2026
January
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Two extraordinary jazz woodwind players, identical twins Peter and Will Anderson, will present “The Fabulous Dorseys” at The University of Scranton on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m.
The free concert performed by a sextet of New York’s finest musicians will begin with a pre-concert talk at 6:40 p.m. in The Houlihan-McLean Center (Mulberry Street at Jefferson Avenue.) Its focus: the late Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, and the brothers' journey from Northeastern Pennsylvania to their rise as national stars.
Identical twins Peter and Will Anderson are two of the most extraordinary jazz woodwind players today, hailed as “virtuosos on clarinet and saxophone,” according to The New York Times. The Andersons have performed with jazz greats throughout the U.S. and abroad - over 40 U.S. states, throughout Brazil, Japan, and the U.K. Their program, "The Fabulous Dorseys," brings the remarkable story of Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey to life.
Performed by a sextet of New York’s finest musicians, the show traces the Dorsey brothers’ journey from their start in the coal regions of Northeastern Pennsylvania as teenage professionals on trombone and saxophone through their rise as national stars with the Dorsey Brothers Band, to the dramatic 1935 sibling split that sent them on separate paths, followed by their long-awaited reunion a decade later.
All events will take place in The Houlihan-McLean Center (Mulberry Street at Jefferson Avenue) and are free of admission charge, unless otherwise noted.
The Fabulous Dorseys To Perform Jan. 31
The University of Scranton has been nationally recognized for its dedication and distinction in community engagement in a newly released report that serves as the premier framework for assessing and honoring institutions committed to this work.
The 2026 Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, an elective designation awarded by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, listed Scranton as one of 237 honorees nationwide. The cohort includes 157 public and 80 private institutions, including 19 others in Pennsylvania. The University is the only 2026 cohort recipient of the honor in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area.
The classification, which is valid until 2032, is awarded to colleges and universities that submitted a self-study that revealed an institutional integration of mission, culture, leadership and resources used to advance meaningful and impactful community engagement. The Carnegie Foundation describes community engagement as “the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity” that contributes to the public good.
“Students, faculty, staff and alumni engage with the Scranton community in a range of ways — direct service, academic projects and research, and joint initiatives — that help improve the community we all call home. They address community-defined needs and priorities in such areas as poverty, food insecurity, youth programming, health care, older adult needs, immigrant and refugee support, prison education and civic engagement,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president of community engagement and government affairs. “These community-based activities and partnerships are where some of our best learning takes place and where the call to ‘love your neighbor,’ grounded in our Jesuit and Catholic mission, is most demonstrated.”
As a Catholic, Jesuit institution, The University of Scranton’s identity is closely tied to serving others in the community. Spearheading the University’s efforts are the Center for Service and Social Justice, the Office of Community Relations in External Affairs, the Office of Community-Based Learning, the Leahy Community Health and Family Center and the Small Business Development Center. Collectively, these offices and others organize service opportunities, host educational and cultural events, provide health and wellness services, offer expert consulting solutions and create hands-on learning experiences that connect students and employees with local and regional partners. Altogether, through these and other offices and programs, the University invested $1,077,557 in its 2023-2024 annual budget to support institutional engagement in the community.
“Since arriving at the University in 2021, I have found the relationship between The University of Scranton and the City of Scranton and the broader community of Northeastern Pennsylvania to be a source of pride, mutual learning, and collaboration in pursuit of the common good. The University cannot be successful if Scranton is not flourishing and vice versa,” Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University of Scranton president, said in a letter submitted with the Carnegie application. “The University’s Jesuit and Catholic mission characterizes how we seek to engage with our community — in solidarity, in a spirit of mutuality and encounter, and in service of justice and positive change.”
The application provides information and analysis of the University’s community engagement efforts, reflecting on areas of growth and improvement as well as long-standing programs and commitments. It details local co-curricular service such as students preparing 1,700 meals in 2023-2024 for low-income neighbors through innovative projects such as “We Care;" supporting and mentoring youth in after-school programs; conducting item drives; volunteering with numerous local non-profit organizations; and participating in domestic and international service trips.
Through community-based learning, faculty and students engage locally in ways tied to their academic course or program. They have helped improve the health and wellbeing of neighbors with special needs and older adults, archived the stories of veterans, addressed period poverty, created arts activities for elementary students, provided health fairs for newly arrived refugees, and promoted awareness and advocacy on such issues as child abuse, among other projects. In 2023-2024, a total of 88 community-based learning courses were taught at the University, including an estimated 1,200 students performing 31,673 academic service hours during that year.
