University News

The University of Scranton announced the winners of its Earth Day Essay Contest for students in grade 5. From left: University of Scranton students Amelia Farry, South Abington Township, and Nathaniel Smith, Wilkes-Barre; Earth Day Essay Contest medalists Griffin Maynor, All Saints Academy, Lila Tallo, All Saints Academy, Talia Lameo, All Saints Academy, and Liam Marante, All Saints Academy; and Mark Murphy, director of the Office of Sustainability at the University.

General

May 24, 2023

Nearly 300 students in grades five to 12 participated in The University of Scranton Earth Day Essay Contest this year. Awards were announced at the University’s Evening of Environmental Science Event on campus in April.

This year’s essay theme was “People’s Planet, Climate Justice.”

Four of the six fifth-grade essay contest winners were from All Saints Academy in Scranton. These students include Lila Tallo, first place; Griffin Maynor, second place; Liam Marante, second place and Talia Lameo, third place. The other fifth-grade winners came from St. Claire/St. Paul’s in Scranton. Brian Clarke won first place and Annie Butler won third place.

The sixth-grade students that took first place in the essay contest were Tommy Killino, from All Saints Academy and Jimmy Doherty, from St Claire/St. Paul’s. The students who won second place were John Paul Kasaczun, from All Saints Academy and Mya DeSantis, from St Claire/St. Paul’s. Receiving a third-place award were Kelly Heffron and Cecelia Gilmartin, both from St. Claires/St. Paul’s.

The first-place winner of the seventh-grade essay contest was Jazleymi V., from Howard Gardner School in Scranton. In second-place was Niko Benko, from All Saints Academy and in third-place was Raeleigh Reiss, also from Howard Gardner.

The eight-grade first-place winners were Mary Guziewicz, from Howard Gardner School and Nethra Purushothaman, from Herndon, Virginia. In second place were Isabella Benjamin, from St Claire/St. Paul’s and Edie Hann, from Scranton STEMM Academy. The third-place winners were Fallon Price, from All Saints Academy and Rebecca Oakes, from Howard Gardner school.

The ninth-10^th grade essay contest winners were: Grace Becklish, first place, North Pocono High school; Clinton J Muir, second place, Holy Cross High School; Emma Woody, second-place, Holy Cross High School; and

The 11^th-12^th grade essay contest winners were all from West Scranton High School. Coming in first-place was Ally Anderson; in second place was Katherine Barnansky and in third-place was Ella Frounfelker.

University of Scranton students who work in the Jesuit school’s Office of Sustainability reviewed the essays submitted, in addition to organizing the award ceremony Nathaniel Smith, Wilkes-Barre, a neuroscience major and member of the University’s Magis Honors Program in STEM and its Undergraduate Honors Program, served as MC for the award presentation. University student Amelia Farry, South Abington Township, also participated in the ceremony. Mark Murphy, director of the Office of Sustainability at the University, has organized the Earth Day Essay Contest for a decade.

Information about next year’s essay contest will be posted to the University’s Sustainability webpage in January 2024.

Below, from left: University of Scranton students Amelia Farry, South Abington Township, and Nathaniel Smith, Wilkes-Barre; Earth Day Essay Contest 6th grade medalists Tommy Killino, All Saints Academy, and John Paul Kasaczun, All Saints Academy; and Mark Murphy, director of the Office of Sustainability at the University. Gallery shows photos from the Evening of Environmental Science.

$content.getChild('content').textValue

University Presents Earth Day Essay Contest Awards

Hundreds of area students in grades five to 12 participated in The University of Scranton’s Earth Day Essay Contest.

Members of the University of Scranton’s class of 2023 who participated in the Donning of the Stole Ceremony, include, outstanding academic and leadership achievement award recipients and many other highly-successful members of the University’s graduating class.

Student

May 23, 2023

Nearly 70 members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2023 participated in the Jesuit school’s Donning of the Stole Ceremony. The annual ceremony celebrates and honors the accomplishments of members of its class of 2023 from underrepresented identities who received their undergraduate degrees. The purpose of the ceremony, which was a student-led initiative, was to highlight the students’ success in overcoming the particular barriers and obstacles faced by students from these groups, particularly students of color, in attaining a higher education.

The students honored include outstanding academic and leadership achievement award recipients, future physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, counselors, accountants, business analysts, forensic chemists, nurses and many other highly-successful members of the University’s graduating class.

The ceremony, organized by the student committee members and Jose Sanchez, assistant director of the University’s Cultural Centers, took place on campus May 20 as part of Scranton’s commencement activities and events. Janvee Patel, a health administration major from Scranton, spoke on behalf of the class of 2023. Deniya Thompson, of Scranton’s class of 2020, was the Alumni Speaker and Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the University, provided the opening remarks. Also speaking at the ceremony were Sanchez; Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for mission and ministry; and members of the University’s class of 2023 Omolola Adetola, a journalism and electronic media from Bowie, Maryland; and Ayana McCalla, a sociology major from North Baldwin, New York.

Members of Scranton’s class of 2023 receiving stoles were:

Daymara C. Acevedo, Philadelphia, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Carmen G. Acosta, Bronx, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

Maame E. Addison, Bloomfield, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience;

Omolola G. Adetola, Bowie, Maryland, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and electronic media;

Aditya Agrawal, Old Forge, who earned a Master of Accountancy degree in accounting analytics;

Erika Aguilar, Throop, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history;

Valerie A. Alfaro, Deer Park, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education - English and English;

Melissa D. Almada, Bernardsville, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

Paul Amara, Williamsport, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting;

Gabriel Arcentales, Lyndhurst, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing;

Alice B. Banks, Hazle Township, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

Isabella R. Barberio, Leland, North Carolina, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising/public relations and social media strategies;

Jonathane R. Bernardez, Bronx, New York,w ho earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology;

Ryann E. Betancourt, North Bellmore, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy;

Natanael Casiano-Agosto, Trenton, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology;

Carissa A. Ceballo, Stroudsburg, who earned a Master of Science degree in clinical mental health counseling;

Ying Chen, People's Republic of China, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in human resources studies;

Arielle S. Contrera, Brooklyn, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English;

Miranda A. Deevy, Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and sociology;

Abigail M. Eckenrode, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing;

Jessica M. Escalante, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and history;

Naomie T. Felix, Flanders, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing;

Gianna C. Filiberti, Eastchester, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing;

Romina B. Gamarra, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in counseling and human services;

Gabriel Gomez-Tirado, Bronx, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology;

Gabriela A. Gonzalez, Farmingdale, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international business;

Tika M. Kadariya, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health administration;

Marilena Kumbios, Staten Island, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting;

Kaylee E. Lopez, New York, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing;

Ian J. Lui, Brooklyn, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history;

Christine F. Mack, Rochelle Park, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

Megan Magallanes, Chester, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience;

Erica Jeanne C. Mascardo, Kansas City, Missouri, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Steve Shabu Mathew, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering management;

Ayana McCalla, North Baldwin, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology;

Mei Lin Q. McElhill, Moorestown, New Jersey, who earned a Master of Science degree in clinical mental health counseling;

Ashley Moronta, Hazleton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in forensic chemistry;

Damain D. Morris, East Stroudsburg, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology;

Kimberly J. Murillo, Harrison, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice;

Adeyemi A. Onafowokan, Garfield, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in counseling and human services;

Diya S. Patel, Parsippany, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and criminal justice;

Drashti A. Patel, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Hirali Patel, East Stroudsburg, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and management;

Janvee U. Patel, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health administration;

Jenis A. Patel, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science;

Siddharth A. Patel, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry;

Yashi D. Patel, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

Juna Pokhrel, Taylor, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Skyler A. Pozo, Wayne, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education - citizenship and political science and political science;

Johanna N. Rene, Union, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience;

Ariana L. Rivera, New Haven, Connecticut, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology;

Daniella M. Rodriguez, Franklin Square, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting;

James L. Russo, Franklin Square, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and philosophy;

Vanessa E. Ryan, Wyoming, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance;

Kasey Samalot, Port Jervis, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy;

Sara T. Serrano, Milford, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising/public relations and social media strategies;

Gaurav A. Shah, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology;

Tanya M. Siberon, North Baldwin, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and counseling and human services;

Gracie F. Silva, Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology;

Danica May Nichole I. Sinson, Floral Park, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and philosophy;

Anaiyah D. Smith, Bethel, Connecticut, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice;

Natalie E. Tiu, Metuchen, New Jersey, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology;

Michael G. Trought, New Rochelle, New York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology;

Luis A. Vasquez, West Hazleton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in counseling and human services;

Stephanie C. Vasquez, Scranton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education - citizenship and history and history;

Andrea Velez, Easton, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy;

Ying Wang, York, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

University Celebrates Donning of the Stole Ceremony

The University of Scranton held its annual Donning of the Stole Ceremony, honoring members of its class of 2023.

Faculty

May 23, 2023

William Lambert, faculty specialist for occupational therapy, was named Teacher of the Year by The University of Scranton’s class of 2023. The award was presented at Class Night on May 19.

The award honors a faculty member who maintains high standards of academic excellence and fairness, and through enthusiasm and dedication, inspires the interest of students in a field of education. The University’s Faculty Senate Academic Support Committee instituted the award in 1996.

Prof. Lambert joined the faculty at Scranton in 2009 and has more than 22 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families in inpatient and community settings. At the University, he teaches the psychosocial-based courses and has conducted ongoing research on current preferred adolescent interests and occupations. He developed the Scranton Adolescent Interest Checklist © as a contemporary assessment tool for use with this population.

Prof. Lambert authored chapters on both children and adolescents in Cara and MacRae’s 2019 textbook “Psychosocial Occupational Therapy: An Evolving Process” and on posttraumatic stress disorder in Weiss, Morgan, and Kinnealey’s “A Practitioners Guide to Clinical Occupational Therapy,” published in 2012. Prof. Lambert was the lead author of the psychosocial chapters in the National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam Review and Study Guide, published in 2019, and the National OTA Certification Exam Review and Study Guide, both edited by Rita P. Fleming-Castaldy. He has presented numerous times at state and national occupational therapy conferences.

Prof. Lambert is on the editorial board of the journal Occupational Therapy in Healthcare. He is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the World Federation of Occupational Therapists

Prof. Lambert earned a bachelor’s degree in English and psychology from King’s College, a bachelor’s in occupational therapy from Misericordia University and a master’s in occupational therapy from The University of Scranton.

A recording of the Class Night ceremony can be seen here.

Graduating Class of 2023 Names Teacher of the Year

The University of Scranton’s graduating class of 2023 named Occupational Therapy Faculty Specialist William Lambert as Teacher of the Year.

The University of Scranton recognized outstanding master’s and doctoral degree graduates at its 2023 graduate commencement events the weekend of May 19-21. Outstanding student award recipients from the Kania School of Management include, from left: Naushaba Khan Rasha, Scranton; Mary Kate Yatsonsky, Jefferson Township; Kimberly A. Stossel, East Stroudsburg; Laura B. Lamb, Oswego, New York; Christina F. Piscitelli, New City, New York; and Charles M. Csaszar, Hopewell Junction, New York.

Student

May 23, 2023

The University of Scranton recognized outstanding master’s and doctoral degree graduates at its graduate commencement events the weekend of May 19-21, including at the graduate commencement ceremony at Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre.

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

Hailey M. Kenyon, Ringoes, New Jersey, received the Doctor of Physical Therapy Outstanding Student Award;

Laura B. Lamb, Oswego, New York, received the Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting Outstanding Student Award;

Thomas P. Simanski, South Abington Township, received the Doctor of Nursing Practice Outstanding Student Award for Nurse Anesthesia;

Khadiga A. AboBakr, Dunmore, received the Outstanding Student Award for Secondary Education;

Abigail Sarah Anderson, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Finance;

Mariah A. Carey, Kingston, received the Outstanding Student Award for Clinical Mental Health Counseling;

Charles M. Csaszar, Hopewell Junction, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting Analytics;

Michelle E. Culley, Park City, Utah, received the Outstanding Student Award for Applied Behavior Analysis;

Kate N. Dalrymple, Berwick, received the Outstanding Student Award for Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling;

Gabriella Ettinger, Scott Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Family Nurse Practitioner;

Mark J. Ferraro, Jessup, received the Outstanding Student Award for Chemistry;

Christopher A. Franko, Falls, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics;

Clarence J. Gallagher, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Software Engineering;

Pamela Gagliardi Giarratano, Mountain Top, received the Outstanding Student Award for General Business Administration;

Nicole E. Halis, Morris Plains, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Human Resources;

Jamie R. Johns, Shavertown, received the Outstanding Student Award for Finance;

Aayush H. Kubavat, Baltimore, Maryland, received the Outstanding Student Award for Health Administration;

Alexander Kudziela, Avenel, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Enterprise Resource Planning;

Matthew Lara, East Stroudsburg, received the Outstanding Student Award for Biochemistry;

Reilly J. Medzadourian, Township Washington, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Special Education;

Kevin R. Merle, Stroudsburg, received the Outstanding Student Award for Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity;

Neel C. Patel, Essex Fells, New Jersey, received the Outstanding Student Award for Healthcare Management;

Jillian R. Paulus, Dickson City, received the Outstanding Student Award for School Counseling;

Delia M. Pellettiere, Staten Island, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Occupational Therapy;

Christina F. Piscitelli, New City, New York, received the Outstanding Student Award for Operations Management;

Naushaba Khan Rasha, Scranton, received the Outstanding Student Award for Business Analytics;

Sherlyn E. Smithmyer, Lewisberry, received the Outstanding Student Award for Human Resources Management;

Kimberly A. Stossel, East Stroudsburg, received the Outstanding Student Award for Marketing;

Mary Kate Yatsonsky, Jefferson Township, received the Outstanding Student Award for Accounting.

Pictured below, outstanding student award recipients from the Panuska College of Professional Studies include, first row, from left: Khadiga A. AboBakr, Dunmore; Reilly J. Medzadourian, Township Washington, New Jersey; Jillian R. Paulus, Dickson City; Michelle E. Culley, Park City, Utah; Hailey M. Kenyon, Ringoes, New Jersey; and Gabriella Ettinger, Scott Township. Back row: Aayush H. Kubavat, Baltimore, Maryland; Delia M. Pellettiere, Staten Island, New York; Thomas P. Simanski, South Abington Township; Kate N. Dalrymple, Berwick; and Mariah A. Carey, Kingston.

$content.getChild('content').textValue

Outstanding Master’s and Doctoral Graduates Awarded

The University of Scranton recognized outstanding master’s and doctoral degree graduates at its 2023 commencement events.

Sixty-two members of The University of Scranton’s undergraduate class of 2023 were recognized for academic excellence, service or both at Class Night on May 19. Students with the highest GPA in each of the University’s three undergraduate colleges were presented Frank J. O’Hara Awards for General Academic Excellence. From left: Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton; Dominic G. Finan, O’Hara Award recipient for the College of Arts and Sciences; Kevin P. Duffy, O’Hara Award recipient for the Kania School of Management Rosa M. Azzato, O’Hara Award recipient for the Panuska College of Professional Studies; and Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. Cassandra K. Haw, O’Hara Award recipient for the Panuska College of Professional Studies, was absent from the photo.

Student

May 23, 2023

The University of Scranton honored 62 members of its undergraduate class of 2023 for academic excellence, service or both at a Class Night ceremony on campus May 19.

Students with the highest GPA in each of the University’s three undergraduate colleges were presented Frank J. O’Hara Awards for General Academic Excellence, a memorial to the late administrator who served the University for 53 years.

Class of 2023 O’Hara Award recipients were: Rosa M. Azzato, Harrisburg, and Cassandra K. Haw, Scranton, for the Panuska College of Professional Studies; Kevin P. Duffy, Springfield, New Jersey, for the Kania School of Management; and Dominic G. Finan, Malvern, for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Also recognized at the ceremony were two recipients of prestigious student Fulbright Awards for the 2023/2024 academic year. Elise P. Westhafer, Reinholds, of the class of 2023, received a Fulbright Open Study/Research Award to Slovenia; and Isaiah J. Livelsberger, Hanover, of the University’s class of 2022, received a Fulbright Open Study/Research Award to Guatemala.

In addition, students were honored for outstanding academic achievement in their fields of study and leadership and service.

