2024

Eight University of Scranton undergraduate and graduate students, along with physics and engineering faculty members Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., and Argyrios Varonides, Ph.D., and Post-Doctoral Research Associate Kornyanat Hozumi, Ph.D., presented research at the American Geophysical Union Meeting in Washington, D.C., in December. The annual meeting is the largest gathering of Earth and space scientists worldwide, with more than 25,000 attendees representing more than 100 countries.

The following University of Scranton students presented at the conference.

James P. Fox, Hillsborough, New Jersey, a computer science major at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “A Solar Cycle of Medium Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Observed Using SuperDARN Radars in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.”

Nicholas Guerra ’24, Scranton, who earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Scranton in 2024 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering at the University, presented his research poster titled “Integration and Validation of a Standardized Library and File Format for PyDARNMUSIC and DARNtids: Migrating From Legacy Pickle Files to HDF5 and Implementing a Comprehensive Testing Suite.”

Michael Molzen, Bloomsbury, New Jersey, a physics major at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “Investigating North American SuperDARN Observations of Medium-Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances During January 2016.”

Cuong Nguyen ’23, Ashley, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering and computer science from Scranton in 2023 and is now pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering at the University, presented his research poster titled “High-Frequency Radio Receivers for Ionospheric Observations in the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station Network.”

Alexandros Papadopoulos, Scotrun, a computer engineering major at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “Analysis of the HamSCI Solar Eclipse High-Frequency Time Difference of Arrival Experiment Observations Using Automated Techniques.”

Gerard N. Piccini, Monroe Township, New Jersey, an electrical engineering major at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “A Low-Cost Low-Power Chirp Ionosonde for Studying Eclipse Ionospheric Impacts.”

Thomas J. Pisano, Staten Island, New York, an electrical engineering major at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “Forward Modeling of SuperDARN Medium Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbance Measurements Using High-Frequency Raytracing and the PyDARN-MUSIC Toolkit.”

Diego Sanchez, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, who is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “A Multi-Year Climatology of 14 MHz Amateur Radio Large-Scale Traveling Ionosphere Disturbances Made Using a Novel Automated Detection Technique.”

Members of the University’s Physics and Engineering Department also presented research at the 2024 conference. Dr. Hozumi presented research titled “HamSCI as a Novel Dataset to Validate Ionospheric Models.” Dr. Varonides presented research titled “New modeling of Schottky Diode current-degradation due to proton irradiation on the lunar surface (parts I and II).” Dr. Frissell presented research studies titled “Results from the 2023/2024 HamSCI Festivals of Eclipse Ionospheric Science and What Comes Next,” “First Observations Linking Large-Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances to Polar Vortex Strength,” and “HamSCI Festivals of Eclipse Ionospheric Science: Creating an International Community of Volunteers to Study the Ionospheric Impacts of the 2023/2024 North American Solar Eclipses and Beyond” as an invited presentation. He also participated in the NASA Solar Eclipse Science Press Conference, which has since generated several stories in news and science outlets, including NASA Science.

In addition, Scranton physics and engineering professor Robert Spalletta, Ph.D., also attended the conference.

The University of Scranton recently honored students and their high school teachers, who they credit with contributing to their success, with Rose Kelly Awards at a ceremony held on campus.

The Rose Kelly Award was established by University of Scranton alumnus Joseph Wineburgh, Ph.D., to link the efforts of educators to the achievements of college students. The award is presented jointly to a student in each of the University’s colleges who has completed two years at Scranton and to the teacher he or she recognizes as having a great impact in his or her life. Students are selected based on exemplary achievement in both academics and general campus involvement.

Leahy College of Health Sciences

Hannah S. Popadin-Lesniak, Wantagh, New York, received the Rose Kelly Award for the Leahy College of Health Sciences. She honored Diane Pudell, her teacher for an Algebra II class and a College-Level Statistics class at Wantagh High School. A Dean’s List student, Popadin-Lesniak is a nursing major in her junior year at Scranton. On campus, she is a tour guide for the Admissions Office, a peer health educator with the Center for Health Education and Wellness (CHEW), and a member of the Scranton Contemporary Dance Team, the Student Nurses Association and Scranton’s Orthodox Christian Fellowship. She also serves as the junior class representative on the Enrollment Management Committee for the Nursing Program.

Kania School of Management

From left: Rose Kelly Award recipient for the Kania School of Management Ryan Hanley and Murli Rajan, Ph.D., associate dean of the Kania School of Management. Michael Force, Hanley’s teacher at Dumont High School was absent from the photo.

Ryan Hanley, Dumont, New Jersey, received the Rose Kelly Award for the Kania School of Management. He honored Michael Force, his teacher for a ninth-grade College, Career and Finance class and a Sports Marketing and Management class at Dumont High School. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, Hanley is a double major in accounting and finance in his junior year. He is co-president of the PRISM, the University’s investment club; president of the University’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor society for financial information students and professionals; and president and outreach officer of the University’s Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Student Chapter. He was a CFO advisory intern with Wiss and Company in Florham Park, New Jersey, and, this summer, will intern in audit/assurance at EY in New York City.

From left: Rose Kelly Award recipients from the College of Arts and Sciences Mike Redmond and Jeff Kuphal, his teacher at Hunterdon Central Regional High School; and Carolyn Barry, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Mike Redmond, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, received the Rose Kelly Award for the College of Arts and Sciences. He honored Jeff Kuphal, who was his pre-calculus teacher during his sophomore year at Hunterdon Central Regional High School. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, Redmond is a double major in accounting and finance in his junior year. He is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. He is president of the Men’s Ice Hockey Club. In November 2023, he was among the University students who participated in the PwC’s Case Competition on campus.

In celebration of International Education Week 2024, November 18-22, two Kania School of Management graduate students took the opportunity to present "Common Threads of Wisdom." 

The session was hosted in O’Hara Hall on Nov. 21, led by presenters Bharat Varma G'25 and Zohaib Rizvi G'25, who delved into the philosophies of Advaita Vedanta, a school of Indian philosophy, and Sufism, an Islamic belief and practice. The event explored the foundational question, "What is Spirituality?" by distinguishing it from religion, emphasizing its universality and harmony with scientific principles. Through discussions, the speakers highlighted how spirituality transcends boundaries and offers a deeper understanding of the self and the universe.

“Spirituality has always been deeply intertwined with my sense of being, and I firmly believe that understanding the true nature of one’s self must serve as the foundation for all life’s endeavors. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Office of Global Education for making this presentation possible and for providing a platform to explore these profound insights,” said Varma, a M.S. in the University's business analytics program.

International Education Week is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. According to IEW website, the week presents an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. 

Using metaphors and quotations from renowned saints, Varma and Rizvi wove together the principles of Advaita Vedanta and Sufism, demonstrating the shared wisdom that connects diverse spiritual traditions. They discussed the concept of oneness in Advaita Vedanta and the Sufi emphasis on love and unity. The presenters emphasized how these philosophies encourage self-realization, inner peace and universal compassion.  

"It was a phenomenal experience for me. The topic I spoke about came naturally, as it is close to my heart. As I presented, I felt a strong sense of connection with the audience, and their engagement showed that the message was effectively conveyed. This, I believe, is true success. I would like to thank the Office of Global Education for this," said Rizvi, an MBA student in the business analytics program

A Q&A session that followed the presentation demonstrated interest among students and faculty in understanding the interconnectedness of diverse philosophies.

The University of Scranton Office of Global Education promotes inclusivity and intellectual curiosity on campus.

Twenty-seven undergraduate students and one graduate student at The University of Scranton were recently inducted into the national honor society for nursing.

Sigma Theta Tau International, Iota Omega Chapter hosted their 36th annual induction ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 2. 

Sigma Theta Tau International is the national honor society for nursing. Induction is offered to undergraduate students in the upper 35 percent of their class and to graduate nursing students who demonstrate academic excellence by maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or greater.

Frank O’Hara awards were given to University of Scranton students with the highest grade-point averages in their first-, second- and third-year in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the Leahy College of Health Sciences for the 2023-24 academic year. The awards, named in honor of the late Frank O’Hara who served the University for 53 years in various administrative positions, were presented at a ceremony held in December on campus.

College of Arts and Sciences

Matthew W. Rakauskas, Factoryville, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for his freshman year in the College of Arts and Sciences. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, he is currently in his sophomore year at Scranton, pursuing a double major in computer science and mathematics. He is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, he has also been involved in student organizations and activities on campus. He currently serves as the treasurer of the Computer Science Club and as vice president of the Philosophy Society. He is also a tutor with the University’s Office of Student Support and Success.

Alyssa M. Cosklo, Fell Township, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her sophomore year in the College of Arts and Sciences. A member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, she is currently in her junior year at Scranton, majoring in biology. She is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she has conducted and presented research on a project titled “Henricelle pelegia and henriciella mobilis unexpectedly tip-budding bacteria” with faculty mentor Amelia Randich, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at the University. On campus, she is a resident assistant, vice president of the Biology Club, a tutor with the Office of Student Support and Success, and regularly volunteers with the Center for Service and Social Justice. She also serves as a medical scribe at Geisinger Community Medical Center, and volunteers at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital through the Hospital Elder Life Program.

Matthew F. Schade, Hadden Heights, New Jersey, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for his junior year in the College of Arts and Sciences. A member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, he is currently in his senior year at Scranton, majoring in mathematical sciences. He is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, he also serves as a resident assistant and has been involved with intramural sports programs offered on campus. In the summer of 2024, he served as an actuarial intern at Guy Carpenter.

Kania School of Management

From left: O’Hara Award recipients for the Kania School of Management Jessieca Moira Aguasin, Dean Finan and Grace Boyle; and Murli Rajan, Ph.D., associate dean of the Kania School of Management.

Jessieca Moira C. Aguasin, Honesdale, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her freshman year in the Kania School of Management. A member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program, she is currently in her sophomore year at Scranton, majoring in accounting. She is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is a member of Kania Women in Business and the Commuter Students Association and participates in the University’s Meaningful Opportunity for Student Access, Inclusion, and Community (MOSAIC) program.

Dean J. Finan, Malvern, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for his sophomore year in the Kania School of Management. A member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Program, he is currently in his junior year at Scranton pursuing a double major in finance and business analytics with a minor in business leadership. He is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, he is also a member of Scranton’s Men’s Soccer team. He serves as president of the Kania Student Advisory Board and as sector head for consumer staples and industrials for PRISM, the University’s investment club. On campus, he volunteers with the Center for Service and Social Justice. In the summer of 2023, he worked as a finance intern for Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., where he also worked as a project intern. In the summer of 2024, he worked as an accounting support intern for Mutual Capital Services.

Grace Boyle, Clarks Summit, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her junior year in the Kania School of Management. A recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, she is currently a senior majoring in finance with a concentration in corporate finance and is member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she received the University’s O’Hara Award in 2023 for her sophomore year. On campus, she is vice president of Omega Beta Sigma, the women’s business honor society, and is a member of the PRISM Investment Club. She volunteers with the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice. During the summer months, she has worked as a consulting intern at the University of Scranton’s Small Business Development Center; a corporate finance and business analytics intern at Candela Medical; and as a corporate finance intern at Edelman Financial Engines in Boston. During the school year, she works part-time as a receptionist at her family’s business, Boyle Eye Specialists.

Leahy College of Health Sciences

From left: O’Hara Award recipients for the Leahy College of Health Sciences Allie Dean, Sarah Lyons and Elizabeth  McKechney; and Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Leahy College of Health Sciences.

Sarah A. Lyons, Moosic, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her freshman year in the Leahy College of Health Sciences. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is currently a sophomore majoring in nursing. She is a peer health educator with the University’s Center for Health Education and Wellness, a tutor with the Office of Student Support and Success, and has served as a student panel member for the Nursing Department for the University’s Open House. She volunteers with the Nursing Department’s Period Poverty Project. She also volunteers with Hospice of the Sacred Heart and with the Nativity of Our Lord Parish. Lyons works part time as a spin instructor.

Allie D. Dean, Endicott, New York, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her sophomore year in the Leahy College of Health Sciences. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is currently a junior majoring in nursing. She is member of the University’s Student Nursing Association, a note taker for the University’s Office of Student Support and Success, and a referee for the University’s intramural volleyball. She also volunteers at the St. Francis of Assisi kitchen. She works for Broome Oncology in New York.

Elizabeth P. McKechney, Fairport, New York, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her junior year in the Leahy College of Health Sciences. She is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. A Dean’s List student at Scranton, she is currently a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders with a minor in counseling and human services. She is recording secretary in the University’s chapter of the National Student-Speech-Language Hearing Association, a tutor in the Office of Student Support and Success, and lead vocalist and guitarist for the Praise and Worship Club. As a member of the University’s church choir, she serves as a cantor and as organizer and leader of the music for Mass with Marina. Off campus, she volunteers with the Clothesline for Men, the Scranton School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children and as an ASL Story Time assistant at the Abington Community Library.

“The Office” cast member and New York Times best-selling author Brian Baumgartner will visit The University of Scranton on Wednesday, Nov. 6, for an exclusive Q and A with students, faculty and staff, followed by book signing just for members of the University community. The event is one day after launch of his latest book, “The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin.”

Baumgartner was on campus for an exclusive student Q and A and book signing in September 2022 for the launch of his book “Seriously Good Chili Cookbook,” and in November 2021 for his first book “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office,” which became a New York Times best-seller.

The new book, “The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin,” is described by publisher HarperCollins as “the ultimate holiday gift for every fan of The Office” – an “hilarious and timeless illustrated retelling of the beloved poem, featuring a visit from Michael Scott as Santa and narrated by Kevin Malone (author Brian Baumgartner).”

“The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin,” co-authored with Ben Silverman and illustrated by Maël Gourmelen, will be available on Nov. 5 at the University book store and at stores nationwide. Copies of the book will also be available at the Q and A and book signing event on campus Nov. 6. The book cannot be pre-ordered at the University’s book store.

Pre-registration is required to attend the Q and A, which begins on Nov. 6 at 3:30 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theatre of the DeNaples Center. A book signing immediately follows at 4:15 p.m. Both events require Royal cards for access.

The first 50 students registering for the event will receive a free copy of “The Night Before Christmas at Dunder Mifflin.” Students can also submit questions for consideration for the Q and A when registering for the event.

Michael Ritterbeck ’09, director of the University’s Center of Student Engagement, will serve as host for the Q and A.

Baumgartner played Kevin Malone on The Office, which originally aired on NBC from 2005 to 2013, and was among the most popular shows on Netflix. Episodes can now be seen on Peacock. He was among the cast members who visited the University for The Office Convention in 2007 and The Wrap Party in 2013. He was also on campus for the taping of his popular podcast on the history of The Office, which was the precursor to his first book, “Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office.”

A public book-signing event with Baumgartner for area residents is planned at Books-A-Million (BAM) at the Viewmont Mall, Nov. 6, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

University of Scranton students won an American Advertising Federation NEPA interactive competition that is modeled after the Food Network Show Cropped. For the competition, teams of three to four college students were paired with local advertising professionals to create an advertising campaign for a local nonprofit organization. The competition, hosted at the University, included the development of a logo, tagline and media tactics.

A panel of adverting professionals served as judges to review the participants submissions, and to eliminate teams at the end of each round. The team winning the competition will work with their agency partners at Posture Interactive to complete the campaign, tagline and logo for the Willow Foundation, which provides services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and/or food insecurity in Luzerne County.

Members of the winning team were: University of Scranton students Morgan T. Masters, Jessup, a journalism and electronic media major; Vincenzo J. Angeloni, Jessup, a journalism and electronic media major; Tatiana L. Baide Franco, Lake Katrine, New York, an advertising/public relations major; and Cameron J. Moczulski, Carbondale, a journalism and electronic media major, and Posture Interactive professional partners: Kathryn Bondi, creative director; and Joey Zarcone, vice president.

This is the third time that AAF NEPA has offered this competition and is the third time that Scranton students were members of the winning team.

The University of Scranton Players will present the 2013 Tony Award winner for Best Play, "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike," written by Christopher Durang and directed by Michael O’ Steen. The production will run October 25 – 27 and Nov.1 - 3. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. All performances are in the Studio Theatre in the McDade Center for the Literary and Performing Arts on The University of Scranton campus.

This comedic production that blends characters and themes from Russian playwright, Anton Chekhov,  centers on the reunion of a glamorous film star with two middle-aged siblings at the family homestead in present-day Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Vanya and stepsister Sonia have lived their entire lives in their family’s farmhouse. While they stayed home to care for their ailing parents, their sister Masha has been gallivanting around the world as a successful actress and movie star, leaving Vanya and Sonia to feel trapped and regretful.

Their soothsayer/cleaning woman Cassandra warns them about terrible things in the future, which include a sudden visit from Masha and her twentysomething boy toy Spike. The company of "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike" features: Alek Panchik of Hershey, Pennsylvania, Gabriella Palmer of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, Sofia Greco of Verona, New Jersey, Bryanna Grossman of Easton, Pennsylvania, Lilliana Mangano of Harrington Park, New Jersey.

Reservations can be made at this URL: https://forms.gle/8LM7KR4iRMUn9e8Y6
Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for senior citizens, students and University of Scranton faculty and staff.

For more information, contact the University Players box office at 570-941-4318 or visit the Players' website at www.thescrantonplayers.com or on  Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The University of Scranton Players is an academic theatre program that brings exceptional theatre to Northeastern Pennsylvania every season. The Players’ productions feature University of Scranton students in a mix of classical and contemporary works under the direction and mentorship of award-winning faculty and guest artists.

The University of Scranton’s Nu Kappa chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor society for financial information students and professionals, achieved Gold Chapter status for the 2023-2024 academic year. This is the chapter’s second time achieving this status, having earned it for the 2022-2023 academic year, following silver status for the 2021-2022 academic year. The chapter began at Scranton in 2015.

In notifying the University of the Gold Chapter Status, the president of Beta Alpha Psi, Patricia Poli, Ph.D., commended the “exceptional leadership” shown by the moderator of Scranton’s chapter, Amanda Marcy ’10, G’11, Ph.D. ’20, assistant professor of accounting, as well as “the dedication and excellence” of the University’s Accounting Department.

“Under the inspiring stewardship of these faculty advisors, your chapter has far exceeded Beta Alpha Psi’s baseline requirements, excelling in academics, professionalism and ethical leadership,” wrote Dr. Poli.

To receive an award status, Beta Alpha Psi 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.

The more than a dozen professional development programs hosted by Scranton’s Beta Alpha Psi honor society chapter in 2023-2024 included: Withum: Preparing for a Career Fair; Baker Tilly: Interpersonal Skills at the Workplace UWorld: CPA Exam Evolution and Navigating the New CPA Exam; PwC: Service in a Professional Career; Forvis Mazars: Demystifying Digital Assets; EY: DEI in the Workplace; ForvisMazars: Recruitment and Interviewing Process; and CLA: Effective Communication Skills Workshop, in addition to participation in accounting and finance internship and young professional panel discussions, among other activities.

