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Summer Orientation Begins for Class of 2028 image

Student

June 17, 2024

Incoming first-year students at The University of Scranton will begin their college careers through a series of summer orientation sessions. Two-day sessions for members of Scranton’s Class of 2028, their parents and guardians began June 17-18 and will also be held on June 20-21, 24-25 and 27-28.

Members of the University’s incoming class are broken into smaller groups for summer orientation. The entire class will be together for the first-time during Fall Welcome on August 24-25.

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.

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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 other. Sessions for parents include information about academics, financial aid services, career development, mission and ministry, campus life and strategies for success.

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This year’s student orientation team leaders are Dave Banko ’26 from Wind Gap, a biochemistry major and member of the University Honors Program; Jessica Ely ’26 from Dimock, a biology major and member the University Honors Program; and Lila Naccari ’25 from Rockville Center, New York, an occupational therapy major. They are joining with University administrators, staff, faculty and more than 60 student orientation assistants to help acquaint members of the incoming class to Scranton. In this video the orientation team leaders respond to questions shared by incoming students.

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

Classes for the University’s fall semester will begin on campus on Monday, Aug. 26.

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Summer Orientation Begins for Class of 2028

Summer orientation sessions begin for members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2028.

University Announces 2024 O'Hara Award Honorees image

Alumni

June 5, 2024

University Announces 2024 O'Hara Award Honorees

University to celebrate honorees over Reunion Weekend.

CHEW Hosts Kickoff to Summer June 12 image

Announcement

June 5, 2024

CHEW Hosts Kickoff to Summer June 12

The Center for Health Education and Wellness (CHEW) invites faculty and staff to the Employee Wellness Kickoff to Summer event on June 12 from 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. on the DeNaples Patio and Green. Rain location: DeNaples Center Ballroom.

Royals To Get Back in the New York Groove at the President's Medal Award Dinner Sept. 20 image

Alumni

June 5, 2024

The University of Scranton will present the President’s Medal to James M. Slattery ’86, H’23, former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and chief operating officer of North America for Melrose PLC, at the President’s Medal Award Dinner Friday, Sept. 20, at Pier Sixty in New York City.

The event is the largest annual fundraiser for the University, and proceeds from the dinner benefit the Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund, which awards four-year, full-tuition scholarships to incoming first-year University students with outstanding high school records and notable community involvement. This year’s event marks the 23rd time the University has presented the President’s Medal, which recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields and who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion for others. All alumni, parents and friends of the University are welcome and encouraged to attend this year’s event.

A certified public accountant, Slattery is the COO 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 CFO 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 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 and Betsy are the proud parents of three sons, Daniel, John Michael and Shane, and they reside in Peachtree City, Georgia.

For more information, contact Associate Vice President of Development Eric Eckenrode at eric.eckenrode@scranton.edu or Executive Director of Advancement for Campus Engagement Brad Troy ’02 at bradley.troy@scranton.edu.

Royals To Get Back in the New York Groove at the President's Medal Award Dinner Sept. 20

University to honor James M. Slattery '86, H'23 at Pier Sixty.

Reunion Weekend Returns June 14-16 image

Alumni

June 5, 2024

Reunion Weekend Returns June 14-16

Together again, where it all began.

Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall Named image

Community

June 5, 2024

Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced a $10.5 million gift from Robert S. ’68 and Marilyn A. Weiss, which is the largest single donation in the 136-year history of the Jesuit school, and that the building now under construction on Madison Avenue will be named Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall in their honor. The nearly 90,000 square-foot building that will bear their name will be a center for workforce development, applied research and outreach.

“Future generations of students will fill the classrooms of Weiss Hall and learn brilliantly from our faculty. They will use the wellness services that this building houses, the innovative makerspace and, of course, the beautiful prayer garden,” said Father Marina at the building naming announcement. “Exciting new research by students and faculty will happen under its roof. And, good people from around the Scranton community will be invited into Weiss Hall to benefit from a variety of services and experiences to be offered.”

A University of Scranton graduate and former trustee, Robert S. Weiss said the building, which will house the University’s Wellness Center, an innovation and makerspace and the Small Business Development Center, is near and dear his “heart on many, many fronts.” He was a champion of employee wellness programs during his tenure as president and CEO of The Cooper Companies Inc., a multinational manufacturer and marketer of specialty health care products that operates through two business units, CooperVision and CooperSurgical.

