Staff News

The University of Scranton’s Weinberg Memorial Library houses one of the finest historical collections of penmanship in the United States. Earlier this year, its seldom-found subject matter and artistry garnered the attention of top penmen and calligraphic artists in the country, in addition to a niche magazine with a global following.

For six days this summer, the International Association of Master Penman, Engrossers and Teachers of Handwriting (IAMPETH) convened in Scranton, Pennsylvania for their 74th annual conference. The draw: a chance to pore over the University’s McHugh Family Special Collections. One month later, the Collections featured prominently in the August issue of Pen World, a premier publication of handwriting culture and fine writing instruments.

Professor Michael Knies, Special Collections Librarian, shown below, at left, and Tom Costello, Class of 1973, great-grandson of Master Penman P.W. Costello, and longtime McHugh Family Special Collections contributor, were honored by IAMPETH at the opening ceremony of their annual conference.

Prof. Knies, who was hired as Special Collections Librarian for the University in 1996, offers background:

"The Zaner-Bloser Collection arrived in 2010. The collection was donated to The University essentially because of an exhibit by alum Tom Costello of the work of his great grandfather, Scranton penman P. W. Costello (1866-1935), who had written a long-running column for Zaner-Bloser’s penmanship trade periodical. Because the collection contained a large number of publications, we decided it was more appropriate for Special Collections than the art gallery."

Shown above, a certificate for which P.W. Costello did the engrossing to commemorate his marriage 18 years earlier. 

Since the arrival of the Collection, Prof. Knies has dedicated significant efforts to the history and preservation of penmanship.

"As mentioned above, the collection was donated to us, so I undertook a fair amount of research to understand the collection and its place in American history and culture. I’ve spoken at professional conferences and published a peer-reviewed article based on my research," said Prof. Knies.

"Since the library has a number of medieval manuscripts, I had some knowledge of paleography, the study of medieval handwriting, which was helpful understanding some of the calligraphic works done by the late 19th century penman who used medieval styles for inspiration for some of their work," he added.


Shown, above, a P.W. Costello 1909 commemorative "engrossing", decorative handwriting that emphasizes certain words and letters. This engrossing, in honor of Charles P. O'Malley, a president of the Scranton Aerie of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, illustrates one of Costello's special skills: Shading around the letters that renders them nearly three-dimensional.

Presenting the extraordinary Zaner-Bloser Collection to the University community and the public provides a sense of professional fulfillment to Prof. Knies.

"This is the 6th exhibit to feature material from the Zaner-Bloser Collection since 2011. Also, because the Zaner-Bloser Collection is here, we have received donations of other collections like the recently acquired David Kaminski Collection. We have also acquired some American penmanship through purchase.

Overall, we are one of the premier repositories for the study of 19th and 20th century American penmanship and calligraphy in the country. Having access to these collections is what brought the IAMPETH conference to Scranton," he said.

A MUST-SEE EXHIBIT THIS FALL...

Between now and December 15, visitors are invited to The Weinberg Memorial Library Heritage Room autumn exhibit, Learning to Write: American Penmanship Manuals from the David Kaminski and Zaner-Bloser Collections 1791-1980. 
 
"The exhibit was conceived as a background for summer conference attendees to look at while working with original penmanship samples during their workshops in July. Since they were working with original penwork, I decided to create an exhibit of printed material. Between the two collections, we have a very large number of penmanship manuals, mostly the publications students would use to practice handwriting," said Prof. Knies.

"This exhibit presents a small sample from our collections with an emphasis on early manuals and 19th century manuals with decorative covers. While not the most visually engaging, we have the very first penmanship manual published in the United States, John Jenkins The Art of Writing printed in 1791, as well as the 1813 second edition. Along with manuals, there are letters written by P. R Spencer and A. H. Dunton, the two most important mid-19th century penmen who published competing instruction manuals.

Visitors can judge for themselves who had the better handwriting. There are also examples of work by two of the greatest late 19th century penmen, Daniel Ames and Charles Zaner, founder of the Zaner-Bloser Penmanship Company," he added.

The exhibit will run through Friday, December 15. For more information contact Prof. Michael Knies at Michael.Knies@scranton.edu or 570-941-6341.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s 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 2023 is: 
Brenda Clarke - Public Relations

How long have you worked at the University?
"13 years" 

What is your title?
"Assistant to the Sr. Vice President for the Office of the President"

What do you like best about your job?
"Working with a range of different talents among my colleagues."

What do you like to do for fun?
"Gather and cater to all the Philadelphia Eagles fans among my close friends and large family…go birds!"

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Brenda does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Brenda and all our nominees.

Brenda will receive a gift certificate for complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of September. Each winner is also invited to the Staff Senate Recognition event next May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!


