Staff Senate Luncheon Is an Opportunity To Celebrate and Give Back
On Dec. 13, the Senate's Holiday Luncheon united 268 members of the staff at DeNaples Center McIlhenny Ballroom. Shown at the 11 a.m. seating, from left, are: Dave Kostiak, Gerry Loveless, Bernie Krzan, M.B. Watson and Marcella Lamura.A long-standing event sponsored by The University of Scranton Staff Senate serves as a hallmark of the season each December. On Dec. 13, the Senate's Holiday Luncheon united 268 members of the staff at DeNaples Center McIlhenny Ballroom. Seating began at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The festivities, organized by co-chairs Melissa Eckenrode and Lucy Grissinger and committee members, in addition to volunteers, gathered staff for a celebratory -- and complimentary meal -- and the opportunity to give back. In lieu of a fee to attend, Staff Senate requested that each person in attendance donate non-perishable items in support of the Royal Restore Food Pantry.
"Each year the committee selects an organization to receive donations. This year, we are collecting for the Royal Restore food pantry, and the cash proceeds from the (raffle) tickets sales will be donated to the Domestic Service Trip Programs," Co-chair Lucy Grissinger said.
"Every year, the staff members are always very generous with their donations!"
Shown, clockwise from left, are: Tom Coleman, Kyle Thomas, John Williams, Gene Kohut, Nick Carcione, Anthony Kilker, Kenny Smoke, Tony Mangino and Scott Hintze.
One hundred forty-seven members of the University staff registered to attend the 1 p.m. seating of the Staff Senate Holiday Luncheon.
Shown from left, are Pauline Palko and Ariel Tucci.
Shown, from left, are Pam Gavin, Bridget Chomko, Jill Eidenberg, Peggy Doolittle and Lynn Andres.
Shown, first row, from left, are Rose Striefsky, Trish Krisiak and Marge Gleason. Second row, Meg Hambrose, Debbie Lewis, Meg Sweeney and Maryjane Rooney. 
Staff Senate committee members, shown, from left, include Autumn Forgione, Traci Vennie, Lori Flynn and Meghan Nowakowski.
Shown, from left, are Matt Morris, Nolan Renz, Melissa Przewlocki, Stacey Laniewski, Rose Jacklinski, Adlin Barris and Lori Moran.
Shown are Holiday Luncheon Volunteers Rebecca Dzikowski, left, and Melisa Gallo, right, with Patty Pivirotto, center.
Cash proceeds from the raffle tickets sales will be donated to the University's Domestic Service Trip Programsthrough the Center for Service and Social Justice (CSSJ)
Staff Senate Holiday Luncheon Co-chairs Lucy Grissinger and Melissa Eckenrode.
Staff Senators, from left, Traci Vennie, Kristi Klien and Meghan Nowakowski. 
The two co-chairs attributed the success of the event to creativity and dedication of committee members Lori Flynn, Autumn Forgione, Kristi Klien, Meghan Nowakowski, Daniela Teneva and Traci Vennie, and volunteers Melisa Gallo and Rebecca Dzikowski.
They noted that Staff Senate organizes a number of events throughout the year, including roundtables, symposiums, informational events and a special award.
"The monthly spirit award/Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award is also organized through the Staff Senate, and every semester a Staff Senate newsletter is posted," Grissinger said.
Staff Senate operates as a part of the University governance system to provide a forum for open communication and ongoing dialogue among staff and between staff and the administration, faculty, students, and the University community.
"It's a great organization to participate in. You will have a chance to meet other staff across campus and be part of a governance that can propose new initiatives for the benefit of the entire staff."
Find upcoming Staff Senate meeting dates at this link.
