On Saturday, Nov. 21, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring the University’s Symphonic Band. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

According to conductors Cheryl Y. Boga and Janelle Decker, the program will include a variety of works, many of which are transcriptions of orchestral works, and others written specifically for band. The concert will feature transcriptions for band of orchestral works by Mahler, Shostakovich and Stravinsky, and band works by Brant Karrick, Vaclav Nelhybel and Omar Thomas.

The University of Scranton Symphonic Band is a 70-plus-member ensemble comprised of members of the University community from majors and departments spanning the curriculum — the vast majority of them undergraduate students, none of whom are music majors — joined by a few graduate students and members of the faculty, staff and alumni, all brought together by their mutual love of music-making.

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The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no major in music at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for membership in the University Bands, University Performance Choirs, University String Orchestra and Ensembles and Steel Drum Ensemble. A few members of the faculty and staff and alumni from the region also perform with the groups. Each year, hundreds of students participate in the ensembles.

For additional information on the concert, call 570-941-7624 or visit scranton.edu/music.

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IF YOU GO:

What: IN CONCERT: The University of Scranton Symphonic Band, presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton

When: Saturday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton

Admission: Free

A building at the heart of The University of Scranton’s campus has a new addition.

The Gaudenzi Family Humanities Commons were officially dedicated Nov. 10 on the third floor of St. Thomas Hall. The new humanities hub includes three full-size classrooms and a lounge where students, faculty, staff and administrators gathered for the dedication.

According to Carolyn Barry, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the project and its mission — to have an educational and social gathering place for the humanities — had been dreamt about for years. Prior to the creation of the Gaudenzi Family Humanities Commons, the space, which formerly housed the registrar’s office, had been vacant for about a decade.

“In its inaugural semester, students are in classes here from digital history, to the philosophy of love, to Ignatian Reflection and Practice, to Classics of Western Literature,” Dr. Barry said.

A television screen in the hallway educates passersby about the wide variety of upcoming Humanities-themed events, Dr. Barry continued, and students use the lounge as a study space for coursework or even to create art for submission for publication.

“This dedicated space in the center of campus embodies our institutional commitment to the essential role of humanities in our undergraduate students’ education here at The University of Scranton,” Dr. Barry said.

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Dr. Barry noted that the project was made possible through Ethics Across the Curriculum funding provided by the Montrone family. She highlighted the collaborative effort behind the Gaudenzi Family Humanities Commons, thanking numerous faculty and staff members, project partners and members of the humanities planning committee whose work helped bring the space to life. She also recognized the contributors who curated and installed framed artwork throughout the Commons, including photographs and illustrations created by current students and alumni and published in Esprit, the University’s literary magazine.

Following Dr. Barry’s remarks, Christina Andreopoulos ’28, an English and secondary education double major from Haworth, New Jersey, read an original poem, titled “For My Sister Melanie.” Andreopoulos is an award-winning poet, having earned the University’s Berrier Prose and Berrier Poetry Awards.

Rev. Bret Stockdale, S.J., University chaplain, concluded the event by formally blessing the space.

“We wish all of our students and faculty well as they progress toward the end of the semester,” Dr. Barry said, “that their class conversations and forthcoming papers all provide them an opportunity in this space to deepen their understanding of the human spirit.”

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By Cassidy Lowman ’27, Student Correspondent

In an era of deep political and social division, Peace Ike challenged University of Scranton community members to replace judgment with curiosity during her interactive workshop. The key, she said, is exploring the personal values and experiences that shape one another’s beliefs.

Ike, a cultural and conflict strategist, embraces the difficulty that comes from polarizing conversations and encouraged members of the University community to do the same at her presentation. “The 3 Degrees of Why: Moving Beyond Positions to the Stories that Shape Us,” a Collaborative Program between the Schemel Forum and the Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities, was held in the Rose Room of Brennan Hall on Oct. 20.

Ike’s “3 Degrees of Why” — Surface Why, Values Why and Story Why — build upon one another in the framework designed to help participants evolve past surface disagreements and welcome in a deeper understanding of one another’s beliefs. By examining how beliefs are shaped by values, experiences and personal stories, individuals can better understand the people behind those beliefs.

The Surface Why is the initial explanation offered to defend a belief. It is often generalized and impersonal and is where arguments stall. An interactive exercise started with the example of apples being better than oranges; that’s the Surface Why. The Values Why dives deeper into the principles and values that guide one’s beliefs. For instance, apples may taste better and may be a more commonly used ingredient.

Ike said that the conversations that happen after the Surface Why are what make society flourish.

“It is the building block of human dignity,” Ike said of getting past the Surface Why. “It is acknowledging that I can learn something from you, and you can learn something from me, and that we don’t have all the answers. When we stop asking questions, we stop learning."

Finally, the Story Why is where humanization takes form in a personal story that shaped one’s beliefs. For example, apple pie is a favored tradition in one’s household and this deepened their appreciation for the fruit.

Listening to the experiences behind viewpoints different from our own helps create a culture where difficult conversations can be approached with curiosity and grace, Ike said. The framework is meant to teach us that we have much more in common with one another than we realize.

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The personalization aspect of the exercise allowed participants to move beyond the position and to the person who holds it. This, she said, is particularly important at colleges where students’ worldviews are being shaped in new surroundings with people from different backgrounds.

“I believe that collegiate culture right now is not valuing critical thinking in the ways that it should,” Ike said in an interview after the event. “I value helping people learn how to think, not telling them what to think. That’s why the framework is so important for me, because it cuts straight to the chase.”

As the workshop concluded, Ike left the participants with two questions to think about: Where might I be forming a judgment without understanding what shaped someone’s view? And before I respond to a problem that activates me, what story might be shaping my reaction and how is that influencing me?

In such a polarized climate, it can be a challenge for young people to know how to navigate the world they enter. For University students, Ike advised them to remain people of integrity.

“In everything you do, make sure that your values remain intact. Be true to what those values are so that you can live an integrous life,” Ike said.

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Cassidy Lowman '27, Dauphin, is a communications major with a political science minor at Scranton.

On Saturday, Nov. 14, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring the University’s String Orchestra. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton. Admission is free. The concert is open to the public, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

“The concert will showcase a diverse selection of works spanning from the Baroque period through the 20th century," said Janelle Decker, Performance Music executive director.

The program will include works written by Bartók, Beethoven, Brahms, Dvořák, Handel, Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky, some of them in arrangements for string orchestra, others originally written for string orchestra.

The University of Scranton String Orchestra is a 40-plus-member ensemble comprised of members of the University community from majors and departments spanning the curriculum — most of them undergraduate students, none of whom are music majors — joined by a few graduate students, alumni and members of the faculty who are all brought together by their mutual love of music-making.

The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no major in music at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for membership in the University Bands, University Performance Choirs, University String Orchestra and Ensembles and Steel Drum Ensemble. A few members of the faculty and staff and alumni from the region also perform with the groups. Each year, hundreds of students participate in the ensembles.

For additional information on the concert, please call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music.

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IF YOU GO:

What: IN CONCERT: The University of Scranton String Orchestra, presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton

When: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton

Admission: Free

Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company recently contributed $5,000 through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program to support The University of Scranton’s University of Success, a four-year, pre-college mentoring program.

An academic and enrichment program, the ultimate goal of The University of Success is to assist participating students to successfully complete high school and gain entrance into a college or university. Students enter the program after the eighth grade and continue through their high school years. Enrichment courses offered through The University of Success include study skills, SAT prep, public speaking, math, science, art and cultural activities, financial aid and wellness seminars.

The University of Success, offered free of charge to participants, is funded almost entirely by corporate and foundation grants. Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company has provided continuous support of this program since 2013.

For additional information, visit the University of Success web site.

Freshens, a nationally known casual dining restaurant that serves acai and rice bowls, blended smoothies and handcrafted sandwiches, among other items, is now open at The University of Scranton. 

Freshens opened Monday, Nov. 2, on the first floor of Montrone Hall, offering a menu that caters to a variety of tastes. Its signature items include more than a dozen smoothie flavors, including Wild Strawberry, Orange Sunrise, Tropical Therapy, Peach on the Beach and PB&J, as well as chef-created artisan melts like Chicken Bacon Ranch and Buffalo Chicken, plus various salads and “pocket dipper” tortillas.

