2025

More than 1,725 students were named to The University of Scranton’s Dean’s List for the 2025 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.

A list of students making the spring 2025 Dean’s List can be seen here.

The following students were added to The University of Scranton Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester after publication of the list in January of 2025.

The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence during the 2024 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.

Students added to the fall 2024 Dean’s List are:

A team of University of Scranton students recently placed first among a field of international competitors in a cybercrime investigation challenge in Europe.

Nine University of Scranton students participated in a study abroad program in Spain, which provided an exploration of the country’s criminal justice and security systems and admission into the 2025 White Hat Conference. This year’s conference theme — held June 9-11 at the University of León, Spain — was “AI, Cybercrime and Cyber Defense.”

The University’s first-place team was comprised of James Andres, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Surprise, Arizona; Michael O’Donnell, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Old Lyme, Connecticut; and Leah Schneider, a criminal justice major from Middle Village, New York.

Scranton’s three-person team made history. In six years of the White Hat Conference, it was the first U.S. team to place first in the cybercrime investigation capture-the-flag (CTF) challenge that included student and practitioner teams.

The full roster of participating Scranton students:

James Andres, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Surprise, Arizona

Johnathan Fisher, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Moscow

Ryan Gaudioso, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Massapequa, New York

Alyzia Malibu Hiraldo, a criminal justice major from New York, New York

John Mahoney, a criminal justice major from Rockaway Point, New York

Meghan McDonnell, a criminal justice major from Old Forge

Michael O'Donnell, a cybercrime and homeland security major from Old Lyme, Connecticut

Erin Ryan, a mechanical engineering major from Scotch Plains, New York

Leah Schneider, a criminal justice major from Middle Village, New York

The conference and competition were sponsored by Boston University’s Center for Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity (CIC) in partnership with the Spanish National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE). The CTF challenge was a web security exercise that tasked participants with finding hidden pieces of text or code.

Through the course of the events, led by Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology professors Michael Jenkins, Ph.D., and Sinchul Back, Ph.D., the students visited several key institutions, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Spain’s criminal justice and national security systems. In addition to hearing from internationally regarded researchers, lawyers and practitioners, students visited the National Police Central Cybercrime Unit, the Constitutional Court, Lazarus (a private cybersecurity firm) and the INCIBE and had opportunities to participate in various cultural events in Madrid.

Eight University of Scranton students were selected for this year’s Royal Experience Summer Internship Program and an additional student earned an opportunity via the Royal Psychology Summer Internship Program. Since 2016, the Royal Experience has provided students with valuable, hands-on experience across numerous career paths.

The Royal Experience provides students with a stipend up to $2,000, supporting their participation in meaningful, otherwise-unpaid internships during the summer of 2025. The program was initially established through funding by the University’s Parents’ Executive Council and donations by alumni and friends of the University. The Royal Psychology Summer Internship Program is funded by the Department of Psychology but otherwise follows the same guidelines as the Royal Experience.

Having been selected from a competitive pool of candidates, this year’s nine interns are writing about their experiences in a blog published on the University’s Roche Family Center for Career Development webpage.

The following students are participating in the 2025 Royal Experience Summer Internship Program:

Damaris Acomata, an accounting major from Secaucus, New Jersey, is interning with the accounting firm Pardo & Associates CPAs in Secaucus, New Jersey.

Amelia Alfano, a criminal justice major from Budd Lake, New Jersey, is interning at the Mobile Response Stabilization Services (MRSS) division of the Center for Family Services based in Rockaway, New Jersey.

Jane Bagatta, a journalism/electronic media and advertising/public relations double major from Rockville Centre, New York, is interning with Herald Community Newspapers on Long Island, New York.

Rachael Beehler, a forensic chemistry major from Boonton, New Jersey, is interning at the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) in Horsham.

Sophia da Costa, a neuroscience/philosophy double major from Maple Glen, is interning with the biopsychology lab at The University of Scranton.

Eduardo Diazgranados, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Swarthmore, is interning with the Biology Department at The University of Scranton.

Sally Hopkins, an advertising/public relations and journalism/electronic media double major from East Stroudsburg, is interning with the It Is a Keeper division of White Birch Media.

Anthony Knof, a criminal justice major from Pompton Plains, New Jersey, is interning with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Fugitive Unit in New Jersey.

The following student is participating in the 2025 Royal Psychology Summer Internship Program:

Liz Ortega, a political science/psychology double major from Pearl River, New York, is interning at the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office in New York.

Ten of The University of Scranton’s top student writers and researchers were recently honored with coveted Bonnie W. Oldham Library Research Prizes. Prize winners were honored May 16 at an awards ceremony and reception inside the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library.

Miriam Van de Water, a neuroscience and mathematical sciences double major, of Souderton, earned the award in the Undergraduate Upper-Level (200- to 400-level course) category. Myira Vilchis Bruno, a political science major, of Toms River, New Jersey, won at the Undergraduate Foundational (100 level) category.

Van de Water won for her honors thesis, “Examining the Outcomes of Collective Decision Making Over Time.” Van de Water’s research studied how group decisions and sociality impact population success.

Vilchis Bruno won for her paper, “Directly American.” Tasked with researching an argumentative contemporary issue related to her major, Vilchis Bruno explored the benefits of direct democracies versus representative democracies.

Additionally, Kiera Mooney, College Point, New York, and Jessica Tsu, Valley Stream, New York, won prizes in the Graduate category. Their joint project, “The Role of Gender Throughout the History of Occupational Therapy,” reported on the role of gender makeup on the occupational therapy workforce over the past century. Mooney and Tsu incorporated evidence from primary sources dating back to the 1910s to today.

Honorable mention recognition was awarded to Faith Montagnino, Morganville, New Jersey, Undergraduate Foundational; and Erin Augusiewicz, Seafood, New York, Undergraduate Foundational. Receiving Graduate honorable mention recognition were: Nicolette George, Denville, New Jersey; Mary Kallberg, Bethel, Connecticut; Julia LeMay, Flanders, New Jersey; and Stephanie Patullo, Hillsborough, New Jersey.

The Library Research Prize program was introduced in 2011, recognizing excellence in research projects that show evidence of significant knowledge of the methods of research and the information gathering process, as well as the use of library resources, services and tools. The awards were named in 2017 for Bonnie W. Oldham, Professor Emerita, who founded the prize program in 2011.

For more information, visit the prize’s webpage on scranton.edu.

A team of more than 30 University of Scranton students excelled at this year’s Students Save Lives College Challenge, a competition whose goal is educating the public about organ donation.

The University of Scranton placed third out of 14 teams from institutions of higher learning. Scranton’s team consisted of students in a communications ethics course instructed by Brian Snee, Ph.D., associate professor of communications and media.

Teams competed for points across numerous activities, including social media posts, new donor registrations and participating in special days like National Donor Day (Feb. 14) and National Blue and Green Day (April 11).

The College Challenge is presented by the Gift of Life Donor Program. Gift of Life is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that helps coordinate life-saving organ and tissue transplants. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, more than 103,000 men, women and children are on the national transplant waiting list and nearly 50,000 transplants were performed in 2024.

The following is a list of students who competed on this year’s third-place team from Scranton:

Lucy Abdalla, an advertising/public relations major from South Abington Township

Lily Abreu, an advertising/public relations major from Wilkes-Barre

Dermot Alvidrez, a journalism and electronic media major from Summit, New Jersey

Alexander Arici, a communication major from Boonton, New Jersey

Jane Bagatta, a journalism and electronic media major from Rockville Centre, New York

Daniel Bohenek, a journalism and electronic media major from Scranton

Weston Camillone, a journalism/electronic media and advertising/public relations major from East Northport, New York

Michael Carrea, a communication major from Cranford, New Jersey

Ileen Castillo, a social media strategies major from Bronx, New York

Mia Chmela, a communication major from Franklin Square, New York

Mason Cuff, a business communication major from Clarks Summit

Jake D’Agata, a business communication major from East Moriches, New York

Jennifer D’Andrea, an advertising/public relations major from Tafton

Elise Doherty, an advertising/public relations major from Havertown

Emily Gallagher, a criminal justice major from Blackwood, New Jersey

Erin Gretsky, a communication major from Middletown, New Jersey

Nefty Guadalupe, a journalism and electronic media major from Newark, New Jersey

Ethan Haggerty, a journalism and electronic media major from Milford

Dean Hiltsley, a business communication major from Buchanan, New York

Kaitlyn Johnson, a business communication major from Coram, New York

Carson Kelleher, a business communication major from Clarks Summit

Haley Kenny, a journalism and electronic media major from Vestal, New York

Robert Latzanich, a business communication major from Point Lookout, New York

Patrick McCormack, a business communication major from Livingston, New Jersey

Cynthia McDermott, a communication major from Brightwaters, New York

Derek Myers, a business communication major from Cortland, New York

Carly Nadal, a journalism and electronic media major from Bronx, New York

Connor O’Keefe, an advertising/public relations major from Ramsey, New Jersey

Brenna Parker, an English major from Orangeburg, New York

Mila Racibor, a social media strategies major from Old Forge

Anthony Santos, a journalism and electronic media major from Scranton

Daniel Smith, a communication major from Havertown

Bridget Ulmer, a communication major from North Wales

Grace Werteen, a journalism and electronic media major from Orefield

Hundreds of incoming University of Scranton first-year students over the next two weeks will begin their college experience, arriving to campus for New Student Orientation.

Members of the University’s incoming class of 2029 are offered four opportunities to attend two-day orientation sessions:

• Monday, June 23 and Tuesday, June 24

• Thursday, June 26 and Friday, June 27

• Monday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 1

• Wednesday, July 2 and Thursday, July 3

Each of the four sessions is designed to give students and their parents/guardians a proper introduction to Scranton, filled with opportunities to make friends, meet faculty and staff, tour campus and learn about the resources available to them.

In addition to the professional staff, the New Student Orientation program is led by a team of Orientation Assistants, including two Orientation Team Leaders, Daylene Marin Garzon ’26, a criminal justice major from Liberty, New York; and Connor Farrington ’27, a business analytics and accounting double major from Washington, New Jersey.

For updates and more information, follow the New Student Orientation account on Instagram @uofs_cse and visit the orientation page on the University’s website.

The University of Scranton Class of 2025 graduated on May 18 at Mohegan Arena. The class includes many students who graduated from one, or more, of the University's Programs of Excellence.

Class of 2025 Business Honors Program Graduates

Seven members, shown, of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2025, recently graduated from its Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program, one of Scranton’s five programs of excellence. 

Students in the Frank P. Corcione Business Honors 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.

Read more about the graduates and their faculty mentors, their majors, and the research projects they presented to a panel of judges in early May, here.

2025 Business Leadership Honors Program Graduates

Thirteen members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2025 graduated from its Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

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.

Read more about the program graduates and their majors.

Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program Graduates

Twenty-four members, shown, of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2025 graduated from its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program (SJLA).

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.

Read more about the graduates.

Class of 2025 Graduates of Magis Honors Program in STEM

Fourteen members of the University’s Class of 2025 graduated from the Jesuit school’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.

The program 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, shown, 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.

Read more about the graduates and their research projects.

Thirty members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2025 graduated from the undergraduate University Honors Program.

Undergraduate 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.

Learn more about the graduates, their research projects and faculty mentors. 

Today, Jenyah Cunningham ’25 is decisive, focused and goal-oriented.

These traits helped Cunningham open doors at The University of Scranton, where she carefully plotted out her four-year journey en route to receiving a world-class academic fellowship.

However, growing up, Cunningham was just as impressionable and spontaneous as any child forming opinions about potential careers.

“I always wonder, ‘What if I didn’t have a great teacher? What if my third-grade math teacher was horrible to me?’” she said. “But I had great teachers. And I want to be a person who students can look back on 20 years later and say, ‘Ms. Cunningham was a great teacher.’”

Cunningham, who graduated cum laude as a double major (secondary education, English; English), of Brooklyn, New York, accepted a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Taiwan. The Fulbright Student Scholarships program is a prestigious international academic exchange opportunity provided competitively by the U.S. government.

Cunningham is slated to teach English at a junior high school from August through June as one of nearly 200 Fulbright award recipients stationed in Taiwan. While at Scranton, she had a Chinese language focus within her Asian studies concentration.

It will be Cunningham’s second trip to the country. She completed a study abroad program in summer of 2024 at Fu Jen Catholic University, a Jesuit college in Taiwan.

“I had the best time there,” she said. “I thought it was the most amazing place, so that solidified my option to choose Taiwan as my country to go to.”

While learning new people, places and ways of life can be intimidating, Cunningham’s up for the challenge. She grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, moved to New York to attend school, then enrolled at The University of Scranton before even stepping on campus.

“I found myself at The University of Scranton because my college advisor at the time told me that the University has a great education program,” Cunningham recalled. “I didn’t expect to get in. But I got in, they gave me financial aid and I said, ‘Why not come to Scranton?’”

Cunningham’s most difficult adjustment in college, she said, was living without her twin sister, Janeciah Cunningham. But after a few months, Cunningham fully embraced the Scranton community and all it had to offer, including her English advisor, Joe Kraus, Ph.D., professor and chair of the English Department, who encouraged her to look into the Fulbright program.

Before being selected for the fellowship, Cunningham began her teaching pursuits this past year with a 12-week student teaching assignment at Dunmore High School.

Going into Dunmore, Cunningham initially feared she wouldn’t be a good teacher and that she might not like the career she chose for herself. Thankfully, such fears were unfounded and she called her experience of teaching 10th grade English “very amazing.”

“Student teaching really taught me what it means to be a teacher,” she said. “It fulfilled every dream that I always dreamed of.”

After working with Dr. Kraus and Kara Bishop, Fulbright program advisor, Cunningham, in May, finally received her long-awaited update on the fellowship. She opened the email with her sister on the phone, sharing the news and excitement from hundreds of miles away.

As she begins her teaching journey, Cunningham has a clear idea of how she hopes to succeed and evolve in the profession.

“If I’m 30 years down the line, still very much happy in my career, still having passion … trying to change and improve,” she said, “then I know I’ve had a successful teaching career.”

Cunningham is the 132nd University of Scranton student since 1972 to be awarded a Fulbright award.

Students from Dr. Ovidiu Cocieru’s Sports Event Management course hosted the University’s annual SoccerFest Event at Fitzpatrick Field on Saturday, May 3.

The event brought local teams from surrounding middle and high schools together for a series of charity matches benefiting the Keystone Mission. Each team was separated into a division that provided fair pairings based on age and skill set.

The students spent the spring semester learning all aspects of event management, from the initial organization and funding through marketing, ticket sales and registration.

“For me, the most rewarding part of SoccerFest was seeing the event come to life. After weeks of planning and preparation, it was incredible to watch our hard work pay off,” Reagan Dolan ’25, a management major said.  “We faced challenges — including weather issues and tight timelines — but we adapted and made it happen.”

One of the most significant challenges the group faced was recruiting enough teams for each division. Dolan said that the SoccerFest planning team initially sought to create five divisions for teams to compete in, but further evaluation of their resources dropped the count to four.

“That change in particular taught me the importance of flexibility and clear communication,” Dolan said. “Adjusting that initial plan, no matter how nervous it may have made us at the time, didn’t take away from the success of the day—it strengthened it.”

Seventeen teams, undaunted by bleak weather forecasts for that weekend, turned out at the event to have fun for a cause.

For the class instructor, the most important achievement of the event was watching his students help the local community and garner the skills taught in his class.

“It’s one of the most rewarding experiences of the term to see how much my students have grown and learned from running this event,” Dr. Cocieru said. “It’s only made better by the fact that they are having a positive impact on the community.”

For Dolan, the course came at an apropos time. As a four-year member of the University’s field hockey team, team captain during his last year, and a lifelong athlete looking to build a career in the sports industry, he found the insights garnered by the course invaluable to his future growth.

“It gave me a whole new perspective. I’ve always shown up to games ready to play, without realizing the amount of effort and coordination it takes behind the scenes to run an event,” Dolan said. “Being on the operations side helped me appreciate the planning, teamwork and communication involved. I now feel more prepared for real-world responsibilities like team meetings, professional phone calls, and interviews — and I’m excited to bring this experience into my future career in sports.”

Keystone Mission is an Evangelical, faith-based non-profit organization that seeks to share the hope of the Gospels by providing food, clothing, social services and select programming to at-need individuals.

University of Scranton graduate Brian Gallagher, J.D. ’08, Lackawanna County district attorney, returned to his alma mater in May to speak to students in the pre-law society and criminal justice program. He discussed his education at Scranton, his career experience and future job opportunities.

This was his second visit to campus in the spring semester. In April, District Attorney Gallagher announced a new Crime Analysis and Investigation Program for internships at the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office for Scranton students majoring in criminal justice, cybercrime and homeland security or sociology.

District Attorney Gallagher graduated from Scranton in 2008.

Thirty members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 graduated from the University Honors Program, which is one of the Jesuit university’s programs of excellence. Undergraduate 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 2025 University Honors Program graduates and their faculty mentors and their research projects.

Noah A. Abdulqawi, Shavertown, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Abdulqawi worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled “The effect of the gluatmate antagonist, memantine on the development of drug-seeking behavior in Camponotus floridanus.”

Elliott D. Ballino, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a chemistry major. Ballino worked with faculty advisor Arthur J. Catino, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled “Exploring Conformational Acceleration in the Truce-Smiles Rearrangement.”

Jaznie D. Belfont, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a political science major. Belfont worked with faculty advisor Michael E. Allison, Ph.D., department chair and professor of political science, on a thesis titled “Effects of The Legacy of Violence on The Peace Plebiscite in Colombia.”

Gabrielle M. Bingener, Barto, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Bingener worked with faculty advisor Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “The Impacts of Developmental Hypoxia on Dopaminergic Connectivity and Susceptibility to Substance Use Disorders in Zebrafish Danio rerio.” Bingener was also a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, and was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Jack Burke, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology major. Burke worked with faculty advisor Christie P. Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology, on a thesis titled “Psychotherapists' Perspectives on Missed Appointments in Private and Community Setting.”

