spanish and a concentration in Latin American studies. He received the University’s Excellence in International Studies Award at commencement and participated in the University’s undergraduate Honors Program. He served as the president of the Phi Sigma Tau Honor Society, and the secretary of the Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society. He was also a member of the Pi Alpha Theta and Pi Sigma Alpha honor societies. He was the recipient of the President’s Fellowship for Summer Research, first place winner of Phi Sigma Tau Philosophy paper contest, the winner of the Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prize and a Student Fellow at the Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities. He also participated in the University’s Faculty Student Research Program.

Following his Fulbright year, Livelsberger will continue his social justice and advocacy work by pursuing either a law degree or a Ph.D.

Thanks to the generosity of University of Scranton students – and a colossal initiative led by the Center for Service and Social Justice – thousands of items destined for area landfills now continue to be used by hundreds of local families. The end-of-the-year drive, through which students leaving campus are encouraged to donate rather than discard items they no longer need, collected more than 120 area rugs and more than 75 mirrors, in addition to storage containers, fans, desk lamps, crock pots, pots and pans, dishes, mugs, silverware, kitchen utensils, towels, new bedding, small appliances, canned goods, personal hygiene products, sleeping bags, backpacks, laundry detergent, throw pillows, toys and games, holiday items, curtains/drapes and many, many other items.

Goods donated were collected and sorted by University students under the supervision of the Center for Service and Social Justice staff. Items were then donated to Friends of the Poor Housing Developments (Valley View Housing and Jackson Terrace), Warehouse Home Goods and Clothesline for Men programs; United Neighborhood Centers Angels Attic; the Community Intervention Center and even the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, which took used blankets, sheets and comforters that other agencies could not take.

Among the University students participating in the end-of-the-year drive were: Stephen Butler, Telford; Fanelysse de la Rosa, New York, New York; Brandon Dagrosa, Hazle Township; Victoria Dowling, East Newport, New York; Matthew Duffy, Plainview, New York; Fione Evans, Scranton; Ariana Flores, Springfield, New Jeresey; Erin Fowler, Washington, New Jersey; Patrick George, Endicott, New York; Stefania Gomess, Staten Island, New York; Chris Gutt, Narberth; Zoe Honney, Scranton; Christina Kennedy, Morristown, New Jersey;  Kyle Kennelly, Huntington, New York; Jenna Kotlar, Branchburg, New Jersey; Grace Lloyd, Yardley; Aiden Mackrell, Olyphant; Thomas Marine, Cockeysville, Maryland; Kelly McGovern, Manalapan, New Jersey; Brooke McNabola, Wallingford, Connecticut; Isabella Mesita, Hillsborough, New Jersey; John Molinelli, Westfield, New Jersey; Zachary Morrison, Shamong, New Jersey; Logan Muniz, Ringwood, New Jersey; Julie Rogel, Huntington, New York; Abby Walsh, Scranton; and Isabelle Wohlleber, Hazleton; and end-of-the-year-drive team leaders Abby Casal, South Abington Township, and Maria Manno, Blue Bell.

The drive, already in its 34^th year at Scranton, is among the sustainability initiatives recommended for schools to undertake as part of the seven-year process to be designated by the Vatican as a Laudato Si’ University. The University of Scranton began its journey for Laudato Si’ recognition this academic year.

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Setting the stage for the end-of-the-year drive collection involved lots of boxes, some paint and a little creative messaging. Collecting and sorting the thousands of donated items involved more than 20 volunteers and University staff members.

The University of Scranton and Seton Hall University School of Law have signed a direct admissions agreement that will allow Scranton students who meet program requirements to be eligible for admission to the prestigious law school after just three years at Scranton. The agreement will take effect beginning with the 2023-2024 academic year.

The agreement, commonly referred to as a “3-3 program,” will allow Scranton students to earn a bachelor’s degree from Scranton and a juris doctor (J.D.) degree, or a master of legal studies (M.L.S.) degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in six, rather than seven years. After completion of their junior year at Scranton, the agreement allows eligible J.D. students to earn up to 30 credits – and M.L.S. students to earn up to 18 credits – for their bachelor’s degree requirements, during the first year at Seton Hall Law. Approved first-year law courses would count toward both the student’s law degree and his or her bachelor’s degree at Scranton.

To be eligible for the 3-3 J.D. direct admission program with Seton Hall Law, students must have completed three years of coursework and have earned a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.63 at the time of matriculation to law school and have scored at or above 161 on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), in addition to meeting other required recommendations, character and fitness requirements, and remaining in good academic and discipline standing through matriculation at Scranton.