Service activities included making Christmas cards for veterans, hosting a prospective accounting student networking event and conducting a children’s book drive, among other projects.

In addition, student members attended and presented 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.

Officers for the University’s Beta Alpha Psi honor society chapter for the 2023-2024 academic year were:

Kaleigh E. Timmons, Bergenfield, New Jersey, president, who graduated from the University in 2024 as an accounting and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program, Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program, and Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program;

Madelyn G. Ronan, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, vice president, who graduated from the University in 2024 as an accounting and finance double major and member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program;

John J. Sheehan, Dumont, New Jersey, treasurer, who graduated from the University in 2024 as an accounting major and member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program;

Nina J. Figetakis, Little Neck, New York, secretary, who graduated from the University in 2024 as an accounting major and member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and is currently pursuing a MBA degree in accounting at Scranton;

Brianna M. Kerrane, New Hyde Park, New York, social engagement director, who graduated from the University in 2024 as an accounting major and member of the University’s Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program and is currently pursuing a Master in Accountancy degree at Scranton;

Ryan W. Hanley, Dumont, New Jersey, junior officer, who is an accounting and finance double major at Scranton.

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.

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.

By: Elizabeth Vander Neut '26, student correspondent

A team of four students from The University of Scranton won the NEPA American Advertising Federation (AAF) 2024 Cropped challenge, the third time that University students have been on the winning team.

The University hosted the event on Oct. 10, with eight total participants and 16 attendees. Much like the Food Network show “Chopped,” four teams of local creatives were assembled to compete against each other in three rounds of advertising campaign creation for local nonprofit organizations.

Team members are Vincenzo J. Angeloni ‘27, Tatiana L. Baide Franco ’26, Morgan T. Masters ’27 and Cameron J. Moczulski ’26. The team worked with professionals from Posture Interactive to develop rebranding concepts for the Willow Foundation’s Heartwood Center, a resource hub. The center aims to fulfill the unmet need for a day shelter/drop-in center for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in the Greater Hazleton Area.

Morgan Masters, a sophomore production and journalism major, said that for her, the most rewarding aspect of this competition was the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and support the Willow Foundation's mission. "I think it is so important to give back to the community, and we all need a guiding light. No one deserves to go through anything alone," she said.

Independent Graphics Inc. presented the competition and representatives from Coal Creative and NEPA’rogi judged each team’s logo, copywriting and creative execution concepts. After each round, one team was eliminated or “cropped.”

The team will work with the nonprofit to finalize their rebranding and create real-life campaign elements to be presented at the annual AAF holiday party in December.

"No one deserves to go through anything alone, and my team can now volunteer our time and resources to help all of NEPA with this campaign," Masters said.

In an occasional series, Royal News spotlights clubs from the university’s 100+ student organizations on campus, speaks to members and offers information on how to connect with the clubs. 

To suggest a club for a future Royal News article, to share ideas or to inform us of any upcoming club events, please email RoyalNews@scranton.edu or Elizabeth.vanderneut@scranton.edu.

By: Elizabeth Vander Neut, student correspondent

GET INVOLVED

Club: Scranton Student Association of the Philippines

Meet: Will Walsh '25, shown, is an kinesiology major from Factoryville.

Role in the Club: Executive Board President 

Connect: @uofssap

Q: Your upcoming event will be Halo-Halo-Ween. Would you please share details about its purpose and how people can participate?

In the Philippines, halo-halo is an extremely popular shaved ice dessert. We include different ingredients such as fruit, coconut slices, and even our very own ube jam! Our goal is to share our very tasty dessert with ALL of The University of Scranton students. Join us on Monday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. in the Multicultural Center!

Q: What is the SSAP mission?

1. To bring together a community of Filipino students under the unity of the same cultural background.

2. To educate the Scranton community about the Filipino culture.

3. Bring cultural awareness of social injustices occurring within the Republic of the Philippines.

4. Construct different agendas to help the Filipino community within Scranton and in the Philippines. 

Q: What, in your opinion, are the most exciting events or activities you present as a club?

 As a club, we have many fun activities which bring a remarkably diverse group of students together. We have intense game nights, food festivals (BOODLE), and more events which contribute to our community service.

Q: Why would you recommend someone join?

Joining our club will bring you many new opportunities. Our community is full of passionate Filipinos and many cultural backgrounds who bring his or her own skills to the table. We intend to build a strong network to help us engage in creating new connections with everyone on campus.

Q: Please share the format of a typical meeting. When and where does SSAP meet and how can someone who is interested find out more about it? 
We meet every last Monday of the month at 6 p.m. Locations are TBD, but we update our Instagram daily @uofssap. Also, join our Royal Sync to receive emails!

By Amelia Farry '26, and Samantha Kosmark '26, Student Correspondents

The Society for Sustainability and Conservation Club recently hosted student Sean Campbell '25, at a biweekly meeting to educate members about composting and its benefits. There was a large turnout of club members, many brought different items to determine their “compostability,” adding an interactive element to the meeting.

“You have to be nice to the Earth,” said Campbell, the founder of Sunshine Composting Company and a business major at The University of Scranton.

Composting is an eco-friendly way to reduce waste by turning organic materials, like food scraps and yard waste, into nutrient-rich soil. It enriches soil with essential nutrients, supporting gardening, agriculture and land restoration, while reducing chemical fertilizer use and promoting sustainable land practices. The life cycle of food scraps and organic waste can result in three outcomes: ending up in landfills, being incinerated, or being composted.

Campbell explained that composting has no negative impacts, as it promotes biodiversity and improves the Earth’s carbon footprint. By adopting composting practices, individuals can enhance environmental health and inspire others to do the same.

"Táim an-bhuíoch as ucht a bheith anseo sna Stáit Aontaithe, ach táim níos buíoch as ucht a bheith i mo Éireannaigh. That means, I'm so grateful to be here in the United States, but I’m even more grateful to be Irish,"  said Ruby Mcgrath, '28, psychology, from Spiddal, Co., Galway, Ireland.

Global Insights will feature three students from Ireland on Oct. 31 beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall 509. Registration is required.

Mcgrath will co-present with Jack Burke, '25, psychology, and Sean Comiskey, '26, secondary education, Cit/History, both from Dublin, Ireland.

Burke remarked on the appropriateness of the program's Oct. 31 date.  "A fact about Ireland is that Halloween originated in Ireland. The holiday dates back to the Samhain festival which honored the dead and ancestors of Ireland." 

Both Burke and Mcgrath spoke of their love for the Irish language. "I  grew up in a primarily Irish-speaking area, known as the Gaeltacht. Irish or Gaelige was the only language I was allowed to speak conversationally in primary school. I never understood why they disproved of us speaking English with each other, but I get it now. It was a way of keeping the language alive. I’m so proud to be fluent in the language; it’s the language of my ancestors who they fought hard for it, to keep it alive," said Mcgrath. Burke agreed, saying "Another thing that I would like to promote is the Irish language. Oftentimes, people mistakenly refer to the language as ‘Gaelic’ but we simply call it ‘Irish.’ It is a beautiful dying language that not many non-Irish know about."

"The culture of Irish people is to always help when possible, and I strive to replicate that at all times." - Jack Burke

Burke, who has traveled to 19 countries, speaks fondly of the Irish people and culture. "The people of Ireland are the friendliest people I’ve encountered in all of my travels. They are always willing to stop and talk and offer assistance if needed. The culture of Irish people is to always help when possible, and I strive to replicate that at all times."

Mcgrath's favorite activities include "sea swimming" year round, but especially in October "as the seasons are changing and the water gets a bit chillier." Burke, along with supporting his local soccer team, enjoys listening "to traditional Irish music with a pint of Guinness, in any small pub. My personal recommendation is The Cobblestone Pub in Dublin." 

Burke, Comiskey and Mcgrath will discuss more on the origin of the Halloween holiday, and Irish country and culture at the Oct. 31 program.

Register for Global Insights Ireland. 

This program is sponsored by The Office of Global Education, and co-hosted with the Office of Equity and Diversity, the Cultural Centers and Office of Residence Life.

For more information, please contact international@scranton.edu or 570-941-4841.

In an occasional series, Royal News spotlights clubs from the university’s 100+ student organizations on campus, speaks to members and offers information on how to connect with the clubs. 

To suggest a club for a future Royal News article, to share ideas or to inform us of any upcoming club events, please email RoyalNews@scranton.edu or ava.aversa@scranton.edu .

GET INVOLVED

Club: Mountain Sports
Meet: Mason DiCesare '26, shown above, at center, is a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology (BCMB) and philosophy double major from Philadelphia.
Role in the Club: Vice President, Winter Sports
Connect: @uofs_mm

By: Ava Aversa, student correspondent

Q: When would your upcoming event be? Would you please share details about its purpose and how people can participate?

"Our latest event hosted by the Mountain Sports Club will be at Skirmish Paintball Fields on October 19! We are super excited to bring a large group of students and introduce them to the sport of paintball. We’ll supply rentals, paint, and gear so that anyone of varying levels can play! You can sign up via RoyalSync for a small charge using cash, credit or Royal!"

Q: What is the Mountain Sports Club mission?

"Mountain Sports aims to provide low-cost excursions to local locations in NEPA, providing students a chance to pick up new hobbies and create memories with old and new friends. We hope to bring students of varying levels to all kinds of events. Whether you're an expert or completely new, Mountain Sports wants to offer you an experience you won’t forget."

Q: What, in your opinion, are the most exciting events or activities you present as a club?

"I am super biased towards our winter activities like skiing, particularly our out-of-state trip that is still being planned and processed for approval soon. We’re hoping to bring a group of around 20 students to either Vermont or New York and stay for the weekend. No prior experience is needed for the trip, but since these are primarily harder and longer trails, we’d like students to be at least accustomed to the slopes.

If you’re looking for something more relaxed and more frequent, we will be offering trips to local mountains like Montage Mountain and Elk Mountain Ski Resort. These tickets will be at a discounted price and rentals will be provided if requested. Transportation for these local mountains will also be provided, so if you’re looking for an all-inclusive trip, Mountain Sports is the club for you!"

Q: Why would you recommend someone join?

"When you join Mountain Sports, whether you’re intending to participate in all of our events or just one, you are ultimately saving tons of money and getting a chance to meet new friends. We want to offer new members an open and safe environment to find new hobbies and create new experiences. Mountain Sports wants to provide our members with our experienced and knowledgeable leaders to help them explore NEPA and what it has to offer."

Q: When and where does Mountain Sports Club meet, and how can someone who is interested find out more about it?

"Our meetings are limited to our officers, but we’d love for our members to come and ask questions if need be or bring any suggestions on future trips. You can find us in The Butler Student Forum in DeNaples on Tuesdays at around 7 p.m.!"

Q: What topics do you discuss?

"Our meetings are focused on bringing the best, and price effective, trips to our members and we meticulously plan each one of our trips. Our officers aim to bring you an experience that will keep you coming back for more. We normally brainstorm and discuss how, when and where each trip will be and we’re always open to suggestions."

Q: Any upcoming plans for the fall semester?

"Including our paintball event, we have a couple more hikes and indoor rock climbing, but most of our events will ramp up at the beginning of the spring semester when snow begins to fall and we can hit the slopes together. We’re excited to bring students a variety of skiing trips and we hope to see you out there."

The University of Scranton has long been known for its success in placing graduates in medical and other health professions schools. Its acceptance rate to these schools falls consistently higher than the national acceptance rate.

In addition to MDs, DOs and DDMs, Scranton has also been quietly producing Ph.D.s in the sciences at a rate that places the University among the top Catholic colleges and universities in the nation.

Among Catholic undergraduate colleges and universities in the U.S. ranked for producing Ph.D. recipients from 2016 to 2022, The University of Scranton ranked No. 3 in the area mathematics and statistics; No. 10 for biological and biomedical sciences; No.10 for chemistry; and No. 16 for health sciences.

“Scranton’s strong placement alongside much larger and more graduate-focused Catholic institutions in the nation highlights not only our rigorous curriculum; but the ability of and commitment by our faculty to mentoring our students in research,” said Carolyn Barry, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University.

Scranton also ranked high among Catholic institutions in the nation for producing doctoral recipients in the areas of education administration (No. 10); history (No. 20); and psychology (No. 38).

The doctoral data, which originated from National Science Foundation, is presented in an interactive format for easy comparisons by Higher Ed Data Stories.

Read about the University’s success in placing women in fully-funded Ph.D. programs in philosophy in the Scranton Journal article.

In another recent national ranking, The Princeton Review “Best Colleges” list ranked The University of Scranton No. 17 in the nation for “Best Science Lab Facilities,” among other lists.

The University of Scranton, one of America’s premier colleges, will host two Open House events for prospective students and their families on Sunday, Oct. 27, and Sunday, Nov. 10. 

Three Reasons To Attend Open House

1. Meet Our Friendly Royals. Attendees will meet with friendly Royals across campus – from faculty members and students to coaches and representatives from admissions and financial aid. 

2. Tour Our Electric Campus. See why Scranton is campus life is exactly as you imagined it. Campus tours – operating throughout the day – will take visitors to the Loyola Science Center, Weinberg Memorial Library, DeNaples Center, fitness center and a first-year residence hall. And there's also time to explore the rest of the campus on your own. 

3. Enjoy Award-Winning Food. Touring a college campus can make you hungry, that's why Open House features a complimentary brunch and lunch for attendees. See for yourself why our food is consistently ranked as some of the "Best Campus Food" in the nation. 

"This is our premier event of the recruiting season, and we pull out all the stops for our visitors," said Hugh J Doyle Jr '17 G ‘20, Director of Undergraduate Admissions. "Even if you've visited campus before, I encourage you to come to Open House. If you don't love Scranton yet, you will after this." 

For additional information, contact Scranton’s Admissions Office at 1-888-SCRANTON or visit Scranton’s Open House webpage.

The spirit of generosity at The University of Scranton was on full display at the President’s Medal Gala in Manhattan, proceeds from which support the University’s Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund. After honoring James M. Slattery ’86, H’23, former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and head of North America for Rosebank Industries PLC, with the President’s Medal, the University received three anonymous six-figure donations totaling more than $700,000 in less than 20 minutes; by the evening’s end, more than $2.3 million was raised. The total is the most money raised for Presidential Scholarships in the more than 20-year history of the President’s Medal events, which started in 2002.

“We are here at beautiful Chelsea Piers for the best possible purpose: to celebrate our students, to celebrate our mission, and to celebrate our wonderful benefactors for their generosity, especially tonight’s honoree and former chair of the Board of Trustees, Jim Slattery,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, at the gala, which was chaired by John D. Dionne ’86, H’10. “In the gospel of John, Jesus says to his disciples: Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. Jim Slattery is one who follows Jesus. There is no question about it. And where Jesus is, there also is Jim.”

The President’s Medal recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields and demonstrated extraordinary compassion for others, representing lifetime achievements that reflect the University’s mission of Catholic and Jesuit excellence and service.

"We are here tonight for these wonderful students … and for all those that will follow in their footsteps,” said Slattery upon accepting the medal. “As Royals or supporters of Royals, we are all called to do what we can to support the mission, vision and outcomes of the University.

“The University of Scranton is a special place and, in many ways, a sacred place where God’s work is happening every day. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t thank God for letting me discover this University close to 40 years ago.”

A certified public accountant, Slattery is the head of North America for Rosebank Industries PLC, a company that buys, improves and sells companies. Prior to joining Rosebank Industries PLC, he was the chief operating officer at Melrose PLC. Previously, Slattery served as chief financial officer for McKechnie Aerospace, 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. He served as the chair of the University’s President’s Business Council Annual Award Dinner in 2013. He joined the University's Board of Trustees in 2015 and served as its chair from 2019-2022. 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 received an honorary degree from the University in 2023.

Slattery resides in Atlanta, Georgia. He and his wife are the proud parents of three sons: John Michael, Daniel and Shane.

Alexandra Shomali ’25, a mathematical sciences and philosophy double major at Scranton, spoke on behalf of the Presidential Scholars at the event. A member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the research-based University Honors Program, Shomali said the full-tuition Presidential Scholarship she and 18 of her classmates received afforded them the flexibility to freely pursue courses of interest and to become active on- and off-campus.

“Presidential scholars are leaders both in and out of the classroom. In the classroom, we are top students – we collaborate with others; we become teaching assistants, mentors and tutors to those who need extra help. Outside the classroom, we are presidents of clubs, captains of sports teams, officers in student government, and coordinators of service projects. We have the financial freedom to follow our passions and explore all kinds of unique scholastic and extracurricular activities,” said Shomali, of Ellicott City, Maryland.

Other Presidential Scholars of the University’s class of 2025 are: Gabrielle M. Bingener, Barto, a neuroscience major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM and University Honors Program; Grace E. Boyle, Clarks Summit, a finance major and member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program; Stephen J. Butler, Telford, a neuroscience major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM; Amanda E. Campbell, Farmingville, New York, a nursing major; Cabre A. Capalongo, Scranton, a biology major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program; Arissa J. Chambers, Henryville, a biology and philosophy major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM; Bella M. Davis, Atlantic Beach, New York, a kinesiology major; Patrick D. DelBalso, Plains, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program; Nicolas M. Hipolito Jr., Scranton, a mathematics major; Samantha G. Hoffmann, Millington, New Jersey, a nursing major;  Michael J. Howard, Mayfield, a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM; Mary E. Krichbaum, Endicott, New York, a mathematics and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, Magis Honors Program in STEM and University Honors Program; Grace K. McDonald, Jamison, a biochemistry major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM and University Honors Program; Elizabeth P. McKechney, Fairport, New York, a communication sciences and disorders major; Liam P. Moran, Scranton, a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM; Theresa Pham, Philadelphia, a biology major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM; Anthony I. Torres, New Milford, a biochemistry major; Grace E. Washney, West Wyoming, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major and member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and Magis Honors Program in STEM.

“Scholarships are nothing less than life-changing so thank you for changing lives,” said Father Marina to those attending the event that raises funds to support Presidential Scholarships at Scranton.

To see more photos from the event, visit this link. For more information about the President’s Business Council, contact Eric Eckenrode, associate vice president of development, at eric.eckenrode@scranton.edu or Brad Troy ’02, executive director of Advancement for Campus Engagement, at bradley.troy@scranton.edu.

Sarah Baker '25, invites students to stop by the Condron Patio and sand volleyball court on Friday, Sept. 27 for a dose of joy — and Crumbl Cookies. This month, more than 250 Royals have attended a Be Happy Hour, part of a new series hosted by the Center for Health Education and Wellness (CHEW) and their event partners. 

Baker, a Peer Health Educator Leader with CHEW, explained the goals for Be Happy Hours.