Brigid R. Carlin, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science and economics double major. Carlin worked with faculty advisor Gretchen J. Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, on a thesis titled “Reproductive Healthcare: A Comparative Analysis of Factors Influencing Abortion and Reproductive Healthcare Legislation I the United States and the Republic of Ireland.”

Patrick D. DelBalso, Plains Township, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and philosophy double major. DelBalso worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Long-term Structural and Functional Regeneration, Neurogenesis , and Genetic Changes following Telencephalon Lesioning in Goldfish.” DelBalso was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, and was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Patrick J. Dineen, Monroe, Connecticut, graduated, magna cum laude, as a counseling and human services and theology and religious studies double major. Dineen worked with faculty advisor Megan Whitbeck, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling and human services, on a thesis titled “The Intersection of Undergraduate Student Experience and Religious and Spiritual Struggle.”

Alexander L. Eriquez, Howard Beach, New York, graduated, cum laude, as a biology major. Eriquez worked with faculty advisor Amelia Randich, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Characterization of Growth and Morphology in Hyphobacterium indicum.”

Madelyne M. Gasper, Stroudsburg, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Gasper worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Investigating the Role of the Telencephalon on the Startle Response in Goldfish, Carassius auratus.” Gasper was also a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Philip Gelso, Duryea, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major. Gelso worked with faculty advisor Jean W. Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science, on a thesis titled “A Comparative Analysis of the 2016 U.S. General Election Presidential Candidates Usage of Twitter.” Gelso was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Emma Y. Getts, Collegeville, graduated, summa cum laude, as a kinesiology major. Getts worked with faculty advisor Emily E. Gerstle, Ph.D., assistant professor of health and human performance, on a thesis titled “Interlimb Symmetry in Countermovement Jumps: Chronic Ankle Instability vs. Healthy.”

Matthew J. Hondros, Lansdale, graduated, magna cum laude, as a business analytics major. Hondros worked with faculty advisor David M. Mahalak, assistant professor of operations and analytics, on a thesis titled “Analysis of Recurrent Neural Networks for Asset Prediction.”

Gabrielle J. Jamieson, Bradley Beach, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology major. Jamieson worked with faculty advisor Jessica M. Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology, on a thesis titled “Using Social Norms Marketing to Reduce Mental Health Stigma and Increase Positive Attitudes Toward Self-Disclosure.”

Morgan E. Jones, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology and philosophy double major. Jones worked with faculty advisor Jill A. Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, on a thesis titled “Effect of Disfluency and Gender on Perceived Deception and Memory.” Jones was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Lourdes Serena Jude Patrick, Chester Springs, graduated as a biology major. Jude Patrick worked with faculty advisor Christopher A. Howey, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “The effects of ALAN on glucocorticoid levels in green anoles in the presence of refugia.”

Gavin A. Kopesky, Honesdale, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major. Kopesky worked with faculty advisor Michael Hague, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Seasonal Dynamics of Wolbachia Prevalence in a Local Drosophila suzukii Population.”

Mary E. Krichbaum, Endicott, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematics and philosophy double major. Krichbaum worked with faculty advisor Steven T. Dougherty, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, on a thesis titled “Ontological Arguments: Anselm to Gödek.” Krichbaum was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM, and was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Alesia Lelaj, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, graduated, cum laude, as a political science and English double major. Lelaj worked with faculty advisor Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., associate professor of English, on a thesis titled “Three Ways to Leave: Stories of the Kosovo War and Diaspora.”

Serena K. Martin, Bronx, New York, graduated, cum laude, as a political science major. Martin worked with faculty advisor Duane S. Armitage, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, on a thesis titled “To the Boy Who Sought Freedom: The Philosophy of Freedom and Social Contract Theory.”

Grace K. McDonald, Jamison, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry major. McDonald worked with faculty advisor Timothy D. Foley, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled “Use of Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography to Capture Soluble Proteins from the Brain that Can Unfold to Expose Potentially Reactive Hydrophobic Surfaces.” McDonald was also a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Noah H. Mumma, Castle Hayne, North Carolina, graduated, summa cum laude, as a criminal justice major. Mumma worked with faculty advisor Ismail Onat, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice, cybersecurity and sociology, on a thesis titled “A Statistical Analysis of Ransomware Attacks and Sociophysical Factors Per State.”

Camryn A. Nagle, Hillsdale, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a psychology major. Nagle worked with faculty advisor Patrick T. Orr, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, on a thesis titled “Perceptions of Mental Illness: The Medical Model and the Impact of Framing.”

Amelia G. Semple, Northport, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an English major. Semple worked with faculty advisor Howard D. Fisher, Ph.D., associate professor of communication and media, on a thesis titled “Booksagram and Communication.”

Zainab H. Shah, Grapevine, Texas, graduated, cum laude, as a computer engineering major. Shah worked with faculty advisor Andrew W. Berger, Ph.D., department chair and professor of physics and engineering, on a thesis titled “Developing a Library of Prompts to Evaluate Which Language Model Delivers the Best Responses for Verilog Code.”

Alexandra L. Shomali, Ellicott City, Maryland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematical sciences and philosophy double major. Shomali worked with faculty advisor Jason M. Graham, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, on a thesis titled “Analysis of the BK Ion Channel Using Mathermatical Modeling.” Shomali was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, and was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

John R. Sinclair, Scranton, graduated, cum laude, as a political science and public policy and service double major. Sinclair worked with faculty advisor JoyAnna S. Hopper, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, on a thesis titled “The Impace Public Prekindergarten Has on Kindergarten Success in NEPA.”

Martine E. Sirianni, Media, graduated, summa cum laude, as a physiology major. Sirianni worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Impacts of taurine on zebrafish aggression and gene expression.”

Miriam M. Vandewater, Souderton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience and mathematical sciences double major. Vandewater worked with faculty advisor Jason M. Graham, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, on a thesis titled “Examining the Outcomes of Collective Decision Making Over Time.”

Grace D. Wenzel, West Orange, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an environmental science and philosophy major. Wenzel worked with faculty advisor Robert J. Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Impact of Yearly Net Primary Production on Feather Growth Rates in the Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis).” Wenzel was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

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

Fourteen members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 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 2025 graduated as members of the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Gabrielle M. Bingener, Barto, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Bingener worked with faculty mentor Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “The Impacts of Developmental Hypoxia on Dopaminergic Connectivity and Susceptibility to Substance Use Disorders in Zebrafish Danio rerio.” Bingener is a member of the University Honors Program, and is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Stephen J. Butler, Telford, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Butler worked with faculty mentor Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Neurological structural effects of chronic morphine exposure in Camponotus floridanus.” Butler is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Cabre A. Capalongo, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major. Capalongo worked with faculty mentor Robert Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Blood parasites and white blood cell count in Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus) Captured at Lackawanna State Park.” Capalongo is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Arissa J. Chambers, Henryville, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Chambers worked with faculty mentor Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Effect of Group Size on Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) Metabolic Rate.” Chambers is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, and is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

James P. Fox, Hillsborough, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a computer science and mathematical sciences double major. Fox worked with faculty mentor Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., associate professor of physics and engineering, on a thesis project titled “Interhemispheric Comparison of the MSTID Response to SSWs Observed by SuperDARN Radars.”

Madelyne M. Gasper, Stroudsburg, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Gasper worked with faculty mentor Robert Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Investigating the Role of the Telencephalon on the Startle Response in Goldfish, Carassius auratus.” Gasper is a member of the University Honors Program.

Michael J. Howard, Mayfield, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Howard worked with faculty mentor Vincent Farallo, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “The Effect of an Alkaloid-Based Diet on Metabolic Rate in the Poison Frog Species Ranitomeya variabilis.” Howard is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Mary E. Krichbaum, Endicott, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematics and philosophy double major. Krichbaum worked with faculty mentor Steven Dougherty, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, on a thesis project titled “Ontological Arguments: Anselm to Gödel.” Krichbaum is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the University Honors Program, and is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Grace K. McDonald, Jamison, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry major. McDonald worked with faculty mentor Timothy Foley, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, on a thesis project titled “Use of Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography to Capture Soluble Proteins from the Brain that Can Unfold to Expose Potentially Reactive Hydrophobic Surfaces.” McDonald is a member of the University Honors Program, and is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Jacob G. Mohring, East Stroudsburg, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major. Mohring worked with faculty mentor Joe Brague, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “The Effects of Obeticholic Acid in a Castration-Based Model of Parkinson’s Disease.”

Theresa Pham, Philadelphia, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Pham worked with faculty mentor Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “The Effects of Physioxia on the Development of Zebrafish.” Pham is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, and is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Grace E. Washney, West Wyoming, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major. Washney worked with faculty mentor Amelia Randich, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Marine Caulobacter Henriciella litoralis Divides by Binary Fission and Produces a Prostheca at the Old Pole.” Washney is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Grace D. Wenzel, West Orange, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an environmental science and philosophy double major. Wenzel worked with faculty mentor Robert Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Impact of Net Primary Production on Feather Growth in the Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis).” Wenzel is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the University Honors Program.

Brian L. White, Brooklyn, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. White worked with faculty mentor Spencer Galen, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “The Prevalence and Multilocus Sequencing of the Endosymbiont Wolbachia in Mosquitoes Native to Northeastern Pennsylvania.” White is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Janice Voltzow, Ph.D., professor and chair, Biology Department, serves as the director of the Magis Honors Program in STEM. 

Twenty-four members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 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 2025 SJLA Honors Program graduates and their majors.

Joseph J. Agnone, Phoenix, Arizona, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Bibi S. Bacchus, Scranton, graduated, cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Matthew R. Bispo, Vineland, New Jersey, graduated, cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major.

Alexandra N. Buck, Westbury, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an early and primary teacher education major.

Arissa J. Chambers, Henryville, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM. Chambers is also a recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Patrick D. DelBalso, Plains Township, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and philosophy and a member of the University Honors Program. DelBalso is also a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Mia N. Familetti, Dalton, graduated, magna cum laude, as an English, advertising and public relations and philosophy triple major.

Sean M. Fitzgerald, Monroe Township, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance and philosophy double major and member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Cara E. Galli, Carmel, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an early and primary teacher education and philosophy double major.

Philip Gelso, Duryea, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major and member of the University Honors Program.

Janice M. Healey, Dingmans Ferry, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major.

Michael J. Howard, Mayfield, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University's Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Morgan E. Jones, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology and philosophy double major and member of the University Honors Program.

Luis D. Kepich, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biochemistry major.

Mary E. Krichbaum, Endicott, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematics and philosophy double major and member of the University Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM. Krichbaum is also a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Amelia M. Loftus, Nazareth, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Liam P. Moran, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Moran is also a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Theresa Pham, Philadelphia, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM. Pham is also a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Alexandra L. Shomali, Ellicott City, Maryland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematical sciences and philosophy double major and member of the University Honors Program. Shomali is also a recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Maria Stephen, Huntingdon Valley, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science, history and philosophy triple major.

Grace D. Wenzel, West Orange, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an environmental science and philosophy double major and member of the University Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Brian L. White, Brooklyn, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Madeline S. Williams, Wall Township, New Jersey, graduated, as a psychology and philosophy double major.

Sophia Williams, Peckville, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

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

Thirteen members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 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 2025 Business Leadership Honors Program graduates and their majors.

Chaz G. DellaCorte, The Villages, Florida, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance and accounting double major. DellaCorte was also a member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Alexander G. Dolce, West Babylon, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a mathematical sciences major.

Alexander P. Kichline, Allentown, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance major.

Emily E. Langan, Greentown, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major.

Brooke A. Levengood, Boyertown, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major.

Mary Katharine McDade, Glenside, graduated as a marketing and management double major.

Paul M. Meagher, Honesdale, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major.

Rebecca M. Miller, Archbald, graduated, summa cum laude, as a marketing major.

Izabella M. Rose, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major.

Siena G. Testa, Newtown Square, graduated, magna cum laude, as a marketing major. Testa was also a member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Meghan A. Theofield, Smithtown, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a business administration major.

Lauren A. Van Kleeff, Pompton Plains, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major.

Madison G. Zarone, Pittsburgh, graduated, summa cum laude, as a management major.

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

Seven members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 graduated from its Frank P. Corcione 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 Business Honors Program students presented their senior projects to a panel of judges in early May. Grace Boyle received the award for best senior project. Colin Merriman and Frederick Rollo received honorable mention awards.

The following is a list of the class of 2025 Business Honors Program graduates and their majors, as well as their faculty mentors and research project.

Grace E. Boyle, Clarks Summit, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major. Boyle worked with faculty advisor John Ruddy, associate professor of economics, finance and international business, on a thesis titled “The Relationship Between Commodity Prices and Inflation: Pre-, During, and Post-Pandemic.” Boyle was also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Chaz G. DellaCorte, The Villages, Florida, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance and accounting double major. DellaCorte worked with faculty advisor Douglas Boyle, DBA, department chair and professor of accounting, on a thesis titled “West Scranton Youth Center Accounting Consulting Project.” DellaCorte was also a member of the University’s Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

Sean M. Fitzgerald, Monroe Township, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance and philosophy double major. Fitzgerald worked with faculty advisor Aram Balagyozyan, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, finance and international business, on a thesis titled “The Gambler’s and Hot-Hand Fallacies in Finance." Fitzgerald was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Dean L. Huber, Bridgewater, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a marketing major. Huber worked with faculty advisor Ann Cummings, faculty specialist of management and marketing, on a thesis titled “Risk, Failure, and Innovation: Understanding Entrepreneurial Decision-Making in the U.S. and Europe.”

Colin P. Merriman, Mount Laurel, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance major. Merriman worked with faculty advisor David Mahalak, Ph.D., assistant professor of operations and analytics, on a thesis titled “Rewriting the Rules: NIL and the College Sports Economy.”

Frederick F. Rollo, Broomall, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major. Rollo worked with faculty advisor Amanda Marcy, Ph.D., assistant professor of accounting, on a thesis titled “Research Study of Business Students’ Perception of the Accounting Profession.”

Siena G. Testa, Newtown Square, graduated, magna cum laude, as a marketing major. Testa worked with faculty advisor Xinyu Zhou, Ph.D., assistant professor of management and marketing, on a thesis titled “Expanding the West Scranton Youth Center: Increasing Brand Awareness on Instagram and Facebook.” Testa was also a member of the University’s Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

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

The University of Scranton recognized 35 outstanding master’s and doctoral degree graduates at its graduate commencement events the weekend of May 16-18, including at the graduate commencement ceremony at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre.

The following graduate students were honored for achievement in their academic area.

Gabrielle M. Andiario, Wyoming, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics;

Lee D. Ashlin, New Orleans, Louisiana, received the Outstanding Student Award for Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity;

Sarah G. Boyle, Peckville, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting;

Imani M. Brown, Island Park, New York, received the Doctor of Philosophy Outstanding Student Award for Accounting;

Meghan L. Callahan, Cranbury, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Special Education;

Emily J. Carpenito, Pottsville, received the Outstanding Student Award for Forensic Accounting;

Destiny R. Carpitella, Brooklyn, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Speech-Language Pathology;

Bharat Varma Chittari Vyacharouthu, Hyderabad, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics;

Madeline R. DeBaro, Cranford, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for School Counseling;

Regis Flaherty, Nazareth, received the Outstanding Student Award for Supply Chain Management;

Shawnna M. Giumento, Greenfield Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Operations Management;

Emily K. Glutz, Metuchen, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling;

Kyle B. Hromisin, Dallas, received the Outstanding Student Award for Chemistry;

Andre A. Keller, Groton, South Dakota, received the Outstanding Student Award for Healthcare Management;

Bridget L. Klein, Melville, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Family Nurse Practitioner;

Julia H. Kopf, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for International Business;

Kathryn M. Kwapniewski, Middletown, New Jersey, received the Doctor of Physical Therapy Outstanding Student Award;

Amanda M. Laubshire, Oak Ridge, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accountancy;

Lan Luo, Wyckoff, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting Analytics;

Abigail R. Lynott, Dalton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Health Administration;

Kimberly Ann McClellan, Pottstown, received the Outstanding Student Award for Health Informatics;

John P. McDonough, Waverly Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Secondary Education;

Vanessa S. Moylan, Jefferson Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Marketing;

Cuong D. Nguyen, Ashley, received the Outstanding Student Award for Software Engineering;

Vanessa C. Pinto, Jenkins Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Finance;

Dean A. Richards, Wilkes Barre, received the Doctor of Nursing Practice Outstanding Student Award for Nurse Anesthesia;

Hamilton L. Roldan, Long Beach, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Human Resources Management;

Jennifer M. Schmoyer, Alexandria, Virginia, received the Outstanding Student Award for Operations Management;

Zainab E. Sesay, Bladensburg, Maryland, received the Outstanding Student Award for Applied Behavior Analysis;

Aubrey Skolny, Pittsford, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Occupational Therapy;

Nathan J. Spak, Endwell, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Biochemistry;

Scott T. Stefanek, Rockville Centre, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Finance-Corporate Finance and Investments Specialization;

Susan Sutton Stopper, Clarks Summit, received the Outstanding Student Award for Clinical Mental Health Counseling;

Luke Sullivan, Mountain Top, received the Outstanding Student Award for General Business Administration;

Kevin R. Weaver, Walnutport, received the Outstanding Student Award for Healthcare Management.

A handful of national and international organizations and underserved populations will benefit in the coming months and years from recent University of Scranton graduates.

Seven Scranton graduates, listed below, including six members of the Class of 2025, have chosen to commit to long-term service projects:

Jackson Feiner ’25, Pittstown, New Jersey, will serve with the Peace Corps in Madagascar. Feiner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international studies.