Founded in 1985, Freshens has more than 255 locations, including 25 airports and 200 colleges and universities.

“Food with a Purpose is our commitment to provide guests better choices through responsible sourcing of the ingredients used in our recipes,” Freshens says on its website. “Our guests can choose from a variety of ingredients to create vegetarian, gluten free and vegan lifestyle options. We want to set an example for others to follow.”

Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday; and it is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

The University of Scranton is No. 38 in the country and No. 2 in Pennsylvania in the 2027 Best College Food in America rankings by Niche. The University itself was ranked by Niche as a top-25 Best Catholic College in America, and has also been recognized in recent national rankings by U.S. News and World Report, TIME Magazine and The Princeton Review.

The University of Scranton is now more than two months into the 2026-27 academic year, which has already brought plenty of news worth celebrating.

Below are a handful of developments from October you may have missed. 

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Scranton-Led NASA Grant To Bring Space Science to Communities Nationwide

The University of Scranton has been entrusted with a nearly $5.5 million grant to lead a space education and citizen science initiative focused on space weather and amateur radio. Funded through NASA’s Science Activation (SciAct) program as a cooperative agreement, the project aims to bring scientific discovery out of research laboratories and into schools, libraries, museums and communities across the nation.

Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., associate professor of physics and engineering, will serve as the principal investigator of the project, titled “Discovering the SPARC: Space Physics Through Amateur Radio Connections.” Collaborating institutions include the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Space Science Institute, MIT Haystack Observatory, University of Alabama and New Jersey Institute of Technology with Kera Collective as the external evaluator.

Full coverage at this link: Click here.

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University of Scranton Among Highest-Ranked Catholic Universities, Per Niche

The University of Scranton’s status as one of America’s best colleges has been confirmed in numerous publications, including Niche, which placed Scranton on more than a dozen of its rankings of colleges and universities in Pennsylvania and nationwide.

Scranton’s highest rankings include a pair of top-50 national placements in Best Catholic Colleges (No. 25 of 158) and Best College Food (No. 38 of 1,355). In addition to the national rankings, Scranton is No. 2 in the state in both categories.

Full coverage at this link: Click here.

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25th Annual U.S. Conference on Disability Draws Leaders in Advocacy, Policy

The University of Scranton marked a milestone anniversary at this year’s U.S. Conference on Disability, celebrating with an exceptional lineup of nationally known speakers and advocates who addressed one of the largest crowds in the event’s history.

In addition to the 185-plus registered participants at the 25th Annual U.S. Conference on Disability, an overflow crowd of about 75 students packed the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center for the day’s final presentation by Rebecca Alexander. Additionally, Bob Casey, former United States Senator and current Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service at The University of Scranton, Lori Shapiro, Pennsylvania's First Lady and a disability rights advocate, and Rebecca Spirito Dalgin, Ph.D., professor and chair of the University's Counseling and Human Services Department, received awards for their service and efforts.

Full coverage at this link: Click here.

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Scranton Names New Dean of the Kania School of Management

 

Jess Boronico, Ph.D., was announced as dean of the University's nationally distinguished Kania School of Management.

A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University (B.S., M.S.) and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania (Ph.D.), Dr. Boronico brings to the role more than three decades of leadership in higher education. Since 2022, he has served as dean of the School of Business at Southern Connecticut State University, where he has led successful initiatives focused on academic development, accreditation and community engagement while overseeing strategic planning efforts and a substantial increase in enrollment.

Full coverage at this link: Click here.

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Office of Community-Based Learning Announces Student Fellows

The Office of Community-Based Learning (CBL) announced the fourth cohort of the CBL Student Fellows Program, an academic experience that involves students working with community partners — individuals, groups and local organizations — in ways that meet community-defined needs.

Full coverage at this link: Click here.

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Additional Headlines:

Office of Health Professions Provides Students a Bridge to Their Future | Click to Read More

Acclaimed Jesuit Priest, Rev. James Martin, S.J., Speaks at Scranton | Click to Read More

University of Scranton 20-Year Employees Honored at Pro Deo Event | Click to Read More

University's IMA Student Chapter Joins Elite Group of Nine Gold Winners Nationwide | Click to Read More

Jesuit Higher Education Leaders Meet at Scranton | Click to Read More

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By Cassidy Lowman ’27, Student Correspondent

University of Scranton students and faculty in the Mechanical Engineering Program proudly displayed their new facilities earlier this fall at an exhibition in Hyland Hall.

The program hosted a Mechanical Engineering Innovation Showcase on Sept. 28, unveiling the newly renovated student design and research spaces with equipment demonstrations, facility tours and research project displays.

Since its creation in 2020 with eight students, the Mechanical Engineering Program has more than tripled in size. To keep up with the growing student interest, the program’s facilities needed to “level up” — literally, as the program expanded into the newly renovated fourth floor of Hyland Hall.

This move occurred at the perfect time, as an additional 28 students joined the Mechanical Engineering Program at the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

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During the fall of 2025, according to Mojib Saei, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Engineering, in an interview with WNEP, the program had outgrown its original location. Because of the number of new students and their projects, as well as recently acquired equipment, the program needed additional space.

Most of the projects completed in the facilities are for local nonprofits or organizations, in addition to academic work. The additional space and equipment will provide the students with more resources to bring about positive change, along with healing, safety, and hope to the community, Rev. Bret Stockdale, S.J., University chaplain, said in his opening blessing.

“We come before you with hearts full of gratitude for the calling to serve through engineering. Grant your students the clarity to see the best solutions, the strength to persevere through challenges, the wisdom to make decisions that are safe, ethical and beneficial, and the courage to innovate with faith and integrity,” Father Stockdale said.

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Cassidy Lowman '27, Dauphin, is a communications major with a political science minor at Scranton.

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The University of Scranton Jazz Band will take the stage Saturday, Nov. 7, with acclaimed woodwind performer, composer, arranger and jazz educator Victor Goines joining it as the evening’s guest soloist.

Presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton, the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. Goines will also offer a free woodwind masterclass for musicians ranging from 16-year-old students to adult teachers and professionals. Student musicians under age 16 are welcome to attend accompanied by a parent, guardian or music teacher.

At the concert, the University's student jazz ensemble will perform a variety of works that prominently feature Goines on woodwinds.

“The program will feature a wide variety of jazz styles, showcasing the versatility of both our guest artist and our band," said Janelle Decker, Performance Music executive director.

“I have been listening to, observing, working with and making music in one form or another with Vic since 1996, and every single time I find myself shaking my head in amazement at his virtuosity," Cheryl Y. Boga, Performance Music artistic director, said of Goines.

Goines is an internationally acclaimed saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, arranger and educator from New Orleans. A decades-long member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis Septet, he has performed and recorded worldwide, including on Marsalis’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Blood on the Fields and Ted Nash’s Grammy-winning Presidential Suite. As a composer, Goines has written more than 400 original works commissioned by organizations and ensembles throughout the world, including Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Juilliard School and The University of Scranton, and he has collaborated with legends across musical genres, including Eric Clapton, Dianne Reeves, Ellis Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Marcus Roberts, Wycliffe Gordon and Ruth Brown, among many others.  

Education has run parallel to the bandstand for Goines' entire career — from decades of university teaching to his tenure as the founding Director of Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School. He has taught, mentored and built programs that shaped a generation of working musicians, including numerous highly notable artists of the stature of Jon Batiste, Aaron Diehl, Yasushi Nakamura and many others. 

That work continues in three forms: workshops and clinics for ensembles and schools; curriculum consulting for institutions building or refining jazz programs; and a limited studio of private students in clarinet, saxophone and composition and arranging. Goines has also held teaching positions at Florida A&M University, the University of New Orleans, Loyola University New Orleans and Xavier University.

The University of Scranton Jazz Band is a 25-member ensemble of big band-style instrumentation, made up of University of Scranton student musicians from majors spanning the curriculum. They perform five or more times per year, and the majority of their performances are open to the public, free of admission charge and often feature a nationally or internationally renowned guest soloist.

