Economic and
Community Impact
St. Ignatius Loved the Cities
The University is a nationally recognized institution of higher learning that has been ranked among the top 10 regional universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report for 19 consecutive years. Since 1980 we have granted 28,079 undergraduate degrees and 9,665 graduate degrees. As a charitable organization, we give back to our students through generous financial aid, we contribute financially to the City of Scranton and Lackawanna County, and we open our doors to the community by providing numerous free events and resources.
This report reviews both the quantitative and qualitative ways in which The University of Scranton makes a positive economic and community impact on the City of Scranton and Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Most numbers, unless otherwise noted, are based on the 2011-2012 fiscal year ending May 31, 2012.
Economic and Community Impact St. Ignatius Loved the Cities
The University is proud to be located in the City of Scranton. The City is our home, our heritage and our future. As we compiled this report and considered the many ways the University interacts with Scranton and Northeastern Pennsylvania, I was reminded of the Jesuit founder St. Ignatius’ commitment to cities. As the maxim goes, “Bernard loved the valleys, and Benedict loved the hills, Francis the towns, Ignatius the great cities.” For St. Ignatius, cities were places where transformational education best takes place, and it is here in Scranton that our students learn, engage and grow. As a nationally recognized institution of higher education, our University develops graduates who are prepared for a range of professions, but most importantly they are instilled with the Jesuit mission of being “men and women for and with others.” This report highlights the many positive ways the University engages and impacts our community as an educational and cultural asset, economic engine, job creator, good neighbor and, above all, as a Catholic and Jesuit institution committed to service and helping to address community needs. Ultimately, the health and well-being of the City of Scranton and The University of Scranton are forever intertwined, and we look forward to many more years of partnership and collaboration. Sincerely, Kevin P. Quinn, S.J. President On Sept. 9, 2011, more than 750 University students, faculty and staff volunteered at nearly a dozen nonprofit agencies, joining the University’s new president, Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., for a special “Celebration of Service,” the first in a weeklong series of Inauguration events.
3 St. Ignatius Loved the Cities
4
Performance Music presents or performs an array of concerts, recitals and guest performances. Performances are open to the public and free of charge.
A Cultural Asset “ We are glad to be able to share the many academic and cultural events on our campus with the local community. From lectures with nationally known experts to music and theatre performances by our talented students, there is something for everyone.” Harold W. Baillie, Ph.D., Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Campus events provided free to the public Every year the University hosts more than 100 free events that are open to the public, including art exhibits at The Hope Horn Gallery, Performance Music concerts, as well as a variety of lectures and athletic events. Academic competitions in the areas of math, science and computing are provided to area school groups in addition to special workshops.
The Hope Horn Gallery presents art exhibits, hosts guest speakers, and conducts gallery workshops with local school and community groups.
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library, the leading academic library in Northeastern Pennsylvania, is open to the public. Residents of Lackawanna County who are borrowers in good standing at the Scranton Public Library may register to borrow books, free of charge. There are 367 registered Lackawanna County Borrowers. Of these, 190 list their city address as Scranton.
The University Players offer a variety of Academic Theatre Programproduced plays that are presented to the community at a nominal charge.
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library is open to the public.
5
An Economic Engine The University estimates that our overall economic impact on Northeastern Pennsylvania totals $404,077,660 for the 2011-2012 academic year. Since 1980, our impact on the City and the region amounts to $5.09 billion. Our estimate is based on established economic impact studies and formulas, including those used by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania. For the 2011-2012 academic year, University of Scranton expenditures were $191,506,000. Every dollar in University expenditures generates an estimated $1.11 worth of additional economic activity.
TAXES/FEES ON RECENT MAJOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS The University has paid the following permit fees and building privilege taxes for the construction of these major buildings: DeNaples Center (campus center), Condron Hall (sophomore residence hall), Loyola Science Center and Pilarz and Montrone Halls. Fee or Tax DeNaples
Condron
Science
Pilarz/Montrone
Overall Totals
Building Permits
$292,464
$232,603
$526,535
$253,629
$1,305,231
Business Privilege Tax
$167,432
$133,162
$357,262
$459,426
$1,117,282
$459,896
$365,765
$883,797
$713,055
$2,422,513
Project Totals:
In addition, the City requires the University to pay a Third Party Inspection Fee. These fees do not go to the City but rather to an independent contractor. The combined actual and estimated fees for the above projects are $477,036.
The $85 million Loyola Science Center is the largest capital project in the history of the University.
6
Students spend an average of $1.4 million off campus each month.
The construction of Pilarz and Montrone Halls added apartment-style housing for 396 students, as well as a new fitness facility and a dining facility/convenience store.
TAXES ON BUSINESS PARTNERS The University’s business partners, including ARAMARK and Follett, pay various taxes, including a $22,305 mercantile tax paid to the City and school district this past fiscal year.
Student spending For the past several years the University, together with the other Lackawanna County colleges, has conducted a survey of student spending. The survey has a special emphasis on downtown
Scranton and is designed to provide business owners and community leaders with information and insight that can help to tap the economic potential of the more than 14,000 students enrolled in these colleges. Students were asked to estimate their weekly spending for a number of categories, including shopping, dining, cultural events, entertainment, rent, utilities and groceries. University of Scranton students, which number more than 6,000, reported spending an average of $1.4 million off campus each month.