"Our inspiration for this series of events was to create a space for students to make social connections with their peers, to promote the use of green space, and to connect them with wellness resources on campus," said the occupational therapy major and psychology minor from Yardley.

Be Happy Hour is a collaboration between CHEW and event partners, including Student Health Services, University of Scranton Programming Board (USPB), Counseling Center, Center for Service and Social Justice (CSSJ), Campus Recreation, and Residence Life. The events offer free food, giveaways and  activities such as crafts and yard games.

Baker tells Royals what they can look forward to at the Sept. 27 Bee Happy Hour.

What can people expect if they attend? 
"At each Be Happy Hour, we work to create a strong sense of community, encouraging students to interact with each other, and the staff, in an informal setting. So far, our free food has included Duck Donuts, Philly pretzels and s’mores. We will have Crumbl Cookies at our last one, this Friday, Sept. 27.

As for the activities, we have yard games and volleyball at each Be Happy Hour, along with specialized activities such as a sand art craft by the Counseling Center, which focused on understanding how we experience emotions. At our most recent Be Happy Hour, Weekly Wellness Class yoga instructor, Miranda, led a group yoga class on the grass for all students."

What is the Be Happy Hour inspiration and goal? 
"The Center for Health Education & Wellness offers programs and education that focus on promoting the eight dimensions of wellness and a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The Be Happy Hour series was an opportunity to promote departments and resources during the first couple of weeks on campus and help create opportunities for students to meet new people in a relaxed, fun environment.

Our event location on the Condron Green provides us with a beautiful open space for plenty of activities and encourages the incoming class to become familiar with the location of Student Health Services and the CHEW office."

What surprised you about the event? 
"Not necessarily a surprise, but it was really validating having so many students come to our first two Be Happy Hours — each event had over 250 students attend! The whole purpose of this series was to get students outside, enjoying green space on campus, and connecting with other students and staff. It was very rewarding to see those connections take place!" 

Which activities were the most well-received by attendees?
"Everyone loves free food, so that’s been a big hit, and activities such as crafts, yard games and s'more making have been popular. ... Many students have stayed to play yard games such as Spikeball, Kan Jam, cornhole and volleyball."

Baker offers an elevator pitch for Friday's event:
"If you attend our last Be Happy Hour on Sept. 27 from 4-6 p.m. on the Condron Green, you can expect to get a free Crumbl Cookie, have opportunities to play volleyball and yard games, and learn about some of the resources we have on campus. We will be partnering with USPB and the Center for Service and Social Justice.

"We really appreciate our Scranton community and love seeing them jump at opportunities we provide, use campus resources, and engage with one another. The students at our events have given life to our Be Happy Hours with their enthusiasm and participation–they are the reason this community flourishes!"

“There are always hidden historians among the survivors of war. These are the people who carry the stories of what happened with them when they escape, so that the past can be remembered,” wrote author Stephanie Saldaña in the prologue to her award-winning book “What We Remember Will Be Saved.” “(T)hey carry these stories not in books but through little things. A sapling, a spoon, a scarf, a recipe for eggplants stuffed with walnuts, a prayer in a dying language.”

Saldaña will speak about her book at The University of Scranton at the 2024 Ignatian Values in Action Lecture on Thursday, Oct. 10. The event, which is offered free of charge and open to the public, will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Byron Recreation Complex on campus.

The book was selected for the University’s Royal Reads program for the incoming Class of 2028. The program encourages all incoming students to read a designated book during the summer and to attend the lecture in order to create a shared experience among the students and expose them to the Ignatian values at the core of the University’s mission. Throughout their first year, students will encounter themes of the Royals Reads selection repeated in classes, extracurricular opportunities and other special events.

Saldaña’s book, “What We Remember Will Be Saved: A Story of Refugees and the Things They Carry,” narrates the experiences of Syrian and Iraqi refugees through their stories and the belongings they carry.

 “I have met those who save the past simply by speaking it aloud, who write the dead into living by planting a tree. This book is about these historians and the stories they rescue. It is also a chronicle of war and migration told to me by those who managed to stay alive,” wrote Saldaña, who traveled to nine countries to learn the stories of Syrian and Iraqi refugees.

“In time, I began to hear stories: Of a young musician from Homs, Syria, who crossed the sea with his violin wrapped in cellophane. Of Syrian mothers teaching their children recipes for eggplant jam in the refugee camps of Lebanon. … (T)he small things they salvaged not mere fragments but windows into the histories they were now entrusted with remembering and transmitting to future generations,” wrote Saldaña.

“What We Remember Will Be Saved” was the 2023 Christopher Award Winner and 2024 Excellence in Religion Reporting Award Winner for Nonfiction. A journalist and scholar, Saldaña discussed her book “The Bread of Angels: A Journey to Love and Faith,” at the University’s Ignatian Values in Action Lecture in 2019. The book was selected for the Royals Read program for Scranton’s Class of 2023. She also wrote “A Country Between: Making a Home Where Both Sides of Jerusalem Collide,” which was published in 2017.

The Ignatian Values in Action Lecture series is meant to introduce students, and the larger community, to the mission and core values of the University. Since 2012, the annual event has invited individuals to speak on topics related to the tradition of meaningful service inspired by Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. 

First Year Seminar students at the University are required to attend the Ignatian Values in Action lecture. Students will swipe their ID cards at entrance stations to be counted in attendance. 

For information about the event, call 570-941-7520.

The University of Scranton and Symbiosis International, a top-ranked, “Deemed University” in India, have signed a memorandum of understanding that will allow for the future development of exchange programs for faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students, as well as possible joint research projects and curricular and education programs. The University Grants Commission in India grants “Deemed University” status to high-performing educational institutions and research organizations that meet specific criteria.

An internationally recognized, multi-disciplinary university, Symbiosis International attracts students from more than 85 countries.

The memorandum of understanding between Scranton and Symbiosis International commonly sets into motion the future development of exchange programs for faculty for conducting jointly organized courses or scholarly research, and administrative staff for training courses. The agreement also allows for future undergraduate and graduate students exchange programs for education or internships, with the possibility of developing joint educational programs and curriculum, including programs that would award double-diplomas from both schools.

Symbiosis International has campuses in six cities in India, with a planned campus in Dubai, U.A.E., in the future. Founded in 1971, Symbiosis International University is a private institution built on the principles of Vedic thought, promoting the idea of “World as One Family.” The university provides high-quality education and fostering international understanding. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council of India has awarded it an “A++” grade. Internationally, the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject placed Symbiosis International 140th globally and sixth in India in business and management studies; 389th globally and 10th in India in social sciences and management; and in the 551-600 grouping globally and 12th in India in computer science and information systems. This memorandum of understanding will mark a significant collaboration with Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development, which is a constituent of Symbiosis International University and is AACSB accredited with the Financial Times – Master in Management rank of 76th Globally and 8th in India in the year 2024.

The University of Scranton has been consistently ranked among the top colleges in the U.S., including being ranked by U.S. News in the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 31 consecutive years.

In an occasional series, Royal News spotlights clubs from the university’s 100+ student organizations on campus, speaks to members and offers information on how to connect with the clubs. 

To suggest a club for a future Royal News article, to share ideas or to inform us of any upcoming club events, please email RoyalNews@scranton.edu or Elizabeth.vanderneut@scranton.edu . 

GET INVOLVED

Club: Mulberry Media
Meet: Grace Quick '26, shown, is an advertising major from Yardley.
Role in the Club: President 
Connect: @uofs_mm

By: Elizabeth Vander Neut, student correspondent

Q: Your club is one of many extracurricular opportunities within the Communication and Media Department. Can anyone participate? 
“Yes, we love when we get members from outside of the Comm Department. It’s great to see how different majors, like marketing or business, can use their strengths and knowledge to collaborate with communication majors on projects.” 

Q: What, in your opinion, are the most exciting events or activities you present as a club? 
“As much as we enjoy working on our club projects, our service projects have historically been a great success for the club. Last year we did a lot of cards for the veterans at the Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center. It has been a great way for the club members to give back to the community and we plan on doing more cards for them this year.” 

Q: What is Mulberry Media’s mission? 

“To serve students by building upon advertising and IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications) skills through teamwork, hands-on activities, mentoring and decision-making in an enjoyable and fun environment. To serve the University's campus community by providing advertising and IMC skills to enhance their events and programs. To serve local businesses and nonprofits in the community by applying advertising and IMC skills.” 

Q: Why would you recommend someone join?  

“Mulberry Media is a great way to meet other students in the Comm Department while also working on projects that you can add to your portfolio and resume. Along with our projects, we do professional development meetings like resume and LinkedIn workshops and professional headshots. It is also a great opportunity for underclassmen to get involved in leadership positions.“ 

Q: Why did you join the club?  
“I joined the club my first year to meet other students in the Comm Department.” 

Q: Please share the format of a typical meeting. When and where does Mulberry Media meet and how can someone who is interested find out more about it?  What topics do you discuss? 
“We typically meet at 7 p.m. every other Tuesday in 406 Loyola Science Center. In our standard meetings we discuss and brainstorm for our projects with our clients, but we also occasionally have meetings where we do service projects and professional development.” 

Q: Any upcoming plans for the fall semester? 
“We are planning on doing a meeting where we take professional headshots and make cards for the Gino J. Merli Veterans' Center to donate for Veterans Day.” 

Q: Anything we have not asked about that you’d like to mention? 
“You do not need any experience in advertising, design, social media, etc. to get involved in Mulberry Media.” 

 Shown at the recent Student Activities fair are Mulberry Media board members from left: Arianna Taylor, Amanda Vaccaro, Sheila Miller and Grace Quick. 

Prepare for hospitality and sweet treats at this month's Global Insights event, which will spotlight Ghana and celebrate ten years of international programming.

Two Scranton graduate students who met and became friends while attending the University will discuss the welcoming culture of their native country, and offer a sample of Ghana's chocolate.

Sr. Christiana C. Amevegbe, forensic accounting, accounting analytics, and Elizabeth Adu, chemistry, will begin the 10th year of Global Insights events on Sept. 25 at 11:30 a.m. in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall 502. Registration is required. 

Global Insights interviewed Sr. Amevegbe and Adu, who said they are excited about presenting Ghana as the opening program.

Please share an interesting fact about life in Ghana that would you like the audience to learn more about during your presentation?

Sr. Amevegbe: "The rites of passage from birth until you die. You only get the celebrations, like maybe the parties and all that online, but you don't get the processes that it entails. Also, the importance of greeting people, the etiquette."

Adu: "Our transportation system. How easy it is to get passes for transportation and how cheap they are. And also the activities that go on there. It is never quiet. We make a lot of friends riding the buses." 

What activities do you enjoy in Ghana?

Sr. Amevegbe: "Weddings and funerals, which are celebrations. Also, games. They are local. Every group has a particular game they engage in, but due to modernization, you don’t see so much. They are still in existence where they are keeping the traditions."

Name something unique about Ghana.

Adu: "One unique thing is that women engage in farming activities, which is not with machinery, mostly manual labor." 

Sr. Amevegbe: "We are the second largest producer of cocoa in the world. We make chocolate, some sweet, some dark chocolates." 

What should be on the must-try list for visitors to Ghana?

Sr. Amevegbe: "Our dishes. We have so many varieties to try. Corn is the heaviest used (ingredient). Millet is second. 'Banku' is a corn dough and cassava dough recipe."

Adu: "Our dance. The signs portrayed through the dance may ... portray something, like to authority, or you are in pain or feeling aggressive. it comes out in the dance."

Sr. Amevegbe: "In some cultures, their dance signifies their history. How they migrated from one country and came into Ghana."

Sr. Christiana C. Amevegbe is originally from Ghana's capital city Accra, lived in Adanu for several years with grandparents, and currently resides in the religious order in Sunyani. Elizabeth Adu is originally from the village of Breman Kuntanase. Both expressed their love for the Ghanaian welcoming culture and hospitality. 

"Ours is not a country of war and strife," said Sr. Amevegbe. "The Ghanaian people embrace visitors and meeting new people."

Register today for Ghana Global Insights, Sep. 25.

This program is sponsored by The Office of Global Education, and co-hosted with the Office of Equity and Diversity, the Cultural Centers and Office of Residence Life.

For more information, please contact international@scranton.edu or 570-941-4841.

Twenty University of Scranton education majors are serving as student teachers during the fall semester at 12 local schools in the following eight school districts: Dunmore, Lackawanna Trail, Lakeland, North Pocono, Scranton, Valley View, Wayne Highlands and Western Wayne.

The following is a list of graduate and undergraduate students who are serving as student teachers and the schools to which they have been assigned during the fall semester.

Valerie Alfaro, a graduate student majoring in special education from Deer Park, New York, will teach at Dunmore Elementary School in the Dunmore School District.

Abigail F. Casal, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from South Abington Township, will teach at Jefferson Elementary Center in the North Pocono School District.

Grace A. Chadwick, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from North Wales, will teach at Whittier Elementary School in the Scranton School District.

Christina A. Costa, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Morganville, New Jersey, will teach at Prescott Elementary School in the Scranton School District.

Laura N. Echausse, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Mineola, New York, will teach at Lakeside Elementary School in the Wayne Highlands School District.

Faith M. Kwasnik, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Fair Lawn, New Jersey, will teach at Isaac Tripp Elementary School in the Scranton School District.

Julianna R. Lorenz, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Feasterville Trevose, will teach at Valley View Elementary School in the Valley View School District.

Molly C. McCarren, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Suffern, New York, will teach at Dunmore Elementary School in the Dunmore School District.

Jessica M. Middleman, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Huntingdon Valley, will teach at Adams Elementary School in the Scranton School District.

Riley K. Miller, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Manhasset, New York, will teach at EverGreen Elementary in the Western Wayne School District.

Alana D. Millevoi, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Richboro, will teach at Armstrong Elementary School in the Scranton School District.

Katrina Murray, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from East Northport, New York, will teach at Lakeside Elementary School in the Wayne Highlands School District.

Alexis F. Nardella, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from South Setauket, New York, will teach at Dunmore Elementary School in the Dunmore School District.

Emma G. O’Hara, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Commack, New York, will teach at Adams Elementary School in the Scranton School District.

Brigid E. O’Mara, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Pleasantville, New York, will teach at EverGreen Elementary in the Western Wayne School District.

Madison M. Ryan, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from West Chester, will teach at Lakeland Elementary School in the Lakeland School District.

Margaret A. Schairer, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Allentown, will teach at Jefferson Elementary Center in the North Pocono School District.

Kristie E. Schieck, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Rockville Centre, New York, will teach at Valley View Elementary School in the Valley View School District.

Kiley A. Yanochik, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Dunmore, will teach at Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center in the Lackawanna Trail School District.

Julia E. Yukniewicz, an undergraduate student majoring in early and primary teacher education from Chatham, New Jersey, will teach at Lakeland Elementary School in the Lakeland School District.

Representatives from more than 60 non-profit organizations from the area participated in The University of Scranton’s annual Volunteer Fair to pitch service opportunities available to the more than 750 students who attended looking for ways to give back to the local community.

Anthracite Heritage Museum, Big Brothers and Sisters of NEPA, Catholic Social Services, Children’s Advocacy Center, Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, Junior Achievement of NEPA, Meals on Wheels, NeighborWorks NEPA, REACH-HEI Pathway Program of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Saint Francis Kitchen and Steamtown National Historic Site were among the non-profit organizations whose representatives met with University students at Volunteer Fair held on campus Sept. 10.

The fair allows students and student-led clubs interested in service projects and community-based learning sites a chance to meet representatives from nonprofit organizations in need of volunteers.

The annual fair is organized by the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice.

WNEP-TV and FOX 56 interviewed participants of the fair in news stories published on their websites.

University of Scranton students from the International Relations course taught by Gretchen Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, posed thought-provoking questions on the upcoming presidential election to panelists at an event hosted by Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) on campus. The panel discussion will air on PCN stations across the commonwealth on Monday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. It will also be posted to their website.

Scranton was one of just four colleges from across Pennsylvania selected to participate in PCN’s panel discussions about the election. The college panel discussions from the other schools will air at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 17-19.

Panelists participating in Scranton’s discussion were: Jean Wahl Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science at the University; Borys Krawczeniuk, a reporter with WVIA; Brit Crampsie, principal for Brit Crampsie Communications; and Christopher Nicholas, principal for Eagle Consulting. Francine Schertzer, senior vice president and chief content officer for PCN-TV, was the moderator.

By: Ava Aversa ‘26, student correspondent

Chelsea Curran ‘26, a Jamison resident, spent her Royal Experience internship with the Bucks County Public Defender's office in Doylestown. This summer, The University of Scranton junior shadowed attorneys in courtroom, analyzed evidence for trials and conducted client interviews.

Curran, a political science major and English minor, with a concentration of legal studies, shares the on-the-job experience she gained from May 28 through Aug.15.

Describe a typical day at work.

"A typical day involves shadowing attorneys in the courtroom, completing paperwork for bench warrant hearings, conducting client intake interviews in person and over the phone, completing special projects, reviewing police body camera footage, and analyzing evidence for trial." 

What are some skills you have GAINED?  

"Throughout the past month or so, this internship has allowed me to build on my knowledge about the criminal justice system. This experience has also helped improve my time management, critical thinking and interpersonal skills."

What dID you enjoy most about your ROLE?

"I love that every day is different. I never knew exactly what I would be walking into or learning, which made this internship so exciting. Also, I enjoyed the hands-on learning experience that is provided by the attorneys and interns who I worked with daily."

Did your expectation match the reality?  

"Going into the internship, I was very intimidated by the environment and the thought of working in a building filled with attorneys, judges and sheriffs. Having no experience in the criminal justice field, I was nervous about what I was expected to know. However, the people and personalities that I was surrounded by fostered a lighthearted and welcoming atmosphere that pushed me to step outside my comfort zone."

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

"This internship has taught me something new every single day. I would not have had the experiences that that I do now if I had never applied. As an intern, I have been pushed to keep an open mind. I have become more empathetic and understanding of others as I continue to meet and learn from clients who have unique life experiences."

Students from the Political Science Club, College Democrats and College Republicans jointly hosted a Debate Watch for the presidential candidates on campus Sept. 10. More than 100 students – republicans, democrats and independents – attended the event.

Students were encouraged to vote for the candidate of their choice. It was the vote – or expression of their voice – that was emphasized at the event. The event was marked by an incredible sense of congeniality, community and respect, even though political opinions of those attending differed.

Reporters from WNEP-TV and the Scranton Times-Tribune covered the Debate Watch and interviewed students in attendance, including officers of the University clubs hosting the event.

Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, served a principal celebrant and homilist for The University of Scranton’s Mass of the Holy Spirit.

Hundreds of students, faculty and staff attended the Mass, which is celebrated at the beginning of the semester at Jesuit universities throughout the world.

