General News

By Elizabeth Vander Neut, student correspondent

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The University of Scranton’s Performance Music program has played a key role in fostering lifelong connections, including over 100 marriages through the decades. Among those connections are three alumni couples who found love amidst rehearsals, performances and shared melodies. From the 1980s to the 2000s, their stories showcase how music and the Ignatian spirit brought them together.

Gerry '87, G'95 and Maureen (Kanavy) Zaboski '85

Gerry and Maureen first met in the University’s Singers group, where Gerry had joined to help balance the ratio of male singers. Their connection grew during band and singer outings, including roller skating and hay rides.

How has participating in music at a Jesuit institution influenced your relationship and shared values?

"The Ignatian principle of 'Finding God in all things' allowed us to find that special, spiritual connection between each other and also between all of our friends that shared a love of music. We formed a close bond with a special group of people and that connection lasts even today."

What advice would you offer to students in Scranton's music program who are seeking meaningful connections, both personally and creatively? 

"It’s important to follow your own individual interests. We both happen to love music of all kinds and that has allowed us to create a lifetime of meaningful experiences together while enjoying music!"

Please share a fun/fond memory of Cheryl Boga, Director of Performance Music. 

"There are lots, but one is when Ger and I both got nominated for Secretary of Singers, due to Cheryl’s nominations. We were pitted against each other in the election. Without me knowing, Ger actually went around and told people to vote for me (as I was going to be the senior). Cheryl takes credit to this day for bringing us together!"

Where are they now?

The Zaboskis reside in West Wyoming, where they raised two Legacy Royals, Gared '18 and Kyle '21. Maureen works as finance director at Luzerne County Head Start. Gerry is senior vice president with the Office of the President at the University.

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Mike '99, G'01 and Heather (Schneider) Swierczek '97, G'98

Music is a cornerstone of Mike and Heather's relationship of 27 years, including 24 years of marriage. They credit their enduring connection to shared creative interests and the Jesuit values that emphasized community and collaboration.

How did you both first meet, and what were your initial impressions of each other?

"I met Mike when the guys from Seminary came over to sing with the choir. He was wearing this absolutely crazy shirt with a dragon fighting a knight (which he still owns) and I thought, 'Oh my God, what a dork.'"

Was there a specific event, performance, or project that brought you closer together?

"We happened to both be in Liturgical Musicians and we needed guys for Fall Revue. My housemate at the time was directing, so our other housemate and I decided to flirt with Mike in the hopes of drumming up a vocalist for the show. It worked."

Where are they now?

Today, Heather is a physical therapist and Mike a software engineer. The Swierczeks reside in Pottstown with their four children, two dogs and three rats.

Joseph and Delight (Wilson) Balducci, Class of 2000

Joseph and Delight first became acquainted in their sophomore year through Performance Music and mutual friends. It wasn’t until their junior year, that their relationship deepened. They lived next to each other in Gavigan Hall and spent long nights talking in the lounge.

What were your initial impressions of each other?

Delight: "My initial impression of Joe is that he was very kind and the most thoughtful person I had ever met."

Joe: "I can’t quite remember first meeting Delight, but I’m sure I was quite taken with her poise and beauty!"

Was there a specific event, performance or project that brought you closer together? 

Delight: "One fond memory I have is watching Joe play during the Jazz Band’s performance at La Festa in 1999 – our senior year. Our friends and I made posters cheering on the U of S Jazz Band and I definitely felt like a jazz band groupie watching the cute guy playing alto sax." 

What was your first dance/favorite song played at your wedding?

S’wonderful by George and Ira Gershwin. 

Where are they now?

The Balduccis reside in Alexandria, Virginia with their sons, Benjamin, 15, and Joshua, 12. Delight works as an environmental attorney and Joe as a higher ed instructional technologist.

Through April 20    Art Exhibit: “Gems of Flourishing from The Zaner-Bloser Penmanship Collection.” Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free during library hours. Call 570-941-6341 or email michael.knies@scranton.edu.

Feb. 3 through March 14     Art Exhibit: “Hudson River and Delaware Valley: Selections from the Mark Biedlingmaier Collection.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Feb. 3    11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Black History Month Table Sit for awareness about the 2025 theme: “African Americans and Labor,” sponsored by the Multicultural Center. First Floor DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-5904 or email multicultural@scranton.edu.

Feb. 5     5 p.m. Lecture: “In the Shadow of the Cross: Excavating the Hidden History of Black Catholic Nuns in the United States” by Shannen Dee Williams, Ph.D., associate professor of history, University of Dayton Moscovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-6480 or email info@scranton.edu.

Feb. 7     5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “Hudson River and Delaware Valley: Selections from the Mark Biedlingmaier Collection.” Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Reception to follow at the Hope Horn Gallery. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Feb. 10    7 p.m. Black History Month Film: “The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster” with introductory talk by Melissa Anyiwo, Ph.D. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Feb. 12    6:30 p.m. Asian New Year Celebration and Workshop. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Free. Registration required at https://tinyurl.com/AsianNewYearUofS2025. Email asianstudies@scranton.edu for questions.