Also, on Friday, Nov. 6, Goines will present a lecture, titled "Jazz: From the Streets and Clubs to the Schools and Concert Halls" as part of the Schemel Forum's World Affairs Luncheon Seminars at the University. For more information on that event, visit www.scranton.edu/schemelforum.

For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu, or visit scranton.edu/music. For more information on Goines, visit victorgoines.com.

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IF YOU GO:

What: IN CONCERT: The University of Scranton Jazz Band featuring guest soloist Victor Goines, presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton
When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton
Admission: Free
Masterclass: Same day, same place, 4 p.m., also free

The University of Scranton Players will present the world premiere production of "Frisk," written and directed by Sean Meehan '97, an alum of The University of Scranton and its theatre program. The production will run from Nov. 4 to 9. The Wednesday through Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. and the Sunday show is at 2 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes before each performance. All performances are in the Studio Theatre of the McDade Center for the Literary and Performing Arts on the University's campus.

The play is about a dystopian present, where people have been forced out of their homes to live in motels while government agents get rid of an infestation of “not us.” A father draws the attention of these agents when he goes on the run to get his family’s certificates. When the agents come to interrogate the family, they stumble upon an unpleasant secret that the family is hiding. Through its story, the play tackles themes such as government overreach, immigration, parenthood and gender roles.

This production is the first time "Frisk" has been fully staged, following two readings in New York City. As a result, the student actors working on the production have a rare opportunity to gain experience as part of a developmental production of a new work. 

The company of "Frisk" includes Devon Donnelly, of Chester, New Jersey; Laila Sidney, of Dobbs Ferry, New York; Thomas Crawford, of Saint Augustine, Florida; Alek Panchik, of Hershey; and Marcus Smith, of Schuylkill Haven.

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for senior citizens, students and University of Scranton faculty and staff. For more information, contact the University Players box office at 570-941-4318 or visit the Players on Facebook or Instagram.

The University of Scranton Players bring exceptional theatre to Northeastern Pennsylvania every season. The Players’ productions feature Scranton students in a mix of classical and contemporary works under the direction and mentorship of award-winning faculty and guest artists.

The University of Scranton’s status as one of America’s best colleges has been confirmed in numerous publications, including Niche, which placed Scranton on more than a dozen of its rankings of colleges and universities in Pennsylvania and nationwide.

Scranton’s highest rankings include a pair of top-50 national placements in Best Catholic Colleges (No. 25 of 158) and Best College Food (No. 38 of 1,355). In addition to the national rankings, Scranton is No. 2 in the state in both categories.

Additionally, Scranton is ranked No. 79 out of 710 colleges in the U.S. with no application fee. In Pennsylvania, Scranton ranks fourth.

The University earned numerous other top-15 rankings in Pennsylvania:

• No. 7, Best Colleges for Communications

• No. 8, Best Colleges for Accounting and Finance

• No. 10, Best College Campuses

• No. 15, Colleges with the Best Student Life

• No. 15, Top Private Universities

• No. 15, Best Colleges for Nursing

The University of Scranton also ranks No. 1 in Best Colleges in Scranton Area, while appearing in the top 25% in Pennsylvania in categories including Best Colleges, Best Colleges for Education, Best Test-Optional Colleges, Best College Dorms, Colleges with the Best Academics, Colleges with the Best Professors, Best Colleges for Biology and Best Value Colleges.

Touting more than 500,000 college reviews from students and an algorithm that draws from a variety of vetted sources, Niche says it applies rigorous checks of its data to ensure accurate rankings.

“Our rankings are built on a powerful combination of trusted data and honest feedback from real students on campus,” Niche said on its website.

Founded in 1888, The University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit university with more than 70 majors and more than 40 graduate programs housed in its three colleges (the Kania School of Management, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Leahy College of Health Sciences). Scranton has recently been recognized in national rankings from U.S. News and World Report, TIME Magazine and The Princeton Review.

The most recent First Destination Survey by the Roche Family Center for Career Development revealed success rates of 99% and 100% for Scranton’s undergraduate and graduate members of the Class of 2024.

According to the Kania School of Management’s latest analysis of the Wyoming Valley of Northeastern Pennsylvania, a resilient housing market and optimism for downtown Scranton businesses persist despite changing economic factors.

These findings are part of the August 2026 edition of the Brennan Barometer, published by Aram Balagyozyan, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, finance and international business, and Satyajit Ghosh, Ph.D., professor of economics, finance and international business. The newsletter provides a detailed analysis of the region’s labor and housing markets, credit conditions and overall business environment, and strives to serve as a key academic resource to promote economic growth in the area.

Drs. Balagyozyan and Ghosh discussed key takeaways from the most recent Brennan Barometer during a September interview. The report includes a survey of 58 storefront businesses in downtown Scranton, conducted by Kania School honors students. Most of the vendors featured, primarily retail shops, bars and restaurants, and personal care salons, reported stable or improving sales as of April 2026.

Expectations for future business activity also reached their highest level in four years, despite increasing cost pressures.

“They see the area as an up-and-coming city,” Dr. Balagyozyan said. “They all realize that Scranton is one of those places in the United States that is finding its way and revitalizing again, and so, looking forward, they’re very optimistic that this trend will not fade away.”

The better outlook comes despite increasing jobless rates in the region’s big cities. According to data from the latest Brennan Barometer, while the overall unemployment rate of the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) changed very little from June 2025 through May 2026, the rates of seasonally unadjusted unemployment over that time rose in Scranton (4.4% to 5.1%), Wilkes-Barre (5.1% to 6.2%) and Hazleton (6.1% to 7.5%).

Another focus of the August newsletter is the economic effects of Artificial Intelligence, including the development of hyperscale data centers. Northeastern Pennsylvania has emerged as one of the fastest growing data-center regions in the Eastern U.S., with 15 proposals filed for Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.

Any new hyperscale facility in Lackawanna or Luzerne County, once operational, would add about 160 additional jobs per year, a projection that falls short of estimates by project developers.

“The information sector does not provide too many jobs in this area. It doesn’t,” Dr. Ghosh said. “If you look at it, there has not been almost any ups and downs in the information sector employment in this area."

An examination of the region’s housing market produced mixed results. Although home prices in the Scranton-Wilkes Barre MSA remain below state and national levels, signaling affordability for prospective homeowners, factors such as declining construction and tightening inventory warrant continued monitoring.

Overall, the region ranked 74th out of 300 metropolitan areas in May 2026, according to Realtor.com’s Market Hotness Index, which measures supply and demand scores. It has risen to 37th as of this past August.

The report also found that consumer credit has continued to weaken in the area, with Luzerne and Lackawanna counties recording the sixth- and 11th-highest percentages of subprime borrowers, respectively, of the 67 in Pennsylvania.

The full edition of the Brennan Barometer is available on the University’s website.

The University of Scranton welcomed about 100 children who arrived in costume and took part in an afternoon of Halloween fun at this year's Monster Mash Bash.

Held Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Byron Recreation Complex, children and their parents and guardians enjoyed Halloween-themed activities, crafts, games and tasty treats in the event sponsored by the University's Center for Service and Social Justice.

Ninety-seven children attended the event, including children of University and Aramark employees, as well as guests from United Neighborhood Centers, Friends of the Poor and Head Start.

Additionally, about 150 University students volunteered at the event with 20 clubs represented.

The College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Scranton, led by Carolyn Barry, Ph.D., welcomed academic leaders from across the nation as it hosted the three-day 2026 Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities College of Arts and Sciences Deans’ Network Meeting.

From Thursday, Oct. 8 through Saturday, Oct. 10, 35 deans, associate deans and other academic leaders, representing 21 Jesuit institutions, participated in their annual network gathering.

Sessions explored career readiness and the future of liberal arts, faculty issues, artificial intelligence, student retention, fiscal challenges and advancement, as well as the Jesuit mission and how it may guide decisions affecting students, faculty and institutions.

Rev. Joseph McShane, S.J. H’04, a former president of The University of Scranton and Fordham University and current Superior for the Scranton Jesuit Community, spoke to the delegation on Thursday evening.

Father McShane spoke about Jesuit institutions’ commitment to “bothered excellence,” as he termed it, a calling to pursue world-embracing spirituality and living “For the Greater Glory of God” even as it challenges students to live lives filled with “a taxing but energizing restlessness.”