University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., described the way in which Scranton expresses its Jesuit mission as “excellence wrapped in faith, service and justice” in an interview with the Diocese of Scranton Catholic television station following the Mass of the Holy Spirit. University students Jenna Kotlar, Branchburg, New Jersey, and Maria Stephen, Huntington Valley, were also interviewed in the CTV story.

The liturgy was held in the Byron Recreation Center Sept. 5. A picnic on the Dionne Campus Green and DeNaples Patio immediately followed Mass.

The Princeton Review has named The University of Scranton as one of the best colleges in the nation for the 23^rd consecutive year. The well-known college guidebook also ranked Scranton among the “Best Science Lab Facilities” (No. 17) in the country. This is the eighth year Scranton has made this national list of just 25 schools deemed to have the finest laboratory facilities.

The Princeton Review also ranked the school No. 23 in the nation for “Students Most Engaged in Community Service” and No. 23 in the country for “Best-Run Colleges.”

Students quoted by The Princeton Review praise the University’s outstanding facilities, approachable faculty and supportive alumni network.

Students noted the investment the University has made in laboratory and simulation spaces that resulted in “academic buildings [that] are the greatest strength of the school because most have nice classrooms and places to study that foster learning.”

The students also mentioned the small class sizes, capped at around 35 students, that ensure “the professor [is] able to know your name and take an investment in each individual.” According to Princeton Review, many Scranton students describe professors as being “very easy to reach” and “truly [caring] about their students.”

Students also said that alumni can be counted on to keep looking out for Scranton students and graduates, which the Princeton Review credited for helping to explain the University’s consistently high 99 percent graduate job-placement rate.

Scranton is among just 14 percent of schools in the nation to be listed in the 2025 edition of the “Best 390 Colleges” guidebook to be selected and recommended by The Princeton Review as one of the top colleges in the country.

The Princeton Review does not include an overall ranking of the schools selected as the best in the country, however they do publish rankings of schools in 50 categories based on results of their surveys of 168,000 students at the 390 colleges included in the book. Information from the surveys is also used in the profiles included about each school in the publication.

The 2025 edition of the guidebook published online on Aug. 27.

In addition to The Princeton Review, U.S. News has ranked Scranton among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 30 consecutive years, placing the University No. 5 among the “Best Regional Universities in the North” its 2024 edition of the “Best Colleges” guidebook.

Ninety-nine percent of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2023 bachelor-degree graduates, and 100 percent of its post-baccalaureate class of 2023 graduates, reported being successful in their choice of career path within 12 months of graduation. The “First Destination Survey” report by Scranton’s Roche Family Center for Career Development is based on career success data obtained for 85 percent of the undergraduate class and 72 percent of its graduate class. This “knowledge rate,” or percentage of graduates for whom their career outcome is known, exceeds the National Association of College Employers recommended rate of 65 percent six months after graduation.

For members of University’s Class of 2023 earning a bachelor’s degree, 49 percent of graduates had the goal of obtaining full-time employment and 98 percent of these graduates succeed with that goal. Forty-four percent of graduates had the goal of attending graduate or professional school and 99 percent of graduates successfully achieved that goal. Other graduates were seeking part-time employment or pursued other intentional paths such as a gap year.

The average (mean) salary is $61,360, based on the bachelor’s degree graduates that provided salary information. The average salary varied by major. The highest average salaries reported are in computer science ($83,440), nursing ($80,791), finance ($75,961), mathematics ($75,000) and business analytics ($70,800).

Geographically, of those employed, 83 percent reported working in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

Eighty-one percent of the undergraduate Class of 2023 reported completing at least one experiential learning opportunity during their education at the University, which includes internships, research, student teaching, observations, clinicals, externships and residencies. In addition, 86 percent of the graduates engaged with the Center for Career Development during their time at Scranton.

As mentioned, Scranton’s Class of 2023 master’s and doctoral degree graduates had a 100 percent overall success rate. The report shows 94 percent of graduates were employed full-time; three percent were employed part-time; two percent were pursuing additional education; and one percent were seeking another goal, such as travel or taking a gap year. The average (mean) salary for 2023 graduate-degree graduates is $89,891, based on the graduates that provided salary information. Salaries reported vary by degree programs. The highest average salaries reported are for graduates with master’s degrees in nurse anesthesia ($213,462), healthcare management MBA ($140,960) and MBA-international business ($107,000). Of those employed, 71 percent are working in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.

The surveys over the past three years indicate a significant average salary increase at the graduate degree level. The average salary reported for post-baccalaureate graduates in 2021 was $71,827; $81,045 for Class 2022 graduates; and $89,891 for Class of 2023 graduates.

The Roche Family Center for Career Development is located on the second floor of the Loyola Science Center.

The University of Scranton and Providence University, a Catholic co-educational institution in Taichung City, Taiwan, have signed an Accelerated 4+1 Agreement that will allow qualified students at Providence to earn an MBA from Scranton in as little as one year after completing their undergraduate degree. Through the agreement, students can take graduate-level courses at Providence during their senior year, which will be recognized at Scranton and allow the students to earn an MBA from Scranton at an accelerated pace.

Similar to the Jesuit principles of Cura Personalis and educating students to becoming “men and women for others,” Providence University is committed to the education of each student as a whole person, striving to assist its students “in the development of lifelong values, research and critical thinking skills so that they may effect positive changes in society.” Its school motto is “Virtus cum Scientia” or “Virtue with Knowledge.”

Providence University traces its origin to the elementary and high school established in the Henan Province of China in 1921 by the Sisters of Providence. It was one of the first schools for girls in China. During the Communist Party war in China in 1948, the Sisters relocated to Taiwan. Over time, the school developed into a junior college for women, gaining accreditation from the Ministry of Education in 1956. The college continue to grow and establish additional programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. The college gained University status in 1989 and began to enroll men in 1993.

For more than a decade, The University of Scranton has established partnerships with agencies in Taiwan, including with several divisions in the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in New York, the Taiwan Ministry of Education and the Taiwan Ministry of Culture. In 2014, Scranton became the only higher education institution in the world to receive a replica of the Kinmen Peace Bell, which is displayed in the Atrium of the Loyola Science Center. The gift was given as a gesture from Taiwan in honor of the University’s charter membership in the Taiwan Academy and its success with its Taiwanese cultural programming and Asian Studies program.

The University also has a 4+1 MBA degree articulation agreement with Fu Jen Catholic University, a Jesuit university in Taiwan.

For additional information about the Accelerated 4+1 Agreement with Providence University, contact Murli Rajan, Ph.D., associate dean, Kania School of Management at murli.rajan@scranton.edu or 570-941-4208, Ann Pang-White, Ph.D., professor of philosophy and director of Asian Studies at Scranton, at ann.pang-white@scranton.edu or 570-941-6312. 

By: Ava Aversa ‘26, student correspondent

Nearly 40 members of The University of Scranton Class of 2028 arrived a week prior Move-in to participate in FIRST (First-years Involved in Reflective Service Together,) a reflective service immersion program.

FIRST participants shared their talents as volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club of NEPA, Friends of the Poor, the Gino Merli Veterans Center, Neighborworks, the Weinberg Memorial Food Bank and the University’s We Care program. 

"I really love the experience. It's so enjoyable and everyone is very inclusive. I think it’s a great way to know the Scranton community," said Angelo Ledda '28, of Bronx, New York.

Program organizer Avianna Carilli explained the concept.

"This is our 21st year of the FIRST program. Every year we bring 40 incoming first-year students to campus a week early. They come with us and stay at Chapman Lake, which is our retreat center located about 25 minutes away from campus," said Carilli.

She noted that in addition to immersing the first-year students into the Scranton area, the week provides an opportunity to build connections.

"This is, for some, their first time away from home ... it gives them the opportunity to connect with one another before everyone else in their class moves in. They are making new friendships with one another, with our upperclassmen who are FIRST team leaders and with some of the staff and administration at the University," said Carilli.
"It is really comforting to know that when you are walking into the first day of college, you are already coming in with 40 new friends."

Carilli, coordinator of domestic and international service programs for the Center for Service & Social Justice, said the Center is partnered with over 100 non-profit agencies in Scranton, where students provide services throughout the academic year. 

"We work with some of those agencies for FIRST every year to introduce the students to Scranton and some of the marginalized communities within our town." 

FIRST participants weigh in on the experience

"Everything has been great so far. This is never really something I've done before, but it was a great experience to go out here try something new," said Kyle Lucas ‘28.

"My experience is going very well. Everyone is very nice and very friendly," said Brendan Mahoney '28.

Junior Stephen Butler returned to FIRST for the third year, this time as a team leader 

“I definitely would describe it as transformative,” said Butler ‘26.

“During my entire time at the University of Scranton, I think my path was paved by that first week ... I do a lot of community service work with the University now, and I think it was all sparked right then and there,” he added.

Making a difference through community interaction 

Organized through the University's Center for Service and Social Justice (CSSJ,) the We Care program regularly invites students to the University's Arrupe House where they prepare meals for those most in need in the Scranton area.

“The FIRST participants help by assisting, prepping and making meals, and being a part of filling that need, especially in Scranton where there is a high number of food insecurity,” said Lorena Pacheco Jimenez, coordinator of local service with the CSSJ.

Students also volunteered with Neighborworks at three of its project locations throughout Scranton. The  nonprofit community development organization has helped to revitalize neighborhoods and improve lives throughout the region for more than 40 years. 

"With the older population, ever since COVID, we have seen social isolation on the rise. With these types of events, we actually change a lot of that. The interaction is amazing," said Alyssa Espinoza, Aging in Place Specialist for the organization.

WBRE News aired a story on the FIRST program, featuring students at one of the Neighborworks locations, shown below.

The FIRST program is stronger than ever after more than two decades. Learn about the early years of the FIRST program in The Scranton Journal.

By: Ava Aversa ‘26, student correspondent 

As an intern for The Office of Refugees Child and Youth Programming, Madeline Williams ‘25, spent her two months this summer leading youth programming for a diverse clientele of refugee children, and helping them adjust to their new lives in the United States.  

Williams, a rising senior, lives in Wall Township, New Jersey. The psychology and philosophy double major, with a concentration of lifespan development, shares her on-the-job Royal Experience from June 10 to Aug. 10.

Describe a typical day at work. 

“On the days where we host the children for summer programming, I begin the day by checking in with my supervisor. I inform the other interns and volunteers about the itinerary for the day, and we head over to the youth programming building. There, I lead activities with the children where they learn to play and communicate appropriately, discuss their transition to the United States, and gain a positive outlook on themselves and their changing lives. Some days, we take the children on field trips to museums, zoos, or parks, and we have special guests come in to talk to the children about their experiences as refugees. At the end of the day, we discuss how the day went, individual clients and their progress, and our plans for the next day of programming.”

What are some skills you have learned?  

“So far, I have improved my ability to communicate effectively with children who have experienced trauma. I have also learned more about how to speak with adult clients in both Spanish and English. My supervisor has also taught me so much about team development and leadership.”

What do you enjoy most about your job?

“I most enjoy working with the children at the summer programming events. Many of them have gone through unspeakable trauma, and I am honored to be able to play a role in helping them adjust to their new lives in the United States. Despite their struggles, the children I work with are kind, sweet, and hand-working, and I am so inspired by their resilience every day.”

What was your expectation going into the job? Does it match the reality?  

“Going into my role as an intern with CWS, I expected to have some face-to-face interaction with clients, and have some behind-the-scenes tasks as well. This has matched my reality so far. However, as I gain more experience and responsibility, I have gotten more and more quality time with clients, which I am very grateful for!”

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

“I believe that this internship has prepared me for a career working with children. I have met so many different clients from many different backgrounds, countries, and experiences, and this has shown me that I am capable working with a diverse clientele. This internship has also shown me how privileged I and many of those around me are, and this experience has inspired me to continue working to help those who are less fortunate than I am.”

New faces on campus and in the neighborhood. The University of Scranton welcomes more than 1,225 incoming students for the fall semester.

Nearly 40 members of the University’s undergraduate class arrived last week to participate in FIRST (Freshmen Involved in Reflective Service Together), a reflective service immersion program. Class of 2028 FIRST participants volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of NEPA, Friends of the Poor, the Gino Merli Veterans Center, Neighborworks, the Weinberg Memorial Food Bank and the University’s We Care program. WBRE News aired a story on the FIRST program, featuring students at one of the Neighborworks locations, shown below.

FIRST participants and community partners discuss their experience with Royal News.

The FIRST program is stronger than ever after more than two decades. Learn about the early years of the FIRST program in The Scranton Journal.

CREATING A MOSAIC

Incoming students also arrived early to participate in the MOSAIC (Meaningful Opportunities for Student Access, Inclusion and Community) program. MOSAIC included a tour of downtown Scranton and resources on campus, panel discussions with faculty, staff and administrators, and students, as well as sessions on the transition to college and opportunities to meet with other students and each other. Nearly 30 percent of the incoming class identify as first-generation college students. 

ROYAL COMMUNITY WELCOMES LEGACY STUDENTS

The class of 2028 includes 78 legacy children, shown, above, whose parents are University of Scranton alumni. Read more about the incoming Class of 2028 here.

FAMILY FAREWELLS AT RESIDENCE HALLS

On Aug. 26, members of the Class of 2028 moved into residence halls. View a photo gallery of Move-in here.

The Class of 2028 represents more than 400 high schools, has an average SAT score of 1,236. Members of  represent 16 states, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, as well as the countries Dominican Republic, Ireland, Marshall Islands and Mexico.

SATURDAY WELCOME CONCLUDES WITH Mass

The University of Scranton awarded seven undergraduate students President’s Fellowships for Summer Research for 2024. The fellowships, administered by the Provost Office, offer each student the chance to partner with a faculty mentor to complete a research project during the summer. Each project was proposed and designed by the student and their faculty mentor.

The following is a list of the students who were awarded 2024 summer research fellowships, their projects and faculty mentors.

Noah A. Abdulqawi researched “The effect of memantine on the extinction of drug-seeking behavior in Camponotus floridanus” with faculty mentor Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology.

Madelyne M. Gasper researched “Investigating the Role of the Telencephalon on the Startle Response in Goldfish, Carassius auratus” with faculty mentor Robert Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology.

Michael J. Howard researched “The effects of an Alkaloid-based diet on metabolic rate in the poison frog species Ranitomeya Variabilis” with faculty mentor Vincent Farallo, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology.

Gabrielle J. Jamieson researched “Using social norms to reduce the stigmatization of mental illness and self-disclosure” with faculty mentor Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology.

Brandon M. King researched “Metabolic Rates of Red-backed Salamanders Inhabiting Thermally Contrasting Landscapes: Impacts of Prescribed Fire” with faculty mentor Christopher Howey, Ph.D., associate professor of biology.

Grace K. McDonald researched “Investigation of Cytoskeletal Protein Hydrophobicity in the Brain” with faculty mentor Timothy Foley, Ph.D., professor of chemistry.

Brian L. White researched “An Investigation into the Abundance and Diversity of Wolbachia in Blood-feeding Disease Vectors in Northeastern Pennsylvania” with faculty mentor Spencer Galen, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology.

University of Scranton students the Social Media Campaigns course taught by Brian Snee, Ph.D., associate professor of communication and media, won third place in the Gift of Life 2024 Students Save Lives College Challenge.

The annual competition invites organizations and clubs at universities and colleges across Gift of Life’s region to help increase organ donor awareness and registration among students, faculty, and staff on campus. Fifteen Pennsylvania and New Jersey colleges participated in the challenge this year’s challenge, registering a total of 304 people as organ and tissue donors.

Scranton students who participated in the Social Media Campaigns class held multiple “awareness table sits,” as well as a variety of special events and an online campaign. Special events included a cornhole tournament and an on-campus public painting event by an artist. The students utilized social media to post fun facts about organ donation.

The following 21 University students participated and won third place in the 2024 Students Save Lives College Challenge:

Nicholas D. Addamo, a business communication major from Holbrook, New York;

Shannon Bunn, a social media strategies major from Norristown;

Isabella V. Chungata, a social media strategies major from Valley Stream, New York;

Robert B. Correas-Rivera, a journalism and electronic media major from Reading;

Ashlee N. Dalrymple, a social media strategies major from Westport, Connecticut;

Courtney A. Delehanty, an advertising/public relations major from Brookfield, Connecticut;

Nicolette C. DeVito, a social media strategies and advertising/public relations double major from Rumson, New Jersey;

Kieran J. Egan, a journalism and electronic media major from Glen Rock, New Jersey;

Emma O. Graff, an advertising/public relations major from Melville, New York;

Chaewon Hong, an undeclared major from Gwangiu, South Korea;

Maggie E. Hoerz, an advertising/public relations and social media strategies double major from King of Prussia;

Mikaela A. Jennings, a communication major from Mahopac, New York;

James F. Kranick, a business communication major from Havertown;

Jason A. Opferman, a health promotion major from Newtown;

Fidelis N. Osuoha, a social media strategies major from Bensalem;

Davida F. Padi, a social media strategies major from Parsippany, New Jersey;

Thomas J. Plunkett, a communication major from Mamaroneck, New York;

Sofia L. Salazar, an advertising/public relations major from Pocono Pines;

Siena G. Testa, a marketing major from Newtown Square;

Mollie M. Veres, a communication major from Glendon;

Gina M. Wesler, an advertising/public relations major from New Hyde Park, New York.

The University of Scranton will welcome more than 1,225 incoming students for the fall semester.

Incoming University students include more than 890 members of its undergraduate class of 2028, in addition to nearly 60 transfer students and more than 275 graduate students, both on-campus and online.

The University’s undergraduate class of 2028 was selected from a pool of 9,670 applicants. The class represents more than 400 high schools, has an average SAT score of 1,236. Twenty-one percent of incoming students identify as a person of color. Nearly 30 percent of the incoming class identify as first-generation college students. Members of the class of 2028 represent 16 states, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, as well as the countries Dominican Republic, Ireland, Marshall Islands and Mexico. Nearly 24 percent of the class is from Northeast Pennsylvania. The most common majors chosen by members of the incoming class are biology, nursing, finance, kinesiology, psychology and occupational therapy, with a number of students also enrolling as undeclared majors in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The class of 2028 also includes 78 legacy children whose parents are University of Scranton alumni.

In addition to the undergraduate class of 2028, Scranton will also welcome more than 50 new graduate degree-seeking international students starting this fall. Incoming graduate students represent several countries, including Bangladesh, Ghana, India, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan.

The University’s Fall Welcome events on August 24 and 25 include a Mass, a class legacy reception and photo, residence hall and commuter meetings and other events and activities. The University will display a special tribute to returning students on its Class of 2020 Gateway this weekend.