The students honored and the awards received are as follows:

Azzato also received the Excellence in Occupational Therapy Award;

Alice B. Banks, Hazle Township, received the Excellence in Finance Award;

Brian W. Bartoli, Duryea, received the Excellence in Economics Award (College of Arts and Sciences);

Darby M. Bennett, Panama City, Florida, received the Excellence in Biology Award;

Emma R. Boyle, Peckville, received the Excellence in Accounting Award;

Teleri R. Broomhead, Lower Gwynedd, received the Excellence in Business Administration Award;

Chutikarn Chantavoralak, Scranton, received the Excellence in Chemistry Award;

Emma R. Coar, Dunmore, received the Excellence in International Studies Award and The Military Science Leadership Award;

Brandon J. DaGrosa, Hazle Township, received the Excellence in Health Administration Award and the Jesuit Community Award for Outstanding Service;

Marykate M. De Notaris, Hershey, received the Excellence in Health Promotion Award;

Thomas G. Del Gaizo, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Operations Management Award;

Olivia N. Diana, Marlboro, New Jersey, received the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Award;

McCae A. Dougher, Scranton, received the Prof. Joseph G. Brunner Award for Excellence in Foreign Languages;

Clara M. Downey, Easthampton, Massachusetts, received the Prof. Timothy H. Scully for Excellence in Political Science Award and the Student Life Award;

Hailey K. Dufour, Wayne, received the Excellence in Health Advocacy Award;

Michael J. Edwards, Wadsworth, Ohio, received the Excellence in Mathematics Award;

Keenaan N. Elias, Bethlehem, received the Excellence in Business Analytics Award;

Molly A. Feustel, Endicott, New York, received the Excellence in Applied Mathematics Award;

Daniel Finning, Rockville Centre, New York, received the Prof. Frank C. Brown Award for Excellence in History;

Emily R. Fleming, Shavertown, received the Excellence in Biochemistry Award;

Julia M. Gavigan, Long Beach, New York, received the Prof. Bernard J. McGurl Award for Excellence in Communication;

Sydney L. Gero, Somerset, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Criminal Justice Award;

Colin P. Gildea, Jupiter, Florida, received the Excellence in Information Technology Award;

Gabriela A. Gonzalez, Farmingdale, New York, received the Excellence in International Business Award;

Jillian E. Haller, Williston Park, New York, received the Lawrence A. Mann Award, ex aequo;

Angela R. Hudock, Sayre, received the J.J. Quinn, S.J., Achievement Award for Demonstration of Excellence in English Studies;

Christopher Ruth Karpiak, Scranton, received the Excellence in Theatre Award;

Alex B. Kovacs, River Vale, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Economics Award;

Kaitlin E. Kremsky, Doylestown, received the Excellence in Kinesiology Award;

Oliver I. Lay, Fairfield, Connecticut, received the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award;

Jack V. Lear, Chester Springs, received the Excellence in Middle Level Teacher Education Award;

Henry J. Lembo, Hackettstown, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Applied Computing Award;

Sarah A. Liskowicz, Wilkes Barre, received the J. Timothy Cannon Award for Excellence in Neuroscience;

Francis J. Lynch, Richboro, received the Dr. A.J. Cawley Award for Excellence in Electrical Engineering;

Thomas J. Meehan, Elmhurst Township, received the Excellence in Computer Science Award;

Ashley Moronta, Hazleton, received the Excellence in Forensic Chemistry Award;

Damain D. Morris, East Stroudsburg, received the Excellence in Physiology Award;

Matthew D. Morris, Bayville, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Chemistry Business Award;

Anne K. Murphy, Flemington, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Counseling and Human Services Award;

Kelly E. Nee, Hopatcong, New Jersey, received the J. Harold Brislin Memorial Award for Excellence in Journalism;

Molly C. Neeson, Pottstown, received the Excellence in Environmental Science Award;

Emma C. Nessel, Randolph, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Psychology Award;

Jennifer L. Noll, Paoli, received the Excellence in Early and Primary Education Award;

Dev U. Patel, Scranton, received the Edward J. Spitzer Scholarship Award;

Hirali Patel, East Stroudsburg, received the Excellence in Management Award and the Lawrence A. Mann Award, ex aequo;

David A. Pennino, Smithtown, New York, received the Mary E. Quinn Award for Excellence in Secondary Education;

Shontae A. Petrie, Brooklyn, New York, received the Excellence in Sociology Award;

Colin S. Pierce, Chatham, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Cybercrime and Homeland Security Award;

Michael Quinnan, Shavertown, received the Excellence in Biomathematics Award;

Maria Rocha, Bound Brook, New Jersey, received the Lawrence Lennon Award for Outstanding Service and Achievement in Psychology;

Muhammad Shaaf Sarwar, Qazalbash Chowk, Pakistan, received the Excellence in Mathematical Sciences Award and the Prof. Joseph P. Harper Award for Excellence in Physics;

Claire K. Sunday, South Abington Township, received the Excellence in Theology and Religious Studies Award;

Zachary J. Turnitza, Cumbola, received the Excellence in Nursing Award;

Joshua S. Vituszynski, Dickson City, received the Prof. Joseph B. Cullather Award for Excellence in English;

Kathleen I. Wallace, Bowie, Maryland, received the Excellence in Philosophy Award and the Alumni Loyalty and Service Award;

Michael J. Walton, Gloucester City, New Jersey, received the Excellence in Marketing Award;

Saige E. Yoder, Reading, received the Excellence in Human Resources Studies Award;

Olivia A. Zehel, Scranton, received the Excellence in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Award. $content.getChild('content').textValue

Outstanding Graduates Recognized at Class Night

University of Scranton class of 2023 graduates were recognized for academic excellence, leadership and service at Class Night.

At the ceremony, the University conferred its first doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in accounting degrees. Andrew Gregorowicz of Jessup (right) receives his Ph.D. degree from University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J.

Student

May 23, 2023

The University of Scranton conferred more than 500 master’s and doctoral degrees at its graduate commencement ceremony on May 21 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre. Degrees were conferred to graduates who had completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2022, as well as January and May of 2023.

At the ceremony, the University conferred its first doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in accounting degrees to 12 graduates. The University also conferred doctor of nursing practice degrees and doctor of physical therapy degrees, in addition to master’s degrees in various disciplines. Graduates represented 27 states, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia, among others. Students also represented Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia and India. The programs with the most graduates were the master of business administration, master of health administration, master of occupational therapy, master of accountancy and doctor of physical therapy.

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, addressed the graduates at the ceremony, and conferred degrees upon candidates presented by Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies; David Dzurec, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Mark Higgins, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management.

Max Saintvil, Queens Village, New York, who earned his Master of Health Administration degree from Scranton, spoke on behalf of the class of 2023.

Also speaking at the ceremony were Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and Paul DiPietrantonio ’97, president of the University’s Alumni Society. Teresa Conte, Ph.D., associate professor of nursing, provided the Benediction and Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for mission and ministry, provided the Invocation.

An archived recording of the ceremony can be seen here.

$content.getChild('content').textValue

University Confers Master’s and Doctoral Degrees

The University of Scranton conferred more than 500 master’s and doctoral degrees at its graduate commencement ceremony May 21.

Student

May 23, 2023

The University of Scranton conferred more than 850 bachelor’s degrees at its undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre. Degrees were conferred to graduates who had completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2022, as well as January and May of 2023.

Members of the University’s undergraduate class of 2023 represent 17 states, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Undergraduate majors with the most graduates are nursing, kinesiology, biology, finance, occupational therapy and accounting.

Judee M. Bavaria ’G72, former University of Scranton trustee and retired president emeritus of Presby’s Inspired Life; James M. Murray II, Ph.D. ’90, chief security officer for Snap, Inc., and former director of the United States Secret Service; and James M. Slattery ’86, former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and chief operating officer of North America for Melrose PLC; received honorary degrees from The University of Scranton at the commencement ceremony. Dr. Murray also served as the principal speaker.

“Rest assured that all you’ve experienced and been exposed to in your time here at Scranton will serve you well in years to come. Your immersion in the Jesuit way has not only afforded you increased knowledge, but it’s given you the chance to examine and develop you: the whole person – mind, body and spirit,” said Dr. Murray in his remarks. “Prime amongst the values, virtues and abilities you have honed here at Scranton is a quality that I encourage to redouble your investment in and make top of mind from now on ... and that is your character.”

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, addressed the graduates at the ceremony, and conferred degrees upon candidates presented by Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies; David Dzurec, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Mark Higgins, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management.

Gabrielle Allen ’23, Mickleton, New Jersey, spoke on behalf of the class of 2023. Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, provided the Invocation and Sarah Kenehan, Ph.D. ’02, executive director of the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities, provided the Benediction. Also speaking at the ceremony were Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and Paul DiPietrantonio ’97, president of the University’s Alumni Society.

Members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2023, who were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army at a ceremony yesterday on campus and presented colors to begin the undergraduate commencement ceremony, were: 2nd Lt. Steven Gasperini, distinguished military graduate and an international studies major from Denville, New Jersey; 2nd Lt. Zachary Turnitza, distinguished military graduate and nursing major from Cumbola; 2nd Lt. Thomas Montefour, a political science major from Carbondale (holding Pennsylvania flag); 2nd Lt. Josephine Middleton, distinguished military graduate and a biology major from Sugarloaf; and 2nd Lt. Declan Maurer, distinguished military graduate, an accounting major and member of the University’s Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program from Whitehouse Station, New Jersey.

An archived recording of the ceremony can be seen at this link..

$content.getChild('content').textValue

Scranton Holds Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

The University of Scranton conferred more than 850 bachelor’s degrees at its undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21.

The University of Scranton will confer more than 1,350 undergraduate and graduate degrees at two commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 21.

Student

May 19, 2023

Quick Facts: Commencement 2023

Quick facts about The University of Scranton’s class of 2023 commencement.

Student

May 16, 2023

Three University of Scranton students were selected to join the national Common Home Corps program, offered by the Catholic Climate Covenant in collaboration with Loyola University Chicago and Creighton University. The students will attend a summer training program at Loyola Chicago to learn about Catholic social teaching, the Vatican’s Laudato Si’ Action Platform, climate science and impacts, community organizing and climate advocacy, so that they can then become leaders for ecological conversations in their Catholic Diocesan communities. Participants will receive a stipend throughout the academic year in support of their work as Common Home Corps Leaders.

University of Scranton students selected for Common Home Corps program are: Thomas Elias ’24, a philosophy and theology and religious studies double major from Tunkhannock; Grace Lennox ’26, a political science and philosophy double major from Peckville; and Davida Padi ’25, a social media strategies major from Parsippany, New Jersey.

Elias is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and a recipient of Scranton’s full-tuition Presidential Scholarship, who is completing his junior year at Scranton. He is pursuing a minor in Arabic and concentrations in Peace and Justice Studies and Catholic Studies. A dean’s list student at Scranton, he is a member of Alpha Sigma Nu (national Jesuit honor society), Sigma Tau (national honor society for English) and Theta Alpha Kappa (national theology and religious studies honor society). He received the University’s O’Hara Award for academic achievement for his freshman year.

Elias will serve as a resident assistant, as president of Students for Healing, Accountability, Reconciliation and Education (SHARE) Club, and as a Slattery Center Student Fellow for the 2023-2024 academic year. He currently serves as a Royal Ambassador tour guide and as an intern for the Admissions Office at the University. He is a member of Christians for the Common Good and hosts a radio show on 99.5 WUSR, among other activities. Most recently, he was vice president of Student Government and a student representative to the University’s Board of Trustees. Last summer, he served as a teaching assistant for the Leadership and Civic Responsibilities course. He has also served as a youth ministry leader for the Diocese of Scranton.

Lennox is a member of the University’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program who is completing her first year at Scranton. A dean’s list student, she is pursuing a minor in history and a concentration in legal studies. She is a member of the University’s mock trial team, the political science club, college democrats and serves as secretary of the philosophy society. She also participated in Scranton’s varsity women’s tennis team and serves on the student athletic advisory committee.

Off-campus, Lennox served as a campaign fellow for Cartwright for Congress and helped to organize the Valley View Tennis Summer Camp.

Padi is on the pre-law track at Scranton and is completing her sophomore year. She is studying abroad this semester through the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE) Global Scholars Open Campus program. This semester, she was in Rome, London and Madrid. A dean’s list student at Scranton, Padi has received the Teen Vogue 21 under 21 Award, Truth Initiative Impact Scholarship and the Bill Davis Scholarship. On campus, she is a member of the Advertising Club and Pre-Law Society, and participates in the online publication Her Campus.

Padi currently serves as consultant with MTV Youth Mental Health Action Forum and as a Rare Impact Ambassador for Rare Beauty. In addition, she has served as a communications intern for the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation in Washington, D.C. and as a teaching assistant for the National Student Leadership Conference, also in Washington, D.C.

In April, The University of Scranton announced it has begun an extensive seven-year journey to become designated as a Laudato Si’ University by the Vatican. Inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical letter “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home,” the University will join Catholic and non-Catholic colleges around the world who have committed to develop, implement and evaluate initiatives around seven goals to meet the Pope’s call for integral ecology, that is when science, ethics, spirituality and action are mutually respected and empowered.

Three Students to Become Common Home Corps Leaders

Three University of Scranton students were selected to join the national Common Home Corps program.

Student

May 16, 2023

A little bit of timely, focused mentorship can make a huge difference in a young person’s life, as The University of Scranton’s Meg Cullen-Brown SMART (Scranton Mentors Actively Reaching Teens) program continues to prove year after year.

This year’s SMART program paired 18 University student mentors with 26 student mentees from Scranton and West Scranton high schools for six weeks of knowledge- and character-building sessions. The goal is to help the mentees establish a strong relationship with college students who can model the advantages of performing well in school and attending college, which in turn can lead to a boost in their overall self-confidence.

SMART started in 2012 and was renamed in 2017 in honor of Meg Cullen-Brown, a beloved former University administrator who passed away in 2016. The program’s funding comes via a memorial fund established by her family and friends.

Patricia Vaccaro, director of the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice, came up with the concept for SMART, believing it could greatly benefit high school students with high academic ability whose life circumstances might be inhibiting their future prospects.

Numerous studies have shown that students who forge meaningful relationships with a mentor improve their chances of academic success.

“I’m always looking to develop service programs that both bring community to us and allow us to go out in the community,” Vaccaro said. “With SMART, we thought it would be great to bring to the campus kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to walk onto a college campus. For some of them, college might not even be a goal.”

“We had a very culturally diverse group of mentees this year,” Vaccaro continued. “These are kids who could easily fall through the cracks, so they can really benefit from the program.”

This year marked SMART’s return to the campus after being put on pause by the COVID-19 pandemic. As always, the University student mentors spent weeks training with staff members and graduate students before embarking on the program.

Every Friday for six weeks, the mentors and mentees met on campus and spent several hours engaged in fun, interactive exercises geared around an array of topics, including enhancing communication skills, building healthy relationships, confronting bullies/cyber bullies, overcoming obstacles, and understanding self-worth.

“We focus on the strengths of the kids and try to help them identify their gifts and talents,” Vaccaro said. “We put a lot of emphasis on self-image, which is so crucial given self-esteem among teens is now at an all-time low, especially in the wake of COVID.”

Erin Grell, a student in the University’s Occupational Therapy master’s program, served as graduate assistant and coordinator of SMART this year. As she sees it, the program is mutually beneficial.

“It gives our University students the chance to use their own lived experiences to serve as role models and share and learn from the high school mentees,” Grell said. “Although the program is considered a mentorship program, the mentors and mentees are truly in kinship with one another. Over the course of the program, they guide one another, learn from each other, and lift one another up – it’s a two-way street.”

Janvee Patel, a senior healthcare administration major and business administration minor at the University, was first exposed to SMART as a high school student. Her experience as a mentee was “life-changing,” making the decision to return as a mentor an easy one.

“It made me confident, and most importantly, comfortable with who I am. As soon as I finished the program, I knew that I wanted to become a mentor and hopefully make the same impact on my mentees,” Patel said. “I am so glad I got to have a full-circle moment and experience this program in its entirety and get to know my mentees. All these students are a bright group who have their own set of gifts and talents that will get them to big places in life. I really hope that this program helped them realize the potential they all have.”

“While I knew I would benefit from the mentoring experience by strengthening my interpersonal and leadership skills, it is the unexpected benefits that I reflect on,” added fellow mentor Conor Dougherty, a senior neuroscience and philosophy major. “Because of these students’ willingness to share their opinions and experiences, I gained new perspectives and am more socially conscious of their socio-economic challenges.”

For Vaccaro, the best part of the program is the closing ceremony, which is attended by the students’ families. There, the mentees receive a free Google Chromebook and get to offer testimonials about how much they’ve grown from the experience.

“Just to see how much they change over the six weeks is incredible for me,” Vaccaro said. “I’m just grateful we can offer something like this to the community. Our students get so much out of it, and I really think it makes so much of a difference to the high school students.”

“The program has reminded me of the importance of loving and appreciating others for who they are,” Grell added. “When we are authentically ourselves, we can make the world a better place together.”

Students Complete SMART Mentoring Program

Twenty-six area high school students complete Meg Cullen-Brown SMART mentoring program with University of Scranton student mentors.

Student

May 16, 2023

The University will host numerous events honoring members of its graduating class of 2023 on Friday, May 19, Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21.

Friday evening events include the Panuska College of Professional Studies (PCPS) Outstanding Graduate Awards Ceremony, which will take place at 4 p.m. in the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall. At 5:30 p.m., Kania School of Management will host a reception for their graduates on the 5^th floor of Brennan Hall.