“This restlessness ensures that our education is anything but dull, complacent or smug. Rather, it was, by design, always on edge, always on the lookout for new challenges, always on the verge of discovery,” he said. “But how can this be? Easy. Exhausting but easy, at least in formulation. You see, Jesuit education believes so strongly in the transcendent power of a well-framed question that it places questions at the center of its pedagogy, the pedagogy of ‘bothered excellence.’ In our schools, our students are exposed to this without even knowing it. In our schools, our students experience the pedagogy of ‘bothered excellence’ as something of an intellectual chain reaction: wonder gives rise to curiosity, curiosity gives rise to questioning, questioning gives rise to exploration, exploration leads to discovery, which once again sparks curiosity that leads to even more questioning.

“And so, the chain reaction of discovery begins again and again and again. This, my friends, is the magic at the heart of a Jesuit educational experience and of the Jesuit approach to life.”

Scranton administrators participated throughout the program, including Dr. Barry, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, who moderated sessions on advancement, extramural funding and Jesuit mission. Daniel Marenda, Ph.D., associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, moderated a session on data-informed decision-making, and WeiDong Zhu, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, participated in a discussion on professional discernment.

Performance Music at The University of Scranton will welcome trumpeter Marcus Printup and harpist Riza Printup in a recital entitled “Saints and Spirituals” on Friday, Oct. 30. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

"The theme of the recital is a nod to the weekend being immediately prior to All Saints' and All Souls' Day, giving listeners the opportunity to hear music that is fresh and sometimes unexpected when performed by this distinctive combination of instruments," said Janelle Decker, Performance Music executive director.

According to Cheryl Y. Boga, Performance Music artistic director and a decades-long friend of Printup, “Marcus has been a longtime Scranton favorite, having appeared as a solo performer with the Jazz Band, Concert Band and Singers, provided trumpet masterclasses through the Scranton Brass Seminar, and served as composer and conductor for the World Premiere Concert Series in 2009, and his wife Riza has performed on harp with the University Singers for a Noel Night concert.”

A member of Wynton Marsalis’s Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra since 1993, trumpeter, composer and arranger Marcus Printup was introduced to Marsalis by his mentor and friend, pianist Marcus Roberts, and was a member of Betty Carter’s first “Jazz Ahead” class in 1994. Throughout his distinguished career, Printup has performed and recorded with hundreds of legendary artists including Betty Carter, Cyrus Chestnut, Eric Clapton, Wycliffe Gordon, Willie Nelson, Eric Reed, Dianne Reeves, Marcus Roberts, Paul Simon and many others (including the puppet cast of Sesame Street), and his discography includes 14 CDs as a leader on the Blue Note, Nagel-Heyer and Steeplechase labels, and scores as a sideman.

Riza Printup’s recording credits include releases with Marcus Printup, Sharel Cassity, James Zollar, Andromeda Turre, Meg Okura and Brianna Thomas, among many others. Under the music direction of Rob Lewis, Printup scored and recorded the harp tracks for Christina Aguilera’s 2025 project "Christmas in Paris." Printup has performed with a span of greats including the late great Frank Wess, Yo-Yo Ma and jookin dance master Lil Buck, Kathleen Battle, Paquito D’Rivera, Lady Gaga, Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds and Stevie Wonder, and Wondersmith Entertainment’s “Passing The Crown” featuring MC Lyte and Rapsody.

For further information on the concert (or related education events for student musicians and music educators), call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. For more information on Marcus Printup, visit marcusprintup.net and for more info on Riza Printup, visit rizaprintup.com.

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IF YOU GO:

What: IN RECITAL: SAINTS AND SPIRITUALS featuring Marcus Printup, trumpet, and Riza Printup, harp
When: Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton
Admission: Free

The Office of Community-Based Learning (CBL) announces the fourth cohort of the CBL Student Fellows Program. CBL is an academic experience that involves students working with community partners — individuals, groups and local organizations — in ways that meet community-defined needs. The Student Fellowship Program aims to foster the professional and personal growth of students who are pursuing a CBL project alongside a faculty mentor. 

Fall 2026 projects focus on varied topics and issues including:

• creating a math tutoring program for Scranton middle schoolers using student volunteers from the University;
  
  
• utilizing a data-centered Predictive Risk Model to help support early interventions aiming to prevent homelessness in Scranton and Lackawanna County;
  
  
• fostering accessible and culturally competent forms of coping strategies for Bhutanese refugees to improve mental and emotional health;
  
  
• increasing access to literacy support and family resources for elementary-aged children in underserved Scranton communities; and
  
  
• using books, games, crafts, and American Sign Language instruction for youth in Scranton to support and engage with the Deaf community.

All projects are in collaboration with community partners and aim to build on or expand the services they provide. The fellowship program runs throughout the fall semester.  

The Fall 2026 CBL Student Fellows are listed below, including their involvement and a description of each intended project.  

Osben (Ben) Oriehi '28

 

Osben "Ben" Oriehi ‘28 is a junior from Detroit, Michigan, in the College of Arts and Sciences studying neuroscience with a minor in chemistry. His project focuses on establishing a free-of-charge after-school STEM tutoring program at Scranton’s Northeast Intermediate School. The project aims to improve access to math and science help for underserved students in the Scranton community.

Oriehi seeks to spread the word about this program and, in turn, pair University of Scranton student volunteers with students who require academic support. The goal is to build a sustainable, clearance-ready tutoring team that can help these students in academic areas as well as time management, college preparation and academic confidence. 

The STEM Access Initiative aims to increase access to academic support, mentorship and educational opportunities for underserved students in the Scranton area. Through free peer tutoring, mentorship and workshops focused on math, science, study skills, time management and college preparation, the program helps to strengthen students' academic skills while building confidence and motivation.

 

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William Martin '27

 

William Martin ‘27 is a senior from Bryn Athyn in the Kania School of Management with a double major in business analytics and philosophy as well as a minor in computer science. His project, in collaboration with United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, aims to explore how data and predictive risk modeling (PRM) could be used to proactively address homelessness in the Scranton and Lackawanna areas.

Predictive Risk Modeling (PRM) uses existing data to identify individuals who may be at higher risk of homelessness and allow for earlier intervention. Martin will assess the current homelessness data infrastructure in Scranton and Lackawanna County to determine whether it could support a future PRM system. This project will examine how local homelessness data is collected, coordinated and used, while also exploring successful PRM models implemented in other communities that could serve as potential models for the area. Martin will then develop a roadmap to outline what would be necessary to establish a similar system locally. By identifying opportunities to improve data collection, coordination, and early intervention practices, the project could help establish a foundation for a more proactive and effective approach to preventing homelessness in the Scranton and Lackawanna County communities.  

 

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Sarika Mongar '27

 

Sarika Mongar ‘27 is a senior from Scranton in the College of Arts and Sciences studying biology. Mongar’s research showed that the Bhutanese refugee community in Scranton has experienced significant challenges related to trauma, displacement, isolation and language barriers. These experiences can have lasting effects on emotional well-being, while stigma surrounding mental health can make it difficult for individuals to seek traditional mental health services.

This project, in collaboration with the Bhutanese Cultural Foundation, aims to explore accessible, culturally responsive approaches to stress and emotional wellness through practical mind-body practices such as abdominal breathing and grounding. These techniques can help individuals manage stress, reconnect with their bodies, and create a greater sense of calm and stability without requiring participants to verbally disclose difficult or traumatic experiences. By offering strategies that can be practiced individually or within trusted community settings, this project aims to reduce isolation, strengthen social connections, promote emotional well-being and increase access to culturally respectful forms of support.

 

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Emma DiLemme '28

 

Emma DiLemme ‘28 is a junior from Newburgh, New York, in the Leahy College of Health Sciences studying nursing with a minor in Spanish as well as a concentration in nutrition. She aims to strengthen literacy skills and build confidence among elementary-aged children in underserved communities throughout Scranton through her project called Read to Rise Literacy Initiative, which is a collaboration with the Lackawanna County Children’s Library.

