Distinguished Author To Be Honored at the University

Celebrated author, historian and medical humanities scholar Brandy Schillace, Ph.D., will be presented with the 2024 Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award by The University of Scranton’s Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library on Saturday, Nov. 16. Early bird tickets at a special rate are now available for a limited time.

Dr. Schillace’s work has been widely recognized for its interdisciplinary approach, blending science, history and storytelling to explore the human experience of medicine and mortality.

Her recent novel, “The Framed Women of Ardemore House” (Hanover Square Press), has gained critical acclaim. Library Journal has named it a Recommended Read for Autism Acceptance Month, while The Washington Post notes that “The book is more than just a mystery: It’s an autistic woman’s journey of self-discovery.” Publisher’s Weekly writes that “Schillace, who’s autistic herself, draws a marvelously believable heroine in Jo, and sets her up with an expertly constructed mystery. Readers will be hungry for a sequel.”

Dr. Schillace is also the author of several acclaimed non-fiction books, including “Mr. Humble and Dr. Butcher” (Simon & Schuster), which received glowing reviews from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. She is also the author of “Death's Summer Coat” (Pegasus Books) and “Clockwork Futures” (Pegasus Books).

As a medical historian, Dr. Schillace has made significant contributions to the field, shedding light on the social, cultural, and political aspects of medicine throughout history. Her work has been supported by grants from prestigious institutions such as the Arthur P. Sloan Foundation for Science Communication and the Ohio Arts Council.

The event will take place in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on the University’s campus beginning at 5 p.m. and includes a cocktail reception, dinner, award presentation and Distinguished Author keynote.

Toastmaster will be University of Scranton alumnus Christopher Banks ’86, president and chief executive officer of the Autism Society of America. Banks has been providing executive direction for the Autism Society since the beginning of 2020. Under his leadership, the organization has become a resource, service and support enterprise for its affiliates, and individuals and families. Banks has recently shepherded the organization through a strategic planning process that led to the creation of new programs and the establishment of a justice center.

Early bird tickets for the Distinguished Author event are $90 per person until Sept. 30. After that, tickets are $100 per person. Special pricing is also available for Friends of the Library, Schemel Forum members and students. Schemel Forum Archangels may attend for free. Proceeds from the event benefit the Friends of the Library Endowment Fund, which supports special gifts for the Weinberg Memorial Library collections and services.

In addition, there will be a book signing open to the public from 4 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 16 in the DeNaples Center second floor lobby.

Named in honor of the late Rev. Royden B. Davis, S.J., who served in many roles at the University and as rector of the Jesuit Community, the Distinguished Author Award was established in 1997 as a way to honor notable fiction and non-fiction authors, and to give them the opportunity to share their literary pursuits and impressions with Northeastern Pennsylvanians.

For additional information or registration information, visit the Distinguished Author webpage or contact Kym Fetsko at 570-941-7816 or kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.