To be eligible for the 3-3 M.L.S. direct admission program with Seton Hall Law, students must have completed three and one-half years of coursework and have earned a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 at the time of matriculation to law school, in addition to meeting other character and fitness requirements, while remaining in good academic and discipline standing through matriculation at Scranton.

Scranton has a Pre-Law Advisory Program that helps students navigate the law school application process throughout their undergraduate years. The program also offers assistance to Scranton alumni who wish to apply to law school. The University offers a concentration in legal studies. Scranton also has 3-3 program agreements with Boston College Law School, Duquesne University School of Law, Penn State Law and Villanova School of Law.

In the past four years, more than 130 Scranton graduates have received acceptance into more than 50 law schools throughout the United States, including to some of the country’s most prestigious law schools.

For more information, visit Scranton’s pre-law webpage, or contact Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., pre-law advisor and professor of philosophy at The University of Scranton, at 570-941-5814 or matthew.meyer@scranton.edu.

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Eleven members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2023 were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army during a ceremony held in the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall on campus on May 20. Six of the graduates earned Distinguished Military Graduate status by the U.S. Army, which designates placement in the top 20 percent of Army ROTC graduates in the nation for this academic year.

The University of Scranton ROTC graduates who were commissioned at the ceremony are:

2^nd Lt. Emma R. Coar of Dunmore, Distinguished Military Graduate, who placed in the top 10 cadets in the nation, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international studies;

2^nd Lt. Steven D. Gasperini of Denville, New Jersey, Distinguished Military Graduate, who placed in the top 10 percent of cadets in the nation, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international studies;

2^nd Lt. Rachel K. Gerzabek of East Hampton, Connecticut, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and criminal justice;

2^nd Lt. Adelyne R. Ibanez of Easton, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and philosophy;

2^nd Lt. Sarah G. Kern of Monroe, New York, Distinguished Military Graduate, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing;

2^nd Lt. Julie R. Kilmer of Rockville, Maryland, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice;

2^nd Lt. Henry J. Lembo II of Hackettstown, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in applied computing;

2^nd Lt. Declan B. Maurer of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, Distinguished Military Graduate, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting as a member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program;

2^nd Lt. Josephine C. Middleton of Sugarloaf, Distinguished Military Graduate, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

2^nd Lt. Thomas A. Montefour of Carbondale, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science;

2^nd Lt. Zachary J. Turnitza of Cumbola, Distinguished Military Graduate, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

Members of The University of Scranton’s ROTC class of 2023, presented colors to begin the undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21. The graduates who presented colors at commencement were 2nd Lt. Steven Gasperini; 2nd Lt. Zachary Turnitza, 2nd Lt. Thomas Montefour, 2nd Lt. Josephine Middleton and 2^nd Lt. Declan B. Maurer.

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Karla Shaffer, Class or 2024 at The University of Scranton, is one of 175 college students recognized for their nonpartisan democratic engagement work in 2022.

The University of Scranton and the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) announced that Shaffer, political science major with an environmental studies concentration, has been recognized as part of the 2023 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll, which awards college students doing outstanding work to advance nonpartisan democratic engagement at participating campuses.

Shaffer, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, joins a group of 175 students recognized for their voter registration, education and turnout efforts ahead of last year’s historic midterm elections. The 2022 midterm elections experienced one of the highest youth turnout rates for a midterm election in the past 40 years — an estimated 23 percent of young people ages 18 to 29 turned out to vote.

"Through our Royal Votes program and strong collaboration with Student Government, as well as the Office of Community and Government Relations and the Center for Ethics and Public Policy (CEEPS), The University of Scranton has made great strides in student voter engagement," said Julie Schumacher Cohen, AVP Community Engagement and Government Affairs for the University.

"Shaffer has been at the forefront of those efforts and is a leader on campus in various ways, including being elected herself to serve as Student Government president for the 2023-2024 academic year. We are grateful to Karla for her commitment and leadership."

With the support of the ALL IN staff, campuses that join the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge complete a set of action items to institutionalize nonpartisan civic learning, political engagement and voter participation on their campus.

“This year’s honorees played a crucial part in registering and empowering student voters ahead of last year’s midterm elections, resulting in historic turnout among young voters. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge is honored to celebrate hundreds of student leaders encouraging nonpartisan democratic engagement across the country,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, Executive Director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.

“These students organized voter registration drives, coordinated campus-wide voter engagement resources and brought polling locations to their campuses. We are excited to watch these students continue to change the world.”

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge currently engages more than 9.8 million students from more than 965 institutions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Campuses can join ALL IN at this link.