Nearly 40 members of the University’s undergraduate class arrived earlier this week to participate in FIRST (Freshmen Involved in Reflective Service Together), a reflective service immersion program at Scranton. Class of 2028 FIRST participants volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of NEPA, Friends of the Poor, the Gino Merli Veterans Center, Neighborworks, the Weinberg Memorial Food Bank and the University’s We Care program. WBRE News aired a story on the FIRST program, featuring students at one of the Neighborworks locations.

Incoming students also arrived early to participate in the MOSAIC (Meaningful Opportunities for Student Access, Inclusion and Community) program. MOSAIC included a tour of downtown Scranton and resources on campus, panel discussions with faculty, staff and administrators, and students, as well as sessions on the transition to college and opportunities to meet with other students and each other.

Fall semester classes on campus begin Monday, Aug. 26.

The first cohort of graduate students in The University of Scranton’sSpeech-Language Pathology Program master’s degree program learned more than they expected at their first eight-week clinical rotation at a Summer Academy for Speech and Language Enrichment at the Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children (SSDHHC).

Although the experience surprised the students, the unique learning opportunities offered through the summer academy were deliberately orchestrated by the program’s director Hope E. Baylow, D.A., assistant professor and director of the University’s Communication Sciences and Disorders Program, and Tara Carito, the University’s clinical education coordinator for the Speech-Language Pathology Program.

“The Summer Academy for Speech and Language Enrichment is an immersive program designed to provide hands-on experience and advanced training in working with children with communication disorders, including those who are deaf and hard of hearing. This academy offers a unique opportunity for SLP students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings under the guidance of experienced clinicians while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with diverse communication needs.

"Through interactive sessions, collaborative projects, and direct clinical practice, participants gain valuable skills and insights that prepare them for their future roles as compassionate and effective speech-language pathologists,” said Dr. Baylow.

Dr. Baylow explained that the summer academy consisted of three sessions that ran daily from Monday through Thursday. At the academy, the graduate students were assigned a single child for each session. They worked with the same child throughout the day in individual speech and language enrichment sessions, as well as in group sessions in art and other modalities to allow the children at the academy to interact with each other.

“Individual speech therapy sessions focused on one-on-one interaction between the speech-language pathology graduate intern and the child, allowing for personalized attention and tailored interventions that directly addressed the specific needs and goals of the individual. These sessions provided a concentrated environment where progress was closely monitored and adjustments made in real-time, optimizing the therapy process,” said Dr. Baylow.

“In contrast, group speech therapy sessions involved multiple clients working together under the guidance of an SLP. These sessions fostered social interaction, peer support, and communication practice in a more dynamic setting. Group therapy allowed the children to develop their communication skills in a social context, providing opportunities to generalize skills learned in individual sessions while also benefiting from the diverse experiences and feedback of their peers,” said Dr. Baylow.

The academy also allowed the students to experience different modalities of communication: verbal, American Sign Language (ASL) and Augmented Alternative Communication Devices (AAC).

“One of the children I worked with had bilateral hearing loss, so it really sharpened my ASL skills,” said graduate student Ashton Armstrong, Okeechobee, Florida, who, along with the other students, learned ASL before starting the academy. “I was surprised by how quickly we learned signs from each other.”

The University’s 63-credit Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program is offered in a blended learning environment that combines synchronous remote academic coursework with experiential learning. More than 75 percent of the program is conducted remotely. The first year of courses was offered in an online format, so the summer academy externship experience was also the first time the cohort was together in person.

“The collaboration is phenomenal. We are flourishing, learning from each other at a fast pace,” said Destiny Carpitella’ 22, Brooklyn, New York, who earned her bachelor’s degree in early and childhood education from Scranton.

The online format attracted Armstrong to the program. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, Armstrong didn’t want to have to move to a college campus for a master’s degree program. The online format allowed her to stay where she resided in Florida.

Carpitella liked the flexibility the online format provided, allowing her to study at her own pace.

Both said the summer clinical experience was a bonus to the program. In addition to allowing the students to bond, it allowed them to “get to know our professors better,” said Armstrong.

Carito, the University’s clinical education coordinator, said she has seen the graduate students develop skills and confidence during the academy as she watched the students interact with the children with competence and grace.

Carpitella summed up the clinical rotation in just three words, calling it a “positive learning experience.”

The Master of Science (M.S.) Education Program in speech-language pathology (distance education) at The University of Scranton is a candidate for accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700. Candidacy is a “preaccreditation” status with the CAA, awarded to developing or emerging programs for a maximum period of 5 years.

For more information about the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program at The University of Scranton, contact Dr. Baylow at hope.baylow@scranton.edu, or visit the program’s webpage.

The Royal Experience Summer Internship Program and the Royal Psychology Summer Internship Program provided six University of Scranton students, selected from a competitive pool, a stipend of up to $2,000 to support their participation in a meaningful unpaid internship for the summer of 2024.

The Royal Experience program began in 2016 through funding by the University’s Parents’ Executive Council and the donations of alumni and friends of the University. The Royal Psychology program is funded by the University’s Psychology Department.

Students receiving support write about their internship experiences in a blog published on the University’s Roche Family Center for Career Development webpage.

The following is a list of students who participated in the 2024 Royal Experience Summer Internship Program.

Bailey Cornish, a political science major from Frederick, Maryland, was the intern with Berger Hirschberg Strategies, LLC in Washington, D.C.

Chelsea C. Curran, a political science major from Jamison, was the intern with Bucks County Public Defender’s Office in Doylestown.

Justin T. Matzner, an occupational therapy major from Stony Brook, New York, was the therapy intern with Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo, Florida.

Julianne May, a biology major from Scranton, was the intern with Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Dalton.

Madeline S. Williams, a psychology and philosophy double major from Wall Township, New Jersey, was the Children and Youth Programming Intern with Church World Service in Jersey City, New Jersey.

The 2024 Royal Psychology Summer Internship Program recipient was My-Kim Dang, a psychology and counseling and human services double major from Scranton, who was the intern with the Community School-Based Behavioral Health team with Scranton Counseling Center in Scranton.

Six University of Scranton students participated in the National Jesuit Student Leadership Conference held at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, this summer.

The national conference, held at a different Jesuit University each summer, entails group discussions, a day of service and various workshops focused on furthering the development of students’ leadership from a Jesuit perspective.  

Kayla Betacchini, assistant director of the Center for Student Engagement, and Julie Chropowicki, assistant director of the Center for Student Engagement, served as chaperones at the conference.

Scranton students who participated in the leadership conference and the University department they represented were as follows.

David P. Banko, a biochemistry major from Wind Gap, represented Orientation.

Edward R. Drong, an occupational therapy major from Flemington, New Jersey, represented Residence Life and Orientation.

Mary Katharine McDade, a marketing and management double major from Glenside, represented Residence Life and Student Programming.

Lila J. Naccari, an occupational therapy major from Rockville Centre, New York, represented Orientation.

Buse Z. Onat, a cybercrime and homeland security and philosophy double major from South Abington Township, represented Student Government, Residence Life and Orientation.

Maria Stephen, a political science, history and philosophy triple major from Huntingdon Valley, represented Student Government.

By: Ava Aversa ‘26, student correspondent 

This summer, Olivia Clough ‘25, shown, returns as an intern for a second season with the NCAA Women’s Basketball Academy, a program that offers student-athletes a chance to experience basketball on a collegiate level and learn about the recruiting process.  

The three-month opportunity allows the business management major from Scranton, Pennsylvania to build on experience she gained in 2023 at the academy’s Inaugural event in Memphis, Tennessee and to explore Indianapolis, Indiana.  

A rising senior in the University’s Kania School of Management, Clough answers questions about her role developing software and overseeing specific projects within a prestigious organization. She is spending May through August as part of her internship.  

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

“As a returning intern, my expectation was to contribute in any way I can to improve the inaugural event from last year in Memphis, TN and be a team player. This year, I have been able to make that a reality by collaborating with my peers and full-time staff to generate new ideas and experiences for the participants and their parents for the Academy.” 

What do you enjoy most about your job?  

“I enjoy working alongside the Women’s Basketball full staff and learning about the different avenues that lead them to the NCAA National Office. In addition, I enjoy working alongside my cohort (nine interns) to create a unique opportunity for the participants of the 2024 Women’s College Basketball Academy. This year I had a chance to explore the city of Indianapolis and attend the 2024 USA Olympic Swim Trials.” 

Describe a typical day at work.

“As part of my daily routine, I develop software for teams, chaperones, managers, and coaches to access information such as traveling arrangement, digital waivers, and game updates through the Teamworks platform. I also serve as a liaison between interns and full-time staff, facilitating clear communication and reporting on progress. This year I oversee specific projects, delegate tasks, and ensure a successful completion within set timelines.”  

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

“As a returning intern, my expectation was to contribute in any way I can to improve the inaugural event from last year in Memphis, Tennessee and be a team player. This year, I have been able to make that a reality by collaborating with my peers and full-time staff to generate new ideas and experiences for the participants and their parents for the Academy.”

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

“My superiors have valued all input that I have recommended. With a prestigious organization like the NCAA National Office is, there is a greater expectation of responsibility and professionalism that is established in their employees. That expectation has created a foundation in me to be confident in the work I conduct and my character.” 

By: Sally Hopkins ‘26, student correspondent  

Justin Matzner ‘25 interned with Island Dolphin Care in Key Largo, Florida, where he worked with clients in therapy classrooms and in the water with aquatic life. The non-for-profit organization provides animal-assisted therapy for people with special needs or challenges, and their families.

Matzner, of Stony Brook, New York, is an occupational therapy major. He hopes to continue his education into 2026 to earn a master's degree. He explains how the Royal Experience Summer Internship Program supported his interest in dolphins and therapy that began at a young age. 

Describe a typical day at work.

“My typical day at work includes preparing the facility for clients' arrival. This involves hanging up life jackets, cleaning and organizing the therapy rooms, preparing activities for the therapy classroom and setting up cameras for photo sessions.

When the clients arrive for the therapy programs, we start by giving them a tour of the facility. Inside, we show them interactive walls, fish tanks and facts about dolphins and marine science. Then, we take them outside to familiarize them with the grounds.

The first half of their session at Island Dolphin Care takes place in the therapy classroom. We work on individualized goals, focusing on improving fine motor skills, balance, communication, social skills and coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, depression and mood regulation. Activities include painting, sensory activities, balance beams and board games.

The second half of their session is spent in the water. We start with the sensory touch tanks, where they can see starfish, hermit crabs, sea urchins, sea slugs and bamboo sharks. Then, they go through the sensory garden and make their way to the dock to swim with dolphins. Throughout the session, we take pictures for them to capture their experience."

What are some skills you have learned? 

 
"During my time here so far I've learned how to use different communication and social skills when working with non-verbal clients, such as hand signals or PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) cards. I've used different adaptive equipment during sessions and learned how to do transfers with different clients. I've also learned various approaches to activities involving coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, depression and mood regulation. I've developed a lot of patience during sessions and gained experience working with animals that assist clients in therapy. Additionally, working with clients from diverse backgrounds has also increased my cultural sensitivity."

What do you enjoy most about your job?

"What I enjoy most is seeing the positive impact this place has on children’s and veterans’ mental health. Dolphin-assisted therapy makes a significant difference to individuals, and it makes me happy to see clients improve during their five-day programs, both in their physical limitations and mental health conditions. I also enjoy being exposed to a unique type of therapy that is growing in the field of occupational therapy."

What was your expectation going into the job? Does it match the reality?  

 "My expectations going into the job were that I would learn about working with different clients in the therapy room and managing the involvement of assisting animals. Not only did my expectations match the reality, but they were also exceeded. I gained extensive hands-on experience with a variety of clients, each with unique needs and challenges. I also developed skills in integrating animal-assisted therapy into our sessions, learning how to effectively utilize the therapeutic benefits of working with dolphins. Additionally, I acquired new techniques in communication, patience, and cultural sensitivity, all of which have enriched my professional growth beyond what I initially anticipated."

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

"This job has equipped me for the real world by providing extensive hands-on experience with clients through various therapeutic activities. It has familiarized me with a range of conditions, treatment methods, and adaptive equipment used in therapy. Additionally, this internship introduced me to animal-assisted therapy, a growing practice in occupational therapy, which I am interested in pursuing further. Working with clients from diverse backgrounds and different countries has also enhanced my cultural sensitivity and understanding of various beliefs and customs. That is very important when developing therapy plans to ensure the client is comfortable. This experience has been invaluable in preparing me for my future career in occupational therapy." 

Did you have an interest in animal-assisted therapy before this? 

"Growing up, I had numerous surgeries where I had to stay in family living facilities for months at a time. As a result, I developed a lot of anxiety, and therapy animals like dogs that visited the hospitals always calmed me down. I've always had a passion for animals, and when I learned that animal-assisted therapy is a growing field in occupational therapy, I knew it was an area I wanted to pursue.

As a child, I watched the movie 'Dolphin Tale' countless times and found the story fascinating. I even met Winter, the dolphin with a prosthetic tail from the movie. Once I started my OT journey at The University of Scranton, I discovered that past students did their fieldwork at Island Dolphin Care. I had no idea they offered a program with dolphin-assisted therapy, but I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do.

My hospital, the Paley Institute, is also located in Florida, and my goal after graduation is to work there and establish a partnership with places like Island Dolphin Care. I want to provide other children undergoing difficult surgeries with the opportunity to have unique therapeutic experiences, such as animal assisted therapy with dolphins."

What was your experience like working with children, families and vetERANS with special needs?

"I have had great experiences working with clients with special needs. The families that come are strong, caring, kind, and grateful for this unique experience. It can be emotionally difficult for the clients at times, which is why patience is so important during sessions. Engagement techniques are crucial with younger clients, as they get easily distracted while working on goals. Flexibility is also key, since sessions are highly individualized, allowing for adaptations to activities as needed. Observing client behaviors during sessions helps monitor what works best for them.

My experience working with families made me realize how important family involvement is during therapy sessions. It creates comfort for the client, educates the family on therapy techniques, and highlights the role of dolphin-assisted therapy in the child’s development. Family support and communication are vital for encouraging loved ones, and they can provide valuable insights about the client that benefits the therapy. Family involvement also builds trust among the client, family and therapist.

Working with veterans, particularly those with PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), has been very insightful. I've gained a lot of knowledge about their mental health conditions and the role that dolphin-assisted therapy can play in their treatment journey. PTSD symptoms can be challenging, including anxiety and emotional triggers. Building a safe and supportive environment is crucial for veterans to feel comfortable enough to open up and engage fully during sessions.

Adapting therapeutic approaches to fit each veteran's individual needs has been so important. Some techniques aimed at promoting relaxation, such as mindfulness exercises or guided interactions with the dolphins, have shown promising results in helping veterans manage their symptoms. These approaches not only aim to reduce the intensity of PTSD symptoms but also work toward enhancing their overall well-being."

What has this experience meant to you?

"Overall, this experience has been life changing. I find myself being more relaxed and confident in everything I have learned in the classroom at The University of Scranton. Now that I can apply those skills to such impactful therapies, I know there is so much I can assist and help these clients achieve. Thank you to all my instructors and mentors along the way who helped develop me into the OT I will become. I realized during this experience that all I learned is so important when put into practice and this is exactly what I want to be doing."

By: Sally Hopkins ‘26, student correspondent  

Abby Casal ‘25, Laura Echausse ‘25 and Sophia Pisarski ‘25 recently served as team leaders of SPARK, a weeklong program for at-risk youth ages 12-15. The collaborative effort of The University of Scranton and Scranton Preparatory School took place July 22 -26 at the University's Retreat Center at Chapman Lake.

Casal, of Clarks Summit, an early childhood education major; Echausse, of Mineola, New York, an early childhood education major; and Pisarski, of Jessup, a business analytics major, review their week at Chapman Lake where they forged connections with other participants.

What are the goals of the SPARK program?

Abby Casal '25: "SPARK was created as a collaborative program with The University of Scranton and Scranton Preparatory School. These students collaborate to lead groups of 12-15 year-old at-risk youth in the Scranton area. The goal of the SPARK program is to provide University students, Scranton prep students and kids at SPARK with the opportunity to connect with one another.

In the beginning of the week, we tell our University team that their main goal of the week should be to love the students and give them the best week possible.Throughout the week, students participate in a variety of activities related to self-expression, bullying, healthy lifestyles and healthy relationships. Additionally, on Wednesday, we go whitewater rafting, and throughout the week, we have other fun activities, such as free time for the kids to swim in Chapman Lake and a carnival on Friday."

Who took part in the SPARK program?

 
Laura Echausse, '25: ""The Spark program is a collaborative effort consisting of 38 participants: 12 Scranton Preparatory students (all rising seniors), 15 University team members, and the University’s Center for Service & Social Justice staff. A majority of the participants of SPARK come from the Nativity Miguel School of Scranton, specifically the 7th and 8th grade."

Describe a typical day at SPARK.

Sophia Pisarski, '25: "A typical day at SPARK starts as the school bus arrives around 9 a.m. As the kids get off the bus they are greeted by our University and Scranton Prep students. After breakfast is served, the kids are led by their team's leaders through several activities and games, followed by lunch and free time. To end the day, we all sit down to have dinner. The day for our “SPARKlers” is wrapped up around 5:30 p.m. when they get on the bus again to head home."

How did you use the Retreat Center at Chapman Lake to conduct the program?

AC: "The Chapman Lake Retreat Center is the venue for the SPARK program, providing an ideal setting for the activities and interactions that take place. This retreat center offers students a safe and welcoming space away from school, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the program. Throughout the week, students have numerous opportunities to swim in Chapman Lake, an activity they greatly enjoy."

What is the community impact of running a program like SPARK?  

LE: "The community impact of SPARK can be seen through both the kids who partake and The University of Scranton/Scranton Prep team members. Many kids leave SPARK saying it was the best week of their life, due to the outpouring of love and encouragement given to them at all times during the week. On Friday, they leave better able to identify their gifts, with a stronger sense of self love, and the tools needed to be resilient when facing life’s challenges.

SPARK has the capability to give kids the confidence needed to make a positive change in their community. The environment created at SPARK between the kids, University team members and Scranton Prep students is like no other. Each day, every SPARK participant is welcomed, embraced and loved for who they are which is a beautiful thing to witness."

What do you think the teenagers you worked with will get out of SPARK? 

SP: "The teenagers we work with spend the week feeling an immense amount of love and support. Not only do they form lifelong friendships with classmates outside of the classroom, they also learn important life lessons that help them grow and thrive. This program sets them up to have a toolbox of valuable skills that allows them to survive and flourish in school and society. "

How does it feel to participate?

AC: "Participating in SPARK is something that I have felt incredibly privileged to do. The experience is not just an opportunity to engage in a series of activities; it’s a chance to form meaningful connections and create lasting memories. Throughout the week at Chapman Lake, the kids and team become very close. From the moment we arrive at the retreat center, the bonds between University of Scranton students, Scranton Prep students, and kids begin to form. Shared experiences, such as overcoming challenges together during team-building activities or simply enjoying a meal together, contribute to the development of these strong relationships.

