The University of Scranton awarded undergraduate degrees to more than 900 members of the Class of 2026. The newest Scranton alumni received their bachelor’s degrees on Sunday, May 24, at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township. Graduates must have completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2025, as well as January and May of 2026.

The most populous states in this year’s graduating class included Pennsylvania (46%), New York (27%) and New Jersey (20%). Graduates hailed from 11 other states, stretching as far west as Washington and as south as Florida and Texas. The countries of Ireland and Ukraine were represented, as well.

The most common major among the graduates was nursing (10%), while accounting, biology, business administration, criminal justice, finance, kinesiology and occupational therapy represented about 5% each. In total, the graduates covered 61 distinct majors.

Following the processional and a welcome by Tracy M. Stewart, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., H’14, Bishop of Scranton, provided the Invocation.

Sajidul Alam ’26, a double major in political science and philosophy from Kingston, addressed his fellow graduates as the class speaker.

Alam spoke about how the University became “home” for the Class of 2026, referencing two quotes that graduates have seen and heard throughout their daily travels at Scranton.

“‘Go forth and set the world on fire.’ At first, it may have sounded like a call to do something big, something enormous. But Scranton has taught us that sometimes, it means taking what we have learned here and carrying forward those values with intention, integrity, compassion and purpose,” Alam said. “And there is another idea that defines this place, one that is etched on the side of the DeNaples Center: ‘Not where I breathe, but where I love, I live.’ For the past four years, The University of Scranton has been that place.”

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Following Alam’s remarks, the University conferred honorary degrees to former Dominican University president Donna M. Carroll, Ed.D.; attorney and University alumnus Vincent F. Reilly, Esq. ’80; and longtime educator Jack Raslowsky.

Karen L. Pennington, Ph.D. ’76, G’83, H’15, then took the stage as the principal speaker. Dr. Pennington’s 40-plus-year career in higher education administration, prior to retiring in 2021, included 22 years as vice president for student development and campus life at Montclair State University.

In addition to serving as the principal speaker, Dr. Pennington celebrated her class reunion. She and other 1976 graduates gathered before the ceremony, reminiscing on their historic class — the University’s first undergraduate, full-time student class to include women.

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Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president, conferred degrees upon candidates presented by the deans of the University’s three colleges: Victoria H. Castellanos, Ph.D., Leahy College of Health Sciences; Mark Higgins, Ph.D., Kania School of Management; and Carolyn M. Barry, Ph.D., College of Arts and Sciences.

Following the awarding of diplomas, Christopher J. Neumann, Esq. ’87, president of the alumni society, addressed the graduates, as did Father Marina. Megan E. Heeder, Ph.D., assistant professor of theology, provided the benediction prior to the recessional.

Music throughout the event was provided by the University’s concert band and singers.

An archived recording of the ceremony is available online.

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The University of Scranton conferred more than 450 master’s and doctoral degrees at its graduate commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026. Graduates received their diplomas on Sunday, May 24, at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre Township. Graduates must have completed their academic requirements between August 2025 and May 2026.

Graduates spanned 22 states from throughout the U.S., including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee with a large concentration from the East Coast. Pennsylvania was the most populous state among the graduates at 48%, followed by New Jersey and New York at about 15% each. International graduates hailed from Canada, India and Saudi Arabia.

Harshil Nariya ’26, a Master of Business Administration graduate from Enola, addressed his fellow graduates as the class speaker.

“Today is not just a celebration of what we have become, but it is also a reflection of who we are," Nariya said. “We came here with ambitions: to build careers, to learn, to create opportunities. And yes, we have done that. But along the way, we also developed something deeper. We developed empathy, resilience and a sense of responsibility.

“I come from a background where opportunities are not always guaranteed. From working in my family business to studying here, I have seen different sides of the world. And what I think connects them is simple: an understanding that our success is tied to those around us.”

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Karen L. Pennington, Ph.D. ’76, G’83, H’15, who spoke earlier in the day at the undergraduate commencement ceremony, addressed the graduate crowd, as well.

Dr. Pennington, a former higher education administrator, was also in town to celebrate her 50-year class reunion.

