Student News

Today, Jenyah Cunningham ’25 is decisive, focused and goal-oriented.

These traits helped Cunningham open doors at The University of Scranton, where she carefully plotted out her four-year journey en route to receiving a world-class academic fellowship.

However, growing up, Cunningham was just as impressionable and spontaneous as any child forming opinions about potential careers.

“I always wonder, ‘What if I didn’t have a great teacher? What if my third-grade math teacher was horrible to me?’” she said. “But I had great teachers. And I want to be a person who students can look back on 20 years later and say, ‘Ms. Cunningham was a great teacher.’”

Cunningham, who graduated cum laude as a double major (secondary education, English; English), of Brooklyn, New York, accepted a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Taiwan. The Fulbright Student Scholarships program is a prestigious international academic exchange opportunity provided competitively by the U.S. government.

Cunningham is slated to teach English at a junior high school from August through June as one of nearly 200 Fulbright award recipients stationed in Taiwan. While at Scranton, she had a Chinese language focus within her Asian studies concentration.

It will be Cunningham’s second trip to the country. She completed a study abroad program in summer of 2024 at Fu Jen Catholic University, a Jesuit college in Taiwan.

“I had the best time there,” she said. “I thought it was the most amazing place, so that solidified my option to choose Taiwan as my country to go to.”

While learning new people, places and ways of life can be intimidating, Cunningham’s up for the challenge. She grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, moved to New York to attend school, then enrolled at The University of Scranton before even stepping on campus.

“I found myself at The University of Scranton because my college advisor at the time told me that the University has a great education program,” Cunningham recalled. “I didn’t expect to get in. But I got in, they gave me financial aid and I said, ‘Why not come to Scranton?’”

Cunningham’s most difficult adjustment in college, she said, was living without her twin sister, Janeciah Cunningham. But after a few months, Cunningham fully embraced the Scranton community and all it had to offer, including her English advisor, Joe Kraus, Ph.D., professor and chair of the English Department, who encouraged her to look into the Fulbright program.

Before being selected for the fellowship, Cunningham began her teaching pursuits this past year with a 12-week student teaching assignment at Dunmore High School.

Going into Dunmore, Cunningham initially feared she wouldn’t be a good teacher and that she might not like the career she chose for herself. Thankfully, such fears were unfounded and she called her experience of teaching 10th grade English “very amazing.”

“Student teaching really taught me what it means to be a teacher,” she said. “It fulfilled every dream that I always dreamed of.”

After working with Dr. Kraus and Kara Bishop, Fulbright program advisor, Cunningham, in May, finally received her long-awaited update on the fellowship. She opened the email with her sister on the phone, sharing the news and excitement from hundreds of miles away.

As she begins her teaching journey, Cunningham has a clear idea of how she hopes to succeed and evolve in the profession.

“If I’m 30 years down the line, still very much happy in my career, still having passion … trying to change and improve,” she said, “then I know I’ve had a successful teaching career.”

Cunningham is the 132nd University of Scranton student since 1972 to be awarded a Fulbright award.

Students from Dr. Ovidiu Cocieru’s Sports Event Management course hosted the University’s annual SoccerFest Event at Fitzpatrick Field on Saturday, May 3.

The event brought local teams from surrounding middle and high schools together for a series of charity matches benefiting the Keystone Mission. Each team was separated into a division that provided fair pairings based on age and skill set.

The students spent the spring semester learning all aspects of event management, from the initial organization and funding through marketing, ticket sales and registration.

“For me, the most rewarding part of SoccerFest was seeing the event come to life. After weeks of planning and preparation, it was incredible to watch our hard work pay off,” Reagan Dolan ’25, a management major said.  “We faced challenges — including weather issues and tight timelines — but we adapted and made it happen.”

One of the most significant challenges the group faced was recruiting enough teams for each division. Dolan said that the SoccerFest planning team initially sought to create five divisions for teams to compete in, but further evaluation of their resources dropped the count to four.

“That change in particular taught me the importance of flexibility and clear communication,” Dolan said. “Adjusting that initial plan, no matter how nervous it may have made us at the time, didn’t take away from the success of the day—it strengthened it.”

Seventeen teams, undaunted by bleak weather forecasts for that weekend, turned out at the event to have fun for a cause.

For the class instructor, the most important achievement of the event was watching his students help the local community and garner the skills taught in his class.

“It’s one of the most rewarding experiences of the term to see how much my students have grown and learned from running this event,” Dr. Cocieru said. “It’s only made better by the fact that they are having a positive impact on the community.”

For Dolan, the course came at an apropos time. As a four-year member of the University’s field hockey team, team captain during his last year, and a lifelong athlete looking to build a career in the sports industry, he found the insights garnered by the course invaluable to his future growth.

“It gave me a whole new perspective. I’ve always shown up to games ready to play, without realizing the amount of effort and coordination it takes behind the scenes to run an event,” Dolan said. “Being on the operations side helped me appreciate the planning, teamwork and communication involved. I now feel more prepared for real-world responsibilities like team meetings, professional phone calls, and interviews — and I’m excited to bring this experience into my future career in sports.”

Keystone Mission is an Evangelical, faith-based non-profit organization that seeks to share the hope of the Gospels by providing food, clothing, social services and select programming to at-need individuals.

  

 

 

University of Scranton graduate Brian Gallagher, J.D. ’08, Lackawanna County district attorney, returned to his alma mater in May to speak to students in the pre-law society and criminal justice program. He discussed his education at Scranton, his career experience and future job opportunities.

This was his second visit to campus in the spring semester. In April, District Attorney Gallagher announced a new Crime Analysis and Investigation Program for internships at the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office for Scranton students majoring in criminal justice, cybercrime and homeland security or sociology.

District Attorney Gallagher graduated from Scranton in 2008.

The University of Scranton Class of 2025 graduated on May 18 at Mohegan Arena. The class includes many students who graduated from one, or more, of the University's Programs of Excellence.

Class of 2025 Business Honors Program Graduates

Seven members, shown, of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2025, recently graduated from its Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program, one of Scranton’s five programs of excellence. 

Students in the Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program undergo four years of honors studies in the areas of economics, entrepreneurship, operations management, accounting, finance, international business, marketing and management, as well as a series of personal development extracurricular activities in the areas of service and career building.

Read more about the graduates and their faculty mentors, their majors, and the research projects they presented to a panel of judges in early May, here.

2025 Business Leadership Honors Program Graduates

Thirteen members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2025 graduated from its Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

Students in this highly selective program explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy and analysis, in addition to field trips to learn from top executives and projects in leadership, service and mentoring.

Read more about the program graduates and their majors.

Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program Graduates

Twenty-four members, shown, of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2025 graduated from its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program (SJLA).

Students in SJLA pursue a rigorous education designed to develop enhanced writing, oral and critical-thinking skills through specially designed courses in philosophy, theology and literature.

Read more about the graduates.

Class of 2025 Graduates of Magis Honors Program in STEM

Fourteen members of the University’s Class of 2025 graduated from the Jesuit school’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.

The program combines the development of STEM knowledge and research techniques with programing to further the students’ understanding of the impact science has on society.

The Magis Honors Program offers talented students, shown, a more intense, interdisciplinary experience of research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Courses taken over four years at Scranton combine a series of seminars on STEM and society with humanities courses. With guidance by faculty mentors, the students in the program develop, present and defend a thesis based on their individual research projects. In addition, the program requires participation in annual community service projects as well as professional development programs.

Read more about the graduates and their research projects.

Thirty members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2025 graduated from the undergraduate University Honors Program.

Undergraduate students in the Honors Program pursue a rigorous education that stresses independent work through close engagement with professors and other honors students, including the preparation, presentation and defense of a research or creative project during their senior year.

Learn more about the graduates, their research projects and faculty mentors. 

Thirty members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 graduated from the University Honors Program, which is one of the Jesuit university’s programs of excellence. Undergraduate students in the Honors Program pursue a rigorous education that stresses independent work through close engagement with professors and other honors students, including the preparation, presentation and defense of a research or creative project during their senior year.

The following is a list of the class of 2025 University Honors Program graduates and their faculty mentors and their research projects.

Noah A. Abdulqawi, Shavertown, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Abdulqawi worked with faculty advisor Marc A. Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled “The effect of the gluatmate antagonist, memantine on the development of drug-seeking behavior in Camponotus floridanus.”

Elliott D. Ballino, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a chemistry major. Ballino worked with faculty advisor Arthur J. Catino, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled “Exploring Conformational Acceleration in the Truce-Smiles Rearrangement.”

Jaznie D. Belfont, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a political science major. Belfont worked with faculty advisor Michael E. Allison, Ph.D., department chair and professor of political science, on a thesis titled “Effects of The Legacy of Violence on The Peace Plebiscite in Colombia.”

Gabrielle M. Bingener, Barto, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Bingener worked with faculty advisor Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “The Impacts of Developmental Hypoxia on Dopaminergic Connectivity and Susceptibility to Substance Use Disorders in Zebrafish Danio rerio.” Bingener was also a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM, and was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Jack Burke, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology major. Burke worked with faculty advisor Christie P. Karpiak, Ph.D., professor of psychology, on a thesis titled “Psychotherapists' Perspectives on Missed Appointments in Private and Community Setting.”

Brigid R. Carlin, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science and economics double major. Carlin worked with faculty advisor Gretchen J. Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, on a thesis titled “Reproductive Healthcare: A Comparative Analysis of Factors Influencing Abortion and Reproductive Healthcare Legislation I the United States and the Republic of Ireland.”