Learning from the students and team while having fun together is an incredible aspect of the SPARK program. One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is witnessing the personal growth of the kids. Seeing them gain confidence, develop new friendships, and be able to have a fun week is truly inspiring. It’s a reminder of the positive impact that a supportive and nurturing environment can have on young individuals. The program’s emphasis on love, support and encouragement helps create an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and respected."

How does this connect to the University's Jesuit ideals of service and 'being men and women for others'?

LE: "A quote by St. Ignatius that is integral to the education one receives at The University at Scranton states, 'Go forth and set the world on fire.' SPARK encapsulates this quote in many ways, in the sense that each kid who attends is reminded of the light that exists within them, and given the tools that will allow them to set the world on fire.

In terms of the team members, the Jesuit term “magis” most certainly applies to their role. Magis is the idea of doing more for others and striving to give with no limits. During the week, the team goes above and beyond to give every kid the best week by giving them all the attention, love and support that they deserve. Myself, Abby, and Sophia were in awe of the team’s ability to continually give every ounce of themselves to the program"

If someone was on the fence about getting involved with SPARK, what would you want to tell them?

SP: "To give it a chance. It is a program like no other and nothing is similar to the immense joy and fulfillment. Once the kids arrive Monday morning, taking the leap of faith and becoming a part of the program even with all the feelings of [being unsure] will be worth it. It is truly the best program."

By: Sally Hopkins ‘26, student correspondent  

Brooke Levengood ‘25 interned in Underwriting & PM for Citizens Bank in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, where she did analytical writing, financial statement analysis and company research.

Levengood, of Boyertown, Pennsylvania, is a corporate finance major with minors in accounting and business Leadership. She discusses her interests in loan underwriting and her hopes to join Citizen Bank’s Commercial Banking Development Program after graduating. 

Describe a typical day at work.

“A typical day is started by reading the Wall Street Journal and other news to stay current with what is going on in the economy. I then will work on ongoing projects such as doing credit analysis and research for portfolio managers. Other projects I worked on were analyzing the Commercial Banks client’s Quarterly and Year-end Financial statements. A few times a week I have networking phone calls with analysts and other employees who sit on various teams around the bank to learn more about different opportunities in the bank. I would end the day by working on a credit analysis project that I will present to a panel of judges at the end of my internship."

What are some skills you have learned? 

 "Some skills I have learned at my internship are analytical writing, efficient time management, financial statement analysis, and effective networking skills."

What do you enjoy most about your job?

"The thing I enjoy the most about my internship is that I get to work on live loan underwriting. Every loan underwrite is different, so it makes it interesting to see something new and different every day. I also get to work with different portfolio managers for each loan so it’s interesting to see how they each do loan underwrite differently."

What was your expectation going into the job? Does it match the reality?  

"My expectations going into the job was that I would be doing mostly research on clients, but in reality I am working on live deals where I am doing company research but also am working on financial statement analysis and credit analysis. Working on live deals has helped me learn the loan underwriting process for large, publicly traded companies."

What drew you to Banking? 

"I was drawn to banking because of its analytical nature. In banking, you have to be able to critically think about what is driving your client’s financial success. To do that requires you to be able to analyze and break down financial statements to understand what is driving the company’s success, which is very interesting to me. Also, I was drawn to banking because of the fast-paced environment. For loan underwrites there is a lot of due diligence that goes into evaluating a company and making a decision on the loan which creates a fast-paced environment." 

What made you choose to intern with Citizens Bank?

"I chose Citizens Bank over some other companies because of the culture and the opportunities for young professionals. From my interviews with Citizens I got to interact with many different people and they were very welcoming and nice people. I could tell that these were the type of people that I would want to learn from and spend my days closely working with.

"I also chose Citizens because they have a lot of programs and analyst roles for students coming right out of college. The Commercial Banking Development Program (CBDP) is a program that I am looking to join after my internship because it is a year-long program where you get trained in areas such as Accounting, Credit & Excel Modeling. After training you then do two rotations in various business lines across the U.S. in the commercial banking side of Citizens. This program would allow me to learn new skills while also getting to rotate through different teams in the bank to figure out what career I want to pursue."

Eight University of Scranton students and physics and engineering faculty member Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., presented research at the National Science Foundation CEDAR (Coupling, Energetics, and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions) Workshop in San Diego, California, in June. Additionally, four of the students joined Dr. Frissell to attend and present research at the NASA Living with a Star Interhemispheric Asymmetries Meeting at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder, Colorado, in May.

James P. Fox, Hillsborough, New Jersey, a computer science major at Scranton, presented his research titled “Detection of SuperDARN-Observed Medium Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances in the Southern Hemisphere” in poster and oral presentation formats at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop. He also attended and presented with Dr. Frissell at the NASA Living with a Star Interhemispheric Asymmetries Meeting at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder, Colorado.

Nicholas Guerra ’24, Scranton, who earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Scranton in 2024 and is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering here, presented his research poster titled “Implementation of the Revised SuperDARN MSTID MUSIC Algorithm in the DARNtids Analysis Toolkit” at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop. He also attended and presented with Dr. Frissell at the NASA Living with a Star Interhemispheric Asymmetries Meeting at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder, Colorado.

Michael Molzen, Bloomsbury, New Jersey, a physics major at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “MSTID Activity During January 2016 Detected by the SuperDARN MUSIC Algorithm” at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop. He also attended and presented with Dr. Frissell at the NASA Living with a Star Interhemispheric Asymmetries Meeting at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder, Colorado.

Cuong Nguyen ’23, Ashley, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering and computer science from Scranton in 2023 and is now pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering. He presented his research titled “Software Development for the Grape Personal Weather Station v2” in poster and oral presentation formats at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop.

Alexandros Papadopoulos, Scotrun, a computer engineering major at Scranton, presented his research titled “Analysis of the HamSCI Solar Eclipse High Frequency Time Difference of Arrival Experiment Observations Using Automated Techniques” in poster and oral presentation formats at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop.

Gerard N. Piccini, Monroe Township, New Jersey, an electrical engineering major at Scranton, presented his research titled “A Low-Cost Low-Power Chirp Ionosonde for Studying Eclipse Ionospheric Impacts” in poster and oral presentation formats at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop.

Thomas J. Pisano, Staten Island, New York, an electrical engineering major at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “Investigating Bias from MSTID Wavenumber Spectrum mapping within the pyDARN MUSIC Algorithm” at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop. He also attended and presented with Dr. Frissell at the NASA Living with a Star Interhemispheric Asymmetries Meeting at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder, Colorado.

Diego Sanchez, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, who is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering at Scranton, presented his research poster titled “Possible Drivers of Large Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances by Analysis of Ham Radio Contacts” at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop.

Dr. Frissell also presented his research at the National Science Foundation CEDAR Workshop and, along with students and volunteer scientist and University of Scranton benefactor Mary Lou West, Ph.D., Columbia University and Professor Emerita at Montclair State University, presented research at the NASA Living with a Star Interhemispheric Asymmetries Meeting at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics.

In addition to Dr. Frissell, University of Scranton physics and engineering professor Robert Spalletta, Ph.D., mathematics professor Joseph Klobusicky, Ph.D., and computing sciences professor Mark Fenner, Ph.D., worked with several of the students on their research projects presented at the conferences.

Eleven University of Scranton Students participated in a study abroad program in South Korea that provided an in-depth exploration of the criminal justice systems in both South Korea and the United States and allowed the students to compete with international teams in a cybercrime investigation challenge.

Through the course led by professors in the University’s Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology Michael Jenkins, Ph.D., and Sinchul Back, Ph.D., who previously served as a captain in the South Korean Marine Corps, the students visited several key institutions to gain a comprehensive understanding of South Korea’s criminal justice and national security systems. Students visited the Blue House (South Korea’s presidential residence akin to the White House), Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Demilitarized Zone at a Republic of Korea Marine base camp, the Korean National Police Agency, Korean National Police University, Korean Supreme Prosecution Office and the Korean Defense Counterintelligence Agency.

Highlighting their trip, the students participated as a cybercrime investigation team in the 2024 International White Hat Conference, hosted by Boston University. The conference, themed “AI and Robotics Frontier: Mastering Cybercrime Defense in the Digital Age,” focused on advanced applications of AI and robotics in cybersecurity and cybercrime defense. Scranton teams excelled in the cybercrime investigation capture-the-flag (CTF) challenge, securing fifth, sixth, and eighth places among the international teams participating, including many teams of professionals currently working in the field of cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity.

In addition, four Scranton students were invited to present their research and projects related to cybercrime investigation at the student poster session of the conference that provided a platform to engage with experts and showcase their work, as well as a way to learn about the latest developments in cybersecurity. Dr. Back was the faculty co-author on the research studies presented.

University students who participated in a study abroad program in South Korea were:

Justin K. Bauer, a criminal justice major from Staten Island, New York, and member of the University’s class of 2025;

Jacob Haley, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Pembroke, Massachusetts, and member of the University’s class of 2026;

Anthony M. Knof, a criminal justice major from Pompton Plains, New Jersey, and member of the University’s class of 2026;

John F. Mahoney, a criminal justice major from Rockaway Point, New York, and member of the University’s class of 2026;

Victor A. Romanek, a criminal justice major from Hampton, New Jersey, and member of the University’s class of 2025, who also presented his study titled “Cyber Bullying and Offender age” at the student poster session of the 2024 International White Hat Conference;

Brigida M. Sarcona, a criminal justice major from Staten Island, New York, and member of the University’s class of 2026, who also presented her research titled “Exploring Criminal Offender Age and Motivation in Cyberstalking: An Application of Cyber-Situational Crime Prevention Theory” at the student poster session of the 2024 International White Hat Conference;

Jessica M. Sommo, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Commack, New York, and member of the University’s class of 2026;

Adam J. Steidle, a history major from Stewartsville, New Jersey, and member of the University’s class of 2026;

Colin A. Straub, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Royersford, and member of the University’s class of 2025, who also presented his study titled “DDoS Attacks: Motivation and Accomplices” at the student poster session of the 2024 International White Hat Conference;

Christopher G. Villa, a biology major from Abington in his senior year at Scranton, who also presented his research titled “Exploring Criminal Offender Age and Geographical Location” at the student poster session of the 2024 International White Hat Conference;

Finnbarr D. Whittaker, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Scranton, and member of the University’s class of 2027.

Two University students also attended the 2024 International White Hat Conference. They participated in a similar study abroad course to South Korea in 2022. The students attending the conference were:

Andrew P. Cupo, a cybercrime and homeland security and criminal justice double major from West Orange, New Jersey, and member of Scranton’s class of 2025; and Bradley W. Rausch, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Byram Township, New Jersey, who graduated from the University in May of 2024.

The University began offering a bachelor’s degree in cybercrime and homeland security in the fall of 2020 and master’s degree in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity in a fully online format in the fall of 2022.

Four University of Scranton students placed in the top 10 in competitions at the 2024 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida. In total, the four University students took home five trophies from the conference that took place from June 24 to 27.

Todd F. Monahan, Moosic, won second place in foundations of finance at the national FBLA conference. Monahan is earned his bachelor’s degree in finance, summa cum laude, from the University in 2024 and is currently pursing his MBA at Scranton.

Gary Mrozinski, a finance major from Taylor, won third place in foundations of economics. Mrozinski is a first-year student at Scranton.

Chaz G. DellaCorte, a finance major from Ridgefield, Connecticut, won two trophies at the national conference. He came in eighth place in the future business executive competition and ninth place in the future business educator category. DellaCorte is a junior at Scranton.

Joseph M. Kulikowski, a business analytics major from Moosic, won tenth place in sports management and marketing. Kulikowski is a first-year student at Scranton.

David Mahalak, D. Eng., a faculty specialist in the Operations and Analytics Department, serves as moderator for University’s FBLA collegiate student organization.

Senior forward Katie Redding (Havertown, Pa./Haverford), the lone two-time All-American in Scranton field hockey program history, has been selected as The University of Scranton's 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year nominee.

Eligible female student-athletes are nominated by their member school. Each conference office then reviews the nominations from its core member schools (and sponsored sports) and submits its conference nominee(s) to the NCAA. Then, in October, the NCAA Woman of the Year selection committee identifies the Top 30 – 10 from each division – and from there selects three finalists from each division. The Committee on Women's Athletics then selects the winner from the nine finalists.

The 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year will be announced in January at the NCAA Convention.

Redding is the second field hockey student-athlete in three years to be selected as Scranton's nominee following Allie Benadon in 2022.

In recent years, three of Scranton's nominees have gone on to be selected as the Landmark Conference nominee with Erica Licari (women's soccer, 2019), Becca Russo (women's lacrosse/soccer, 2020) and Teresa Hegarty (women's soccer, 2023).

"I am so thrilled that Katie has been chosen as The University of Scranton's NCAA Woman of the Year nominee. Katie truly exemplifies what it means to be a Division III student-athlete and a University of Scranton Royal. Whether she is on the field or in the classroom, Katie has been an inspiring leader who challenges herself to be the very best she can be," head coach Colleen Moyer said. "She is an exceptional student, an All-American athlete and a two-year captain. Her impact on our team and The University of Scranton community has been extraordinary and it is an honor to be her coach."

The Havertown, Pa., native has put together a spectacular career for the Royals as she has earned NFHCA All-American honors in each of the last two seasons. Redding is the program's all-time leader in assists (24) and points (132) while ranking second in goals (54).

Redding is also a three-time NFHCA All-Region and three-time All-Landmark Conference selection. She has been named as the conference's Offensive Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023 along with being selected as Rookie of the Year in 2021.

Additionally, the two-time captain was named as an NFHCA Senior All-Star and holds the program's single-season assist record with 11 during the 2021 campaign.

The Royals have posted an impressive 45-11 record for a winning percentage of .804 over the last three years, which includes a 2021 Landmark Conference title and NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.

In the classroom, Redding earned her Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy from Scranton with a 3.42 GPA and was a three-time Dean's List honoree. A Spanish minor, she was inducted into the Alpha Mu Gamma World Languages Honor Society this spring.

Redding served as a volunteer for the Del Carmen Foundation and held a used equipment drive where all gear collected was donated to orphan children in Venezuela who dream of being athletes one day. She was also a Teaching Assistant in an Occupational Therapy course and has worked in The University's Sports Information office for each of the last two years.

Furthermore, she served as a translator for the Leahy Physical Therapy Clinic, that is run by University of Scranton students to provide PT services for uninsured and/or underinsured residents of The University Area community.

The element of community service is incorporated into several Occupational Therapy courses with activities such as adapting toys for children with physical disabilities, visiting nursing homes and planting flowers with veterans.

Read more.

      The University of Scranton offers two student study abroad opportunities for residential and online students within the Master of Health Administration (MHA), and/or Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. These study-abroad opportunities involve established partnerships with St. Elizabeth University in Slovakia, and the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. Both study-abroad opportunities focus on developing research topics and presenting them to other students, physicians, faculty, and other executives at each of these universities. A Global Health Specialization can also be added to either of these degrees. There are currently two 10-day study-abroad opportunities in both Eastern Europe and South America.

Past study-abroad students have visited countries such as Brazil, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and the Netherlands. This specialization aims to enhance healthcare leadership skills with a global perspective, preparing students to collaborate with relief organizations, government agencies, and leaders in various countries. Participants gain firsthand experience addressing challenges in international healthcare systems, develop intercultural communication skills, and engage in discussions on global health management, public health, and social justice. Each 10-day travel course contributes three credits to the curriculum.

Students who are interested in studying abroad can contact Dr. Dan West at daniel.west@scranton.edu, or Dr. Steven Szydlowski at steven.szydlowski@scranton.edu.

South America Study Abroad

Students who embark on the South America study abroad trip will join the professors and other students for a 10-day trip to the country of Brazil. The group tours hospitals and other healthcare organizations in the cities of São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro to better understand the Brazilian healthcare system. Each study abroad trip is planned differently due to the schedules of the healthcare organizations. In São Paulo, the group may tour two to three major hospitals; Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, and the Institute of Cancer of São Paulo. The students will also experience the famous Paulista Avenue, which consists of several museums, themed restaurants, shopping malls, a park, and theaters.

In Rio de Janeiro, students will visit the famous Santa Marta Favela, experiencing firsthand the challenges of a marginalized population community, and socioeconomic disparity. Additionally, a tour of PUC-RIO University will show how education is handled in Brazil. The students will also have the opportunity to visit many famous tourist locations throughout Rio de Janeiro, including Copacabana Beach, Ipanema Beach, Lapa Steps, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, which is considered one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Resume-building opportunities will be available to present research where they will engage with other students, physicians, faculty, and other executives. The presentation topics can range from deforestation of the Amazon, comparing pay-per-performance with other countries, prenatal care access, and many other topics that are related to both healthcare and Brazil.

Eastern Europe Study Abroad

Students who embark on the Eastern Europe study abroad trip will join the professors and other students for a 10-day trip to the countries of Slovakia, Austria, Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Hungary. The group tours hospitals and other healthcare organizations within Slovakia to better understand the Slovak healthcare system. The group will also visit St. Elizabeth University located within Bratislava. Each study abroad trip is planned differently due to the schedules of the healthcare organizations.

The group will spend a tour day in Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest and Vienna. During this tour day, the students will visit popular tourist locations, and learn about each city's history. Students will walk and cruise down the famous Amsterdam canals, explore the Charles Bridge and Old Town Square in Prague, visit the Hofburg and the Historic Center of Vienna, tour the Bratislava Castle, and see other famous locations.

Resume-building opportunities will be available to present research where they will engage with other students, physicians, faculty, and other executives. The presentation topics can range from long-term care, adolescent obesity, artificial intelligence, and many other topics that are related to both healthcare.

Perhaps proving the durable value of a University of Scranton education, two alumni who graduated six years apart were awarded Fulbright Student Scholarships, the prestigious international academic exchange opportunity provided competitively by the U.S. Government.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, Shelby A. Traver ’24, Sweet Valley, received a Fulbright Open Study/Research Award to examine the effect of Rwanda’s election quota system for female candidates. Adrian Laudani ’18, Valley Stream, New York, received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to further develop teaching and mentoring skills in Spain while helping students learning English.

Fulbright awards are based on academic achievement and demonstrated leadership abilities within a person’s field.

With these two additions, 131 University of Scranton students have been awarded Fulbrights since 1972.

“The Scranton graduates awarded Fulbright Student Scholarships this year are outstanding ambassadors for the United States and for the University. They are strong, intelligent, passionate and compassionate women who have committed themselves to help serve others transition into new roles and a new life,” said Kara Kofira Bishop, University of Scranton Fulbright Program adviser and manager of study abroad and international fellowships.

