The IDEA Center: Imagination to Application
TURNING IDEAS INTO SOLUTIONS
IDEA CENTER
The IDEA Center was created to serve as a hub for innovation, creativity and applied learning. Opportunity is plentiful within the Center. The University of Scranton is developing this program to provide abundant opportunities for the movers and shakers of our community. Rooted in the belief that meaningful learning happens through making, designing and problem-solving, the Center supports students and faculty as they move
ideas from concept to creation. Our outwardfacing initiatives connect these resources to the community at large and promote highquality education to our local students and educators through K-12 partnerships.
The mission of the IDEA Center is to empower learners to move from consumers to creators. We equip them with tools, mentorship and collaborative spaces that foster
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Robert S. ’68 & Marilyn A. Weiss Hall
From the Dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library
As we move through Spring 2026, the Weinberg Memorial Library continues to evolve as a place where ideas are not only preserved and studied but actively tested, shaped and brought to life. This issue of InformationUpdatereflects that energy across teaching and learning, creative work, scholarship, and community engagement.
The launch and early successes of the IDEA Center, which stands for Innovation, Design, Education and Application Center, exemplify this moment. In a short time, the Center has become a hub for applied learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and outward-facing partnerships. Whether supporting student organizations, faculty-led coursework, K–12 outreach or regional economic development, the IDEA Center demonstrates that learning deepens when ideas are put to the test. I am grateful to the Center’s founding Director, Thomas Bryan, for his leadership in building a space that is already making a tangible impact on campus and beyond.
It is the daily work of the faculty and staff whom I have the privilege of leading that sustains this momentum. From Acquisitions and Technical Services, Library Services and Interlibrary Loan, Library Systems and Administrative Staff, the Art Gallery and the Office of Student Support and Success, Research and Instruction, and Archives and Special Collections, it is our staff and faculty who ensure that every member of the University community encounters a Library that is responsive, knowledgeable and capable. Their work reflects deep disciplinary expertise paired with a commitment to lowering barriers, expanding opportunity and supporting the open exchange of ideas — commitments that shape how the Library and its affiliated centers and programs serve the University and the wider community.
Equally important is our focus on connection and exchange — one that brings together students, faculty, alumni and community members in shared intellectual and cultural life. Programs such as Books and Brews, public lectures through the Jay Nathan, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar Lecture Series and the Schemel Forum, Hope Horn and McHugh Family Special Collections exhibitions, and other collaborative events demonstrate that we are a living institution shaped by participation and shared purpose.
I hope this issue gives you a sense of the momentum we are building and the possibilities ahead. Thank you to our contributors, to the Friends of the Library and to the many partners across campus and the region who help make this work possible. As always, I invite you to visit, explore and imagine what comes next with us.
George Aulisio, Ph.D.
DeanoftheWeinbergMemorialLibrary
Welcome to the Newest Friends of the Library
We would like to thank the newest members of the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library for their contributions:
Erin Duffy
Galicia Hynosky
Chris McClatchy
Edward Monsky
Donna Simpson
Connie Wisdo
creativity, interdisciplinary thinking and real-world application. Whether supporting academic coursework, student organizations, community engagement or entrepreneurial ventures, the Center is designed to be accessible and responsive to the evolving needs of the University and the region.
Supporting Teaching, Learning and Student Life at the University
Since opening in September, the IDEA Center has supported a wide range of academic and co-curricular initiatives across campus. We have welcomed many inquisitive Scranton students who have invigorated the Center with energy and passion. Student organizations have been particularly active users of the space. Members of the Institute of Management Accountants Club designed and produced custom T-shirts at the Center. Their hard work paid off as it ultimately contributed to the club winning a T-shirt design competition at a conference in Cleveland.
The Center has also partnered closely with the Occupational Therapy department, assisting students with 3D printing adaptive and assistive technologies that support client-centered care and applied clinical learning. In collaboration with the Service Dog Committee, students designed and fabricated items for sale as part of a fundraising effort, blending design thinking with service and mission-driven work.
Sustainability and entrepreneurship have been recurring themes as well. The Society for Sustainability and Conservation has hosted hands-on activities in the Center, including clothing drives and woodworking events. The Entrepreneurship Club has used the space to promote participation, engage members and explore prototyping.