Patrick D. DelBalso, Plains Township, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and philosophy double major. DelBalso worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Long-term Structural and Functional Regeneration, Neurogenesis , and Genetic Changes following Telencephalon Lesioning in Goldfish.” DelBalso was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, and was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Patrick J. Dineen, Monroe, Connecticut, graduated, magna cum laude, as a counseling and human services and theology and religious studies double major. Dineen worked with faculty advisor Megan Whitbeck, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling and human services, on a thesis titled “The Intersection of Undergraduate Student Experience and Religious and Spiritual Struggle.”

Alexander L. Eriquez, Howard Beach, New York, graduated, cum laude, as a biology major. Eriquez worked with faculty advisor Amelia Randich, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Characterization of Growth and Morphology in Hyphobacterium indicum.”

Madelyne M. Gasper, Stroudsburg, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Gasper worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Investigating the Role of the Telencephalon on the Startle Response in Goldfish, Carassius auratus.” Gasper was also a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Philip Gelso, Duryea, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major. Gelso worked with faculty advisor Jean W. Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science, on a thesis titled “A Comparative Analysis of the 2016 U.S. General Election Presidential Candidates Usage of Twitter.” Gelso was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Emma Y. Getts, Collegeville, graduated, summa cum laude, as a kinesiology major. Getts worked with faculty advisor Emily E. Gerstle, Ph.D., assistant professor of health and human performance, on a thesis titled “Interlimb Symmetry in Countermovement Jumps: Chronic Ankle Instability vs. Healthy.”

Matthew J. Hondros, Lansdale, graduated, magna cum laude, as a business analytics major. Hondros worked with faculty advisor David M. Mahalak, assistant professor of operations and analytics, on a thesis titled “Analysis of Recurrent Neural Networks for Asset Prediction.”

Gabrielle J. Jamieson, Bradley Beach, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology major. Jamieson worked with faculty advisor Jessica M. Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology, on a thesis titled “Using Social Norms Marketing to Reduce Mental Health Stigma and Increase Positive Attitudes Toward Self-Disclosure.”

Morgan E. Jones, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology and philosophy double major. Jones worked with faculty advisor Jill A. Warker, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, on a thesis titled “Effect of Disfluency and Gender on Perceived Deception and Memory.” Jones was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Lourdes Serena Jude Patrick, Chester Springs, graduated as a biology major. Jude Patrick worked with faculty advisor Christopher A. Howey, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “The effects of ALAN on glucocorticoid levels in green anoles in the presence of refugia.”

Gavin A. Kopesky, Honesdale, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major. Kopesky worked with faculty advisor Michael Hague, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Seasonal Dynamics of Wolbachia Prevalence in a Local Drosophila suzukii Population.”

Mary E. Krichbaum, Endicott, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematics and philosophy double major. Krichbaum worked with faculty advisor Steven T. Dougherty, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, on a thesis titled “Ontological Arguments: Anselm to Gödek.” Krichbaum was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM, and was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Alesia Lelaj, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, graduated, cum laude, as a political science and English double major. Lelaj worked with faculty advisor Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D., associate professor of English, on a thesis titled “Three Ways to Leave: Stories of the Kosovo War and Diaspora.”

Serena K. Martin, Bronx, New York, graduated, cum laude, as a political science major. Martin worked with faculty advisor Duane S. Armitage, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, on a thesis titled “To the Boy Who Sought Freedom: The Philosophy of Freedom and Social Contract Theory.”

Grace K. McDonald, Jamison, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry major. McDonald worked with faculty advisor Timothy D. Foley, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, on a thesis titled “Use of Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography to Capture Soluble Proteins from the Brain that Can Unfold to Expose Potentially Reactive Hydrophobic Surfaces.” McDonald was also a member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Noah H. Mumma, Castle Hayne, North Carolina, graduated, summa cum laude, as a criminal justice major. Mumma worked with faculty advisor Ismail Onat, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice, cybersecurity and sociology, on a thesis titled “A Statistical Analysis of Ransomware Attacks and Sociophysical Factors Per State.”

Camryn A. Nagle, Hillsdale, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a psychology major. Nagle worked with faculty advisor Patrick T. Orr, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, on a thesis titled “Perceptions of Mental Illness: The Medical Model and the Impact of Framing.”

Amelia G. Semple, Northport, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an English major. Semple worked with faculty advisor Howard D. Fisher, Ph.D., associate professor of communication and media, on a thesis titled “Booksagram and Communication.”

Zainab H. Shah, Grapevine, Texas, graduated, cum laude, as a computer engineering major. Shah worked with faculty advisor Andrew W. Berger, Ph.D., department chair and professor of physics and engineering, on a thesis titled “Developing a Library of Prompts to Evaluate Which Language Model Delivers the Best Responses for Verilog Code.”

Alexandra L. Shomali, Ellicott City, Maryland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematical sciences and philosophy double major. Shomali worked with faculty advisor Jason M. Graham, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, on a thesis titled “Analysis of the BK Ion Channel Using Mathermatical Modeling.” Shomali was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, and was the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

John R. Sinclair, Scranton, graduated, cum laude, as a political science and public policy and service double major. Sinclair worked with faculty advisor JoyAnna S. Hopper, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, on a thesis titled “The Impace Public Prekindergarten Has on Kindergarten Success in NEPA.”

Martine E. Sirianni, Media, graduated, summa cum laude, as a physiology major. Sirianni worked with faculty advisor Robert F. Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Impacts of taurine on zebrafish aggression and gene expression.”

Miriam M. Vandewater, Souderton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience and mathematical sciences double major. Vandewater worked with faculty advisor Jason M. Graham, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, on a thesis titled “Examining the Outcomes of Collective Decision Making Over Time.”

Grace D. Wenzel, West Orange, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an environmental science and philosophy major. Wenzel worked with faculty advisor Robert J. Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis titled “Impact of Yearly Net Primary Production on Feather Growth Rates in the Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis).” Wenzel was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Andrew LaZella, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, and Jill A. Warker, associate professor of psychology, serve as co-directors of the University Honors Program.

Twenty-four members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 graduated from its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program (SJLA), which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in SJLA pursue a rigorous education designed to develop enhanced writing, oral and critical-thinking skills through specially designed courses in philosophy, theology and literature.

The following is a list of the class of 2025 SJLA Honors Program graduates and their majors.

Joseph J. Agnone, Phoenix, Arizona, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Bibi S. Bacchus, Scranton, graduated, cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Matthew R. Bispo, Vineland, New Jersey, graduated, cum laude, as a neuroscience and philosophy double major.

Alexandra N. Buck, Westbury, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an early and primary teacher education major.

Arissa J. Chambers, Henryville, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM. Chambers is also a recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Patrick D. DelBalso, Plains Township, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and philosophy and a member of the University Honors Program. DelBalso is also a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Mia N. Familetti, Dalton, graduated, magna cum laude, as an English, advertising and public relations and philosophy triple major.

Sean M. Fitzgerald, Monroe Township, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance and philosophy double major and member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Cara E. Galli, Carmel, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as an early and primary teacher education and philosophy double major.

Philip Gelso, Duryea, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major and member of the University Honors Program.

Janice M. Healey, Dingmans Ferry, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major.

Michael J. Howard, Mayfield, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University's Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Morgan E. Jones, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a psychology and philosophy double major and member of the University Honors Program.

Luis D. Kepich, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biochemistry major.

Mary E. Krichbaum, Endicott, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematics and philosophy double major and member of the University Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM. Krichbaum is also a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Amelia M. Loftus, Nazareth, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Liam P. Moran, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Moran is also a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Theresa Pham, Philadelphia, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM. Pham is also a recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Alexandra L. Shomali, Ellicott City, Maryland, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematical sciences and philosophy double major and member of the University Honors Program. Shomali is also a recipient of the University's full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Maria Stephen, Huntingdon Valley, graduated, magna cum laude, as a political science, history and philosophy triple major.

Grace D. Wenzel, West Orange, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an environmental science and philosophy double major and member of the University Honors Program and the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Brian L. White, Brooklyn, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Madeline S. Williams, Wall Township, New Jersey, graduated, as a psychology and philosophy double major.

Sophia Williams, Peckville, graduated, magna cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major.

Daniel Haggerty, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Philosophy Department, serves as the director of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Thirteen members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 graduated from its Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program, which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in this highly selective program explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy and analysis, in addition to field trips to learn from top executives and projects in leadership, service and mentoring.

The following is a list of the class of 2025 Business Leadership Honors Program graduates and their majors.

Chaz G. DellaCorte, The Villages, Florida, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance and accounting double major. DellaCorte was also a member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Alexander G. Dolce, West Babylon, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a mathematical sciences major.

Alexander P. Kichline, Allentown, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance major.

Emily E. Langan, Greentown, graduated, magna cum laude, as a neuroscience major.

Brooke A. Levengood, Boyertown, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major.

Mary Katharine McDade, Glenside, graduated as a marketing and management double major.

Paul M. Meagher, Honesdale, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major.

Rebecca M. Miller, Archbald, graduated, summa cum laude, as a marketing major.

Izabella M. Rose, Scranton, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major.

Siena G. Testa, Newtown Square, graduated, magna cum laude, as a marketing major. Testa was also a member of the University's Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

Meghan A. Theofield, Smithtown, New York, graduated, magna cum laude, as a business administration major.

Lauren A. Van Kleeff, Pompton Plains, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major.

Madison G. Zarone, Pittsburgh, graduated, summa cum laude, as a management major.

Robert McKeage, Ph.D., associate professor of management, marketing and entrepreneurship, serves as director of the University’s Business Leadership Honors Program.