Shelby Traver ’24

Despite growing up in a post “women’s lib” world, Shelby Traver at times “felt judged” in the male-dominated pursuits of business major, karate student and school debate. “It never really bothered me,” she said, but “at certain times I would think ‘you would not be saying this to me if I were a man.”

In true Jesuit style, she has never assumed malice – “sometimes they just don’t understand it’s hurtful” – but she has been drawn into gender justice issues, initially by the protests against Iranian mandates for female clothing. An independent studies class on quotas further piqued her interest. “I think they are one of the most fascinating political instruments because they work so differently in so many different places.

“I just kept coming across Rwanda as this country that is kind of a paragon for supporting women, at least in the political arena.”

Following a stretch of internal struggles and genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, Rwanda worked to unify with a new constitution that requires at least 30 percent of both houses of parliament be women. But “that acted as a floor instead of a ceiling,” Traver said. The women who first got elected through the quota later got re-elected on their own success, opening up the quota seats for more women. Now the parliament is 61 percent female, the highest percentage for a parliament in the world.

By comparison, she notes, at the federal level the U.S. “gets 24% in a good year.”

The Fulbright award will allow her to spend nine months living in Huye, considered Rwanda’s academic capital, with visits to Kigali, the political capital.

University of Rwanda-Huye senior lecturer Ismael Buchanan, Ph.D., has offered to mentor Traver during her research, and to provide contacts for potential interviews. “I would love to interview people, especially in government and academics, who study these things.”

The native of Sweet Valley in Ross Township, Luzerne County, will also have the chance to take courses at the University of Rwanda, and to improve her French, one of the country’s four official languages. She’s hoping to pick up some Swahili as well. And with luck, she’ll get a little time to see the sights of a country famous for exotic vistas and animal preserves.

There’s one more thing. “A big part of being a Fulbright scholar is being a cultural ambassador for the U.S.. I’m not only going to do research but I’m going to talk about my own country,” she said. “It’s an amazing way to share between two cultures.”

Traver has been overseas before, as part of a University of Scranton trip to the West Bank of Palestine for a class on Christianity in the Middle East with Michael Azar, Ph.D., associate professor of theology and religious studies. “That was a really transformative moment, seeing how important it is for people to be heard,” she said. Many there are “never really listened to.”  She also lived in France for seven weeks studying international business.

Having three majors as an undergraduate – international business, political science and philosophy – as well as a minor in French, Traver admits “I didn’t sleep much for four years.” She was a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. She was awarded a Slattery Humanities Center Student Fellowship and President’s Summer Research Fellowship. Amazingly, she still found time to mentor at-risk students; serve as vice-president of The University of Scranton College Democrats, as well as a student organizer for the Gender Justice Dialogue Series; and make the Pi Sigma Alpha political science honor society, Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society and Pi Gamma Mu social sciences honor society. Traver was also a member of Kania Women in Business, served as alumni chair for the Kania Student Advisory Board and was a student organizer for the Gender Justice University Dialogue

A graduate of Lake-Lehman High School and a summa cum laude graduate of Scranton, Traver received the University’s Excellence in International Business Award at commencement.

After nine months in Rwanda Traver plans to get her doctorate in women in politics, hoping to change those “hurtful comments.”

“I hope I can help create a world where it doesn’t happen,” she said. “It’s a lofty dream, but I hope to take at least a little bit of a chisel to it.”

Adrian Laudani ’18

Adrian Laudani has always had an affinity for the issues immigrants face. She worked closely with international students as an undergraduate at The University of Scranton, and most recently has been aiding migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border for more than two years.

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While attending The University of Scranton, she participated in Campus Ministry’s International Service Program to Guatemala, and spent a semester in Rome studying Italian and theology. Originally from Valley Stream in Long Island, New York, Laudani earned a Bachelors of Science in counseling and human services with a concentration in human development and a double minor in Italian and theology/religious studies. As a Resident Assistant, she won the ‘Program of the Year’ award for an initiative she started with the global exchange community. 

After graduating from Scranton in 2018, she served one year with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, where as a case manager, she resettled refugees in the greater Atlanta area. “I offered general transitional support and helped with adaptation, but not in the sense that families just arrived and now need to assimilate. It’s about meeting people’s needs where they are, recognizing that they’ve experienced a lot of trauma and are in a delicate situation, adults and children alike.”

Laudani went on to earn a Masters of Arts in International Studies at the University of San Francisco, a sister Jesuit university, where she received the “Best Overall Thesis” award for her research on the quality of the refugee resettlement program in the United States. She also worked in Italy for Spring Hill College’s study abroad program, and ran immersion programs that took students to the Nogales, San Diego-Tijuana and Dominican Republic-Haiti borders. “These experiences have really allowed me to live out my Jesuit values of serving others. As I continue to be in these spaces, I find that my passion to work with immigrants, refugees and international students has grown even greater,” said Laudani.

Working at the U.S.-Mexico border led logically to her studying Spanish. She has spent time with children and families living in shelters on both sides of the border. Through her work, she wanted to “help families feel like the U.S. is going to become home, and not just a place they landed after having fled their homeland due to war, violence or things of that nature.”   

Being a neighboring country to her parent’s first country of Italy, applying for a Fulbright Award to Spain was a natural lure. After learning about migrant pathways coming through southern Spain, she said “I wanted to dive deeper.” The Fulbright will allow Laudani to work part-time in a classroom at the University of Málaga as an English Teaching Assistant. She also plans to continue her work with refugees with the Jesuit Refugee Service in the nearby city of Seville.

Her long list of accomplishments while at Scranton include membership in Alpha Mu Gamma, the foreign language honor society, Theta Alpha Kappa, the theology honor society, and Tau Upsilon Alpha, the human services honor society.

While formal studies at The University of Scranton are several years behind her, Laudani continues to draw support from the connections made here. “I’ve definitely stayed in touch with some of my mentors,” she said, citing Barbara King, student life coordinator, who was in Campus Ministry during her undergraduate years. “I continue to feel close to Scranton”.

Once the nine months in Spain are done, Laudani plans to keep doing what she’s been doing, either in Europe or the United States. “I’m open to working with migrants journeying through the Mediterranean, or coming back to the U.S. to work at the intersection of higher education and immigration. I could see myself working at a university with international students or going back to the nonprofit world continuing direct service with refugees and migrants.”

By: Ava Aversa ‘26, student correspondent  

As a radio intern working with Seven Mountains Media in Stroudsburg, Sally Hopkins ‘26, gained experience working for different radio personalities that sparked career possibilities.  

Hopkins, a rising junior, lives in East Stroudsburg. The advertising / public relations and journalism / electronic media double major discusses her on-the-job experience.

Describe a typical day at work. 

“At my internship, I shadow one to two members of the company for a span of two hours. Depending on the day and person I shadow, I can either be very hands-on or observe. The people I work with include promotions, traffic, program directors, sales and on-air staff. On Tuesdays, I attend both the sales and the promotion meetings. I spend a lot of my time having fun getting to know my coworkers, as well as singing along to the radio with them. I also have many atypical days where I help with events, including the Pride Festival, Stuff the Bus and various remotes. I always have a ton of fun shouting at strangers to take some free stickers!” 

What is the time frame for your internship? 

“My internship started in late May and ends in mid-August. I was also sponsored to attend the national Confer Radio Talent Institute in May. I will be working 180 hours total.”  

What are some skills you have learned?  

 
“Some skills I have learned are music directing, traffic directing, board operating, audio editing, promotion and communication skills, and on-air voice tracking.” 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

“I love everything about my job, but if I had to pick my favorite part, it would be the atmosphere of the people who run it. The people at this station remind me so much of [NBC's] “The Office.” Each member is quirky, funny, and loveable. When it comes to my actual career, it can be hard to decide on taking an advertising, public relations, radio, or TV route, but I know that my personality aligns perfectly with the characters in the radio industry. This internship has shown me a place I can be myself every day.”  

What was your expectation going into the job? Does it match the reality?  

“Since the Promotions Director is my boss, I expected most of my internship to be sending out mail and attempting to gain listeners and sponsors. However, that is only a small part of what I do. I am very surprised and impressed at the quality of my internship, and how many different parts of operating a radio station I get to see." 

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

"This internship has provided me with a solid blueprint of where I hope to see myself post-graduation. No matter what part of the radio industry I land in, I know that I want to be a part of it to continue to express myself, enjoy going to work every day, and be where I am a valued member of the company.  Every day, I hear the same commercial that Seven Mountains Media runs on its own stations, where owner Kristin Cantrell says, 'My father always told me that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Well here at Seven Mountains Media, we love what we do.' I think that quote describes my opinion of the company perfectly."

More than 1,650 students were named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2024 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 the Leahy College of Health Sciences (formerly the Panuska College of Professional Studies).

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

The following students were added to The University of Scranton Dean’s List for the fall 2023 semester after publication of the list in January of 2024.

The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence during the 2023 fall semester. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the Leahy College of Health Sciences (formerly the Panuska College of Professional Studies).

Students added to the fall 2023 Dean’s List are:

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.

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.

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.

Marketing students at The University of Scranton's Kania School of Management (KSOM) celebrated the annual Mu Kappa Tau ceremony recently, in Brennan Hall. Mu Kappa Tau is a North American scholastic honor society established in 1966 that recognizes academic achievement in the field of marketing.

Membership in the honor society is open to junior and seniors who are majoring in marketing and among the top ten percent of their class, with a GPA of 3.25 or higher. In attendance at the ceremony were Dr. Mark Higgins, Dean of the Kania School of Management, as well as marketing professors, including Drs. Peter Andersen, John Zych, Satya P. Chattopadhyay and Ash Zareian.

Fourteen students participated in the event, which was an increase from seven students in 2023. The ceremony began with the induction of new members by current president and vice president of the society. Then, the new president and vice president were sworn in and began their term. The event ended with a reception for the students, parents and faculty.

Watch #Royals2024 Become 'Sons and Daughters of The University of Scranton Forever'.

The University of Scranton conferred more than 775 bachelor’s degrees at its undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 19. View memories of The University of Scranton Class 2024 Undergraduate Commencement in one reel.

From The University of Scranton 2024 Graduate Commencement Ceremony to the Workforce  

The University of Scranton conferred more than 465 master’s and doctoral degrees at its graduate commencement ceremony May 19. Click to hear from Class Speaker Samantha R. Bobinski.

2024 Business Leadership Honors Program Graduates 

Fifteen members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2024 graduated from its Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program. Meet the students in this highly-selective program who explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy and analysis.

Class of 2024 Business Honors Program Graduates  

Eleven members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2024 graduated from its Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program. Click to learn more about the Class of 2024 Business Honors Program graduates

Class of 2024 Graduates of Magis Honors Program   

Seven members of the University’s Class of 2024 graduated from the Jesuit school’s Magis Honors Program in STEM. Click to meet the members of Scranton’s class of 2024 graduated as members of the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program Graduates 

Thirty-five members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2024 graduated from its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. View to learn more about the members of the SJLA Honors Program.

Class of 2024 University Honors Program Graduates 

Twenty-two members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2024 graduated from its undergraduate University Honors Program. Click to view the graduates.

Class of 2024 Graduate Chooses Long-Term Service   

Mitchell Sporing of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2024 committed to post-graduation long-term service through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Meet Sporing, a member of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2024 who has committed to a year-long, post-graduation service project offered through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest that will take him to Juneau, Alaska.

Scranton Graduates Commissioned as Second Lieutenants 

Seven members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2024 were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. Click to view The University of Scranton ROTC graduates who were commissioned at the ceremony.

As a left-handed pitcher for The University of Scranton baseball team, Christopher Gutt ’24 contributes his talents on the field, helping the team capture a second Landmark Conference title in four seasons and a single-season program record of 30 victories. Off the field, the Narbeth native puts into practice the skills – and values— gained through eight years of Jesuit education.

Prior to his time as a Royal, Gutt attended Saint Joseph’s Prep, where he received the “Man for Others” award. His response to a situation near the University campus on Sunday, March 3, is a testament to that service of faith.

After returning from a team victory against Gettysburg College, Gutt was headed downtown for dinner. On his path, the kinesiology major noticed a man on the ground, and Gutt instantly put his University health science training into action.

“I hopped out the car because I could see that something was obviously seriously wrong, having been through my health profession classes and being CPR trained,” Gutt said in an interview with the Royal Vision podcast published April 9.

“It was kind of just second nature…. I just hopped out and did what I needed to do.”

After noting the man’s pallor and lack of pulse, Gutt said he started CPR and continued for approximately five minutes until a nurse driving by pulled up to assist until paramedics arrived.

Though Gutt had no additional contact with the man, a source confirmed that he had survived.

“I’m really glad he made it through this one. I was in the right place at the right time, because other people driving by might not have been trained,” said Gutt.

“I think … everyone should get CPR training. It only takes a day. You could save somebody’s life. It’s really important.”

Twenty-Two members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2024 graduated from the University Honors Program, which is one of the Jesuit university’s programs of excellence. Students in the Honors Program pursue a rigorous education that stresses independent work through close engagement with professors and other honors students, including the preparation, presentation and defense of a research or creative project during their senior year.

The following is a list of the class of 2024 University Honors Program graduates and their faculty mentors and their research projects.

Madeline T. Byrne, West Chester, graduated, magna cum laude, as a health administration major. Byrne worked with faculty advisor John Wiercinski, faculty specialist, Health Administration and Human Resources Department, on a thesis titled "Issues the United States face regarding the healthcare delivery system and our ethical responsibility in caring for the uninsured."

Michael A. Castellino, West Islip, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a business analytics major. Castellino worked with faculty advisor David Mahalek, Ph.D., faculty specialist, Operations and Analytics Department, on a thesis titled "Market Basket Analysis in Everyday Life."

Christian A. Diana, Dallas, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology major. Diana worked with faculty advisor Christopher Howey, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "The effect of octopamine on the metabolic rates, behavior, and mass of Madagascar hissing cockroaches. Gromphadorhina portentous."

Victoria N. Dowling, East Northport, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Dowling worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Impact of Social Isolation Duration on digestion and Behavior in Camponotus floridanus."

Christian Gjonaj, Yonkers, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Gjonaj worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "The effect of light-induced sleep deprivation on locomotion in Gromphadorhina portentosa."

Alexandra P. Karpiak, Norwalk, Connecticut, graduated as a neuroscience major. Karpiak worked with faculty advisor Barbara K. Buxton, Ph.D., associate professor of nursing, on a thesis titled "Investigating patient-Healthcare Provider Relationship as a Protective Factor in Cases of Maternal Postpartum Depression."

Thomas C. Kennedy, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a history major. Kennedy worked with faculty advisor Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., associate professor of English and theatre.

Elise S. Koegler, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a psychology major. Koegler worked with faculty advisor Emily Hopkins, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, on a thesis titled "Who's to Judge? Familiarity of Religious Events Affecting Possibility Judgments."

Sara C. Kuntz, Jamison, graduated, cum laude, as a kinesiology major. Kuntz worked with faculty advisor Paul Cutrufello, Ph.D., professor and chair, Department of Health and Human Performance, on a thesis titled "Music Familiarity and its Impact on Exercise Performance and Affective State."

Olivia S. Manarchuck, Carbondale, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Manarchuck worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Effects of Huperzine A on Learning and Memory Behaviors and Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Blaptica dubias."

Brett K. McCartney, Downingtown, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major and member of the University's Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program. McCartney worked with faculty advisor Ashley L. Stampone, Ph.D., assistant professor of accounting, on a thesis titled "Supply Chain cybersecurity: A Review of the Accounting Literature and the Implications for Future Research."

Tyler J. Muskey, Moosic, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Muskey worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Inotocin Concentration and Behavioral Reactions to Acute Heat Exposure."

Kathryn P. Olafson, Malvern, graduated, summa cum laude, as a secondary education - citizenship and history and history double major. Olafson worked with faculty advisor Maria Oreshkina, Ph.D., associate professor and chair, Department of Education, on a thesis titled "Teacher Retention and Burnout."

Annamarie Palermo, Media, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Palermo worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Effect of Excess Serotonin on Startle Response in Goldfish."

Maitree V. Patel, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology major. Patel worked with faculty advisor Robert J. Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Examining the Influence of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors on Haemoproteus Infection Intensity in Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis)."

Wilmarr J. Saint Surin, North Baldwin, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology major. Saint Surin worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled "The Effects of Environmental Color Association on Ant Foraging Patterns in Camponotus floridanus."

Jacqueline N. Savage, Kings Park, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major and member of the University's Magis Honors Program in STEM. Savage worked with faculty advisor Spencer Galen, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Novel Haemosporidian Diversity in alaskan Birds." Savage was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Karla J. Shaffer, New Hope, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science major. Shaffer worked with faculty advisor JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, on a thesis titled "Let's Talk Trash--How has Institutional Inertia and Community Activism Affected Landfill Permitting in Pennsylvania?."

Martin J. Stivala, Dunmore, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Stivala worked with faculty advisor Jong-Hyn Son, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled "Characterization of Ascending Dopaminergic Neuron Connectivity to the Telencephalon in the Adult Zebrafish Brain."

Nicholas J. Tomassoni, Eynon, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Tomassoni worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled "The Neurological Effects of Erythropoietin on Camponotus floridanus."

Emma Trautfetter, Cedar Grove, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology major. Trautfetter worked with faculty advisor Jill A. Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, on a thesis titled "The Effect of Type of Event on False Memory Rates in a Misinformation Task."

Ashley M. Zaita, Mahwah, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major. Zaita worked with faculty advisor Daniel P. Mahoney, Ph.D., professor of accounting, on a thesis titled "The Burden of State & Local Government Underfunding."

Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, and Jill A. Warker, associate professor of psychology, serve as co-directors of the University Honors Program.

Thirty-five members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2024 graduated from its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program (SJLA), which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in SJLA pursue a rigorous education designed to develop enhanced writing, oral and critical-thinking skills through specially designed courses in philosophy, theology and literature.

The following is a list of the class of 2024 SJLA Honors Program graduates and their majors.

Bethany R. Belkowski, Norristown, graduated, summa cum laude, as an English and public policy and service double major.

John P. Cardiges, Fogelsville, graduated as a philosophy major.

Catriona M. Corbett, Springfield, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an English and philosophy double major.

Zachary L. Danchak, Chalfont, graduated, cum laude, as a computer science major.

Matthew K. Dittmar, Easton, graduated as an electrical engineering major.

Caitlin J. Doughton, Throop, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major. Doughton was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Matthew J. Duffy, Plainview, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a business analytics and philosophy double major and member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Thomas N. Elias, Tunkhannock, graduated, summa cum laude, as a philosophy and theology and religious studies double major. Elias was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Eva L. Fine, Sweet Valley, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Michael P. Fox, Westfield, New Jersey, graduated as a history and philosophy double major.