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“I firmly believe this building will go a long way towards advancing the mission, the excellence and the ability to reach out to more students in the community,” said Robert S. Weiss.

Both Marilyn and Robert Weiss said that although they have lived in California for years, they remember fondly their roots in Scranton.

Robert Weiss is a native of Lake Ariel and earned his degree in accounting from the University. A native of South Scranton, Marilyn (Chesick) Weiss studied at the University through the Scranton State General Hospital School of Nursing. Their fondness of Alfredo’s Pizza in South Scranton was mentioned multiple times at the event, along with many other affections for Scranton and the University. Several of their lifelong friends from the area joined them at the announcement.

“I can’t believe that the campus I used to walk through will now have a building with my name on it,” said Marilyn Weiss, who was humbled by the honor.

“We remember our roots, and we are thankful to be able to give back to the community. We are thankful to be able to influence the development of the campus,” said Robert Weiss.

Robert Weiss retired as president and CEO of The Cooper Companies in 2018 and now serves as chair of its board of directors. During his distinguished nearly 42-year career with The Cooper Companies, he has served as chief operating officer, chief financial officer, corporate controller and treasurer at Cooper, as well as president of CooperVision. He was recognized in CEO Magazine for 40 Best Companies for Leaders, for four years (2011-2014).

A participant in the ROTC program as a student at Scranton, Robert Weiss is a former U.S. Army Captain who was awarded two Bronze Stars and the Army Commendation Medal during his service in Vietnam. In 2008, he received the University’s Frank J. O’Hara Distinguished Alumni Award.

Marilyn Weiss served as head nurse at the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, and as a pediatric nurse at Bayside Pediatrics in Pleasanton.

In 2016, the couple made a $1.25 million gift to the University to support a pediatric low-vision research and training suite in Leahy Hall, which now bears their name. The gift also supports student scholarships in accounting and philosophy. In 2016, they also donated $1 million to support the development of the University’s Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Athletics Campus, at which the field that bears their name is used by men’s and women’s soccer programs, lacrosse teams and the field hockey team.

In addition to the innovation hub, University’s Center for Health Education and Wellness and the Small Business Development Center, Weiss Hall will house the University of Success program and laboratories, classrooms, offices and meeting areas for the University’s Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology, and the Psychology Department.

The University plans to begin use of the building, designed by Hemmler and Camayd (HC Architects), for the fall 2025 semester.

View the Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall Naming Announcement.

Speaking at the building naming announcement, were, from left: Father Marina, Stephanie Adamec, assistant dean for student wellness, Mr. Weiss and Mrs. Weiss.

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Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall Named

The University of Scranton President announced the largest single-gift in the school’s history, and the naming of Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall.

$Math Integration Bee Finalists Announced image$

Community

June 5, 2024

Math Integration Bee Finalists Announced

Finalists and winner announced for The University of Scranton’s 2024 Math Integration Bee high school competition.

P.J. Carlesimo To Receive 2024 Carlesimo Award June 24 image

Alumni

June 5, 2024

P.J. Carlesimo sure has put his stamp on college and professional basketball since the days he spent on The University of Scranton campus in the 1950s and 1960s. While his father, Peter, was serving the University for nearly 25 years, including 15 as the director of athletics, P.J. was building a foundation that would make him a household name in the basketball world.

The University of Scranton will present the 2024 Peter A. Carlesimo Award to P.J. Carlesimo at the annual Carlesimo Golf Tournament and Award Dinner on Monday, June 24 at Philadelphia Cricket Club in Flourtown, Pennsylvania.

Quandel Construction Group is the title sponsor for the event, which supports and enhances the student-athlete experience at Scranton.

Since 2011, the Carlesimo Award, named for the late University of Scranton head coach and director of athletics, has been presented to someone who has made special contributions to athletics and Catholic education.

The golf portion of the event is currently sold out, but individuals can still register for the evening award dinner honoring P.J. Carlesimo. Register for this year's dinner here.

In nearly 40 years as a basketball coach, P.J. Carlesimo enjoyed immense success at both the college and NBA levels. After graduating from Fordham in 1971, he got his start in coaching at his alma mater before moving on to New Hampshire College and then Wagner. In 1982, he was named the head coach at Seton Hall and oversaw the rebuilding of the Pirates’ program to national prominence. In 1989, he led Seton Hall to the Final Four, where it lost in overtime in the national title game to Michigan, 80-79.