The IDEA Center has also supported faculty-led coursework. In partnership with Dr. Conlogue, students in an English course completed a diorama-based project that brought literary analysis into physical form. By translating texts into
three-dimensional representations, students engaged with course content in a deeply creative and reflective way. The final products were on display in the Weinberg Memorial Library. More faculty collaboration is scheduled for the spring.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Community engagement and mission-driven values are central to the IDEA Center’s vision. One example is a local veteran who has used the Center’s tools and expertise to further explore his RC airplane hobby. The Center has also supported several charitable initiatives, including laser-engraved items
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IMA student hard at work on their T-shirt design.
M&T Bank employees participate in a business development challenge with Tom Bryan (Director, IDEA Center) and Lisa Hall Zielinski (Director, SBDC).
created for fundraising baskets benefiting the Cypress House Bakery and the Jesuit Center. These projects reflect how design and making can be leveraged in service of compassion and community care.
The IDEA Center has hosted external partners such as the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and collaborated with the Small Business Development Center on a professional engagement event with M&T Bank employees. These events are an example of the outreach the Center has had in the community, and the possibilities of
Meet the Director
future partnerships, innovation and collaborative efforts across the region.
K–12 Partnerships and Educational Outreach
The IDEA Center is also emerging as a bridge between the University and local K–12 schools. A growing partnership with the Scranton School District includes collaborative planning and an application for a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection environmental education grant aimed at expanding hands-on STEM experiences for students at a Scranton elementary school.
Planned field trips, school visits and educator workshops are underway, with the goal of introducing students to design thinking, engineering processes and creative technologies at an early age. I have also represented the University and the IDEA Center at multiple Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit 19 leadership and outreach events, helping to strengthen regional connections with districts and administrators.
I invite faculty, students and community members alike to imagine how their ideas might take shape here. If you haven’t done so already, stop by, email me or check out our website! As the IDEA Center continues to grow, its role as a space for collaboration, creativity and community engagement will only expand. I look forward to the many projects, partnerships and possibilities still ahead.
—Thomas Bryan, Director of the IDEA Center
My name is Tom Bryan, and I serve as the Director of the IDEA Center. Prior to joining the University, I spent over 14 years in K–12 education as a STEM and engineering teacher, instructional leader and administrator. My professional background includes extensive experience in project-based learning, makerspace integration, curriculum design, construction and professional development for educators. I have a degree in technology education, an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction, and a PK-12 principal certification. Along with experience and skills in teaching and building, I bring a strong belief in inclusive, hands-on learning environments that promote creativity, perseverance and collaboration. At the IDEA Center, I have been focusing on building systems that support both academic use and open exploration to ensure the space serves students, faculty and community members.
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Tom Bryan represents the IDEA Center and The University of Scranton at the Districts Leading Change: NEIU 19 Educational Expo.
WML Cataloging Assistant Earns Award
The Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) awarded Rebecca Dzikowski a Certificate of Merit on Sept. 30, 2025.
Rebecca Dzikowski, the Cataloging Assistant for the Weinberg Memorial Library in the Technical Services Cataloging Department, earned the Pennsylvania Library Association Certificate of Merit for her dedicated professional service to the association, commitment to her community and her outstanding contributions that have positively impacted Pennsylvania library employees.
This recognition is well deserved and reflects both Rebecca’s leadership in the Weinberg Memorial Library and her contributions to the
broader library community. Rebecca serves as chair of PaLA’s Mentorship Program, where she has strengthened and expanded opportunities for library professionals across Pennsylvania. The Mentorship Program matches seasoned librarians and library workers with new or midcareer librarians who are hoping to expand their knowledge and careers. Rebecca also serves as a vital member of the Support Staff Meeting Planning Committee at the Weinberg Memorial Library, where she fosters staff engagement.
Congratulations Rebecca on this wellearned accomplishment!
—Associate Professor Marleen Cloutier Cataloging and Metadata Librarian
Research Seminars Presented by Library Faculty
Professors Kate Cummings and Sylvia Orner gave talks as part of the fall semester’s Research Seminar Series. The Research Seminar Series at The University of Scranton was established to provide a time and place for internal faculty and staff research information exchange.
Kate Cummings’ talk, titled “Try Being a Librarian! Commitment in the Face of Obsolescence in Turbulent Times,” was held on Oct. 31. Prof. Cummings presented her research on professional insecurity within the library profession.
Sylvia Orner presented a talk titled “Assessing a Library Collection Using Faculty Citation Data” on Nov. 21. Prof. Orner spoke about her work utilizing a new open data source called OpenAlex to assess library collections using faculty citation data.