“You have a chance to use this gift of education, this special status you achieved, as the launching pad to be more than you were before,” Dr. Pennington said. “Take all you have learned about managing time — past, present and future — to carry the lessons of organization, respect and kindness with you, as you commit to taking the actions necessary to achieve all of your goals.

“What does it mean to have a degree from The University of Scranton? You soon will know, because you have reached the end of this part of your Scranton journey. ... I say it's just ‘this part,’ because what it means to have a degree from The University of Scranton is more than a piece of paper to hang on your wall. It is knowing that you are part of a larger community, not just while in class but for long after."

Among the degrees awarded were Masters of Accountancy, Business Administration, Health Administration, Science and Science in Nursing; as well as Doctors of Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy, Philosophy and Physical Therapy.

An archived recording of the ceremony is available online.

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The University of Scranton recognized 34 outstanding master’s and doctoral degree graduates at its graduate commencement events the weekend of May 22-24, including at the graduate commencement ceremony at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township.

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

Bryant L. Richards, of Webster, Massachusetts, received the Doctor of Philosophy Outstanding Student Award for Accounting;

Madison A. Borys, of West Caldwell, New Jersey, received the Doctor of Occupational Therapy Outstanding Student Award for Occupational Therapy;

Zadok I. Miller, of Glen Allen, Virginia, received the Doctor of Nursing Practice Outstanding Student Award for Nurse Anesthesia;

Madison R. Ribeiro, of Fairfield, New Jersey, received the Doctor of Physical Therapy Outstanding Student Award for Physical Therapy;

Cassidy A. Bartkowski, of Clarks Summit, received the Outstanding Student Award for Family Nurse Practitioner;

Madalyn Dolores Beretzki, of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Occupational Therapy;

Logan H. Campbell, of Conshohocken, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics;

Bethany Earley, of Clarks Green, received the Outstanding Student Award for School Counseling;

Christopher W. Eppley, of Harleysville, received the Outstanding Student Award for Finance;

Fara C. Etienne, of Wheatley Heights, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Healthcare Management;

Amelia J. Farry, of South Abington Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity;

Cassandra K. Haw, of Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling;

Thomas W. Hoy, of Danville, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Administration;

Jonathan Janosky, of Greenfield Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Software Engineering;

Paul L. Katz, of Pittsburgh, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accountancy;

Kevin M. Keil, of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Administration;

Faith M. Kwasnik, of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Special Education;

Nicholas A. Luzetski, of Edwardsville, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Administration;

Kevin Ly, of Danville, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Administration;

Anna J. Merkel, of Skillman, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Chemistry;

Renata Monteiro, of Mount Arlington, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Corporate Finance and Investment Specialization;

Spencer R. Owens, of Coopersburg, received the Outstanding Student Award for Health Administration;

Christian S. Rizzotti, of Macungie, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Administration;

Allison Schuessler, of Selinsgrove, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Administration;

Alyssa E. Sendek, of Haddon Township, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Administration;

Ryan V. Sophabmixay, of Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Secondary Education;

Julia R. Swistak, of Olney, Maryland, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Administration;

Ashley M. Tirone, of Budd Lake, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Applied Behavior Analysis;

Angeliki I. Trifonopoulos, of Jeffersonville, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Clinical Mental Health Counseling;

Kristen Ullmeyer, of Walden, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Speech-Language Pathology;

Anathae Wallace, of Levittown, received the Outstanding Student Award for Health Informatics;

Isabelle M. Wohlleber, of Hazleton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Biochemistry.

The University of Scranton honored 65 members of its undergraduate Class of 2026 for academic excellence, leadership and service at a Class Night ceremony on Friday, May 22, at the McIlhenny Ballroom inside the DeNaples Center.

Students with the highest GPA in each of the University’s three undergraduate colleges were presented Frank J. O’Hara Awards for General Academic Excellence, a memorial to the late administrator who served the University for 53 years.  

Class of 2026 O’Hara Award recipients were: Alyssa M. Cosklo, of Fell Township, Michael J. Gallo, of Whitehall, Sheila A. Miller, of Milford, New Jersey, and Matthew F. Schade, of Haddon Heights, New Jersey, for the College of Arts and Sciences; Nathan F. Clarke, of Malvern, Dean Joseph Luciano Finan, of Downingtown, and Gary C. Mrozinski, of Taylor for the Kania School of Management; and Claudia Vivian Campisciano, of Broomall, for the Leahy College of Health Sciences.