 

Seven members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 graduated from its Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program, which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in this program undergo four years of honors studies in the areas of economics, entrepreneurship, operations management, accounting, finance, international business, marketing and management, as well as a series of personal development extracurricular activities in the areas of service and career building.

The Business Honors Program students presented their senior projects to a panel of judges in early May. Grace Boyle received the award for best senior project. Colin Merriman and Frederick Rollo received honorable mention awards.

The following is a list of the class of 2025 Business Honors Program graduates and their majors, as well as their faculty mentors and research project.

Grace E. Boyle, Clarks Summit, graduated, summa cum laude, as a finance major. Boyle worked with faculty advisor John Ruddy, associate professor of economics, finance and international business, on a thesis titled “The Relationship Between Commodity Prices and Inflation: Pre-, During, and Post-Pandemic.” Boyle was also the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Chaz G. DellaCorte, The Villages, Florida, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance and accounting double major. DellaCorte worked with faculty advisor Douglas Boyle, DBA, department chair and professor of accounting, on a thesis titled “West Scranton Youth Center Accounting Consulting Project.” DellaCorte was also a member of the University’s Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

Sean M. Fitzgerald, Monroe Township, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance and philosophy double major. Fitzgerald worked with faculty advisor Aram Balagyozyan, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, finance and international business, on a thesis titled “The Gambler’s and Hot-Hand Fallacies in Finance." Fitzgerald was also a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Dean L. Huber, Bridgewater, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a marketing major. Huber worked with faculty advisor Ann Cummings, faculty specialist of management and marketing, on a thesis titled “Risk, Failure, and Innovation: Understanding Entrepreneurial Decision-Making in the U.S. and Europe.”

Colin P. Merriman, Mount Laurel, New Jersey, graduated, magna cum laude, as a finance major. Merriman worked with faculty advisor David Mahalak, Ph.D., assistant professor of operations and analytics, on a thesis titled “Rewriting the Rules: NIL and the College Sports Economy.”

Frederick F. Rollo, Broomall, graduated, magna cum laude, as an accounting major. Rollo worked with faculty advisor Amanda Marcy, Ph.D., assistant professor of accounting, on a thesis titled “Research Study of Business Students’ Perception of the Accounting Profession.”

Siena G. Testa, Newtown Square, graduated, magna cum laude, as a marketing major. Testa worked with faculty advisor Xinyu Zhou, Ph.D., assistant professor of management and marketing, on a thesis titled “Expanding the West Scranton Youth Center: Increasing Brand Awareness on Instagram and Facebook.” Testa was also a member of the University’s Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program.

Aram Balagyozyan, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, serves as director of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program.

More than 725 graduates took part in The University of Scranton’s undergraduate commencement ceremony held May 18 at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township. Bachelor’s and associate degrees were conferred to students who had completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2024, as well as January and May of 2025. 

In addition to covering the Northeast United States, this year’s graduating class included members from Arizona, California, Florida, Kentucky and Texas. The graduates collectively spanned 17 states, as well as China, Ireland and Vietnam. The most common major among the graduates was nursing, followed by kinesiology, biology, occupational therapy, finance and accounting. In total, the graduates covered 59 distinct majors.

The graduating class includes Jenyah Cunningham ’25, a double major (secondary education, English; English), from Brooklyn, New York. Cunningham is the recipient of a prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Taiwan. The class also includes outgoing student government president Maria Stephen ’25, a triple major (philosophy, history, political science) from Huntington Valley, and vice president Amanda E. Campbell ’25, a nursing major from Farmingville, New York.

Nicole Young ’00, H’20, a senior producer for “60 Minutes,” served as the principal speaker. In her address, Young spoke about the importance of showing up and being willing to take the next step forward in life.

“I’ve shown up to stories that broke my heart and interviews where everything went wrong,” Young said. “I’ve been in rooms where I was the only woman, the only person of color, the youngest voice, the last one invited; sometimes all of the above. And I showed up. That is the job; not just in journalism but in life.”

 

Honorary degrees were presented to Scranton graduates Jacquelyn Dionne ’89 and Monsignor Joseph G. Quinn, J.D., J.C.L., ’72.

Dionne, a Scranton native who previously worked as an intensive care nurse, is the health and wellness coordinator of Brookdale Senior Living in Wilton, Connecticut. She serves on the University’s Board of Trustees and has led and supported numerous significant campaigns to benefit the University, including co-chairing with her husband, John Dionne ’86, H’10, the largest capital campaign in University history.

Msgr. Quinn graduated from Scranton with an accounting degree. Rev. Quinn’s pastoral career includes 16 years as rector of rector of St. Peter’s Cathedral, the mother church of the Scranton diocese. Rev. Quinn, who recently retired from his role as senior priest of Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, and St. Gregory Parish, Clarks Green, was a member of the University’s Board of Trustees for 15 years.

Sofia Termini ’25, a nursing major from Northport, New York, spoke on behalf of the Class of 2025.

“In my time at bedside, I’ve cared for people from every walk of life: the young and the old, the hopeful and the hurting and many in the final stretch of their journey,” Termini said. “Whenever I could, I took the time to sit with them, talk to them and help ease their minds, even briefly, from the pain they’re enduring. During these moments, something became strikingly clear: the dying rarely speak of social standing, awards or dream cars. …

“In the end, love is what remains. Not things. Not titles. Just love. My fellow graduates, fall in love, with people, with your work, with life itself and above all stay in love.”

 

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, addressed the graduates at the ceremony. He also conferred degrees upon candidates presented by Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Leahy College of Health Sciences; Mark Higgins, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management; and Carolyn Berry, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., H’14, Bishop of Scranton, provided the Invocation. Cara Galli ’25, a double major in early and primary teacher education and philosophy from Carmel, New York, delivered the Benediction. Christopher J. Neumann, Esq. ’87, president of the University’s Alumni Society, also spoke at the ceremony, as did Tracy Stewart, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

An archived recording of the ceremony is available online.

The University of Scranton recognized excellence in academic disciplines and exemplary leadership and service at Class Night, where 61 undergraduates of the Class of 2025 were honored.

Among the highest honors conferred at the on-campus Class Night celebration, held May 16, were the Frank J. O’Hara Awards for General Academic Excellence. Named after an alumnus whose professional career at the University lasted 52 years until his death in 1977, the O’Hara Awards are presented annually to students with the highest GPA in each of the University’s three undergraduate colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, Kania School of Management and the Leahy College of Health Sciences.

Earning the O’Hara Awards for the Class of 2025 were: Grace E. Boyle, a finance major from Clarks Summit; Samantha G. Hoffmann, a nursing major from Millington, New Jersey; Jenna M. Kotlar, a kinesiology major from Branchburg, New Jersey; Elizabeth P. McKechney, a communication sciences and disorders major from Fairport, New York; Priyal Patel, a health administration major from Mountain Top; Kaitlyn N. Romito, a nursing major from Hauppauge, New York; and Alexandra L. Shomali, a mathematical sciences and philosophy major from Ellicott City, Maryland.

Also recognized at the ceremony was Jenyah A. Cunningham, a double major (secondary education, English; English) from Brooklyn, New York. Cunningham is the recipient of a prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Taiwan.

The event also featured remarks from Maria Stephen, of Huntingdon Valley, the outgoing president of Student Government.

Below is a full list of the students honored for their leadership, service and outstanding achievement in their fields of study:

Joseph Agnone, Phoenix, Arizona, Lawrence A. Mann Award, ex aequo;

Elliott David Ballino, Scranton, Excellence in Chemistry;

Gabrielle Martine Bingener, Barto, J. Timothy Cannon Award for Excellence in Neuroscience;

Shandon Jason Black, Scranton, Excellence in Environmental Science;

Grace Elizabeth Boyle, Clarks Summit, Excellence in Finance, as well as the Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Jack Burke, Dublin, Alumni Loyalty and Service Award;

Stephen Butler, Telford, Jesuit Community Award for Outstanding Service, ex aequo;

Amanda E. Campbell, Farmingville, New York, Sigma Theta Tau Award (International Honor Society of Nursing), ex aequo;

Logan H. Campbell, Chalfont, Excellence in Business Analytics;

Brigid R. Carlin, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Excellence in Economics and the Prof. Timothy H. Scully Award for Excellence in Political Science;

Abigail Casal, South Abington Township, Jesuit Community Award for Outstanding Service, ex aequo;

John Michael Christiansen, Honesdale, Prof. Frank C. Brown Award for Excellence in History;

Timothy J. Davila, Brooklyn, New York, Excellence in Cybercrime and Homeland Security;

Patrick David DelBalso, Plains Township, Excellence in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology;

Edward R. Drong, Flemington, New Jersey, Excellence in Occupational Therapy;

Julia A. Dugasz, Woodbridge, New Jersey, Excellence in Biochemistry;

Madison G. Dunlop, Oreland, Excellence in Communication Sciences and Disorders;

Julia L. Edmonds, Babylon, New York, J. Harold Brislin Memorial Award for Excellence in Journalism;

Alexander L. Eriquez, Howard Beach, New York, Edward J. Spitzer Scholarship Award;

Jackson F. Feiner, Pittstown, New Jersey, Excellence in International Studies;

James P. Fox, Hillsborough, New Jersey, Excellence in Computer Science;

Samuel E. Gates, Vestal, New York, Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Award (PICPA) Outstanding Senior Student;

James K. Gillen, Staten Island, New York, Excellence in Operations Management;

Samantha G. Hoffmann, Millington, New Jersey, Sigma Theta Tau Award (International Honor Society of Nursing), ex aequo, as well as the Frank J. O'Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Evan M. Hromisin, Dallas, Dr. A.J. Cawley Award for Excellence in Engineering;