Theodore Krokus ’25, Scranton, will serve with the Peace Corps in Cambodia. Krokus earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

Victoria Lewis ’25, Dunmore, will serve with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps at the KC Care Health Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Lewis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology.

Maria Stephen ’25, Huntingdon Valley, will serve with the St. Joseph Worker Program at Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, California. Stephen, a triple major in history, political science and philosophy, was the student government president.

Ousmane Thiam ’25, Dumont, New Jersey, has also committed to service. Thiam earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology.

Nicole Thompson-Almada ’25, Bernardsville, New Jersey, has also committed to service and is a finalist to serve with the Peace Corps in Albania. Thompson-Almada earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international studies.

Isabelle Wohlleber ’24, Hazleton, will serve with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps as a direct care navigator at Women’s Lunch Place in Boston, Massachusetts. Wohlleber earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematical sciences.

Community service is a hallmark of an education at The University of Scranton, where students annually complete more than 175,000 hours of service.

The University of Scranton honored more than two dozen undergraduates in the Class of 2025 at its Multicultural Graduation Celebration, held on campus commencement weekend. 

The ceremony honored the academic achievements, unique experiences, rich heritages and numerous contributions of University students of various cultures. 

In total, 26 students participated in the event, which celebrated their determination, perseverance and resilience that helped them become key contributors in and out of the classroom. 

The celebration was held on campus at the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall and included remarks by Zainab Shah '25, a computer engineering major from Grapevine, Texas, and Kapil Patel '25, a health administration major from Wyckoff, New Jersey. Curtis Scott '25, a computer engineering major from Cresco, offered the closing prayer.

Also speaking at the event were Jose Sanchez, assistant director of the cultural centers at the University, and Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., vice president for student life and dean of students.

Recently the inaugural Omega Rho Induction Ceremony took place at The University of Scranton.

Omega Rho is the official honor society of INFORMS—the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences. INFORMS is the premier international association for professionals in analytics, operations research, and decision sciences, and Omega Rho serves to recognize those who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in these disciplines.

Inductees are: Heena Anjum, Bharat Varma Chittari Vyacharouthu, Gayathri Siriki, Vaishnavi Valluri, Devakalyan Adigopula, Abdul Aziz Fuzail, Mohammed Divya Nimmala, Logan Hollis Campbell, Angelina Violet Serafimov, Dominick Gulius, Yasmin Ramirez, James  K. Gillen, Katie Elizabeth Brennan, Dean J. Finan, Matthew Tyler Pilotti and  Vani Thanmayee Kasarla.

"The induction celebrated an exceptional group of students with academic excellence, commitment and leadership in the fields of business analytics and supply chain management," said Dr. David Mahalak, an assistant professor in the Operations and Analytics Department who serves as the faculty advisor for the University's chapter of the Omega Rho Honor Society.

This recognition is extended to students across several distinguished programs—undergraduate students majoring in business analytics and supply chain management, as well as graduate students in the Master of Science in Business Analytics program and the MBA program with concentrations in business analytics or supply chain management.

On May 7, four University of Scranton students were inducted into the SALUTE National Honor Society, which recognizes veterans and active military who exemplify service, academic achievement, leadership, unity, tribute and excellence. SALUTE was established in 2009 by Colorado State University with the support of the American Council of Education and Walmart Foundation. Scranton's chapter of SALUTE is one of over 400 chapters of the society. 

Congratulations to new members of SALUTE: Drew Dearden '26, Marine veteran and cybercrime and homeland security major; Lindsey Ford G'26, Army veteran, applied behavior analysis graduate student; Nicholas Luzetski G'26, Army National Guard, international business graduate student, and Melanie Ortiz '26, Air Force veteran and forensic chemistry major.

The University of Scranton recognized excellence in academic disciplines and exemplary leadership and service at Class Night, where 61 undergraduates of the Class of 2025 were honored.

Among the highest honors conferred at the on-campus Class Night celebration, held May 16, were the Frank J. O’Hara Awards for General Academic Excellence. Named after an alumnus whose professional career at the University lasted 52 years until his death in 1977, the O’Hara Awards are presented annually to students with the highest GPA in each of the University’s three undergraduate colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, Kania School of Management and the Leahy College of Health Sciences.

Earning the O’Hara Awards for the Class of 2025 were: Grace E. Boyle, a finance major from Clarks Summit; Samantha G. Hoffmann, a nursing major from Millington, New Jersey; Jenna M. Kotlar, a kinesiology major from Branchburg, New Jersey; Elizabeth P. McKechney, a communication sciences and disorders major from Fairport, New York; Priyal Patel, a health administration major from Mountain Top; Kaitlyn N. Romito, a nursing major from Hauppauge, New York; and Alexandra L. Shomali, a mathematical sciences and philosophy major from Ellicott City, Maryland.

Also recognized at the ceremony was Jenyah A. Cunningham, a double major (secondary education, English; English) from Brooklyn, New York. Cunningham is the recipient of a prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Taiwan.

The event also featured remarks from Maria Stephen, of Huntingdon Valley, the outgoing president of Student Government.

Below is a full list of the students honored for their leadership, service and outstanding achievement in their fields of study:

Joseph Agnone, Phoenix, Arizona, Lawrence A. Mann Award, ex aequo;

Elliott David Ballino, Scranton, Excellence in Chemistry;

Gabrielle Martine Bingener, Barto, J. Timothy Cannon Award for Excellence in Neuroscience;

Shandon Jason Black, Scranton, Excellence in Environmental Science;

Grace Elizabeth Boyle, Clarks Summit, Excellence in Finance, as well as the Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Jack Burke, Dublin, Alumni Loyalty and Service Award;

Stephen Butler, Telford, Jesuit Community Award for Outstanding Service, ex aequo;

Amanda E. Campbell, Farmingville, New York, Sigma Theta Tau Award (International Honor Society of Nursing), ex aequo;

Logan H. Campbell, Chalfont, Excellence in Business Analytics;

Brigid R. Carlin, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Excellence in Economics and the Prof. Timothy H. Scully Award for Excellence in Political Science;

Abigail Casal, South Abington Township, Jesuit Community Award for Outstanding Service, ex aequo;

John Michael Christiansen, Honesdale, Prof. Frank C. Brown Award for Excellence in History;

Timothy J. Davila, Brooklyn, New York, Excellence in Cybercrime and Homeland Security;

Patrick David DelBalso, Plains Township, Excellence in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology;

Edward R. Drong, Flemington, New Jersey, Excellence in Occupational Therapy;

Julia A. Dugasz, Woodbridge, New Jersey, Excellence in Biochemistry;

Madison G. Dunlop, Oreland, Excellence in Communication Sciences and Disorders;

Julia L. Edmonds, Babylon, New York, J. Harold Brislin Memorial Award for Excellence in Journalism;

Alexander L. Eriquez, Howard Beach, New York, Edward J. Spitzer Scholarship Award;

Jackson F. Feiner, Pittstown, New Jersey, Excellence in International Studies;

James P. Fox, Hillsborough, New Jersey, Excellence in Computer Science;

Samuel E. Gates, Vestal, New York, Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Award (PICPA) Outstanding Senior Student;

James K. Gillen, Staten Island, New York, Excellence in Operations Management;

Samantha G. Hoffmann, Millington, New Jersey, Sigma Theta Tau Award (International Honor Society of Nursing), ex aequo, as well as the Frank J. O'Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Evan M. Hromisin, Dallas, Dr. A.J. Cawley Award for Excellence in Engineering;

Gabrielle Judith Jamieson, Bradley Beach, New Jersey, Excellence in Psychology;

Jeremiah J. King, Lawrence Twp, New Jersey, Excellence in Accounting;

Jenna Marie Kotlar, Branchburg, New Jersey, Excellence in Kinesiology, as well as the Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Robert M. Kretschmer, Honesdale, Excellence in Theology and Religious Studies;

Mary Elizabeth Krichbaum, Endicott, New York, Excellence in Mathematics, B.S.;

Xavier Joseph Long, Germantown, Maryland, The Military Science Leadership Award;

Grace Kathryn McDonald, Jamison, Susquehanna Valley American Chemical Society Senior Award;

Elizabeth P. McKechney, Fairport, New York, Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Rebecca Mary Miller, Archbald, Excellence in Marketing;

Evie J. Mitchell, Morristown, New Jersey, Health Advocacy Award;

Jacob Mohring, East Stroudsburg, Rev. J.J. Quinn, S.J., Achievement Award for Demonstration of Excellence in English Studies, ex aequo;

Michael Joseph Molzen, Bloomsbury, New Jersey, Prof. Joseph P. Harper Award for Excellence in Physics;

Priyal Patel, Mountain Top, Excellence in Health Administration, as well as the Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Nathan Bernard Pfund, Honesdale, Excellence in Information Technology;

Theresa Pham, Philadelphia, Excellence in Biology;

Zane E. Price, Scranton, Mary E. Quinn Award for Excellence in Secondary Education; and the Prof. Joseph B. Cullather Award for Excellence in English;

Taralyn Rose Reilly, Archbald, Excellence in Health Promotion;

DeJanna B. Richardson, East Stroudsburg, Excellence in Counseling and Human Services;

Vincent L. Rinella, Staten Island, New York, Prof. Bernard J. McGurl Award for Excellence in Communication;

Kaitlyn Nicole Romito, Hauppauge, New York, Excellence in Nursing, as well as the Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Tyler Daniel Roueche, Jamesville, New York, Croteau & Marx Family Award for Excellence in Mechanical Engineering;

Anika H. Sehne, Dalton, Excellence in International Business;

Zainab Shah, Grapevine, Texas, Student Life Award, ex aequo;

Alexandra Shomali, Ellicott City, Maryland, Excellence in Philosophy, The Lawrence A. Mann Award, ex aequo; and the Rev. J.J. Quinn, S.J., Achievement Award for Demonstration of Excellence in English Studies, ex aequo, as well as the Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Maria Stephen, Huntingdon Valley, Student Life Award, ex aequo;

Matthew J. Stern, Lawrence Twp, New Jersey, Excellence in Economics;

Kayla Marie Sullivan, Elkins Park, Excellence in Middle Level Education;

Kim Thi My Dang, Scranton, Lawrence Lennon Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement in Psychology;

Meghan A. Theofield, Smithtown, New York, Excellence in Business Administration;

Emilia Rose Tobey, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, Excellence in Criminal Justice;

Miriam M. Vandewater, Souderton, Excellence in Mathematical Sciences;

Kerrigan E. Wilson, Mount Pocono, Excellence in Physiology;

Sara Madison Wynne, Staten Island, New York, Excellence in Forensic Chemistry;

Kiley A. Yanochik, Dunmore, Excellence in Early and Primary Education;

Madison Glencer Zarone, Pittsburgh, Excellence in Management.

Ten members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2025 capped their undergraduate careers by being commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

The 10 Scranton graduates, as well as six additional members from other regional colleges, were honored at an on-campus ceremony, held May 17.

Among those in attendance was Brig. Gen. Maurice “Moe” Barnett, national commanding general, U.S. Army ROTC. Also participating in the ceremony was Lt. Col. Jay Wenger, University professor of military science and leader of the Royal Warrior Battalion Army ROTC program.

University of Scranton ROTC graduates commissioned at the event were:

2nd Lt. Prescila S. Bryan, of Yonkers, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice;

2nd Lt. Anthony David Campola, of New Hartford, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree;

2nd Lt. Timothy J. Davila, of Brooklyn, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in cybercrime and homeland security;

2nd Lt. Thomas R. Gibson III, of Great Bend, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history;

2nd Lt. Kyle Stephen Kimler, of Bethlehem, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice;

2nd Lt. Xavier Joseph Long, of Germantown, Maryland, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science;

2nd Lt. Taegan J. Mills, of Montrose, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and criminal justice;

2nd Lt. Conan J. O’Donnell, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history;

2nd Lt. Evan A. Rose, of Weehawken, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in operations management;

2nd Lt. Caroline Williams, of Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

The University of Scranton conferred more than 550 master’s and doctoral degrees at its graduate commencement ceremony held May 18 at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township. Graduates received master’s degrees in numerous disciplines, as well as doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in accounting, doctor of physical therapy degrees and doctor of nursing practice degrees. Graduates must have completed their academic requirements in August and December of 2024 or January and May of 2025.

Graduates hailed from 34 states, including the Northeast United States and Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas, among others. International graduates spanned Ghana, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Uganda and the Cayman Islands.

Andrea Alexandra Navarro Montoya, of Albrightsville, who earned a master of business administration degree in accounting, addressed the crowd on behalf of the Class of 2025. Navarro Montoya spoke about leaving Peru seven years ago in hopes of finding and building a better future.

“At the beginning of my time here, there were moments when I questioned if I belonged — if I truly ‘fit in,’” Navarro Montoya said. “But that changed when I met some amazing people who I now proudly call my best friends, incredible professors who became mentors and staff who became like family. …

“Scranton has been more than just a university — it has been a home, a place where I have grown, learned and found a community that has supported me every step of the way.”

An archived recording of the ceremony is available online.

More than 725 graduates took part in The University of Scranton’s undergraduate commencement ceremony held May 18 at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township. Bachelor’s and associate degrees were conferred to students who had completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2024, as well as January and May of 2025. 

In addition to covering the Northeast United States, this year’s graduating class included members from Arizona, California, Florida, Kentucky and Texas. The graduates collectively spanned 17 states, as well as China, Ireland and Vietnam. The most common major among the graduates was nursing, followed by kinesiology, biology, occupational therapy, finance and accounting. In total, the graduates covered 59 distinct majors.

The graduating class includes Jenyah Cunningham ’25, a double major (secondary education, English; English), from Brooklyn, New York. Cunningham is the recipient of a prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Taiwan. The class also includes outgoing student government president Maria Stephen ’25, a triple major (philosophy, history, political science) from Huntington Valley, and vice president Amanda E. Campbell ’25, a nursing major from Farmingville, New York.

Nicole Young ’00, H’20, a senior producer for “60 Minutes,” served as the principal speaker. In her address, Young spoke about the importance of showing up and being willing to take the next step forward in life.

“I’ve shown up to stories that broke my heart and interviews where everything went wrong,” Young said. “I’ve been in rooms where I was the only woman, the only person of color, the youngest voice, the last one invited; sometimes all of the above. And I showed up. That is the job; not just in journalism but in life.”

Honorary degrees were presented to Scranton graduates Jacquelyn Dionne ’89 and Monsignor Joseph G. Quinn, J.D., J.C.L., ’72.

Dionne, a Scranton native who previously worked as an intensive care nurse, is the health and wellness coordinator of Brookdale Senior Living in Wilton, Connecticut. She serves on the University’s Board of Trustees and has led and supported numerous significant campaigns to benefit the University, including co-chairing with her husband, John Dionne ’86, H’10, the largest capital campaign in University history.

Msgr. Quinn graduated from Scranton with an accounting degree. Rev. Quinn’s pastoral career includes 16 years as rector of rector of St. Peter’s Cathedral, the mother church of the Scranton diocese. Rev. Quinn, who recently retired from his role as senior priest of Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, and St. Gregory Parish, Clarks Green, was a member of the University’s Board of Trustees for 15 years.

Sofia Termini ’25, a nursing major from Northport, New York, spoke on behalf of the Class of 2025.

“In my time at bedside, I’ve cared for people from every walk of life: the young and the old, the hopeful and the hurting and many in the final stretch of their journey,” Termini said. “Whenever I could, I took the time to sit with them, talk to them and help ease their minds, even briefly, from the pain they’re enduring. During these moments, something became strikingly clear: the dying rarely speak of social standing, awards or dream cars. …

“In the end, love is what remains. Not things. Not titles. Just love. My fellow graduates, fall in love, with people, with your work, with life itself and above all stay in love.”

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, addressed the graduates at the ceremony. He also conferred degrees upon candidates presented by Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Leahy College of Health Sciences; Mark Higgins, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management; and Carolyn Berry, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., H’14, Bishop of Scranton, provided the Invocation. Cara Galli ’25, a double major in early and primary teacher education and philosophy from Carmel, New York, delivered the Benediction. Christopher J. Neumann, Esq. ’87, president of the University’s Alumni Society, also spoke at the ceremony, as did Tracy Stewart, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

An archived recording of the ceremony is available online.

By Alexa Cutter '28, and Samantha Kosmark '26, student correspondents

The University of Scranton aims to preserve the beauty and historical significance of the Quain Memorial Conservatory and position it as a leading example of how educational institutions can embrace sustainability.

Originally built in 1872, the Victorian-style greenhouse was constructed for the Scranton family, who used the conservatory to cultivate and prepare cut flowers. The structure has been a part of the University since its establishment in 1959; its historical information reflects the architecture of the Victorian era and holds a significant place in the University’s heritage.

In the early 1970s, a group of students, faculty, and volunteers began their mission to restore the conservatory. Their commitment and hard work showed in the formal reopening and dedication of the Quain Memorial Conservatory on Sept. 14, 1975. This event marked a new chapter for the greenhouse, making it one of the few Victorian-style conservatories that are still unaltered from their original design.

The Quain Memorial Conservatory now serves a multi-purposed role at the University. The atmosphere within the greenhouse encourages individuals, including students and staff, to explore their passion for environmental sustainability. The greenhouse serves as a home for a variety of plants. Recently, the Office of Sustainability hosted events to keep people involved with the environment on campus. At one of these events, individuals were invited to paint rocks for Valentine’s Day.

Looking to the future

The University is actively working on plans to transform the Quain Memorial Conservatory into a sustainable community resource. In 2023, a new high-efficiency Lochinvar 80 boiler was installed, reducing the cost of heating. In 2024, phase one of a three-phase project began effect. This first phase involved the renovation of the glass on the east wing of the greenhouse and the removal of old glass that might have been broken. Phase two is set to be completed in 2025, and phase three in 2026.

Through these efforts, Scranton aims to preserve the beauty and historical significance of the Quain Memorial Conservatory and position it as a leading example of how educational institutions can embrace sustainability. The ongoing preservation and enhancement of this greenhouse shows dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and responsibility, ensuring that it is still an important asset for generations of students, faculty and staff.