Community engagement is embedded in still further ways — through student government’s biannual Street Sweep that beautifies streetscapes and parks, through the many faculty and staff (80%) who engage in local community volunteer activities, and through the University's alumni’s annual day of service. The application also highlights civic engagement programs — such as non-partisan voter engagement activities and a political dialogue across differences project run since 2017 — which help students reflect on their values and use their voice within campus and in the public square.
The data and projects detailed in the Carnegie application built on the information shared through the University’s 2024 Community and Economic Impact Report, produced by the University’s Office of Community Relations. The University produced an overall economic impact of more than $277 million and awarded over $100 million in institutional student aid. The newest building on campus, Robert S. ’68 and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall, is a hub for several of the University’s community-focused programs and has state-of-the-art equipment that is meant to be shared with local partners.
Community Collaborator: University Awarded Prestigious Carnegie Classification
University of Scranton occupational therapy students traveled beyond the classroom this winter, participating in a service-learning trip that combined hands-on healthcare delivery, cultural immersion and community service in the rural Dominican Republic.
Led by faculty chaperone Dr. Chandra Nealon, MS/LPT, DPT, the trip provided students with a non-traditional fieldwork experience in San Juan de la Maguana, where they worked alongside local healthcare providers and community organizations to address unmet occupational therapy needs.
Students delivered services through daily pop-up clinics in rural neighborhoods along with in a more structured rehabilitation setting at the Asociación Dominicana de Rehabilitación Filial San Juan. The experience allowed students to compare healthcare delivery models across settings and cultures while responding to a wide range of patient needs.
OT needs in the area varied from healthcare screenings including vital signs, range of motion, strength, balance and functional mobility to more focused assessments and treatments. Students worked with children with diagnoses like cerebral palsy, developmental delay and autism, as well as adults with diabetes, osteoarthritis, strokes, amputations and injuries related to motor vehicle accidents.
Senior occupational therapy major Camryn Hoffman of Rockville Centre, N.Y., said the clinics emphasized adaptability and cultural awareness. Working with older adults and children, students conducted assessments, took vitals and implemented resource-conscious interventions.
“Limited access to equipment and time, as well as navigating a language barrier, required me to be more creative, flexible and client-centered," Hoffman said. "This reinforced that effective occupational therapy does not depend on high-tech tools, but on meaningful connection and functional relevance."
Jamie Alderfer, a senior occupational therapy major from Souderton, operated pop-up clinics near with her fellow students near their worksite, treating community members who lack access to healthcare.
“It was a fun challenge to work with our classmates and trip leaders to decide how to best help our clients while working with a large language barrier. We discussed feeling our confidence grow throughout the week, as we got more comfortable using Spanish terms and got into the groove of our therapeutic process," Alderfer said.
Students also spent time observing occupational and physical therapy services at a local rehabilitation facility, where they learned how economic barriers affect access to care.
“Getting to work with people who have much less, but are so appreciative and generous was very humbling," Alderfer said. "I have always had an interest in service, but getting to fully immerse myself in a service trip in another culture was so unique and inspiring."
In addition to clinical work, students participated in a five-day house build through the Cambiando Vidas organization, applying principles of body mechanics, accessibility and universal design while contributing to a family’s future home.
Hoffman noted one of the most meaning moments of the experience, on the last day of the house build. “I noticed the couple who were moving in step back and watch the entire process unfold, visibly excited and grateful as they realized this house would be their future," Hoffman said. "Witnessing that moment felt full circle, as it connected our physical labor, teamwork, and service directly to the impact it would have on the family’s life."
The couple receiving the finished house had even participated in the very first build of the Cambiando Vidas organization. Alderfer noted the significance of this moment and their committment to the community.
"It was very inspiring to me to see all the hard work that they put into their own house and all the other houses, as housing has been something that I have somewhat taken for granted throughout my life," Alderfer said.
Nealon emphasized that experiences like these extend beyond technical skill development and align with the University of Scranton's Jesuit mission.
“Service trips such as this connect both the course objectives and the University’s Jesuit values in a fully immersive experience,” Nealon said. “Students are challenged to reflect upon their own lives and understand the meaning of ‘being for and with others.’”
For many students, the trip reshaped their understanding of service and their future roles as healthcare professionals.
"After this experience, I definitely feel more inclined to look into opportunities with populations in more need of help or in places unknown to me," Alderfer said. I am learning that the unknown just means there is more to learn!"
Nealon hopes the impact of the trip resonates with both the students and the Dominican communities served.
“This trip serves as a powerful affirmation of human dignity, providing to the people of San Juan de la Maguana, DR, that they are truly seen and valued” Nealon said. “Our group traveled such a distance to help and learn from families, community members, patients and healthcare providers they had never met. This mutual exchange of knowledge and emotion leaves both groups forever changed."
As the students returned to campus, they brought with them expanded clinical experience and a renewed commitment to service, empathy and culturally responsive care.
