November 2025

The University of Scranton Lady Royals on Sunday recorded one of the greatest wins in the rich history of the women’s basketball program.

Ranked No. 2 in the NCAA Division III ranks, according to the D3hoops.com preseason poll, the Lady Royals traveled to play at the University of Pittsburgh and beat the Panthers, 69-63.

Elizabeth Bennett ’27, a 5-foot-11 center from Staten Island, New York, was Scranton’s leading scorer with 15 points and five rebounds.

Bennett reflected below, as told to University communications, on the rare experience of playing against a Division I ACC opponent — and the even more remarkable feat of beating that team.

 

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One of the hallmarks of our team is that we are steady.

If we are on a run, if the other team is on a run — and it’s inevitable, basketball is a sport of runs — it doesn’t matter. We just want to stay as steady as possible, no matter the circumstances.

On Sunday, the circumstances were evident on the scoreboard. We were up 10 at halftime. We were down six after three quarters. And even though we were playing against a great opponent in an amazing arena, we just had to remind ourselves to stay steady.

The opponent, of course, was Pitt. We were back on campus this fall for two or three weeks when we got the news that we’d be playing Pitt. We were all really excited but a little nervous, too.

And the arena was the Petersen Events Center. Last year, we had a winter tournament at Daytona Beach, Florida, and that was the biggest arena I’d ever played in. It was more of a convention center, though, so getting to play at Pitt was going to be special.

A couple days before the game, we went over film and stats. We knew we’d be at a size disadvantage. However, even going back to travel basketball, you play against bigger girls all the time and just have to remind yourself that this is something you’ve done before.

When we got on the bus Saturday morning at 7 a.m., I definitely had some nerves bouncing around. We knew it would be a great opportunity to play against good competition, no matter if we won or lost.

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When the game finally tipped off on Sunday, we all reminded ourselves to stay in the moment.

“Just play how you usually play,” I told myself.

Like I said before, basketball is a game of runs and Pitt had a huge one in the third quarter. That’s when we all huddled up, collected ourselves and got back in our rhythm.

“Just play how you usually play,” I reminded myself again.

We had the final run, winning the fourth quarter, 25-13, and the game, 69-63.

It was a bit of a shock, even to us. The whole experience just didn’t feel real.

We checked our phones after the game and all had gotten so many texts, videos and pictures from everyone watching the game at their houses and in their dorms. Everybody’s talking about it on social media. We feel an immense amount of support from everybody at Scranton, including our professors, who have been reaching out and congratulating us.

Sunday was a confidence booster. We have confidence in ourselves — and we should have confidence in ourselves. We can achieve big things if we put our minds to it.

We’re not done yet, though, and I hope you can come cheer us on at the Long Center for some of our upcoming games. It’s a long season and it’s just getting started.

 

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Bennett was one of four Lady Royals in double-figures scoring Sunday, joined by Sophia Talutto (14 points), Katie Gorski (11 points, 10 rebounds) and Meghan Lamanna (11 points). Kaeli Romanowski added nine points and eight rebounds. The Lady Royals’ first home game in Landmark Conference play is 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, against Goucher College.

By Marcus Smith '27, Student Correspondent

University of Scranton students from all cultures and backgrounds celebrated their heritage Friday, Nov. 14, at the annual International Fashion Show co-hosted by the United Cultures Organization (UCO) and Asia Club.

Under thematic blue lighting, 42 Scranton students walked the catwalk as models in Friday night’s event, sporting clothes inspired by the 1980s, '90s and the 2000s.

In addition to the wide variety of clothes on display, the evening also included various regional foods during intermission, a dance performance by the University’s Urban Beats Crew and a musical performance by Berline Louis-Jacques ʼ27, who sang “Creep” by Radiohead.

 

Fabyan Georges ʼ26, president of the UCO, is proud that the event dramatically highlighted what the UCO stands for as one of the largest clubs on campus.

“People are able to showcase cultural exchange, diversity and where they're really from," Georges said. "This is an event that is able to showcase that at its greatest and being able to show that the Scranton community is able to come together and showcase that we are not a school of students who are different, but students who can come together, unite and be all alike as we are all humans.”

He is also proud of the effect the fashion show has on the student body as a whole.

“People who join in are typically scared and not sure if they're ready. Once they rip that Band-Aid off, it's an event that is full of excitement and fun,” Georges said.