September 2023 Nominees

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s 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 2023 is:
Mary Lou Perri - Facilities

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Mary Lou does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Mary Lou and all our nominees.

Mary Lou will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of August. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event next May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

August 2023 Nominees

This article is part of an occasional series spotlighting staff throughout the University community. Suggestions for future articles should be directed to RoyalNews@scranton.edu.

Brian Loughney ’07, G’09 enlists the University’s Jesuit mission when guiding the Human Resources Department at Scranton.

 “My role, directly and indirectly, impacts our faculty, staff, and student employment. Everyone is treated with dignity and respect and is cared for in a very special way,” said Loughney, who joined the University in 2017.

The lifelong Dunmore, Pennsylvania resident subscribes to the same philosophy in his life off campus.

In 2022, Brian Loughney led a grassroots campaign inspired by three cancer warriors, including his father, John Loughney ’79, a Leukemia survivor. His team, which included 10 Scranton alumni, raised nearly $110,000 in support of the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, including a $50,000 grant allocated to provide financial assistance for local children diagnosed with blood cancer.

“My father went in for routine pre-op blood work for his scheduled hip replacement in December 2020. On December 23, 2020, my father called me about his diagnosis ... It was not an easy conversation, obviously.  You never want to hear anyone tell you that they have cancer, especially your father. My father is very dedicated to his faith and instilled that into my siblings and I. So, we leaned heavily on our faith and prayed for his health, well-being and for a speedy recovery.”

The University’s Human Resources Director talks about what happened next, and how he and his network of family and friends united in a campaign to make a difference.

When did you decide to commit your time and efforts to fundraising efforts, and what steps did you take to get started?

“With the support of my wife, family and friends, I committed to the Man and Woman of the Year Campaign in November 2021. The fundraising campaign ran from mid-March 2022 to mid-May 2022. My commitment in this campaign was specific to three individuals: my father, John Loughney (Dunmore), Jack Callahan (Dunmore) and the late Kelcey Hallinan (Dunmore). Jack was diagnosed with Leukemia and Kelcey was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The Callahan and Hallinan families were very supportive throughout the campaign.” 

How did the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS) involvement affect your family’s situation?

“When I committed to the Man and Woman of the Year Campaign, now the Visionary of the Year Campaign, LLS was very supportive, concerned for my father’s well-being, and always asked how my father was doing. They provided us with resources in the event resources were needed and they always looked out for our best interests. They were a tremendous resource and I encourage anyone who is diagnosed with blood cancer to reach out to their local LLS.” 

Shown above, in a family photo: Holly Loughney, John Loughney '79 and Brian Loughney ’07, G’09.

Your fundraising campaign lasted 10 weeks. How did your team raise $109,629?

“My father was the reason our team was successful. My father has dedicated himself and continues to dedicate himself to his family, friends, and community. Our community quickly takes notice when one of their own receives the news, like my father received, and what many others unfortunately received. My team and I ran a grassroots campaign. We wrote letters, sent emails and text messages, and made phone calls. We hosted small fundraisers and were successful in receiving a grant.” 

The younger Loughney shared a positive update about his father.

“Since his diagnosis, he’s received and completed chemotherapy, has had his follow-up appointments, and has kept his blood cancer steady by taking his medication.”

Brian Loughney ’07, G’09, 2022 Leukemia Lymphoma Society Man of the Year

Please share a bit about the AllOne Foundation & Charities grant you secured to create a pediatric patient financial assistance program for children living in northeastern and north central Pennsylvania.

“During my fundraising outreach, I requested a personal donation from a dear family friend, John Cosgrove, who works for the AllOne Foundation & Charities. When I spoke to John, and explained the fundraising campaign and who it was for, he immediately took interest. My father and John worked together at the beginning of their careers. I told John that our fundraising intentions were not just for my father but for two local children, Jack Callahan and the late Kelcey Hallinan. Our team saw a pediatric grant opportunity, and if we were successful in receiving, would provide financial assistance for local children diagnosed with blood cancer. We received the news of the $50,000 grant on the final fundraising day, May 18, 2022. We were able to dedicate $25,000 in my father’s name and $25,000 in Jack and Kelcey’s honor.”  

How long has your father been cancer free? 

“My father has kept his leukemia in check for the past year and continues to do well each day. My father was overwhelmed by our team’s efforts and for our Man of the Year recognition. He was very grateful for our team’s effort and for the other candidates who raised money and awareness during the 10-week campaign." 

What is one piece of advice you could offer to dedicate efforts in THE community?

“Every day will not be perfect. Your efforts may not match what you set out to accomplish, but stay committed. What you do each day makes the world a better place than it was the day before.” 