Also on Friday evening, undergraduates will be recognized for academic achievement, leadership and service at Class Night, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center.

On Saturday, May 20, at 9 a.m., the University will conduct a pinning ceremony for nursing graduates in the Byron Recreation Complex. A reception will follow in the lobby of the Long Center. The Donning of the Stole Ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. in the Byron Recreation Complex. A reception immediately follows the ceremony in the lobby of the Long Center. At 12 p.m., the University will hold the Doctor of Physical Therapy Graduation Awards Ceremony in the DeNaples McIlhenny Ballroom. The Class of 2023 Legacy Photo will take place at 2:45 p.m. on the patio area near the Atrium of the Loyola Science Center.

The Baccalaureate Mass begins at 4 p.m. in the Byron Recreation Complex. Graduates will assemble for the Mass in the Long Center at 3:30 p.m. with the procession to the Byron Complex beginning at 3:45 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, ROTC Army cadets will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army during a ceremony in the Kane Forum of Leahy Hall.

Saturday evening, at 8 p.m., the University will host the President’s Reception for Graduates and Parents in the Byron Recreation Complex. Tickets are required to attend this event.

On Sunday, May 21, the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will take place in the Mohegan Sun Arena, Wilkes-Barre, at 11 a.m. Doors will open at 9:45 a.m. James M. Murray II, Ph.D. ’90, chief security officer for Snap, Inc., and former director of the United States Secret Service, will serve as the commencement speaker. Dr. Murray, Judee M. Bavaria ’G72, former University of Scranton trustee and retired president emeritus of Presby’s Inspired Life, and James M. Slattery ’86, former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and chief operating officer of North America for Melrose PLC will receive honorary degrees at the ceremony.

The University will hold its Graduate Commencement Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. in the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Guests attending the events at the Mohegan Sun Arena can review their security procedures, which include a clear bag policy and security checkpoints, to assist with alleviating the time required for entry to the commencement ceremonies. Tickets are not required for the undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies.

The University will live video stream several of the commencement events. For additional information about the University’s 2023 commencement events, including live stream of events, visit scranton.edu/commencement. Post on social media using #Royals2023 for a chance to be featured on the University’s commencement page.

How time flies – just four years ago the Class of 2023 moved onto campus.

Commencement Events Scheduled for Class of 2023

The University of Scranton will host numerous events to celebrate its class of 2023 May 19-21.

Student

May 15, 2023

Students Inducted into National Honor Societies

Hundreds of University of Scranton students were inducted into national honor societies during the 2023 spring semester.

University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., speaks at the Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society Induction Ceremony. Seventy-one University of Scranton students were inducted into the national honor society for students in Jesuit colleges and universities.

Student

May 15, 2023

Seventy-one University of Scranton students were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the national honor society for students in Jesuit colleges and universities for 2022. The Scranton chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu was founded in 1943 and is the oldest honor society at the University. Juniors, seniors and graduate students, including students in doctoral level degree programs, who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service are eligible for membership.

Also at the ceremony, five University community members were given honorary inductions into the honor society. Honorary inductees were: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Christopher Burne ’80, Scranton alumnus and former Judge Advocate General for the U.S. Air Force; Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for mission and ministry; Rev. James F. Duffy, S.J., M.D. ’88, superior for the Scranton Jesuit Community; Bryn Schofield, coordinator of academic affairs, College of Arts and Sciences; and Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology.

In addition, Christian S. Krokus, Ph.D., professor of theology and religious studies at the University, was presented with the Edward Gannon, S.J. Teacher of the Year Award.

The following undergraduate and graduate students at Scranton were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu:

Emily Amershek;

Rosa Azzato;

Bethany Belkowski;

Madison Borys;

Sarah Boyle;

Evelyn Bruggeman;

Madalyne Buhler;

Stephen Butler;

Lauren Byrne;

Claudia Campo Mirabent;

Emma Coar;

Aidan Corrigan;

Peggy Doolittle;

Victoria Dowling;

Matthew Duffy;

Matthew Earley;

Michael Edwards;

Thomas Elias;

Fione Evans;

Jared Fernandez;

Dominic Finan;

Eva Fine;

Daniel Finning;

Kiera Flannery;

Diana Franceschelli;

Sophia Franz;

Sydney Gero;

Andrew Gordos;

Miranda Hanson;

Cassandra Haw;

Teresa Hegarty;

Angela Hudock;

Elisabeth Johnson;

Kelsey Jopling;

Hailey Kenyon;

Julie Kilmer;

Amanda Kinback;

Hannah Kohrn;

Amanda Lamphere;

Stephanie Lehner;

Julia Loury;

Diana Lozinger;

John Lynott;

Sean MacCallum;

Brett McCartney;

Vanessa Moylan;

Meghan Munkirs;

John Nelson;

Jennifer Noll;

Emily Nowak;

Victoria Peacock;

Hannah Phelan;

Vanessa Pinto;

Michael Quinnan;

Kaitlyn Reimer;

Madelyn Ronan;

Kasey Samalot;

Megan Schurra;

Alexandra Shomali;

Matthew Simms;

Susan Stopper;

Owen Stanczak;

Nicholas Tomassoni;

Shelby Traver;

Noelle Walker;

Grace Washney;

Cayman Webber;

Kyla Weckel;

Nicole Weinstein;

Isabelle Wohlleber;

Elisa Yanni.

$content.getChild('content').textValue

Students Inducted into Jesuit Honor Society

Seventy-one Scranton students were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the national honor society for students in Jesuit colleges and universities.

University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., congratulates Christian S. Krokus, Ph.D., professor of theology and religious studies, on receiving the 2023 Gannon Award for Teaching. University student members of Alpha Sigma Nu, the national honor society for students in Jesuit colleges and universities, select the professor to be honored.

Faculty

May 15, 2023

Christian S. Krokus, Ph.D., professor of theology/religious studies at The University of Scranton, was named the 2023 Alpha Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year.

The award, formally known as the Gannon Award for Teaching in honor of Edward Gannon, S.J., is the oldest teaching award at the University. Established in 1969 by the University’s chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu, the national honor society for students in Jesuit colleges and universities, the award recognizes outstanding teaching among faculty. Student members of Alpha Sigma Nu select the professor to be honored.

Dr. Krokus has published multiple articles in academic journals, and has presented at more than a dozen conferences. His areas of research interest include Christian-Muslim comparative theology; Islamic mysticism; Salesian, Ignatian and Carmelite Spiritualities; Louis Massignon; Bernard Lonergan, S.J.; and Francis de Sales. His book, “The Theology of Louis Massignon: Islam, Christ, and the Church,” was published by The Catholic University of America Press in 2017.

Dr. Krokus was the featured speaker at the 2019 McNulty Lecture at Niagara University’s Castellani Art Museum, and was among the esteemed presenters at the 2022 Islamic Studies Association, Delhi and the Jesuit Secretariat for Service of Faith in South Asia webinar series to celebrate Human Fraternity Day.

In addition, he coordinates the annual meeting for Jesuits and faculty members at Jesuit universities who work on interreligious dialogue.

Dr. Krokus, who joined the faculty at Scranton in 2009, received the University’s Intersession Research Grant, Diversity Initiatives Grant and Education for Justice Grant. He was also awarded the Carnegie Corporation Grant for Teaching about Islam and Middle Eastern Culture, the Ernest Fortin Memorial Research Grant at Boston College and the Badley Fellowship from Institute of Medieval Philosophy and Theology at Boston College.

Dr. Krokus earned his bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College and his master’s degree, with distinction, and his Ph.D. from Boston College.

The Scranton chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu was founded in 1943 and is the oldest honor society at the University. Juniors, seniors and graduate students at the University who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service are eligible for membership.

Alpha Sigma Nu Students Name Teacher of the Year

Student members of the National Jesuit Honor Society named Theology Professor Christian Krokus, Ph.D., the 2023 Teacher of the Year.

Five area high school students were the finalists in The University of Scranton’s 2023 Math Integration Bee held on campus in April. From left are: Stacey Muir, Ph.D., professor of mathematics at The University of Scranton; and finalists Angela Zeng, Abington Heights High School; Sai Ghatti, Abington Heights High School; Noah Beckish, North Pocono High School; Daniel Martinez, Pocono Mountain West High School; and Andrew Sutton, Central Columbia High School, who won the contest; and Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton.

Community

May 11, 2023

Math Integration Bee Finalists Announced

Finalists and winner of The University of Scranton Math Integration Bee high school competition is announced.

The University of Scranton hosted the 21st annual Northeast PA Brain Bee for high school students on campus. The competition, offered free of charge to participants, is sponsored by the Neuroscience Program at the University and the Scranton Neuroscience Society.

Community

May 11, 2023

Winners of 2023 Brain Bee Competition Announced

The University of Scranton hosted the 21st Annual Northeast PA Brain Bee for high school students sponsored by the Neuroscience Program.

Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry at The University of Scranton, published a digital primer titled “Spectroscopic and Chemometric Techniques for Pharmaceutical Applications” through the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Faculty

May 9, 2023

Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry at The University of Scranton, published a digital primer titled “Spectroscopic and Chemometric Techniques for Pharmaceutical Applications” through the American Chemical Society (ACS), one of the largest scientific societies and the premier home of chemistry professionals with over 155,000 members worldwide. The peer-reviewed and by invitation only ACS primer focuses on providing basic content about various spectroscopic and chemometric tools in pharmaceutical analyses. In collaboration with five professors and scientists from throughout the world, the primer has been purchased by over 300 libraries worldwide to date and is also available for sale to individuals through Google Play.

According to Dr. Dumancas, chemometrics is a highly-specialized discipline that uses statistics and computer applications in analytical chemistry. The primary goal of chemometrics is to utilize various statistical, mathematical and software techniques to develop analytical methods that can interpret data in a more meaningful manner. In pharmaceutical industries, chemometrics is essentially used for quality control of laboratory results, drug development and synthesis, as well as toxicity classification and prediction of drug efficacy to name a few. Utilizing chemometrics reduces time of analysis and minimizes the use of chemicals, thereby providing industries with time and cost-saving resources to optimize results.

The digital primer provides chemists across all levels an overview on important chemometrics topics in just three to four hours.

“A nice introductory overview of the potential of chemometrics for pharmaceutical analysis, which couples a wide overview of the instrumental possibilities and, at the same time, of the possible applications. Good for people who don’t want to struggle much with the theory while focusing on the practical use of the techniques,” as noted by Federico Marini, Ph.D., of the University of Rome La Sapienza in Spain who also served as one of the chemometrician reviewers for the primer.

Dr. Dumancas joined the faculty of The University of Scranton in the spring of 2022 and has then generated 18 peer reviewed publications in high-impact factor journals. Over the course of his academic career, he has won seven international and one U.S. national awards for excellence in research from the American Chemical Society, American Oil Chemists’ Society and the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening. In 2018, he was awarded by the former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte with a Balik Scientist Award as one of the Outstanding Scientists of the Philippines.

In 2022, Dr. Dumancas, received a $1.158 million National Science Foundation funded Noyce Scholars grant to support future science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) high school teachers in high-need school districts.

Dr. Dumancas earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of the Philippines and his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Oklahoma State University.

Professor Publishes Primer on Chemometrics

University of Scranton chemistry faculty member Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., published an American Chemical Society digital primer.

Community

May 8, 2023

Nearly 200 area students participated in The University of Scranton’s annual Hayes Family Science Competition for High School Physics and Engineering Students. The academic competition tested the high school students’ knowledge of physics and engineering through a series of quizzes and hands-on challenges. Students competed individually and in teams.

John Lockwood from Delaware Valley High School came in first place in the individual competition, based on a quiz given to all participants and placement in a Jeopardy game of those with highest quiz scores. Noah Beckish from North Pocono High School came in second place. John Ebert from Berwick High School came in third place.

In the team competition, the Delaware Valley High School team placed first. Members of that team were: John Lockwood, Olivia Bogert, Nixon Kameen, Clint Murray, Jess Rhule, John Rivera and Wil Salus. Steve Rhule was their coach. Wyoming Area High School team two came in second place. Members of the Wyoming Area team were: Nathan Ambrosino, Ben Hollister, Andrew Lucas, Joseph Marranca and Jadan Pepe. David Pizano was their coach. Berwick High School team one placed third. Members of the third-place finishing team were: Gabe Hook, John Ebert, Alysa Lewis, Karly Kile and Luke Peters. Matthew Shrader was their coach.

Throughout the daylong competition, the students participated in teams in a series of hands-on challenges that tested their skills in several areas of physics and engineering, including a Data Analysis Event, Static Equilibrium Event, an All Power Out Event and a Trebuchet Event, for which the students had to predict the landing point of a basketball launched across the gym by medieval catapult.

In the Data Analysis Event, the Delaware Valley High School team won first place. In the event titled, “All Power Out,” Berwick High School team one and Wyoming Area High School team one won first place. The first-place winner in the Static Equilibrium Event was North Pocono High School team two. The first-place winner of the Trebuchet Event was Mid Valley High School team one.

The competition was organized by the University’s Department of Physics and Electrical Engineering to encourage more students to pursue careers in physics and engineering.

Nearly 200 High School Students Test Physics Skills

University hosts its annual Hayes Science Competition for High School Physics and Engineering Students.

Student

May 5, 2023

Students representing The University of Scranton came in first and second place in the annual Cyber Forensic Student Competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. Utica University hosted the virtual, two-day competition in April, which included evidence discovery, gathering and preservation, investigation and analysis and a formal written report documenting the forensic investigation.

This is the third consecutive year that Scranton students have taken first place in the competition, which included student teams from Boston University, University of Massachusetts-Lowell and Utica University, among other colleges. Sinchul Back, Ph.D., director of cybercrime and cybersecurity for the University’s Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime and assistant professor in the Department of Sociology, Cybersecurity and Sociology, served as the advisor for the teams.

Members of The University of Scranton’s team who placed first in the 2023 competition are: Andrew Cupo, West Orange, New Jersey, a cybercrime and homeland security and criminal justice double major in his sophomore year at Scranton; Bradley W. Rausch Sr., Byram Township, New Jersey, a cybercrime and homeland security major in his junior year at Scranton; and Emilia R. Tobey, Scotch Plains, New Jersey, a criminal justice major in her sophomore year at Scranton.

Members of the Scranton’s team that placed second are: Frank Magistro III, Hawley, a cybercrime and homeland security major in his sophomore year at Scranton; John A. McMonagle, Philadelphia, a cybercrime and homeland security and philosophy double major in his sophomore year at Scranton and Jessica Sommo, Commack, New York, a cybercrime and homeland security major in her first year at Scranton.

The University began offering a bachelor’s degree in cybercrime and homeland security in the fall of 2020 and master’s degree in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity in a fully online format in the fall of 2022.

Students Win First and Second Place in Cyber Forensic Competition

For third consecutive year, University of Scranton students won the national Cyber Forensic Student Competition sponsored by the DOJ.

University of Scranton sophomore and ROTC cadet Taegan Mills, Montrose, received the President’s Volunteer Service Award Bronze Medal in recognition of her volunteer service. From left are Lauren Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., vice president for student life; President’s Volunteer Service Award medalist Taegan Mills; and Barbara King, coordinator for student life.

Student

May 5, 2023

Student Recognized for Volunteer Service

University of Scranton sophomore Taegan Mills earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award Bronze Medal.

Student

May 5, 2023

By Lydia Grossman ’24, student correspondent

As part of The University of Scranton’s Earth Day events, Nicole Negowetti, managing director of the Plant Based Foods Institute and vice president of Policy and Food Systems at the Plant Based Foods Association, discussed her work with food, climate and culture. Her lecture, titled “The Regeneration Revolution: Working at the Nexus of Food, Climate, and Culture,” included a discussion of her research findings and work done to promote a more sustainable relationship between food production and the climate.

Negowetti began her lecture by describing food as the portal to a relationship with the planet.

“Food connects us to one another, our culture and our mother Earth,” Negowetti said, at the talk that was offered by the University’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities.

Although Negowetti began her talk with positive connotations of food, she quickly went into various environmental concerns and explained how the current food system sits at the heart of the problem. She explained that these problems include climate change, biodiversity loss, shifts in nutrient cycles and land use, saying society’s irresponsible methods within the food system and agricultural production contribute greatly to each issue.

“Each of us is a part of the food system. Food has tremendous potential to improve human health and environmental sustainability, but rather than nourishing our collective health and well-being, food systems are at the heart of social and environmental crisis that we face,” Negowetti said.

After sharing her various forms of research and environmental statistics concerning the current food system, Negowetti explained that the country’s large global footprint has led the Earth into the Anthropocene, which is defined as the period of time during which human activities have impacted the environment enough to constitute a distinct geological change. This era that humans have self-produced led Negowetti to pose the question: “Why are we creating a world in which none of us would choose?”

“The dominant food production system in the U.S can be categorized by large-scale monoculture in which only one plant or animal species is farmed at a time, and there’s heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers. This allows farmers to increase yields in the short term, but the practice depletes soil and nutrients over time, and has led to reduced nutrient content in food, which impairs our health,” Negowetti said.