Member of the Class of 2026 Mariah Mancuso, of Dunmore, offered remarks at the ceremony. 

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In addition, students were honored for outstanding academic achievement in their fields of study, leadership and service.

The students honored at Class Night and the awards received are as follows:

David P. Banko, of Wind Gap, received the Lawrence A. Mann Award;

Alessandra Bellino, of Schwenksville, received the Excellence in Mathematics Award;

Diana Lynn Bobko, of Exton, received the Excellence in Occupational Therapy Award;

Claudia Vivian Campisciano, of Broomall, received the O'Hara Award;

Emily R. Carey, of Monroe Township, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Public Policy and Service Award;

Nathan F. Clarke, of Malvern, received the O'Hara Award and the Excellence in Accounting Award;

Chloe P. Colozza, of Old Forge, received the Mary E. Quinn Award for Excellence in Secondary Education;

Rebecca M. Colwell, of Taylor, received the Jesuit Community Award for Outstanding Service (ex aequo);

Kaitlyn M. Conrad, of Wyoming, received the Excellence in Management Award;

Alyssa M. Cosklo, of Fell Township, received the O'Hara Award and the J.J. Quinn, S.J., Achievement Award for Demonstration of Excellence in English Studies and the Excellence in Biology Award;

Erica C. Czerwinski, of Burlington, Massachusetts, received the Excellence in Psychology Award;

Philip R. Danchik, of Woodbine, Maryland, received the Excellence in Chemistry Award;

Allie D. Dean, of Endicott, New York, received the Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing, Award;

Philip J. Evan, of Kingston, received the Excellence in Economics Award (Kania School of Management);

Dean Joseph Luciano Finan, of Downingtown, received the O'Hara Award and the Excellence in Finance Award (ex aequo);

Kevin P. Finning, of Rockville Centre, New York, received the Prof. Frank C. Brown Award for Excellence in History;

Maeve A. Gale, of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, received the Excellence in Health Administration Award;

Michael J. Gallo, of Whitehall, received the O'Hara Award;

Ryan W. Hanley, of Dumont, New Jersey, received the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Award;

Matthew J. Jasienski, of Duryea, received the Excellence in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Award;

Christina M. Kennedy, of Morristown, New Jersey, received the Jesuit Community Award for Outstanding Service (ex aequo);

Ashley A. Kessell, of Exeter, received the Excellence in Health Promotions Award;

Madison Jean Kuharchik, of West Pittston, received the Excellence in Forensic Chemistry Award;

Benjamin Lenert, of Havertown, received the Excellence in Cybercrime and Homeland Security Award;

Grace V. Lennox, of Peckville, received the Prof. Timothy H. Scully Award for Excellence in Political Science;

Bianca Leonard, of Hellertown, received the Excellence in Counseling and Human Services Award;

Grace L. Lloyd, of Yardley, received the J. Timothy Cannon Award for Excellence in Neuroscience;

Tanis J. MacNamee, of Windsor, New York, received the Excellence in Kinesiology Award;

Allison M. Magee, of Harleysville, received the Excellence in Economics Award (College of Arts and Sciences);

Ian T. Mahalek, of Fairfax, Virginia, received the Excellence in Environmental Science Award;

Mariah A. Mancuso, of Dunmore, received the Student Life Award (ex aequo) and spoke at the event;

Thomas Edward Marine, of Cockeysville, Maryland, received the Susquehanna Valley American Chemical Society Senior Award;

Sofia C. Mastellone, of Wayne, New Jersey, received the Lawrence Lennon Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement in Psychology;

Denis P. McBride, of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Applied Computing Award;

Ashley M. McCartney, of Macungie, received the Excellence in Early and Primary Teacher Education Award;

Deirdre Rose Meagher, of Staten Island, New York, received the Excellence in Communication Sciences and Disorders Award;

Hadley M. Michaels, of Baldwinsville, New York, received the Academic Excellence in Nursing Award;

Olivia N. Miller, of Phoenixville, received the Excellence in Operations Management Award;

Sheila A. Miller, of Milford, New Jersey, received the O'Hara Award and the Prof. Bernard J. McGurl Award for Excellence in Communication;