Gabrielle Judith Jamieson, Bradley Beach, New Jersey, Excellence in Psychology;

Jeremiah J. King, Lawrence Twp, New Jersey, Excellence in Accounting;

Jenna Marie Kotlar, Branchburg, New Jersey, Excellence in Kinesiology, as well as the Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Robert M. Kretschmer, Honesdale, Excellence in Theology and Religious Studies;

Mary Elizabeth Krichbaum, Endicott, New York, Excellence in Mathematics, B.S.;

Xavier Joseph Long, Germantown, Maryland, The Military Science Leadership Award;

Grace Kathryn McDonald, Jamison, Susquehanna Valley American Chemical Society Senior Award;

Elizabeth P. McKechney, Fairport, New York, Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Rebecca Mary Miller, Archbald, Excellence in Marketing;

Evie J. Mitchell, Morristown, New Jersey, Health Advocacy Award;

Jacob Mohring, East Stroudsburg, Rev. J.J. Quinn, S.J., Achievement Award for Demonstration of Excellence in English Studies, ex aequo;

Michael Joseph Molzen, Bloomsbury, New Jersey, Prof. Joseph P. Harper Award for Excellence in Physics;

Priyal Patel, Mountain Top, Excellence in Health Administration, as well as the Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Nathan Bernard Pfund, Honesdale, Excellence in Information Technology;

Theresa Pham, Philadelphia, Excellence in Biology;

Zane E. Price, Scranton, Mary E. Quinn Award for Excellence in Secondary Education; and the Prof. Joseph B. Cullather Award for Excellence in English;

Taralyn Rose Reilly, Archbald, Excellence in Health Promotion;

DeJanna B. Richardson, East Stroudsburg, Excellence in Counseling and Human Services;

Vincent L. Rinella, Staten Island, New York, Prof. Bernard J. McGurl Award for Excellence in Communication;

Kaitlyn Nicole Romito, Hauppauge, New York, Excellence in Nursing, as well as the Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Tyler Daniel Roueche, Jamesville, New York, Croteau & Marx Family Award for Excellence in Mechanical Engineering;

Anika H. Sehne, Dalton, Excellence in International Business;

Zainab Shah, Grapevine, Texas, Student Life Award, ex aequo;

Alexandra Shomali, Ellicott City, Maryland, Excellence in Philosophy, The Lawrence A. Mann Award, ex aequo; and the Rev. J.J. Quinn, S.J., Achievement Award for Demonstration of Excellence in English Studies, ex aequo, as well as the Frank J. O’Hara Award for General Academic Excellence;

Maria Stephen, Huntingdon Valley, Student Life Award, ex aequo;

Matthew J. Stern, Lawrence Twp, New Jersey, Excellence in Economics;

Kayla Marie Sullivan, Elkins Park, Excellence in Middle Level Education;

Kim Thi My Dang, Scranton, Lawrence Lennon Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement in Psychology;

Meghan A. Theofield, Smithtown, New York, Excellence in Business Administration;

Emilia Rose Tobey, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, Excellence in Criminal Justice;

Miriam M. Vandewater, Souderton, Excellence in Mathematical Sciences;

Kerrigan E. Wilson, Mount Pocono, Excellence in Physiology;

Sara Madison Wynne, Staten Island, New York, Excellence in Forensic Chemistry;

Kiley A. Yanochik, Dunmore, Excellence in Early and Primary Education;

Madison Glencer Zarone, Pittsburgh, Excellence in Management.

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The University of Scranton conferred more than 550 master’s and doctoral degrees at its graduate commencement ceremony held May 18 at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township. Graduates received master’s degrees in numerous disciplines, as well as doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in accounting, doctor of physical therapy degrees and doctor of nursing practice degrees. Graduates must have completed their academic requirements in August and December of 2024 or January and May of 2025.

Graduates hailed from 34 states, including the Northeast United States and Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas, among others. International graduates spanned Ghana, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Uganda and the Cayman Islands.

Andrea Alexandra Navarro Montoya, of Albrightsville, who earned a master of business administration degree in accounting, addressed the crowd on behalf of the Class of 2025. Navarro Montoya spoke about leaving Peru seven years ago in hopes of finding and building a better future.

“At the beginning of my time here, there were moments when I questioned if I belonged — if I truly ‘fit in,’” Navarro Montoya said. “But that changed when I met some amazing people who I now proudly call my best friends, incredible professors who became mentors and staff who became like family. …

“Scranton has been more than just a university — it has been a home, a place where I have grown, learned and found a community that has supported me every step of the way.”

An archived recording of the ceremony is available online.

The University of Scranton recognized 35 outstanding master’s and doctoral degree graduates at its graduate commencement events the weekend of May 16-18, including at the graduate commencement ceremony at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre.

The following graduate students were honored for achievement in their academic area:

Gabrielle M. Andiario, Wyoming, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics;

Lee D. Ashlin, New Orleans, Louisiana, received the Outstanding Student Award for Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity;

Sarah G. Boyle, Peckville, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting;

Imani M. Brown, Island Park, New York, received the Doctor of Philosophy Outstanding Student Award for Accounting;

Meghan L. Callahan, Cranbury, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Special Education;

Emily J. Carpenito, Pottsville, received the Outstanding Student Award for Forensic Accounting;

Destiny R. Carpitella, Brooklyn, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Speech-Language Pathology;

Bharat Varma Chittari Vyacharouthu, Hyderabad, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics;

Madeline R. DeBaro, Cranford, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for School Counseling;

Regis Flaherty, Nazareth, received the Outstanding Student Award for Supply Chain Management;

Shawnna M. Giumento, Greenfield Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Operations Management;

Emily K. Glutz, Metuchen, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling;

Kyle B. Hromisin, Dallas, received the Outstanding Student Award for Chemistry;

Andre A. Keller, Groton, South Dakota, received the Outstanding Student Award for Healthcare Management;

Bridget L. Klein, Melville, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Family Nurse Practitioner;

Julia H. Kopf, Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for International Business;

Kathryn M. Kwapniewski, Middletown, New Jersey, received the Doctor of Physical Therapy Outstanding Student Award;

Amanda M. Laubshire, Oak Ridge, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accountancy;

Lan Luo, Wyckoff, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting Analytics;

Abigail R. Lynott, Dalton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Health Administration;

Kimberly Ann McClellan, Pottstown, received the Outstanding Student Award for Health Informatics;

John P. McDonough, Waverly Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Secondary Education;

Vanessa S. Moylan, Jefferson Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Marketing;

Cuong D. Nguyen, Ashley, received the Outstanding Student Award for Software Engineering;

Vanessa C. Pinto, Jenkins Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Finance;

Dean A. Richards, Wilkes Barre, received the Doctor of Nursing Practice Outstanding Student Award for Nurse Anesthesia;

Hamilton L. Roldan, Long Beach, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Human Resources Management;

Jennifer M. Schmoyer, Alexandria, Virginia, received the Outstanding Student Award for Operations Management;

Zainab E. Sesay, Bladensburg, Maryland, received the Outstanding Student Award for Applied Behavior Analysis;

Aubrey Skolny, Pittsford, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Occupational Therapy;

Nathan J. Spak, Endwell, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Biochemistry;

Scott T. Stefanek, Rockville Centre, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Finance-Corporate Finance and Investments Specialization;

Susan Sutton Stopper, Clarks Summit, received the Outstanding Student Award for Clinical Mental Health Counseling;

Luke Sullivan, Mountain Top, received the Outstanding Student Award for General Business Administration;

Kevin R. Weaver, Walnutport, received the Outstanding Student Award for Healthcare Management.

 

A handful of national and international organizations and underserved populations will benefit in the coming months and years from recent University of Scranton graduates.

Seven Scranton graduates, listed below, including six members of the Class of 2025, have chosen to commit to long-term service projects:

Jackson Feiner ’25, Pittstown, New Jersey, will serve with the Peace Corps in Madagascar. Feiner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international studies.

Theodore Krokus ’25, Scranton, will serve with the Peace Corps in Cambodia. Krokus earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

Victoria Lewis ’25, Dunmore, will serve with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps at the KC Care Health Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Lewis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology.

Maria Stephen ’25, Huntingdon Valley, will serve with the St. Joseph Worker Program at Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, California. Stephen, a triple major in history, political science and philosophy, was the student government president.

Ousmane Thiam ’25, Dumont, New Jersey, has also committed to service. Thiam earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology.

Nicole Thompson-Almada ’25, Bernardsville, New Jersey, has also committed to service and is a finalist to serve with the Peace Corps in Albania. Thompson-Almada earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international studies.

Isabelle Wohlleber ’24, Hazleton, will serve with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps as a direct care navigator at Women’s Lunch Place in Boston, Massachusetts. Wohlleber earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematical sciences.

Community service is a hallmark of an education at The University of Scranton, where students annually complete more than 175,000 hours of service.

The University of Scranton honored more than two dozen undergraduates in the Class of 2025 at its Multicultural Graduation Celebration, held on campus commencement weekend. 

The ceremony honored the academic achievements, unique experiences, rich heritages and numerous contributions of University students of various cultures. 

In total, 26 students participated in the event, which celebrated their determination, perseverance and resilience that helped them become key contributors in and out of the classroom. 

The celebration was held on campus at the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall and included remarks by Zainab Shah '25, a computer engineering major from Grapevine, Texas, and Kapil Patel '25, a health administration major from Wyckoff, New Jersey. Curtis Scott '25, a computer engineering major from Cresco, offered the closing prayer.