Rebecca Dzikowski, Cataloging Assistant
(above) Assistant Professor Kate Cummings, (right) Associate Professor Sylvia Orner
Upcoming Exhibits
Autographed pen and ink drawing (dated ca. 1901) of American stage and silent film actress Viola Allen (1867-1948) as Glory Quayle in “The Christian,” a role she created. Allen performed in Scranton, Pennsylvania, four times between 1901 and 1911. Artist P.W. Costello met her during an exhibition of his portraiture held in the lobby of the Lyceum Theatre when she was performing in Scranton.
Early 20th Century Celebrity Portraits by P.W. Costello
Weinberg Library Special Collections has acquired a collection of pen and ink portraits by Scranton’s master penman Patrick W. Costello from Costello’s great-grandson, Thomas Costello ’73. In celebration of the acquisition, Weinberg Memorial Library’s Heritage Room will exhibit a selection of Costello portraits of late 19th and early 20th century theatrical, sports and other personalities drawn between 1905 and 1930.
Costello was nationally recognized for his work and operated what we might now consider a graphic arts studio where he created advertising art as well as engrossed congratulatory or testimonial resolutions, diplomas and other types of work that required a combination of calligraphic lettering and artistic design. As a hobby, Costello drew pen and ink portraits and, because of his love for the theater, specialized in drawing portraits of stage personalities. Sometimes he drew these from photographs, engravings or other illustrations found in theater magazines or books, but in other cases he drew portraits from life.
Costello also owned restaurants in Scranton where he displayed his portraits. In some cases, traveling actors would visit Costello’s restaurants and autograph their portraits. More often, Costello purchased autograph cards to attach to his drawings. The exhibit will include a variety of men and women of the stage, some of whom played Scranton. Some of them, such as John Barrymore, remain famous today. The exhibit will run through April 23 during normal Library hours.
—Professor Michael Knies Special Collections Librarian and University Archivist
Banknotables
The Heritage Room will also host an exhibit of “Banknotables.” Banknotables are a concept created by alumnus and former Board of Trustees member Robert Bednar ’69. Bednar has more than 45 years of experience in the document security field. As Vice President for Document Security at the Atlantic Paper Company in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, Bednar was involved with the U.S. Department of Agriculture food coupon program, American Express traveler’s checks, United States Treasury checks, domestic and foreign passports, visas and postage stamps, as well as foreign currencies and other documents of value.
Bednar is Chief Executive Officer of the Bednar Consulting Group, Inc., and founder of Naples Bank Note Company in Naples, Florida. Bednar founded the company in 1999 to design and issue commemorative banknotes and art pieces to help charities raise funds more successfully. These Banknotables are based on currency designs but are not legal tender. The exhibit will display examples of Banknotables along with the pen and ink drawings created by artist Richard Baratz. The exhibit will run through April 23 during normal library hours.
—Professor Michael Knies Special Collections Librarian and University Archivist
Commemorative item designed at the request of actor Denis Leary for a fundraising event for the families of the six firefighters who died in the 1999 Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Co. fire in Worcester, Massachusetts.
APRIL 7 THROUGH MAY 8, 2026
Art Educators Make Art: Pennsylvania Art Educators Association
Northeast Juried Exhibition
Coordinated by Ryan Hnat, PAEA Region 9 Representative, this exhibition will feature work by area art educators. Artists’ submissions will be juried by a Pennsylvania Art Educators Association state official. Ryan
SPECIAL EVENTS
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
Pennsylvania Art Educators Association
Northeast Juried Exhibition
Ryan Hnat, Exhibition Coordinator
Panel Discussion at Pearn Auditorium, Brennan 228 • 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Public Reception at Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland 405 • 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Hnat. Muralist. Digital photograph. 2025.
Finland: History. Culture. Economy.
social sciences at the University of Lapland and a visiting scholar at UC Berkeley. Koikkalainen spoke on Finnish education, science and technology, including expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, 5G and 6G, quantum computing, cyber security, arctic research, medicine, and teaching in mathematics and the sciences. He also spoke about promoting partnerships, including Finland’s participation in the Fulbright program, which has provided a platform to expand and deepen cooperation in higher education and research between the United States and Finland.