The group of fourteen occupational therapy students and faculty leader Dr. Chandra Nealon represent the University of Scranton in front the progressing house build in San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic.
Occupational Therapy Students Learn and Serve in Dominican Republic
The University of Scranton’s life-changing, four-year, pre-college program was recently awarded a grant that will help it continue to provide encouragement and academic, cultural and social enrichment to local teenagers who aspire to enroll in colleges and universities.
The University of Success program at The University of Scranton received a $15,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation. It was awarded as part of the 2025 spring grant cycle for the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The funds will support promising high school students who can contribute to the community and achieve success with access to post-secondary education.
Created in 1996 and with its first full graduating class in 2001, the University of Success is supported by gifts and grants. The program, which is offered free of charge to selected local students beginning in Grade 9 and continuing through Grade 12, offers mentorship, seminars, test prep and developmental enrichment courses covering a wide range of topics. The University of Success staff closely works with students to keep them on track as they develop skills and confidence and ultimately gain admission to their chosen institutions of higher learning. The 17 University of Success graduates in the Class of 2025 matriculated to 11 colleges and universities, including five at The University of Scranton. Two graduates joined the military to further pursue their education.
The Robert H. Spitz Foundation has awarded more than $6 million in funding to initiatives and programs that serve the people of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania. It was founded in 2015, shortly after the death of Spitz, who was born in Scranton in 1955, graduated from Scranton Central High School and the University of Miami, Florida, and had been employed by the U.S. Department of Labor and owned several local Arby’s restaurants.
Spitz Foundation Awards Grant to University of Success
One of The University of Scranton’s most historic and highest-achieving programs has been awarded a nearly $1 million federal grant.
The University of Scranton’s clinical rehabilitation counseling program will receive a five-year grant, totaling nearly $1 million, from the U.S. Department of Education’s Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). The grant, which will provide scholarships to graduate students at Scranton and will also broaden program accessibility through online and hybrid learning formats, was announced Monday, Jan. 12, in partnership with U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan ’12 through an official press release.
“The University of Scranton plays an important role in preparing students for careers that meet real needs in our communities,” said Rep. Bresnahan in the press release. “That’s why I’m proud to have helped secure this critical funding to expand access to training and help address workforce shortages in rehabilitation and counseling services. I will always fight to bring tax dollars back to Northeastern Pennsylvania to strengthen programs our communities rely on.”
The rehabilitation counseling profession itself was significantly shaped — and in many ways created — by the federal government. It emerged in the early 20th century as a result of injured veterans returning from war and desiring a sense of normalcy. As the demand for these services grew, so, too, did the need for qualified professionals. Because of service demand and concomitant federal commitment to rehabilitation programmatic success, a handful of programs were started at well-established, graduate degree-granting colleges and universities.
Clinical rehabilitation counseling practitioners are charged with helping individuals overcome developmental, emotional, mental and physical disabilities while also encouraging autonomy and removing the social and attitudinal barriers that restrict full participation for people with disabilities.
“As a Catholic, Jesuit institution, The University of Scranton teaches our students and graduates to be ‘for and with others.’ We must not only serve others but stand in solidarity with them,” said Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University of Scranton president. “The clinical rehabilitation counseling field is a shining example of this Jesuit ideal. Our students are trained to treat — but even more importantly, accompany — individuals as they face emotional, physical and psychological challenges. They work with the underserved and overlooked, treating them with the humanity and dignity they deserve and that ultimately helps them flourish.”
The grant will fund tuition scholarships and increase the pool of highly qualified, master’s-level rehabilitation counselors, thus addressing regional personnel shortages. The degree was previously offered only on-campus, but will now also be offered entirely online or as an on-campus/online hybrid, making it accessible to more students.
Scranton’s nationally recognized rehabilitation counseling program, which offers a Master of Science degree, was established in 1965. It is the second-oldest such program at a Catholic college or university in the U.S.
Since its inception, Scranton’s rehabilitation counseling program has prepared 976 graduates who have gone on to serve people with disabilities in both public and private settings. Data shows rehabilitation counselors are likely to serve 1,500 to 2,500 individual clients in a career, meaning Scranton’s graduates are estimated to have served about 1.5 million clients with disabilities.
In addition to the teaching rooted in Jesuit values and instruction coming from world-class educators, Scranton’s innovative program features state-of-the-art video technology at the David W. Hall Counselor Training Center, which enables students to record counseling sessions with hands-on supervision.
“We are very honored to have received this grant award, as it is a significant validation of the commitment to excellence of those who have built and sustained this program for over 60 years,” said Samantha Herrick, Ph.D., associate professor of counseling and human services and director of the University’s Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Program. “This grant will allow us to carry forward our mission into the future by increasing capacity and expanding access for qualified applicants with a passion for empowering others to reach their full potential.”