Also speaking at the event were Jose Sanchez, assistant director of the cultural centers at the University, and Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., vice president for student life and dean of students.

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Fourteen members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2025 graduated from its Magis Honors Program in STEM. The program, which is one of the Jesuit school’s five honors programs, combines the development of STEM knowledge and research techniques with programing to further the students’ understanding of the impact science has on society.

The Magis Honors Program offers talented students a more intense, interdisciplinary experience of research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Courses taken over four years at Scranton combine a series of seminars on STEM and society with humanities courses. With guidance by faculty mentors, the students in the program develop, present and defend a thesis based on their individual research projects. In addition, the program requires participation in annual community service projects as well as professional development programs.

The following members of Scranton’s class of 2025 graduated as members of the Magis Honors Program in STEM.

Gabrielle M. Bingener, Barto, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Bingener worked with faculty mentor Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “The Impacts of Developmental Hypoxia on Dopaminergic Connectivity and Susceptibility to Substance Use Disorders in Zebrafish Danio rerio.” Bingener is a member of the University Honors Program, and is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Stephen J. Butler, Telford, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Butler worked with faculty mentor Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Neurological structural effects of chronic morphine exposure in Camponotus floridanus.” Butler is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Cabre A. Capalongo, Scranton, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology major. Capalongo worked with faculty mentor Robert Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Blood parasites and white blood cell count in Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus) Captured at Lackawanna State Park.” Capalongo is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Arissa J. Chambers, Henryville, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Chambers worked with faculty mentor Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Effect of Group Size on Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) Metabolic Rate.” Chambers is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, and is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

James P. Fox, Hillsborough, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as a computer science and mathematical sciences double major. Fox worked with faculty mentor Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., associate professor of physics and engineering, on a thesis project titled “Interhemispheric Comparison of the MSTID Response to SSWs Observed by SuperDARN Radars.”

Madelyne M. Gasper, Stroudsburg, graduated, summa cum laude, as a neuroscience major. Gasper worked with faculty mentor Robert Waldeck, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Investigating the Role of the Telencephalon on the Startle Response in Goldfish, Carassius auratus.” Gasper is a member of the University Honors Program.

Michael J. Howard, Mayfield, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Howard worked with faculty mentor Vincent Farallo, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “The Effect of an Alkaloid-Based Diet on Metabolic Rate in the Poison Frog Species Ranitomeya variabilis.” Howard is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Mary E. Krichbaum, Endicott, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a mathematics and philosophy double major. Krichbaum worked with faculty mentor Steven Dougherty, Ph.D., professor of mathematics, on a thesis project titled “Ontological Arguments: Anselm to Gödel.” Krichbaum is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the University Honors Program, and is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Grace K. McDonald, Jamison, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry major. McDonald worked with faculty mentor Timothy Foley, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, on a thesis project titled “Use of Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography to Capture Soluble Proteins from the Brain that Can Unfold to Expose Potentially Reactive Hydrophobic Surfaces.” McDonald is a member of the University Honors Program, and is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Jacob G. Mohring, East Stroudsburg, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major. Mohring worked with faculty mentor Joe Brague, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “The Effects of Obeticholic Acid in a Castration-Based Model of Parkinson’s Disease.”

Theresa Pham, Philadelphia, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. Pham worked with faculty mentor Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “The Effects of Physioxia on the Development of Zebrafish.” Pham is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, and is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Grace E. Washney, West Wyoming, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major. Washney worked with faculty mentor Amelia Randich, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Marine Caulobacter Henriciella litoralis Divides by Binary Fission and Produces a Prostheca at the Old Pole.” Washney is the recipient of the University’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship.

Grace D. Wenzel, West Orange, New Jersey, graduated, summa cum laude, as an environmental science and philosophy double major. Wenzel worked with faculty mentor Robert Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “Impact of Net Primary Production on Feather Growth in the Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis).” Wenzel is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the University Honors Program.

Brian L. White, Brooklyn, New York, graduated, summa cum laude, as a biology and philosophy double major. White worked with faculty mentor Spencer Galen, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, on a thesis project titled “The Prevalence and Multilocus Sequencing of the Endosymbiont Wolbachia in Mosquitoes Native to Northeastern Pennsylvania.” White is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program.

Janice Voltzow, Ph.D., professor and chair, Biology Department, serves as the director of the Magis Honors Program in STEM. 

Recently the inaugural Omega Rho Induction Ceremony took place at The University of Scranton.

Omega Rho is the official honor society of INFORMS—the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences. INFORMS is the premier international association for professionals in analytics, operations research, and decision sciences, and Omega Rho serves to recognize those who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in these disciplines.

Inductees are: Heena Anjum, Bharat Varma Chittari Vyacharouthu, Gayathri Siriki, Vaishnavi Valluri, Devakalyan Adigopula, Abdul Aziz Fuzail, Mohammed Divya Nimmala, Logan Hollis Campbell, Angelina Violet Serafimov, Dominick Gulius, Yasmin Ramirez, James  K. Gillen, Katie Elizabeth Brennan, Dean J. Finan, Matthew Tyler Pilotti and  Vani Thanmayee Kasarla.

"The induction celebrated an exceptional group of students with academic excellence, commitment and leadership in the fields of business analytics and supply chain management," said Dr. David Mahalak, an assistant professor in the Operations and Analytics Department who serves as the faculty advisor for the University's chapter of the Omega Rho Honor Society.

This recognition is extended to students across several distinguished programs—undergraduate students majoring in business analytics and supply chain management, as well as graduate students in the Master of Science in Business Analytics program and the MBA program with concentrations in business analytics or supply chain management.

 

On May 7, four University of Scranton students were inducted into the SALUTE National Honor Society, which recognizes veterans and active military who exemplify service, academic achievement, leadership, unity, tribute and excellence. SALUTE was established in 2009 by Colorado State University with the support of the American Council of Education and Walmart Foundation. Scranton's chapter of SALUTE is one of over 400 chapters of the society. 

Congratulations to new members of SALUTE: Drew Dearden '26, Marine veteran and cybercrime and homeland security major; Lindsey Ford G'26, Army veteran, applied behavior analysis graduate student; Nicholas Luzetski G'26, Army National Guard, international business graduate student, and Melanie Ortiz '26, Air Force veteran and forensic chemistry major.

 

Ten members of The University of Scranton’s Class of 2025 capped their undergraduate careers by being commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.

The 10 Scranton graduates, as well as six additional members from other regional colleges, were honored at an on-campus ceremony, held May 17.

Among those in attendance was Brig. Gen. Maurice “Moe” Barnett, national commanding general, U.S. Army ROTC. Also participating in the ceremony was Lt. Col. Jay Wenger, University professor of military science and leader of the Royal Warrior Battalion Army ROTC program.

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University of Scranton ROTC graduates commissioned at the event were:

2nd Lt. Prescila S. Bryan, of Yonkers, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice;

2nd Lt. Anthony David Campola, of New Hartford, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree;

2nd Lt. Timothy J. Davila, of Brooklyn, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in cybercrime and homeland security;

2nd Lt. Thomas R. Gibson III, of Great Bend, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history;

2nd Lt. Kyle Stephen Kimler, of Bethlehem, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice;

2nd Lt. Xavier Joseph Long, of Germantown, Maryland, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science;

2nd Lt. Taegan J. Mills, of Montrose, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and criminal justice;

2nd Lt. Conan J. O’Donnell, of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history;

2nd Lt. Evan A. Rose, of Weehawken, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in operations management;

2nd Lt. Caroline Williams, of Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

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By Alexa Cutter '28, and Samantha Kosmark '26, student correspondents

The University of Scranton aims to preserve the beauty and historical significance of the Quain Memorial Conservatory and position it as a leading example of how educational institutions can embrace sustainability.

Originally built in 1872, the Victorian-style greenhouse was constructed for the Scranton family, who used the conservatory to cultivate and prepare cut flowers. The structure has been a part of the University since its establishment in 1959; its historical information reflects the architecture of the Victorian era and holds a significant place in the University’s heritage.

In the early 1970s, a group of students, faculty, and volunteers began their mission to restore the conservatory. Their commitment and hard work showed in the formal reopening and dedication of the Quain Memorial Conservatory on Sept. 14, 1975. This event marked a new chapter for the greenhouse, making it one of the few Victorian-style conservatories that are still unaltered from their original design.

The Quain Memorial Conservatory now serves a multi-purposed role at the University. The atmosphere within the greenhouse encourages individuals, including students and staff, to explore their passion for environmental sustainability. The greenhouse serves as a home for a variety of plants. Recently, the Office of Sustainability hosted events to keep people involved with the environment on campus. At one of these events, individuals were invited to paint rocks for Valentine’s Day.

Looking to the future

The University is actively working on plans to transform the Quain Memorial Conservatory into a sustainable community resource. In 2023, a new high-efficiency Lochinvar 80 boiler was installed, reducing the cost of heating. In 2024, phase one of a three-phase project began effect. This first phase involved the renovation of the glass on the east wing of the greenhouse and the removal of old glass that might have been broken. Phase two is set to be completed in 2025, and phase three in 2026.

Through these efforts, Scranton aims to preserve the beauty and historical significance of the Quain Memorial Conservatory and position it as a leading example of how educational institutions can embrace sustainability. The ongoing preservation and enhancement of this greenhouse shows dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and responsibility, ensuring that it is still an important asset for generations of students, faculty and staff.