Feb. 13    11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine: Humanitarian Responses & Challenges” presented by Richard Greene, former senior advisor and counselor to UNICEF executive director. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Feb. 19    5 p.m. Slattery Center Lecture: “Culture and Conflict: New England, Old England, and the Civil War” presented by Len Gougeon, Ph.D. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

Feb. 21-23     8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Performance: “Little Shop of Horrors.” Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken, (musical) presented by The University of Scranton Players. Royal Theatre, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 (voice mail reservations) or email players@scranton.edu.

Feb. 22    12:30 p.m. 24^th Annual Northeast PA Brain Bee sponsored by the Neuroscience Program at The University of Scranton. Snow date Feb. 23. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Pre-registration required. Call 570-941-4324 or email robert.waldeck@scranton.edu.

Feb. 22    7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The Ted Nash Duo and The University of Scranton Jazz Ensemble. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Feb. 24    7 p.m. Black History Month Film: “Beauty Shop” with introductory talk by Anthony Betancourt, Ph.D. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Feb. 26    11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Values and Choices in Art Restoration” presented by Steven D. Hales, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, author, recent Visiting Senior Professor at the University of Cambridge, and a professional-level hand bookbinder and restorer. McIlhenny Ballroom, The DeNaples Center. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Feb. 28    7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Peter Evans, trumpet with Ron Stabinsky, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Feb. 28, March 1-2     8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Performance: “Little Shop of Horrors.” Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken, (musical) presented by The University of Scranton Players. Royal Theatre, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 (voice mail reservations) or email players@scranton.edu.

March 1     9 a.m. Regional National History Day Competition for junior and senior high school students. The DeNaples Center. Pre-registration required. Call 570-941-4549 or email nhdparegion2@gmail.com.

March 4     8:30 a.m. 2nd Annual World Language Day: “Hacking the Power of Language.” The Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration open to University of Scranton students and local high school students/teachers in world language programs. Refreshments, interactive exhibits, and lightning-round beginner lessons in seven languages with a chance to meet world languages and cultures instructors from Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Tunisia, Taiwan and Japan. Call 570-941-4711 or email amy.kuiken@scranton.edu.

March 4     7:30 p.m. Judaic Studies Institute Lecture: “How the State of Israel Became ‘the Jew’ Writ Large” by Adam Gregerman, Ph.D., professor of Jewish Studies and associate director of the Institute for Jewish-Catholic Relations at Saint Joseph's University.  Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall.  Free. 570-941-7956 or marc.shapiro@scranton.edu.

March 5     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “General Recital” featuring student musicians. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

March 8     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Jeremy Ajani Jordan, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

March 12    11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “How Dogs Save Our Lives” presented by Cynthia M. Otto, DVM, Ph.D., director, Penn Vet Working Dog Center and professor of working dog sciences and sports medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

March 12    5 p.m. Slattery Center Lecture: “Ethics in The Good Place” presented by Todd May, Ph.D. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

March 24 through April 11     Art Exhibit: “The Lackawanna River and Watershed: Art and Interpretation.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

March 26    7:30 p.m. Judaic Studies Institute Lecture: “A Twin Tale of Survival in the Holocaust” by Bernard Schanzer, M.D., and Henry Schanzer, J.D.  Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall.  Free. 570-941-7956 or marc.shapiro@scranton.edu.

March 28    11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The United States Institute of Peace: Strengthening U.S. Capacity to Prevent, Mitigate, and Resolve Violent Conflict” presented by Lauren Baillie, J.D., M.A., senior program officer, Atrocity Prevention, U.S. Institute of Peace. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

March 28    5 p.m. Art Gallery Curator’s Lecture: “The Lackawanna River and Watershed: Art and Interpretation.” Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Reception to follow at the Hope Horn Gallery. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

March 29    9 a.m. Accepted Students Day for students and their families of The University of Scranton’s class of 2029. Meet representatives from academic departments, student activities/services, financial aid, athletics and tour campus. Various locations on campus. Call 570-941-7540 or email admissions@scranton.edu.

March 31    6 p.m. Schemel Forum with the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Collaborative Program: “Umberto Eco: A Library of the World and Panel Discussion” presented by George J. Aulisio, Ph.D., dean and professor, Weinberg Memorial Library, Virginia Picchietti, Ph.D., professor of Italian, and Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., associate professor of English and theater. Documentary screening, panel discussion and Q&A. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

April 3      5 p.m. 28^th Annual ACHE Healthcare Symposium: “Leading Through Mergers and Acquisitions.” McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Includes dinner, presentation and panel discussion. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4527 or email spencer.owens@scranton.edu. 

April 4      7:30 p.m. Performance Music: Rhapsody in Blue at 100 featuring Dr. Frederick Hohman premiering the first full organ transcription of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

April 5      9 a.m. Accepted Students Day for students and their families of The University of Scranton’s class of 2029. Meet representatives from academic departments, student activities/services, financial aid, athletics and tour campus. Various locations on campus. Call 570-941-7540 or email admissions@scranton.edu.