The clinical rehabilitation field offers strong employment rates and salaries, as well as opportunities to engage in meaningful, life-changing work. Additionally, Scranton alumni remain connected to the program long after graduation, evidenced by the 60-year anniversary celebration and reunion held this fall.
The grant will award the University’s program with five payments over a five-year period, totaling $999,909.16.
U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Scranton’s rehabilitation counseling program as No. 2 in Pennsylvania and in the top 50 in the U.S., reflecting its strong reputation across the nation.
Nearly $1 Million Grant Awarded to University of Scranton’s Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Program
Being the editor of a publication is hard work.
Beyond mapping out the content, proofreading it and laying it out on the page, there are countless editorial decisions and editor-to-writer interactions that determine what is ultimately presented to readers.
It’s a full-time job — in most instances.
However, in the case of academic journals, which engage scholarly subject matter authorities from around the world and serve small but deeply influential audiences, the herculean tasks at the top are often carried out by faculty who already have a full-time gig.
Such is the case for Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., professor of English and theatre at The University of Scranton, who recently put the finishing touches on his first issue as editor-in-chief of “Ecumenica: Performance and Religion.”
“The major thing I feel is — well, it’s a few things,” Dr. Willenbrink said. “One, I feel immense gratitude to the people who gave up their time to contribute to it, everyone from the editors to the contributors and the peer reviewers. There’s a lot of work that doesn’t get seen and I really feel gratitude to everyone, including David Mason, who was the editor before me and kind of held my hand through so much of this.
“The second thing I feel is: it’s just damn good scholarship. People are really bringing out their A-game. There are a lot of things in it that I find so fascinating. The different pieces speak to each other without knowing it.”
The 122-page special edition, filled with book and performance reviews, essays and roundtable conversations, didn’t come together overnight.
In some ways, it began in 2021, when Dr. Willenbrink’s first contribution was published in “Ecumenica.”
“‘Ecumenica’ was kind enough to work with me on that and it’s really from there that we began a deeper connection,” he said. “About a year ago, they wrote to me and asked if I would be interested in taking on the editor-in-chief role. I said, ‘Yeah. Absolutely.’”
Contributors in the new issue are currently employed at colleges on the West Coast, in the Ivy League and even across the border in Canada.
“The runway for issues like this can be up to two years,” Dr. Willenbrink said. “In this particular case, it was a bit more condensed, partially because of the editorial transition. We were really grinding on this about a year or less than a year.”
Dr. Willenbrink describes “Ecumenica” as existing to probe the intersection between all kinds of performance and religion, two broad categories that open numerous possibilities he hopes to explore further in future issues.
“We’re always accepting people to pitch ideas for contributions or academic essays,” he said. “You know what they say about Motel 6: ‘We’ll leave the light on for you.’ We’ve always got the light on for folks that are interested in writing.”
For more information and to purchase the latest issue of “Ecumenica,” please visit the Scholarly Publishing Collective.
Scranton English and Theatre Professor, Dr. Willenbrink, Edits Magazine
Teaching is a calling.
That’s how Juan Serna, Ph.D., chair of physics and engineering at The University of Scranton, sees it. Dr. Serna earned an undergraduate degree in his native Colombia and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Arkansas before arriving at Scranton in 2015 and preparing a new generation of learners and doers.
“I believe, for example, a person who’s a scientist has some kind of obligation to transmit that knowledge to the next generation,” Dr. Serna said. “When you start teaching a class and you notice that the students are responding and you catch their attention, it is amazing. You feel that you are doing something good and really rewarding.”
Dr. Serna then shifts his attention from the interviewer to the two students in his office.
“I believe you’re going to feel the same thing when you are teaching students,” he tells them.
Those two students — James Kane, of White Plains, New York, and Alessandra Bellino, of Schwenksville — are set to become Scranton’s 10th and 11th graduates of the National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. Since launching at Scranton in 2022, the program has produced highly qualified STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) teachers who participate in workshops, mentorship sessions and other benefits from the program to receive the proper training to work in high-need school districts.
While Kane and Bellino are similar in that they are in the Noyce program and are double majors in secondary education and mathematics, they took different routes to this destination.
“Freshman year, I came in undecided and really had no idea what I wanted to do,” Kane recalled. “I was taking a couple business classes but I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea of working in a 9-to-5. So, I kind of ruled that out.”
Kane then set his sights on teaching. His father is an art teacher in a high-need school in the Bronx, New York, where Kane has participated for years as a youth baseball instructor.