Anyone interested in getting involved in the greenhouse or planting greenery at The Quain Memorial Conservatory, should contact Mark Murphy in the Office of Sustainability at mark.murphy@scranton.edu 

The University celebrates three new Noyce Scholars—Britney Walsh '24, G'25, Devang Patel '24, G'25, and Joseph Phillips '24, G'25 —who will walk across the Commencement stage this month with master's degrees in secondary education. From there they will head straight into high school classrooms where curious minds are waiting. Walsh, Patel and Phillips, alongside juniors Alessandra Bellino and James Kane, show what a rock‑solid STEM foundation can do: inspire teens to become tomorrow’s biologists, mathematicians, coders, chemists, physicists, engineers and more.

Grounded in cura personalis and the Ignatian spirit of reflection, service and excellence, the scholars are preparing to spark curiosity in high school classrooms. The scholars invite students to picture themselves as the next generation of researchers, innovators and problem‑solvers working for the common good.

Good news: Applications for the next Noyce Scholar cohort are still open. 

The Noyce Scholarship Program offers $35,000 in funding to cover full tuition for the 11-month MS in Secondary Education Program at The University of Scranton, thanks to support from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Questions? Reach out to Dr. Juan Serna (juan.serna@scranton.edu) or Dr. Maria Oreshkina (maria.oreshkina@scranton.edu)

Meet the Noyce Scholars

Britney Walsh '24, G'25

Walsh graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology. As an undergraduate at the University, she participated in many clubs, including Asia Club, Scranton Students Association of the Philippines (SSAP), the Society for Sustainability and Conservation (SS&C), and served as production manager of Esprit. 

 

Devang Patel '24, G'25

Patel graduated with majors in neuroscience, environmental science and philosophy. He was also part of SJLA and Magis Honors Programs.

"Teaching in a high-need school aligns with my passion for fostering equity in STEM education. I want to empower students to see the relevance of chemistry in their daily lives and future aspirations, especially those who may not have had consistent access to quality instruction or resources.  By portraying chemistry through real-world applications, I hope to ignite curiosity and inspire confidence in students. As a teacher, I want to provide not just academic knowledge, but also mentorship, encouragement and a belief in my students’ potential to succeed, no matter their circumstances." 

Joseph Phillips '24, G'25

Phillips graduated with a major in mathematics.
"I was not entirely sold on what I wanted to do going into college. It took me about a year to decide that teaching math was an interest of mine...

"This program allowed me to stick to my original path. Also, teaching at a high-need school seemed like a way of giving back to the system that I had to learn in. Overall, this program provided a great opportunity for me to keep my life on track while also doing some good."

Alessandra Bellino '26

Bellino is a junior secondary education and mathematics double major from Schwenksville.
"At The University of Scranton, I am the treasurer of the Student Education Club. I am also a coxswain for the women’s crew team. Through the Noyce foundation I am given the opportunity to teach in a high-need school after graduation. I am very grateful for this opportunity because I think that is extremely important to have qualified teachers in high-need schools, so the students can succeed."

 

James Kane '26

Kane is a junior secondary education and mathematics major from Westchester, New York.

"I enrolled into the Noyce Scholarship program for the opportunities provided and this program allows me to prepare myself to be the best teacher I can be. With the shortage of STEM teachers, I hope to be able to impact students’ lives and help prepare them for the world."

Multiple University of Scranton undergraduate students made poster presentations for the 2025 University of Scranton Brain and Behavior Conference, held April 26 at the Loyola Science Center.

The following Scranton students made poster presentations at the event, which served as an opportunity for undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. researchers to present their findings:

• Stephen Butler, a neuroscience major from Telford: Neurological structural and chemical effects of chronic morphine exposure in Camponotus floridanus
• Matthew Bispo, a neuroscience and philosophy major from Vineland, New Jersey: Hsd17b7 Localizes Along Neurite Structures in Differentiating Neuro2a Cells
• Andrew Mauriello, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Duryea: Isolating and identifying candidate Neuro2a cells deficient in Hsd17b7
• Vlad Dumitrescu, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Lords Valley: Analyzing expression of Hsd17b7 during Neuro2a differentiation
• Mackenna Percey, a neuroscience major from Branchville, New Jersey: The Effects on Dopamine of Socially Isolated Drosophila Flies
• Madasen Mariano, a neuroscience major from Mayfield: The Buzz of CBD: Analyzing Locomotive Behavior in Campontus floridunas
• Madalyne Gasper, a neuroscience major from Stroudsburg: Investigating the Role of the Telencephalon on the Startle Response in Goldfish, Carassius auratus
• Martine Sirianni, a physiology major from Media: Impacts of taurine on zebrafish aggression and gene expression
• Jacob Mohring, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from East Stroudsburg: Effects of OBA in a Castration-Based Model of Parkinson's Disease​
• Gerald Donahue, a neuroscience major from Clarks Summit: Comparing Anxiety Levels in Castrated vs. Intact Mice Using the Elevated Plus Maze
• Stephen Kudriavetz, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major from Randolph, New Jersey: Behavioral Cellular and Molecular Characterization of a Castration Based Model of PD
• Alexandra Shomali, a mathematical sciences and philosophy major from Ellicott City, Maryland: Computational Modeling of the BK Ion Channel Using the Morris-Lecar Equations
• Patrick Kane, a neuroscience major from New Milford, New Jersey: Developing a Female-Specific Mouse Model for Parkinson’s Disease Using a High-Sensitivity Neural Network

Additionally, Patrick Orr, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Scranton, presented “Misinformation Concerning the H.M. Case Study: A Temporal-Lobe Focused Seizure?”

The morning keynote speech, “Reward Interrupted: Impulsivity and Addition in Diverse Animal Models,” was given by J. David Jentsch, Ph.D., distinguished professor and chair, Psychology Department, Binghamton University. The afternoon lecture, “Seaing Neurobiology Through the Lens of an Anemone,” was made by Michael J. Layden, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Biological Sciences/Neuroscience, Lehigh University.

The University of Scranton this spring added hundreds of students, representing all colleges and majors, to its chapters of numerous national and international honor societies.

Click the links below to access the lists of students inducted into each honor society:

Alpha Delta Sigma
Alpha Epsilon Alpha
Alpha Mu Gamma
Alpha Phi Sigma
Alpha Sigma Nu
Beta Beta Beta
Beta Gamma Sigma
Chi Delta Rho
Eta Kappa Nu
Eta Sigma Gamma
Lambda Pi Eta
Mu Kappa Tau
Nu Rho Psi
Omega Beta Sigma
Omega Rho
Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Epsilon Kappa
Phi Lambda Upsilon
Phi Sigma Tau
Pi Gamma Mu
Pi Mu Epsilon
Pi Sigma Alpha
Psi Chi
Sigma Pi Sigma
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Theta Tau
Tau Upsilon Alpha
Theta Alpha Kappa
Upsilon Phi Delta
Upsilon Pi Epsilon
Alpha Kappa Delta
Alpha Lambda Delta
Alpha Sigma Lambda
Institute for Management Accountants
Kappa Delta Pi
Sigma Iota Rho
Omicron Delta Epsilon
Phi Delta Kappa
Sigma Nu Tau
Sigma Theta Tau
Sigma Xi

The University of Scranton’s oldest honor society now has its newest group of honorees.

The annual Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society Induction Ceremony was held recently on campus, where 66 University students officially took their place as inductees into the coveted honor society for high-achieving students in Jesuit colleges and universities.

Juniors, seniors and graduate students who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service are eligible for membership.

Alpha Sigma Nu is the National Jesuit Honor Society. The Scranton chapter was founded in 1943.

The following students earned the distinction of being inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu:

Kenneth Altman
Maria Amato
Amber Armitage
David Banko
Owen Barlow
Jaznie Belfont
Madalyn Beretzki
Rebecca Berry
Diana Bobko
Katie Brennan
Emily Carey
Samantha Colby
Alyssa Cosklo
Chelsea Curran
Erica Czerwinski
Linda Daly
Anna DiFiori
Madison Dunlop
Julia Edmonds
Dean Finan
Kevin Finning
Michael Gallo
Patrick George
Emily Alexa Gotiangco
Ryan Hanley
Ryan Hawk
Rachel Hoffman
Samantha Hoffmann
Sally Hopkins
Matthew Jasienski
Kathryn Kwapniewski
Jenna LaBarca
Kiera Lapham
Julia LeMay
Grace Lennox
Brooke Levengood
Grace Lloyd
Aiden Mackrell
Sofia Mastellone
Victoria Mauri
Andrew Mauriello
Grace McDonald
Ashley McVeigh
Gabriella Meditz
Hailey Monaghan
Faith Montagnino
Anne Murphy
Sheldon Myers
Lila Naccari
Brian O'Connor
Hailey Patts
Michael Redmond
Kevin Reilly
Kaitlyn Romito
Matthew Schade
Angelina Serafimov
Julia Shimshock
Allison Slovak
Rebecca Stankoski
Nicole Tonny
Morgan Tullio
Joseph Vazquez
Jordon Wagner
Girmachew Wasihun
Molly White
Madison Zarone

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Ten University of Scranton students – three graduate students and seven undergraduates –recently presented research at the eighth annual HamSCI Workshop. This two-day program attracted amateur radio operators and enthusiasts from around the world, coming together to collaborate on their latest findings, strategies and outlooks.

Physics professor Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., presented and chaired multiple sessions at the event for the group he founded. The HamSCI Workshop was hosted this year on March 14-15 at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Among the presenters were the following University of Scranton graduate students and their topics: Cuong Nguyen, Ashley, who is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering, “Software Development for the Grape Personal Space Weather Station, V2;” Diego Sanchez, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, who is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering, “Climatology of Large-Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Observed with 14 MHz Amateur Radio Using a Novel Automated Detection Technique;” and Nicholas Guerra, Scranton, who is pursuing a master’s degree in software engineering, “Integration & Validation of a Standardized Library and File Format for PyDARNMUSIC and DARNtids: Migrating from Legacy Pickle Files to HDF5 and Implementing a Comprehensive Testing Suite.”