In 12 seasons at Seton Hall, Carlesimo won 212 games, including five seasons of 20-plus victories, and made six NCAA Tournament appearances. He would eventually be named Seton Hall’s “Coach of the Century” as a result of his success.

During that time, P.J. was also an assistant coach of the 1992 U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team that was better known as “The Dream Team.” That team would go on to win the gold medal, ending an eight-year drought and beginning a run of eight gold medals in nine Olympic games from 1992 to 2020.

In 1994, Carlesimo was named the head coach of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, marking the start of a 17-year career on the NBA sidelines. He would go on to win 239 games as a head coach over parts of nine seasons with five organizations - Portland, Golden State, Seattle/Oklahoma City and Brooklyn. As an assistant coach, he won titles with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003, 2005 and 2007.

In addition to his coaching success, Carlesimo has been a significant contributor in the broadcast booth. He has worked for ESPN, TNT, Westwood One, Fox Sports, the Pac-12 Network, NBC and Comcast Sportsnet; additionally, Carlesimo is the only broadcaster in history to call the Olympic Gold Medal basketball game, the NCAA Championship game and the NBA Finals. He remains a regular contributor on SportsCenter and calls select NBA games, including the Finals, for ESPN Radio, as well as working NCAA basketball for Westwood One.

A member of the Hall of Fame at both Wagner College and Seton Hall University, Carlesimo was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 1992 Olympic team.

P.J. Carlesimo To Receive 2024 Carlesimo Award June 24

University to honor legendary coach and broadcaster at annual Carlesimo Golf Tournament & Award Dinner.

Must-see Highlights from 2024 Commencements, Commissionings and Honors Programs image

Student

June 5, 2024

Must-see Highlights from 2024 Commencements, Commissionings and Honors Programs

Find photos and videos from the 2024 Commencements, ROTC and long-term service commissionings and graduates of Scranton's five honors programs .

University To Hold Presidential Reception at Belmar Fishing Club June 22 image

Alumni

June 3, 2024

University To Hold Presidential Reception at Belmar Fishing Club June 22

Join Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, and your fellow Royals at a summer celebration.

Royals To Gather At Bar Anticipation July 27 image

Alumni

June 2, 2024

Royals To Gather At Bar Anticipation July 27

Spend some time at the shore with your fellow alumni.

Alumni

June 2, 2024

Alumni Class Notes, June 2024

Share your story with your Royal Family.

Student

June 2, 2024

Students Added to Fall 2023 Dean’s List

Students added to The University of Scranton Dean’s List for the fall 2023 semester.

Graduating Class of 2024 Names Teacher of the Year image

Faculty

June 2, 2024

The University of Scranton’s graduating class of 2024 has named Assistant Professor of Nursing Cristen M. Walker Ph.D., as teacher of the year. The University announced the award at Class Night on campus in May.

The annual teacher of the year award honors a faculty member found to maintain high standards of academic excellence and fairness and who inspires the interest of students in a field of education through enthusiasm and dedication to teaching. Now in its 28^th year, the award was first instituted by the University’s Faculty Senate Academic Support Committee in 1996.

Dr. Walker, of Pittston, joined the University in 2020 and has been teaching undergraduate courses in pharmacology and physical health assessment, among other subjects. She is the undergraduate director of the nursing program and also serves as a medical-surgical clinical instructor for junior and senior students.

Dr. Walker, a former critical care and trauma nurse, is a certified family nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Her doctoral research examined the impact of a certified therapy dog intervention on nursing student test anxiety. Her professional nursing background is in nephrology, internal medicine and primary care. She is a nurse practitioner at Student Health Services and volunteers at the Edward Leahy Clinic for the Uninsured, as well as the Care and Concern Clinic in Pittston.

Prior to joining the University faculty, Dr. Walker was also a clinical instructor for the Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technical Center’s School of Practical Nursing.

Dr. Walker earned her doctorate in nursing education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and was selected as a 2019-2020 National League for Nursing Jonas Scholar. She received a master’s degree in nursing from the State University of New York at Binghamton and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Walker is a member of Nurse Practitioners of Northeastern PA, the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and the Nursing Education Consortium of Northeast Pennsylvania. She is also a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Graduating Class of 2024 Names Teacher of the Year

Assistant nursing professor chosen as Teacher of the Year by The University of Scranton’s Class of 2024.