To decrease harm and better the environment Negowetti encourages a complete transformation of the food system. In her talk, she explained that for society to truly engage in such a transformation, conversations must be regularly held to shed light on current flaws within the food system and within agricultural practices. If everyone does their part, Negowetti believes there is hope for reform.

“By cultivating our spiritual practices, can we discern what’s uniquely ours to do in these times. How we can be of service and how we can act in accordance with our values … it’s important to realize that systems change begins with us,” Negowetti said.

The University of Scranton recently announced, in answer to the call by Pope Francis to “Care for Our Common Home,” the University has begun an intensive seven-year journey to become designated as a Laudato Si’ University by the Vatican.

The Future of Food Analyzed with Nicole Negowetti

Plant-based food executive calls on individuals to change eating habits and take part in reforming the food system.

Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., has been named vice president for student life and dean of students at The University of Scranton, effective May 1, 2023.

Staff

May 3, 2023

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced that Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., has been named Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Scranton, effective May 1, 2023. Dean Rivera had been serving as interim vice president for student life and dean of students at Scranton. She will continue to serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.

“Since joining the University community in 2009, Lauren has made an impact across all areas of student life. Personally, I marvel at the depth of her commitment to cura personalis, always working to ensure the best possible experience for our students,” said Father Marina in the campus announcement about Dean Rivera’s new position. “Lauren has been instrumental in many successful Student Life programs and projects, including Resilient Royals, which supports first-year students in their transition to college, and the Fail Forward Panel, a program started in 2019, in which speakers share stories of resilience and navigating struggle. She has displayed a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice and strives to foster a campus community where students of all identities can thrive.”

The Division of Student Life includes the Center for Career Development, the Center for Student Engagement, the Cultural Centers (Multicultural Center and Jane Kopas Women’s Center), the Center for Health Education and Wellness, the Counseling Center, Student Conduct and Assessment, Student Health Services, Student Government, Residence Life and University Police.

Dean Rivera joined The University of Scranton community in 2009 as director of student conduct and assessment. In 2015, she was named assistant vice president for student formation and campus life (later student life) and dean of students. Under her leadership, the University expanded student support for issues such as wellness, grief, transition and social challenges. The University launched THR1VE, an initiative that supports first-generation students. In 2022, Scranton was named a First-Gen Forward institution. Colleges selected to the First-gen Forward program receive professional development, community-building experiences and have access to research and other resources.

Dean Rivera also supported the development of ROCK (Royals of Color Kickoff) and shepherded the completion of the expanded Multicultural Center. Recently, she announced a reorganization in Student Life, to integrate better the various functions that support student health and wellness and to advance the University’s campus-wide plan for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Dean Rivera is active in student life professional associations. She has presented at national conferences and authored a chapter in the 2019 book “Keep Calm and Call the Students: A Guide to Understanding the Many Faces of the Dean of Students’ Role.”

Dean Rivera earned her bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University and helped to develop a joint-degree program in law and education at Pennsylvania State University, where she earned her master’s of education and juris doctorate degrees.

Vice President for Student Life Named

Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., has been named vice president for student life and dean of students at The University of Scranton.

From left: Marc Shapiro, Ph.D., professor of theology/religious studies and the Weinberg Chair of Judaic Studies at the University; guest speaker David N. Myers, Ph.D., distinguished professor of history, Sady and Ludwig Kahn Chair in Jewish History, and director of the Luskin Center for History and Policy at UCLA; and Sondra Myers, director of the University’s Schemel Forum.

Community

May 5, 2023

Schemel Forum Collaborative Lecture Held

An American town populated entirely by Satmar Hasidic Jews discussed at the Schemel Forum and Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute lecture.

Student

May 3, 2023

Nearly 100 students mentored by more than 50 faculty members presented 80 projects at The University of Scranton’s Celebration of Student Scholars, held on campus April 26. The annual event, held in the atrium of the Loyola Science Center, provides a forum for students to present their work conducted in collaboration with faculty.

Fields of research presented at the Celebration of Student Scholars included biology, chemistry, counseling and human services, criminal justice, cybersecurity and sociology, English and theatre, health and human performance, history, management, marketing and entrepreneurship, mathematics, occupational therapy, philosophy, physical therapy, physics and engineering, and psychology, among other disciplines.

Poster presentations included:

“Practicing Occupational Therapist Self-Reported Levels of Knowledge About and Confidence Using Population Health Concepts: A Mixed Methods Explanatory Sequential Study” by graduate students Morgan Albro, Cicero, New York; Mary Bunone, Ramsey, New Jersey; Kristine Fusaro, Dix Hills, New York; Sinead Girdusky, Middle Village, New York; Rachel Harrington, Franklin Square, New York; Emma Kiernan, Nanuet, New York; Jocelyn McCauley, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; and Amanda Grace Ruiz, Whippany, New Jersey; with faculty mentor Jennifer Whittaker, adjunct professor, Occupational Therapy Department.

“An Analysis of Remote Working Habits” by undergraduate student Teleri Broomhead, Lower Gwynedd, with faculty mentor Nancy Cummings, faculty specialist, Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department.

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) bot ChatGPT in higher education and cyber-situational crime prevention (Cyber-SCP) strategy” by undergraduate students Andrew Fernandez, Basking Ridge, New Jersey; Zoe Honney, Scranton; and Jessica Sommo, Commack, New York; with faculty mentor Sinchul Back, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminal justice, cybersecurity and sociology.

“Ozone Concentration effect on Serotonin and Dopamine of Camponotus Floridanus” by undergraduate student Francesca Fidaleo, Fairfield, Connecticut, with faculty mentor Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology.

“Computational Investigations of the Electrochemical and Thermochemical Transformations of Pinene” by undergraduate student Devang Patel, Scranton, with faculty mentor Nicholas Sizemore, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry.

“Prevalence of Blood Parasites in Grey Catbirds in relation to gender and season” by undergraduate student Maitree Patel, Scranton, with faculty mentor Robert Smith, Ph.D., professor of biology.

“Toward Developing an Algorithm for Separation of Transmitters of High Frequency Chirp Signals of Opportunity for the Purpose of Ionospheric Sounding” by undergraduate student Simal Sami, Jessup, with faculty mentor Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics and engineering.

“Does Liberal Education Belong in Elementary School” by undergraduate student Emily Sanchez, Bloomfield, New Jersey, with faculty mentor Duane Armitage, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy.

“Using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to generate Hsd17b7-deficient NIH3T3 cells” undergraduate student Sofia Zingone, Randolph, New Jersey, with faculty mentor Ashley Driver, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology.

In addition to course work, initiatives such as the faculty-student research program and summer research fellowships encourage University of Scranton students to participate in research projects with faculty members. Several of the University’s Honors Programs also include a research component, such as the Magis Honors Program in STEM and the Undergraduate Honors Program.

$content.getChild('content').textValue

Student Scholars Celebrated at Scranton

Nearly 100 students presented 80 research projects at The University of Scranton’s Celebration of Student Scholars.

Fortune ranked The University of Scranton’s online Master of Accountancy program No. 9 in the nation in its 2023 ranking of the “Best Online Master’s Degree Programs in Accounting,” published on Apr. 28.

Community

May 2, 2023

The University of Scranton was ranked No. 9 in the nation in Fortune’s “Best Online Master’s Degree Programs in Accounting” listing published online April 28. In addition, an accompanying article titled “What can you do with a master’s degree in accounting,” also published by Fortune on April 28, quoted Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of the Accounting Department and director of the Ph.D. program at The University of Scranton.

“To eventually land a role in senior management, you need to be well-versed in technology, and master’s degree programs in accounting are incorporating more analytical components to help prepare future business leaders,” said Dr. Boyle in the Fortune article. “That’s what a master’s of accountancy (MAcc) provides because accounting is really transitioning, and is one of the leading professions on implementing analytics.”

The article noted that Scranton’s online master’s in accountancy program offers specializations in forensic accounting and accounting analytics. Fortune also noted that the field is growing, with “more than 136,400 job openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.”

For the “Best Online Master’s Degree Programs in Accounting” ranking, Fortune assessed the selectivity of the online Master of Accounting programs at the colleges as measured by their students’ average undergraduate GPA and the average number of years of work experience of those students, in addition to also considering the colleges’ first-year retention rate and its graduation rate, which accounted for 75 percent of the overall ranking score. In addition, Fortune looked at the one-year enrollment growth of each program (15 percent) and partnered with Ipsos to survey 2,500 business professionals and hiring managers to produce a measurement of the “brand appeal” of the college, or “how much a group of people want to recruit from the university” (10 percent).

For two consecutive years, Fortune included Scranton among America’s “Best Online MBA Programs,” including in its 2022-2023 listing. Scranton was also ranked at No. 57 in the nation in Fortune’s 2022-2023 listing of the “Best Part-time MBA Programs.”

Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 54; and its online MBA program at No. 102 in the nation in its “Best Online Programs” guide. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 72 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.”

Online Accounting Master Degree Ranked 9 in U.S.

The University of Scranton’s Online Master of Accountancy Degree was ranked No. 9 in the nation by Fortune.

A newly-published national ranking by teachercertification.com that listed colleges that produced the highest-earning teachers three-years after earning their undergraduate degrees placed The University of Scranton at No. 8 in the country.

Student

May 2, 2023

Earnings of Teacher Graduates Placed 8 in U.S.

A national ranking of colleges that have produced the highest-earning early career teachers placed Scranton at No. 8 in the country.

The University of Scranton will bestow honorary degree upon Judee M. Bavaria ’G72, former co-chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and retired president emeritus of Presby’s Inspired Life; James M. Murray II, Ph.D. ’90, chief security officer for Snap, Inc., and former director of the United States Secret Service; and James M. Slattery ’86, former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and chief operating officer of North America for Melrose PLC, at its undergraduate commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 21.

Student

May 2, 2023

Judee M. Bavaria ’G72, former University of Scranton trustee and retired president emeritus of Presby’s Inspired Life; James M. Murray II, Ph.D. ’90, chief security officer for Snap, Inc., and former director of the United States Secret Service and James M. Slattery ’86, former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and chief operating officer of North America for Melrose PLC; will receive honorary degrees from The University of Scranton at its undergraduate commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 21. Dr. Murray will also serve as the principal speaker at the ceremony.

Prior to her retirement as president emeritus in 2019, Bavaria served as Presby’s president and CEO since 2005. A not-for-profit, faith-based ministry that provides continuing care and affordable housing to 3,000 economically-disadvantaged senior adults in southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware, Presby grew significantly under Bavaria’s leadership. During her tenure, the affordable housing ministry had grown from 12 communities in 1999 to more than 30 in both sponsored and managed sites. She also executed several strategic plans to expand and improve Presby’s continuing care communities to better meet residents’ evolving needs.

Prior to joining Presby, Bavaria was corporate compliance officer and vice president of operations for Lutheran Services Northeast, a multi-site social ministry in Northeastern Pennsylvania. She also served in a variety of leadership roles for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare. She was a frequent presenter at various state and national senior living conferences.

Bavaria served as vice chair for the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging and as chair of Catholic Senior Housing and Healthcare Services in Bethlehem for 12 years, before resigning from the post in 2014. Additionally, she served as co-chair of Leading Age’s Leadership Circle, a member of Leading Age’s Nominating Committee; and a member of the Leading Age PA Board of Directors. As a member of The University of Scranton’s Board of Trustees, Bavaria served as co-vice chair and as chair of its governance committee.

Bavaria was selected from among her state-wide peers as the 2007 Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Homes for the Aging Leader of the Year. She also received the Inspired Service Award in 2019 from the organization Human Good, which is presented annually to those who exceptionally serve people aged 62 and older across the Philadelphia region.

A registered nurse and licensed nursing home administrator, Bavaria earned her bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University and her master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from The University of Scranton. She is a graduate of Misericordia Hospital School of Nursing. She resides in Dunedin, Florida.

At Snap, Inc., Dr. Murray leads the organization’s global security, intelligence, resilience and protective services operations to safeguard their workforce of more than 6,000 people at 45 facilities in 23 countries. Prior to joining Snap, Inc., Dr. Murray served as the 26th director of the United States Secret Service from May, 2019, to September, 2022, where he led more than 8,000 special agents, police officers and mission support personnel in the execution of the Secret Service’s integrated investigative and protective mission. Previously, he served as their assistant director for the Office of Protective Operations and was responsible for coordinating and executing the Secret Service’s global protective mission. From 2016 to 2018, Dr. Murray served as deputy assistant director of the Office of Protective Operations, where he led combined agency efforts for the 2016 presidential campaign, transition and inauguration. He began his Secret Service career in 1995 as a special agent in the New York Field Office, where he would later serve as the Agency’s primary representative on the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force.

In recognition of his distinguished public service, Dr. Murray received the 2021 Alexander Hamilton Award, the highest honor issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and, in 2022, was awarded the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service by President Joseph Biden ’H76.

A native of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Dr. Murray earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from The University of Scranton, where he also completed the Reserve Officer Training Corps program and earned a commission as a U.S. Army Officer. He earned his master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Seton Hall University. Dr. Murray also graduated from the American University Key Executive Leadership Program and the 2016 FBI Leadership in Counterterrorism FVEY Fellowship Program. He serves on the Advisory Board for Seton Hall University’s Police Graduate Studies Program.

A certified public accountant, Slattery is the chief operating officer of North America for Melrose PLC, a London-based company that buys, improves, and sells companies that engage in the manufacture of highly engineered products. Prior to joining Melrose, he was the chief financial officer for McKechnie Aerospace. Previously, Slattery served as chief financial officer for 180s, Struever Bros. Eccles and Rouse and DAP Products, Inc., and as controller for Wassall PLC. He began his career with Coopers and Lybrand.

Slattery earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from The University of Scranton and served as the chair of the University’s President’s Business Council (PBC) Annual Award Dinner in 2013. He and his wife, Betsy, established the University’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities, named in honor of his parents who instilled in him a commitment to Catholic higher education. He resides in Peachtree City, Georgia.

The University’s undergraduate commencement ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on May 21 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.

Three Alumni to Receive Honorary Degrees

The University will bestow honorary degrees upon three alumni at its 2023 undergraduate commencement ceremony May 21.

Student

May 1, 2023

By Bethany Belkowski ’24, student correspondent

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of co-education at The University of Scranton, the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Committee for the Celebration of 50 years of Co-education sponsored a panel discussion where three of the University’s early female full-time students shared their experiences with the early stages of co-education in the 1970s.

The panelists included Melinda Ghilardi, J.D. ’80, a former trustee at the University who works at Mulaney Law and previously served as the First Assistant Federal Public Defender, Martina A. Martin ’80, who serves as the senior vice president and chief operating officer at United Way of Central Maryland and Karen L. Pennington, Ph.D. ’76, G’83, H’15, a former trustee at the University who previously served as the vice president of student development and campus life at Montclair State University. Also joining the University graduates was Rev. Bernard R. McIlhenny, who served as the dean of admissions during the University’s shift to co-education. Following brief introductions, Susan Poulson, Ph.D., professor of history at the University and moderator for the event, posed questions to the panel.

Audio of the discussion is available as an episode of The Scranton Shorts Podcast on Apple Podcasts.

Dr. Poulson first asked Father McIlhenny to describe the atmosphere at the University preceding the decision to transition to co-education. He explained that in the early 1970s, enrollment numbers were dropping and the atmosphere was tumultuous, protests and demonstrations often breaking out on campus due to the Vietnam War and other activist passions. In a desperate attempt to keep the University’s doors open, the University decided to adhere to a trend of co-education that first arose in the 1960s. As Father McIlhenny explained, this transition took two years to execute after receiving approval in 1970, as dorms needed to be converted for female occupants and majors such as occupational therapy and nursing needed to be added to the University since they appealed to many female students. With this information, Dr. Poulson noted that the decision to transition to co-education was not ideologically based, but rather market-driven, to which Father McIlhenny agreed. With the decision made, 120 women joined the University’s incoming class of 1972.

Dr. Poulson then asked the female panelists how they found the preparations for women on campus. Dr. Pennington responded, mentioning the type of updates made to Fitch Hall, such as partitions between the showers, removal of the urinals, and the addition of washers and dryers on each floor. Dr. Pennington also mentioned the unequal treatment women experienced at the University, including the imposition of a curfew and dress code for female students, the experience of being the only female student in a class, who was often ignored by professors and harassment by male students and teachers who did not agree with the decision to transition to co-education, or who wished to sexualize the female students.

The female panelists were also asked to reflect on their experiences at the University that shaped their lives after college. Atty. Ghilardi responded saying that although being in the minority in a classroom was a strange feeling, the experience taught her how to achieve success: “the way to success was to get noticed, and the way to get noticed was to always be prepared.”