The ninth annual Jay Nathan, Ph.D. Visiting Scholar Lecture Series presented “Finland: History. Culture. Economy.” on Jan. 16, 2026, to over 100 attendees at the Loyola Science Center PNC Auditorium. Dr. Jay Nathan, a Fulbright scholar to Finland, has lectured at the University of Helsinki and continues to foster international collaboration. Dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library Dr. George Aulisio and Dr. Nathan introduced the evening’s presentation, which included a panel discussion with Ambassador Leena-Kaisa Mikkola and Finland’s Counselor for Science & Higher Education Petri Koikkalainen. A career diplomat, Leena-Kaisa Mikkola has been Finland’s Ambassador to the United States since September 2024. Originally from Kaustinen, Finland, Mikkola spoke to the attendees about the evolution of the history of Finland, relations between Finland and the United States, and the unique contributions Finland has made.
Petri Koikkalainen has served as a specialist in higher education and research at Finland’s embassy in the United States since 2021. He was previously a professor of
A live cultural performance, which included both traditional and contemporary music in Finnish, Swedish and English, was offered by Finnish singer Josefin Silén and Finnish classical pianist Markus Kaitila. Josefin Silén is an acclaimed musical theater actor, singer, writer and voice teacher. Born and raised just outside Helsinki, she is known for her leading roles in “Mary Poppins” at Svenska Teatern in Helsinki,
Ambassador Leena-Kaisa Mikkola
Josefin Silén
Petri Koikkalainen
Esmerelda in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at Tanpere City Theatre, and Me Giry in “Love Never Dies” at the Finnish National Opera. Silén performed nine songs: “Veden all,” “Hostvisan,” her single “Vingarna,” “Blackbird,” “Rainbow Maiden” from “Kalevala the Musical,” “God Help the Outcasts” from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” sung in Finnish, “Hengitä,” a solo version of “Myrskyluodon Maija,” and “Täälä Pohjantähden alla.”
Born in Helsinki, Markus Kaitila is an award-winning pianist who began playing at the age of 6. He has appeared as a soloist with the Joutseno Art Summer, Wratislavia, St. Peter’s Festival, Queens College, Jackson Heights chamber orchestras and the One World and New Amsterdam Symphony, under conductors such as Tony Chen and Charles Neidich. He has also served as skills faculty on the piano and keyboard and as an adjunct instructor and a staff pianist at NYU Steinhardt. Kailia performed five piano solos at the event and accompanied Josefin Silén’s performance.
The evening concluded with a reception featuring a Finnish-inspired menu of food and drink, allowing for informal exchanges and discussion between students, faculty and community members.
—Associate Professor Marleen Cloutier
Helsinki, Finland
Markus Kaitila
Place Project Collaboration with IDEA Center and WML
On Nov. 24, 2025, the Weinberg Memorial Library hosted student presentations from Dr. William Conlogue’s English 120: Introduction to Fiction course. The “Place Project Dioramas” were part of a four-part assignment. Dr. Conlogue, adjunct faculty in the Department of English and Theatre, instructed six groups of students to create a diorama depicting a scene or setting from one of three novels read in class. Students were encouraged to use resources available in the new IDEA Center in Weiss Hall after an introduction to the space by Director Tom Bryan. Over a period of several weeks, students used the 3D printers, laser cutters and materials from the IDEA Center, along with materials from other resources to create their dioramas.
Students presented their completed dioramas at the Library in classroom 202. Each group was given the opportunity to discuss their diorama and how it
related to their understanding of the novel it represented. Their work resulted in six very detailed, carefully planned and cleverly executed representations of themes, people, metaphors and events in the novels. Library faculty member Professor Marleen Cloutier and Administrative Assistant for the Department of English and Theatre Melissa Eckenrode were invited to evaluate dioramas presented and provide feedback to the students. Students’ friends were encouraged to attend the event and participated in a “People’s Choice Award” by voting anonymously for their favorite diorama. At the suggestion of Dean Aulisio, the dioramas were placed on display in the windows of the Silent Study Room on the 4th floor of the library for the duration of the fall semester for all to enjoy.
—Bridget Conlogue Special Collections Assistant
Bundren Farm from “As I Lay Dying” by William Faulkner Diorama by Paige Conflitti, Joe Flannigan, Kiera Fox, Ben Kruleski.
Jefferson from “As I Lay Dying” by William Faulkner Diorama by Victor Kuehhas, John Mahoney, Ashley Metz, Laila Milana.
