Staff News

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleagues' accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for December 2025 is: 
Michelle Van Pelt - Nursing

How long have you worked at the University? I have worked at the University since January 2020. 

What is your title? Director of Clinical Operations for Department of Nursing

What do you like best about your job? The people I work with make this job the best job ever.

What do you like to do for fun? Spending time and traveling with family and friends.

 
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Michelle does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Michelle and all our nominees. Michelle will receive a complimentary food donation at our fabulous University food service outlets AND a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for November. Each winner is also invited to the Staff Senate Recognition event in May 2026 to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate Michelle and all the wonderful nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

 
December 2025 Nominees

Nominations open for JANUARY Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award.

Have you witnessed a University staff member, Aramark or Follett employee offer a simple act of kindness? Go above and beyond for others? Perhaps they embody our Jesuit mission or simply possess an incredible attitude. If so, please recommend this individual for this prestigious award. 

Although only University staff members, Aramark, or Follett employees win the award, nominations may be made by any University of Scranton employee.

Members of the Staff Senate greeted more than 270 University employees entering the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on Wednesday, Dec. 10, for the annual Staff Senate Christmas Luncheon.

As part of the holiday welcome, the Staff Senate Social Events Committee members collected items for the University's Royal Restore Food Pantry. Additionally, they sold raffle tickets for a chance to win themed basket donations created by members of the University community. The raffle and 50/50 proceeds will benefit the University's Domestic Service Trip Program through the Center for Service and Social Justice (CSSJ).

“This is always a wonderful event. We appreciate everyone’s generosity and contributions,” said Lucia Grissinger, Staff Senate Social Events Committee co-chair.

At the first of two seatings, Staff Senate President Kristi Klien offered a welcome and Jesuit Center Executive Director Tim Dulle shared a blessing focused on gratitude and mindfulness. The second seating began at 1 p.m.; both were free for University of Scranton staff members.

Members of the Staff Senate Social Events Committee include: 
Lucia Grissinger, co-chair
Melissa Eckenrode, co-chair
Shawn Beistline
Bridget Conlogue
Kelly Cook
Jill Eidenberg 
Melinda Finnerty
Autumn Forgione
Melisa Gallo
Kristi Klien
Daniela Teneva

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleagues' accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for November 2025 is: 
Maria Z. Cutsinger – Director, Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, Student Life

How long have you worked at the University? 
I joined The University of Scranton in January of 2024.

What is your title? 
I am the Director for the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution

What do you like best about your job?
The best part about my work with the University is my ability to have meaningful conversations with students who might be at a crossroads in their lives.

What do you like to do for fun?
For fun, I like to search for antiques at estate and yard sales, and I love to cook!

 
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Maria does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Maria and all our nominees. Maria will receive a complimentary food donation at our fabulous University food service outlets AND a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for November. Each winner is also invited to the Staff Senate Recognition event in May 2026 to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate Maria and all the wonderful nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

 
November 2025 Nominees

Nominations open for December Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award.

Have you witnessed a University staff member, Aramark or Follett employee offer a simple act of kindness? Go above and beyond for others? Perhaps they embody our Jesuit mission or simply possess an incredible attitude. If so, please recommend this individual for this prestigious award. 

DECEMBER MAGIS AWARD NOMINATION FORM

Although only University staff members, Aramark, or Follett employees win the award, nominations may be made by any University of Scranton employee.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleagues' accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for November 2025 is: 
Maria Z. Cutsinger – Director, Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, Student Life

How long have you worked at the University? 
I joined The University of Scranton in January of 2024.

What is your title? 
I am the Director for the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution

What do you like best about your job?
The best part about my work with the University is my ability to have meaningful conversations with students who might be at a crossroads in their lives.

What do you like to do for fun?
For fun, I like to search for antiques at estate and yard sales, and I love to cook!

 
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Maria does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Maria and all our nominees. Maria will receive a complimentary food donation at our fabulous University food service outlets AND a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for November. Each winner is also invited to the Staff Senate Recognition event in May 2026 to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate Maria and all the wonderful nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

 
November 2025 Nominees

Nominations open for December Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award.

