University Confers Master’s and Doctoral Degrees

The University of Scranton conferred more than 465 master’s and doctoral degrees at its graduate commencement ceremony on May 19 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 2023, as well as January and May of 2024.

At the ceremony, the University conferred doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in accounting degrees, doctor of nursing practice degrees and doctor of physical therapy degrees, in addition to master’s degrees in various disciplines.

Graduates represented 26 states, including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Dakota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Virginia, among others. Students also represented Canada, Ghana, India, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The programs with the most graduates were the master of business administration, master of accountancy, master of business analytics, master of occupational therapy, master of health administration 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 Leahy College of Health Sciences (formerly 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.

Samantha Rose Bobinski, Hillsborough, New Jersey, who earned her Master of Health Administration degree from Scranton, spoke on behalf of the Class of 2024. She spoke about what it means to be “Jesuit educated.”

“We are here today because of Magis – the more; the pursuit of excellence grounded in gratitude. Our vocation is what has brought us here today. It is what pushed us to continue growing and learning so we can love those we serve,” said Bobinski. “We learned that life is more than just doing our job, it is about caring for the entirety of those we serve – Cura Personalis. … Caring for them as a person, a human being, not just a patient or client. Ensuring that we have a special concern for those we encounter who are oppressed and do not have the same opportunities as many.”

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. Dean Higgins provided the Invocation and Lori A. Bruch, Ed.D., associate professor and chair of the Counseling and Human Services Department provided the Benediction. Music was provided by the University’s Concert Band and Singers, under the direction of Cheryl Y. Boga, conductor and director of Performance Music.

An archived recording of the ceremony can be seen here.