Through one-on-one and small-group tutoring with children ages 6-8, Reading Buddy mentorship, family literacy resources and access to books and community resources, DiLemme’s goal is to help children develop foundational skills in reading fluency, vocabulary and comprehension while fostering a positive and lasting relationship with reading. Beyond tutoring, the initiative supports and empowers families by providing practical strategies and connecting them with accessible community resources. Read to Rise hopes to help children build stronger literacy skills and promote greater academic success, confidence and opportunities for children in the Scranton community.

According to DiLemme, “Developing strong literacy skills at a young age can benefit children both academically and in their everyday lives, as reading and communication are skills they will continue to use throughout their education and future careers.”

 

 

Mallory Bertrand '28

 

Mallory Bertrand ‘28 is a junior from East Windsor, New Jersey, in the Leahy College of Health Sciences with a major in communication sciences and disorders and a minor in psychology.

Bertrand’s proposed project, Inclusive Communication in Early Childhood Education, aims to promote inclusion and accessibility by introducing young children to American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture. Taking place at the University’s Early Learning Center, the project will provide pre-kindergarten students with age-appropriate opportunities to learn basic ASL signs while developing an understanding of the importance of inclusive communication. Through weekly lessons incorporating books, hands-on activities and games with beginner ASL instruction, students will learn practical signs and explore how communication can take on many different forms. Families will also be provided with resources showing the signs introduced in each lesson and asked to encourage children to practice ASL at home to extend their learning beyond the classroom.

According to Bertrand, “My goal is to increase inclusion and accessibility while educating others on how to respectfully support and engage with the Deaf community. I want to show children that inclusion can be both engaging and rewarding, and that learning simple ways to communicate with others can create a more welcoming environment for everyone.” This project hopes to build empathy, encourage respectful communication, and create a more inclusive environment for all forms of communication.

Community-Based Learning Presentation of Outcomes Dec. 10

The Office of Community-Based Learning is excited to see how these programs develop and to see the impact that they will have on the Scranton community. A final presentation of project outcomes is scheduled for Dec. 10. For more information on CBL at the University, visit www.scranton.edu/cbl

The University of Scranton will spearhead a significant NASA-funded effort to expand public engagement in space science.

Funded through NASA’s Science Activation (SciAct) program as a cooperative agreement, the University has been entrusted with a nearly $5.5 million grant to lead a space education and citizen science initiative focused on space weather and amateur radio. The project aims to bring scientific discovery out of research laboratories and into schools, libraries, museums and communities across the nation.

Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., associate professor of physics and engineering, will serve as the principal investigator of the project, titled “Discovering the SPARC: Space Physics Through Amateur Radio Connections.” Collaborating institutions include the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), Space Science Institute, MIT Haystack Observatory, University of Alabama and New Jersey Institute of Technology with Kera Collective as the external evaluator. The grant totals $5,495,781 and will be administered as a five-year agreement through 2031.

“This is an extremely competitive and significant grant,” Dr. Frissell said. “SciAct is a premier program in which NASA gives its science back to the very people who fund this work — the American people. Not only does this award recognize The University of Scranton as a national leader in the field of space weather and citizen science, but it also gives us a unique opportunity to partner with NASA and other SciAct grantees in a way that will magnify our ability to have a meaningful impact.”

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The University’s leadership in this area is closely tied to Dr. Frissell’s work as founder of the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) community, which, for years, has already connected amateur radio operators around the world to create a network of citizen scientists.

The project’s centerpiece is the creation of “Discovery Stations,” which will be located at public venues and will allow visitors to see real-time space weather data. Individuals will be able to learn how solar activity affects communications.

Additionally, the grant will fund the deployment of approximately 85 Citizen Science Space Weather Monitors throughout the country. These stations will collect data on radio signals and ionospheric conditions, contributing observations to a national research network while also serving as education tools for the public.

Also, the ARRL Teachers Institute will provide educators with curriculum materials that will connect classroom lessons to live NASA data.

Beyond the programs and technology being developed, the initiative is designed to support a self-sustaining network of teachers, amateur radio operators, citizen scientists and community partners who will have access to NASA science long after the initial funding period ends.

For Dr. Frissell, one of the most important aspects of the award is the opportunity to collaborate with other organizations. Together, they will make NASA science more accessible to the public, developing new ideas and approaches that extend far beyond what any one institution could accomplish on its own.

“We will be innovating and collaborating with teams across the SciAct portfolio,” he said. “I can only imagine the great things that will come of this.”

The University of Scranton marked a milestone anniversary at this year’s U.S. Conference on Disability, celebrating with an exceptional lineup of nationally known speakers and advocates who addressed one of the largest crowds in the event’s history.

In addition to the 185-plus registered participants at the 25th Annual U.S. Conference on Disability, an overflow crowd of about 75 students packed the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center for the day’s final presentation by Rebecca Alexander.

Alexander spoke to the crowd about living with progressive vision and hearing loss, yet overcoming those challenges to find professional success as an author, psychotherapist and athlete.

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While Alexander capped the all-day program, Bob Casey, former United States Senator and current Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service at The University of Scranton, and Lori Shapiro, Pennsylvania’s First Lady and a disability rights advocate, spoke on stage earlier in the morning. Casey and First Lady Shapiro discussed issues including expanding employment opportunities and raising awareness of the talents of individuals with disabilities.

Following their discussion, Casey and First Lady Shapiro each received awards recognizing their contributions and leadership. Casey received the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Award for Excellence in Disability Policy. First Lady Shapiro received the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Award for Excellence in Promoting Inclusive Employer Partnerships. Also, Rebecca Spirito Dalgin, Ph.D., professor and chair of the University’s Counseling and Human Services Department, received the Dr. Ralph N. Pacinelli Leadership Award.

Additionally, Mason Ameri, Ph.D., a professor at Rutgers University, presented “Disability Employment Now,” and Kerry Magro, Ed.D., CEO and founder of KFM Making a Difference, presented “From Nonspeaking to Netflix: One Man’s Autism Journey to Professional Speaker and Love on the Spectrum U.S.” Longtime Conference supporters Kathy West-Evans and John Evans, consultants and co-founders of Abilities United Consulting, presented “A Career Focus: Moving Forward Through Change.”

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“There is something especially fitting about this Conference taking place at The University of Scranton, where, as a Catholic and Jesuit institution, we are called to accompany one another in pursuit of a more compassionate and just world,” Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, wrote in the event’s program. “Each year, the Conference reminds us of a simple but profound truth: every person is blessed with inherent dignity and gifts that enrich our community. Sometimes, there are complications and barriers in their way. But when those barriers are removed and opportunities are expanded, individuals are empowered to remind us that progress may be achieved in countless ways from advocacy to policy to innovation and beyond.”

The U.S. Conference on Disability was founded in 2002 by Edward R. ’68, H’01 and Patricia Leahy in honor of their late son, Edward R. Leahy, Jr., who was born with multiple disabilities.

Ever since, the conference, presented by the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment, has influenced thousands of attendees whose work has, in turn, positively impacted countless individuals with disabilities and their families.

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Michael J. Broyde, Esq., a nationally recognized scholar of Jewish law and ethics and a professor at the Emory University School of Law, will be the featured speaker at The University of Scranton’s upcoming Judaic Studies Lecture.

Professor Broyde’s lecture, titled "Is Robin Hood Correct? Is it Proper to Steal From the Rich and Give to the Poor? Some Thoughts from the Jewish, Christian and American Traditions" will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall. The presentation is free, open to the public and courtesy of the University’s Judaic Studies Program, which brings distinguished speakers to campus to explore topics related to Jewish culture and history.

An ordained rabbi, Professor Broyde is also an accomplished scholar and a prolific writer. His most recent book, “Splitting Hairs: The History, Law and Future of Jewish Laws of Modesty and Women’s Head Covering,” was published in 2024. In it, Professor Broyde explores thousands of years of Jewish law evolving in response to changes in society.

Professor Broyde is a graduate of New York University’s School of Law and Yeshiva University.

“Through his teaching, writing and institutional leadership, Broyde has been a leading figure in the study of law and religion, contributing to both scholarly discourse and broader conversations about the role of religious legal traditions in contemporary society,” Emory says. “He also serves as an expert witness in a number of matters.”

For more information, please contact Marc B. Shapiro, Ph.D., professor and chair of theology and religious studies at the University, at 570-941-7956 or email marc.shapiro@scranton.edu.