Faith E. Montagnino, of Morganville, New Jersey, received the Prof. Joseph B. Cullather Award for Excellence in English;

Gary C. Mrozinski, of Taylor, received the O'Hara Award and the Excellence in Finance Award (ex aequo);

Sheldon S. Myers, of Downingtown, received the Excellence in Biochemistry Award;

Thomas M. O'Hern, of West Caldwell, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Chemistry Business Award;

James W. O'Malley, of Ambler, received the Dr. A.J. Cawley Award for Excellence in Engineering;

Caroline E. O'Rourke, of Huntington, New York, received the Excellence in Physiology Award;

Evangelina M. Paisi, of East Stroudsburg, received the Excellence in International Studies Award;

Gabriella M. Palmer, of Phoenixville, received the Excellence in Theatre Award;

Alek D. Panchik, of Hershey, received the Excellence in Business Administration Award;

Quentin A. Pegan, of Upper Chichester, received the Croteau and Marx Family Award for Excellence in Mechanical Engineering;

Rebecca F. Potter, of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, received the Prof. Joseph P. Harper Award for Excellence in Physics;

Jonathon Purvis, of Carbondale, received the Excellence in Computer Science Award;

Brian Readie, of Cranford, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Information Technology Award;

Kaeli Marie Romanowski, of Lake Ariel, received the Edward K. Spitzer Scholarship Award;

Vito M. Rotell, of Eynon, received the Excellence in Business Analytics Award and the Student Life Award (ex aequo);

Matthew F. Schade, of Haddon Heights, New Jersey, received the O'Hara Award;

Therese J. Shimkus, of Scranton, received the Excellence in Philosophy Award;

Sarayah F. Smith, of Dallas, received the Excellence in Criminal Justice Award;

Samantha R. Sonnie, of Philadelphia, received the J. Harold Brislin Memorial Award for Excellence in Journalism;

Nicole C. Tonny, of Scranton, received the Excellence in Marketing Award;

Ashlyn Urbanski, of Pittston, received the Excellence in Mathematical Sciences Award;

Elizabeth G. Vander Neut, of Exton, received the Alumni Loyalty and Service Award;

Maria I. Viola, of Monroe, New York, received the Excellence in Theology Award;

Stevie-Gianna V. Vitale, of Freehold, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Sociology Award;

Steven Wohlmuth, of Cromwell, Connecticut, received the Military Science Leadership Award;

Delaney M. Wozniak, of Kings Park, New York, received the Excellence in Human Resource Studies Award.

An archived recording of the ceremony can be seen at this link.

Five members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2026 capped their undergraduate careers by being commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

The five Scranton graduates, as well as three additional members from other regional colleges, were honored at an on-campus ceremony, held Saturday, May 23, at the McIlhenny Ballroom inside the DeNaples Center. 

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University of Scranton ROTC

• 2nd Lt. Natalie M. Badilla, of Fairless Hills, graduated, magna cum laude, as a nursing major. 
• 2nd Lt. Caleb A. Grossman, of Swoyersville, graduated, magna cum laude, as an international studies major. He was named a Distinguished Military Graduate, placing him in the top 10% of cadets in the nation. He received the George C. Marshall Military Leadership Award, as well.
• 2nd Lt. Nicholas A. Luzetski, of Edwardsville, graduated as a business administration major. He was named a Distinguished Military Graduate, placing him in the top 10% of cadets in the nation.
• 2nd Lt. David R. McIntyre, of Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a criminal justice major.
• 2nd Lt. Steven Wohlmuth, of Cromwell, Connecticut, graduated, summa cum laude, as a communication and philosophy double major. He was named a Distinguished Military Graduate, placing him in the top 10% of cadets in the nation. He received The University of Scranton's Military Science Leadership Award at Class Night on May 22.

Also commissioned at the event were members of the Royal Warrior Battalion from area colleges:

• 2nd Lt. Efrain Madera, of Reeders, who graduated as a criminal justice major from East Stroudsburg University;
• 2nd Lt. Stephen Tellez, of Moscow, who graduated as a U.S. history major from East Stroudsburg University.
• 2nd Lt. Amanda Trzesniowski, of Wilkes-Barre, who graduated as a nursing major from Marywood University.

