University Presidents, City Mayors Mark ‘Murgas Day’ (Photos)
The University of Scranton, King’s College and the cities of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre joined forces on Saturday, Nov. 15, celebrating the 120- and 50-year anniversaries of Rev. Joseph Murgas’ wireless communication between the cities and the creation of a Murgas Amateur Radio Club named in his honor, respectively.The University of Scranton and King’s College, along with the cities of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, recently partnered on a civic celebration and demonstration to honor one of the region’s most notable inventors of the 20th century.
One-hundred-twenty years ago in 1905, Rev. Joseph Murgas publicly unveiled the “Tone Method,” a wireless communication system capable of transmitting messages reliably over long distances. Father Murgas, who was born in Slovakia but lived, died and is buried in Northeastern Pennsylvania, successfully tested the technology with a series of messages relayed between local stakeholders in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.
On Saturday, Nov. 15, University of Scranton president Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., Ph.D., King’s College president Rev. Thomas P. Looney, C.S.C., Ph.D., Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti and Wilkes-Barre Mayor George C. Brown recreated the historic transmission from the University’s W3USR amateur radio station in the Loyola Science Center and the Richard Abbas Alley Center for Health Sciences at King’s. In addition to the message relay, guests were treated to refreshments while visiting exhibits on display at both campuses, showcasing Father Murgas’ vast accomplishments, breakthroughs and artworks.
“This event truly was a special occasion,” said Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., W2NAF, associate professor of physics and engineering at The University of Scranton and member of the Murgas Amateur Radio Club. “We were able to bring together two wonderful cities and universities in a very unique way, all while celebrating the legacy of Father Murgas.
“He truly was a man who cared for his people while also advancing human knowledge. I am grateful to not only have been part of this celebration, but also to be a member of the Murgas Amateur Radio club that was established in his honor.”
The day also marked the 50-year anniversary of the Murgas Amateur Radio Club, which serves local radio operators and regularly participates in events and provides communications support for multiple local nonprofit organizations.
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