The University of Scranton's Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program is now designated by the federal government as a STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) program, effective at the start of the 2026-27 academic year. The designation falls under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security CIP Code 52.1399.

James Boyle, DBA, MAcc program director and associate professor of accounting, said most required MAcc courses will include analytics used specifically by accounting and financial professionals. Two new MAcc courses with STEM content have been added. STEM content has also been incorporated into several existing MAcc courses.

For example, a new MAcc course, ACC 571 — Accounting Analytics, has been developed by Ashley L. Stampone, Ph.D '10, G'11, Ph.D., associate professor of accounting, with the following course catalog description: "This course will provide an overview and exposure to descriptive, prescriptive, diagnostic and predictive analytics. It will combine the study of theoretical concepts with hands-on exercises in data extraction, data transformation, data analysis, data visualization and presentation and other analytical tools utilized in the accounting profession." 

The STEM designation will enhance MAcc graduates’ ability to apply analytic technology used by accounting and financial professionals, which is being demanded within the current marketplace for areas such as financial reporting and analysis, auditing and taxation.

Additionally, the University's MAcc program now offers a series of three intermediate accounting courses for students who want to earn an MAcc degree but did not major in accounting for their undergraduate degrees.

These students usually have completed one or more basic financial accounting courses as part of their non-accounting business degree. Therefore, to build a “bridge” for the more comprehensive accounting coursework, they will take three intermediate accounting courses (ACC 505, ACC 506 and ACC 507) as part of their 36- or 39-credit MAcc program study plan.

The MAcc bridge courses appeal to students who want to become Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and/or transition into an accounting or financial professional career but lack an undergraduate accounting degree. Other students may currently be working as an accounting or financial professional, but their lack of an undergraduate accounting degree may be a barrier to advancement and promotion.

“Our provisional students are highly motivated professionals who consistently excel in their studies while earning a master’s degree in accounting," Dr. Boyle said.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Dr. Boyle at james.boyle@scranton.edu or call 570-941-6594.

 

The University of Scranton’s Order of Pro Deo recently honored employees who have achieved 20 years of service at the University.

Sixteen employees were formally recognized at an induction ceremony held Friday, Sept. 18, at the Pearn Auditorium inside Brennan Hall. Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., presented the inductees with their awards while also offering a blessing and remarks.

The Order of Pro Deo at The University of Scranton was established in 1961 by Rev. John J. Long, S.J., University president from 1953-1963. Since its creation, 797 individuals have been honored with induction.

Pro Deo 20-Year Recipients

• Michael E. Allison, Ph.D.

• Janet M. Bernick

• Paul T. Colaiezzi '86

• Robert W. Davis Jr., Ed.D. ’03, '06, G'09, G'19 

• Ivo T. Geshev

• Edward Hanis

• Caitlyn M. Hollingshead '06, G'09, G'19

• Erik R. Johnson

• Barbara H. King

• Jonathan D. Kirby G'09

• Thomas C. Leong

• Susan C. Mendez, Ph.D.

• Shannon L. Murphy Fennie '99

• Sheila M. Strickland G'11

• Alex Wasalinko '24

• Jason A. Wimmer G'11

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The University of Scranton welcomed internationally known Jesuit priest, author and speaker Rev. James Martin, S.J. H'17, as the featured presenter at its annual Ignatian Values in Action Lecture, held Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Byron Recreation Complex.

Father Martin participated in a discussion and question-and-answer session hosted by Teresa Grettano, Ph.D., associate professor of English and Theatre and president of Faculty Senate.

Drawing from his acclaimed book, “Searching for God at Ground Zero,” Father Martin discussed how individuals can encounter God’s presence amid suffering and uncertainty. He shared stories of resilience and faith and encouraged audience members to recognize that grace, healing and spiritual growth can reveal themselves even in life’s most difficult moments.

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In addition to speaking and signing books at the Ignatian Values in Action Lecture, Father Martin, while on campus, participated in a community breakfast and presented at a Schemel Forum World Affairs Luncheon, among other activities.

Through his books, media appearances and pastoral ministry, Father Martin has become of the most recognizable Catholic voices in the U.S., similar to other past speakers at the Ignatian Values in Action lecture, a signature event at The University of Scranton. Last year’s speaker was Rev. Gregory Boyle, S.J., founder of the gang intervention program Homeboy Industries.

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By Cassidy Lowman ’27, Student Correspondent

The University of Scranton will host its annual Open House with events for prospective students and their families on Sunday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the John J. Long, S.J. Center. Find more information or register for Open House. 

Following a welcome from Enrollment leadership and University President Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., visitors will be encouraged to explore the campus in new ways to see all the University has to offer. The Academic Fair, a new addition to this year’s Open House, is set to be a highlight in the day’s schedule. It is a structured time for students and families to connect with Scranton faculty and representatives from their areas of academic interest.

“The Academic Fair encourages visitors to explore more of campus, as each college’s fair is hosted in a different location. This not only helps guests engage more deeply with our academic offerings, but it also provides a broader sense of the campus environment and student experience,” Hugh Doyle Jr., director of undergraduate admissions at The University of Scranton, said.

NEW THIS YEAR: 'Come See Our Space' Experiences

Doyle notes the decisions made to revamp the Open House experience aim to make the event more organized and less overwhelming for prospective students and families. These changes include the addition of set times to engage with Student Life, Support Services and the Programs for Excellence, along with the opportunity to explore campus with the “Come See Our Space” experiences.

“The result is a more structured visit that helps families make the most of their time on campus while still allowing them the flexibility to explore the areas that interest them most,” Doyle said.

Choosing a school is a weighty decision, and attending an Open House provides students with opportunities to connect with the University in ways they can’t through a traditional campus tour.

“While many students and families enjoy seeing a campus in an 'unscripted' way during an unofficial visit, it can be challenging to get a true feel for a place you are unfamiliar with. It can be overwhelming,” Doyle said. “And you may miss opportunities or information that are important to your college decision.”

But for students visiting during an Open House, it’s necessary to imagine the University as their future home, rather than as a place where they will pursue a degree. By creating additional opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the campus culture, such as attending Mass, sharing a meal in the DeNaples Center and participating in other special programming, prospective students can be a part of what makes Scranton so unique, he said.

“These experiences help students envision themselves as members of our community and better understand the values, traditions, and sense of belonging that are central to a Scranton education,” Doyle said. “Ultimately, Open House helps students move beyond learning about the University to actually experiencing what makes Scranton such a special place to live, learn and grow.”

Interested in Attending?

Find more information or register for Open House. 

By Cassidy Lowman ’27, Student Correspondent

Keith Williams G’09 knows exactly what it means to live up to the Ignatian mission of being “men and women for others.” He’s dedicated nearly 40 years of his life to public service — advocating for people with disabilities and promoting justice in his community.

For a quarter century, Williams has seen firsthand how The University of Scranton’s U.S. Conference on Disability has grown from a local event to a nationally recognized forum on inclusion. Williams was one of the conference’s earliest supporters, attending all but one conference since it began in 2002. As someone with a physical disability who has also worked for over 35 years in disability advocacy and outreach, Williams reflects on the significant advancements made in accessibility and looks to the road ahead in areas where barriers remain and progress is still needed.

Echoing this year’s theme, “25 Years of Progress: Honoring the Legacy of Edward R. Leahy, Jr.,” Williams highlights the tremendous advancements made to make public areas more accessible to people with disabilities, especially in his Scranton community.

“I’ve seen a lot of positive changes. There are now curb cuts on sidewalks, accessible facilities within buildings and visual and audio street signals for those who have a visual or hearing impairment,” he said. “All of these are examples of barriers that have been removed.”

While celebrating these improvements, it’s important to acknowledge that there is still more work to be done.

Williams, who is the manager at the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Grant and Advocacy at My Center for Independent Living (MyCIL) in Scranton, says equal access to employment remains one of the biggest hurdles on the path to inclusion for people with disabilities.

People with disabilities continue to experience disproportionately high unemployment rates despite greater access to education and workforce training. It's rather ironic, Williams noted, that a direct result of progress — those with disabilities today have more access to education and training than those in the past — also comes with unemployment rates that don’t reflect the institutional improvements.