Anyone interested in getting involved in the greenhouse or planting greenery at The Quain Memorial Conservatory, should contact Mark Murphy in the Office of Sustainability at mark.murphy@scranton.edu 

The University celebrates three new Noyce Scholars—Britney Walsh '24, G'25, Devang Patel '24, G'25, and Joseph Phillips '24, G'25 —who will walk across the Commencement stage this month with master's degrees in secondary education. From there they will head straight into high school classrooms where curious minds are waiting. Walsh, Patel and Phillips, alongside juniors Alessandra Bellino and James Kane, show what a rock‑solid STEM foundation can do: inspire teens to become tomorrow’s biologists, mathematicians, coders, chemists, physicists, engineers and more.

Grounded in cura personalis and the Ignatian spirit of reflection, service and excellence, the scholars are preparing to spark curiosity in high school classrooms. The scholars invite students to picture themselves as the next generation of researchers, innovators and problem‑solvers working for the common good.

Good news: Applications for the next Noyce Scholar cohort are still open. 

The Noyce Scholarship Program offers $35,000 in funding to cover full tuition for the 11-month MS in Secondary Education Program at The University of Scranton, thanks to support from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Questions? Reach out to Dr. Juan Serna (juan.serna@scranton.edu) or Dr. Maria Oreshkina (maria.oreshkina@scranton.edu)

Meet the Noyce Scholars

Britney Walsh '24, G'25

Walsh graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology. As an undergraduate at the University, she participated in many clubs, including Asia Club, Scranton Students Association of the Philippines (SSAP), the Society for Sustainability and Conservation (SS&C), and served as production manager of Esprit. 

Devang Patel '24, G'25

Patel graduated with majors in neuroscience, environmental science and philosophy. He was also part of SJLA and Magis Honors Programs.

"Teaching in a high-need school aligns with my passion for fostering equity in STEM education. I want to empower students to see the relevance of chemistry in their daily lives and future aspirations, especially those who may not have had consistent access to quality instruction or resources.  By portraying chemistry through real-world applications, I hope to ignite curiosity and inspire confidence in students. As a teacher, I want to provide not just academic knowledge, but also mentorship, encouragement and a belief in my students’ potential to succeed, no matter their circumstances." 

Joseph Phillips '24, G'25

Phillips graduated with a major in mathematics.
"I was not entirely sold on what I wanted to do going into college. It took me about a year to decide that teaching math was an interest of mine...

"This program allowed me to stick to my original path. Also, teaching at a high-need school seemed like a way of giving back to the system that I had to learn in. Overall, this program provided a great opportunity for me to keep my life on track while also doing some good."

Alessandra Bellino '26

Bellino is a junior secondary education and mathematics double major from Schwenksville.
"At The University of Scranton, I am the treasurer of the Student Education Club. I am also a coxswain for the women’s crew team. Through the Noyce foundation I am given the opportunity to teach in a high-need school after graduation. I am very grateful for this opportunity because I think that is extremely important to have qualified teachers in high-need schools, so the students can succeed."

James Kane '26

Kane is a junior secondary education and mathematics major from Westchester, New York.

"I enrolled into the Noyce Scholarship program for the opportunities provided and this program allows me to prepare myself to be the best teacher I can be. With the shortage of STEM teachers, I hope to be able to impact students’ lives and help prepare them for the world."

Multiple University of Scranton undergraduate students made poster presentations for the 2025 University of Scranton Brain and Behavior Conference, held April 26 at the Loyola Science Center.

The following Scranton students made poster presentations at the event, which served as an opportunity for undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. researchers to present their findings:

• Stephen Butler, a neuroscience major from Telford: Neurological structural and chemical effects of chronic morphine exposure in Camponotus floridanus
• Matthew Bispo, a neuroscience and philosophy major from Vineland, New Jersey: Hsd17b7 Localizes Along Neurite Structures in Differentiating Neuro2a Cells
• Andrew Mauriello, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Duryea: Isolating and identifying candidate Neuro2a cells deficient in Hsd17b7
• Vlad Dumitrescu, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Lords Valley: Analyzing expression of Hsd17b7 during Neuro2a differentiation
• Mackenna Percey, a neuroscience major from Branchville, New Jersey: The Effects on Dopamine of Socially Isolated Drosophila Flies
• Madasen Mariano, a neuroscience major from Mayfield: The Buzz of CBD: Analyzing Locomotive Behavior in Campontus floridunas
• Madalyne Gasper, a neuroscience major from Stroudsburg: Investigating the Role of the Telencephalon on the Startle Response in Goldfish, Carassius auratus
• Martine Sirianni, a physiology major from Media: Impacts of taurine on zebrafish aggression and gene expression
• Jacob Mohring, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from East Stroudsburg: Effects of OBA in a Castration-Based Model of Parkinson's Disease​
• Gerald Donahue, a neuroscience major from Clarks Summit: Comparing Anxiety Levels in Castrated vs. Intact Mice Using the Elevated Plus Maze
• Stephen Kudriavetz, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Randolph, New Jersey: Behavioral Cellular and Molecular Characterization of a Castration Based Model of PD
• Alexandra Shomali, a mathematical sciences and philosophy major from Ellicott City, Maryland: Computational Modeling of the BK Ion Channel Using the Morris-Lecar Equations
• Patrick Kane, a neuroscience major from New Milford, New Jersey: Developing a Female-Specific Mouse Model for Parkinson’s Disease Using a High-Sensitivity Neural Network

Additionally, Patrick Orr, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Scranton, presented “Misinformation Concerning the H.M. Case Study: A Temporal-Lobe Focused Seizure?”

The morning keynote speech, “Reward Interrupted: Impulsivity and Addition in Diverse Animal Models,” was given by J. David Jentsch, Ph.D., distinguished professor and chair, Psychology Department, Binghamton University. The afternoon lecture, “Seaing Neurobiology Through the Lens of an Anemone,” was made by Michael J. Layden, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Biological Sciences/Neuroscience, Lehigh University.

The University of Scranton this spring added hundreds of students, representing all colleges and majors, to its chapters of numerous national and international honor societies.

Click the links below to access the lists of students inducted into each honor society:

Alpha Delta Sigma
Alpha Epsilon Alpha
Alpha Mu Gamma
Alpha Phi Sigma
Alpha Sigma Nu
Beta Beta Beta
Beta Gamma Sigma
Chi Delta Rho
Eta Kappa Nu
Eta Sigma Gamma
Lambda Pi Eta
Mu Kappa Tau
Nu Rho Psi
Omega Beta Sigma
Omega Rho
Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Epsilon Kappa
Phi Lambda Upsilon
Phi Sigma Tau
Pi Gamma Mu
Pi Mu Epsilon
Pi Sigma Alpha
Psi Chi
Sigma Pi Sigma
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Theta Tau
Tau Upsilon Alpha
Theta Alpha Kappa
Upsilon Phi Delta
Upsilon Pi Epsilon
Alpha Kappa Delta
Alpha Lambda Delta
Alpha Sigma Lambda
Institute for Management Accountants
Kappa Delta Pi
Sigma Iota Rho
Omicron Delta Epsilon
Phi Delta Kappa
Sigma Nu Tau
Sigma Theta Tau
Sigma Xi

The University of Scranton’s oldest honor society now has its newest group of honorees.

The annual Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society Induction Ceremony was held recently on campus, where 66 University students officially took their place as inductees into the coveted honor society for high-achieving students in Jesuit colleges and universities.

Juniors, seniors and graduate students who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service are eligible for membership.

Alpha Sigma Nu is the National Jesuit Honor Society. The Scranton chapter was founded in 1943.

The following students earned the distinction of being inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu:

Kenneth Altman
Maria Amato
Amber Armitage
David Banko
Owen Barlow
Jaznie Belfont
Madalyn Beretzki
Rebecca Berry
Diana Bobko
Katie Brennan
Emily Carey
Samantha Colby
Alyssa Cosklo
Chelsea Curran
Erica Czerwinski
Linda Daly
Anna DiFiori
Madison Dunlop
Julia Edmonds
Dean Finan
Kevin Finning
Michael Gallo
Patrick George
Emily Alexa Gotiangco
Ryan Hanley
Ryan Hawk
Rachel Hoffman
Samantha Hoffmann
Sally Hopkins
Matthew Jasienski
Kathryn Kwapniewski
Jenna LaBarca
Kiera Lapham
Julia LeMay
Grace Lennox
Brooke Levengood
Grace Lloyd
Aiden Mackrell
Sofia Mastellone
Victoria Mauri
Andrew Mauriello
Grace McDonald
Ashley McVeigh
Gabriella Meditz
Hailey Monaghan
Faith Montagnino
Anne Murphy
Sheldon Myers
Lila Naccari
Brian O'Connor
Hailey Patts
Michael Redmond
Kevin Reilly
Kaitlyn Romito
Matthew Schade
Angelina Serafimov
Julia Shimshock
Allison Slovak
Rebecca Stankoski
Nicole Tonny
Morgan Tullio
Joseph Vazquez
Jordon Wagner
Girmachew Wasihun
Molly White
Madison Zarone

Ten University of Scranton students – three graduate students and seven undergraduates –recently presented research at the eighth annual HamSCI Workshop. This two-day program attracted amateur radio operators and enthusiasts from around the world, coming together to collaborate on their latest findings, strategies and outlooks.

Physics professor Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., presented and chaired multiple sessions at the event for the group he founded. The HamSCI Workshop was hosted this year on March 14-15 at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Among the presenters were the following University of Scranton graduate students and their topics: Cuong Nguyen, Ashley, who is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering, “Software Development for the Grape Personal Space Weather Station, V2;” Diego Sanchez, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, who is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering, “Climatology of Large-Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Observed with 14 MHz Amateur Radio Using a Novel Automated Detection Technique;” and Nicholas Guerra, Scranton, who is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering, “Integration & 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.”

Additionally, seven undergraduate students presented on the following topics: Alexandros Papadopoulos, Scotrun, a computer engineering major, “Analysis of the HamSCI Solar Eclipse High Frequency Time Difference of Arrival Experiment Observations Using Automated Techniques;” Rebecca Potter, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, a physics and philosophy double major, “How Do We Put a HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station in America?” and “Electron Thermionic Emission and Tunnelling Transport in Spherically Symmetric Charged Grains in Dusty Plasmas;” Gerard Piccini, Monroe Township, New Jersey, an electrical engineering major, “A Low-Cost, Low-Power Chirp Ionosonde for Studying Eclipse Ionospheric Impacts;” James Fox, Hillsborough, New Jersey,  a computer science and mathematical sciences double major, “Southern Hemisphere MSTID Response to a Sudden Stratospheric Warming Observed by the Falkland Islands SuperDARN Radar; Owen Ruzanski, Shohola, a computer engineering major, “Development of a Contesting and DXing Dashboard for the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station;” Michael Molzen, Bloomsbury, New Jersey, a physics major, “Investigating January 2016 Traveling Ionospheric Disturbance Causes with SuperDARN;” and Tom Pisano, Staten Island, New York, an electrical engineering major, “University of Scranton W3USR Teaching Amateur Radio at the Lackawanna Blind Association.”

In addition to Dr. Frissell, Rachel Frissell, faculty specialist in the Physics and Engineering Department, presented “Understanding HamSCI Magnetometers Measurements and Observations;” and Kornyanat Hozumi, Ph.D., a post-doctoral research associate, presented “HamSCI as a Tool for Equatorial Plasma Bubbles Study.” Also attending the workshop were faculty members Bob Spalletta, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering; Argyrios Varonides, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering; and Christine Zakzewski, Ph.D., associate professor of physics and engineering.

For more information about the HamSCI Workshop and additional details on each presentation, visit the organization’s website.

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: University of Scranton Student Nurses Association

Connect: @scranton.nursing

Meet: Grace Moran, senior nursing major from Oradell, New Jersey

Role: club secretary

Meet: Maura Schaab, senior nursing major from Hillsborough, New Jersey

Role: club president

Meet: Erin Hartey, senior nursing major from Milford

Role: club senior vice president


Q: National Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2025, honors the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide. Please share details about any activities in which the Student Nurses Association plans to participate? 

In honor of National Nurses Week, the Student Nurses Association will be preparing goodie bags for the nurses in the hospitals where the nursing students have their clinical rotations. Within each goodie bag contains an assortment of candy and a motivational note to express our gratitude toward the nurses as not only healthcare professionals but as mentors and preceptors. After the goodie bags are put together, we distribute the bags to the students so that they can provide the goodie bags to the nurses on their designated unit. This has been a tradition of the Student Nurses Association for several years, and something we hope to continue for all future Nurses Weeks to come.  

Q: What is the mission of the Student Nurses Association? 

The Student Nurses Association is an organization aimed to provide students with a community to enhance professional growth and leadership skills, promote campus and local volunteerism, and support academic and long-term success. 

Q: What, in your opinion, are the most memorable events or activities you present as an association? 

GM: One of my favorite events hosted by the Student Nurses Association is the blood pressure clinic! I had recently learned and been cleared off by the nursing department lab coordinators on how to take a blood pressure. Some of my upperclassmen friends at the time encouraged me to take part in the clinic as it not only was a way to give back to the community but also a great way to practice my new skill. I remember this clinic being the first moment in my nursing career that allowed me to really feel like a nurse. Since this clinic, I have participated in each one thereafter. I love being able to get involved within the campus community and work on my foundational skills.      

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

EH: I would recommend joining the Student Nurses Association because it helps you feel more connected to your fellow nursing students and the nursing program. It’s a great way to build relationships, develop leadership skills, and give back through community service events. Being part of the club also gives you the chance to learn from upperclassmen, who can offer helpful advice and insight about classes, clinicals, and what to expect as you move through the program.  

I joined because I wanted to be more involved on campus, especially within the nursing program. I was excited to be a part of a community where the members support each other through the challenges of nursing school. I also really liked that the club focuses on helping us grow as future nurses while also encouraging us to stay active on campus and give back to the community.  

Q: When and where does the Student Nurses Association meet, and how can someone who is interested find out more about it? What topics do you discuss? 

The Student Nurses Association meets on the first Friday of every month, starting at around 2:30 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theater on the 4th floor of the DeNaples Center. Anyone interested in the organization should join the club via Royal Sync so that they may be included in the email chain. Additionally, those interested should follow the Instagram (@scranton.nursing) where we post about important club events, volunteer opportunities, and various activities nursing majors are participating in around campus! 

Q: Any upcoming plans for the fall semester? 

We have several exciting events planned for the upcoming fall semester! We will be hosting the annual blood pressure clinic alongside the Center for Health Education and Wellness' flu shot clinic. We will also have an externship panel where upperclassmen can share their experiences and answer questions to help students prepare for future opportunities. One of our most popular events at the end of every fall semester is the holiday party where students and faculty come together to celebrate the holiday season and the end of the semester.  

Q. What would you like all Royals to know about the association that we have not asked about? 

The Student Nurses Association utilizes a mentorship program where underclassmen are paired with upperclassmen to provide insight and advice to help them through nursing program. The coursework and time dedicated to clinicals can be overwhelming and stressful. However, with the mentorship program, we hope that students can lean on their mentors not only for their knowledge, but also for emotional support, empowerment and reassurance.  

Academic research could be an isolating endeavor.

The long, lonely hours spent in laboratories and libraries could sometimes have researchers wondering if their hard work will pay off in the end.

Then, an event like The University of Scranton’s Celebration of Student Scholars happens, and it’s clear that the sacrifice was worth the effort.

The 25th annual Celebration of Student Scholars was held during the afternoon of April 30. The three-hour social event, which was catered and featured nonstop foot traffic inside the Loyola Science Center, drew hundreds of University community members, including friends, family and faculty.

About 185 students participated in the showcase, including more than a dozen oral presenters like Cuong Nguyen.

“I am very proud of myself and of course there’s a sense of relief, as well,” said Nguyen, of Ashley, a Scranton graduate now pursuing his master's degree in software engineering here. “This project, I’ve been working on it since at least 2023.”

The origin of Nguyen’s research project, “Software Development for the Grape Personal Space Weather Station,” predates the college careers of some other presenters.

For example, Jonathon Symuleski, a biochemistry major from Hop Bottom, is a sophomore at the University. Symuleski’s relative youth didn’t stop him, however, from reading ahead and getting a jump on some sophisticated concepts he’ll learn in the years to come.

“Overall, super beneficial,” Symuleski said of his research project. “I learned so much doing the project. I was able to take some concepts from class that I had and then apply them to actual work. I got to work with a great professor and it’s helped me discover what I like doing.”

Arati Kishore, of Pakistan, said it was a dream of hers to present a poster at a globally recognized university such as Scranton. Kishore covered “Commodity Pricing Reduces Costs While Prices Stay Stable.”

“It was a big thing for me; analyzing the data, making charts, reviewing and discussing with your peers and teachers and finally making a project which you can present and find out the research,” Kishore said. “There’s a problem and you find out some research (to solve it). It was a great experience.”

Presenters spanned all three of the University’s colleges and covered timely topics, including “Rewriting the Rules: NIL and the College Sports Economy,” by Colin Merriman, a senior finance major from Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Timeless subjects were covered, too, including former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill; students in a history class taught by Robert Shaffern, Ph.D., were assigned to research different aspects of Churchill’s life.

“I did my research project on Clementine Churchill, Winston Churchill’s wife … she really fascinated me and was a beautiful and interesting person,” said Therese Shimkus, a history major from Scranton. “Through her whole life, she was a rather lonely, isolated individual. That carried over into her adulthood. But she really supported her husband — completely, wholeheartedly — all the time. I was so impressed by her story and I’m happy to be able to share it.”

In total, 110 of the 124 poster presentations were solo and the remaining 14 were made in small groups.

Each presenter worked closely with a faculty mentor who helped guide them along the way.