 
Shown, from left; John Cosgrove; John Loughney, Leukemia survivor; Jana Boyer, executive director, Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS);  Frank Apostolico, board member, AllOne Foundation & Charities, Valarie Case, campaign development manager, LLS and Brian Loughney, LLS Man of the Year and his wife, Holly Loughney. Photo courtesy: AllOne Foundation & Charities

Get To Know ... Brian Loughney

The University of Scranton’s Small Business Development Center was recognized by the Pennsylvania SBDC’s statewide network of 15 centers and its lead office with five awards for excellence, including the Gold Center Performance Award, which recognizes the center’s overall performance for 2022. Scranton’s SBDC met or exceeded all of its programming goals in 2022, placing it in the top three percent of the centers in Pennsylvania.

The awards, presented at the PASBDC Growth Conference in Erie in June, recognize centers for their contributions to the network’s mission of helping the state’s small businesses start, grow and prosper. The annual awards recognize the recipients’ impact on local economic growth, job creation and support of Pennsylvania’s newest and growing entrepreneurs.

Scranton’s SBDC, housed in the University’s Kania School of Management, also received the Student Project of the Year Award for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Center. The award recognizes a student team for their collaborative efforts in helping their center achieve strategic initiatives. At the Women’s Entrepreneurship Center, student interns and SBDC staff offer business start-up information, guidance and encouragement to lower income women, those experiencing a life transition or those trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. Their services include individual, confidential consulting and programs such as Coffee and Confidence, a one-hour inspiration session, and StartUP, a six-week series that walks participants through the process of starting a business.

In 2022, 11 students interned for the SBDC’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Center. Students were: Caelan Boyle ’24, an international studies major from Havertown; Niamh Boyle’ 23, an international business major from Havertown; Nicole Freeman’ 23, a biology major from New Tripoli and participant in the University’s Undergraduate Honors Program; Lea Grant ’23, an occupational therapy major from Rocky Hill, Connecticut; Erin Hahn ’23, a finance and accounting double major from Flourtown; Xianshu (Iris) Hu ’23, finance major from Fresh Meadows, New York; Molly Lennon ’22, a biology major from Levittown, New York; Jordyn Lieber ’23, a business administration major from Edison, New Jersey, and participant in the University’s Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program; Jennifer Rossiter, a finance major from Jenkinstown and participant in the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program Business Honors Program and its Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program; Kimberly Stossel ’22, ’G23, a marketing major and MBA graduate from East Stroudsburg; and Gabrielle Hart Timoteo ‘23, occupational therapy major from Collegeville.

Scranton SBDC Business Consultant Gretchen Kukuchka received the State Star award for outstanding performance and client satisfaction. The State Star Award, the highest accolade achievable by a member of the PASBDC team, recognizes extraordinary performers who have made strong contributions to their state network. Only one State Star is awarded by the Network each year.

Kukuchka joined the Scranton SBDC in 2002 and serves clients in the Bradford Tioga and Lackawanna counties. She also coordinates the successful Small Business Internship Initiative, which provides internship opportunities at small businesses for students attending a participating college in NEPA. She has presented on this initiative at national conferences. Kukuchka earned her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and University and her master’s degree from The University of Scranton.

Scranton SBDC Business Consultant, Winifred McGee, received the Service Award for the Eastern region. The award recognizes service to the entire Pennsylvania SBDC network.

McGee’s areas of expertise include agri-business and food enterprise start-up and expansion; shared kitchen incubator management; enterprise feasibility studies, business planning and financial analysis; and grant application coaching for agricultural and food enterprises. She joined the Scranton SBDC team in 2019 after having previously worked as a business consultant at the Penn State Small Business Development Center at Penn State Harrisburg, and for 30 years in Penn State Cooperative Extension, providing information and education for home based, food and farm business. McGee earned her bachelor’s degree from Grove City College and her master’s degree from the University of West Florida.

Scranton SBDC Special Projects Coordinator Katelyn McManamon received the Team Spirit Award, which recognizes one network professional for their collaborative attitude in helping the network achieve strategic initiatives.

McManamon joined the Scranton SBDC team in 2020. In her role, she identifies and engage participants and coordinate projects within the SBDC’s eight-county service area. McManamon earned her bachelor’s degree from Millersville University and her MBA from The University of Scranton.

Lisa Hall Zielinski serves as director of the SBDC at The University of Scranton, which serves small business clients in Bradford, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s 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 July 2023 is:
Cindy Tokash - Computer Science and Math Department

How long have you worked at the University? 

"Thirteen years."

What is your title? 

"Faculty Secretary for Math and Computing Sciences"

What do you like best about your job? 

"What I like most about my job is working with the most compassionate community here at The University of Scranton."

What do you like to do for fun? 