Martin also responded, noting the importance of speaking up during her time at the University. She recalled being pushed by a mentor to approach a successful man in advertising to convince him to teach a class on his work. Not only did she succeed, but she helped him build a business. “If you want something, ask for it,” Martin encouraged the audience.

Martin also recalled being inspired by the head of the Jesuit Honors program, a woman, during her time at the University. She stressed the importance of witnessing someone who looked like her in a position of authority and success. With this role model, Martin felt she could be successful too.

In a final reflection, each of the three women noted that during their time at the University, the Jesuits stressed the principle of Cura Personalis, or care of the whole person. Martin concluded her reflection, asking the audience to consider their privilege and to ask, if they ever witness an individual in the uncomfortable position of the minority, “are we good allies in the ways the Jesuits were to us?”

The audio of the discussion is available as an episode of The Scranton Shorts Podcast on Apple Podcasts.

$content.getChild('content').textValue

Alumnae Discuss Early Years of Coeducation at Scranton

University hosts panel discussion with three women who were full-time students in the 1970s as part of the 50th anniversary of coeducation celebration.

From left: Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president of academic affairs; Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for mission and ministry; guest performer and speaker Tony Alonso; Alejandra Marroquin, Scranton Immigrant Inclusion Committee co-chair and Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president of community engagement and government affairs.

Community

April 27, 2023

Scranton’s Story Celebrated with Latin Grammy-Nominee

Latin Grammy-nominated composer Tony Alonso performed at The University of Scranton’s “Scranton’s Story” event in April.

General

April 25, 2023

Through May 5 Art Exhibit: “The University of Scranton Student Exhibition Online.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Virtual exhibit. Free. Call. 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Through May 12 Art Exhibit: “Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration” by Mark Loughney. Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

May 2 noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The Promise of American Democracy” presented by Fredrik Logevall, Ph.D., Laurence D. Belfer Professor of International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School and professor of history, Harvard University. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

May 5 5 p.m. Art Gallery Reception: “Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration” by Mark Loughney as part of downtown Scranton’s First Fridays events. Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

May 6 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “40^th Annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert” The University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir featuring two new works by composer/conductor Philip J. Kuehn. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

May 8 11:45 a.m. Closing event for campus community of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50th Anniversary of Coeducation.” Rose Garden and Flag Pole Terrace. Free. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

May 9 noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “Vocalising and Music in the Development of Speech Language and Consciousness” presented by Harmar Brereton, M.D., medical and radiation oncologist, Weill Cornell Medical School faculty and clinical professor of medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu

May 12 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

May 20 4 p.m. Commencement Baccalaureate Mass. Byron Recreation Complex. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

May 21 11 a.m. Undergraduate Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

May 21 4:30 p.m. Graduate Commencement. Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Wilkes-Barre. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.

May Events Planned at University

The following is a list of University of Scranton events planned for May 2023.

The 40th annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert, presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton, will feature two new commissioned works by Philip Kuehn, an accomplished and experienced music educator, bassist, composer, arranger, author and transcriptionist who serves as the conductor and co-director of Performance Music at Scranton. The concert will take place Saturday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center. The concert is free of charge.

Community

April 25, 2023

Continuing its commitment to commissioning and performing new instrumental and choral music, Performance Music at The University of Scranton will spotlight the work of guest composer/conductor Philip Kuehn at its 40^th annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert on Saturday, May 6. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

At the concert, The University of Scranton Concert Band and Concert Choir will premiere two new commissioned works by Kuehn, written specifically for the University’s student ensembles, entitled The Tree and the Wind (for concert band) and Steps Unseen (for SATB choir), according to Performance Music Conductor and Director Cheryl Y. Boga. Steps Unseen is based on Psalm 77, which portrays the pain of prayer without response, but also the hope of the sovereignty and works of God. The Tree and the Wind is reflective of the struggles of life and the ability to and necessity of standing firm in the presence of challenges.

Kuehn is a bassist, arranger, composer and educator who has performed with Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Jonathan Batiste, Branford Marsalis, Randy Brecker, Veronica Swift, Khristian Dentley of Take 6, Cyrille Aimee, Anthony Hamilton, Dr. Billy Taylor and Roy Hargrove, among others. His bass playing can be heard on the Disney/Pixar film “Soul,” the soundtrack of which won a Grammy. He also recorded on Batiste’s Grammy-nominated album “Chronology of a Dream - Live at the Village Vanguard,” and has appeared on ABC’s “The View” with Tony Bennett. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from The Juilliard School in New York City, and is conductor and co-director of Performance Music at The University of Scranton.

As a composer and arranger, Kuehn collaborated with Quincy Jones on an extensive composition/arrangement for the Beethoven Orchester Bonn in celebration of Beethoven’s 250th Anniversary. Two of his arrangements were featured in a performance at the White House for President Biden’s State Dinner in December 2022, where he performed with Jon Batiste. Formerly the regular bassist for Jonathan Batiste’s groups, including the “Stay Human” band, Kuehn has made several guest appearances on the “Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” where his composition and arrangements have been featured. Five of Philip’s arrangements for strings and choir appear on “Christmas with Jon Batiste,” featuring artists such as Aloe Blacc, Judith Hill, Sean Jones and Jason Marsalis. The album placed No. 3 on the Billboard Jazz chart, and No. 1 on the Heatseeker’s chart.

The 75-member University of Scranton Concert Band and the University of Scranton Concert Choir, a 40-member ensemble, are both comprised of members of the University community from majors and departments spanning the curriculum – the vast majority of them undergraduate students, none of whom are music majors, – joined by a few graduate students, alumni and members of the faculty and staff – all brought together by their mutual love of music-making. The primary focus of Performance Music at the University is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles.

There is no music major at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) from every major are eligible for membership in the University Bands, Performance Choirs, and String Ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year. Other programs within the department - including guest artist concerts, World Premiere Composition Series, Nelhybel Collection and Scranton Brass Orchestra – closely coordinate programming with the student ensembles and offer unique opportunities for student musicians in the ensembles to hear, observe, interact and perform with numerous world-class musicians and artist-teachers.

For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624 or visit the Performance Music webpage (scranton.edu/music). For more info on Kuehn, visit www.philipkuehn.com.

Philip Kuehn and Cheryl Boga talk about The University of Scranton’s World Premiere Composition Series on WVIA’s Art Scene with Erika Funke.

University’s World Premiere Concert Set for May 6

Philip Kuehn, conductor and co-director of Performance Music, is the featured composer at the 40th Annual World Premiere Concert.

Pictured at the exhibit opening reception are, from left: Adam Ruane, West Scranton High School; Ryan Hnat, West Scranton High School; Carol Clearly, Scranton School District School Board member; Lori Ryan, local artist.

Community

April 24, 2023

Local High School Students Art Displayed

The University’s Hope Horn Gallery hosted a post-COVID art exhibition from West Scranton and Scranton High School students.

In answer to the call by Pope Francis to “Care for Our Common Home,” The University of Scranton has begun an intensive seven-year journey to become designated as a Laudato Si’ University by the Vatican.

Community

April 25, 2023

The University of Scranton has begun an extensive seven-year journey to become designated as a Laudato Si’ University by the Vatican. Inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical letter “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home,” the University will join Catholic and non-Catholic colleges around the world who have committed to develop, implement and evaluate initiatives around seven goals to meet the Pope’s call for integral ecology, that is when science, ethics, spirituality and action are mutually respected and empowered.
“The University of Scranton has answered this call and has joined a network of colleges across the globe to begin the process this academic year of becoming a Laudato Si’ University,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of the University, in an announcement to the University community. “Becoming a Laudato Si’ University allows us to enhance and extend the graces for which Scranton has been so richly blessed to the greater care of others and of the earth.”

“The University community has always shown great care for one another, and inspired our students to become ‘men and women for and with others.’ For decades, we have called for and implemented sustainable practices throughout our community, from green chemistry classes, to a ‘Responsibility, Sustainability and Justice’ cornerstone course in our MBA program, to building LEED certified facilities, to hosting dozens of Earth Day events annually, and much, much more,” said Father Marina.

To be designated as a Laudato Si University, colleges must evaluate comprehensively current environmental and sustainability programs, then improve and develop further initiatives to address seven goals outlined by the Pope. The goals to be addressed are: to respond to the cries of the Earth; to respond to the call of the poor; to apply ecological economics; to adopt sustainable lifestyles; to implement ecological education programs; to develop ecological spirituality efforts; and to develop of programs to address community resilience and empowerment.

The seven-year plan calls on universities to develop and implement plans that progress from the beginning stage to midrange and advanced levels. A resource website for participating schools incudes lists of initiatives institutions could address, which involves not only a call for universities to review, record and decrease their carbon footprints, but extends to research, spiritual, educational, personal energy consumption and community programs, such as planting gardens, restoring land and supporting local farmer’s markets. Ideas listed include the development of an incentive program for community members to monitor daily cell phone/social media use and then reduce usage by 50 percent, the support of community-based research on local eco-social problems, and expanding the community bank campaign to include investment in green, sustainable business and organizations.

The journey begins with assembling a team of administrators, staff, faculty and students to conduct a comprehensive examination of what the university is currently doing and aspiring to do to “care for our common home” during the first year and create an action plan for the next six years. The Laudato Si’ website states: “(t)he goal is to have a Laudato Si’ Action Plan created by the university and for the university. The action plan would be implemented and evaluated in years two through six. Year seven would mark a time of celebration and official Vatican recognition of the institution as a Laudato Si’ University.”

According to the website, along with critical awareness of current environmental issues facing the planet, the action plans “must carry forward an integral awareness; that is, a recognition that earth-healing programs and activities have not only a public, social dimension, but also a personal, spiritual dimension.” The plans will address the critical needs of the poor. As Pope Francis said in Laudato Si’: “We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both environmental and social.” The plans will address not only the social-structural changes needed to care for the earth and human society, but also “the personal transformations needed to live a sustainable lifestyle” and will include a “spiritual dimension, where students explore the depth of their calling to care for our common home.” The plans also call for “identifying and mobilizing constituents, welcoming the local community members into the university space, building trust, and finding solutions to local environmental problems.”

The University’s Laudato Si’ effort will be led by Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for mission and ministry. Members of Scranton’s Laudato Si’ working group are: Don Bergmann, chief of University Police; Ovidiu Cocieru, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing, management and entrepreneurship; Rob Farrell, J.D., general counsel; Joan Grossman, Ph.D., associate professor of health and human performance; Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., professor of psychology; Sheli Pratt-McHugh, associate professor and chair, Weinberg Memorial Library; Nicholas Sizemore, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry; Ed Steinmetz, senior vice president for finance and administration; Lori Walton, Ph.D., professor of physical therapy; and University students Clara Downey, a political science major from Easthampton, Massachusetts, and current president of Student Government, and Karla Shaffer, a political science major from Doylestown, and incoming president of Student Government.

Visit The University of Scranton’s sustainability webpage for information about the University’s current sustainability efforts.

University Answers Call of Pope to Care for Our Common Home

The University of Scranton begins seven-year process for Vatican designation of essential and extensive sustainability efforts.

University of Scranton alumnus James M. Murray II, Ph.D. ’90, chief security officer for Snap, Inc., and former director of the United States Secret Service, will serve as the principal speaker at the University’s undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.

Student

April 19, 2023

University of Scranton alumnus James M. Murray II, Ph.D. ’90, chief security officer for Snap, Inc., and former director of the United States Secret Service, will serve as the principal speaker at the University’s undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 21. He will also receive an honorary degree from the University at the ceremony.

“Throughout his distinguished career at the United States Secret Service, and now at Snap, Inc., Jim Murray has dedicated his life to the protection of others. His decades of experience and exceptional leadership skills will certainly come into play for a commencement address that I am sure our students and guests will enjoy,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton.

At Snap, Inc., Dr. Murray leads the organization’s global security, intelligence, resilience and protective services operations to safeguard their workforce of more than 6,000 people at 45 facilities in 23 countries.

Prior to joining Snap, Inc., Dr. Murray served as the 26th director of the United States Secret Service from May, 2019, to September, 2022, where he led more than 8,000 special agents, police officers and mission support personnel in the execution of the Secret Service’s integrated investigative and protective mission. Previously, he served as their assistant director for the Office of Protective Operations and was responsible for coordinating and executing the Secret Service’s global protective mission. From 2016 to 2018, Dr. Murray served as deputy assistant director of the Office of Protective Operations, where he led combined agency efforts for the 2016 presidential campaign, transition and inauguration.

Dr. Murray began his Secret Service career in 1995 as a special agent in the New York Field Office, where he would later serve as the Agency’s primary representative on the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. During his career at the Secret Service, he held operational and supervisory positions in the Presidential Protective Division; the Atlantic City N.J. Resident Office; the James J. Rowley Training Center; and the Washington Field Office.

In recognition of his distinguished public service, Dr. Murray received the 2021 Alexander Hamilton Award, the highest honor issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and, in 2022, was awarded the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service by President Joseph Biden ’H76.

Dr. Murray actively supports Heroes, Inc., honoring the families of fallen law enforcement officers; assists the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC); and serves on the Advisory Board for Seton Hall University’s Police Graduate Studies Program.

A native of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Dr. Murray earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from The University of Scranton, where he also completed the Reserve Officer Training Corps program and earned a commission as a U.S. Army Officer. He earned his master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Seton Hall University. Dr. Murray also graduated from the American University Key Executive Leadership Program and the 2016 FBI Leadership in Counterterrorism FVEY Fellowship Program.

The University’s 2023 undergraduate commencement ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on May 21 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.

James M. Murray II to Speak at 2023 Commencement

Chief security officer for Snap, Inc., and former director of the U. S. Secret Service to deliver the principal address at Commencement.

U.S. News & World Report ranked The University of Scranton’s MBA Specialty in accounting No. 14 in the nation, in its 2023-2024 edition of “Best Graduate Schools,” published online on April 18. U.S. News also ranked several other Scranton programs among the best in the nation.

Faculty

April 25, 2023

Several of The University of Scranton’s graduate programs placed among the nation’s best in the 2023-2024 Best Graduate Schools ranking by U.S. News & World Report.

U.S. News ranked Scranton’s MBA specialty programs in accounting No. 18 in the nation and business analytics No. 24 in the online ranking that published on Apr. 25.

In addition to the program specialty rankings, Scranton’s graduate program in rehabilitation counseling ranked No. 36 and its program in health care management ranked No. 41 nationally. U.S. News also ranked Scranton’s graduate program in nursing No. 123, its part-time MBA program No. 120 and its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) No. 134 in America.

For the graduate school rankings, U.S. News uses data gathered by surveys of college faculty and administrators, and for nursing programs, from professionals working in health care, to assess the quality of programs. U.S. News also uses statistical data such as faculty student ratios and student test scores. The U.S. News ranking of the Best Graduate Schools Ranking by MBA Specialties is based solely on ratings by business school deans and directors of AACSB-accredited MBA programs.

The University’s graduate-level business programs include a Ph.D. in Accounting, Master of Accountancy (MAcc), Master of Science in Finance (MSF), Master of Science in Business Analytics (MS) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in general management or with a specialization in accounting, business analytics, enterprise resource planning, finance, healthcare management, human resources management, international business, management information systems, marketing and operations management. The University also offers combined/accelerated bachelor’s and master’s level programs including accounting BS/MBA, operations management BS/MBA, finance BS/MBA, management BS/MBA, and College of Arts and Sciences Bachelor’s/MBA, and other programs.

Graduate nursing degrees offered by Scranton include Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Family Nurse Practitioner, MSN, and post-master’s certificate; Executive Nursing Leadership, M.S.N; and Nurse Anesthesia, DNP, and an accelerated MSN degree program. In addition to clinical rehabilitation counseling, the University also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, clinical mental health counseling and school counseling.

All of the University’s graduate programs hold the highest national accreditation within each discipline, including accreditation by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) for business and accreditation by The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for nursing and Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) for nurse anesthesia. The Graduate Health Administration Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and the Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling in accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Earlier this year, U.S. News’ “Best Online Programs” publication ranked the University’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 54 and its online MBA program at No. 102 in the nation. U.S. News also ranked Scranton at No. 72 in the country for “Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans.”

In other rankings published by U.S. News, Scranton has been ranked among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 29 consecutive years. Scranton is ranked No. 5 in the 2023 edition of the guidebook. U.S. News also ranked Scranton No. 6 in its category for “Best Undergraduate Teaching.”

Graduate Programs Ranked Among Best by U.S. News

Four University of Scranton graduate programs ranked in the top 50 nationally in U.S. News 2023-2024 Best Graduate Schools.

Student

April 12, 2023

Students Advance to FBLA National Competition

Eight students qualified for the FBLA National Leadership Conference through strong performance at the FBLA State Leadership Conference.

A concert featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band and Saxophone Ensemble with special guest Leigh Pilzer, presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton, will take place Saturday, April 15, at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center. The concert is free of charge.

Community

April 11, 2023

On Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m., Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present a concert featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band and Saxophone Ensemble with special guest baritone and bass saxophonist Leigh Pilzer. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

In addition, Pilzer will also offer a free masterclass for local musicians, music teachers and their students in the afternoon before the concert on the topic of section playing. Please email music@scranton.edu for more information on the masterclass.