“It’s just a chance for us as a university community to celebrate and recognize their hard work because they put a lot of work into it,” said Brooke Leonard, director of the office of research and sponsored programs. “We have some excellent students doing amazing research. And our faculty are really great mentoring them and taking them on. We like to recognize that.”

Ten University of Scranton students and one alum presented their work at the Sigma Tau Delta International Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in March. Scranton's chapter, Mu Omicron, was recognized for its 45th anniversary, and alum member Elias Kerr '23 won this year's Creative Works Alumni Award for an original poetry project, "trans [re]conciliation."

Emily Carey '26, "Gender and Genre: On Queer Writers Queering Writings," Gabriella Meditz '26, "William Blake's Poetic Illustration of Celestial Ideas," Faith Montagnino '26, "'Unsexing Ourselves': Proto-Feminism in Victoria Cross's 'Theodora' and Sara Grand's 'Woman Question,'" and Audrey Munley '25, "Trauma in Mother-Daughter Relationships" presented critical essays; Allen Stankiewicz '26, "The Tempus" presented an original prose piece; Gabriella Palmer '26,"To the Tune of Chaos: A Ten-Minute Play" presented an original play; Adelle Confer '26, "Must it Have been Akin to a Wife-Swap?", Lauren DeSantis '26, "What the War of Life Taught Me So Far," Benna Parker '25, "Novelty", Nya Rowe '26, "a hunger to belong" presented creative nonfiction pieces; and Kerr, '23 "trans [re]conciliation" presented original poetry.

Additionally, Montagnino, Munley and Parker presented a roundtable on the Common Reader entitled "One of Ours, One for Others: Exploring Jesuit Values Through When My Brother Was an Aztec." The roundtable was moderated by Dr. Billie Tadros, faculty co-moderator, and assisted by the other chapter members. Dr. Tadros and Kerr co-led a LitFest writing workshop for Convention attendees on "Creative Mentorship: Connection, Collaboration, and Craft," and Dr. Tadros co-led a faculty development session entitled "Teaching/Writing/Publishing/Advising: Making it All Work" with a fellow faculty moderator from Friends University. Dr. Madeline B. Gangnes, faculty co-moderator, Dr. Tadros and several students served as panel chairs and moderators.

Current students' travel was supported by the College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Student Research Grant program and funding from the Jesuit Center.

Sigma Tau Delta is the national honor society in English. The honor society recognizes students who major or minor in English, theatre or secondary education/English and maintain a grade point average of 3.4 or better in English, theatre and writing courses and an overall grade point average of 3.4 or higher. English professors Billie Tadros, Ph.D., and Madeline B. Gangnes, Ph.D., serve as co-moderators of Scranton’s chapter of the honor society.

College is all about impactful and transformative experiences.

Sometimes, as was the case with a recent adventure to Poughkeepsie, New York, the turning points and pushes that happen behind the scenes provide an experience nearly as compelling as the end destination.

Months of student-led planning and preparation culminated on April 29 with about 30 University of Scranton students receiving an extensive tour of Poughkeepsie’s IBM Innovation Studio.

“It began with an introduction to what the facility does and the role IBM’s mainframes play in everyday life — from processing payments for airline tickets to delivering up-to-date financial and banking information,” said Bernard Scott, a computer science major from West Chester. “We were then greeted by one of the cybersecurity professionals who talked about how IBM incorporates security into every level of their mainframe systems. Following the presentation, we met nine professionals who were all beginning their careers at IBM. The professionals took several questions from students and gave us a lot of valuable information and lessons about starting at IBM or any other company.”

And that’s just scratching the surface.

Scott and his classmates — from both the University’s student chapters for the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) — also toured the live system testing floor and received an up-close view of IBM’s prototype mainframes, the mainframes currently running for clients and the cutting-edge IBM-Z mainframes.

“We appreciated the sheer scale of the operations that were happening under one roof,” Scott said.

The seeds for this trip were planted back in October, when the Computer Science Department hosted a talk with PJ Catalano, a mainframe influencer who works at IBM’s Poughkeepsie facility. Catalano’s visit was arranged with help from Chris Filachek ’96, an IBM employee and member of the Computer Science Department’s Advisory Board.

“Before the presentation, the department has a tradition of holding an informal meet-and-greet with the presenter, inviting students and faculty to engage with them while enjoying some pizza,” Scott recalled. “In my conversation with PJ, he extended to The University of Scranton ACM an invitation to tour the facility.”

Scott and his classmates took that invitation and set into motion plans to make it happen.

Obstacles included planning a date, forming an itinerary and negotiating affordable transportation.

However, the two student clubs were undeterred and determined to execute what ended up being a highlight of their time at the University.

In addition to the aforementioned nine young professionals at IBM, Catalano and a handful of other veteran coworkers also greeted the University students and their two faculty mentors, Mark Fenner, Ph.D., computing sciences professor, and Andrew Berger, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Physics and Engineering Department, who made the trip with them.

“It was exciting to see the implementation of topics from our operating systems and computer architecture classes into professionally maintained mainframes,” Scott said. “I hope the students and faculty learned valuable lessons and are inspired to use the knowledge from class to accomplish greatness and move the world forward.”

Experiential learning trips such as this are supported by gifts made as part of the University’s Day of Giving.

Scranton Dining hosted its second Supper Club of the semester on Wednesday, April 23, transforming the DeNaples patio into a vibrant springtime celebration. Set against a backdrop of blooming weather, the outdoor event featured whimsical pink and purple décor, complete with hanging paper lanterns that created a festive, intimate atmosphere.

The evening’s theme—a Pan-Asian culinary experience—presented guests with an artfully curated menu. Highlights included a summer roll amuse-bouche, hand-rolled sushi crafted by local favorite Nobu Sushi, savory beef pho and flavorful Korean barbecue duck. The grand finale was a visually stunning dessert: mango sorbet with matcha whip designed to resemble a robin’s nest. As a sweet sendoff, each diner received a homemade fortune cookie with a personalized message inside.

The event’s success was thanks to the culinary skill and creativity of Executive Chef Jay Racavich, Sous Chef Kelly Elliott and Residential Manager Nicole Ash. Special recognition goes to Catering Director Teri Aschenbrenner, who collaborated with Ann Pang-White, Ph.D., director of Asian Studies and professor of philosophy, to ensure that the evening’s dishes and décor were culturally respectful and educational.

The University of Scranton Players will present the new play "And The Justice Plays Its Part,” written by Gabriella Palmer ‘26 and directed by Myracle Brunette ‘26, and co-produced with The University of Scranton’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for The Humanities.

The production will run Friday, May 2 at 8 p.m., and Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. All performances will be hosted in the Royal Theatre at the McDade Center for the Literary and Performing Arts on The University of Scranton campus. Admission to the show is free and open to the public.

The courtroom drama is based on Palmer’s research of the use of theatrical technique in litigation for her 2024-2025 Fellowship at the Slattery Center for the Humanities.

The play follows Nicole, a young, ambitious corporate lawyer who, at the promise of making senior partner, accepts a seemingly impossible pro bono case defending rising actress and playwright Vivien Anderson. Andersen has written a semi-autobiographical play about being sexually assaulted, and the perpetrator is now suing her for defamation. Nicole, assisted by Spencer, her inexperienced but earnest intern, faces overwhelming odds as she attempts to defend Vivien’s right to tell her story and seek a form of justice the courts denied her. The play is a moving examination not only of justice and the legal system but also the ways both law and theater have the power to move people, and the power of words as a form of fighting injustice.

Please note, the play contains a content warning for mature themes.

The company of ‘'And The Justice Plays Its Part" features: Brigid Carlin of Portsmouth, Rhode Island; Dawson Chisholm of Mahwah, New Jersey; Jake Dawson of Westminster, Maryland; Billy Gardiner of Wyncote; Sofia Greco of Verona, New Jersey; Nefty Guadalupe of Newark, New Jersey; Thomas Kennedy of Scranton; Cassidy Lowman of Harrisburg; Lilliana Mangano of Harrington Park; Alek Panchik of Hershey; Cassidy Pfeiffer of Old Forge; Rebecca Russo of Franklin, New Jersey; Zainab Shah of Karachi, Pakistan; Arion Solomon of Jersey City, New Jersey; Bella Stanco of Dunmore; Lauren Spratt of Philadelphia and Vincent Tyson II of Laurel, Maryland.

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 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 Future Business Leaders of America, or FBLA, is an American institution.

While the organization was created over 80 years ago, however, it’s just in the last few years that The University of Scranton and club advisor David Mahalak, D. Eng., got involved with it.

Fostering a challenging, competitive and supportive environment, Dr. Mahalak’s fast-rising club recently had yet another successful showing at the State Leadership Conference (SLC) in Harrisburg.

Kaeli Romanowski, a finance major from Lake Ariel, won first place in Parliamentary Procedure. Joe Walas, an accounting major from West Islip, New York, earned second place in Sports Management and Marketing. Lamar Bishop, a management major from McDonough, Georgia, placed in two events. He took second in Future Business Executive and third in Parliamentary Procedure.

Additional Scranton placers include: Chaz DellaCorte, a finance major from The Villages, Florida, third place, Accounting Case Competition; Gary Mrozinski, a finance major from Taylor, third, Foundations of Accounting; Sean Fitzgerald, a finance major from Monroe Township, New Jersey, fourth, Foundations of Finance; and Connor Farrington, a business analytics major from Washington, New Jersey, fourth, Sports Management and Marketing.

“I have been the advisor for FBLA since the 2021-22 academic year and it has been an extremely enjoyable experience,” Dr. Mahalak said. “FBLA separates itself from many of the other student clubs and organizations in that it provides a competitive environment for students to apply what they learn in the classroom into real-world case competitions, objective tests and other events. Thus, students involved with FBLA are interested in being part of a group that invests more, beyond the traditional classroom, to better develop technical and soft skills, as well as network with others who share similar interests.

“It is a truly great opportunity for students to forge positive relationships that will help them with their future personal, professional and academic goals.”

After producing seven qualifiers for this year’s National Leadership Conference — to be held May 31-June 2 in Dallas, Texas — the University has now had 25 qualifiers in just five years.

The top officers for Scranton’s FBLA club are DellaCorte, president, and Bishop, vice president. This is DellaCorte’s third year qualifying for nationals and Bishop’s fourth.

“I certainly share many great memories with all of our FBLA students; however, this year’s graduating seniors hold a special place since two of our students have been with me for all four years at the University,” Dr. Mahalak said. “Chaz exhibits such passion for FBLA that it is no wonder why our chapter has experienced continued growth over his four years. Chaz is a great leader, always willing to help mentor our younger students and put in the extra effort to make sure that everyone’s set up for success. Lamar’s involvement as an officer at the state level, as PA FBLA-Collegiate State President, has inspired other students at the University to apply for such positions. He is our team’s first student to qualify for NLC in all four years, which is an amazing accomplishment. Lamar’s closing speech at SLC this year about FBLA and what it meant to him was truly moving and is something that I will always remember.”

For as great as it is to build relationships, learn and win — and travel, thanks to generous support from the Kania School of Management’s dean’s office — Dr. Mahalak recognizes that Scranton’s FBLA program is not the end destination but rather the beginning of prosperous careers for his students.

“As the club’s advisor, my primary passion is mentoring our students to help them develop the skills that are needed to be competitive at (states) and be better prepared for success in future endeavors,” Dr. Mahalak said. “I truly enjoy being part of FBLA at The University of Scranton because of our students. They are vested in continual growth and improvement.”

A team of 14 University of Scranton students recently competed — and earned a “Best” award — at the National Student Advertising Competition, the nation’s premier competition of its kind.

The students in Professor Stacy Smulowitz’s, Ph.D., COMM 460 Advertising Competition course were tasked with researching, strategizing, campaign building and content creating for their client AT&T. The process played out over two semesters, culminating with a pitch meeting on April 11-12 at Pace University in New York City.

The Scranton team earned the Best Evolution Award and also placed ninth in District 2, a competitive field whose colleges and universities are from the northeast United States. Achieving such success requires extraordinary attention to detail and numerous tasks big and small, such as conducting focus groups and preparing a campaign plans book that was submitted to the judges who hailed from major agencies in the New York area.

“It is an experience like no other and is considered as intense as an internship,” Dr. Smulowitz said.

Scranton’s roster included the following students: Ava Aversa, an advertising/public relations major from Old Forge; Tatiana Baide Franco, an advertising/public relations major from Lake Katrine, New York; Anna DiFiori, an advertising/public relations major from Newtown; Elise Doherty, an advertising/public relations major from Havertown; Mia Familetti, an English and philosophy major from Dalton; Caitlin Hannan, an advertising/public relations major from Massapequa, New York; Emma Hutzel, a marketing major from Bethpage, New York; Claire Koscinski, an advertising/public relations major from Coram, New York; Dominic LoCascio, an advertising/public relations major from Monroe, Connecticut; Erin McKearney, an advertising/public relations major from Pearl River, New York; Meagan McMahon, an advertising/public relations major from Tuckahoe, New York; Grace Quick, an advertising/public relations major from Yardley; Ferdinand Robles, an advertising/public relations major from Old Bridge, New Jersey; and Liz Vander Neut, an advertising/public relations major from Exton.

The competition, supported by the American Advertising Federation, provides more than 2,000 college students the real-world experience of creating an entire campaign for a corporate client and panel of professional judges.

Students and staff from The University of Scranton visited the state’s Capitol for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania's (AICUP) Advocacy Day on Wednesday, April 9. In attendance from the University for this year's AICUP Advocacy Day were students Ashley M. Paulino ‘25, Grace V. Lennox ‘26, and Breanna M. Long ‘26, and Assistant Director for Community and Civic Engagement Daysi Carreto ‘14.

The students met with Pennsylvania State Senator Marty Flynn’s Legislative Staff and with State Reps. Kyle Donahue, Bridget M. Kosierowski and Kyle Mullins.

The University sends students to the state Capitol for AICUP’s Student Aid Advocacy Day annually to stress the importance of state financial aid for students pursuing higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and to make the case for the importance of supporting independent colleges and universities such as The University of Scranton, with its Catholic and Jesuit mission.

Through this experience, students have the opportunity to engage directly with advocacy and share their impactful stories. Continued support for funding in higher education, such as The University of Scranton, provides real world impact for students interested in pursuing higher education. Without this continued support, many students would not be able to attend and pursue their dreams of higher education.

“I had such a great experience speaking with all the representatives. Going into the day, I was definitely nervous—it was my first time ever speaking with a member of the state legislature—but they made me feel at ease and genuinely listened as I shared my story and advocated for this incredibly important grant," said Paulino ‘25.
"AICUP Advocacy Day gave me the opportunity to speak up for something that will make a real difference for future students like me as they begin their college journeys. It also gave me a new appreciation for the work our representatives do on behalf of our communities and has inspired me to become more engaged and politically active in my own,” .

Long '26 commented on the visit to Harrisburg.

“Being able to share my story with representatives and advocate for higher education funding was such a good experience. Being able to attend college is definitely a privilege that not everyone has, and I think it’s important that higher education continues to receive funding to make college as accessible as possible," said Long. "Everyone we spoke with was receptive to what we had to say and made us feel welcome and it was super nice to meet with local representatives and senators and discuss concerns that affect us."

The University of Scranton is grateful to the legislators, their staff and to AICUP for a day that fostered dialogue and civic engagement and provided an opportunity for students to share their appreciation for state funding to help students pursue higher education.

Have a tough course coming up next year, or a general education requirement you need to fulfill?  

Scranton’s on-campus and online summer courses, at a reduced tuition rate, can help students fulfill a general education requirement or just get ahead. The reduced rate for undergraduate courses this summer is $650 per credit.*

The University offers a wide selection of courses in all academic programs, many of which are online. Students can browse courses here. 

During the summer sessions, courses for credit are available to Scranton students and visiting students from another college or university at the graduate and undergraduate levels. (Please note that students enrolled at another college or university will need approval from the home college for all courses to be taken at The University of Scranton.)

High school students can apply to the High School Scholars program if they wish to take classes. Find  details here.

Summer sessions give students the opportunity to pursue new interests or fulfill course requirements, on-campus or off. Housing options are available.

The Basics:

• 2025 dates

  • Summer I: May 27 - June 24

  • Summer II: July 7 - Aug. 1

• Tuition rate: $650 per credit, a discount of more than 50 percent *

• Search for courses

• Find information about housing options.

* Please note this discounted rate does not apply to graduate coursework

Find everything you need to get started with a Summer course at Scranton, here: scranton.edu/summer. 

Helping members of the Los Angeles community feel "heard, loved and valued," fulfills one goal for Erin Burch '26 on her service journey at The University of Scranton. 

The psychology major from Harleysville recently served as a peer facilitator for a spring break trip organized by the University's Center for Service and Social Justice (CSSJ) to Homeboy, the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. Her service on the West Coast aligns with CSSJ volunteerism efforts Burch began during her first year at Scranton. 

Now a junior, Burch said she became involved with the University's Center for Service and Social Justice as a first-year student when she applied for an immersion trip to the Kino Border in Nogales Arizona/Mexico. Then, this past summer she participated as a leader during the FIRST (First-years Involved in Reflective Service Together) program. In fall 2024, Burch applied for the Homeboy trip and was offered an opportunity to guide others on a similar path. 

"Some of my goals for the trip were to listen to everyone’s stories, allow them into my heart, and create a space for those we met to be heard, loved and valued in ways they may not have felt in their daily life," said Burch. "Another goal was to develop additional perspectives on social justice and incorporate those lessons into our own Scranton community." 

Her travel companions were five University students, Ousmane Thiam '25, Cassidy Morganstern '26, Stefania Gomes '26, Kate Vyzaniaris '27, Samuel Peters '27; chaperones Dr. Christian Krokus, professor of theology, and Brooke McNabola, graduate student; and Jesuit novice Michael Audit. 

Burch discusses the deep connections they established.