“My dad said, ‘You’re qualified to lead people in some capacity,’” Kane said. “I have an interest in math, too, so he said, ‘That’s probably a good route to go.’ It’s a lot of fun to work with kids and being able to see someone become better at something — it’s just a rewarding feeling.”
Meanwhile, Bellino said she has always wanted to be a teacher.
Working in a high-need school, however, was something that entered her radar through Scranton and the Noyce program. It was an eye-opening possibility for someone who attended Catholic school with a small cohort of classmates.
The Noyce scholarship, which is a nationwide program, supports efforts to recruit, prepare and retain excellent teachers in STEM fields from kindergarten through 12th grade. It provides scholarships, stipends and advanced support resources while funding research on what helps STEM teachers succeed and stay in high-need schools.
As the Noyce program at Scranton enters its final funded year, with a possible extension through 2027, its purpose of inspiring and teaching the next generation of STEM students is clear as ever. And its soon-to-be graduates are prepared to make a difference where it matters most.
“I feel like we really focus on the whole person,” Bellino said, reflecting on the Jesuit values learned at The University of Scranton. “Caring about the person and bringing that into the classroom: not necessarily just being there to teach the student, but being there to take care of the student, as well, if they need something.”
Noyce Scholars Serve Critical Need in STEM Education
Innovation. Design. Education. Application. The IDEA Center at The University of Scranton promotes creativity among students and fosters connections with the community.
In this video, IDEA Center Director Tom Bryan explains some of the possibilities the center offers, including 3D printing, laser engraving, graphic design, and manufacturing equipment, as well as a podcast media studio.
You do not need to be an engineer to create in the space at the IDEA Center, which is located at the University's Robert S '68 and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall. The team there provides instruction, safety training and guidance prior to the use of the equipment or machinery.
Learn more about how the IDEA Center can help bring creative ideas to life. Visit the website to reserve the podcast studio, complete a form to request training or schedule a visit or field trip.
Walk through the IDEA Center in this video interview with Tom Bryan. Then, get all the details at The Scranton Journal website: https://journal.scranton.edu/issues/2025/fall
Need a Workspace for Your Creativity? Visit The University of Scranton IDEA Center at Weiss Hall
The ninth presentation in the Jay Nathan, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar Lecture Series, Jan. 15 at the Loyola Science Center, PNC Auditorium, will welcome the distinguished Ambassador from Finland to The University of Scranton. This special evening will offer the campus and broader community an enriching exploration of Finland's fascinating history, vibrant culture and dynamic economy through the ambassador's presentation.
Following the 5 p.m. lecture, attendees will be treated to an authentic cultural performance showcasing the rich artistic traditions of the Nordic nation. The program will conclude with a reception, providing an opportunity for informal conversation and cultural exchange between the ambassador, performers, students, faculty and community members.
This engaging event continues the lecture series' mission of bringing international perspectives to Scranton while fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for Finland's unique contributions to world history, art, and global commerce.
The performance, lecture and reception are complementary and open to the community, courtesy of the Jay Nathan, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar Endowment.
Jan. 15 Lecture Features Distinguished Ambassador From Finland
Preparing students for the realities of small business internships, The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently hosted Small Business Ready, an interactive Internship Readiness Training program for an interdisciplinary cohort of students. The program provided practical exposure to small business operations and guidance from experienced business consultants on the skills needed to succeed in real-world internship settings.
Funded by a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative, the program was developed by the SBDC in consultation with small business owners and career development staff. The curriculum introduces students to both foundational small business knowledge and essential professional skills required in internship roles.
Held in the University’s newly opened Robert S. '68 and Marilyn A Weiss Hall, a space designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning, the program reinforced the SBDC’s commitment to connecting classroom learning with real-world business application.
During the program, students strengthened their interpersonal communication, problem-solving and professional writing skills while developing an entrepreneurial mindset focused on creativity, confidence and adaptability. Informational sessions covered small business fundamentals, including marketing, accounting and finance, and cybersecurity basics, with learning reinforced through case studies and interactive group activities.
The inaugural cohort of nine students represented a range of academic disciplines, including finance and education, and demonstrated a strong interest in professional growth and community engagement. Upon completion of the final case study, participants will have the opportunity to add a Small Business Ready certificate to their resumes and attend a networking reception with local small business owners.
The Small Business Ready program expands on the SBDC’s successful Small Business Internship Initiative, which connects small businesses with students to provide meaningful experiential learning while supporting day-to-day business operations. The SBDC looks forward to continuing the program to help bridge the gap between student skill sets and the practical needs of small business owners.
SBDC Prepares Students for Small Business Internships
In 2025, The University of Scranton’s student tutor training program, housed in the Office of Student Support and Success, received certification from the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), meeting the CRLA rigorous standards and successfully completing its International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) peer review process.