The concert on Saturday evening will highlight a variety of songs featuring two different instrumentations, according to Performance Music Conductors and Co-Directors Philip Kuehn and Cheryl Y. Boga. Pilzer will perform a variety of selections with the University’s Jazz Band and Saxophone Ensemble, both groups made up of student musicians from majors spanning the curriculum.

Pilzer is a Washington, D.C.-based saxophonist, arranger and educator. She has toured domestically and internationally as a member of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, and often performs with the National Symphony Orchestra at concerts at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. As an arranger, Pilzer’s work is in the libraries of the SJMO, DIVA, the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, the DC-area premier military jazz ensembles, and college and professional jazz ensembles and brass quintets throughout the country. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance with jazz emphasis from George Mason University; master’s degrees in jazz studies and saxophone performance from The University of Maryland; and a Bachelor of Music in jazz composition and arranging from the Berklee College of Music.

The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no music major at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) from every major are eligible for membership in the University bands, choirs and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year. Other programs within the department, including guest artist concerts, World Premiere Composition Series, Nelhybel Collection, and Scranton Brass Orchestra, closely coordinate programming with the student ensembles and offer unique opportunities for student musicians in the ensembles to hear, observe, interact and perform with numerous world-class musicians and artist-teachers. High school juniors and seniors who are considering applying to Scranton are encouraged to contact Performance Music to arrange to sit in on a rehearsal, meet the staff, attend a concert or tour the building.

For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624 or visit the Performance Music webpage (scranton.edu/music). For more info on Pilzer, visit www.leighpilzer.com.

Leigh Pilzer to Perform April 15 at University

Guest baritone and bass saxophonist Leigh Pilzer will perform with the University Jazz Band and Saxophone Ensemble Saturday, April 15.

The University of Scranton will host its annual Evening of Environmental Science on Thursday, Apr. 20, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the atrium of the Loyola Science Center. Winners of the Earth Day Essay Contest for students in grades 5 through 12 will be announced at the event.

Community

April 11, 2023

Evening of Environmental Science Set for April 20

The Evening of Environmental Science will showcase the nearly 200 Earth Day Essays received from area middle and high school students.

From left: Ryan Sheehan, J.D., assistant director of the University’s Jesuit Center; Thomas Elias, student body vice president and a philosophy and theology major from Tunkhannock; guest speaker and Arrupe Award recipient Sister Nathalie Becquart; Father Marina, president; Michelle Gonzalez Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; and Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for mission and ministries, Clara Downey, student body president and a political science and public policy and service major from Easthampton, Massachusetts; Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, Michelle Gonzalez Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; and Daniel Cosacchi, Ph.D., vice president for mission and ministries.

Community

April 11, 2023

Sister Nathalie Becquart Receives Arrupe Award

The University of Scranton hosted a lecture with Sister Nathalie Becquart, XMCJ, the highest-ranking woman official at the Vatican.

From left: Christian Krokus, Ph.D., professor of theology and religious studies at The University of Scranton, who served as the session’s co-organizer and moderator; Rev. Rebecca Barnes, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church; Sister Donna Korba, Sisters of IHM; Sahar Al-Masri, Islamic Center of Scranton; University graduate Shivani Patel, BAPS Hindu Mandir; Rabbi Miriam Spitzer, Temple Israel; and University student Maria Stephen, Huntingdon Valley. session co-organizer.

Faculty

April 6, 2023

Ellacuria Initiative Teach-In Held at University

The University of Scranton hosted a day-long “Ellacuría Initiative: Women’s and Gender Justice Teach-In” in March.

Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry at The University of Scranton, was selected to the highly-competitive U.S. Department of Energy’s Visiting Faculty Program.

Faculty

April 5, 2023

Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry at The University of Scranton, was selected as a Visiting Faculty Fellow by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Through this highly-competitive program, Dr. Dumancas will have the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California. He will research the development of a more convenient, easy-to-use and inexpensive techniques to estimate biomass components by using existing data bases.

According to Dr. Dumancas, biomass is a chemical mixture of three major chemical components, lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose, in addition to non-structural components.

“The determination of the mass fraction of these chemical components is very important since the amount of these chemical constituents influence thermochemical process functions. We will explore the utility of machine learning regression, deep learning and stacked regression to determine the masses of these biomass chemical components using publicly available datasets,” said Dr. Dumancas.

The DOE’s Visiting Faculty Program is designed to provide an opportunity for faculty members to enhance research capabilities and strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and learning practices to develop talent to contribute to DOE research areas. The Visiting Faculty Program is sponsored and managed by the DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists in collaboration with the DOE national laboratories.

Just last year, Dr. Dumancas received a five-year, $1.158 million National Science Foundation funded Noyce Scholars grant to support future STEM high school teachers in high-need school districts. The grant provides scholarships and educational training support to 21 STEM students with a major or minor in secondary education.

During his career, Dr. Dumancas has generated more than $2 million in external research grants and has published more than 40 manuscripts in peer-reviewed academic journals.

Dr. Dumancas joined the faculty at Scranton in the spring of 2022. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of the Philippines and his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from Oklahoma State University.

Chemistry Professor Wins DOE Faculty Award

Chemistry faculty member Gerard Dumancas, Ph.D., selected to Visiting Faculty Program by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science.

“Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration” by Mark Loughney will be shown at the Hope Horn Gallery at The University of Scranton from April 21 through May 12. The installation will open with a Panel Discussion on April 21 at 5 p.m. in Brennan Hall, followed by a Gallery Reception at 6 p.m. at the gallery. A second Gallery Reception will be held for First Friday on May 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. Pictured is "Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration," (2014-2023) by Mark Loughney,

Community

April 5, 2023

From April 21 through May 12, the Hope Horn Gallery at The University of Scranton will present "Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration" by Mark Loughney. This installation will include 771 pencil portraits drawn during 20-minute sittings throughout Loughney’s 10-year incarceration.

Approached as a process of marking penal time, the Pyrrhic Defeat series depicts imprisoned individuals with a sense of humanity often lost in the prison system. The series title refers to “Pyrrhic defeat theory,” which is the idea that those with the power to make sensible changes to the criminal justice system benefit from the way it currently works. The exhibition will also feature artifacts on loan from the Lackawanna Historical Society and other local collections.

Loughney’s work has also been exhibited in the group show "Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration" at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) PS1 in Long Island City, New York; the David Winton Bell Gallery at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island; and the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey; and has received critical attention in Artforum, Forbes and the Paris Review.

The exhibition will begin on Friday, April 21, with a Panel Discussion in the Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a Gallery Reception at the Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Panel Discussion will consider issues of overcrowding in the prison system and reentry strategies following incarceration. Michael Jenkins, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology and executive director of the Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Crime at The University of Scranton will serve as moderator. Panelists will include Mark Loughney, exhibiting artist, Philadelphia; Sean Kelley, senior vice president and director of Interpretation at the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Philadelphia; Jasmine Heiss, project director of "In Our Backyards," Vera Institute of Justice, Brooklyn, New York; Jack Norton, assistant professor of criminal justice at Governors State University, University Park, Illinois and Glynis Johns, Founder and CEO of the Black Scranton Project.

An additional Gallery Reception will be held on First Friday, May 5, at the Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Panel Discussion and Gallery Receptions are free of charge and open to the public. The exhibition can be seen, also free of charge, during gallery hours, which are Sunday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. and Wednesday evenings, 6 to 8 p.m.

"Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration" is presented with support from the Ellacuría Initiative of the Jesuit Center; the Faculty Initiatives Fund of the Office of Community-Based Learning; a Diversity Initiatives Grant from the Office of Equity and Diversity and the Office of Community Relations at The University of Scranton.

For additional information, please contact Darlene Miller-Lanning, Ph.D, director, Hope Horn Gallery, The University of Scranton, at 570-941-4214 or darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Images below: Mark Loughney. "Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration," (2014-2023).
Selection from series of 771 works. Graphite on paper. Courtesy of the artist.

$content.getChild('content').textValue

Visual Study of Mass Incarceration Presented

'Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration' by Mark Loughney will be presented at The Hope Horn Gallery April 21 to May 12.

Sandra E. Black, Ph.D., will present “Where Does Wealth Come From?” at The University of Scranton’s 28th Henry George Seminar on Thursday, April 20, at 4 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center on campus. The lecture is free of charge and open to the public.

Community

April 5, 2023

“Where Does Wealth Come From?” will be discussed at The University of Scranton’s 28^th Henry George Seminar on Thursday, April 20. The lecture, presented by Sandra E. Black, Ph.D., professor of economics and international and public affairs at Columbia University, will begin at 4 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center. The lecture is free of charge and open to the public.

Dr. Black’s research focuses on the role of early life experiences on the long-run outcomes of children, as well as issues of gender and discrimination. Her more than 40 publications include “Poor Little Rich Kids? The Role of Nature versus Nurture in Wealth and Other Economic Outcomes and Behaviors” (with Paul Devereux, Petter Lundborg, and Kaveh Majlesi), published in the July 2020 issue of Review of Economic Studies; “Apply Yourself: Racial and Ethnic Differences in College Application, Education Finance and Policy” (with Kalena Cortes and Jane Lincove), published in the Spring 2020 issue of Education Finance and Policy; “Born to Lead? The Effect of Birth Order on Non-Cognitive Skills” (with Erik Grönqvist and Björn Öckert), published in the May 2018 issue of Review of Economics and Statistics; and “Why the Apple Doesn’t Fall Far: Understanding the Intergenerational Transmission of Education” (with Paul Devereux and Kjell Salvanes), published in the March 2005 issue of American Economic Review.

According to the abstract to her publication “Like Father, Like Son? A Note on the Intergenerational Transmission of IQ Scores” (with Paul Devereux and Kjell Salvanes), published in Economics Letters in October of 2009, the research finds “that there is substantial intergenerational transmission of IQ scores; an increase in father’s IQ score of 10% is associated with a 3.2% increase in son’s IQ score at age 18.”

Dr. Black is a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) and the director of the NBER Study Group on Economic Mobility. She is currently an editor of the Journal of Labor Economics and was previously a co-editor and editor of the Journal of Human Resources. From August 2015 to January 2017, she served as a member of President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers.

Prior to her position at Columbia University, Dr. Black worked as an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as a professor in the Department of Economics at UCLA, and held the Audre and Bernard Centennial Chair in Economics and Public Affairs in the Department of Economics at the University of Texas at Austin. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley and her Ph.D. in economics from Harvard University.

Considered the preeminent public lecture series on economics in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Henry George Seminar Series is presented by the University’s Department of Economics, Finance and International Business and the campus chapter of Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international honor society for economics. Among the distinguished list of speakers who have spoken at previous seminars are Robert Frank (Cornell University), R. Glenn Hubbard (Columbia University), Edward T. O’Donnell (College of the Holy Cross). Robert N. Stavins (Harvard University) and Angus Deaton (Princeton University). Dr. Deaton was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2015.

The seminar series is named in honor of the 19th century American economist and social reformer and is supported financially by a grant from the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation.

For more information about the Henry George Seminar, call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu.

Roots of Wealth Discussed at Henry George Seminar

Economist whose research focuses on the role of early life experiences on the long-term outcomes to discuss where wealth comes from April 20.

The 2023 Math Integration Bee for area high school students is planned for Thursday, April 27, beginning at 4:15 p.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center at The University of Scranton. The competition is offered free of charge and registration is required to participate.

General

March 31, 2023

Bee Scranton’s Next Integration Champion

The University of Scranton will host a free Math Integration Bee for area high school students on April 27.

Members of the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) attended the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) Workshop 2023 at The University of Scranton. Physics professor Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., received a $196,241 grant from ARDC for a new, state-of-the-art ham radio station, which will be located in the glass-walled study room 596 on the fifth floor of the Loyola Science Center. From left: Rosy Schechter, executive director of ARDC; Dr. Frissell; and Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

Faculty

March 28, 2023

A new amateur ham radio station in planned for The University of Scranton’s Amateur Radio Club through support from a nearly $200,000 Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) grant awarded to Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., assistant professor physics and engineering at The University of Scranton. The grant will support antenna systems and state-of-the-art equipment to allow HF, VHF, UHF and microwave operations including amateur satellite operations. The new station will be located in the glass-walled study room 596 on the fifth floor of the Loyola Science Center, with additional lab space on the same floor. The station will give students the chance to learn about amateur radio, radio engineering and radio science, in addition to allowing them to participate in Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) research.

“In addition to serving University students, this installation will benefit the larger community by being accessible through outreach programs for local high school students and community members and, because of the accessibility of back-up power in the Loyola Science Center, possibilities exist to work with Lackawanna and Luzerne County Emergency Communication Agencies,” said Dr. Frissell.

Dr. Frissell includes ham radio technology in his classes and research, as well as with the University’s Amateur Radio Club (W3USR), for which he serves as moderator.

In 2019, Dr. Frissell received a $1.3 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) research. The project seeks to harness the power of a worldwide network of licensed amateur radio operators to better understand and measure the effects of weather in the upper levels of Earth’s atmosphere. He received additional grants, including a $25,000 ARDC grant, to support an annual Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) Workshop, which just took place at The University of Scranton in March 17-18, as well as grants to further support his space research.

Equipment for the new amateur ham radio station has begun to arrive on campus, with members of the Amateur Radio Club hosting a box opening ceremony at their last meeting to reveal some of the technology to University community members. Construction for the station will continue through the summer with the completion date expected for the beginning of the fall semester.

Dr. Frissell noted that the timing of the opening of the station is particularly important this year in order to capture data for the upcoming annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023, and the total solar eclipse on Apr. 8, 2024.

“Both eclipses have paths that sweep across the continental United States and are the last solar eclipses to traverse this area until 2044, and are therefore important, time-sensitive, in- formation rich opportunities for running unique and “controlled” ionospheric experiments,” said Dr. Frissell.

For additional information about Scranton’s Amateur Radio Club or the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI), contact Dr. Frissell at nathaniel.frissell@scranton.edu.

Dr. Frissell talks about the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) Workshop 2023 in this WVIA podcast.

Below, members of The University of Scranton’s Amateur Radio Club unwrap equipment arriving on campus for a new, state-of-the-art amateur ham radio station supported through a $196,241 Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) grant awarded to Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., assistant professor physics and engineering. From left: Dr. Frissell, who serves as moderator for the University’s Amateur Radio Club and Scranton students: Gerard Piccini, a sophomore electrical engineering major from Monroe Township, New Jersey; Veronica Romanek, a senior physics and Spanish double major from Hampton, New Jersey; Thomas Pisano, a sophomore electrical engineering major from Staten Island, New York; and James Fox, a sophomore computer science major from Hillsborough, New Jersey.

$content.getChild('content').textValue

ARDC Grant Supports University Ham Radio Station

Physics professor Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., received a $196,241 grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications for a new ham radio station.

Images of Kentucky, St. Louis, Missouri, and Los Angeles, California on a background

Student

March 28, 2023

Students Travel US for Spring Break Service Trips

University of Scranton students participate in spring break service trips to Kentucky, Missouri and California.

A recital featuring Mikaela Bennett, presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton, is set for Sunday, Apr. 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center. The concert is free of charge.

Community

March 28, 2023

On Sunday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m., Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present “In Recital” featuring vocalist Mikaela Bennett. The recital will take place in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. The recital, which is free of charge and open to the public, will feature music spanning a variety of genres, according to Performance Music Conductors and Co-Directors Cheryl Boga and Philip Kuehn.

Bennett is a graduate of The Juilliard School and is celebrated as a singer and actress for her work on stage and in the concert hall. She most recently appeared as a featured soloist at Carnegie Hall conducted by Ted Sperling and performed alongside the Grammy Award winning group Take 6 and MasterVoices. She also appeared as a featured soloist in Daniel Fish’s concert conception of “The Most Happy Fella” at Bard SummerScape. She made her Festival Napa Valley debut as Lauretta in “Gianni Schicchi” under the baton of Kent Nagano and in 2020, Bennett had the distinct honor to appear as a featured soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel performing ‘Aurora’ written by Wayne Shorter.

In 2019, Bennett was honored by Lincoln Center with a Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists, and she made her critically acclaimed debut at Lyric Opera of Chicago playing Maria in “West Side Story.” Following a sold-out run in Chicago, she returned to the BBC Proms with the John Wilson Orchestra performing music from the Warner Bros film studio. To cap off an eventful year, Bennett sang the role of Mary Wintergreen in MasterVoices’ concert production of Gershwin’s “Let ‘Em Eat Cake” at Carnegie Hall, music directed and conducted by Ted Sperling.

On stage, Bennett made her professional debut starring as Penelope in “The Golden Apple” at City Center Encores. She originated the role of Norma in Dick Scanlan and Carmel Dean’s new musical “Renascence” in New York City, starred in the title role in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” at the MUNY, and at the 2018 Prototype Festival, she originated the title role of Acquanetta in a new opera composed by Michael Gordon and directed by Daniel Fish.