"During our stay in Los Angeles, we visited several organizations that have a significant impact on the lives of those in need. Our first stop was Dolores Mission Church, where we attended Mass, and participated in the community’s Las Ventas lunch. We also volunteered in the classrooms at Dolores Mission school, which serves low-income families in the Boyle Heights neighborhood," said Burch.

 Shown, Dolores Mission Church, located in the Boyle Heights neighborhood in east Los Angeles.

Next stop for the group — a visit to Homeboy Industries.

"The people at Homeboy were the most welcoming and loving people I’ve ever encountered. We listened to many amazing and inspiring stories. We also visited Homegirl Cafe and the Homeboy shop, both of which were staffed by former gang members and incarcerated individuals."

Shown: The University of Scranton group with a Homeboy employee, Steve.

On Skid Row, the group visited LA Catholic Worker, which runs the Hippie Kitchen.

"We handed out hygiene kits and waters, and met with Matt Harper, who shared his passion for working with the homeless population there."

Shown at Hippie Kitchen, which is run by LA Catholic Worker on Skid Row, are: first row, from left, Brooke McNabola, Samuel Peters, Erin Burch, Kate Vyzaniaris, Cassidy Morganstern, Stefania Gomes. Second row: Jesuit Novice Michael Audet, LA Catholic Worker Matt Harper, Ousmane Thiam, Dr. Christian Krokus and Josephine Krokus. 

University volunteers also dedicated their efforts at LA Midnight Mission, a homeless shelter and soup kitchen, where they helped prepare and serve breakfast and lunch to approximately 500 people living on Skid Row. 
 

 University of Scranton volunteers, shown, serve lunch at LA Midnight Mission.

"We also worked with IMPACTO, an after-school youth development program that provides a safe alternative to gang involvement. By fostering connections and providing a supportive environment that students may not have at home, IMPACTO helps create a sense of belonging," said Burch.

"During our time there, we assisted students in the classroom and played group games as part of their after-school program."

 Shown, Royals Erin Burch and Ousmane Thiam, in a third grade classroom at the Dolores Mission School.

Guadalupe Homeless Project (GHP), located at Dolores Mission Church, was the final destination for the group. The project provides temporary housing for 15 women and 40 men.

"We had the privilege of spending time. ... One night we prepared dinner and ate the meal together, which allowed for the creation of deep connections."

Reflecting on the journey of the University volunteers, Burch said that what stood out most to her was the gratitude and pride expressed by the people they met at Homeboy and Dolores Mission.

"These men and women have faced immense struggles and situations, but were deeply thankful that we took the time to visit. I am also grateful for my incredible group, who fully immersed themselves in the community, and made everyone we met feel valued and loved."

What surprised Erin Burch '26 most about the Spring Break SERVICE TRIP?

• Kindness and warmth at Dolores Mission and Homeboy
  
  "They were very open to share their powerful stories with us and provided a sense of community that was felt throughout our trip. For example, at Mass at Dolores Mission, every pew was full, and each person held their neighbor’s hand to pray together. At the end of the Mass, the congregation welcomed us to their lunch as if we lived in their community. On Skid Row, despite the hardships, there was a sense of community, as many tents held multiple families."
  
  
• The level of poverty, and the prevalence of gang activity in the Boyle Heights neighborhood
  
  "When we visited Midnight Mission to prepare for breakfast, we saw people on the streets lighting trash cans on fire for warmth. While walking through Skid Row, we witnessed people using fire hydrants to shower.
  
  Father Brendan at Dolores Mission shared that just last week, a gang had tagged the church’s street sign. Throughout the neighborhood, shifting graffiti marks the change of control of different gangs from one street to the next."
  
  
• Hopefulness and positivity
  
  "Despite carrying heavy burdens and facing challenging situations, all remained hopeful and positive, believing that their experiences, and their faith in God led them to where they were today."
  
  
• Crucial role of women in the Dolores Mission Church community
  
  "Father Brendan at Dolores Mission Church explained how the women created IMPACTO and the preschool center to shield children from gang violence and help mothers find employment.
  
  
• Strong communication 
  
  "All organizations worked together to promote social justice, including Dolores Mission, IMPACTO and LA Catholic Worker."

In a showcase of intellect, integrity and leadership, three students from the University of Scranton's Kania School of Management, Syed Zohaib Rizvi, Bharat Varma and Heena Anjum, earned a double victory at a prestigious Business Ethics Competition hosted by Wilkes University on February 21.

“Presenting for the first time at the Wilkes University Business Ethics Competition was an incredible and enriching learning experience,” said Heena Anjum G’25.

The competition featured two segments: the Host-Select Competition, where participating teams were invited by the host institution, and the Self-Select Competition, open to all registered participants. Rising to the challenge with eloquence and ethical clarity, Team Rizvi emerged as winners of the Host-Select Competition. They also earned the distinguished runner-up position in the Self-Select Competition, marking a double victory.

“The KOBE Business Ethics Competition deepened my understanding of ethical challenges and significantly enhanced my presentation skills. I am grateful for the experience and proud to represent the University of Scranton on such a stage,”  said Bharat Varma G’25.

The team’s compelling analysis and presentation on contemporary ethical dilemmas in business set them apart, reflecting their personal excellence and the University’s commitment to cultivating principled business leaders. Their performance is a testament to the high academic standards and values-driven education imparted at The University of Scranton.

“Solving those cases and winning felt incredible for us—an unforgettable mix of challenge and triumph, making it a truly enjoyable experience," said Syed Zohaib Rizvi G’25.

This dual success showcases the talent, dedication and ethical acumen that define Scranton students on regional and national stages.

“Most people know Pakistan for its mountains, cricket or food—but what if I told you there’s a remote community nestled in its northern valleys where people claim descent from Alexander the Great’s army, live remarkably long lives and speak a mysterious language found nowhere else in the world? In my presentation, I’ll uncover the secrets of this little-known culture that challenges everything we think we know about the region."

-Syed Zohaib Rizvi G'25

Global Insights concludes the 10th year of programming on April 24 with graduate student Syed Zohaib Rizvi G'25, MBA, majoring in business analytics, who will present "Pakistan.” 

All students, faculty and staff are invited to enjoy a cultural presentation and luncheon free of charge beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall 509. Registration is required.

Global Insights interviewed Syed Zohaib Rizvi, originally from Karachi, Pakistan, about his experience, the people and love of country.

What is a favorite activity to do in Pakistan?

My favorite thing to do in Pakistan is to end the day the way only this city allows: sitting on a rooftop, sipping tea along with the soulful sounds of listening to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's Qawwalis. In my presentation, I’ll take you into that world where food isn’t just food, chai isn’t just chai, and Qawwali isn’t just music—it’s all part of the country's heartbeat.

What do you miss most from Pakistan?

Karachi-style biryani — the kind that burns your tongue but warms your soul. No matter how good the food is elsewhere, nothing matches that perfect blend of spice, masala and childhood memories. 

Where is your favorite place to visit in Pakistan?

Swat Valley — The Switzerland of the East. Swat feels like a dream. Snow-capped peaks, rivers that sing, and stories of resilience — especially after what the valley’s been through. It’s beauty with depth.

How would you describe the culture and people of Pakistan?

The people of Pakistan are warm, resilient and deeply-rooted in tradition. Hospitality isn’t just a custom—it’s a way of life. Whether you're family or a stranger, you're offered food, tea and respect. At the heart of it all are values like honor, generosity and faith—passed down through stories, music and everyday rituals. 

Join Syed Rizvi for a luncheon getaway on an educational and cultural tour of Pakistan on April 24. Cultural cuisine will be offered.

Register for Global Insights Pakistan.

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.

This past weekend, visitors to The University of Scranton spent a sunny Saturday on The Commons discovering what their next four years could feel like as Royals. There to greet and guide them every step of the way were members of the campus community  — students, faculty, staff and our University President Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J. 

The atmosphere of Accepted Students Day is like no other, designed with the incoming Class of 2029 in mind, our Royals go to great lengths to personalize the experience for each individual. 

Shannon Zottola, vice president for enrollment management, explained what fuels the excitement for this popular University event.

"Accepted Students Day is our premier event of the recruiting cycle and an opportunity for future students to make their first memories as a Royal. They've already been admitted, so the focus shifts to exploring what their next four years could look like—meeting future classmates, connecting with faculty, and getting a feel for the community. It’s a high-energy, high-impact day that often plays a big role in a student’s decision to choose Scranton," said Zottola.

One of the day's student guests confirmed that theory.

"I think it’s just a great community," said Luke Giegerich, an accepted student in the incoming Class of 2029.

Luke attended this past Saturday's event with his father Jack Giegerich '88, who compared his experiences on Saturday with memories from his Royal days in the 1980s.

 "It’s changed significantly - all for the better," said Jack Giegerich '88.

The Giegerich family, shown, attended Accepted Students Day on March 25 with their son Luke, an admitted student in the incoming Class of 2029. "I think it’s just a great community," said Luke Giegerich. 

"What It Means To Be a Royal" 

Zottola attributed the longtime event's success to the campus community.

"It’s our Scranton family that makes this event so successful year after year. It would be impossible to pull off an event of this size and with this much energy without everyone – faculty and staff members, alumni and parent ambassadors, and current students – coming together to show what it means to be a Royal."

The University of Scranton will welcome accepted students and their families to campus for an Accepted Students Day event on Saturday, April 5. Activities will begin at 9 a.m., with check-in starting at 8:15 a.m. Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, will open the events with a President's Welcome Session.  

 Register for the April 5 Accepted Students Day.

Explore Campus and Get Involved

In addition to scheduled sessions, students can take time to explore the University’s vibrant campus and learn more about the opportunities available to them. Highlights will include:

• Discovering campus hotspots: From cozy study lounges to lively student spaces, visitors can explore the best places to meet friends, relax and focus on their studies.

• Sampling award-winning dining options: Students and families can enjoy brunch at the Fresh Food Company on the third floor of the DeNaples Center.

• Learning about student involvement: Students can speak with representatives from more than 100 clubs and organizations to find ways to get involved in campus life.

• Meeting with financial aid representatives: Families can schedule a 15-minute meeting with a Financial Aid representative to discuss tuition, scholarships and financial assistance. Appointments are limited to one per family.

A key component of the event is the involvement of current Scranton students who serve as tour guides, panelists and informal mentors for the day.

Accepted Students Day is an exclusive opportunity for admitted students to explore the University’s academic programs, student life and campus community. The event allows future Royals to meet faculty members, connect with current students and discover the many resources available to them at Scranton.

One distinctive feature of the University of Scranton's Accepted Students Day is the opportunity for attendees to customize their experience. Whether students wish to focus on academic programs, residence life or extracurricular opportunities, there is something for everyone. 

Students and their families will have access to a variety of events, including campus tours, faculty meetings, and presentations on student life. The schedule includes:

• 9 - 9:45 a.m.: President’s welcome

• 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Meetings with the Admissions team

• 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Campus tours (departing every 10 minutes)

• 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Faculty and Academic Department visits

• 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: "The Student Experience" presentations

• 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Residence Hall tours

How to Register

Students who have been accepted to The University of Scranton are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure their spot at one of the two Accepted Students Day events.

Find additional details and register at this link.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience Scranton's welcoming community and take the next step toward becoming a Royal!

Greeted by Gracie! The Royal pup of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, welcomes visitors at the March 25 Accepted Students Day event. Keep up with the adventures of the adorable bernedoodle Gracie — short for Sr. Mary Grace Lasagna — on Instagram @gracietheroyalpup.

Dozens of industries and nearly 90 organizations filled the Byron Center on March 27 for the Spring 2025 Career Expo.

The expo, presented by The University of Scranton’s Roche Family Center for Career Development, featured employers in aerospace, education, financial services, government, healthcare, law enforcement, real estate, tourism and other fields.

In total, 87 organizations, which includes employers and more than a dozen graduate schools, participated at the event as did hundreds of Scranton students.

The University’s most recent first destination survey found a 99 percent success rate for graduates who earned a bachelor’s degree in the Class of 2023. Fifty-two percent of graduates secured full-time employment – with a mean annual salary of $61,360 – and 44 percent enrolled in continuing education.

By: Brendan Perez, student correspondent

Visitors to campus for an upcoming Graduate Open House on April 9 at The University of Scranton will learn about career advancement opportunities offered through the University's 40-plus advanced-degree programs.

Those considering graduate school, and current undergraduate students are invited to the University's DeNaples Center, 4th Floor. The Graduate Open House on April 9 will begin with registration at 5:30 p.m., followed by an alumni panel presentation at 6 p.m. Program-specific information sessions will run from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. Optional campus tours are available from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The event is offered free of charge.

Participants will meet with Scranton alumni, faculty, admissions representatives and current graduate students and learn about flexible on-campus and online program formats offered by the nationally recognized Jesuit university. 

Considering A Graduate Degree? Get All Your Questions Answered on April 9.

1. Explore graduate program offerings.
   
   
2. Meet faculty and current students.
   
   
3. Learn about the admissions process.
   
   
4. Get answers to your questions.
   
   

"We’ll also be sharing an event program and itinerary to our registrants, which will provide more details about the day's schedule," said Caitlyn Hollingshead '06, G'09, G'19, assistant vice president for graduate and international admissions. 

"This event is open to everyone! Whether you're curious about pursuing graduate school, interested in learning more about our graduate program offerings, or looking to connect with faculty from your prospective program, we encourage you to attend!"

New Program This Fall Will Prepare Royals For In-Demand Fields

The University offers a wide range of graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, education, health sciences, nursing, counseling and more. More details about each program can be found on the graduate website, or by attending the Graduate Open House.

"A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN, DNP, or PMC) program is launching, with classes beginning in fall 2025. This program will equip nurses with the specialized skills and credentials needed to provide comprehensive mental health care," said Hollingshead.

The demand for mental health professionals continues to rise due to increasing awareness of mental health issues, higher rates of mental illness and the growing recognition of the importance of mental healthcare.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of nurse practitioners, including PMHNPs, will grow much faster than the average for all occupations, with a projected growth rate of 40 percent from 2023 to 2033. Salary.com lists the median annual salary as $112,000 to $130,000, depending on specific job roles and locations.

In recent years, Scranton has added graduate programs in high in-demand fields, such as an online master’s degree program in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity, and a synchronous remote master’s degree in speech-language pathology. Scranton’s graduate programs are offered in formats that include on-campus and online options.

Scranton provides the highest-quality graduate education, with programs meeting the most rigorous state or national accreditations available within their professional fields. Graduate programs include physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, health care management, clinical rehabilitation counseling, business analytics and MBAs in several concentrations and other business disciplines.

Shown, Steven J. Szydlowski, DHA ’98, G’00, G’01, professor and chair of the Department of Health Administration and Human Resources at The University of Scranton. Dr. Szydlowski was recently selected as the 2025 Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)/Dolores Clement Fellow of the Year.

Can't Make the April 9 Open House?  

If you're unable to attend the event, feel free to reach out to the University's Graduate Admissions office for more information. Contact them directly at 570-941-4416 or via email at gradadmissions@scranton.edu to schedule a one-on-one meeting or provide resources to learn more about the University's programs.

For more information or to make reservations, visit the Graduate Open House webpage or email gradadmissions@scranton.edu.

The University of Scranton was one of nearly 70 colleges and universities that recently sent a team – two students and one faculty advisor – to Lockheed Martin’s eighth annual Ethics in Engineering Case Competition.

Aryan Chandavarkar, Westborough, Massachusetts, an electrical engineering major, and Matthew Felicia, Medford, New Jersey, a computer engineering major, were joined by W. Andrew Berger, Ph.D., professor and chair of the University’s Physics and Engineering Department, on their trip to Lockheed Martin’s corporate headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland.

“It’s very fast-paced at times and you’re always held on the edge of anticipation,” Chandavarkar said in a video interview with Lockheed Martin. “I thought that it was a really good experience for us to hone our skills – not just the technical aspect, but how we can compete and how we can grow as individuals.”

The event, which took place earlier this semester, drew 66 teams tasked with solving complex engineering, business and ethics challenges. Among those ethical challenges was a hypothetical case in which students considered if and how to utilize advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, during wildfire management.

In addition to the competition, students had the opportunity to tour Lockheed Martin and meet its engineers, participate in workshops, attend a keynote address and participate in a live video call with Astronaut Suni Williams from the International Space Station.

See the University’s Physics and Engineering Department webpage for more information about its program. For more information about the Ethics in Engineering Case Competition, visit the event’s website.

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: Kania Women in Business

Meet: Phoebe Glidewell '26, shown, is an accounting major from Clarks Summit

Role: Executive chair

Connect: @kaniawib

Q: Your club is one of many extracurricular opportunities within the Kania School of Management. How does Kania Women in Business (KWIB) stand out?

The key initiatives of KWIB are professional development, building community, and service to others. I think KWIB’s commitment to building community is what makes it a unique club within KSOM. Many of our meetings are very interactive and people have told me they’ve met their best friends at KWIB meetings. The structure encourages connection and collaboration among women, and it is open to all majors instead of being specific to one major or program.

Q: What is the mission of Kania Women in Business?

To unite women business students, faculty, and alumni of the Kania School of Management with events and programs designed to foster a spirit of empowerment, and to educate the University community about critical issues that women may face in the corporate world.

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

This is the second year in a row KWIB has held a meeting that focused on getting to know your major through the eyes of an upperclassman. What we have done in these meetings is break everyone out into tables by major to give all members a chance to meet other women in their major. It is also an opportunity for freshmen and sophomores to learn more about what their program will look like in the coming years. There are so many ideas and skills that can be taken away from this event about topics from professors and classes to interviewing and internships. And on top of that, it is also an easy way to practice networking. It can be daunting to go into a career expo or other event and try to network, so practicing these skills in a comfortable environment is incredibly beneficial for KWIB members. 