7 St. Ignatius Loved the Cities
Economic and Commu • Each year, the University offers more than 100 free events to the public. • The University had a $404,077,660 regional economic impact in 2011-12 – $5.09 billion since 1980. • Students spend an average of $1.4 million off campus each month. • Community organizations held more than 4,500 events at the University since 2004.
8
• University employees and alumni make up nearly 10% of the City’s workforce and nearly 1 in 10 City residents are students, alumni or employees. • Last year, the University voluntarily contributed $175,000 to the City and $58,500 to Lackawanna County – $2.7 million & $1.3 million respectively since 1983. • The University committed $3.16 million to beautify Mulberry Street.
unity Impact At a Glance • The Scranton Small Business Development Center provided 631 consulting hours to 115 clients in the City in 2011-12 with six businesses started, 18 jobs created & 11 saved – 87 new City businesses & 440 jobs created since 1997. • 2,750 students contributed more than 175,000 hours of service in the region and beyond last year – 1.9 million service hours since 1997.
• Student, physician and nurse volunteers in the Leahy Clinic provide free healthcare services to Lackawanna County’s uninsured residents – 1,400 patients in 2011-12. • The University has invested in more than 30 major construction projects since 1980. • In 2012, the University awarded more than $52 million in student aid.
9 St. Ignatius Loved the Cities
A Major Employer
JOb Creation The University estimates that 1,749 jobs can be directly or indirectly attributed to our presence in the region. For each full-time employee at the University, we estimate that .68 additional jobs are created in the local economy. As of May 2012, the University employed 924 full-time faculty and staff, and an additional 231 part-time employees. Since 1980, 516 jobs have been created, averaging about 16 new jobs each year. Moreover, 1,777 alumni work in the City. In total, there are 2,840 University employees and alumni working in Scranton, making up 8% of the City’s workforce. Employee-related fees & tax payments The University’s nonprofit status does not cover all taxes and fees, especially as it relates to employees, who pay wage taxes and an annual local services tax, which was instituted to support the City’s emergency services. 2012 Summary of Annual Contributions, Fees & Tax payments Overall Totals
Wage Tax for 604 University Employees Living in Scranton
$571,724
Local Services Tax on University Employees
$91,276
Local Services Tax on ARAMARK & Follett Employees
$16,328
University employees are active in the community.
10
Total: $679,328
Among Scranton’s 924 full-time employees are 290 full-time faculty members.
A Partner with Area Businesses
Students plant flowers in planters in downtown Scranton.
SBDC staff celebrate with client Ellen VanBuskirk as she opens her home-based business.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) support IN scranton AREA With a service area that includes eight counties, the University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides educational programs and no cost, confidential consulting services to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a small business. Since 1997 the SBDC has provided a total of 8,735 hours of small business consulting to 862 clients in the City of Scranton. The following data points are specific to the City of Scranton. • 87 businesses were started and 440 jobs were created. • 115 clients were provided with a total of 631 consulting hours. • $11,000 in approved financing was received by clients consulted in the City of Scranton, based on business plan development and projection assistance supplied by the Scranton SBDC. • 6 businesses were started, 18 new jobs were created and 11 existing jobs were saved.
Downtown engagement initiative The University’s Office of Community Relations is currently in year two of its Downtown Engagement Initiative, which works to increase the interaction of students, faculty, staff and parents with downtown Scranton. Since it began in August 2011, the initiative has drawn more than 3,500 individuals downtown through more than 35 special events and promotions. Businesses report increased customer traffic as a result. More than 85 resident assistants take part in a downtown tour and dinner as part of their summer orientation. In addition, more than 200 students participate in an annual “Downtown Scavenger Hunt” at the start of the academic year that includes more than 30 downtown locations. Parents attending Family Weekend can also dine downtown using the “Family Table” discount program.
“ As a business owner, I have seen firsthand the positive impact of the University’s efforts to connect students, faculty, staff and parents with the downtown area.” Maureen Duffy, Owner of Duffy Accessories
11 St. Ignatius Loved the Cities
A Good Neighbor
The class of 2016 hosted a “Back to School Bonanza” for area children as part of Fall Welcome Weekend activities.
More than 250 students participate each year in the annual Downtown Scavenger Hunt.
T
he University of Scranton is proud to call the City of Scranton home. Nearly 1 in 10 “Scrantonians” are University students, alumni or employees, accounting for 8% of the resident population and thereby benefiting the City with federal population-based grants.
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS The University of Scranton meets or exceeds all of the requirements for tax exemption in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Nevertheless, the University is the most consistent nonprofit in the City to provide an unrestricted, voluntary contribution. Last year, the University contributed $175,000 to the City of Scranton and $58,500 to Lackawanna County.
12
USE OF FACILITIES BY COMMUNITY GROUPS Since 2004, the University has hosted 4,567 events by community organizations, waiving more than $492,000 in room usage fees.