In the concert hall, Bennett has made her debuts with some of the world’s leading orchestras and foremost conductors in America and the United Kingdom. In August 2018, she made her BBC Proms debut at London’s Royal Albert Hall starring as Maria in the John Wilson Orchestra’s concert production of “West Side Story” to critical and public acclaim. She made her debuts with the New York Philharmonic conducted by Leonard Slatkin and the Philadelphia Orchestra under Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Bennett performed as a featured soloist in “Bernstein on Broadway” as part of the Leonard Bernstein 2018 centennial celebrations at the Kennedy Center directed by Kathleen Marshall and conducted by Rob Fisher.

Bennett has collaborated multiple times with conductor Ted Sperling, most recently at Carnegie Hall performing Gershwin, as well as serving as the soprano soloist in Handel’s Israel in Egypt with MasterVoices and Orchestra of St Luke’s. She has also appeared with the San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra and New World Symphony, conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas, for the world premiere of his work ‘Four Preludes on Playthings of the Wind’. She has also performed in New York City’s prestigious cabaret venues including Joe’s Pub at the Public and solo concerts at Feinstein’s 54 Below. Bennett is a native of Ottawa, Canada.

For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624 or visit the Performance Music webpage (scranton.edu/music). For more info on Bennett, please visit www.mikaela-bennett.com.

Soprano Mikaela Bennett to Perform April 2

Soprano Mikaela Bennett will perform Sunday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m. at The University of Scranton’s Houlihan-McLean Center.

More than 120 businesses, colleges and other organizations will be on campus seeking candidates for employment, internships, service and graduate school, presenting opportunities for students and alumni of all majors at The University of Scranton’s Career Expo on Thursday, March 30, from noon to 3 p.m. in the Byron Recreation Complex.

Student

March 28, 2023

Spring Career Expo to Host 120-Plus Organizations

More than 120 organizations will participate in The University of Scranton’s Spring Career Expo for students and alumni on March 30.

Community

March 28, 2023

Grant Supports University Community ESL Program

University receives Scranton Area Community Foundation critical needs grant to support ESL Program.

Margarete L. Zalon, Ph.D., professor emerita in the Department of Nursing at The University of Scranton, received a second place 2022 American Journal of Nursing (AJN) Book of the Year Award in the Nursing Management and Leadership category for the third edition of her book “Nurses Making Policy: From Bedside to Boardroom.”

Faculty

March 24, 2023

Margarete L. Zalon, Ph.D., professor emerita in the Department of Nursing at The University of Scranton, received a 2022 American Journal of Nursing (AJN) Book of the Year Award for the third edition of her book “Nurses Making Policy: From Bedside to Boardroom.” The book placed 2^nd in the program’s Nursing Management and Leadership category. Dr. Zalon also received a 2019 AJN Book of the Year Award for the second edition of this book in 2019.

The AJN Book of the Year program is a prestigious competition in which the best in nursing publications are chosen by a panel of judges who are experienced and well-established in the nursing community. Awards are given for first, second, and third places in 20 categories.

Dr. Zalon’s book calls on nurses to take a more prominent advocacy role in promoting health and advancing the profession. The third edition includes many revisions and new tools, including updated material on COVID-19, diversity, social determinants of health and social justice.

Dr. Zalon, who retired in 2022, has been a member of Scranton’s faculty since 1988. She was inducted as an American Academy of Nursing Fellow in 2010 in part for her positive influence on health care policy and delivery. Her leadership legacy includes grassroots advocacy, progressive program design, execution and outcomes in state and national nursing organizations focused on establishing practice and education policy and building research funding capacity.

During her more than three decades of service at the University, Dr. Zalon has served on numerous committees, including in leadership roles on the Faculty Senate and FAC. When she served as director of the University’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics Program, she has played a pivotal role in the program’s success. In 2021, the graduate program received accreditation from the prestigious Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Dr. Zalon is a previous chair of the American Nurses Foundation, a former board member of the American Nurses Association and a past president of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association.

Her research focuses on vulnerable elders. She has authored book chapters, as well as articles published in numerous scholarly journals and other professional publications. She has also made research and health policy presentations at the local, state, national and international levels.

In 2022, Dr. Zalon received the John L. Earl III Award for service to the University, the faculty and the wider community. She was also a recipient of the Duke University School of Nursing Distinguished Alumna Award, the PSNA Distinguished Nurse Award and a Leahy Fellowship at Scranton. She also received the University’s Excellence in Advancing Interdisciplinary Study Award in 2020.

Dr. Zalon earned her bachelor’s degree from Duke University and her master’s and doctoral degrees from New York University.

Book by Nursing Professor Wins Award

Professor emerita Margarete L. Zalon’s book won a second place 2022 American Journal of Nursing (AJN) Book of the Year Award.

The University of Scranton hosted the sixth annual HamSCI Workshop 2023 for amateur radio enthusiasts and professional scientists March 17-18. From left are: Tai-Yin Huang, Ph.D., aeronomy program director for the National Science Foundation; Esayas Shume, Ph.D., Heliophysics Division Program scientist at NASA Headquarters; Patricia Reiff, Ph.D., (W5TAR) professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rice University and founding director of the Rice Space Institute; Bob Inderbitzen, director of marketing and innovation The National Association for Amateur Radio (, ARRL); Rosy Schechter, (KJ7RYV) executive director of the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC); Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., (W2NAF) assistant professor of physics and engineering at The University of Scranton and HamSCI lead; Jesse Alexander, (WB2IFS) Ham Radio Project lead at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO); and Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at The University of Scranton.

Student

March 24, 2023

University of Scranton students and professors were among the presenters at HamSCI Workshop 2023 which took place at The University of Scranton and the historic Lackawanna Station hotel. The annual workshop brings together amateur radio enthusiasts and professional scientists to collaborate on existing and future innovative research projects.

Twenty-two University of Scranton students and 10 faculty and staff members presented at the workshop along with representatives from Cairo University, Case Western Reserve University, Dartmouth College, Millersville University, Rice University, the New Jersey Institute of Technology, The University of Alabama, The University of Alaska, Wilkes University, Virginia Tech, amateur radio clubs and the HamSCI community. Representatives from NASA Headquarters, the Space Science Institute, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the ARRL: The National Association for Amateur Radio, the Tucson Amateur Packet Radio (TAPR) organization, Broadcast Sciences, L.L.C., and Syntek Technologies, also participated.

Tai-Yin Huang, Ph.D., aeronomy program director for the National Science Foundation, and Rosy Schechter (KJ7RYV), executive director of the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC), joined Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., (W2NAF) assistant professor of physics and electrical engineering at The University of Scranton, and Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Scranton, in welcoming attendees to the conference. Dr. Frissell received NSF and ARDC grants to support the conference. Patricia Reiff, Ph.D., (W5TAR) professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rice University and founding director of the Rice Space Institute, provided the keynote address.

University of Scranton students presenting at the workshop were:

Milton Andrade Andino, an engineering management major from Randolph, New Jersey;

Augustine Brapoh, an electrical engineering major from Fairless Hills;

Robert Brudnicki, (KC3VFW) a computer engineering major from Archbald;

Christian Chakiris, a computer engineering major from Dickson City;

Devin Diehl, a graduate student from Mayfield;

Matthew Dittmar, an electrical engineering major from Easton;

James Fox, (KE2ANL) a computer science major from Hillsborough, New Jersey;

Nicholas Guerra, (KC3VLK) a computer science major from Scranton;

Sade Lugo, an engineering management major from Scranton;

Michael Molzen, a physics major from Bloomsbury, New Jersey;

John Nelson, a computer engineering major from Jefferson, Maryland;

Cuong Nguyen, (KC3UAX) a computer engineering major from Ashley;

Gerard Piccini, (KD2ZHK) an electrical engineering major from Monroe Township, New Jersey;

Thomas Pisano, (KE2BAC) an electrical engineering major from Staten Island, New York;

Veronica Romanek, (KD2UHN) a physics major from Hampton, New Jersey;

Simal Sami, (KC3UAW) an information technology major from Jessup;

Shaaf Sarwar, (KC3PVF) a physics major from Qazalbash Chowk, Pakistan;

Zainab Shah, a computer engineering major from Hellertown;

Aidan Szabo, an electrical engineering major from Hillsborough, New Jersey;

Francis Tholley, a graduate student from Darby;

Robert Troy, (KC3VJC) an electrical engineering major from Dunmore;

Nisha Yadav, a graduate student from Muradnagar, Ghaziabad.

In addition to Dr. Frissell, University professors and staff presenting were: Ken Dudeck (WB3AHD), visiting professor of physics and engineering; Rachel Frissell (W2RUF), faculty specialist, physics and engineering; Joseph Klobusicky, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics; Majid Mokhtari, manager of laboratory equipment, Department of Physics and Engineering; Declan Mulhall, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering; Paul Sampson, Ph.D., assistant professor of history; Robert Spalletta (KC3QOB), Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering; Argyrios Varonides, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering; and Amir Zamanian, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics and engineering. Scranton alumnus Jonathan Rizzo (KC3EEY) of the class of 2021, also presented at the workshop.

The HamSCI Workshop 2023 offered both in-person or virtual participation.

$content.getChild('content').textValue

Students and Faculty Present at HamSCI Workshop

The University of Scranton students and faculty presented at the sixth annual HamSCI Workshop 2023 on March 17-18.

A recital featuring the Caleb Hudson and Achilles Liarmakopoulos Trio, presented by Performance Music at The University of Scranton, is planned for Saturday, Mar. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, in addition to a Masterclass for brass players that will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. (Participants under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent.) Both the concert and masterclass are free of charge.

Community

March 23, 2023

On Saturday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m., Performance Music at The University of Scranton will present “In Recital” featuring the Caleb Hudson and Achilles Liarmakopoulos Trio. The 7:30 p.m. recital will take place in the Houlihan McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue. Hudson and Liarmakopoulos will be joined by pianist Ahmed Alom, and the recital will feature a virtuosic selection of music, according to Performance Music Conductor and Co-Director Philip Kuehn. Admission is free, with seating on a first-come, first-seated basis.

In addition, Hudson and Liarmakopoulos will also offer a free masterclass for brass players at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent.

Currently a member of the Canadian Brass and a graduate of The Juilliard School with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Hudson possesses a wide range of musical styles, and his performance genres and venues range from soloing in Carnegie Hall to performing with early music ensembles and appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live. He is known for his piccolo trumpet mastery of Bach’s infamous Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, and has performed it around the world with ensembles including Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Israel Philharmonic Soloists and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. He enjoys writing and arranging music for Canadian Brass and many of his works have been performed, published, and recorded by them on two albums, Canadian Brass: Perfect Landing and Canadian Brass: Great Wall of China.

According to Conductor and Co-Director Cheryl Y. Boga, “Caleb is no stranger to Houlihan-McLean. He visited the University on an almost annual basis for many years both with the NYTE and as a clinician for our brass seminars, and was our music technology mentor as we started our Scranton Isolation Informances broadcasts during the pandemic. His generosity is as remarkable as his talent.”

Hudson currently serves as assistant professor of trumpet at the University of North Texas College of Music, where he is devoted to teaching and sharing his love for music with students.

Liarmakopoulos, trombonist of the Canadian Brass, holds degrees from the Yale University School of Music, Curtis Institute of Music, San Francisco Conservatory and the Philippos Nakas Conservatory. He has performed as a recitalist in China, Panama, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland and Greece. In 2013, salsa icon Ruben Blades invited him to perform at his concerts at Lincoln Center and Madison Square Garden. Liarmakopoulos has been the adjunct trombone professor at Brooklyn College at CUNY University in New York since 2014, and began teaching at the Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2020. He has also performed and recorded with the genre bending American band Pink Martini. In 2020, Liarmakopoulos was elected as a member of the Board of Advisors for the International Trombone Association.

Alom is a Cuban-born pianist whose versatility spans Jazz, Latin Jazz, and Classical genres. Having played with notable artists in all of these genres, he is a member of the Latin-Grammy Winner Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet. His versatility among contrasting styles of music have led him to collaborate regularly with Philippe Quint, Steve Hackman, Teddy Abrams, Paquito D’Rivera and Pedrito Martinez, among others.

The primary focus of Performance Music at The University of Scranton is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles. There is no music major at the University, and all enrolled Scranton students (undergraduate and graduate) from every major are eligible for membership in the University bands, choirs and string ensembles, with neither an audition nor enrollment fee required for membership. Hundreds of students participate in the ensembles each year. Other programs within the department, including guest artist concerts, World Premiere Composition Series, Nelhybel Collection, and Scranton Brass Orchestra, closely coordinate programming with the student ensembles and offer unique opportunities for student musicians in the ensembles to hear, observe, interact and perform with numerous world-class musicians and artist-teachers.

For further information on the concert, call 570-941-7624 or visit the Performance Music webpage (scranton.edu/music). For more info on Hudson and Liarmakopoulos, please visit www.hudsontrumpet.com and www.achillestrombone.com.

Members of Canadian Brass to Perform March 25

Caleb Hudson and Achilles Liarmakopoulos, members of Canadian Brass, will perform March 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan McLean Center.

COVID Montage, a mixed media piece by Chris Carpio and Kate Gilgallon is among the works that will be on display for the exhibition titled “Post COVID: Art by Students for the Scranton School District” at The University of Scranton’s Hope Horn Gallery in Hyland Hall. The exhibition runs through to April 14 and can be viewed free of charge during gallery hours.

Community

March 19, 2023

High School Students Exhibit Post-Covid Art

West Scranton and Scranton High School Student Exhibition of post-COVID art is on display at The Hope Horn Gallery on campus.

An article written by Amanda S. Marcy, D.B.A., assistant professor of accounting at The University of Scranton, and Ronald Douglas Parker, D.B.A., assistant professor of accounting at Western Carolina University, both graduates of Scranton’s DBA program, received the 2023 Curt Verschoor Ethics Feature of the Year Award from the Institute of Management Accountants’ Committee on Ethics and Strategic Finance. This is the second-time Dr. Marcy has received this national award.

Faculty

March 21, 2023

An article written by University of Scranton Doctor of Business (DBA) graduates Amanda S. Marcy, ’10, G’11, DBA ’21, assistant professor of accounting at The University of Scranton, and Ronald Douglas Parker, DBA ’21, assistant professor of accounting at Western Carolina University, received the 2023 Curt Verschoor Ethics Feature of the Year Award from the Institute of Management Accountants’ Committee on Ethics and Strategic Finance.

This is the second-time Dr. Marcy received the Curt Verschoor Ethics Feature of the Year Award. She received the award in 2020 for an article co-written with Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., chair of the University’s Accounting Department; James F. Boyle, D.B.A., assistant professor of accounting; and Daniel P. Mahoney, Ph.D., professor of accounting.

Drs. Marcy and Parker received the 2023 award for their article “The Value of Civility,” which examined the impact incivility has on the finance and accounting profession, as well as strategies organizations can use to combat incivility in the workplace. Their research indicated that “supervisor incivility significantly correlated to an employee’s overall job satisfaction and their intent to seek new job opportunities.” They stated in the article: “Of those who have experienced supervisor incivility, 24% indicated that they plan to leave their current employer within one year compared to only 6% of those that had never experienced such incivility.”

According to the survey Drs. Marcy and Parker conducted as part of their study, the incivility respondents cited that they had experienced by supervisors was “paying little attention to their opinions/statements (62%); doubting their judgment over a matter for which they were responsible (56%); putting them down or acting condescending toward them (47%); and ignoring or excluding them from professional camaraderie (44%).”

A Certified Public Accountant, Dr. Marcy was named assistant professor of accounting at Scranton in 2018 and previously served as a faculty specialist in the department. Previously, she worked as an accountant for Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American Accounting Association and the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Dr. Marcy earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting, her MBA specialized in accounting and her D.B.A. in accounting from The University of Scranton.

As a DBA student at Scranton, Dr. Parker and two of his accounting professors won a prestigious 2021 Institute of Management Accountants’ Lybrand Silver Medal for an article they co-authored. A resident of Franklin, North Carolina, Dr. Parker earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Carolina University.

The annual award is named in memory of Curtis C. Verschoor, a longtime member of the IMA Committee on Ethics, editor of the Strategic Finance Ethics column for 20 years, and a significant contributor to the development and revisions of the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice. Verschoor was a passionate, renowned thought leader on ethics in accounting, having earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from Trust Across America-Trust Around the World for his leadership in and advocacy for trustworthy business practices.

The University of Scranton doctoral business administration degree changed to a Ph.D. in Accounting degree beginning in the 2022-2023 academic year.

Professor Wins Second Accounting Ethics Award

A research article that demonstrates the value of civility in the workplace wins national Institute of Management Accountants ethics award.

The University of Scranton will host numerous educational events in recognition of Earth Day and Scranton’s ongoing sustainability efforts. Most of the events, which run in March, April and May, are offered free of charge and are open to the public.