The final part of the show was the evening’s highlight: Rep Your Flag, an opportunity for students to display their countries' flags. Students whose cultural heritage spanned 15 countries took part in the section, wearing vibrant outfits reflecting the cultures they come from.

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For Lauren DeSantis ʼ26, president of the Asia Club, the fashion show is a way to encourage future students to share pride in their own distinct cultures.

“I am passing along the joy that I felt from being able to represent China, a country and region that I'm so proud of. I want people to continue to share that joy, because it really is one of the most uniting moments on this campus,” DeSantis said.

Not only is the annual fashion show a major tradition for the cultural clubs at The University of Scranton, it is also a business opportunity for local fashion designers. 

This year, the fashion show featured pieces by Aesthetic, a designer from Wilkes-Barre, and LeftWorldwide, run by Scranton alum Sohail Shareef ʼ25.

LeftWorldwide’s clothes are a celebration of graffiti culture and subcultural art.

"It feels like a moment where the underground world I grew up loving finally connects with the mainstream and I’m proud to represent that journey,” Shareef said.

While many of the participants are upperclassmen, the fashion show also was an important event for freshmen and sophomores, as well.

Deena Kahn ʼ28, social media coordinator for the Asia Club, participated in the fashion show for the first time Friday, representing India.

Kahn was thrilled to boost her own confidence, as well as the confidence of others by walking in the show.

“I feel like walking down the runway is going to help me with my own confidence," Kahn said. "I also hope it teaches others that we're all beautiful in our own way and that you don't need to walk a runway to feel beautiful."

Marcus Smith '27, Schuylkill Haven, is an English and theatre double major at Scranton.

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The possibilities within data science are endless and evolving, constantly being pushed by new technological advancements. Professionals earn an average of $112,000-plus per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which projects a 34% increase in jobs from 2024 to 2034.

However, as with many mathematics- or science-related fields, its complexities could overwhelm a beginning student.

“Sometimes, data sets could be very ugly, very hard to manage,” said Joseph Klobusicky, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics at The University of Scranton.

That’s where an event like Data Science Day proves useful.

This year’s Data Science Day was held Thursday, Nov. 13, at the DeNaples Center. Thirty-five students from five high schools — Abington Heights, Carbondale Area, Holy Cross, Mid Valley, Scranton Prep — participated in the second annual event, which provided them with hands-on instruction and programming practice on powerful tools used for data-driven analysis in various industries.

“I’m elated,” Dr. Klobusicky, the organizer of the event, said of its turnout. “As we all know, AI is the big thing that’s coming. Having a command of topics like data science really helps you understand a lot of the topics of computer science. It’s good to give them a head start on these types of the topics.”

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Among the student volunteers from the University was John DiMattio ’29, a computer science major from Jefferson Township. Last year, DiMattio was a competitor at the event in his senior year at Scranton Prep.

“I did it last year because I like to code, so I wanted to use another coding language and see what data science is like,” DiMattio said. “It gave me an insight to what this is, especially since I have to take data structure next year. So, it kind of gives a little sneak peek into what I’m to expect as a computer science major.”

Data Science Day included data processing tutorials, individual and team competitions and a keynote address by Stephen Sorokanich, a Quantum Fellow with the Air Force Research Laboratory.

The competition offered a structured, beginner-friendly environment to learn high-demand skills that could be used to analyze and visualize complex data, create predictive models, identify unusual patterns and automate tasks, among other things.

Volunteering alongside DiMattio was Jackson Conti ’27, a computer science major from Pottstown.

“After I’d taken some data science classes with Dr. Klobusicky, I realized that this was something that I was extremely interested in. I wanted to help out where I could,” Conti said. “For me, (I’m interested in) the wide range of applications where you could apply data science. There’s no shortage of where you could apply it: sociology, philosophy, psychology, economics. There’s really nowhere you can’t apply it.”

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On Saturday, Nov. 22, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring the University’s Symphonic Band. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

According to conductors Cheryl Y. Boga and Janelle Decker, the program will include a variety of symphonic band works including music by Malcolm Arnold, Eric Ewazen, the University’s late composer-in-residence Vaclav Nelhybel H’85, Robert Spittal, Joseph Turrin and Jan Van der Roost.