"For fun, I like to travel, hike and kayak. I've made it a goal to get to all 124 Pennsylvania state parks and I'm currently up to 84."

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Cindy does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Cindy and all our nominees.

Cindy will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of July. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event next May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

July 2023 Nominees

For nearly two decades, Sondra Myers has done her best to “bring the world to Scranton,” and “that she did with magnificent grace,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, in a message to the University community celebrating her contributions.

Following this spring’s slate of programs, Myers stepped down from her post as the founding director of The University of Scranton’s highly popular Schemel Forum, which for the past 17 years has brought a who’s who of notable thinkers to the city for engaging discussions geared around everything from geopolitics to history to literature.

Since its creation, the aim of the education and cultural enrichment program has always been the same – to provide people of all ages with the chance to be exposed to the intellectual and cultural wonders of the world.

“I’m not calling it a retirement, because I don’t look at it that way,” said Myers, the University’s senior fellow for international, civic and cultural projects. “I still want to keep busy and try new things. But I thought it was a good time to exit. I have to say, it’s been a very rewarding experience, and I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish. I can’t believe how much it’s grown over the years.”

The origins for the Schemel Forum go back to the 1980s and ’90s, when Myers served as the cultural adviser to Pennsylvania Governor Robert P. Casey and then the special assistant to the chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities. An author and frequent lecturer on the arts, humanities and civil society who focuses primarily on the integration of culture into public policy in the United States and the strengthening of the culture of democracy worldwide, Myers wanted to bring similarly themed programming to the area.

For additional inspiration, she looked to local oncologist Harmar Brereton, M.D., who along with some friends had started meeting informally to discuss literature, art, and history.

With that framework in place, Myers approached then-University President the Rev. Scott Pilarz, S.J., and then-Provost Harold Baillie, Ph.D. Both loved the idea, and the Schemel Forum was born in July 2006 with funding from the Rev. George Schemel, S.J., Fund, which was created by friends of the beloved campus Jesuit.

The first Schemel events were held that fall, and quickly caught on with members of the University community and the general public.

“We started to get real audiences, and then I knew we were onto something,” Myers said. “The people have been so wonderful and appreciative – I love seeing that they still have that hunger for learning. Many of them come back year after year. It’s adding value to their lives, and that makes me happy.”

Every fall and spring semester, the Schemel Forum hosts a schedule of uniquely themed Courses, World Affairs Luncheon Seminars, and Collaborative Programs, which the University partners on with other local organizations.

The Courses consist of a series of evening classes typically taught by University faculty members and geared around a central theme that aligns with their scholarly focus, be it detective fiction, Eastern philosophy, or modern American conservatism.

“The faculty members love teaching the courses, and they love the fact that the people who attend actually ask questions, unlike some of their students,” Myers said with a laugh.

For the World Affairs lectures, Myers brings in an eclectic roster of speakers, from journalists to historians to novelists. Often, she relies on her extensive network of contacts, or simply reaches out to people whose work she particularly admires. Many guests have agreed to come for well below their typical asking price, she noted.

The list of highly accomplished World Affairs speakers includes Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony Award-nominated playwright, novelist and screenwriter Ayad Akhtar, longtime CNN journalist and Dunmore native Jill Dougherty (pictured with Myers above), and Dr. Carol Rittner, a Catholic nun and Holocaust historian who Myers collaborated with on the Academy Award-nominated short documentary, “The Courage to Care.”

As she prepared to relinquish her duties, Myers said she’ll take with her countless great memories, and tremendous pride in having built from the ground up a home where thought-provoking ideas could be shared freely.

“Knowing Sondra, she will never truly retire, but will continue her great work on other projects of interest, which I am sure will continue to benefit the region and beyond,” said Father Marina.

“I really did want to bring the world to Scranton, and I think we’ve done that,” Myers said. “It’s become a real wonderful part of the University and I hope it remains that way after I leave.”

The University hosted a tribute to Sondra Myers in April on campus.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s 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 June 2023 is:
Melissa Eckenrode – English & Theatre Department

How long have you worked at the University? 

"Eight years."

What is your title? 

"Administrative Assistant to the English & Theatre Department and University Honors Program"

What do you like best about your job? 

"I work with some of the nicest people, and I love interacting with our wonderful students."

What do you like to do for fun? 

"I love spending time with my family, playing mah-jongg on Monday nights and volleyball on Tuesdays and Thursdays."

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Melissa does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Melissa and all our nominees.

Melissa will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of June Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event next May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

June 2023 Nominees

The University of Scranton Printing and Mailing Services recently upgraded its wide-format capabilities with a new 44-inch HP DesignJet Z9⁺. Thanks to the new printer’s nine ink colors, images appear much sharper and brighter as compared to those created by the seven-year-old HP Designjet Z5400 it replaced. It’s also much faster and includes a vertical cut feature. Also, the new printer can apply a clear gloss coating to protect images exposed to the weather.