Additionally, seven undergraduate students presented on the following topics: Alexandros Papadopoulos, Scotrun, a computer engineering major, “Analysis of the HamSCI Solar Eclipse High Frequency Time Difference of Arrival Experiment Observations Using Automated Techniques;” Rebecca Potter, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, a physics and philosophy double major, “How Do We Put a HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station in America?” and “Electron Thermionic Emission and Tunnelling Transport in Spherically Symmetric Charged Grains in Dusty Plasmas;” Gerard Piccini, Monroe Township, New Jersey, an electrical engineering major, “A Low-Cost, Low-Power Chirp Ionosonde for Studying Eclipse Ionospheric Impacts;” James Fox, Hillsborough, New Jersey,  a computer science and mathematical sciences double major, “Southern Hemisphere MSTID Response to a Sudden Stratospheric Warming Observed by the Falkland Islands SuperDARN Radar; Owen Ruzanski, Shohola, a computer engineering major, “Development of a Contesting and DXing Dashboard for the HamSCI Personal Space Weather Station;” Michael Molzen, Bloomsbury, New Jersey, a physics major, “Investigating January 2016 Traveling Ionospheric Disturbance Causes with SuperDARN;” and Tom Pisano, Staten Island, New York, an electrical engineering major, “University of Scranton W3USR Teaching Amateur Radio at the Lackawanna Blind Association.”

In addition to Dr. Frissell, Rachel Frissell, faculty specialist in the Physics and Engineering Department, presented “Understanding HamSCI Magnetometers Measurements and Observations;” and Kornyanat Hozumi, Ph.D., a post-doctoral research associate, presented “HamSCI as a Tool for Equatorial Plasma Bubbles Study.” Also attending the workshop were faculty members Bob Spalletta, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering; Argyrios Varonides, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering; and Christine Zakzewski, Ph.D., associate professor of physics and engineering.

For more information about the HamSCI Workshop and additional details on each presentation, visit the organization’s website.

Ten University of Scranton students and one alum presented their work at the Sigma Tau Delta International Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in March. Scranton's chapter, Mu Omicron, was recognized for its 45th anniversary, and alum member Elias Kerr '23 won this year's Creative Works Alumni Award for an original poetry project, "trans [re]conciliation."

Emily Carey '26, "Gender and Genre: On Queer Writers Queering Writings," Gabriella Meditz '26, "William Blake's Poetic Illustration of Celestial Ideas," Faith Montagnino '26, "'Unsexing Ourselves': Proto-Feminism in Victoria Cross's 'Theodora' and Sara Grand's 'Woman Question,'" and Audrey Munley '25, "Trauma in Mother-Daughter Relationships" presented critical essays; Allen Stankiewicz '26, "The Tempus" presented an original prose piece; Gabriella Palmer '26,"To the Tune of Chaos: A Ten-Minute Play" presented an original play; Adelle Confer '26, "Must it Have been Akin to a Wife-Swap?", Lauren DeSantis '26, "What the War of Life Taught Me So Far," Benna Parker '25, "Novelty", Nya Rowe '26, "a hunger to belong" presented creative nonfiction pieces; and Kerr, '23 "trans [re]conciliation" presented original poetry.

Additionally, Montagnino, Munley and Parker presented a roundtable on the Common Reader entitled "One of Ours, One for Others: Exploring Jesuit Values Through When My Brother Was an Aztec." The roundtable was moderated by Dr. Billie Tadros, faculty co-moderator, and assisted by the other chapter members. Dr. Tadros and Kerr co-led a LitFest writing workshop for Convention attendees on "Creative Mentorship: Connection, Collaboration, and Craft," and Dr. Tadros co-led a faculty development session entitled "Teaching/Writing/Publishing/Advising: Making it All Work" with a fellow faculty moderator from Friends University. Dr. Madeline B. Gangnes, faculty co-moderator, Dr. Tadros and several students served as panel chairs and moderators.

Current students' travel was supported by the College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Student Research Grant program and funding from the Jesuit Center.

Sigma Tau Delta is the national honor society in English. The honor society recognizes students who major or minor in English, theatre or secondary education/English and maintain a grade point average of 3.4 or better in English, theatre and writing courses and an overall grade point average of 3.4 or higher. English professors Billie Tadros, Ph.D., and Madeline B. Gangnes, Ph.D., serve as co-moderators of Scranton’s chapter of the honor society.

Academic research could be an isolating endeavor.

The long, lonely hours spent in laboratories and libraries could sometimes have researchers wondering if their hard work will pay off in the end.

Then, an event like The University of Scranton’s Celebration of Student Scholars happens, and it’s clear that the sacrifice was worth the effort.

The 25th annual Celebration of Student Scholars was held during the afternoon of April 30. The three-hour social event, which was catered and featured nonstop foot traffic inside the Loyola Science Center, drew hundreds of University community members, including friends, family and faculty.

About 185 students participated in the showcase, including more than a dozen oral presenters like Cuong Nguyen.

“I am very proud of myself and of course there’s a sense of relief, as well,” said Nguyen, of Ashley, a Scranton graduate now pursuing his master's degree in software engineering here. “This project, I’ve been working on it since at least 2023.”

The origin of Nguyen’s research project, “Software Development for the Grape Personal Space Weather Station,” predates the college careers of some other presenters.

For example, Jonathon Symuleski, a biochemistry major from Hop Bottom, is a sophomore at the University. Symuleski’s relative youth didn’t stop him, however, from reading ahead and getting a jump on some sophisticated concepts he’ll learn in the years to come.

“Overall, super beneficial,” Symuleski said of his research project. “I learned so much doing the project. I was able to take some concepts from class that I had and then apply them to actual work. I got to work with a great professor and it’s helped me discover what I like doing.”

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Arati Kishore, of Pakistan, said it was a dream of hers to present a poster at a globally recognized university such as Scranton. Kishore covered “Commodity Pricing Reduces Costs While Prices Stay Stable.”

“It was a big thing for me; analyzing the data, making charts, reviewing and discussing with your peers and teachers and finally making a project which you can present and find out the research,” Kishore said. “There’s a problem and you find out some research (to solve it). It was a great experience.”

Presenters spanned all three of the University’s colleges and covered timely topics, including “Rewriting the Rules: NIL and the College Sports Economy,” by Colin Merriman, a senior finance major from Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Timeless subjects were covered, too, including former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill; students in a history class taught by Robert Shaffern, Ph.D., were assigned to research different aspects of Churchill’s life.

“I did my research project on Clementine Churchill, Winston Churchill’s wife … she really fascinated me and was a beautiful and interesting person,” said Therese Shimkus, a history major from Scranton. “Through her whole life, she was a rather lonely, isolated individual. That carried over into her adulthood. But she really supported her husband — completely, wholeheartedly — all the time. I was so impressed by her story and I’m happy to be able to share it.”

In total, 110 of the 124 poster presentations were solo and the remaining 14 were made in small groups.

Each presenter worked closely with a faculty mentor who helped guide them along the way.

“It’s just a chance for us as a university community to celebrate and recognize their hard work because they put a lot of work into it,” said Brooke Leonard, director of the office of research and sponsored programs. “We have some excellent students doing amazing research. And our faculty are really great mentoring them and taking them on. We like to recognize that.”

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College is all about impactful and transformative experiences.

Sometimes, as was the case with a recent adventure to Poughkeepsie, New York, the turning points and pushes that happen behind the scenes provide an experience nearly as compelling as the end destination.

Months of student-led planning and preparation culminated on April 29 with about 30 University of Scranton students receiving an extensive tour of Poughkeepsie’s IBM Innovation Studio.

“It began with an introduction to what the facility does and the role IBM’s mainframes play in everyday life — from processing payments for airline tickets to delivering up-to-date financial and banking information,” said Bernard Scott, a computer science major from West Chester. “We were then greeted by one of the cybersecurity professionals who talked about how IBM incorporates security into every level of their mainframe systems. Following the presentation, we met nine professionals who were all beginning their careers at IBM. The professionals took several questions from students and gave us a lot of valuable information and lessons about starting at IBM or any other company.”

And that’s just scratching the surface.

Scott and his classmates — from both the University’s student chapters for the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) — also toured the live system testing floor and received an up-close view of IBM’s prototype mainframes, the mainframes currently running for clients and the cutting-edge IBM-Z mainframes.

“We appreciated the sheer scale of the operations that were happening under one roof,” Scott said.

The seeds for this trip were planted back in October, when the Computer Science Department hosted a talk with PJ Catalano, a mainframe influencer who works at IBM’s Poughkeepsie facility. Catalano’s visit was arranged with help from Chris Filachek ’96, an IBM employee and member of the Computer Science Department’s Advisory Board.

“Before the presentation, the department has a tradition of holding an informal meet-and-greet with the presenter, inviting students and faculty to engage with them while enjoying some pizza,” Scott recalled. “In my conversation with PJ, he extended to The University of Scranton ACM an invitation to tour the facility.”

Scott and his classmates took that invitation and set into motion plans to make it happen.

Obstacles included planning a date, forming an itinerary and negotiating affordable transportation.

However, the two student clubs were undeterred and determined to execute what ended up being a highlight of their time at the University.

In addition to the aforementioned nine young professionals at IBM, Catalano and a handful of other veteran coworkers also greeted the University students and their two faculty mentors, Mark Fenner, Ph.D., computing sciences professor, and Andrew Berger, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Physics and Engineering Department, who made the trip with them.