The University of Scranton Symphonic Band is a 70-plus member ensemble comprised of members of the University community from majors and departments spanning the curriculum. The vast majority of them are undergraduate students — none of whom are music majors — joined by a few graduate students and members of the faculty, staff and alumni, all brought together by their mutual love of music-making.

The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no major in music at the University. All enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for membership in the University bands, University performance choirs, University string orchestra and ensembles and steel drum ensemble. A few members of the faculty and staff and alumni from the region also perform with the groups. Each year, hundreds of students participate in the ensembles.

For additional information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit the Performance Music website.

 

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IF YOU GO:

What: IN CONCERT: The University of Scranton Symphonic Band, presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton

Admission: Free

Coming from a non-business background as the son of teachers, Ryan Hanley ’26 initially felt intimidated by the field.

When he enrolled at The University of Scranton, he had a burgeoning interest in the stock market. However, he also had a lot to learn and at least a little trepidation about whether he could hold his own.

“But I went in with an open mind,” he said. “And by the end of my freshman year, I’m like, ‘Yeah, this is something that interests me.’”

Hanley, a double major in accounting and finance from Dumont, New Jersey, is among the Kania School of Management (KSOM) students who will greet high school students at the upcoming Path to Business Excellence Conference. Attendees at the event, which begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, will learn about Scranton’s nationally recognized programs.

Guests will also have the opportunity to meet faculty and students like Hanley, who, in three-plus short years, has made major strides in his business acumen.

“Just because you don’t have a business background doesn’t mean that it should debilitate you, or your kid, from getting involved in business if that’s what they’re passionate about. At this University, it will not hold you back,” he said. “Look how far I’ve gotten.”

Putting his best foot forward at Scranton, Hanley is a dean’s list student who has served in leadership capacities with several extracurricular programs. He is co-president of PRISM (Portfolio of Responsible Investments Under Student Management), which was founded in 1999 with a $100,000 gift that, under student management and investments, has grown to more than $1.3 million.

He has also completed a pair of paid internships at top accounting firms, Wiss and Co. and Ernst and Young, one of the Big Four accounting firms. He has already secured post-graduation employment.

“You can go and get a good education anywhere,” Hanley said. “But there’s something special here, especially the alumni. We’re not an Ivy League school. Where we lack in maybe that ‘high prestige,’ we definitely make up for in the alumni network and the people of the Scranton community. They’re really willing to stick their neck out for you, take a chance on you and help push your resume through. I think that’s part of the reason why Scranton is what it is.

“The people make the place. The personal connections that you get here are really important."

 

Scranton recently placed top 40 in the nation on U.S. News’ “Best Undergraduate Programs in Analytics” and “Best Undergraduate Programs in Accounting,” while the Wall Street Journal recognized the University as a top school for post-graduation salaries and return on investment. The University’s Kania School of Management holds accreditation from AACSB International, the gold standard for business school accreditation.

According to the Roche Family Center for Career Development’s Class of 2024 First Destination Survey, KSOM graduates reported a 100% success rate. Accounting majors reported a $69,988 starting salary; business analytics, $68,000; finance, $67,579.

“What I like about this school is, academically, it will set you up for success,” he said. “But if you’re willing to step up and take extra time, you can be really successful in the extracurriculars, too."

Visit the University’s website for more information on the upcoming Path to Business Excellence Conference.

On Friday, Nov. 14, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring the University’s String Orchestra. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

“The concert will feature pieces influenced by world dance and ballet, as well as selections that aurally depict the fall season," said Performance Music Conductor and Co-director Janelle Decker.

The program will feature music by Jeffrey Bishop, Georges Bizet, Edward Elgar, Kirt Mosier, Modeste Mussorgsky, Vaclav Nelhybel, Antonio Vivaldi and Ralph Vaughan Williams, some of them in arrangements for string orchestra, others originally written for string orchestra.

The University of Scranton String Orchestra is a 40-plus-member ensemble comprised of members of the University community from majors and departments spanning the curriculum — most of them undergraduate students, none of whom are music majors — joined by a few graduate students, alumni and members of the faculty who are all brought together by their mutual love of music-making.

The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no major in music at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for membership in the University bands, University performance choirs, University string orchestra and ensembles and steel drum ensemble. A few members of the faculty and staff, and alumni from the region, also perform with the groups. Each year, hundreds of students participate in the ensembles.