The in-plant has been using the DesignJet Z9⁺ to print directional signage mounted on foamboard, retractable banners and lots of posters, including posters on satin cloth that faculty members take to conferences.

“This summer we will be working on lots of retractable banners for Admissions: 100 small tabletop banners, 25 midsize tabletop banners, and then about 15 floor-size banners,” Director Valarie Clark said.

- Contributed by In-plant Impressions

Staff Senate President Mark Murphy greeted a crowd of more than 350 attendees at The Staff Senate Christmas Luncheon that was hosted Wednesday, Dec. 14 in The McIlhenney Ballroom of The DeNaples Center.

"This is a community that gives ... and this is a very wonderful example of the generosity of our University of Scranton community and staff," said Murphy, referencing raffle baskets created with donated prizes. 

Murphy credited Vice President Kristi Klien, the Social Events and Community Building Committee and all volunteers with organizing the event. He closed with an Ignatian prayer.

Attendees were invited to bring donations for Community Intervention Center including packaged socks, underwear, small toiletries (soap, shampoo, oral care, feminine products). Raffle and 50/50 proceeds will benefit Scranton Alliance for Equality (SAFE).

The event was free to attend for University staff members.

The Staff Senate Christmas Luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 14 in The McIlhenney Ballroom. While the event is free for University staff members, registration is required. Seatings will take place from either 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Attendees are invited to bring donations for Community Intervention Center including packaged socks, underwear, small toiletries (soap, shampoo, oral care, feminine products). Raffle and 50/50 proceeds will benefit Scranton Alliance for Equality (SAFE).

Register here.

The University of Scranton hosted a Fail Forward Panel discussion for students in November in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center as part of the University’s Resilient Royals initiatives. The panelists shared stories of some of their past struggles and failure, as well as how these challenges have shaped their lives.

Last year, the University’s Resilient Royals initiative earned the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators’ 2021 Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Academic Partnership.

Each year, The University of Scranton supports the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties as they sponsor critical programs to improve the lives of all people in our communities through education, economic mobility and health programs.This year is no exception, and therefore, we are pleased to announce The University of Scranton’s annual United Way fundraising campaign, which will be held through Dec. 9, 2022.

Please join us as we support the United Way as they advocate to meet the needs within our communities:

Helping families and individuals achieve greater self-sufficiency by empowering them with skills and knowledge, providing children and teens with opportunities for quality learning and skill development, and providing all residents the opportunity to achieve optimal physical and mental health while promoting healthy lifestyles and communities.

This year, we again ask you to join us in making the decision to donate to the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. Donation information, including convenient payroll deduction will be available on the “my.scranton" portal “Employee Tab” under “University Giving,” or by contacting the Office of Human Resources at (570) 941-7767. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 9.

Together, we can support United Way as they fund 42 programs at 21 local non-profit organizations who take the lead in meeting evolving community needs. We appreciate whatever you can do to help!

To learn more about the programs that the University of Scranton and the United Way have worked to mobilize together, please follow the links below:

United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties VITA Program: click here.

United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties TIPS Program: click here.

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s 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 2022 is: KARL JOHNS, Technology Support Services

How long have you worked for the University?

"Forty years."

What do you like best about your job?

What do you like to do for fun?

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Karl does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Karl and all our nominees.

Karl will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University food service outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of November. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

NOVEMBER 2022 Nominees:

Anthony Amato, Facilities

Shawn Beistline, Infrastructure & Security Service

Janet Bernick, Nursing

Erin Boughton, Facilities

Julie Brackeva-Phillips, Technology Support Center - IT

Tom Cody, Infrastructure & Security Services

Phil Erb, Infrastructure and Security Services

Christine Falbo, CAS Advising

Lori Flynn, Registrar

Terri Golosky, Admissions

Kim Hurst, Payroll

Karl Johns, Technology Support Services

Jane Johnson, Recreational Sports

Thomas Kern, Client Services

Barbara King, Student Life (Dean of Students area)

Kristi Klien, PCPS Dean's office

Andrea Malia, Campus Ministries (Formerly: Comm.)  

Margaret Mazzino, Facilities

Chad McCall, IT

Alex Mulhern, Facilities

Denise Mullen, Facilities

Jason Oakey, IT

Jerry Peck, Facilities

Patricia Savitts, Weinberg Memorial Library Circulation

Cathy Seymour, Campus Ministries

Eileen Siock, Admissions

Justin Tambeau, Facilities

Kyle Thomas, Maintenance, MGH Nursing

Jason Wimmer, IT

Joe Wright, Physical Plant

The Office of Community and Government Relations, and Scranton’s Story: Our Nation’s Story, in collaboration with the Office of Equity and Diversity, are pleased to announce the return of Curtis Zunigha, enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians (Oklahoma) and co-founder/co-director of the Lenape Center in New York City.