As part of this work, OSSS created a 10-hour Tutor Training Program tailored to CRLA guidelines. The program is proud to meet CRLA’s high standards for student tutor selection, training, direct service and evaluation
After a tutor completes a 10-hour training program and provides 25 hours of tutoring, they are internationally certified. In spring 2025, the University's Office of Student Support and Success certified 66 tutors and 13 Writing Center consultants, according to Matthew Smith, manager of the Office of Student Support and Success and a Certified Learning Center professional.
Student Tutor Training Program Receives Certification
On Sunday, Jan.18, The University of Scranton will once again host the Greater Scranton MLK Commission’s annual dinner. This event strives to give voice to and emphasize the importance of positive community and racial relations in all aspects of life through education, programming, and special events. It is an opportunity to celebrate the life, legacy and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The annual celebration and awards dinner will take place on Sunday, beginning at 2:30 p.m. in the University’s DeNaples Center McIllhenny Ballroom.
This year’s program theme is “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” and will feature keynote speakers, U. Melissa Anyiwo, Ph.D., associate professor of history and director of Black Studies at The University of Scranton and Dr. Yerodin Lucas, Ph.D., assistant professor in the School of Social Work at Marywood University. University President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., will provide an opening welcome.
The University will sponsor a table; members of the University community interested in attending are directed to contact Julie Schumacher Cohen in Community Relations at julie.cohen@scranton.edu
For more information, visit the event registration page: MLK Commission Annual Dinner details.
University To Host Greater Scranton MLK Commission Annual Dinner Jan. 18
Julius Marchuska, a senior at The University of Scranton, was awarded the 2025 Immaculata Award through the Diocese of Syracuse. The Immaculata Award, established by Bishop Robert Cunningham in 2011, annually honors dedicated parish volunteers for their selfless service.
Recipients are presented with the Immaculata Medallion during a special Advent ceremony at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. These "unsung heroes" are nominated by their pastors for their exemplary commitment to their church communities, embodying faith through action and inspiring others. Marchuska has served at his parish since 2020, holding roles that include Sacristan, Eucharistic Minister and Usher.
University Senior Receives 2025 Immaculata Award Through the Diocese of Syracuse
In December, alumni, parents and friends of the University in New York, Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, Scranton and Washington, D.C., celebrated the holiday season at regional Christmas receptions. See photos from the events below:
University Holds Regional Christmas Receptions
The University of Scranton will hold the 2026 Day of Service on Saturday, April 25. Once again, alumni, parents and friends of the University will gather to serve their communities in a manner that demonstrates the life-changing and enduring power of a Jesuit education.
If you are interested in coordinating a Day of Service site in your region or know of somewhere in your area Royals can volunteer, email Marge Gleason P'14, '17, director of Alumni Engagement, at margery.gleason@scranton.edu by Friday, Feb. 7. For more information, visit scranton.edu/dayofservice.
Save the Date for the Day of Service April 25
The University is planning to hold many exciting alumni events in 2026, and we're asking our alumni who have recently changed their address, email address, phone number or employer to update their contact information so they can continue to connect with their Royal Family. Visit this link today to receive your invitation to our next event.
In With the New: Update Your Contact Information Today To Receive Your 2026 Invitations
The University of Scranton will celebrate Reunion Weekend 2026 from June 5-7. Alumni from class years ending in "1" and "6" will be celebrating their milestone years. Add your name to the "Planning to Attend List" today to let your friends and classmates know you'll be joining the festivities, and check future editions of Royal News for registration information. Visit scranton.edu/reunion for more information.
Save the Date for Reunion 2026 June 5-7
Alumni and friends of The University of Scranton are invited to join a Topgolf outing on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 1–3 p.m. at Topgolf King of Prussia.
The $55 per person registration fee includes Topgolf game play, a live leaderboard, food and soft drinks. No golf experience is required, making the event a fun and relaxed way to connect with fellow Royals.
University To Host Alumni Topgolf Outing in King of Prussia Jan. 31
The University of Scranton invites alumni, parents and friends to a Day of Prayer and Reflection on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Retreat Center at Chapman Lake, 287 Chapman Lake Road, Jermyn.
This annual tradition offers participants a chance to pause, reflect and reconnect with their faith and with one another in a serene lakeside setting.
Register Today for a Day of Prayer and Reflection Jan. 24
The University of Scranton Women’s Basketball team will face Susquehanna University on Sunday, January 11, at 2:30 p.m. as part of a full day of Landmark Conference men’s and women’s basketball action at the Palestra in Philadelphia.
Alumni and friends are invited to attend a pre-game reception beginning at noon at Smokey Joe’s, located at 210 South 40th Street in Philadelphia. The $25 reception fee includes an open bar and appetizers. Game tickets are not included with reception registration.