For additional information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit the Performance Music website.

 

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IF YOU GO:

What: IN CONCERT: The University of Scranton String Orchestra, presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton

When: Friday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton

Admission: Free

Fourteen outstanding members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2029 entered its Magis Honors Program in STEM. One of Scranton’s five programs of excellence, the Magis Honors Program combines the development of STEM knowledge and research techniques with programming to further the students’ understanding of the impact science has on society.

The Magis Honors Program in STEM 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. Prior to the start of the fall semester, the incoming Magis Honors Program students conducted a survey of aquatic plants in Lake Lacawac as part of their ongoing participation with Pocono Lake Ecological Observatory Network (PLEON).

The following members of Scranton’s Class of 2029 have begun their studies in the Magis Honors Program in STEM:

Grace O. Arnone, of Wilkes-Barre, a biology major,

Olivia R. Burdo, of Dresher, a biology major,

Mollie A. Ferreira, of Somerville, New Jersey, a forensic chemistry major,

Lia M. Hartman, of Lake Ariel, a biochemistry major,

Rehaan F. Mansuri, of Moosic, a neuroscience major, who is also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship,

Liam R. Miller, of Honesdale, a physics major,

Cadence E. Moore, of Clarks Summit, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major,

Declan Moran, of Scranton, a biology major,

Laura J. Nebzydoski, of Pleasant Mount, a neuroscience major,

Kali G. Piczon, of Forty Fort, a biology major, who is also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship,

Maura C. Pivirotto, of South Abington Township, a neuroscience major, who is also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship,

Kaelee A. Potoski, of West Pittston, a biology major,

Ella C. Rehfield, of Kensington, Maryland, a neuroscience major, and

Stephen J. Reppa, of Dalton, a mathematics major.

Declan Mulhall, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering, and Amelia Randich, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, serve as the directors of the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Thirty-two members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2029 enrolled in its prestigious Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program, one of the University’s five programs of excellence.

Students in this program complete four years of honors studies in economics, entrepreneurship, operations management, accounting, finance, international business, marketing and management, as well as a series of personal development extracurricular activities in service and career building.

The following members of Scranton’s Class of 2029 have begun their studies in the Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program:

Benjamin D. Blum, Bethlehem, a finance major,

Harrison G. Braida, Hawley, a finance major,

Lorenzo Bucolo, Hopewell Junction, New York, an accounting major,

Sophia R. Burbridge, Hawley, an international business major,

Matthew J. Capra, Fairfield, New Jersey, a business administration major,

Luca V. Chiaramonte, Jenkintown, a finance major,

Andrew J. Czahor, Martinsville, New Jersey, a business analytics major,

Grayson J. Dueck, Washingtonville, New York, a finance major,

Erin V. Farrell, Sea Girt, New Jersey, a finance major,

Derek R. Graziano, Roseland, New Jersey, undeclared,

Lucas C. Griffin, Garden City, New York, a business administration major,

Nathaniel R. Gundling, Tunkhannock, a finance major,

Patrick J. Hansen, Neptune, New Jersey, a business administration major,

Jase T. Heffernan, Nesconset, New York, a marketing major,

Trevor T. Kerlin, Manahawkin, New Jersey, a finance major,

Allison R. Kipp, Pittston, a business analytics major,

Molly F. Lain, Media, undeclared,

Aidan E. Landers, Bethpage, New York, a finance major,

Ryan J. Lavin, Morristown, New Jersey, a business administration major,

Riley N. Lyons, Chalfont, a marketing major, 

Charlie J. Malloy, West Chester, a finance major,

Patrick K. McKenna, Jamison, a finance major,

Andrew B. Mohlenhoff, Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, an accounting major,

Vincent M. Nola, Washington Crossing, a finance major,

Kylee Noriega, Colts Neck, New Jersey, a finance major,

Kathryn H. OKane, Southampton, a business administration major,

Steven L. Penatzer, Pittston, a finance major,

James C. Scialla, Allentown, a finance major,

Eamonn H. Twomey, Rochelle Park, New Jersey, an accounting major,

Adria M. Vargas, Sayville, New York, undeclared,

Hailey R. Zambriski, Holbrook, New York, an accounting major, and

Christopher L. Zampirri, Philadelphia, an accounting major.