Col. Kaitlyn Perkins '03 served as the principal speaker. Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, and Lt. Col Jay Wenger, Ph.D., University professor of military science and leader of the Royal Warrior Battalion Army ROTC program, also participated in the ceremony.

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The University of Scranton honored its Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) students at a special luncheon, held April 21 at The Colonnade in downtown Scranton.

Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, offered a blessing as the students dined with him; former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, the University’s Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service; and Lt. Col. Jay Wenger, professor of military science and leader of the Royal Warrior Battalion Army ROTC program.

ROTC is a college-based leadership and training program that prepares students to serve after graduation as officers in the U.S. military. ROTC cadets pursue their academic degrees while participating in military science courses, leadership training and physical fitness activities.

In its most recent rankings, U.S. News and World Report ranked Scranton No. 3 in the North category for “Best Colleges for Veterans,” recognizing the University’s efforts in making higher education more accessible and affordable for veterans and active-duty service members.

Hundreds of students have been inducted into national and international honor societies represented at The University of Scranton throughout the 2026 spring semester. Lists of students inducted into some of the University’s honor societies can be seen below.

 

In 1979, artist Jim Markowich shifted focus after creating a visual celebration of baseball. Today he's getting back in the game to showcase a significant body of work.

"I graduated with a BFA from the Cooper Union School of Art back in 1979," said Markowich. "Making a living as a fine artist was an iffy proposition, so I became a computer programmer and did that professionally for 45 years."

Since his retirement in 2024, the lifelong learner has been engaging in University coursework as an auditor and volunteering botanical skills at the University's Quain Memorial Conservancy Greenhouse. And this spring, in addition to studying European History and Science and the Human Environment at The University of Scranton, he can be found exhibiting a collection of paintings (78!) at the Everhart Museum.
 
The museum is showcasing his artistry, "Play Ball!: The Tarot de Cooperstown," now through July 19. And, at an Artist's Reception there on Friday, May 15, from 5-8 p.m., Markowich will walk visitors through the development of 78 baseball-related tarot paintings inspired by the baseball diamond and its cast of characters, including the manager, the owner, the players and the commissioner, to name a few. 

Registration is not required, but is recommended.

In celebration of America’s pastime, artists Paul Kuhrman and James Markowich used the 18th-century Nicolas Conver tarot card deck, itself derived from the original Tarot de Marseille decks, as the foundation for a series of 78 paintings inspired by the baseball diamond and its cast of characters, including the manager, the owner, the players and the commissioner, to name a few. 

According to the Everhart Museum exhibition description, "Tarot decks were originally created for card games, before evolving into tools used to seek guidance and insight into the future. As any baseball fan understands, speaking to and pleading with one's deities about the game is a rite of passage, even to the extent of praying for a hit by one’s favorite player or team, or a recorded out by the opposition. These artistic interpretations take a different approach: not to predict what lies ahead, but to offer a playful celebration of baseball through the imaginative lens of tarot imagery.

In conjunction with the series of paintings, reproductions of the paintings have been printed into a complete tarot card deck that can be used to play an actual baseball game, complete with hits, outs, and interactions with the gods of the diamonds — the umpires!"


Postcard courtesy Everhart Museum.

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IF YOU GO:

What: "Play Ball!: The Tarot de Cooperstown," on view through July 19, 2026

When: Artist's Reception with Jim Markowich, Friday, May 15, 2026, 5 –7 p.m.
Registration is not required, but is recommended.

Where: Everhart Museum,1901 Mulberry St, Scranton, PA 18510. Contact: info@everhart-museum.org and 570-346-7186 ext. 510

The Student Education Club of The University of Scranton (SECUS), led by Co-Moderators Dr. Tata Mbugua and Dr. Jinqing Liu, joined over 20 dedicated education majors for a landmark visit to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education meeting in Harrisburg. The student delegation represented all three certification tracks: Early and Primary Education (PreK–4), Middle Level Education (4–8) and Secondary Education (7–12).

The Pennsylvania State Board of Education is comprised of 21 members, ten of whom serve as the Board’s Council of Basic Education and ten of whom serve as the Board’s Council of Higher Education. The Board has the power and duty to review and adopt regulations that govern educational policies and principles and establish standards governing the educational programs of the Commonwealth.