Zunigha was featured last November via Zoom, in a "D+I=A Better U!" lunch and learn. His visit to campus this year will include public events, and University and community stakeholder meetings. Their aim: To foster deeper learning and engagement in ways that honor Indigenous peoples and cultures, and the history and ongoing legacy and impact of colonialism.

• On Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. Zunigha will offer a public keynote lecture on "Forced Removal of the Lenape People: History and Homecoming" in the DeNaples Ballroom. Zunigha will share his experience and mission to heal the wounds of forced removal and colonization and his desire is to restore the circle of friendship, respect, and shared occupancy. This lecture is part of the Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story initiative funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and supported by a Diversity Initiatives Grant through the Office of Equity and Diversity.

Faculty are encouraged to send students to this important event. For more information, visit this page or contact community@scranton.edu or 570-941-4419.

• On Friday, Nov. 18 at 12 p.m., a Faculty/Staff Diversity and Inclusion Lunch & Learn, hosted by the Office of Equity and Diversity in the Kane Forum, will feature a special presentation and musical performance by Zunigha where he will share his traditions and the present-day culture of the Lenape people. Click here to register for the lunch and learn. Or, contact diversity@scranton.edu or 570-941-6645 with any questions and to register.

Zunigha is an enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians in Oklahoma. He possesses more than 35 years of experience in tribal government and administration, community development, telecommunications, and cultural preservation. He is an acknowledged expert on Delaware/Lenape culture, language, and traditional practices. Zunigha is the co-founder and co-director of The Lenape Center, based in New York City. The Lenape Center promotes the history and culture of people through the arts, environmental activism, social justice and agricultural practices. The Lenape Center’s work represents the return of the original Indigenous people to their original homeland of Lenapehoking (NY, NJ, PA). Zunigha is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Leigh Magnotta Fennie ’11 ’G19, business consultant for The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC), was honored at America’s SBDC 2022 Conference in San Diego as one of the inaugural America’s SBDC 40 Under 40.

According to America’s SBDC, the network is filled with talented young professionals who make significant contributions to their SBDC mission and local communities. To celebrate these achievements, they launched Top 40 Under 40 Young Professionals Award, a recognition of SBDC staff from across the national network who demonstrate innovation, leadership and commitment to the SBDC mission.

Fennie joined the SBDC in June 2015. She provides business consulting to start-up and existing small businesses across the SBDC’s 8-county service area, with a focus on Monroe and Wayne Counties. She stepped up in 2020 to serve as a CARES Act Business Consultant, assisting existing small businesses impacted by the pandemic, including helping them obtain almost $5,000,000 in disaster financing and grants. She also developed and delivered a number of educational programs and worked with many entrepreneurs to rethink their business models.

She earned her MBA from The University of Scranton in 2019, and her bachelor’s degree in international business from the University in 2011.

Scranton’s SBDC, housed in the University’s Kania School of Management, serves eight counties in Northeastern and Northern Tier Pennsylvania.

The University of Scranton provides an Employee Assistance Program, NexGen EAP, through Employee Network Inc. (ENI). This benefit is open to all employees, full-time and part-time.

This third-party confidential resource offers the services of Licensed Mental Health Professionals to provide short-term counseling focused on coping skills or, make appropriate referral to long-term counseling or specialized care.

NexGen EAP’s enhanced Mental Health Virtual Services feature a new, barrier-free, digital suite of therapeutic offerings aimed at addressing our employees' mental health needs by providing expanded benefit solutions including:

* Video, Live Chat, and text-based coaching and counseling

* Over 5,000 personal, self-guided mental health tools and resources

* Clinical and well being assessments and courses

* Expanded mindfulness resources and guided meditations

* Advanced Workforce Analytics

These new Virtual Service Enhancements will be live and updated in the NexGen EAP app in October of 2022.

To contact NexGen call 1-800-EAP-CALL (1-800-327-2255) or log on at www.nexgeneap.com and enter the Company ID, 1549, along with the employee's first and last name, email address, last four digits of the social security number, zip code and date of birth.

This article is part of an occasional series spotlighting staff throughout the University community. Suggestions for future articles should be directed to RoyalNews@scranton.edu.

Shannon Zottola, vice president for enrollment management at The University of Scranton, is excited to take part in her first Open House event at Scranton, coming up on October 23. 