The University’s U.S. Conference on Disability brings advocates, educators and community members together to learn from one another and advance disability inclusion.

In addition to numerous lectures and panels spanning business, education, healthcare and entertainment, the event also features an awards presentation. At the 2025 conference, Williams was presented with the Edward R. Leahy, Jr., Award for Excellence in Leadership and Advocacy because of his lifelong commitment to public service.

"One of the things I admire about them is that they understand these issues from a personal level,” he said of the event's founders, Edward '68, H'01 and Patricia Leahy. “They were able to apply their experiences and familiarity with disability issues and make a world class conference from that. They’re passionate about equal access under the law, and particularly access to education and employment.”

When attending conferences such as this, Williams, because of his work and his own life experiences, is uniquely qualified to assess how a conference assesses inclusion from multiple perspectives.

"It’s always interesting to see if the message that is getting across applies to both populations, rather than one more than another. And at The University of Scranton, it does,” Williams said. “It does because many of the themes that the conference has presented over the years are all about empowerment; helping to empower people with disabilities, planning their careers and their goals and the steps they can take to achieve these goals.”

Significant progress had been made in promoting inclusion of the disability community since the Conference’s first forum in 2002. Although the fight for inclusion continues, the University is a leading institution spearheading these initiatives.

With more resources now than ever before, there are many different avenues one can take to educate themselves on disability inclusion and work toward a more equitable society.

“Whether it’s in a formal setting, like the University’s Conference, or a few people having an informal meeting, we have to get the word out about disability legislation and the laws that are out there,” Williams said. “We really need to reshape the way that people think, and that comes from constant education. Educate, educate, educate.”

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The September "Campus Catch-Up," which features a collection of news items from the past month, led with a story about The University of Scranton's placement in The Princeton Review's annual list of best colleges.

We are back this month with more good, familiar news, courtesy of two additional major publications, and other headlines from the early fall at Scranton.

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Scranton a "Best College," According to U.S. News, TIME Magazine

The University of Scranton marked a significant institutional advancement with the release of this year's U.S. News and World Report's "Best Colleges" list. For the first time, Scranton is classified as a National University. Scranton made a strong debut in what is widely regarded as the premier grouping of American colleges and universities, ranking No. 137, in addition to achieving several top-100 placements in subcategories. The University also earned a spot on TIME Magazine's "America's Best Colleges" report.

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Weiss Hall Earns Prestigious LEED Gold Certification

The nation's leading organization for sustainable building practices recently awarded one of its highest ratings — LEED Gold certification — to the University's newest facility, Weiss Hall. Built with mass timber construction, solar power, natural light design, energy-saving climate systems and water conservation fixtures, the building joins the Loyola Science Center as Scranton's second LEED Gold facility.

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Mechanical Engineering Program Expands at Hyland Hall

Due to an influx of students and upgraded equipment, the University's mechanical engineering program has grown to include two new student design and research spaces on the fourth floor of Hyland Hall. The community gathered for an official opening and blessing event, where students and faculty provided tours of the newly renovated workspaces.

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University of Scranton Welcomes New Faculty Members

The University added 20 new, full-time faculty members prior to the start of the 2026-27 academic year. Follow this link to learn more about the University's newest instructors.

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Pet Therapy on the Dionne Green

Hundreds of students and dozens of dogs came together for the biannual tradition, Pet Therapy: Canines on Campus, sponsored by the University's Center for Service and Social Justice.

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Additionally, the University hosted both a Career Expo and a Volunteer and Service Fair. The Mass of the Holy Spirit was held, as was a Sept. 11 Memorial Mass.

The University also announced this year's presenter at the 40th Henry George Lecture and shared that the second annual Confronting the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence conference will return in 2027.

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In addition to the regular Wednesday email newsletter, The University of Scranton's Royal News website is updated continuously throughout the year with new stories, features and announcements. Readers may visit at any time to find the latest news from across the University.

The University of Scranton named four new members to its Board of Trustees: Ellen Boyle, Esq. ’84, John Douthit ’90, Mary Dwyer-Cassis ’81 and Thom Spoto ’91.

Ellen Boyle, Esq. ’84

Boyle is a former deputy general counsel, Commercial Insurance Products, for American International Group, Inc. (AIG), a leading global insurance organization. She spent more than 30 years of her career at AIG, primarily in global legal, compliance and regulatory positions, but also in positions in claims and reinsurance. In her immediate past position, she led the legal team supporting AIG’s commercial insurance products, including all aspects of underwriting operations and distribution, directly overseeing legal support for North America while collaborating closely with legal, regulatory and compliance colleagues globally.

Dedicated to civic engagement, Boyle served on the AIG Pro Bono Steering Committee and was AIG’s liaison with the New York State Mentoring Program, organizing a program in which AIG employees mentor at-risk elementary and high school students.

Prior to joining AIG, Boyle was a litigator in New York City.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from The University of Scranton, a Juris Doctor from St. John’s University School of Law and an L.L.M., Taxation from New York University School of Law.

Boyle serves on the Executive Committee of the University’s President’s Business Council and received the Frank J. O’Hara Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024.

She resides on Long Beach Island, New Jersey.

John Douthit ’90

Douthit currently serves as president and CEO of John S. Burke Catholic High School and Academy in Goshen, New York. His tenure at Burke Catholic spans more than a decade, during which he has held progressive leadership roles including director of Alumni Relations, director of Development, director of Admissions and Advancement, principal and chief operations officer.

A graduate of Burke Catholic himself, Douthit is a product of 18 years of Catholic education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from The University of Scranton and a master’s degree in public administration from the College of New Rochelle. Prior to his career in education, he spent 22 years in the financial services industry, gaining extensive experience in various leadership positions across New York, London and Chicago.

Deeply committed to Catholic education and institutional advancement, Douthit serves as executive director of the John S. Burke Catholic High School Foundation. He is president of the New York Metropolitan Catholic High School Presidents’ Association and a member of the Executive Committee of the Catholic Schools Administrators Association of New York State (CSAANYS).

While a student at Scranton, Douthit was a four-year member of the University’s baseball team. As an alumnus, he has been active with the University’s Parents Executive Council. He and his wife, Beth, reside in Monroe, New York, and are the parents of two sons, Patrick and Brendan, a graduate of the University’s Class of 2024.

Mary Dwyer-Cassis ’81

Dwyer-Cassis’ accomplished career has spanned more than 30 years of leadership roles and general management responsibilities at Waters Corporation, a provider of analytical instruments and software used by life sciences, materials and food industries. She joined the Waters Division of Millipore Corporation as a life science applications chemist and leveraged her laboratory experience to support product development and marketing initiatives before transitioning into sales. Throughout her career, she focused on supporting and collaborating with pharmaceutical, life science and industrial chemical researchers across the northeastern United States.

More recently, Dwyer-Cassis has been sharing her decades of experience, devoting her time to coaching and advising students and early-career professionals as they transition from academia and laboratory science into business and finance. She has also mentored students pursuing graduate education and research opportunities in the life sciences. 

Born and raised in Scranton, she attended Scranton Preparatory School and earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from The University of Scranton. She pursued graduate studies at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, earning a master’s degree and Ph.D. in analytical chemistry.

She and her husband, Eugene, currently reside in St. Petersburg, Florida. The couple has two children.

Thom Spoto ’91

Spoto is a distinguished leader in the financial services industry. He is a partner in the External Investing Group (XIG) within Goldman Sachs Asset Management, where he is a member of the Secondaries Investment Team (Vintage Platform). Additionally, he is chair of the XIG Vintage Credit Strategies Committee and is a member of the XIG Vintage Funds and XIG Private Co-Investment Strategies Committees.

Earlier in his career, Spoto was a vice president in Leveraged Finance and Corporate Finance within the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs. He initially joined Goldman Sachs in 1998 as an associate, rejoined the firm in 2015 as a managing director and was named partner in 2024.

Prior to rejoining Goldman Sachs, he was a managing director at AlpInvest Partners, where he was the head of US Equity Co-Investments, head of Mezzanine Investments and also a member of the firm’s Global Investment Committee. Previously, he worked at Salomon Brothers in the Investment Banking Division.

Spoto earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance, magna cum laude, from The University of Scranton and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to the National University of Singapore.