During the meeting, Dr. Mbugua was recognized by the Board and invited to make a public comment. A public comment at a Pennsylvania State Board of Education meeting follows specific protocol, usually requiring a two- to four-minute limit and a focus on education-related matters such as academic policy, education priorities and teacher preparation priorities. In her 90-second address, Dr. Mbugua expressed the group's gratitude to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, with special thanks to Board Member Nathan Barrett. Dr. Mbugua noted that Barrett has been a steadfast supporter of The University of Scranton students and was instrumental in facilitating this visit.

"This opportunity allows our future educators to experience firsthand how advocacy and professional agency function at the state level," Dr. Mbugua told the board. "By witnessing these proceedings, our students are moving beyond classroom theory to see how policy is debated, shaped and implemented for the benefit of all Pennsylvania learners."

She emphasized that such experiential learning moments are vital in empowering students to envision themselves not only as future classroom teachers, but as active participants in the broader educational landscape.

Dr. Mbugua thanked the Pennsylvania Board of Education “for its leadership and for providing this platform that helps prepare the next generation of educators to advocate effectively for their students and their profession in Pennsylvania and beyond.”

The group was also addressed by Dr. Carrie Rowe, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, who encouraged the students to continue seeking opportunities to contribute to the teaching profession. Dr. Rowe commended the delegation for their participation and extended an invitation to return for next year's Board meeting. Her current priorities span a wide range of pressing issues, including teacher recruitment and retention, student mental health, funding for 27 Pennsylvania libraries, structured literacy, workforce development, expanding dual credit enrollment taught by certified 9–12 grade teachers, amplifying student voices in Board priorities, and funding initiatives to reduce sexual violence on campuses.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, the Pennsylvania Department of Education generously provided a complimentary coach bus for the students' travel to Harrisburg. Dr. Mbugua reflected that the experience was nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — one that brought the future of Pennsylvania education face to face with those who shape it.

“One of the best parts of the trip was speaking with Board of Education members, learning more about education policy, advocacy, and seeing firsthand how decisions impacting schools and students are discussed,” Alexis Cox, SECUS Secretary.

The following students and faculty attended the PDE Board of Education session in Harrisburg: Nina Balchune, Sarah Batista, Julia Brophy, Alexis Cox, Kayla Cunningham, Monical Dell’Olio, Abigail Griesemer, Bridgid Guarnuccio, Makenzi Jashembowski, Bridgit Ann Lewis, Anya Kelly, Jena Lewis, Breana Metric, Bridget Mitchell, Grismeiris De Jesus, Ashley McCartney, Alahna Pidich, Emma Schultz, Emma Ryan, Riley Schmidt, Lizzy Zdziebkowski, Dr. Jinqing Liu and Dr. Tata Mbugua.

The students also had the opportunity to engage with Amy Lena, Deputy Secretary of Education, who applauded them for attending the Board session and invited them to reflect on the meeting's agenda items — among them campus hunger and food insecurity, dual enrollment, minimum of 30-minute recess in K–12 schools, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) Standards.

Dr. Liu captured the significance of the experience: "As an Assistant Professor, I am honored to co-lead alongside Dr. Mbugua in bringing our future educators to this Board meeting — where they witness firsthand how educational policy is shaped through dialogue, debate, and democratic action. This transformative experience empowers our students to see themselves not only as teachers, but as advocates and leaders in the future of education. By engaging directly in the policymaking process, they gain the confidence and inspiration to cultivate civic engagement and democratic participation in the generations they will one day teach."

SECUS President Julia Brophy echoed that sentiment: "By observing the Board's deliberations firsthand, we gained an invaluable understanding of teacher advocacy and the critical role of professional agency in shaping the education system."

Pennsylvania State Board of Education Member Nathan Barrett guided University of Scranton students and faculty on a tour of the State Capitol and Darby Free Library. Shown are Dr. Mbugua, Barrett and Dr. Liu.

Sixty University of Scranton students were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the national honor society for students in Jesuit colleges and universities in 2026. The Scranton chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu, founded in 1943, is the oldest honor society at the University. Juniors, seniors and graduate students, including students in doctoral-level degree programs, who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service are eligible for membership.