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

I joined KWIB when I was a freshman because I wanted to get involved in extracurriculars, and also because I started at Scranton as a business undecided student. It was a great way to meet women in different business majors, and talking to upperclassmen helped me decide on my major. I stayed in KWIB and joined the board because of the amazing community of women and helpful professional development events. I would definitely recommend joining KWIB if you are interested in connecting with other women business students and alumni and growing as a professional in a comfortable and inclusive setting.

Q: Please share the format of a typical meeting. When and where does KWIB meet, and what topics do you discuss? How can someone who is interested find out more about these meetings?

KWIB holds monthly meetings, typically in the Rose Room in Brennan Hall. We base our meetings on our initiatives, so we try to have meetings related to professional development, community and service each semester. To find out more, check out KWIB’s page on RoyalSync! All our past meetings are posted on that page with brief descriptions of what they were. Additionally, all our meetings are posted on Instagram @KaniaWIB. We are also at every student activities fair at the beginning of the semester with information about the club and upcoming meetings!

Q: Any upcoming plans for the spring semester?

KWIB is holding a fundraiser at Panera in April, and the final meeting of the semester will be on Monday, April 28. Our final meetings are pretty casual, and they aim to relieve stress as we approach finals week!

Q: Anything we have not asked about that you’d like to mention?

KWIB is a KSOM club, but we welcome all majors. If you are interested in joining, please contact me at phoebe.glidewell@scranton.edu and I will add you to the email list!

Twenty-one University of Scranton students participated in spring break service trips offered by the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice. The students helped to build and renovate homes and assist women and children experiencing homelessness at service projects in Los Angles, California, Martin, Kentucky and Juticalpa, Honduras.

The following students went to Los Angles, California to work with Homeboy Industries and Dolores Mission:

Erin Burch, Harleysville, a psychology major;

Abigail Casal, South Abington Township, an early and primary teacher education major;

Stefania Gomes, Staten Island, New York, a nursing major;

Cassidy Morganstern, Staten Island, New York, a counseling and human services major;

Samuel Peters, West Hartford, Connecticut, a theology and religious studies and philosophy major;

Ousmane Thiam, Dumont, New Jersey, a kinesiology major;

Maria Vyzaniaris, Furlong, a neuroscience major.

University graduate assistant Brooke McNabola ’24, Wallingford, Connecticut, and Christian Krokus, Ph.D., professor of theology and religious studies, served as chaperones.

Read more about the service trip to Honduras in this student story published in Royal News.

The following students went to Martin, Kentucky to work with the Christian Appalachian Project:

Brooke Dodge, Hackettstown, New Jersey, an occupational therapy major;

Zoe Honney, Scranton, a cybercrime and homeland security major;

Isabelle Kostiak, Ransom Township, an advertising/public relations and sociology major;

Theodore Krokus, Scranton, a history major;

Angelo Ledda, Bronx, New York, a computer science major;

Michael Peterson, North Wales, an environmental science major;

Morgan Tullio, Olyphant, a biochemistry major;

Regan Welsh, Philadelphia, an occupational therapy major;

Brian White, Brooklyn, New York, a biology and philosophy major.

University graduate assistant Isabella Wohlleber ’24, Hazleton, and Richard O’Hara, faculty specialists for the Accounting Department, served as chaperones.

The following students went to Juticalpa, Honduras to work with Olancho Aid Foundation:

Jack Burke, Scranton, a psychology major;

James Gammello, Hellertown, a criminal justice and history major;

Angelina Guido, Nashua, New Hampshire, a biology major;

Corinne Langowski, Delran, New Jersey, a communication sciences and disorders major;

Sara Wynne, Staten Island, New York, a forensic chemistry major.

Brian Snee, Ph.D., associate professor of communication and media, Amy Hoegan, campus minister for retreats, and Avianna Carilli, coordinator of domestic and international service trips, served as chaperones.

Jack Burke '25 spent spring break in Honduras recently as a peer facilitator for The University of Scranton. The senior psychology major from Dublin, Ireland, discussed the March trip organized by the Center for Service and Social Justice.

"Honduras is often portrayed negatively in the media and frequently labeled as a violent country. However, my experience told a very different story. I found Honduras to be a phenomenal place, full of beauty, warmth and resilience," said Burke, regarding his fourth service trip with the University.

"The stunning mountain ranges, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine left a lasting impression, but what stood out the most were the people. The kindness, hospitality, and generosity of everyone we met were truly remarkable. It’s a country with so much heart and spirit, and I feel incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to experience it firsthand."

Burke was one of eight from The University of Scranton community to take part in a Honduras Service Trip working with the Olancho Aid Foundation in Juticalpa. Four students, three chaperones and Burke participated in the service program, along with 11 students from Fordham University. 
Shown are University students Angelina Guido, James Gammello, Corrine Langowski, Sara Wynne and Jack Burke.

The following University of Scranton students went to Juticalpa, Honduras to work with Olancho Aid Foundation: Burke; James Gammello, Hellertown, a criminal justice and history major; Angelina Guido, Nashua, New Hampshire, a biology major; Corinne Langowski, Delran, New Jersey, a communication sciences and disorders major; and Sara Wynne, Staten Island, New York, a forensic chemistry major.

Brian Snee, Ph.D., '93, associate professor of communication and media, Amy Hoegan, campus minister for retreats, and Avianna Carilli '22, coordinator of domestic and international service trips, served as chaperones.

"This service trip was really special to plan because I did so with John Gownley '06, the associate director of campus engagement - global outreach, from Fordham University, who is an alum of The University of Scranton, and Lauren O'Neill '08, the executive director of the Olancho Aid Foundation, in Juticalpa, Honduras, who is also a Scranton graduate. This trip was The University of Scranton's first joint service trip with another Jesuit school. 

"Lauren has been the executive Director of the Olancho Aid Foundation for the last four years. At Scranton, Lauren earned a Bachelor of Science in counseling and human services and a Bachelor of Arts in history. She earned a Master of Arts in public and nonprofit administration in 2016 from New York University's Wagner School. John graduated with a degree in media and information technology at Scranton.He earned a master's in social work from Fordham," said Carilli.

Carilli noted that both are also alumni of The University of Scranton's International Service Program, with trips to Mexico and Ecuador, respectively.

"This inspired both of them to do the work they are doing now," said Carilli.

"It was a really amazing way to bring our Scranton connections together for the betterment of both school's service trip programs. We are hoping to continue this connection in the future and hopefully try to make more connections with other Jesuit schools!" she added.

Jack Burke '25, shown with a student from Escuelita Nazareth, a school that serves individuals with disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, developmental disorders and learning difficulties. 

 
"I am privileged to have been the peer facilitator for this experience," Burke said, reflecting on the joint service project between Jesuit schools. "I love service and I love traveling, so it was the perfect combination."

How did you become involved and what is your role?

I became involved with (Center for Service and Social Justice) CSSJ service trips during sophomore year when I traveled to St Louis, Missouri. I then did service trips in Guatemala and Kentucky, which prepared me to lead this international service trip.

As peer facilitator I arranged all pre-trip meetings with students and chaperones, prepped everyone for the experience, led the group to the location, insured everyone’s safety and comfort, organized group reflection, and for this experience, communicated with the Fordham group prior to and during the trip, to name a few responsibilities of being a peer facilitator.

 
What are some of your goals for the trip?

My main goal for the trip was to build meaningful connections with the individuals I met in Honduras. I knew the language barrier might pose a challenge, but I embraced it with an open mind and was eager to fully immerse myself in the experience. I was also deeply interested in learning about the Honduran education system. Given the immersive nature of this journey, I looked forward to gaining a richer understanding of how education functions in different contexts.

As the peer facilitator, another important goal for me was to help ensure that each student on the trip had a meaningful and memorable experience. I wanted to foster a sense of connection within our group and create a supportive, engaging environment for everyone involved. 

Please share some location and program highlights.

There were so many powerful moments during this transformative experience. One of the most memorable highlights was spending time at Escuelita Nazareth, a school that serves individuals with disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, developmental disorders, and learning difficulties. The school has nine classrooms and serves about 100 students ranging in age from 5 to 29.

We spent several days in the classrooms, engaging directly with the students, and it was truly incredible. Their joy was contagious, and their resilience was inspiring. We also got to experience World Down Syndrome Day on our final day.

Another highlight was visiting Instituto Oscar Cardenal Rodríguez, a middle and high school in Juticalpa. It was fascinating to observe the structure of the school and to participate in classes that encouraged dialogue between science and faith, something that left a lasting impression on me.

One of the most heartwarming experiences was visiting a rural public school. The moment we arrived, we felt the warmth and energy of the place. We spent time coloring, playing soccer and enjoying the sunshine with the children. The school had just four classrooms, many of which combined two grades and were led by a single teacher. The passion and commitment shown by the teachers was deeply moving and highlighted just how much educators give of themselves, often with very limited resources.

University of Scranton peer facilitator Jack Burke '25, shown, described a personal highlight of the trip: helping to deliver clean water to homes and shops throughout Juticalpa: "Escuelita Nazareth operates a water treatment facility that is run by individuals with disabilities and provides clean water to over 5,000 families," said Burke.

"I had the opportunity to accompany them on a delivery route, distributing more than 40 five-gallon containers. It was incredible to witness the impact this initiative has on the community and the empowerment it provides to those working at the facility."

What surprised you most about the trip?

One of the most striking realizations was the lack of resources available for individuals with disabilities. While Escuelita Nazareth does remarkable work, their resources are stretched thin, and it was heartbreaking at times to see how much more support was needed.

I was also deeply moved by the unwavering dedication of the teachers we met. Every single educator we encountered was fully committed to their students and to the mission of education. Their passion was inspiring, and it stood in sharp contrast to what we sometimes see elsewhere. In Honduras, education is clearly seen as a vital part of life, a value that deserves to be embraced and celebrated globally.

Four students, three chaperones and peer facilitator Jack Burke '25, shown, participated from The University of Scranton in a joint service program with 11 students from Fordham University. Burke '25, second row, first from left, was the peer facilitator for the Honduras Service Trip who worked with Olancho Aid Foundation in Juticalpa, Honduras.

Liva Arts Company will present “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” April 10-12 at the Royal Theater, McDade Center. 

Director and choreographer Margaret Schairer '25 and club president and cast member Macy Hammond '25 offer behind-the-scenes perspectives.

Performances will take place at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and at 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free for undergraduate students, $5 otherwise.

Visit https://livaartscompany.ludus.com  to reserve tickets. Email livaartscompany@gmail.com with any questions.

Meet the Director: Margaret Schairer '25

Major: Early and primary education
Age: 22
Hometown: Allentown
 
What is your role in "Joseph"? Please describe the character and your favorite aspect of the role.

I am the director and choreographer of Joseph! As director, I oversee every detail of the creative process of the show. Assistant director Searra (VanDerveer '27) and I work together to bring our creative vision to life and make the best decisions for our creative team, cast and crew.

As choreographer, I am also responsible for choreographing and teaching all of the dances in the show. My favorite aspect of being the director and choreographer is coming up with how I want a scene or musical number to look, and watching that vision come alive during rehearsal!

How do you spend your time during a five-minute break during rehearsal?

Searra and I regroup, talk about rehearsal progress-wise. I often review the materials I have to teach and hydrate!

Please explain what inspired your interest in the theatre. 

I took dance classes from the age of 3 to 16, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, Irish tap and musical theater. When I was 15, my mom signed me up for a summer class at my local community theater because I was too quiet and needed to get outside of my comfort zone. ... It turned out, I loved theater so much that I quit dance class to continue auditioning for plays and musicals!
I never stopped loving dance. It is only fitting that my last college show is one where I am the choreographer, since dance is where I got started!

What do you enjoy most about performing with Liva? 

Liva is a very unique club. Since everything that we do is completely student-run, we thrive off of hard work, dedication to putting on the best shows we can, and trust in each other. It is so important to the quality of our shows that each individual cast, crew and creative team member takes responsibility for the club and gives each show their all. Because of this, Liva members have a very special bond that is unique to every other theater company I have been involved with.

What surprised you about this play and role, and live performance in general?

I was a senior in high school in 2021, and my theater department announced that they were going to put on a virtual performance of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." I had never done high school theater at that point, but I auditioned because I missed theater during the pandemic. Performing in "Joseph" was undoubtedly the highlight of my senior year of high school, even though the show was not in front of a live audience. I have wanted to be involved in a production of "Joseph" again ever since.

This show found me at an unusual and uncertain time in my life, and I could not be more grateful to be directing my own production of it now. Some of the stylistic choices I have made for our show are actually inspired by the version back in high school. 

Have you been involved in other theatre productions? If yes, please share details. 

Yes! When I did community theater, I was in three junior productions, as well as two different versions of  "A Christmas Carol." I was in one high school production, which was "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." I have been in eight Liva musicals including this one. I performed in six of those shows: "The Addams Family," "The Drowsy Chaperone," "Rent," "Curtains," "Children of Eden" and "Urinetown" and assistant directed / directed two: "Footloose" and "Joseph," respectively.

Besides "Joseph," what are a few of your favorite stage shows ( local, off Broadway, Broadway )?

My favorite show ever is "Once On This Island"! I also love "Spring Awakening," "Singin’ In The Rain," "Beetlejuice" and "Hair."

Aside from theatre, what is your favorite aspect of The University of Scranton?

I love the community here. It stood out to me when I was choosing a college.

Meet the President: Macy Hammond '25

Major: Occupational therapy

Age: 21

Hometown: Poughkeepsie, New York

What is your role in "Joseph"? Please describe your favorite aspect of the role.

I play a Narrator alongside Aud Munley and Delaney Bartram. We are the storytellers of the show, so we know everything that’s going to happen and get to experience the excitement alongside the audience. We set the scenes, guide the story and tell the audience what they need to know. Margaret and Searra’s vision for "Joseph" is similar to a pop concert, so expect to be singing and dancing in your seats! 

I’m also president of Liva Arts Company, so I’m making things run smoothly behind the scenes. I work with the directors, board and our faculty moderator Reverend Ron McKinney to put on two musicals a year! My favorite part of this position is working with my board and building an inclusive environment. It’s always my priority to make sure everyone feels welcome and valued in our space.
 

Please explain what inspired your interest in the theatre. 

My involvement started early as an elementary schooler in the youth cast of my high school’s production of "The Wizard of Oz." My sixth grade school production hooked me on theater and I’ve been actively involved since. The people I met, and continue to meet, have convinced me to continue with musicals. I’ve made my closest friends through theater, and the communities I’ve grown in have taught be to be undoubtedly myself. 

What do you enjoy most about performing with Liva? 

The friendships I’ve made. Not just performing with my cast, but also cheering each other on during a dance break, seamless run-crew transition, for a beautifully painted set and through college in general. We are completely student-run, which amazes me because as president of the club, I get to see all the moving parts and the show come together. 

What surprised you about this play, role, and live performance in general? 

I didn’t know much about "Joseph" before this semester, so a lot has surprised me! The music spans a wide variety of genres and styles, which is super unique. Playing a Narrator role has been a new and exciting challenge for me because I get to collaborate with Delaney and Aud, and they are two of the most talented people I know. I can’t wait to continue growing into it as we approach the show (Tech week is my favorite week of the semester!). 

Live performances are always full of surprises, and that’s part of what makes them so special. No two shows are ever the same because a joke might land differently with the audience, a line delivery could change, or something unexpected could happen. Theatre has taught me to stay present. When performing, you can’t be thinking about anything else, and if you’re not enjoying it, you’re doing it wrong!

Have you seen a production of this play? If yes, what is your favorite memory?

I haven’t! This semester has pretty much been my introduction to "Joseph." Liva actually performed "Joseph" six years ago, so I’m excited for Liva alumni to see our fresh, fun take on it. Margaret and Searra’s vision for the show is creative and modern; I know they’ll love it.

What are a few of your favorite stage shows (local, off Broadway, Broadway )? 

 This is such a tough question and it changes often, but some of my all-time favorites are "The Lightning Thief," "Bring It On: The Musical," "Twelfth Night" and "Waitress."

Aside from theatre, what is your favorite aspect of The University of Scranton? 

One of the biggest reasons I chose The University of Scranton was because it would allow me to pursue occupational therapy and still do theatre. There’s such a great balance of academics, arts and student life here, so everyone can find their place. As a tour guide and three-year member of the orientation team, I’ve loved seeing people find their place and their people here. It feels like home!



Shown from left are Aud Munley '25, Macy Hammond '25, Alex Taylor '25 and Delaney Bartram '27.

Six student musicians from The University of Scranton’s Performance Music participated and performed at the 77th Annual Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band Festival, hosted this year by Kutztown University from March 14 to March 16.

Scranton students who participated, accompanied by Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga and Co-Director Janelle Decker, and the instruments they played follows.

Joseph T. Dolan, Conshohocken, played the tenor saxophone. Dolan is a computer science major and a member of the University’s Class of 2026.

Danielle E. Fernandez, Chatham, New Jersey, played the flute. Fernandez is an occupational therapy major and a member of the University’s Class of 2025.

Sally M. Hopkins, East Stroudsburg, played the tuba. Hopkins is an advertising/public relations and journalism and electronic media double major and a member of the University's Class of 2026.

Thomas E. Marine, Cockeysville, Maryland, played the trumpet. Marine is a biochemistry major and a member of the University’s Class of 2026

Anthony I. Torres, New Milford, played the French horn. Torres is a biochemistry major and a member of the University’s Class of 2025. He is on Scranton’s pre-med track and is a member of the University’s Undergraduate Honors Program. Torres is also the recipient of a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship at Scranton. 

Caitlin E. Wilson, Harrisburg, played the French horn. Wilson is a biology major and member of the University’s Class of 2027. Wilson is also the recipient of a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship at Scranton. 

Selected students from colleges and universities throughout the state and their directors converge each spring on the campus of that year’s host school, having prepared their instrument’s parts for each composition on the program in advance. Upon arriving, they audition for seating order in their section and – after the seating of the band – rehearse intensively for two and a half days under the baton of a nationally known guest conductor, culminating in the gala festival concert on Sunday afternoon. This year’s guest conductor is Mary K. Schneider, professor of conducting and director of bands at Eastern Michigan University.