Have you witnessed a University staff member, Aramark or Follett employee offer a simple act of kindness? Go above and beyond for others? Perhaps they embody our Jesuit mission or simply possess an incredible attitude. If so, please recommend this individual for this prestigious award. 

DECEMBER MAGIS AWARD NOMINATION FORM

Although only University staff members, Aramark, or Follett employees win the award, nominations may be made by any University of Scranton employee.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleagues' accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for October 2025 is: 
Majid Mokhtari – Physics and Engineering

How long have you worked at the University?
20 years

What is your title?
Senior Laboratory Engineer

What do you like best about your job?
Working closely with staff, faculty and students, designing and 3D printing, robotics.

What do you like to do for fun?
Kayaking, swimming, cycling.

 
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Majid does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Majid and all our nominees. Majid will receive a complimentary food donation at our fabulous University food service outlets AND a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for October. Each winner is also invited to the Staff Senate Recognition event in May 2026 to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate Majid and all the wonderful nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

 
October 2025 Nominees

Nominations open for NOVEMBER Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award.

Have you witnessed a University staff member, Aramark or Follett employee offer a simple act of kindness? Go above and beyond for others? Maybe they exemplify our Jesuit mission or just have an incredible attitude. If so, please recommend this individual for this prestigious award. 

NOVEMBER MAGIS AWARD NOMINATION FORM

Although only University staff members, Aramark, or Follett employees win the award, nominations may be made by any University of Scranton employee.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleagues' accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for September 2025 is: 
Ann Siock – Management & Marketing

How long have you worked at the University?

A little over a year now

What is your title?

Administrative Assistant, Management & Marketing Department

What do you like best about your job?

I like that there is something new every day. I have great colleagues, and I enjoy working with the students and faculty.

What do you like to do for fun?

I read, knit, play with my cat, and try to understand football for my husband’s sake. 😊

 
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Ann does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Ann and all our nominees. Ann will receive a complimentary food donation at our fabulous University food service outlets AND a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for September. Each winner is also invited to the Staff Senate Recognition event in May 2026 to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate Ann and all the wonderful nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

 
September 2025 Nominees

Nominations open for October Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award.

Have you witnessed a University staff member, Aramark or Follett employee offer a simple act of kindness? Go above and beyond for others? Maybe they exemplify our Jesuit mission or just have an incredible attitude. If so, please recommend this individual for this prestigious award. 

OCTOBER MAGIS AWARD NOMINATION FORM

Although only University staff members, Aramark, or Follett employees win the award, nominations may be made by any University of Scranton employee.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleagues' accomplishments, sense of community, and dedication to excellence. The Meg Cullen Brown Magis Award would not exist without our caring community!

THE MEG CULLEN-BROWN MAGIS AWARD WINNER for August 2025 is: 
Antonelle Kern - Admissions

How long have you worked at the University?
This October will mark 11 years!

What is your title?
Assistant Director of Admissions Events

What do you like best about your job?
It’s hard to choose just one thing. I truly enjoy working with the team in Admissions/Enrollment Management. I love coordinating event details across various campus offices, seeing all the planning come together, and connecting with prospective students and their families.

What do you like to do for fun?

Life is wonderfully full right now with our three-year-old and one-year-old! Most of my free time is spent with them and my husband, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

 
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Antonelle does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Antonelle and all our nominees. Antonelle will receive a complimentary food donation at our fabulous University food service outlets AND a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for August. Each winner is also invited to the Staff Senate Recognition event in May 2026 to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate Antonelle and all the wonderful nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

 
August 2025 Nominees

Nominations open for September Meg Cullen-Brown Magis Award.

Have you witnessed a University staff member, Aramark or Follett employee offer a simple act of kindness? Go above and beyond for others? Maybe they exemplify our Jesuit mission or just have an incredible attitude. If so, please recommend this individual for this prestigious award.

Although only University staff members, Aramark, or Follett employees win the award, nominations may be made by any University of Scranton employee.