Spoto is a member of the Executive Committee of the University’s President’s Business Council. He resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The University of Scranton’s Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund, which sponsors one of the University’s most ambitious and prestigious scholarship initiatives, is now fully endowed with permanent support.

Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, made the announcement Thursday at the 25th annual President’s Medal Gala at Pier Sixty in Manhattan. The total amount of gifts and pledges comes to $30.2 million, Father Marina said. The event was first held in 2002 to establish and fully fund the endowment, among other goals.

The University’s Presidential Scholars Program awards four-year, full-tuition scholarships to incoming first-year students with outstanding high school records and notable community involvement.

“At its core, the Presidential Scholars Program is about expanding access to education,” Father Marina said. “Consistent with our Catholic and Jesuit mission, we believe that gifted and motivated students should have the opportunity to pursue an outstanding education regardless of their financial means. By securing a full endowment of this program, the University and its benefactors have invested in future generations whose young men and women will continue to have access to a life-changing education that forms the whole person.”

The milestone was achieved through the collective generosity of thousands of donors over the past 24 years. Since its inception, the program has supported hundreds of students.

“Each of the nine Presidential Scholars in the Class of 2027 came to Scranton with their own interests, goals and dreams,” Jillian DelBalso ’27 said at Thursday’s gala on behalf of the Class of 2027 Presidential Scholars. “Our experiences may not have all looked the same, but we share something important. Someone believed in what we could become before we even had the chance to fully discover it for ourselves. That is what the Presidential Scholarship does. It doesn’t just invest in a student’s education. It invests in their future.”

The President's Medal, presented at the gala to individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields while demonstrating extraordinary compassion for others, was awarded to Robert S. '68 and Marilyn A. Weiss. The Weisses' lifetime of philanthropy has included significant gifts that helped construct Weiss Hall, Weiss Field and the creation of the Robert and Marilyn Weiss Pediatric Low Vision Research and Training Suite.

By Cassidy Lowman '27, Student Correspondent

The University of Scranton community has always known its university was among the best, but a new classification and publication confirmed this campus pride.

The third Tuesday in September felt more like Christmas morning for those who gathered at Robert S. ’68 and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall for an historic reveal. The grand lobby was brimming with Royals whose gleaming faces watched the activities and speeches from the lobby stairs and second-floor banister.

Student government vice president, Connor Farrington ’27, a business analytics and accounting double major from Washington, New Jersey, introduced Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president. Father Marina was met with booming applause from the students, faculty, staff and community members present for the reveal.

The anticipation behind the reveal was prompted by the University’s new classification as a National University in U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings. 

“And so now we get to play with the big fish: Harvard, Princeton, Duke, Georgetown and all these famous global universities that we hold in such reverence and in such high esteem,” Father Marina said. “We are now within that group.” 

Along with announcing that the University is tied for No. 137 among over 420 peers, Father Marina unveiled four additional rankings: No. 47, graduate earnings; No. 71, best private colleges and universities; No. 73, earnings by major; No. 89, graduation rates.

As Father Marina spoke about the additional rankings, he gestured to a row of large placards propped up on displays. Marcus Smith ’27, an English and theater double major from Schuylkill Haven, who has always believed that Scranton belonged in the highest echelon of national colleges and universities, proudly flipped each placard as the achievement was announced.

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“To receive those accolades means that we will hopefully be seen by more people across the world for the quality of education that we provide,” Smith said. “The faculty are very compassionate, caring about their students, and very engaged with what the students do. And I’m hoping that will be highlighted and remain important as we transition into this next phase of the University’s success.”

The transition is already underway. Earlier this year, Scranton shed its regional categorization when the Carnegie Classification system determined that Scranton now qualifies as a National University. This change comes after 32 years during which Scranton was a top 10 college in the North, according to U.S. News, which uses the Carnegie system when composing its annual lists. 

Purple and white balloons swayed during the reception as University mascot Iggy greeted community members with high-fives. Gracie, Father Marina’s “Royal Pup,” opted to lie down by Farrington and let everyone come to her by the refreshment table. On the table were cupcakes decorated with University flags and a cake shaped like the continental United States with a purple “S” in the middle — symbolizing the University’s advancement into the national category. 

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As Farrington spoke with administrators, shook hands with professors and cracked jokes with peers, he said every member of the Scranton community has a reason to be proud of this achievement.

“It goes to show just how resilient, strong, and how great the University is. This is my fourth year, and I’ve been able to not only see myself grow, but also see the University grow,” Farrington said. “This is monumental and it speaks volumes to what happens here at the University that now is being recognized on the national level.”

As the lobby slowly emptied, Father Marina’s words left attendees walking back to their classrooms and offices with their heads a bit higher.

It’s a great day to celebrate, he said, and a great day to be a Royal.

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Cassidy Lowman ‘27, Dauphin, is a communications major with a political science minor at Scranton.

The University of Scranton’s University of Success welcomed 21 new members this past summer, beginning their developmental and educational journey through the program.

As part of their academic, cultural and social enrichment programming in July and August, students explored topics ranging from renewable energy and sustainability to physics and environmental science. Their hands-on activities included studying the cost effectiveness of the University’s solar panels, examining the energy-efficient and LEED Gold-certified Weiss Hall, building wind turbine prototypes and participating in science-focused programs at the Franklin Institute, Knoebel’s Amusement Park and the Lackawanna State Park.

The University of Success is a four-year, pre-college mentorship program that provides its participants — first-generation, college-bound high school students — with educational opportunities and support designed to help them gain admission to a college or university. It is funded entirely by corporate and foundation grants, and there is no charge to the participants or their families. The program launched in 1996 and graduated its first full class in 2001.

The most recent graduating University of Success class included 18 members, 16 of whom matriculated to colleges including The University of Scranton, Harrisburg University, Howard University, Lehigh University, Liberty University, Loyola University, Luzerne County Community College, Marywood University, Misericordia University, Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh.

The program was spotlighted in July as part of a WBRE news feature.

The University of Success’ Class of 2030 includes:

• Alisha Anderson, Old Forge

• Jhonai Armstead, Olyphant

• Erik Ayala Diaz, Scranton

• Dipika Basnet, Scranton

• Nasir Brown, Jr., Scranton

• Patty Chen, Milford

• Isabella Coffield, Avoca

• Geraldine Donaciano, Scranton

• Angus Finnegan, Old Forge

• Rachel Garcia, Scranton

• Janella Jones, Scranton

• Noah Keiper, Scranton

• Omed Kibingwa, Scranton

• Ziannalys Lopez, Scranton

• Prayash Magar, Scranton

• Edgar Nolasco Hernandez, Scranton

• Jose Pomaquiza, Scranton

• Kairav Shah, Scranton

• Rosalie Thorek, Dalton

• Kaylee Vasquez, Moosic

• Emma Ziller, Gouldsboro

The University of Scranton’s U.S. Conference on Disability will celebrate a major milestone on Wednesday, Oct. 7, commemorating a quarter-century of advocacy, education and leadership dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.

This year’s conference theme, “25 Years of Progress: Honoring the Legacy of Edward R. Leahy, Jr.,” will focus on disability inclusion and careers, as well as transforming barriers into opportunities.

Founded through the generosity and vision of Edward Leahy ’68, H’01, and Patricia Leahy and inspired by their son, Edward R. Leahy, Jr., the conference has become one of the nation’s longest-running university-based forums on disability issues. The conference has created a space where educators, health care professionals, policymakers, students, families and advocates can share ideas and research to better the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Among those who will speak at the event, hosted on campus at the DeNaples Center, are:

• 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. — Former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, who currently serves The University of Scranton as its Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service.

• 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. — Mason Ameri, Ph.D., professor of professional practice at Rutgers University.

• 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. — Kerry Magro, Ed.D., bestselling author and speaker.

• 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Kathy West-Evans and John Evans, founders of Abilities United Consulting.

•  3 to 4:30 p.m. — Rebecca Alexander, award-winning author and disability rights advocate.

The daylong event begins with registration and a continental breakfast from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. and concludes at about 4:30 p.m. It is presented by The University of Scranton, the Leahy College of Health Sciences and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment.

For more information, visit the conference’s webpage.