April 7-17   Environmental Art Show: “Engaging with the Natural World.” Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free during library hours. Call 570-941-4740 or email marleen.cloutier@scranton.edu.

April 9     5:30 p.m. Graduate Open House. DeNaples Center, 4^th floor. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email gradadmissions@scranton.edu.

April 10    8:30 a.m. Hayes Family Competition in physics and engineering for high school students. Byron Complex. Registration required. Call 570-941-7509 or email salisa.brown@scranton.edu.

April 10    4 p.m. Spring Henry George Seminar "Platforms, Giants, and the Neo-Brandeisian Turn in Antitrust" presented by Michael C. Munger, Ph.D., Director, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Program, Duke University.  McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu.

April 10    6 p.m. Schemel Forum with the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Collaborative Program: “Schumann: Music, Mood Swings and Madness” presented by Richard Kogan, M.D., professor of psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, and artistic director, Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Program. Performance, lecture and reception. Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine Street, Scranton. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

April 10-12     8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. Performance: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” presented by The University of Scranton Liva Arts Company. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Visit https://livaartscompany.ludus.com for tickets or email livartscompany@gmail.com.

April 12-13     8 a.m. National History Day State Competition for qualifying students from Pennsylvania. Pre-registration required. Call 570-941-4549 or email nhdparegion2@gmail.com.

April 12    7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “42^nd Annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir premiering two new works by Dr. Wycliffe Gordon (H. ’06) and Jennifer Krupa, with the composers conducting. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

April 15    11 a.m. Earth Day Fair with interactive games, presentations and information related to the environment and sustainable practices. Atrium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.

April 24   5:30 p.m. Earth Day “Evening of Environmental Science” and Essay Award Presentation. University student-run interactive science experiments and exhibit of University of Scranton Earth Day Essay Contest submissions. Essay contest awards will be announced at the event. Atrium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email susan.falbo@scranton.edu. 

April 24    7:30 p.m. Judaic Studies Institute Lecture: “Jewish Ethical Perspectives on Civilian Casualties in War: A Tale of Two Sieges” presented by Rabbi Shlomo Brody, Ph.D., executive director of Ematai and columnist for the Jerusalem Post, with a response focusing on Catholic perspectives by Patrick Clark, Ph.D., professor of theology/religious studies at Scranton. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall.  Free. 570-941-7956 or marc.shapiro@scranton.edu.

April 24    5 p.m. Campus Take Back the Night. Dionne Green. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email brandice.ricciardi@scranton.edu.

April 25    7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra and guest soloist TBA. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

April 26-27     9 a.m. Saturday; Noon Sunday. Friends of the Library Book Sale. Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Call 570-941-6195 or e-mail melisa.gallo@scranton.edu.

April 28 through May 9     Hope Horn Gallery Art Exhibit: “The University of Scranton Student Show Online.” Visit https://www.scranton.edu/academics/hope-horn-gallery/index.shtml or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

April 30     11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Allergic: Our Irritated Bodies in a Changing World” presented by Theresa MacPhail, Ph.D., medical anthropologist, writer, and associate professor of science and technology studies at Steven Institute of Technology. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

April 30     noon. Celebration of Student Scholars. Displays and presentations of undergraduate and graduate student research and scholarly projects. Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-7653 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

May 4      7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The Scranton Brass Orchestra and The University of Scranton Singers. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

May 9      11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “My Russia: What I saw in the Kremlin” presented by Jill Dougherty, Russia expert, former CNN Moscow bureau chief, and adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies. McIlhenny Ballroom, The DeNaples Center. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

May 9      7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band with guest soloist Joel Ross, percussion. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

May 17    4 p.m. Commencement Baccalaureate Mass. Byron Recreation Complex. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

May 18    11 a.m. Undergraduate Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

May 18    4:30 p.m. Graduate Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

June 6     6 p.m. Schemel Forum: “Vinho and Views: Exploring Portugal’s Wine Heritage” presented by David Falchek, CAE, IOM, CMP, wine writer, author, and writes a drinks column for The Scranton Times, former executive director of the American Wine Society. Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, lecture, and discussion. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Schemel Forum Courses

Mondays: Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10     6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Short Science Fiction, Utopia, and Dystopia: Origins and Innovations” presented by Madeline Gangnes, Ph.D., assistant professor, Department of English and Theatre, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Wednesdays: March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30     6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Defining Justice: Western Perspectives from Ancient Wisdom to Modern Thought” presented by George Aulisio, Ph.D., dean and professor, Weinberg Memorial Library, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.

Mondays: April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6     6 p.m. Schemel Forum Evening Course: “Italy’s Dolce Vita in a Historical Framework” presented by Roy Domenico, Ph.D., professor, Department of History, The University of Scranton. Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email rose.merritt@scranton.edu.