The festival is run by the Pennsylvania Collegiate Bandmasters Association, and The University of Scranton is one of the longest continuous participants in the festival, with student musicians selected for participation every one of the last forty-four years consecutively.

Boga has chaired the seating audition committee for the organization for thirty-three of those years, served multiple terms as president and vice president of the organization, and hosted the festival at Scranton’s Houlihan McLean Center in 1990 and 2000.

The primary focus of Performance Music at the University is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no music major at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) from every major are eligible for membership in the University bands, choirs, and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year. Other programs within the department, including guest artist concerts, the World Premiere Composition Series, the Nelhybel Collection, and Scranton Brass Orchestra, closely coordinate programming with the student ensembles and offer unique opportunities for student musicians in the ensembles to hear, observe, interact and perform with numerous world-class musicians and artist-teachers. High school juniors and seniors who are considering applying to Scranton are encouraged to contact Performance Music to arrange to sit in on a rehearsal, meet the staff, attend a concert or tour the building.

For further information on the festival and the University's 2025 spring concert schedule, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu  or visit scranton.edu/music.

"Career Madness" is the theme for the Spring 2025 Career Expo presented by The University of Scranton's Roche Family Center for Career Development. Students are invited to attend up to six preparation events prior to the Career Expo on Thursday, March 27, from noon to 3 p.m. in the Byron Center. The preparation events will help students put their best foot forward at the Expo.

"All students, all majors, all class years are encouraged to attend,"  said Rose Jacklinski, career relations manager, Center for Career Development. "It's never too early to start building those professional skills."  

Pre-Expo Pro Tips 

Jacklinski suggests a pre-expo checklist for students.

• Receive a resume review, either by scheduling an appointment with a career coach or by attending the drop-in Let's "Taco" 'bout Your Resume event mentioned below.
  
  
• Dress for success. Remember the Center for Career Development's professional clothing closet, Royal Threads.
  
  
• Prepare a 30-second elevator pitch.
  
  
• Review the list of organizations attending in advance. Decide which organizations to meet.
  
  

After the Expo, students should remember to follow up with each organization they meet, according to Jacklinski. "Career Madness Week leads up to our Career Expo, so check out all of the events."

"Career Madness" Activities To Prepare Students for the Expo

The Roche Family Center for Career Development will offer six "Career Madness" opportunities between March 24 and 26, detailed below, to help students prepare for the March 27 Expo. 

Students who attend the Career Expo, and two or more events denoted below with an asterisk, will receive a free T-shirt.

On Monday, March 24: 

• Expo Prep and Cookies Table Sit, 10 a.m. to noon,  Loyola Science Center, room 235 * 

• Let's "Taco'" 'bout Your Resume, develop your resume and enjoy tacos with friends, 3 p.m.-5 p.m., -Loyola Science Center, room 224 *

On Tuesday, March 25:

• LinkedIn Headshot Drop-in Hours, 10 a.m. -3 p.m., Loyola Science Center, room 235* 

• Career Trivia, 7 - 8 p.m., DeNaples Center, room 405*

On Wednesday, March 26,:

• Dunkin Cruiser, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., flag poles 
  
  
• Elevate Your Pitch Table Sit, 12 - 2 p.m., DeNaples Center, second floor*
  
  

Jacklinski reminds students of a vital step in the process for Friday, March 28, the Expo Follow-Up, when students who attended should follow up with recruiters.

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.

Club: Royal Studios

Meet: Sally Hopkins '26 is an advertising/public relations and journalism/electronic media double major from East Stroudsburg.

Role in the club: Executive producer and director

Connect: @uofs.royalstudios

Q: What is Royal Studios?

Royal Studios is the student-run production club at The University of Scranton. We produce content including weekly news, sports shows, thrillers and comedies, with the Communication and Media Department’s equipment.

Q: Why would you recommend someone join? What, in your opinion, are the most exciting events or activities opportunities you present as a club?

Royal Studios is a unique opportunity on campus to get involved with a real film set, crew and equipment. We operate as closely as we can to real news production. Any person interested in news, film, broadcast, editing or writing should absolutely join this club for a chance to peek into what might be the rest of their career. Royal Studios also offers a great chance to discover something new in the broadcast industry  — maybe you have a hidden talent for board operating!

P.S. Absolutely any student is welcome to join, regardless of major or skill level.

Shown from left are: Ethan Haggerty '26, Abby Blancato '27, Sam Sonnie '26 and Mariah Mancuso '26 on set.

Q: Why did you join the club?

I joined Royal Studios at the beginning of my sophomore year on a whim. I was really only interested in video editing. When I joined, there were only a few members, as the club was slowly making its revival from the pandemic. By the end of the year, I committed to bringing Royal Studios back to what it was in its prime years, so students could experience production firsthand on campus.

Q: When and where does the club meet? How can someone who is interested find out more about it? 

Our two primary news shows are Royals Weekly and Scranton Scope. Royals Weekly meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Soundstage (4th floor LSC), and Scranton Scope meets Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. in the same location.

Anyone who wants to learn more about Royal Studios should check out our Instagram (@uofs.royalstudios) or Youtube (@Royalstudios-uofs)! All of our productions and behind-the-scenes content are there. If what we do looks cool, reach out to me at sally.hopkins@scranton.edu!

Q: What are the different positions in Royal Studios?

Students who like to be on camera can either be a news anchor, delivering direct news about the Scranton area (Scranton Scope) or the University of Scranton (Royals Weekly,) or can host their own segment within the news, including sports, weather, business spotlights, movies and music. Behind the camera, we have camera operators, board operators, floor managers, light and audio techs and more.

Morgan Masters '27, shown, delivering the Scranton Sports Report. 

Q: How could someone get involved if they are unavailable at the shoot times?

If anyone can’t make the shoots, we have other opportunities to get involved! Those interested could write scripts for the anchors, video edit the final products, report on events outside of the set and send in the footage, or join our social media team.

Q: Any upcoming plans for the semester?

We are currently most excited for our new gear, which will include cameras, mics, teleprompters, chairs and a beautiful news desk! This upgrade will create a next-level professional look for our shows. We are also constantly upgrading the quality of our show and have plans to make it a little bit better every week.

Q: What have you gained from participating with Royal Studios?

Royal Studios has been an amazing experience for me. Being in a collaborative environment with a large group of people who have similar goals is fun and exciting. It’s clear that every member in this club wants to produce quality content and share it with the world.

Members of Royal Studios prepare to shoot.

Global Insights continues the 10th year of programming with Fabril Desroches '27, philosophy major, economics minor, with a legal studies concentration, who will present "Haiti" at the next spring Global Insights event on March 26 beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Rose Room, Brennan Hall 509.

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

Desroches shared some of his experiences and his love for Haiti with Royal News.

What is an interesting aspect of Haiti that you will discuss in your presentation?

The history of Haiti is filled with stories of strength and resilience, but there’s one hidden gem that isn’t talked about enough—something that changed not just Haiti, but the entire Western Hemisphere. It’s a story of revolution, a secret deal and a nation that defied all odds. Any guesses?

What is one of our favorite activities in Haiti?

Some of my best childhood memories are from the beaches in Jacmel. The crystal-clear water, the golden sand and the energy of the people around me always made it feel like a dream. Even after moving away, every visit back to Jacmel reminded me of the pure joy of being home.

What do you miss most?

I miss waking up to the smell of mai molen (cornmeal) with fish and avocado, eating breakfast in the backyard with my family. And, nothing compares to an afternoon nap under the lemon tree at my family home—the warmth, the breeze and that peaceful feeling of knowing you’re exactly where you belong.

What is your favorite place to visit and why?

Petit-Goâve holds a special place in my heart because it’s where my parents are from. Every visit felt like reconnecting with my roots—walking through the streets, hearing the familiar voices and feeling that deep sense of belonging. It’s not just a place; it’s part of who I am.

How would you describe the people and culture of Haiti?

Haitians are some of the most resilient, passionate and welcoming people you’ll ever meet. Our culture is a beautiful blend of African, Taino and European influences, tied together by community, music and an unshakable spirit. Whether it’s through Kompa music, vibrant art, or simply sharing a meal, Haiti’s culture is one of warmth, history and pride. Haiti isn’t just where I was born — it’s where my foundation was built. No matter how long I’ve been away, Haiti is always home.

Register for Global Insights Haiti

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.

Eighteen undergraduate students, four recent graduates and seven professors will present research at the 2025 Eastern Psychological Association conference in Philadelphia on March 5 - 9. In total, 13 research posters and papers will be presented by University of Scranton students and professors.

The Eastern Psychological Association, founded in 1896, is the oldest of the regional Psychological Associations in the United States.

A list of students whose research will be presented at the conference, their project and the faculty members they worked with on their project follows.

Gianna M. Assuncao ’26, a physiology major from Clark, New Jersey, presented research titled “Perceptions of Mental Illness” with faculty member Patrick Orr, Ph.D. associate professor of psychology. Assuncao also presented research titled “Misinformation Concerning the H.M. Case Study: A Temporal-Lobe Focused Seizure?” with Dr. Orr.

Joseph R. Battaglia ’26, a neuroscience major from Campbell Hall, New York, presented research titled “Perceptions of Mental Illness” with faculty member Patrick Orr, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology. Additionally, Battaglia presented research titled “Misinformation Concerning the H.M. Case Study: A Temporal-Lobe Focused Seizure?” with Dr. Orr.

Nickalia C. Beckford ’25, a psychology major from Mount Vernon, New York, presented research titled “Out of Bounds: Gender Differences in The Recognition of Microaggressions” with faculty member Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology. Additionally, Beckford presented research titled “‘He Should Have Been More Respectful.’ Blaming The Targets of Racial Microaggressions” with Dr. Karpiak and Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology.

Madeline R. Bull ’25, a psychology major from Mendham, New Jersey, presented research titled “Siding with the Aggressor: Authoritarianism in Judgments of Racial Microaggressions” with faculty members Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology and Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology. Bull also presented research titled “‘He Should Have Been More Respectful.’ Blaming The Targets of Racial Microaggressions” with Dr. Karpiak and Dr. Betancourt.

Emma S. Caldwell ’26, a psychology major from Little Neck, New York, presented research titled “Perceptions of Mental Illness” with faculty member Patrick Orr, Ph.D. associate professor of psychology. Caldwell presented research titled “Misinformation Concerning the H.M. Case Study: A Temporal-Lobe Focused Seizure?” with Dr. Orr.

Erica C. Czerwinski ’26, a psychology and philosophy major from Burlington, Massachusetts, presented research titled “The Effect of Visual Working Memory Load on Joke Comprehension” with faculty member Jill Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology.

Sophia da Costa ’26, a neuroscience major from Ambler, presented research titled “Perceptions of Mental Illness” with faculty member Patrick Orr, Ph.D. associate professor of psychology. Da Costa also presented research titled “Misinformation Concerning the H.M. Case Study: A Temporal-Lobe Focused Seizure?” with Dr. Orr.

My Kim Thi Dang ’25, a psychology major from Scranton, presented research titled “The Effect of Visual Working Memory Load on Joke Comprehension” with faculty member Jill Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology.

Jianna E. Eike ’25, a neuroscience major from Pittston, presented research titled “Examining the Misinformation Effect for Mundane and Unexpected Events” with faculty member Jill Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology.

Anna F. Gowarty ’26, a psychology and criminal justice major from Scranton, presented research titled “Examination of Perceptions of Intellectual Disability and Age in False Confession Cases” with faculty member Joshua Reynolds, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of psychology.

Kaleia A. Hamilton ’25, a psychology major from Farmingville, New York, presented research titled “Out of Bounds: Gender Differences in The Recognition of Microaggressions” with faculty members Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology and Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology. Hamilton also presented research titled “‘He Should Have Been More Respectful.’ Blaming The Targets of Racial Microaggressions” with Dr. Karpiak, and Dr. Betancourt.

Gabrielle J. Jamieson ’25, a psychology major from Bradley Beach, New Jersey, presented research titled “Siding with the Aggressor: Authoritarianism in Judgments of Racial Microaggressions” with faculty members Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology and Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology. Jamieson also presented research titled “Using Social Norms Marketing to Reduce Stigmatization of Mental Health and Self- Disclosure” with faculty members Patrick Orr, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology.

Morgan E. Jones ’25, a psychology major from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, presented research titled “Perceptions of Mental Illness” with faculty member Patrick Orr, Ph.D. associate professor of psychology. Jones also presented research titled presented research titled “Misinformation Concerning the H.M. Case Study: A Temporal-Lobe Focused Seizure?” with Dr. Orr. In addition, Jones presented research titled “Effect of Gender and Speech Disfluencies on Deception Perception and Memory” with faculty member Jill Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology.

Camryn A. Nagle ’25, a psychology major from Hillsdale, New Jersey, presented research titled “Perceptions of Mental Illness” with faculty member Patrick Orr, Ph.D. associate professor of psychology. Nagle also presented research titled “Sports, Classrooms, Peers and Authorities: How Context Influences Perceptions of Microaggressions” with faculty members Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology and Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology. Additionally, Nagle presented research titled “Misinformation Concerning the H.M. Case Study: A Temporal-Lobe Focused Seizure?” with Dr. Orr.

Bryce D. Rahynes ’25, a psychology major from Freeport, New York, presented research titled “Sports, Classrooms, Peers and Authorities: How Context Influences Perceptions of Microaggressions” with faculty members Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology and Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology. Rahynes also presented research titled “Out of Bounds: Gender Differences in The Recognition of Microaggressions” with Dr. Karpiak.

Rebecca J. Russo ’27, a psychology major from Somerset New Jersey, presented research titled “Siding with the Aggressor: Authoritarianism in Judgments of Racial Microaggressions” with faculty members Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology and Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology.

Joseph T. Vazquez ’26, a psychology and philosophy major from Nutley, New Jersey, presented research titled “Climate Change in The Introductory Psychology Classroom” with faculty members Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology, Christopher Holland, Ph.D, visiting assistant professor of psychology at The College of New Jersey, and Alexandra Hadd, data analysis at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.

Madeline S. Williams ’25, a psychology and philosophy major from Wall Township, New Jersey, presented research titled “Examination of Perceptions of Intellectual Disability and Age in False Confession Cases” with faculty member Joshua Reynolds, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology.

Recent graduates of the University who presented research include

Emily Burgers ’24, an environmental science major from Wayne, New Jersey, who presented research titled “Climate Change in The Introductory Psychology Classroom” with faculty members Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology, Christopher Holland, Ph.D, visiting assistant professor of psychology at The College of New Jersey, and Alexandra Hadd, data analysis at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.

Claire Carrera ’22, a psychology major from North Bergen, New Jersey, presented research titled “Sports, Classrooms, Peers and Authorities: How Context Influences Perceptions of Microaggressions” with faculty members Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology and Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology.

Elise Koegler ’24, a psychology major from Scranton, presented research titled “Climate Change in The Introductory Psychology Classroom” with faculty members Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology, Christopher Holland, Ph.D, visiting assistant professor of psychology at The College of New Jersey, and Alexandra Hadd, data analysis at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.

Emma Trautfetter ’24, a psychology major from Cedar Grove, New Jersey, presented research titled “Climate Change in The Introductory Psychology Classroom” with faculty members Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology, Christopher Holland, Ph.D, visiting assistant professor of psychology at The College of New Jersey, and Alexandra Hadd, data analysis at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Trautfetter also presented research titled “Examining the Misinformation Effect for Mundane and Unexpected Events” with faculty member Jill Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology.

In addition, Mary Tabit, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology, presented research titled “Adapting A Cannabis Harm Reduction Workshop for Peer-Delivery in Collegiate Settings”

Additional information about undergraduate research opportunities offered by the Psychology Department at The University of Scranton can be found on the department’s webpage.

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 brendan.perez@scranton.edu. 

GET INVOLVED

Club: Irish Cultural Society

Meet: Jack Burke '25, shown, is a psychology major from Dublin, Ireland.

Role in the Club: Member, past president (2022-2024).

Connect: @uofs_ics1

Q: What is your upcoming event and how can people get involved?

The Irish Cultural Society’s biggest annual event, the Potato Mash, is happening on Thursday, March 13 at 8 p.m. This celebration of Irish culture will feature traditional Irish music, crafts, and, of course, a full mashed potato bar complete with soda bread and other delicious snacks. It’s one of my favorite events of the year because it sets the perfect mood for St. Patrick’s Day. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun, just show up and bring your enthusiasm!

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

Aside from the Potato Mash, I absolutely love our monthly meetings. They’re a great way to reconnect with Irish culture, share stories and discuss different aspects of Irish history and traditions. Another favorite event of mine is our Halloween Celebration, where we put an Irish twist on the holiday by painting potatoes instead of carving pumpkins. Halloween originated in Ireland!

Q: Why would you recommend someone join?

I would 100 percent recommend joining! The club has a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home. It’s a fantastic way to make new friends, learn about Irish culture and be part of a tight-knit community where almost everyone is connected in some way.

Q: Why did you join the club?

Joining the Irish Cultural Society felt like a rite of passage for me, and I couldn’t be happier that I did. It’s an incredible way to share my culture, give people a true sense of what Ireland is really like and help promote Irish heritage here at Scranton.

Q: How can someone who is interested find out more about the club? 

The club meets monthly typically in LSC (Loyola Science Center) or various locations around campus. We discuss all things Ireland – history, music, traditions and modern culture. To stay up to date, I recommend joining the group on Royal Sync to get emails, and following the Instagram at uofs_ics1 for event announcements and club news.

Q: Any upcoming plans for the spring semester?

The biggest event, the Potato Mash, will take on March 13 at 8 p.m., and I encourage everyone to come out for a fun and festive night. You won’t want to miss it!