Julia Gardocki, Lindenhurst, New York, graduated as an English major.

Christian Gillich, Beachwood, New Jersey, graduated as a chemistry business and philosophy double major.

Conor M. Kellough, The Villages, Florida, graduated, cum laude, as a physics major.

Leanne M. Kelly, Freehold, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell, molecular biology and philosophy double major.

Stephanie C. Lehner, Poughkeepsie, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Lehner was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Chelsea T. Long, Walkersville, Maryland, graduated, magna cum laude, as a kinesiology and philosophy double major.

Diana P. Lozinger, Cranberry Township, graduated, summa cum laude, as a counseling and human services, philosophy and theology and religious studies triple major. Lozinger was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Ariana L. Marseglia, Churchville, New York, graduated, cum laude, as a philosophy major.

Matthew M. Moreira, Union, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a philosophy and business administration double major.

John A. Nelson, Jefferson, Maryland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a computer engineering and philosophy double major. He spoke on behalf of his graduating class at the University's undergraduate commencement ceremony. Nelson was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Devang Patel, Scranton, graduated as a neuroscience, philosophy and environmental science triple major and member of the University's Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Gabriella G. Petti, Verona, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a communication and philosophy double major.

Audrey E. Phillips, South Abington Township, graduated, magna cum laude, as a criminal justice major.

Kathryn M. Regan, West Chester, graduated, summa cum laude, as a kinesiology major and member of the University's Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Jamie M. Santiago Gonzalez, Plains, graduated, cum laude, as an international language business-French concentration and philosophy double major.

Megan J. Schurra, Easton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major.

Owen J. Stanczak, Bloomingdale, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology and philosophy double major.

Kathleen A. Till, Newtown Square, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major. Till was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Kaleigh E. Timmons, Bergenfield, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting and philosophy double major and member of the University's Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program and Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Jaclyn E. Tirado, Staten Island, New York, graduated, cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major.

Shelby A. Traver, Sweet Valley, graduated, summa cum laude, as an international business and political science double major. She received a prestigious 2024-2025 Fulbright Award in Political Science to the University of Rwanda, Huye Campus, Rwanda. Traver was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Jillian F. Tremblay, New Hyde Park, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an English major.

Ciara R. Trigg, Garnet Valley, graduated as a computer science and philosophy double major.

Cayman B. Webber, Benicia, California, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Webber was also the recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Megan G. Zabrouski, Bethpage, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an English major.

Daniel Haggerty, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Philosophy Department, serves as the director of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Fifteen members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2024 graduated from its Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program, which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in this highly-selective program explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy and analysis, in addition to field trips to learn from top executives and projects in leadership, service and mentoring.

The following is a list of the class of 2024 Business Leadership Honors Program graduates and their majors.

Gabrielle M. Andiario, Wyoming, graduated, summa cum laude, as a marketing major.

Madalyne R. Buhler, Stony Point, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major. Buhler was also a member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

James P. Calciano, Dunmore, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major.

Anthony G. Di Rienzo, Manalapan, New Jersey, graduated, cum laude, as a finance major.

Luke A. Glidewell, Clarks Summit, graduated, summa cum laude, as an operations management and business analytics double major.

Aidan T. Guarnuccio, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as an international studies major.

Brianna M. Kerrane, New Hyde Park, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major.

Brett K. McCartney, Downingtown, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. McCartney was also a member of the University's University Honors Program.

Vanessa S. Moylan, Jefferson Township, graduated, summa cum laude, as a business administration major.

James M. Murray, North Potomac, Maryland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major.

Hannah G. Phelan, Yardley, graduated, summa cum laude, as an operations management major. Phelan was also a member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Vanessa C. Pinto, Jenkins Township, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major.

Madelyn G. Ronan, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting and finance double major. Ronan was also a member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

John J. Sheehan, Dumont, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Sheehan was also a member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Kaleigh E. Timmons, Bergenfield, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting and philosophy double major. Timmons was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Frank P. Corcione Business honors Program.

Robert McKeage, Ph.D., associate professor of management, marketing and entrepreneurship, serves as director of the University’s Business Leadership Honors Program.

Eleven members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2024 graduated from its Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program Business Honors Program, which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in this program undergo four years of honors studies in the areas of economics, entrepreneurship, operations management, accounting, finance, international business, marketing and management, as well as a series of personal development extracurricular activities in the areas of service and career building.

The following is a list of the class of 2024 Business Honors Program graduates and their majors, as well as their faculty mentors and research project.

Madalyne R. Buhler, Stony Point, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major. Buhler worked with faculty advisor Aram Balagyozyan, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, on a thesis titled “An Analysis of the 1996 Farm Bill’s Impact on Commodity Prices and Obesity Rates in America.” Buhler was also a member of the University's Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

Matthew J. Duffy, Plainview, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a business analytics and philosophy double major. Duffy worked with faculty advisor David Mahalak, D. Eng., faculty specialist in the Operations and Analytics Department, on a thesis titled “A Machine Learning Approach to MLB Attendance.” Duffy was also a member of the University's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Nina J. Figetakis, Little Neck, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Figetakis worked with faculty advisor Daniel Mahoney, Ph.D., professor of accounting, on a thesis titled “Insights into Student Perceptions of Work-Life Balance within Public Accounting Firms.”

Todd F. Monahan, Moosic, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major. Monahan worked with faculty advisor John Ruddy, D.P.S., associate professor in the Economics, Finance and International Business Department, on a thesis titled “A 6-Year Analysis of Technology Funds Pre, During, and Post Pandemic.”

Hannah G. Phelan, Yardley, graduated, summa cum laude, as an operations management major. Phelan worked with faculty advisor Ozgur Isil, Ph.D., associate professor in the Operations and Analytics Department, on a thesis titled “Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Supply Chain Disruptions and Analyzing Resiliency Strategies.” Phelan was also a member of the University's Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

Geoffrey S. Pizzuto, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a business administration major. Pizzuto worked with faculty advisor Ash Zareian, Ph.D., faculty specialist in Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department, on a thesis titled “The Prevalence of Data Collection in our Electronic World.”

Gabrielle Richetti, Holbrook, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major. Richetti worked with faculty advisor Richard O'Hara, faculty specialist in accounting, on a thesis titled “The Impact of Machine Learning on Accounting Professionals.”

Matthew A. Roda, Newtown, graduated, cum laude, as a finance major. Roda worked with faculty advisor John Kallianiotis, Ph.D., professor of finance, on a thesis titled “Stock Comparisons in Different Markets.”

Madelyn G. Ronan, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting and finance double major. Ronan worked with faculty advisor John Ruddy, D.P.S., associate professor in the Economics, Finance and International Business Department, on a thesis titled “An Empirical Analysis of US Based Entertainment Companies Pre, During, And Post-Pandemic.” Ronan was also a member of the University's Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

John J. Sheehan, Dumont, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major. Sheehan worked with faculty advisor Ashley Stampone, Ph.D., assistant professor of accounting, on a thesis titled “Audit Committee Perspectives on ESG Reporting.” Sheehan was also a member of the University's Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

Kaleigh E. Timmons, Bergenfield, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting and philosophy double major. Timmons worked with faculty advisor Amanda Marcy, Ph.D., assistant professor of accounting, on a thesis titled “The Impact of a Jesuit Business Education on the Production of Ethical Business Professionals.” Timmons was also a member of the University's Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program and the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

The Business Honors Program students presented their senior projects to a panel of judges in early May. Awards were presented to Buhler for best senior project. Honorable mention awards were presented to Phelan and Ronan.

Aram Balagyozyan, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, serves as director of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program Business Honors Program.

Seven members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2024 graduated from its Magis Honors Program in STEM. The program, which is one of the Jesuit school’s five honors programs. combines the development of STEM knowledge and research techniques with programing to further the students’ understanding of the impact science has on society.

The Magis Honors Program offers talented students a more intense, interdisciplinary experience of research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Courses taken over four years at Scranton combine a series of seminars on STEM and society with humanities courses. With guidance by faculty mentors, the students in the program develop, present and defend a thesis based on their individual research projects. In addition, the program requires participation in annual community service projects as well as professional development programs.

The following members of Scranton’s class of 2024 graduated as members of the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Dr. Voltzow serves as the director of the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Nearly 70 members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2024 participated in the Jesuit school’s Donning of the Stole Ceremony. The annual ceremony celebrates and honors the accomplishments of members of its graduating class from underrepresented identities who received their undergraduate degrees. The purpose of the ceremony, which was a student-led initiative, was to highlight the students’ success in overcoming the particular barriers and obstacles faced by students from these groups, particularly students of color, in attaining a higher education.

 The students honored include outstanding academic and leadership achievement award recipients, future physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, counselors, accountants, teachers, engineers, nurses and many other highly-successful members of the University’s graduating class.

Narissa O. Hill, an early and primary teacher education major from Nashua, New Hampshire, spoke on behalf of the class of 2024 at the ceremony took place on campus May 18 as part of Scranton’s commencement activities and events. Also speaking at the ceremony were: Robert C. Walker, a counseling and human services major from Jersey City, New Jersey; Lauren Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., vice president for student life and dean of students; Shaefny Grays, Ed.D., assistant dean of culture and inclusion;  Jose Sanchez, assistant director of the University’s Cultural Centers; and Deniya Thompson, of Scranton’s class of 2020, who offered the Closing Prayer.

Members of Scranton’s class of 2024 receiving stoles were:

Harley Q. Ackerman, Brooklyn, New York, who earned a bachelor's degree in biology;

Elizabeth Anzures, Scranton, who earned a bachelor's degree in accounting;

Kathleen O. Appau, Metuchen, New Jersey, who earned a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy;

Anthony L. Baez, Hartsdale, New York, who earned a bachelor's degree in liberal studies;

Augustine D. Brapoh, Coatesville, who earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering;

Curlissa R. Brown, Staten Island, New York, who earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology;

Emily Burgers, Wayne, New Jersey, who earned a bachelor's degree in environmental science;

Claudia Campo Mirabent, Tucson, Arizona, who earned a bachelor's degree in advertising/public relations;

Valeria M. Cardenas, Bogota, New Jersey, who earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and physiology;

Kayla S. Charles, Glenside, who earned a bachelor's degree in biology;

Diego Collado-Ramirez, Bronx, New York, who earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and electronic media;

Gwyn A. Cruz, Dallas, who earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology;

Ranjeeta Dhungel, Scranton, who earned a bachelor's degree in biology;

Victoria N. Dowling, East Northport, New York, who earned a bachelor's degree in neuroscience;

Ariana I. Flores, Springfield, New Jersey, who earned a bachelor's degree in counseling and human services;

Manci D. Gandhi, Derby, Connecticut, who earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice;

Leandria E. Hercules, Scranton, who earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and electronic media;

Itzanamy H. Herrera Solano, Frenchtown, New Jersey, who earned a bachelor's degree in physiology;

Narissa O. Hill, Nashua, New Hampshire, who earned a bachelor's degree in early and primary teacher education;

Maggie K. Ho, Edison, New Jersey, who earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology;

Ikechukwu Z. Igbokwe, Greensboro, North Carolina, who earned a bachelor's degree in accounting;

Raphaella N. Kaphesi, Endicott, New York, who earned a bachelor's degree in communication;

David S. Kelly, South Sterling, who earned a bachelor's degree in finance;

Cayla D. Kumar, Queens Village, New York, who earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology;

Isabella M. Leonardo, Scranton, who earned a bachelor's degree in liberal studies;

Selene Lopez Contreras, New Rochelle, New York, who earned a bachelor's degree in history and public policy and service;

Samantha M. Lowe, Parsippany, New Jersey, who earned a bachelor's degree in biology;

Diana P. Lozinger, Cranberry Township, who earned a bachelor's degree in counseling and human services, philosophy and theology and religious studies;

Sade Lugo, Scranton, who earned a bachelor's degree in engineering management;

Gabriela Suyapa Martinez Contreras, Durham, North Carolina, who earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology;

Elizabeth G. Medrano, Bronx, New York, who earned a bachelor's degree in marketing;

Zuleima I. Mero, Wilkes Barre, who earned a bachelor's degree in biology;

Shervin Mokhtari, Clarks Summit, who earned a bachelor's degree in neuroscience;

Kyle C. Muirhead, Massapequa, New York, who earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology;

Kayla E. Murray, Philadelphia, who earned a bachelor's degree in forensic chemistry;

Andrea A. Navarro, Albrightsvlle, who earned a bachelor's degree in accounting;

Emma N. Navarro, Woodside, New York, who earned a bachelor's degree in marketing;

Shanice A. Nelson, Scranton, who earned a bachelor's degree in psychology;

Marisol F. Olivares Hernandez, Havelock, North Carolina, who earned a bachelor's degree in accounting;

Madeline Ortiz, Philadelphia, who earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice;

Fidelis N. Osuoha, Bensalem, who earned a bachelor's degree in social media strategies;

Disha Patel, Clarks Summit, who earned a bachelor's degree in biology;

Himani S. Patel, South Abington Township, who earned a bachelor's degree in biology;

Kirtan M. Patel, Albrightsville, who earned a bachelor's degree in computer science;

Maitree V. Patel, Scranton, who earned a bachelor's degree in biology;

Lauren E. Pelaez, Stroudsburg, who earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering;

Kayla N. Perrong, Shenandoah, who earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry;

Awni A. Pimentel, Union City, New Jersey, who earned a bachelor's degree in political science and philosophy;

Vanessa C. Pinto, Jenkins Township, who earned a bachelor's degree in finance;

Adriana L. Piscoya, Mendham, New Jersey, who earned a bachelor's degree in marketing;

Yasmin Ramirez, Scranton, who earned a bachelor's degree in management;

Jessenia A. Robles, Stroudsburg, who earned a bachelor's degree in accounting;

Santiago Rodriguez, Dover, New Jersey, who earned a bachelor's degree in international business;

Molly J. Rosario, Tobyhanna, who earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology;

Simal Sami, Jessup, who earned a bachelor's degree in information technology;

Jamie M. Santiago Gonzalez, Plains, who earned a bachelor's degree in international business-French concentration and philosophy;

Kyla M. Sheerer, Scranton, who earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and criminal justice;

Ryan V. Sophabmixay, Scranton, who earned a bachelor's degree in business communication;

Bennice M. Sporl, Stroudsburg, who earned a bachelor's degree in psychology;

Lauren R. Stauch, Phoenixville, who earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology;

Karishma B. Suchit, Orlando, Florida, who earned a bachelor's degree in biology;

Jaclyn E. Tirado, Staten Island, New York, who earned a bachelor's degree in neuroscience and philosophy;

Kelsey M. Torres, Long Pond, who earned a bachelor's degree in psychology;

Jessica E. Tsu, Valley Stream, New York, who earned a bachelor's degree in occupational therapy;

Charlie Valdez, Harrisburg, who earned a bachelor's degree in health promotion;

Annaise N. Vazquez, Piscataway, New Jersey, who earned a bachelor's degree in early and primary teacher education;

Robert C. Walker, Jersey City, New Jersey, who earned a bachelor's degree in counseling and human services;

Britney L. Walsh, Scranton, who earned a bachelor's degree in biology;

Chyenne N. Ward, Clifton, New Jersey, who earned a bachelor's degree in nursing.

Mitchell W. Sporing, a member of The University of Scranton’s class of 2024 from Mount Ephraim, New Jersey, has committed to a year-long, post-graduation service project offered through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest that will take him to Juneau, Alaska.

Sporing, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in operations management, will work with the Juneau Economic Development Council as a youth robotics/STEM coordinator with their For Inspiration and Recognition in Science and Technology (FIRST) Program. For the long-term service project, he will assist with planning and organizing K-12 youth robotics and Lego robotics tournaments throughout the state of Alaska, in addition to assisting with new team recruitment and running several summer science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) camps and events, as well as providing ongoing support to individual coaches and their teams.

Sporing was commissioned for the long-term service project at the Class of 2024 Baccalaureate Mass at the University on May 18. He also received the Croteau and Marx Family Award for Excellence in Mechanical Engineering Award at Class Night on May 17.

Pictured below are, from left, Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for mission and ministries, and Sporing.

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 of participants for the Jesuit Volunteer Corps.

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

Seven members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2024 were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army during a ceremony held in the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall on campus on May 18. One of the graduates earned Distinguished Military Graduate status by the U.S. Army, which designates placement in the top 20 percent of Army ROTC graduates in the nation for this academic year, and the added distinction of placing in the top 10 percent of Army ROTC graduated in the country.

The University of Scranton ROTC graduates who were commissioned at the ceremony are as follows.

2nd Lt. Gary G. Geinitz of Waymart, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering.

2nd Lt. Jay H. Kapadia of Somerset, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice.

2nd Lt. Ryan V. Lally of Sussex, New Jersey, Distinguished Military Graduate, who placed in the top 10 percent of cadets in the nation, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in cybercrime and homeland security.

2nd Lt. Jenna L. Leonhardt of Long Valley, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

2nd Lt. Joseph X. Lynch of Boiling Springs, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

2nd Lt. Allison N. Palmer of Massapequa, New York, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

2nd Lt. Aidan T. Szabo of Flemington, New Jersey, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.

Twenty-three teams participated in SoccerFest 2024, a community-based sports event organized by University of Scranton students in a sports event management course taught by Ovidiu Cocieru, Ph.D., assistant professor of management. The event took place on May 4 at Fitzpatrick Field, located on the University’s campus.

A hands-on opportunity for students in the University's Kania School of Management, SoccerFest 2024 encompassed all aspects of the managing the event, from registration to marketing, to the organization of the play itself.

Dr. Cocieru described the second annual tournament for soccer players of middle and high school ages as a "transformational experience."

"The Sports Event Management course creates an environment that is very similar to real organizations, and students learn from real experience. Student development transcends the content of the course because students' collaboration and decisions have a real-world, positive impact on the community," said Dr.  Cocieru.

"For many of them, it is a transformational experience. I am very proud of them for how they developed and for what they achieved."

The students said the course required out-of-the-box thinking.

"I had a fantastic experience, different than any class I've ever taken. I like that in this class we had the opportunity to make something real happen," said Brendan Karolchyk, a senior with a major in marketing.
"I was able to treat this more like an internship than a traditional class. I felt I could get out of it what I put into it. I pushed myself to think outside the box, try new things, and do something that I'd never done before."  

Students appreciated the ability to connect with the local community.

"My favorite part of the class was the event itself, because I was able to see a lot of the local high schools and U12 and U14 divisions play," Yasmin Ramirez, a senior with a major in management and minors in business analytics and operations management.

"Since I'm local, I was able to see some of my friends play and some of the people that I've coached before play. That was a lot of fun!"

The event generated a profit of $754.17, which the class donated to the American Breast Cancer Foundation.