“It was exciting to see the implementation of topics from our operating systems and computer architecture classes into professionally maintained mainframes,” Scott said. “I hope the students and faculty learned valuable lessons and are inspired to use the knowledge from class to accomplish greatness and move the world forward.”

Experiential learning trips such as this are supported by gifts made as part of the University’s Day of Giving.

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In an occasional series, Royal News spotlights clubs from the university’s 100+ student organizations on campus, speaks to members and offers information on how to connect with the clubs. 

To suggest a club for a future Royal News article, to share ideas or to inform us of any upcoming club events, please email RoyalNews@scranton.edu or elizabeth.vanderneut@scranton.edu.

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GET INVOLVED:

 

Club: University of Scranton Student Nurses Association

Connect: @scranton.nursing

Meet: Grace Moran, senior nursing major from Oradell, New Jersey

Role: club secretary

 

Meet: Maura Schaab, senior nursing major from Hillsborough, New Jersey

Role: club president

 

 

Meet: Erin Hartey, senior nursing major from Milford

Role: club senior vice president


Q: National Nurses Week, May 6-12, 2025, honors the invaluable contributions of nurses worldwide. Please share details about any activities in which the Student Nurses Association plans to participate? 

In honor of National Nurses Week, the Student Nurses Association will be preparing goodie bags for the nurses in the hospitals where the nursing students have their clinical rotations. Within each goodie bag contains an assortment of candy and a motivational note to express our gratitude toward the nurses as not only healthcare professionals but as mentors and preceptors. After the goodie bags are put together, we distribute the bags to the students so that they can provide the goodie bags to the nurses on their designated unit. This has been a tradition of the Student Nurses Association for several years, and something we hope to continue for all future Nurses Weeks to come.  

Q: What is the mission of the Student Nurses Association? 

The Student Nurses Association is an organization aimed to provide students with a community to enhance professional growth and leadership skills, promote campus and local volunteerism, and support academic and long-term success. 

Q: What, in your opinion, are the most memorable events or activities you present as an association? 

GM: One of my favorite events hosted by the Student Nurses Association is the blood pressure clinic! I had recently learned and been cleared off by the nursing department lab coordinators on how to take a blood pressure. Some of my upperclassmen friends at the time encouraged me to take part in the clinic as it not only was a way to give back to the community but also a great way to practice my new skill. I remember this clinic being the first moment in my nursing career that allowed me to really feel like a nurse. Since this clinic, I have participated in each one thereafter. I love being able to get involved within the campus community and work on my foundational skills.      

Q: Why would you recommend someone join? Why did you join the club?  

EH: I would recommend joining the Student Nurses Association because it helps you feel more connected to your fellow nursing students and the nursing program. It’s a great way to build relationships, develop leadership skills, and give back through community service events. Being part of the club also gives you the chance to learn from upperclassmen, who can offer helpful advice and insight about classes, clinicals, and what to expect as you move through the program.  

I joined because I wanted to be more involved on campus, especially within the nursing program. I was excited to be a part of a community where the members support each other through the challenges of nursing school. I also really liked that the club focuses on helping us grow as future nurses while also encouraging us to stay active on campus and give back to the community.  

Q: When and where does the Student Nurses Association meet, and how can someone who is interested find out more about it? What topics do you discuss? 

The Student Nurses Association meets on the first Friday of every month, starting at around 2:30 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theater on the 4th floor of the DeNaples Center. Anyone interested in the organization should join the club via Royal Sync so that they may be included in the email chain. Additionally, those interested should follow the Instagram (@scranton.nursing) where we post about important club events, volunteer opportunities, and various activities nursing majors are participating in around campus! 

Q: Any upcoming plans for the fall semester? 

We have several exciting events planned for the upcoming fall semester! We will be hosting the annual blood pressure clinic alongside the Center for Health Education and Wellness' flu shot clinic. We will also have an externship panel where upperclassmen can share their experiences and answer questions to help students prepare for future opportunities. One of our most popular events at the end of every fall semester is the holiday party where students and faculty come together to celebrate the holiday season and the end of the semester.  

Q. What would you like all Royals to know about the association that we have not asked about? 

The Student Nurses Association utilizes a mentorship program where underclassmen are paired with upperclassmen to provide insight and advice to help them through nursing program. The coursework and time dedicated to clinicals can be overwhelming and stressful. However, with the mentorship program, we hope that students can lean on their mentors not only for their knowledge, but also for emotional support, empowerment and reassurance.  

The Future Business Leaders of America, or FBLA, is an American institution.

While the organization was created over 80 years ago, however, it’s just in the last few years that The University of Scranton and club advisor David Mahalak, D. Eng., got involved with it.

Fostering a challenging, competitive and supportive environment, Dr. Mahalak’s fast-rising club recently had yet another successful showing at the State Leadership Conference (SLC) in Harrisburg.

Kaeli Romanowski, a finance major from Lake Ariel, won first place in Parliamentary Procedure. Joe Walas, an accounting major from West Islip, New York, earned second place in Sports Management and Marketing. Lamar Bishop, a management major from McDonough, Georgia, placed in two events. He took second in Future Business Executive and third in Parliamentary Procedure.

Additional Scranton placers include: Chaz DellaCorte, a finance major from The Villages, Florida, third place, Accounting Case Competition; Gary Mrozinski, a finance major from Taylor, third, Foundations of Accounting; Sean Fitzgerald, a finance major from Monroe Township, New Jersey, fourth, Foundations of Finance; and Connor Farrington, a business analytics major from Washington, New Jersey, fourth, Sports Management and Marketing.

“I have been the advisor for FBLA since the 2021-22 academic year and it has been an extremely enjoyable experience,” Dr. Mahalak said. “FBLA separates itself from many of the other student clubs and organizations in that it provides a competitive environment for students to apply what they learn in the classroom into real-world case competitions, objective tests and other events. Thus, students involved with FBLA are interested in being part of a group that invests more, beyond the traditional classroom, to better develop technical and soft skills, as well as network with others who share similar interests.

“It is a truly great opportunity for students to forge positive relationships that will help them with their future personal, professional and academic goals.”

After producing seven qualifiers for this year’s National Leadership Conference — to be held May 31-June 2 in Dallas, Texas — the University has now had 25 qualifiers in just five years.

The top officers for Scranton’s FBLA club are DellaCorte, president, and Bishop, vice president. This is DellaCorte’s third year qualifying for nationals and Bishop’s fourth.

“I certainly share many great memories with all of our FBLA students; however, this year’s graduating seniors hold a special place since two of our students have been with me for all four years at the University,” Dr. Mahalak said. “Chaz exhibits such passion for FBLA that it is no wonder why our chapter has experienced continued growth over his four years. Chaz is a great leader, always willing to help mentor our younger students and put in the extra effort to make sure that everyone’s set up for success. Lamar’s involvement as an officer at the state level, as PA FBLA-Collegiate State President, has inspired other students at the University to apply for such positions. He is our team’s first student to qualify for NLC in all four years, which is an amazing accomplishment. Lamar’s closing speech at SLC this year about FBLA and what it meant to him was truly moving and is something that I will always remember.”

For as great as it is to build relationships, learn and win — and travel, thanks to generous support from the Kania School of Management’s dean’s office — Dr. Mahalak recognizes that Scranton’s FBLA program is not the end destination but rather the beginning of prosperous careers for his students.

“As the club’s advisor, my primary passion is mentoring our students to help them develop the skills that are needed to be competitive at (states) and be better prepared for success in future endeavors,” Dr. Mahalak said. “I truly enjoy being part of FBLA at The University of Scranton because of our students. They are vested in continual growth and improvement.”

A team of 14 University of Scranton students recently competed — and earned a “Best” award — at the National Student Advertising Competition, the nation’s premier competition of its kind.

The students in Professor Stacy Smulowitz’s, Ph.D., COMM 460 Advertising Competition course were tasked with researching, strategizing, campaign building and content creating for their client AT&T. The process played out over two semesters, culminating with a pitch meeting on April 11-12 at Pace University in New York City.

The Scranton team earned the Best Evolution Award and also placed ninth in District 2, a competitive field whose colleges and universities are from the northeast United States. Achieving such success requires extraordinary attention to detail and numerous tasks big and small, such as conducting focus groups and preparing a campaign plans book that was submitted to the judges who hailed from major agencies in the New York area.

“It is an experience like no other and is considered as intense as an internship,” Dr. Smulowitz said.

Scranton’s roster included the following students: Ava Aversa, an advertising/public relations major from Old Forge; Tatiana Baide Franco, an advertising/public relations major from Lake Katrine, New York; Anna DiFiori, an advertising/public relations major from Newtown; Elise Doherty, an advertising/public relations major from Havertown; Mia Familetti, an English and philosophy major from Dalton; Caitlin Hannan, an advertising/public relations major from Massapequa, New York; Emma Hutzel, a marketing major from Bethpage, New York; Claire Koscinski, an advertising/public relations major from Coram, New York; Dominic LoCascio, an advertising/public relations major from Monroe, Connecticut; Erin McKearney, an advertising/public relations major from Pearl River, New York; Meagan McMahon, an advertising/public relations major from Tuckahoe, New York; Grace Quick, an advertising/public relations major from Yardley; Ferdinand Robles, an advertising/public relations major from Old Bridge, New Jersey; and Liz Vander Neut, an advertising/public relations major from Exton.

The competition, supported by the American Advertising Federation, provides more than 2,000 college students the real-world experience of creating an entire campaign for a corporate client and panel of professional judges.