This summer, Zottola joined the University as a member of the President's Cabinet, bringing 17 years of leadership experience to the position of chief enrollment officer. A native of Scranton, Zottola had most recently served as vice president and dean for enrollment management and marketing at Ursinus College in Philadelphia. 

How doEs your background strengthen the Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions teams here?

"I had been working in enrollment in various capacities at numerous institutions for nearly 20 years before coming to The University of Scranton. My experiences at these other institutions, both in the Scranton region and in the Philadelphia region -- one of the most competitive higher education landscapes in the nation -- give me an advantage when thinking about the short-term and long-term strategies that we need to execute to be successful in our enrollment efforts. This will be powerful when combined with the experiences and historical knowledge of my colleagues who have been at the University for a long time."

In your experience, what is the key to developing a good team?

"This is the part of my work that I love the most. It really comes down to finding what motivates each individual staff member and where their specific strengths lie and aligning the two.

I'm also a relational person, so my goal is to get to know the people who I work with every day.  I want to show them that we all have big jobs to do, but we can have fun doing them and love coming to work every day. It's important to note that to build a great team, you can’t be afraid of conflict. The work that we do requires continual change and sometimes that’s really hard for people. We need to work through that and find a way to be our best selves together. This is where the magic happens!"

which aspects of the University impressed you during the college search process?

"I remember bringing my son to a Royal Day event in February. What struck me the most: The very beginning of the presentation, led by Father Keller, regarding the Jesuit tradition at The University of Scranton....I had visited other institutions that tended to shy away from leading with their religious affiliation. I was impressed that the University was deeply committed to our Jesuit tradition, and proud to lead with this.

That happened to be the day before my Zoom interview for this position and it reaffirmed how much I missed working at a Catholic institution. This is just one example of many, like the amazing tour at the onset of our college search process here, or the impressive academic programs and campus."

key piece of advice you recommend to prospective students:

"Having just been through it, the college search process is stressful for both students and parents. Given my work, I thought it would be so easy...it wasn't!  It’s hard to separate out the feelings of stress and anxiety to get to a place where you can really understand finding the best fit.

My advice for everyone is to take a deep breath, understand that there’s an endpoint where a decision will be made, and know that nothing is forever. There’s a lot of pressure to get it right at the beginning, whether that’s about the college you pick or the major you select.  We can always change our minds.

When it comes to financial aid in particular, if there is an institution that you are interested in, and you think that financially it is out of your reach, please don’t give up. There are a lot of resources out there that can help make the college of your dreams a viable option. On the flipside, I would caution students from taking out large amounts of debt to attend a certain institution. There are a lot of options out there and I would suggest that they consider them before going down that path."

What has kept you enchanted With Enrollment Management after 16 years?

"I am still here because we are doing important, life-changing work, and I love the newness of every day in enrollment.

A career-affirming moment?

"The number of colleagues who have worked for and with me who have asked me for references or professional advice. This always affirms that I must be doing something right if these relationships continue to remain strong after so many years."

Get to know... Shannon Zottola

Undergraduate Degree: University of Pittsburgh, B.S. in Psychology

Graduate Degree: University of Pittsburgh, M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration

High School: Bishop Hannan

Favorite Quote: “We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the game.” -Randy Pausch

Favorite TV shows: "Game of Thrones," "Mad Men," and "The Office," to name a few.

Favorite Pastimes: "Spending time with my husband John, son Aidan (class of 2026), and daughter Vivian, plus our large family on both sides, including 11 nieces and nephews! Traveling, walking, reading, watching the sunset, big family vacations to the beach."

The Staff Senate would like to thank all staff members who took the time to recognize and share their colleague’s 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 2022 is: Jimmy Piazza - Carpenter

How long have you worked for the University?

What do you like best about your job?

What do you like to do for fun?

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and celebrate the good work that Jimmy does on a daily basis. We hope you will join us in personally congratulating Jimmy and all our nominees.

Jimmy will receive a certificate for $50 worth of complimentary food at our fabulous University foodservice outlets, as well as a reserved parking space in the DeNaples Parking Pavilion for the month of October. Each monthly winner is also invited to the Senate Recognition event in May to receive a certificate of appreciation.

We congratulate our winner and all nominees for being recognized as “Magis” employees!

October 2022 Nominees:

This is the first in an occasional series spotlighting staff throughout the University community. Suggestions for future articles should be directed to RoyalNews@scranton.edu.

Lori Moran '93, G, '95, Director of the Center for Career Development at The University of Scranton is preparing with her team for The Fall Career Expo that will take place on Friday, Sept. 30 in the Byron from 12-3 p.m.

The event is for students in all years and all majors. Students do not need to register in advance. There are 74 organizations coming in a variety of industries. Dress is smart business casual.