Community

March 21, 2023

In recognition of Pope Francis’s call toward environmental sustainability, The University of Scranton’s Sustainability Office has chosen the theme “The People’s Planet, Climate Justice” for this spring’s Earth Day celebration. The theme of climate justice focuses on the merging of civil rights and climate change to draw attention to the effects of environmental changes on different communities. Many of the University’s offices and departments have come together to offer numerous educational events in honor of Earth Day and Scranton’s ongoing sustainability efforts.

Events are open to the public, free of charge, unless otherwise indicated.

This year’s Environmental Essay Contest is open to all area students in grades 5-12. The essay will revolve around the theme “The People’s Planet, Climate Justice.” Submissions will be accepted until April 3, and winners will be announced at the Evening of Environmental Science event on April 20. For more details, visit the contest webpage.

World Water Day will be celebrated through an interactive event at the University’s DeNaples Center on March 22. Informative activities and displays will help raise awareness of water usage and its importance. March 22 will also start Plant Based Meals Week for University students, in which the positive impacts of eating green will be promoted at meals offered at the Fresh Food Company.

Tonyehn Verkitus, executive director at Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania, will discuss environmental factors and how disparities in communities jeopardize health and well-being at a Community-Based Learning talk on March 23. The talk begins at 11:45 a.m. in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center.

On March 30, the film “The Seeds of Vandana Shiva” will be screened at the Moskovitz Theater of the DeNaples Center at 7:30 p.m. The film shows many successful changes made through environmental activism and caring for all people. Vandana Shiva is a wonderful example of a woman’s lifelong leadership and activism that has improved the lives of millions of people around the world. A very interesting, entertaining, and inspiring movie.

On April 14, an Environmental Art Show address will be given by artist Stephanie Williams in the Heritage Room of the Weinberg Memorial Library, beginning at 4:30 p.m. William’s work includes pictures of nature, people, creatures, sounds and energies. The library will also host an Environmental Art Show featuring environmental art of members of the University community from April 14 to April 25 in the Heritage Room during library hours.

On April 17, Nicole Negowetti, former clinical instructor at the Harvard Animal Law and Policy Clinic, will discuss her work concerning sustainable agricultural procedures. The talk, offered by the University’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities, begins at 5:30 p.m. at Brennan Hall, The Pearn Auditorium.

The Earth Day Fair will take place the following day, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the atrium of the Loyola Science Center. The event will host University student displays as well as, displays from university departments, local non-profits and governmental offices, which will provide information about sustainable practices and products.

The Evening of Environmental Science, set for April 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the atrium of the Loyola Science Center, will feature a display of essays received for the Earth Day Essay Contest, as well interactive environmental displays and activities. Awards for the Essay Contest will be presented at the event.

Earth Day celebrations conclude with a three-hour kayaking trip on the Susquehanna River for students on May 6, hosted by the University’s Sustainability Office and the Society for Sustainability and Conservation.

Visit The University of Scranton’s sustainability webpage for information about the University’s sustainability efforts and Earth Day events, or call the Office of Sustainability at 570-941-6267.

Sustainability in Full Swing at Scranton

The University of Scranton will host a stream of events in March, April and May in recognition of Earth Day and sustainability.

Student

March 21, 2023

As part of events planned for The University of Scranton’s “Celebrating Women: 50^th Anniversary of Coeducation” and Women’s History Month, the University’s Career Development Office, Human Resources Office and the Jane Kopas Women’s Center hosted a Salary Negotiation Workshop aimed at helping women overcome the wage gap by teaching students how to properly advocate for themselves in their careers. Lori Moran, director of the University’s Center for Career Development, and Melissa Abda, a senior human resource generalist at the University’s Office of Human Resources, hosted the event.

Moran and Abda began by displaying data that demonstrate women really are paid less even when working the same job, for the same number of hours as a male counterpart. In fact, Moran and Abda explained that this gendered pay discrepancy begins as soon as college graduation for women who do not negotiate their salaries. The wage gap, caused by factors including labor market discrimination and apprehension by women to negotiate pay, slowly grows over the course of women’s careers, culminating in a loss of $2 million for individual women by age 60.

The presenters encouraged the workshop attendees to combat this gendered discrepancy in pay by demonstrating how to determine one’s target salary, making sure to take into account one’s education, strengths and experiences, as well as market research and the median salary for the desired position within the specific geographical area. To determine the median salary for one’s desired job, Moran and Abda specifically recommended utilizing websites like salary.com and payscale.com, since both provide employer-reported data.

Moran and Abda explained what to do once one has received an offer. They advised attendees to examine the whole compensation package (including benefit plans, paid time off, bonuses, opportunities for advancement, retirement plans, etc.) and to not focus singularly on the salary. After taking time to think about the offer, attendees were taught to suggest a higher salary if their research indicated that they deserve higher compensation. If employers cannot provide the salary a potential employee deserves, Moran and Abda suggested that the potential employee should seek their appropriate compensation through other means such as reimbursement for relocation expenses, increased benefits, or a salary increase following a preliminary evaluation period. However, the presenters also advised that each attendee should know at what point they must walk away from an offer if, for instance, an organization cannot provide an appropriate salary due to budgetary restrictions. Moran emphasized the importance of only accepting a salary that will cover one’s cost of living.

The presenters closed the program encouraging the attendees to practice articulating why they would deserve a larger salary. Abda underscored the importance of practice saying, “practice is key so you can come across as confident.” After the workshop’s completion, the presenters roleplayed a salary negotiation to apply the workshop’s lessons, and then opened the floor for questions.

The University’s Spring 2023 Career Expo is set for Thursday, March 30, from noon to 3 p.m. in the Byron Recreation Complex.

Salary Negotiation Workshop

Salary Negotiation Workshop helps women overcome the wage gap by training them how to properly advocate for themselves during their careers.

The University of Scranton announced events planned for April 2023.

Community

March 20, 2023

Through April 14 Art Exhibit: “Post COVID: Art by Students for the Scranton School District.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

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

April 1 8:30 a.m. Second annual Conference on Ethics and Excellence in Public Service for public officials, leaders of nonprofit organizations and students. Brennan Hall. $15. Registration required. Email ceeps@scranton.edu.

April 2 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital” featuring Mikaela Bennett, voice. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

April 4 7 p.m. Performance: “From Music Score To Life On Stage” book by Gene Terruso, co-produced with the University Players and The Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Humanities. Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

April 14 4:30 p.m. Environmental Art Show opening event – Artist Talk with Stéphanie Williams. Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free. Call 570-941-7482 or email marleen.cloutier@scranton.edu.

April 14-25 Environmental Art Show. Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Free during library hours. Call 570-941-7482 or email marleen.cloutier@scranton.edu.

April 15 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band and Saxophone Ensemble with guest baritone/bass saxophonist Leigh Pilzer. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

April 17 5:30 p.m. The Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Humanities Lecture: “The Regeneration Revolution: Working at the Nexus of Food, Climate, and Culture” presented by Nicole Negowetti, managing director of the Plant Based Foods Institute and vice president of Policy & Food Systems at the Plant Based Foods Association. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu.

April 18 11 a.m. Earth Day Fair with interactive games, presentation and information related to the environment and sustainable practices. Atrium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email mark.murphy@scranton.edu.

April 20 8:30 a.m. Hayes Family Competition in physics and engineering for high school students. Byron Complex. Registration required. Call 570-941-7509 or email salisa.brown@scranton.edu.

April 20 4 p.m. Henry George Lecture: “Where Does Wealth Come From?” presented by Sandra Black, Ph.D., Columbia University. Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email john.ruddy@scranton.edu.

April 20 5:30 p.m. Earth Day “Evening of Environmental Science” with University student-run interactive science experiments and exhibit of University of Scranton Earth Day Essay Contest submissions. Essay contest awards will be announced at the event. Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-6267 or email susan.falbo@scranton.edu.

April 20-22 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. Performance: “Curtains” presented by The University of Scranton Liva Arts Company. McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Visit https://livaartscompany.ludus.com to reserve tickets. Email livaartscompany@gmail.com with questions.

April 23 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Singers and Symphonic Band. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

April 24 through May 5 Art Exhibit: “The University of Scranton Student Exhibition Online.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call. 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

April 26 noon. Celebration of Student Scholars. Displays and presentations of undergraduate and graduate student research and scholarly projects. Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-6353 or email phillip.swank@scranton.edu.

April 27 4:15 p.m. Math Integration Bee. Calculus-based high school math competition. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Registration required. Visit https://www.scranton.edu/academics/cas/math/bee.shtml or email stacey.muir@scranton.edu.

April 27 5 p.m. Campus Take Back the Night. Dionne Green. Free. Call 570-941-6194 or email brandice.ricciardi@scranton.edu.

April 27 7:30 p.m. Schemel Forum with Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute at The University of Scranton Collaborative Program: “Only in America? Religion, State, and a Hasidic Town in Rural New York” presented by David N. Myers, Ph.D., distinguished professor of history, Sady and Ludwig Kahn Chair in Jewish History and director of the Luskin Center for History and Policy, UCLA. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Registration required. $15 per person. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

April 27-30 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Theatrical performance of “Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight” by The University of Scranton’s Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the English and Theatre Department as part of the University’s year-long “Celebrating Women: 50^th Anniversary of Coeducation” series of events. Studio Theatre of the McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-6194 or email jkwc@scranton.edu.

April 28 noon. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminar: “The World after the Ukraine War” presented by Jill Dougherty, Russian expert, former CNN Moscow Bureau Chief, current CNN on-air contributor and professor, Georgetown University. Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email brooke.leonard@scranton.edu.

April 29-30 9 a.m. Saturday; Noon Sunday. Friends of the Library Book and Plant Sale. Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Call 570-941-7816 or email kym.fetsko@scranton.edu.

April Events Planned at University

The following is a list of University of Scranton events planned for April 2023.

The University of Scranton will host its second annual Conference on Ethics and Excellence in Public Service on Saturday, April 1, in Brennan Hall. Reservations are required to attend the half-day conference offered by the University’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service (CEEPS).

Community

March 16, 2023

The University of Scranton will host the second annual Conference on Ethics and Excellence in Public Service for public officials, leaders of nonprofit organizations and students on Saturday, April 1, in Brennan Hall. The half-day, in-person conference begins at 8:30 a.m. with registration and refreshments.

Topics addressed in panel discussions include “Ethics in Hiring and Government Appointments,” “Ethical Contracting of Services,” “Data for Public Officials,” and the pros and cons of the consolidation of public services. The conference will conclude with a luncheon keynote address by University of Scranton alumna Mary Beth Schluckebier, J.D., an attorney with The Public Interest Law Center in Philadelphia, where she advocates for communities combatting uninhabitable housing, unresponsive landlords and evictions.

Before joining the Law Center, Atty. Schluckebier was a litigation associate at Saul Ewing Arnstein and Lehr, focusing on higher education practice while also representing immigrant clients, community groups and civil rights cases on pro bono basis. She earned her bachelor’s degree in counseling and human services from the University and graduated, cum laude, from Temple University Beasley School of Law. In law school, she served as an intern for the Defender Association of Philadelphia, the Sheller Center for Social Justice and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. Prior to law school, she worked for several years in community, social service and public policy work around immigration issues in both Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

The annual conference is a key initiative of the University’s Center for Ethics and Excellence in Public Service (CEEPS) with the goal of helping to provide a foundation for ethical governance in Northeastern Pennsylvania by developing and nurturing a community of scholars, public officials and citizens dedicated to improving and protecting democracy at the state and local level.

A $15 registration fee includes all meals and materials for the day. Additional information and a schedule of speakers can be seen on the Conference on Ethics and Excellence in Public Service webpage.

Registration is required to attend. Please email ceeps@scranton.edu to register or for additional information about the conference.

Public Service Ethics and Excellence Conference

The University will host the second annual Conference on Ethics and Excellence in Public Service on campus on April 1.

Sixty-five graduate and undergraduate students, faculty and staff at The University of Scranton received Women of Vision and Courage Awards on International Women’s Day (Mar. 8) at a ceremony on campus. The award recognized women on campus for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the University.

Community

March 15, 2023

The University of Scranton presented Women of Vision and Courage Awards to 65 students, faculty and staff at a ceremony on campus on International Women’s Day (March 8). The celebration, sponsored by the Jane Kopas Women’s Center and the Committee on Gender Equity, recognized women on campus for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the University and its mission.

Began as a biannual ceremony in 2016 by the Committee on Gender Equity as a way commemorate International Women's Day, this year’s ceremony was part of the University’s “Celebrating Women: 50^th Anniversary of Coeducation.”

Gretchen Van Dyke, associate professor of political science at the University, gave the principal address, prior to the award presentation by Brandice Ricciardi, assistant director of the Cultural Centers; and Cara A. Krieg, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology and chair of the Committee on Gender Equity.

University students Ariana Flores, who serve in the Jane Kopas Women’s Center, and Samantha Gurn, graduate assistant for the Jane Kopas Women’s Center, read portions of the nomination submission for each recipient as the awards were presented.

University of Scranton undergraduate and graduate students who received Women of Vision and Courage Awards were:

Marissa Angelo, Dickson City;

Samantha Burton, Jamesville, New York;

Amanda Campbell, Farmingville, New York;

Clara Downey, Easthampton, Massachusetts;

Emily Fleming, Shavertown;

Ariana Flores, Springfield, New Jersey;

Romina Gamarra, Ossing, New York;

Erin Grell, Wood Ridge, New Jersey;

Samantha Gurn, Brackney;

Jillian Haller, Willisten Park, New York;

Hannah Kohrn, Hamden, Connecticut;

Mackenzie Longo, Holbrook, New York;

Mackenzie Machell, South Abington Township;

Claudia Pitts, Scranton;

Analiese Seaman, Fairfield, Connecticut;

Adrianna Smith, Covington Township;

Maria Stephen, Huntingdon Valley;

Chyenne Ward, Clifton, New Jersey.

University of Scranton faculty and staff students who received Women of Vision and Courage Awards were:

Stephanie Adamec, assistant dean for student wellness;

Mary Kay Aston, associate vice president for financial aid and enrollment;

Gerianne Barber, director of the Counseling Training Center;

Barbara Buxton, Ph.D., professor of nursing;

Avianna Carilli, coordinator of internal and domestic service;

Teresa Conte, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Nursing;

Ann “Nancy” Cummings, professor of accounting;

Sherry Dougherty, counseling center;

Melissa Eckenrode, administrative assistant for the Department of English and Theatre;

Julie Ferguson, registrar;

Kym Fetsko, administrative assistant for the Weinberg Memorial Library Dean's Office;

Elizabeth Garcia, J.D., executive director of the Office of Equity and Diversity, Title IX coordinator and special assistant to president;

Jean Wahl Harris, Ph.D., professor of political science;

Caitlyn Hollingshead, assistant vice president of graduate and international admissions;

JoyAnna Hopper, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science;

Nicole Hoskins, Ph.D., assistant professor of theology and religious studies;

Barbara King, student life coordinator, dean of students;

Kristi Klien, coordinator for Panuska College of Professional Studies Academic Affairs;

Diane Lang, administrative assistant for the Department of Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship;

Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs;

Andrea Malia, administrative assistant for the vice president for mission and ministry;

Frani Mancuso, assistant vice president for annual giving and engagement;

Amanda Marcy, D.B.A., assistant professor of accounting;

Mary Ann Maslar, office manager and administration assistant to the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences;

Ellen Morgan, counseling center;

Colleen Moyer, head coach of field hockey;

Stacey Muir, Ph.D., professor of mathematics;

Shannon Murphy Fennie, assistant dean of students;

Maria Oreshkina, Ph.D., professor of education;

Debra Parry, operations manager for Kania School of Management;

Hirali Patel, application developer of integration;

Kim Pavlick, Ph.D., assistant professor of communication and media;

Susan Poulson, Ph.D., professor of history;

Meg Purcell, counseling center;

Brandice Ricciardi, assistant director of the Cultural Centers;

Lauren Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., interim vice president for student life and dean of students;

Donna Rupp, administrative assistant for the Department of Psychology;

Patricia Savitts, circulation services coordinator;

Janet Schieber, operations manager for residence life;

Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice principle for community engagement and government affairs;

Rose Sebastinelli, Ph.D., professor of operations and analytics;

Billie Tadros, Ph.D., assistant professor of English and theatre;

Pat Vaccaro, director of the Center for Service and Social Justice;

Jillian Wall, admissions counselor;

Lori Walton, Ph.D., professor of physical therapy;

Donna Witek, professor and information literacy coordinator;

Christine Zakzewski, Ph.D., professor of physics and engineering.

The slide presentation for the Women of Vision and Courage Award presentation can be seen here.

Fox56 News interviewed students for a story about the event.

More details about events planned for “Celebrating Women: 50^th Anniversary of Coeducation” can be seen here. $content.getChild('content').textValue

Women of Vision and Courage Awards Presented

The University of Scranton honored 65 women of vision and courage with awards on International Women’s Day.