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

The University of Scranton Health Professions Organization (HPO) and Medical Alumni Council (MAC) hosted a joint event on Monday, May 1 on campus. Alumni and students in attendance participated in panel discussions, dinner and networking. 

The presenters included Bernard Costello III, MD, DMD '91, and Katie Zefran, DMD, MPH'16. Panelists included Thomas Churilla, MD '09, Scott Peslak, MD, Ph.D. '06, and Alexandra Shomali '25.

HPO President William Vinsko, III ‘26, and Dan Marenda, Ph.D., associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, provided an introduction and conclusion, respectively.

Learn more about the HPO from Vinsko, a biology major from Wilkes-Barre, in a recent Club Spotlight interview with Royal News. Connect with the organization on Instagram @uofs_hpo. 

The MAC seeks to assist undergraduate pre-health professional students through education in health-related programs, networking assistance and guidance on admission to health professional schools, and access to role models in various medical careers. The MAC also keeps alumni health practitioners informed about campus developments, nominates students and alumni for scholarships and awards, conducts symposia for alumni in the health professions and encourages financial support for the University from these alumni.

Kania School of Management Operations and Analytics Department hosted the INFORMS Omega Rho 2026 International Honor Society Induction Ceremony on April 23.

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 recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in these disciplines.

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.

Inductees include:

Jacob Bendixen

Mark Benginia

Karleigh Capobianco

Nicholas Daleo

Ayushi Das

Connor Farrington

Venkat Kalpatapu

Kevin Keil

Joseph Kulikowski

Harshawardhan Limaye

William Gabriel Martin, III

Joseph Mazich

Olivia Miller

Harshil Nariya

Sara Orlandini

Prasham Patel

Drew Paxson

Nina Sorbera

Robert Stefano

William Tagliareni

Christopher Talocka

Meghan Theofield

MacLean Thuermer

Traci Vennie

Dylan Port Vliet

Dr. Nabil Tamimi is a professor and chair of the Department of Operations and Analytics. Dr. David Mahalak, an assistant professor in the Operations and Analytics Department, serves as the faculty advisor for the University's chapter of the Omega Rho Honor Society.

 

 

By Marcus Smith '27, Student Correspondent

Every year, Sigma Tau Delta, the international English Honor Society, hosts a convention that gathers some of the most brilliant of the next generation of writers and literary scholars.

This year, 11 student members of Mu Omicron, The University of Scranton’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, attended the annual convention “Second Lines and New Beginnings” from March 29 to April 1, in New Orleans, where they presented papers ranging from short stories to poetic criticism.

Almost 200 different universities and colleges from across the globe attended the closing ceremonies on April 1, where awards were presented to around 70 presenters for outstanding works in their categories, ranging from original prose to LGBT literature to pop-culture analysis.

Out of those 68 recipients, two University of Scranton alumni and one current undergraduate won awards, putting Scranton in the upper tier of universities to be awarded, with three in total.

The following students presented their papers at the convention:

Emily Carey ʼ26, a public policy and philosophy double-major from Monroe Township, New Jersey, presented “Uttering Identity.”

Adelle Confer ʼ26, an English and Philosophy double-major from Canton, presented “Clifton and Madhubuti: Assassination, Hopelessness, and Dejection.”

Lauren DeSantis ʼ26, an English and Philosophy double-major from Copiague, New York, presented “The Emerald Standard: Limitations on Irish Women in Lady Gregory and W. B. Yeats’ “Cathleen Ni Houlihan” and James Joyce’s ‘Eveline.’”

Amanda Karpiak ʼ27, an English major from Scranton, presented “Death In Edinburgh.”

Jenna LaBarca ʼ26, an English and Criminal Justice major from Tuckahoe, New York, presented “Annis’ Departure from the World of Spirits and Passage to Freedom.”

Faith Montagnino ʼ26, an English major from Morganville, New Jersey, presented “Grief as Protest: Reimagining the Elegy in Danez Smith’s ‘not an elegy for Mike Brown.’”

Gabriella Palmer ʼ26, an English, Theatre and Philosophy triple-major from Phoenixville, presented “The Inheritance of Vivienne Dupree.”

Nya Rowe '26, an English major from the Bronx, New York, presented "The Art of Dorian Gray: Victorian Aesthetics in Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.'"