Aram R. Balagyozyan, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, finance and international business, serves as director of the University’s Corcione Business Honors Program.

"Japanese people value harmony, respect, and consideration for others...The idea of balance between old and new is what shapes our culture today."
- Fujita Kazumasa

Global Insights finishes fall semester with a presentation by ALLEX Foundation Japanese instructor, Fujita Kazumasa, who will present Japan, Thursday, Nov. 20, beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall 509.

All students, staff, and faculty are invited to the free lunch-and-learn program. Cultural cuisine will be provided. Registration is required.

What's one interesting fact about Japan you will discuss in your presentation?

I would like to share the Japanese idea of wabi-sabi, which means finding beauty in simplicity and imperfection. It reveals a lot about the Japanese way of thinking and appreciation of life.

What is your favorite activity in Japan?

I love visiting local festivals all around Japan. Each one has its own dance, music and food, and they really show community spirit and joy of Japanese culture.

What do you miss/enjoy most about being in Japan?

I miss Japanese food, especially, sushi.

Where is your favorite place to visit?

My favorite place to visit is Yakushima Island which is located in Kyushu area. It inspired the forest in "Princess Mononoke in Gibli" animation. The ancient cedar trees there make you feel the deep connection between nature and spirituality.

Briefly describe the people and culture. What values or traditions help to shape both?

Japanese people value harmony, respect and consideration for others. These values can be seen in everything - from how we speak to how we work and live together. The idea of balance between old and new is what shapes our culture today.

Register for Global Insights Japan.

This program is sponsored by the Office of Global Education and co-hosted with the Office of Institutional Compliance and Title IX, 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 Elizabeth.vanderneut@scranton.edu.

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By: Elizabeth Vander Neut, student correspondent

GET INVOLVED

Club: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

Meet: Ethan Distler '26, is a mechanical engineering major from Royersford.

Role in the Club: President 

Connect: @asme_uofs   

Q: Your club is one of many extracurricular opportunities at The University of Scranton. How does American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) stand out?

"ASME as a club ... exists purely to help enrich the (still new) mechanical engineering major. I’m part of the third graduating class of mechanical engineering and the first graduating class with the program officially accredited by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.) So, with a program still in its infancy, the officers and I wanted to make some sort of resource that would promote engagement. The electrical engineering major already has such a rich and involved alumni network and relationship with companies and other resources. We asked what was stopping the mechanical engineering major from developing an involved network early on."

Q: Why did you join the club? Why would you recommend someone join?

"Anyone should join if they’re interested in engineering. The beauty of engineering is how diverse it is. It is merely applied physics with an interest in design. Mechanical engineering happens to limit the scope to something mechanical. So, anyone who is interested in learning about how the world operates in terms of manufacturing, infrastructure, etc. should absolutely come to a meeting."

Q: What is the mission of ASME?

"From our constitution, the mission is this: 

1. Support the expansion and visibility of the Mechanical Engineering program with a club that participates in interscholastic competitions, networking opportunities, such as facility tours, and other off-campus activities, in addition to on-campus seminars, events and workshops. 

2. Provide students with the opportunity to engage in seminars with mechanical engineering graduates and industry professionals. 

3. Allow Mechanical Engineering students to explore post-graduate opportunities within their discipline, such as workshops, conferences and connections specific to the mechanical engineering fields.

4. Promote collaboration amongst mechanical engineering students to nurture an ME community essential for the expansion of the Mechanical Engineering Department.”

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

"Our national organization is ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). They host design competitions and other events all year. Competing in one of these events is definitely going to be something we (the officers) start to look at."

Q: Please share the format of a typical meeting. How can someone interested in these meetings find out more?

"We’ve been doing meetings every other Tuesday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the Mechanical Engineering Suite in Hyland Hall. When you walk into the floor, the building is on your right. We’ve been meeting in the Mechanics of Materials Lab." 

Q: Any upcoming club plans for the fall semester? 

"12/2/2025 gingerbread weight competition."

Q: Any upcoming club plans for the fall semester? 

"I think that covers all of it! On behalf of the ASME Officers, we’d like to thank you for featuring us. Please stop in any time!"

When Caleb Grossman’s ’26 grandfather learned of his grandson’s desire to serve his country in the military, he was supportive.

Actually, the Air Force veteran was downright elated.