HIll Neighborhood Lighting project: The University has invested in lighting for 176 fixtures in 16 city blocks in the Hill Section. Installations and fixtures cost about $40,000 per block, for a total of $640,000. Home Program: Through its $5,000 forgivable loan program, the University has helped employees purchase 22 homes in the Hill Section totaling $115,000 in loans. Since starting the program in 2003, these homes have a total real estate value of $2,703,900.
NEIGHBOR NIGHT Beginning in the fall of 2011, the University has began to convene “Neighbor Night” every academic semester. These events allow Scranton residents, particularly in the Hill Section and downtown, to hear the latest University developments, ask questions, and engage in discussion with University leaders.
MULBERRY STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT The multi-million dollar Mulberry Street Improvement Project, spearheaded by the mayor of Scranton, Scranton City Council and The University of Scranton, improves the Mulberry Street corridor, and seamlessly connects the University campus to the surrounding neighborhood. Initiated in 2007, it is expected to be complete in early 2013. Additions in 2012 included safety measures in cooperation with PennDOT and new street signs along Mulberry Street in response to a request from the City. The University invested $3.16 million to this ambitious beautification project, which was developed by Ayers Saint Gross, a nationally respected architectural firm in Baltimore, Md., and Burkavage Design Associates, a local architectural firm.
More than 40 residents have attended each of three Neighbor Night events to date.
“ Neighbor Nights have helped demystify the University, giving Scranton residents an opportunity to come on campus, ask questions, and hear the latest news.” Karin Foster, President, West Scranton Hyde Park Neighborhood Watch
13 St. Ignatius Loved the Cities
A Catholic and Jesuit Institution Committed to Service
S Local eighth-grade students participate in the University of Success college readiness program.
tudents, faculty and staff of the University are involved in hundreds of community service and volunteer programs that have a positive impact on the region and the City of Scranton. The University has received national recognition for its community service activities, including the highly selective Community Engagement Classification designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. In the 2011-2012 academic year alone, approximately 2,750 Scranton students provided more than 175,000 hours of volunteer service, much of it in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since 1997, students have contributed nearly 1.9 million hours of service.
Student volunteer programs
Students and alumni team up annually for a Street Sweep to clean up litter from the Hill Section streets.
The University’s Center for Service and Social Justice works regularly with more than 120 Scranton area nonprofit organizations to engage students in addressing community needs through special programs such as: • spring and fall break service trips; • food, clothing, holiday gift and blood drives; • the SMART mentoring program with the Scranton School District; • FIRST (Freshmen in Reflective Service Together) weeklong program; • Safe Trick or Treat & Easter Egg Hunt for area children; and • Community Christmas Day breakfast for Scranton residents. In August 2012, volunteers from the class of 2016 welcomed more than 200 area children for a “Backto-School Bonanza” held on Courthouse Square.
14
The University Players present “Frog and Toad” to local students.
Members of the Urban Beats dance club teach dance lessons to area students
Community-based Service learning Throughout the academic year, students participate in community activities as part of their course work. In the 2011-2012 academic year, 121 servicelearning classes were conducted. 1,484 students engaged in academic service learning for a total of 15,000 hours. This included 1,255 majors from the Panuska College for Professional Studies, which requires 40 service hours for graduation.
Leahy Community health & family Center Edward R. Leahy Jr. Clinic for the Uninsured: Since opening in 2007, the Leahy Clinic has provided free healthcare services to uninsured Lackawanna County residents who may otherwise forgo healthcare, or seek care inappropriately in hospital emergency rooms. The Clinic operates Thursday evenings yearround, and Tuesday-Thursday during the academic year, with 18 physicians and 12 nurse volunteers, and more than 35 physicians providing services off site.
The Leahy Clinic provides free “nonemergency” healthcare to uninsured Lackawanna County residents.
University of Success: Each year, this college readiness program provides an intensive twoweek summer academic experience on the University’s campus for 20 local eighth-grade students, with ongoing programming for a total of 75 students in 2012. Volunteers provide mentoring and support for students through high school. In 2012, eight students graduated, three of whom are attending The University of Scranton, and seven received a scholarship as a result of the program. Other Leahy Center Programs: University faculty and students provide a range of other services through The Leahy Center. The Peacemakers Afterschool Program, led by Counseling Department faculty, is offered on Friday afternoons for six weeks each semester, connecting 10 student mentors with 20 multicultural children, ages nine to 13. The Alice V. Leahy Food Pantry and Clothing Closet, run by student volunteers, offers non-perishable food, personal care items and clothing two hours per day on Mondays and Tuesdays or by appointment. Other services include weekly counseling and physical therapy services, a nutrition clinic and smoking cessation classes.
In 2011-2012, 99 students contributed 1,375 hours; 1,400 patients were treated; 765 prescriptions dispensed; and 105 immunizations administered.
15 St. Ignatius Loved the Cities
Office of Community Relations • Scranton, PA 18510 • 570-941-4419 Subscribe to our Newsletter: community@scranton.edu For additional information about the University’s Economic & Community Impact, visit scranton.edu/economic-impact