Following the reception, attendees can head to the Palestra to cheer on the Lady Royals in one of college basketball’s most historic venues.
University to Host Lady Royals Pre-Game Reception in Philadelphia Jan. 11
The University will host a reception with Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University President, on Jan. 21 from 6-8 p.m. at Basking Ridge Country Club, 185 Madisonville Road, Basking Ridge, New Jersey. Register here for the event.
University to Hold Presidential Reception in New Jersey Jan. 21
What's new with you? To submit a Class Note, visit the Class Notes Submission Page.
Maureen Sullivan Gonzales '90, Narberth, earned her Ph.D. in nursing from Widener University.
Ruth Parry G’91, Clarks Summit, had her short story, “Love,” accepted for publication in A Daily Gift of Friendship by Teresa Velardi, marking the first story she submitted for publication.
Jeanne Duggan-Jones '91, Debra Robertson Halpin '92, Tracy Altebrando Young '92, Janine Pierlott-Lacava '92, Colleen Nolan '92, Jennifer DeRobertis Menziuso '92, Mary Katherine Holland McNeill '92, Denise Boudreau '92, Kara Dugan '92, VJ Iannone '92, Jessica Perry Egner '92, Sue Paige Leahy '91, Andrea Miele Killian '92 and Angela DePetris Lewis '92 celebrated their "Double Nickels" birthday together in July 2025 with a long weekend on the Chesapeake Bay. Since graduation, the same group has celebrated past milestone birthdays together in Cape May, New Jersey, and with a weekend cruise to the Bahamas.
Deborah L. Nealon ’13, G’15, Columbia, Maryland, owner of The MBa Group, announced the successful spin-off of the Medical Business Advisory Division of BlueStone Services Solutions, LLC into a new independent firm: The Medical Business Advisory Group, LLC, DBA The MBa Group. The MBa Group is proudly owned by Nealon and headquartered in Columbia, Maryland. Continuing its legacy of trusted expertise, The MBa Group specializes in guiding independent physician practices, hospitals, hospital-based physician groups, Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), laboratories, and a wide range of other healthcare organizations through today’s complex operational and financial landscape. Please join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter and in welcoming The MBa Group as a continued dedicated partner to the healthcare community.
Vincent Solomeno '07, Red Bank, New Jersey, was appointed by Governor Mikie Sherrill to be the New Jersey Commissioner of Veterans Affairs.
MARRIAGES
Karen Mennella '16 to Michael Klein on November 7th, 2025.
BIRTHS
Stephen '14 and Marissa Schiling Barbuto '14, G'15 welcomed a daughter, Michaela Ruby, in April 2025.
DEATHS
Ronald L. Terranella, Ph.D. '55, South Abington Township
Arthur P. Poli '60, Winchester, Virginia
James J. Grace '61, Springfield, Virginia
Paul J. Angelis, Ph.D.'62, Mequon, Wisconsin
Robert P. Theis '63, Scranton
Richard J. Davidson '68, Dunmore
Dennis T. Harkins '70, Plymouth Meeting
Frederick Bender, Ph.D. '73, Lafayette, New Jersey
Frank B. Kresge G'76, Wind Gap
Patrick P. Mulhern G'76, Tunkhannock
Keith E. Tucker '76, Roaring Brook Township
Jeffrey McDonough '78, Scranton
Valerio J. Ungarini '80, Bristol
Catharine F. Grow G'87, Mount Pleasant
William F. Gil '92, Lewisberry
FRIENDS/FAMILY DEATHS
Peggy Diver, mother of Maureen Diver '90
Alumni Class Notes, Jan. 2026
By Marcus Smith '27, Student Correspondent
Freshman, sophomore and junior students with the highest grade-point averages of their class, each representing one of The University of Scranton’s three colleges, recently received awards for academic excellence.
Recipients of the Frank O’Hara Awards, named in honor of the late administrator who served 53 years at The University of Scranton, were honored at a ceremony held Dec. 3 at the Weinberg Memorial Library. Awards were based on grades from the 2024-25 academic year.
Kania School of Management
Hailey Poskonka, of Dover, New Jersey, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her freshman year in the Kania School of Management. A member of the Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program, she is currently in her sophomore year at Scranton, where she is pursuing a double major in accounting and business analytics. A dean’s list student, she is a student-athlete on Scranton’s softball team. She is a member of several campus organizations, including business club, Society of Accounting Students, Omega Sigma Beta, Kania Women in Business, the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Kindness for Chemo.
Jessieca Aguasin, of Honesdale, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her sophomore year in the Kania School of Management. A member of both the Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Program, she is a junior at Scranton, where she is an accounting major. She is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. She is a member of Kania Women in Business and the Commuter Students Association.