Twenty-nine years prior to planning Career Expos for the University, Moran was earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees as a student from Floral Park, New York. 

In 1993 at The University of Scranton she earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in English, and two years later earned a Master of Science in School Counseling. Moran began her career with the University in 2009 at the Center for Service & Social Justice, and in 2016 she joined the team at the Center for Career Development. In her role as Director, Moran manages the day-to-day operations. Today, she explains how the Center assists students, including preparing them for their first job.

"We have an outstanding team, each of whom play an important role, whether working directly with students and alumni, communicating with employers, or gathering data and planning for events," said Moran.

"We host Career Expos and other career events. We really are invested in the success of our students and we love supporting them along their career journeys. We work with our alumni as well…Once a Royal, always a Royal!" 

How does the Center assist students?

* career decision-making,
* resume and cover letter writing,
* job and internship search,
* interview preparation including mock interviews,
* graduate school preparation,
* networking, and
* anything related to career development.

Q: How are you an advocate for the use of technology in the career development process?

A: Technology is crucial today. Job and internships are posted on line, applications are submitted electronically, and students have the opportunity to research companies, industries, and career information online.

We utilize a platform called Handshake at Scranton, and I encourage students to use it when doing a job or internship search and to set up appointments with members of the Career team. It’s also where students will be able to view and register for any upcoming career-related events. LinkedIn is an extremely valuable tool for the job and internship search, as well as for networking.

Q: What is a key piece of advice you recommend to students unsure of their career path?

A: It is OK if students are uncertain about their career path. Career Development is just that…development and a process. Not all students have a linear path from the first day of college to graduation and their first job; actually, many don’t know what they want to do right away and others change their path.

I recommend that students engage with their faculty, have conversations with their advisors, and make an appointment to see one of our career coaches. Networking and conducting informational interviews with professionals in industries you are considering is valuable. I can’t emphasize the importance of experiential learning enough-- internships, research with a professor, volunteer work. It is a great way to gain experience in an industry and decide whether you like it or not.

Q: How do you think the university's Jesuit mission has impacted your time on staff?

A. The Jesuit mission and values are central to the work that we do in Career Development. Cura Personalis, providing that individual attention to students, and being respectful of their uniqueness and caring for the whole person, has particularly impacted me and what I do in my work with students and alumni.

Each member of our team works to build relationships, whether with students, faculty and staff, alumni, or employers, and we are mindful of this and thankful for these collaborative relationships. I am blessed to work at an institution where the mission guides the work that we do.

Q: How do your background and experiences strengthen the Center for Career Development?

A: As an undergraduate student, I changed my major and my career goals. When I was in graduate school here at Scranton, I did an internship in what was then called Career Services, and I worked in a graduate-level position in Residence Life. These experiences introduced me to the idea of working in higher education, something I had not considered before. After graduating, I worked at a few other colleges....

Returning to the University was like coming home. I’m doing something I love at a place that I love. My background and education in counseling enables me to take a strengths-based approach with students. All of my experiences have provided insight to make me a better career counselor/coach and to provide leadership to the department. I’m excited for what the year holds!

Get to know...Lori Moran

When she's not at the University of Scranton, Moran loves spending time with family. 

New York State of Mind? "My favorite sports team is the NY Islanders, and my all-time favorite musician is Billy Joel.

Binge-worthy picks: "I have a few shows I like, including Ted Lasso and Schitt’s Creek. I most recently watched Peaky Blinders." 

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced Robert W. Davis Jr., Ed.D., has been named vice president for University advancement, effective Sept. 19, 2022. Dr. Davis previously served as the vice president for student life at Scranton. In his new position, he will continue responsibility for Athletics and for managing the University’s food service and bookstore partnerships. He will also continue to serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.

“I know, from my own experience of working closely with Bobby over the last year that he is a senior leader who grounds his service in a genuine devotion to our mission,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., in the campus announcement about Dr. Davis’s new position. Father Marina added that, as vice president for student life, Dr. Davis “provided dedicated and visionary leadership for the division, championing students and the student experience at every turn. I am particularly grateful for the exceptional work that he and his team accomplished throughout the pandemic.” 

A graduate of The University of Scranton, Dr. Davis joined the staff at Scranton in 2006 and has served in several capacities, including as area coordinator and assistant director for housing operations in the Office of Residence Life; director of the University’s historic Pride, Passion, Promise Campaign, which was the largest capital campaign in the University’s history, raising more than $129 million to support the University’s mission, endowment and development. He also served as interim vice president for development and alumni relations and as chief of staff in the President’s Office at Scranton, prior to his tenure as vice president for student life.

He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Scranton Preparatory School.

Dr. Davis earned his bachelor’s, master’s and MBA degrees from The University of Scranton and his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania.