July 2023

By: Robert Correas-Rivera ’24, student correspondent

Brooke McNabola '24, a kinesiology major from Wallingford, Connecticut and Ella Rokke '24, a nursing major from West Chester, Pennsylvania were among the leaders of the SPARK program, which is designed to support at-risk youth between the ages of 12-15. The program is held over the course of one week at The University of Scranton Chapman Lake Retreat Center. Sponsors include: The Scranton Area Foundation and The Women in Philanthropy initiative.

Here, they leaders discuss their experiences.

What are the goals of the SPARK program?

Brooke: "The goal of SPARK is for children who participate to feel welcomed, loved, and heard no matter what their situations are. The children who participate in the program are an at risk youth population who often deal with hardships including poverty, hard home lives, or discrimination due to their ethnicity. Our team of 10 University of Scranton students and 8 Scranton Preparatory students work together to create activities to ensure the children gain knowledge about self-love, self-worth, inner and outer image, bullying and peer pressure and healthy lifestyle while having fun."

Ella: "Father Greg Boyle once said, 'My job isn't to fix or rescue or to save. It's to accompany, see people, listen to them.' To me, this quote captures the entire goal of the SPARK program, to be one with each of these kids, to see them for who they are, to listen to them, to help them develop the tools necessary for young adulthood and to remind them of how worthy of love each one of them is."

Who took part in the SPARK program?

Brooke: "The population that we work with is 12-15 year olds who are at-risk youth. Specifically, we work with the 7th and 8th grade of the Nativity Miguel school.  This school is a yearlong education, so the week of SPARK is typically their summer vacation."

Ella: "This year, I and my co-team leader, Brooke McNabola, and our aide, Laura Echausse, were lucky enough to be a part of the SPARK program once again. Led by Avianna Carilli (coordinator of domestic and international service programs at The University of Scranton), Pat Vaccaro (director of the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice) and Kathy Elgaway (campus minister at Scranton Preparatory School), we welcomed 46 kids, ages 12 to 15. Brooke and I led our ten peers through a similar process that we went experienced as team members last year. The team this year consisted of: Aidan Guarnuccio, Chris Gutt, Gigi Baquerizo, Kathleen Appau, Shervin Mohktari, Zachary Morrison, Abby Casal, Sophia Pisarski, Olivia Miller, and Patrick George. We also had three volunteers, Francesca Congelosi, Liam Holden and Quinn Holden. Alongside our University team, we were lucky to partner with eight Scranton Prep students, Aidan Busacco, Shel-Andra Dunkley, Jack Krowiak, Michael Lloyd, Tyler Mackrell, Elijah Normil, Isaiah Persico and Gavin Walsh. 

What do you think is the community impact of running a program like this?

Brooke: "The community impact that this program has is enormous. At the beginning of the week, the kids participating do not want to open up, have a hard time talking in activities and never want to admit that they are having fun. However, as the week goes on, their attitudes towards SPARK change remarkably. On Friday, many of the kids tell their team leaders how much their lives have been changed, how they never want to leave and that they want to come back to SPARK every year. The community that is created between the SPARK team and kids as well as The University of Scranton and Scranton Preparatory school is extraordinary."

Ella: "SPARK focuses on important and influential topics such as self-worth, healthy communication and lifestyle, inner and outer image, managing stress and mental health and bullying. Forty-six children left SPARK impacted by what they learned and who they met. This is where the community impact stems from, their newfound confidence to set forth into their home lives, school lives and eventually the world, with new tools to handle adversity. They learn that they are not defined by their circumstances, and leave empowered to share themselves and their gifts with the world, regardless of their current circumstances.
On the other side, teaching these topics also serves as a continued reminder to ourselves that we, too, have gifts worth sharing, that we can grow through giving to others and that we are not defined by our individual circumstances. Through loving these kids unconditionally, we at The University of Scranton and Scranton Prep feel that unconditional love right back, and are able to give it to the community. 

What was your favorite part of the week?

Brooke: "My favorite part of the week happened on Wednesday, which is the middle of the week for the kids. On Wednesday, the kids go whitewater rafting. To the majority of the kids, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They are all so grateful for this experience, and getting to watch the pure joy on their face was life changing."

Ella: "It is hard to pinpoint a favorite part of such an incredible week, but watching the team create bonds with the kids so quickly and effortlessly provided me with such genuine joy and pride."

How does this program connect to the university's Jesuit ideals?

Brooke: "This program connects with the Jesuit ideal of Magis. Magis is doing more for others. Throughout this week, our team does everything in their power to do more, be more, and want more for the kids that come to SPARK.  We want the absolute best for each one of these kids and if we are able to give them an extra ounce of our attention, support, and most importantly love, we do that with no questions asked."

Ella: "Jesuit founder St. Ignatius Loyola once said, 'Go forth and set the world on fire.' In many ways, the SPARK program prepares children and leaders, alike, to do just that. With a SPARK lit in each of them, they leave the week ready to set the world on fire with passion, zeal, and love.
Cura personalis, or “care for the person," is greatly reflected in the mission of the SPARK program. Cura personalis encourages care, concern and attentiveness to the personal development of each individual. SPARK fosters an environment dedicated to promoting respect, love, and care for the whole person.
Lastly, Magis, the idea of doing more for the greater good of God, and therefore, also doing more for others. Magis encourages us to strive for more, to live in a spirit of giving and standing with and for those around us. This is what the SPARK program is all about, to do more, be more, to love more, for the greater good." 


Brooke McNabola '24, shown at left, a kinesiology major from Wallingford, Connecticut and Ella Rokke '24, at right, a nursing major from West Chester, Pennsylvania were among the leaders of the SPARK program, which is designed to support at-risk youth between the ages of 12-15.

By: Robert Correas-Rivera ’24, student correspondent

Amelia Semple ’25 is an Archivist Intern for the Northport Historical Society. She is a part of The University of Scranton's Royal Experience Internship Program.

Semple lives on Long Island in Northport, New York. The rising junior is pursuing an English major and communications minor. She is in the Honors Program, a member of the English Honor Society on campus, and is involved with HerCampus and the LIVA Arts Company.

Describe a typical day at work. 

"I usually start my day at the Historical Society at 11:30 a.m., four days out of the week, and some weekends to help with events. I assess items, which means I catalog people’s donations into the online system. Taking photos and cataloging the items take up a most of my day. I also help with maintenance around the museum and have worked on mailings and some exhibit maintenance. "

What is the time frame for your internship?

"I officially started work at my internship at the end of May and I hope to finish midway through August."

What are some skills you have learned? 

"The most important skill I learned was organization."

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

"I am doing what I love while having an influence on how information is viewed. I get a sense of pride whenever I am assessing an item. I realize that I never want this feeling to end. That’s why I want to go into the field."

Does the job match your expectations? 

"The level of responsibility I have been given is something that I am very grateful for since I am just starting out."

University of Scranton’s Nu Kappa chapter of the Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor society for financial information students and professionals, achieved Superior Chapter status for the 2022-2023 academic year. This is the top chapter achievement level recognized by the international organization. The chapter also achieved Distinguished Chapter status for the 2021-2022 academic year. The chapter began at Scranton in 2015.

The University’s 2022-2023 Beta Alpha Psi Nu Kappa chapter officers were: Aidan Cagner ’23, ’G23, Rockville Centre, president; Brett McCartney, Downingtown, vice president and treasurer; Kevin Duffy ’23, Springfield, New Jersey, secretary; and Kaleigh Timmons, Bergenfield, New Jersey, social engagement director.

Scranton’s 2021-2022 Beta Alpha Psi Nu Kappa chapter officers were: Emma Boyle ’23, Peckville, president; Jared Septer ’22, Langhorne, vice president; Jake Gallagher ’22, Mahwah, New Jersey, treasurer; Cagner ’23, ’G23, secretary; and Mary Kate Yatsonsky ’22, ’G23, Jefferson Township, social engagement director.

“When I took on the role as Beta Alpha Psi faculty advisor in 2015, I never realized how rewarding the experience would be. I am so proud to have been able to guide the chapter through its growth and evolution. We could not have achieved these recognitions had it not been for the commitment of the student officers and the membership,” said Amanda Marcy, ’10, G’11, DBA ’21, assistant professor of accounting.

To receive an award status, chapters and their members must go above and beyond minimum chapter requirements with regard to professional, service, and outreach activities. The members participate in a variety of professional activities, including professional panels and information sessions, internship panels, certification information sessions, career readiness sessions, skill-building workshops, CPA and CMA mock exams and industry site visits. Chapter service activities include holiday card donations, children’s book and supply drives, and community clean-up events. In assisting the accounting department, members also participate in outreach activities, including open houses, high school student information sessions, Path to Business Excellence, and undecided student information and networking events.

Student members also have the opportunity to attend and present at the Beta Alpha Psi Mid-Year and Annual meetings, allowing them to network with Beta Alpha Psi members and professionals from across the globe. The University’s Nu Kappa chapter was selected to host the 2023 Beta Alpha Psi Mid-Year Meeting, which took place in March in Pittsburgh. In this capacity, members helped to plan, coordinate, and run event sessions and activities.

“This achievement reflects not only the commitment of our chapter officers and members, but also the continued support of our faculty, alumni, and professional partners who volunteer their time and professional expertise to provide opportunities to our students,” said Dr. Marcy.

Alumni or professional partners interested in volunteering or sponsoring a Beta Alpha Psi event or activity can contact Dr. Marcy at amanda.marcy@scranton.edu.

Beta Alpha Psi is an international honors organization for financial information students and professionals with over 300 chapters on AACSB accredited college and university campuses with more than 300,000 initiated members. The organization recognizes academic excellence in accounting, finance and business analytics, and complements members’ formal education by providing interaction among students, faculty and professionals. Members must achieve a personal record of superior scholarship in their academic endeavors and demonstrate active engagement in all chapter activities. Members in good standing at the completion of their senior year receive honors cords and pins upon graduation.

Nine members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2023 have committed to post-graduation long-term service projects with nonprofit organizations and underserved populations. Their service begins this summer at programs run by the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and other organizations.

The following is a list of members of the University’s class of 2023 who committed to long-term service projects and their places of service.

Joseph T. Barry, Blue Point, New York, will serve in education in Portland, Oregon, as part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in both political science and philosophy. Barry was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Kaitlyn E. Franceschelli, Spring Brook Township, will serve at Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, California, with the Sisters of St. Joseph. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in communication.

Elisabeth E. Johnson, Scranton, will serve in community education in Spokane, Washington, as part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in both political science and philosophy. Johnson was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Sarah A. Liskowicz, Wilkes-Barre, will serve as a case manager at the Alcott Center for Mental Health as part of the St. Joseph Worker Program in Los Angeles, California. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in both neuroscience and biomathematics. A recipient of the University’s Presidential Scholarship, Liskowicz received the J. Timothy Cannon Award for Excellence in Neuroscience at graduation. She was a member of the University's Undergraduate Honors Program.

Lauren X. McGuire, Pearl River, New York, will serve with children and youth services in San Diego, Califronia, as part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology.

Abigail M. Rzucidlo, Garnet Valley, will serve in education in Portland, Maine, as part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematical sciences.

Mia G. Sandy, Scranton, will serve at Maggie’s Place in Phoenix, Arizona. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in counseling and human services.

Julia E. Turnak, Hingham, Massachusetts, will serve in housing services in Portland, Oregon, as part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in both biology and philosophy. Turnak was also a member of the University’s Undergraduate Honors Program, its Magis Honors Program in STEM and its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Kathleen I. Wallace, Bowie, Maryland, will serve at Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, California with the Sisters of St. Joseph. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in both philosophy and theology and religious studies. A recipient of the University’s Presidential Scholarship, Wallace received the Excellence in Philosophy Award and the Alumni Loyalty and Service Award at commencement. She was a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Nationally recognized for its commitment to service, The University of Scranton was among just 29 elite colleges in the nation selected to the Catholic Volunteer Network’s 2020 “Top Schools for Service.” The University is also among the nation’s top producers for Jesuit Volunteer Corps.

Each year, more than 2,800 Scranton students volunteer for more than 175,000 hours of service.

By: Robert Correas-Rivera ’24, student correspondent

Ben Trexler ’25 is a Ticket Sales and Sponsorship intern for the Reading Royals, a Philadelphia Flyers ECHL affiliate team in Reading, Pennsylvania. The ECHL is the Premier "AA" Hockey League with 28 teams in 20 states and two Canadian provinces and enters its 35th season in 2022-23. Trexler is a part of the University's Royal Experience Internship Program. 

Here, he answers questions about his experience.

Describe a typical day at work.  

"I arrive at Santander Arena around 8:45 a.m. every day. From here, all the interns and supervisors meet in the marketing department office to discuss what we want to accomplish that day. Some examples of what we discuss during this time include choosing what our focus sales calls will be for that day, either season tickets or group outings. We also discuss who we want to call or whether we will spend most of the day researching and brainstorming marketing or sponsorship ideas. 

After this, the interns go to our own office room, spread out and make sales calls to whomever we were assigned to that day. We follow a point system when making calls and aim to reach 35 points daily. Each sales call is one point, an email sent is .5, and a sale is 10. Every day I do my best to have meaningful conversations with different people and try to get them and their company out to a Royals game. 

On Thursdays, the Royals marketing department holds their weekly meeting where the interns can sit in and learn how marketing decisions are made. I find this very interesting and learn a lot about how final decisions are made for professional sports teams."   

What is the time frame for your internship?  

"My internship started on May 22 and will end on August 10."  

What are some skills you have learned?  

"So far at this internship, I believe I have gotten noticeably better at speaking with people and holding meaningful conversations with them. I feel this skill will be very useful in many aspects of my future. Whether it’s at a job interview, speaking with clients or collaborating with coworkers, communication is a key aspect of any job and I believe this internship has prepared me for this.  

Another skill I have improved on so far at this internship is my sales pitch. As my supervisor often says, 'You have to sell the sizzle.' I feel like my confidence and sentence flow when trying to convince each potential customer to come to a Royals game has improved greatly. This is another skill that can come in handy in my future, especially if I end up pursuing a sales job."

What do you enjoy most about your job?  

"I most enjoy the people I work with. I started a week later than every other intern, so I wasn’t sure how well I would fit in with everybody. After just the first day there I felt like I belonged. It has been a pleasure working with these guys so far and I hope to keep in contact with them even when the internship is over."  

What were your expectations going into the job? Does it match the reality?  

"Coming into the internship, I kind of just expected to be in an office all day making a whole bunch of calls to households to try to convince them to come to a Royals hockey game. After working with the Royals for a month now, I can confirm it is not nearly as repetitive as I thought it’d be. Every hour or two, our supervisor comes in to talk about the calls we’ve made that day and answers any questions we have. This helps break up the day and prevents each day from being call after call. 

We also do a lot more than just making calls. As I mentioned, every Thursday, we sit in on the marketing meeting, as well as working on our own marketing project, where we are each assigned a theme night. With this theme night, we have to think of pregame, mid-game and post-game activities, along with possible giveaways and sponsorships. 

At the end of the summer, we will present this project to the marketing department, where they can consider some of these ideas. Working on this project lets me take breaks from making sales calls while still being productive and beneficial to the Royals."  

How do you feel that this job has prepared you for the real world?  

"This internship has helped me get a feel for what its like working in sports, as well as helped me improve my sales and general people skills. Working within the sports industry has always been dream of mine and with this internship I got to experience what the environment is like working with a sports team, and really enjoyed it. On the other hand, improving my sales and general people skills can help me in many aspects of my future just like I mentioned earlier." 

Tell me a bit about you.  

"I am majoring in business analytics with a minor in mathematics. I grew up in the small town of Exeter, just outside of Reading, Pennsylvania. I am currently entering my junior year here at the University and am set to graduate in the spring of 2025." 

More than 1,675 students were named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2023 spring semester. The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, Kania School of Management and Panuska College of Professional Studies.

A list of students making the Dean’s List can be seen here.

Additions to the Dean’s List for the spring semester can be seen here.

By: Shannon Bunn ’24, student correspondent

From June 2 - 9, The University of Scranton Center for Service and Social Justice hosted a service trip to Nogales, Mexico, where University students volunteered with the Kino Border Initiative. Abigail Casal, ’25, of Clark Summit, Pennsylvania, served as a peer facilitator.

“Service is something that is really important to me and a big part of my life,” said Casal, who said she applied immediately after she learned about the trip.

Casal, a junior education major, said she helped prepare the group of participating students in advance of the service trip.

“As a peer facilitator, I was responsible for our group’s meetings prior to the trip. These included getting to know each other, in-country education and planning for our trip. I was also responsible for fundraising, as well as creating reflections during our trip,” said Casal.

Scranton students were able to gain firsthand insight from people involved at the Kino Border Initiative. Attendees included peer facilitators Casal, Maria Ramos, a University of Scranton admissions counselor and Jeff Seymour, a Scranton Preparatory High School teacher, and students Erin Burch, Emily Carey, Fanelysse De La Rosa and Joe Mazich. 

“During our trip we got to speak to various people who are affected by the issues at the border,” Casal said, “This included local ranchers, border patrol and families staying at Kino Border Initiative. With these conversations, we talked about the difficulties families are facing when fleeing from violence in their home countries and the current obstacles. We also spent time playing games, serving food and interacting with migrants who were waiting to cross over to the United States.”

Casal was inspired to participate with the service trip to become more familiar with the situation at the border.

“I was eager to learn more. I knew going on this trip would give me firsthand experience there. I hope that with everything I have learned I will be able to make a positive impact related to the issue,” Casal said.

Summer orientation sessions for students, parents and guardians of The University of Scranton’s class of 2027 began June 20 with a health serving C.A.K.E. – not the dessert – but rather an acronym for advice on the keys to student success at Scranton.

Lauren Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., vice president for student life and dean of students at the University, offered incoming students and their parents and guardians a “road map” to a successful transition to college and an enriching education at Scranton. In her presentation, she used imaginative imagery and acronyms to help convey her important message.

Dean Rivera told parents their importance in their college-aged children’s lives hasn’t changed, but their role is now transitioning. She used a tandem bicycle to illustrate this point. Prior to college, parents were in the driver’s seat. In college, their children will now take over the position as driver, steering their way to a transformative education. Parents are still on the bike, only in a different position. She encouraged parents to consider how they will adapt to their new role as they continue to support and encourage their child’s success.

In addition to highlighting some of the Jesuit characteristics of a Scranton education, and discussing the multifaceted social, psychological and academic components of the college transition, Dean Rivera also offered C.A.K.E. as the key to student success at Scranton: connections; advocating and agency; knowing expectations; and engagement. She discussed each in more detail during her presentation on June 20 for the first orientation group, and will do the same for orientation groups on June 22, 26 and 29.

Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, who is also the parent of a member of Scranton’s class of 2027, welcomed the participants at the first orientation session.

Scranton’s summer orientation is designed to introduce new students and their families to the University’s procedures, facilities and support services, and to provide them with the opportunity to meet with faculty, administrators and staff, as well as each other.

This year’s student orientation team leaders are Julie Ciccarino ’24 from Scotch Plains, New Jersey, a forensic chemistry major; Mia Familetti ’25 from Dalton, a English, advertising and philosophy triple major and participant in the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program; and Alex Shomali ’25, Ellicott City, Maryland, mathematical sciences and philosophy double major and participant in the University’s Undergraduate Honors Program and its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, who is also a recipient of the University’s s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. They are joining with University administrators, staff, faculty and nearly 60 student orientation assistants to help acquaint members of the incoming class to Scranton.

Sessions for students include information about academic life, the successful transition to college, Scranton’s inclusive community, campus life and mission and ministry, as well as smaller sessions for students to get to know each. Sessions for parents include information about academics, financial aid services, career development, mission and ministry, campus life and strategies for success.

Follow Scranton’s Facebook, Instagram and other social media channels for additional information and photos from the Orientation sessions.

Fall welcome weekend for incoming students is set for Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26 and 27. Classes for the University’s fall semester will begin on campus on Monday, Aug. 28.