However, Grossman’s grandfather, Henry Cebrick, who died during Grossman’s freshman year at The University of Scranton, also wanted more for his grandson.

“He wanted me to go to college and get an education,” Grossman said. “That was a huge motivator for me to come to The University of Scranton and he was thrilled when he found out that I was doing college and the Army.”

Grossman, an international studies major from Swoyersville and a member of Scranton’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program, recently completed the U.S. Army’s Sapper Leader Course in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

It is an extremely challenging 28-day leadership course for combat engineers. According to Grossman, his unit had a 71% attrition rate; 16 of 55 earned the Sapper tab.

“The first two weeks were general skills: learning explosives, building explosives, conducting breechings on roads, bridges and buildings, learning mountaineering, rappelling off of 130-foot cliffs, water operations, jumping out of helicopters and Chinooks into the water,” he recalled. “The last two weeks were patrolling in the Ozark Mountains, conducting missions.”

The course tested Grossman in every sense, including physical exhaustion from sleeping as little as 30 minutes and no more than a few hours per night.

“It was hard,” he said. “There were times when I’d wake up from that 30-minute nap and would love to just not do whatever it is I’m about to do. But, I was really thinking about all the people who had supported me: my parents, my family, everyone who helped me train. …

“I eventually had to come back to school. So, I couldn’t fail one of the phases, recycle and try again. It was either win or don’t come back at all. I had to get it done.”

The son of Lloyd Grossman and Joan Grossman, Ph.D., a health and human performance professor, Caleb Grossman intends to serve in active duty and eventually in a special forces unit.

“He wants to be all-in for Army,” said Jay Wenger, professor of military science and leader of the Royal Warrior Army ROTC Battalion at Scranton.

Grossman participated this past summer in two additional U.S. Army trainings at Fort Drum, New York, and Fort Knox, Kentucky. Grossman earned the George C. Marshall Leadership Award at Scranton and he is the cadet battalion commander for Scranton ROTC.

Grossman said the discipline needed to graduate Sapper school was partly instilled in him at Scranton.

“When you’re waking up every morning at 6 a.m. to go to a workout, you feel better … it makes your mind sharper, you feel more aware in class,” Grossman said. “Everyone else in ROTC has really good grades. If they’re able to do it, it pushes you to study hard and to not waste any time doing things that maybe aren’t as beneficial.”

Grossman enjoys the camaraderie of the University’s ROTC program and said it has set him up to be a stronger student and a better person, adding that he has traveled to 10 countries because of it.

“I’ve been able to push myself to limits that I never thought possible,” he said.

The University of Scranton Players will present the eight-time Tony-nominated play, "A Doll’s House, Part 2," written by Lucas Hnath and directed by Sean Meehan, an alum of The University of Scranton and its theatre program.

The production will run from Wednesday, Nov. 5 to Sunday, Nov. 9. The Wednesday to Saturday shows are at 8 p.m. and the Sunday show is 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. 

The sequel play begins 15 years after Nora Helmer left her family in the original play from 1879. Nora has since become a famous feminist author, encouraging women to follow in her footsteps and leave their marriages. Now she returns home to finalize some arrangements with her family, but not before discovering the complex relationships that she left with her former husband, nanny and her daughter, Emmy. The play confronts the issues of gender roles, marriage and motherhood.

The company of "A Doll’s House, Part 2" features: Jayda Eike, of Pittston; Nicole Tonny, of Scranton; Alek Panchik, of Hershey; and Kiley Lotz, of Scranton. Lotz is an alum of Scranton’s theatre program and is back performing with the Players under a guest Equity contract.

Reservations can be made online at this link.

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 on Facebook and Instagram.

Prospective students and their families visited campus on Sunday, Oct. 26 for the first of two University of Scranton Open House events.

The second of the annual Open House events will take place on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the John Long, S.J., Center.

The day's schedule includes campus tours, academic program showcases, and sessions on student services, athletics and residence life. Guests can enjoy complimentary brunch and lunch with opportunities to connect with members of the University community.

The event reflects the University’s mission to deliver a transformational learning experience in the Catholic and Jesuit tradition. For many prospective students, Open House serves as a first introduction to the University’s values of excellence, purpose, faith and service.

Organizers hope visitors leave campus feeling both excited about their future and supported in their college search process.

For more information or to register for Open House, visit scranton.edu/openhouse.