Marcus Smith ʼ27, an English and Theatre double-major from Schuylkill Haven, presented “The Scranton Anomaly.”

Lauren Spratt ʼ26, an English major from Philadelphia, presented “Women and Proto-Feminism in Victorian Literature.”

Benjamin Storman ʼ27, an English major from Scranton, presented “Journal of an American Janitor.”

The students were chaperoned by Billie Tadros, Ph.D., and Madeline Gangnes, Ph.D., both associate professors in the Department of English and Theatre who also serve as faculty moderators for Mu Omicron.

 

 

 

Two Scranton alumni also presented works of poetry, for which they won awards.

Bethany Belkowski ʼ24, who has a double-major in English and Public Policy and Service, presented “She Punctuates Her Conversation With Snatches of Song” and Elias Kerr ʼ23, who has a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy presented “trans [re]formation - part 1.”

Belkowski won an honorable mention for the Stemmler/Dennis LGBT Awards, while Kerr placed second, both in the creative works category.

In addition to the alumni, Carey won third place for the Stemmler/Dennis awards in the critical essays category for her work “Uttering Identity,” an essay that she wrote in a class that she took with Dr. Tadros.

Likewise, Kerr’s poetry flourished while studying with Dr. Tadros during their undergraduate years at Scranton.

According to Kerr, that tutelage, along with presenting their work at Sigma Tau Delta’s conventions, helped them “become a more confident, empowered, and healed individual.”

Kerr also discussed how important the Sigma Tau Delta community is to them, and the meaningful impact they have had among the literary community.

“People will always come up to me after I speak on a panel or give a reading, often bringing up how they heard me read the previous year, or how my book has helped them through similar challenges,” Kerr said. “Being able to use the written word to share my personal story and experiences with others has made a world of difference for me; I feel like I am giving back to a community that has always given to me.”

Kerr also expressed a desire to stay involved with Sigma Tau Delta for a long time, saying that “I hope to continue to be a part of the convention for years to come, and share my work, my stories, and my experiences with other writers from around the country.”

Additionally, Confer, DeSantis, LaBarca and Montagnino, Mu Omicron chapter’s executive board members, presented a Roundtable research discussion titled “What We Owe Each Other: Survival, Storytelling, and Care in Jesmyn Ward’s ‘Salvage the Bones.’”

Beyond the presentations and awards, members of Scranton’s chapter of Sigma Tau Delta were deeply involved in ensuring that the conference ran smoothly, ranging from serving as regional representatives to inaugural leaders of new groups, helping to give back to the literary community.

Dr. Tadros and Kerr were also both appointed as inaugural mentors for the new National English Honor Society Poets Laureate Award, where they will help aspiring poets in high school serve as poetic voices for their communities.

So far, they have mentored three young poets who gave a reading at the convention this year as a part of that program.

Both Kerr and Dr. Tadros were recognized for mentoring those students at the awards ceremony on April 1.

They both also took part in a panel called “Distinguished Voices in Contemporary Poetry,” where they discussed this new mentorship position.

Scranton’s contributions did not stop there, though, as Montagnino, Mu Omicron’s president, served both onstage and behind the scenes as the 2025-2026 Associate Student Representative for the Eastern Region, a position that she described as “an incredibly fulfilling, albeit different, experience compared to my trips to St. Louis and Pittsburgh as a convention attendee.”

As a student representative, Montagnino took on numerous responsibilities, such as coordinating the schedules that helped the convention run smoothly, introducing keynote speaker Jesmyn Ward and running after-hours events for the convention attendees.

“I loved being able to introduce myself in person to the people I had been working to support for so long,” Montagnino said.

She also was excited to see everyone getting to know each other and making connections with people from other places.

“It was beautiful to witness the connections fostered by students from diverse parts of the country,” Montagnino said. “Watching attendees make friends from other universities, show up for one another, and encourage each other was truly moving, and I feel blessed to have had a hand in creating that space.”

Sigma Tau Delta recognizes and encourages excellence among undergraduate and graduate students in all aspects of English language, literature and related fields such as journalism, theatre, creative writing, media and film studies, communications, marketing, linguistics and education, including literacy initiatives.

 

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