Dean Finan, of Malvern, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for his junior year in the Kania School of Management. A member of the Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program, he is in his senior year at Scranton and is pursuing a double major in finance and business analytics. He is a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. He is a member of the University’s men’s soccer team and its leadership council. He serves as the sector head for Consumer Staples and Industrials at PRISM, the University’s investment club, and as president of the Kania Student Advisory Board.
College of Arts and Sciences
Molly Grove, of Mountain Top, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her freshman year in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Program and the undergraduate University Honors Program. She is in her sophomore year at Scranton and is pursuing a triple major in history, political science and philosophy. She is a dean’s list student and a recipient of the University’s Dean’s Scholarship and the 2025-26 Sabatino Scholarship for sophomores studying history. She also volunteers with animal shelters and is a contributor and editor for the University’s Esprit literary magazine.
Alexandra Beltre, of Bloomfield, New Jersey, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her sophomore year in the College of Arts and Sciences. A dean’s list student, she is in her sophomore year at Scranton and is pursuing an environmental science: ecology major on the pre-veterinary track. She is the events coordinator for the University’s gaming club, a member of the pre-vet club and a tutor for the Office of Student Support and Success.
Sheila Miller, of Milford, New Jersey, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her junior year in the College of Arts and Sciences. A dean’s list student, she is in her senior year at Scranton, where she is pursuing a double major in journalism and electronic media. She is the secretary of Rho Tau Elta, the Communication and Media Department’s honor society; the vice president of Mulberry Media; and a staff writer for The Aquinas newspaper. She is also a member of Scranton’s HerCampus chapter and a member of the Royal Harmony A Capella group.
Leahy College of Health Sciences
Nicole Schulingkamp, of Harleysville, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her freshman year in the Leahy College of Health Sciences. She is in her sophomore year at Scranton, where she is pursuing an occupational therapy major. She is a member of the University’s women’s soccer team and a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. She is also a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association and an anatomy tutor.
Olivia Gallione, of Hewitt, New Jersey, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her sophomore year in the Leahy College of Health Sciences. A recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship and Ignatian Award, she is in her junior year at Scranton, where she is pursuing an occupational therapy major. She is a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association and both the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association. She is also a teaching assistant and a tutor and volunteers with the Center for Service and Social Justice.
Claudia Campisciano, of Broomall, received the O’Hara Award for academic achievement for her junior year in the Leahy College of Health Sciences. She is in her senior year at Scranton and is pursuing a major in kinesiology with a guaranteed seat in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. She is a peer health educator for the Center for Health Education and Wellness and is involved with HerCampus.
Marcus Smith '27, Schuylkill Haven, is an English and theatre double major at Scranton.
Students Receive O’Hara Awards for Academic Excellence
University of Scranton accounting chair and professor Douglas M. Boyle, DBA’88, was recently re-elected to serve as chair of the Allied Services Foundation Board of Directors. Allied Services Integrated Health System, which has offices and centers throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, is a nationwide leader in rehabilitation and elderly care services.
Dr. Boyle has been a member of the board since 2010. He was named chair in 2016.
“We are privileged to have Dr. Boyle reappointed as board chairman for Allied Services Foundation," said Bill Conaboy, Esq., president and CEO, Allied Services Integrated Health System. "Doug’s past professional expertise leading a healthcare company, coupled with his academic credentials and research accolades, make him an invaluable asset as a volunteer leader of our board of directors.
"Our 2,700 employees making a difference in a dozen post-acute, long-term care, human services and home care programs across 55 locations and in countless homes across Northeast Pennsylvania, truly appreciate board members like Doug who understand the critical importance of each program, while balancing the fiscal responsibility and needs of thousands in our region who rely on Allied Services every day.”
An award-winning educator and researcher who’s worked 30-plus years in industry in startup, middle market and Fortune 500 companies, where he has held the positions of board chair, president, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer. He is professor and chair of Scranton’s Department of Accounting and director of its Ph.D. program. He recently ranked No. 2 worldwide for accounting education publication volume in the past six years, according to the Brigham Young University Accounting Research Rankings, which also placed the University No. 1 worldwide for research published by Ph.D. students. He is also ranked No. 1 internationally for research published in leading refereed accounting practitioner journals, according to “The Intersection of Academia and Practice: Publishing in Leading U.S. Accounting Organizations’ Journals,” Issues in Accounting Education (2020). He was honored as the Distinguished Scholar of the Institute of Management Accountants Research Foundation in 2022.
Under Dr. Boyle’s leadership, The University of Scranton’s accounting program in the Kania School of Management was selected as one of the nation’s Best Business Schools by the Princeton Review. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Scranton’s accounting program top 40 in the nation.