Staff

June 2, 2024

The University of Scranton Staff Senate hosted an End-of-Year Recognition and Awards Ceremony on May 15. Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University President, offered opening statements and applauded the staff for their efforts. Michelle Gonzalez Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, offered the Invocation.

Invited guests included the Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award recipients for the year, as well as the Sursum Corda award recipients. First-year committee chairs were presented the Francis Xavier Leadership Award and St. Xavier Bell. Mark Murphy was honored as the outgoing Staff Senate President. Melisa Gallo was honored with the President's Award.

Learn More About Staff Senate Awards

On a monthly basis, the Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award honors employees who exhibit the University's Jesuit ideal of “men and women for others.” The Sursum Corda (Lift Up Your Hearts) Awards recognize members of the University’s professional/paraprofessional staff, clerical/technical staff and maintenance/public safety staff who have made outstanding contributions to the life and mission of the University.

The recipient of the President's Award is selected by the president of the Staff Senate. The award was instituted to recognize excellence and achievement in the performance of duties as a University of Scranton staff senator. It is envisioned that the awardees will exhibit truly outstanding execution of duties as senators, both in terms of effort expended and the importance of outcomes.

The Francis Xavier Leadership Award is given to senators who have served as a chair or co-chair of a committee chair this past year. On the occasion of receiving their first Xavier Leadership Award, senators serving as the chair of an Ad Hoc Committee receive a certificate, and those serving as the chair of a standing committee receive the St. Xavier Bell and a certificate.

Staff Senate 2023-2024 Officers

Mark Murphy, President
Kristi Klien, President-Elect
Traci Vennie, Vice-President
Traci Vennie, Secretary
Kym Fetsko, Parliamentarian

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Melisa Gallo and Denise Kuzma, Communications
Shawn Beistline, Rose Ann Jubinski and Kristi Klien, Elections and Membership
Traci Vennie, Finance
Melissa Eckenrode and Lucy Grissinger, Social Events and Community Building
Geri Barber and Meg Hambrose, Staff Development
Kym Fetsko, Staff Recognition and Excellence Awards

2023-2024 STAFF SENATORS

Brenda Amato
Geri Barber
Shawn Beistline
Amy Black
Brenda Lee Clarke
Bridget Conlogue *
Peggy Doolittle
Grismeiris De Jesus
Rebecca Dzikowski *
Melissa Eckenrode
Kym Fetsko
Lori Flynn
Autumn Forgione *
Melisa Gallo
Lucia Grissinger
Meg Hambrose
Rose Ann Jubinski
Sybil Keris *
Jonathan Kirby
Kristi Klien
Bernie Krzan
Denise Kuzma
Tammy Manka
Sandina Meo
Mark Murphy
Meghan Nowakowski
Pete Sakowski
Patricia Savitts
Janet Schieber
Daniela Teneva
Traci Vennie
* Alternates

2024-2025 ELECTED and CONTINUING SENATORS

Brenda Amato
Geri Barber
Shawn Beistline
Bri Clark *
Brenda Lee Clarke
Bridget Conlogue *
Peggy Doolittle
Melissa Eckenrode *
Jill Eidenberg
Kym Fetsko
Melinda Finnerty *
Autumn Forgione
Melisa Gallo*
Lucia Grissinger
Jessica Hughes
Rose Ann Jubinski
Bridget Judge
Kristi Klien
Sybil Keris*
Denise Kuzma
Tammy Manka
Janice Mecadon
Joseph Medina
Sandina Meo
Hollie Roscioli
Patricia Savitts
Bryn Schofield
Melissa Sherrill *
Janet Shieber
Daniela Teneva
LeeAnn Toth
Alex Wasalinko
Traci Vennie
*Alternates

Staff Senate Hosts End-of-Year Recognition and Awards Ceremony

Honors presented at the ceremony included Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Awards, Sursum Corda Awards, Francis Xavier Leadership Award and President's Award.

Faculty

June 1, 2024

Marketing Faculty Published In Top Marketing Journal

Research that explains the importance of mathematics anxiety in consumer behavior and how marketers can frame their price promotions to achieve the best sales results was published by Dr. Peter Andersen, associate professor of marketing at the University's Kania School of Management.

Mu Kappa Tau Annual Ceremony at KSOM image

Student

June 1, 2024

Mu Kappa Tau Annual Ceremony at KSOM

Marketing students at the University's Kania School of Management marketing students celebrated the annual ceremony for Mu Kappa Tau, a North American scholastic honor society that recognizes academic achievement in the field of marketing.