The Divide of Part I from “O Pioneers!” by Willa Cather Diorama by Victoria Aslin, Abby Deak, Gabe Luzuriaga, Chris Santiago, Grace Schnyder
The Fischer House from “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison
Diorama by Molly Blakely, Nick Drong, Krystal Pozo, Cade Santos, Gabby Warren
The Divide of Part II from “O Pioneers!” by Willa Cather Diorama by Adam Calle, Lunna Da Costa, Brenna Marquino, Cynthia McDermott, Leah Schneider
The Breedlove House from “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison Diorama by Shawn Bermudez, Paige Cielieski, Carli Columbo, Zayury Ponce-Rosas, Kayla Sajous, Gabby Schieber
“I love working with our students. They make the job a lot of fun!”
Meet the Staff: Melissa Crotti
Melissa joined the Weinberg Memorial Library as Coordinator of Library Services in March 2025. Sheli Pratt-McHugh (SPM), Information Update co-editor, recently interviewed Melissa (MC).
SPM: Can you tell us a little about your position? What are you enjoying most about your role?
MC: I manage the operations of the Library Services Desk, including the staff and our amazing work study students! I worked with teens in my previous life as a public librarian, so I love working with our students. They make the job a lot of fun!
of really fun things here, like the bone box to help students study for their anatomy exams, and the bikes in the summer! Also, my commute has gone from an hour-plus subway ride each way to a 10-minute walk, which is a huge bonus.
SPM: Do you have a background in libraries? Where did you work before WML?
MC: I do! I got my MLS from Clarion University in 2011, and before that I was a page at the Valley Community Library in Peckville. My mom and my sister also worked there, so libraries are in our family. After I got my degree, I moved to New York City and worked at the New York Public Library for 13 years, first in collections processing and then as a Young Adult librarian.
SPM: How does WML differ from NYC?
MC: The pace is much different! It’s often (but not always) slower. We lend out a lot
Staff Changes
SPM: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
MC: I love to cook and read, of course, but lately I’ve been trying to get better at knitting. I’ve been knitting on and off for about 10 years but I’ve only ever made scarves and hats. I made myself a very ill-fitting sweater last year, so this year I’m working on making garments that actually fit. It’s a process!
SPM: Do you have a favorite book, genre or author?
MC: My favorite book is “The Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton. I read a lot of literary fiction, memoirs and some sci-fi and fantasy. I’m working on a reread of all of Jane Austen’s novels right now to celebrate her 250th birthday!
SPM: Ohhh, which is your favorite Austen novel?
MC: Probably “Persuasion,” but I love them all.
Cassandra “Cassie” Wisdo joined the staff as the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the Library on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025.
Melissa Crotti
David Wenzel Honored
On Nov. 5, 2026, The University of Scranton Weinberg Memorial Library hosted an event in the Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room honoring David J. Wenzel ’69, G’74 and the opening of the special exhibit, “A Life of Service: Celebrating David J. Wenzel.” At the opening of this special exhibit, the Center for Ethics & Excellence in Public Service (CEEPS) presented the first CEEPS Public Service Award honoring the contributions of Wenzel, a decorated Army veteran, former mayor of Scranton, and lifelong public servant. The event celebrated his enduring impact on civic life, advocacy for disability access and ethical leadership. Wenzel served as the mayor of Scranton from 1986-1990. Speakers at the event included Professor Brian Snee, Joe Ricardo, Leo Russo, Tom Munley, former U.S. Senator Bob Casey, and former Scranton Mayor Christopher Doherty.
(above) Family of David Wenzel who attended the event.
Pictured left to right: Carol Olson, cousin; Michael Heidig, cousin; Carol Wenzel, sister-in-law; Tara Stevens ‘99, cousin; Janet Wenzel; Jill Eidenberg ‘95, cousin; Carlie Pisasale, niece; Peter Pisasale, husband of Carlie Pisasale; and Meghan Eidenberg, cousin.
(left) Professor Brian Snee, Janet Wenzel, Jill Eidenberg.
(left) Special exhibit case with items and Images celebrating former Scranton Mayor David J. Wenzel.
(below) David Wenzel’s wife, Janet, accepts the inaugural CEEPS Public Service Award on his behalf.
Raising Library Spirits — WML at 2025 PaLA Conference
The Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA) held their annual conference in Erie in late October 2025. Themed “Raising Library Spirits—Uplifting the Future,” faculty from the Weinberg Memorial Library engaged with colleagues across the state to share experiences and expertise.
R&I Librarian for Technology & Outreach Professor Sheli Pratt-McHugh presented on “Information Literacy for Real Life: Debunking TikTok Videos with Library Resources.”
Building on their 2024 presentation, Professors Kate Cummings and Sylvia Orner presented “Libraries and AI 2.0,” which focused on prompt writing for librarians and library workers.
(left) “Raise your spirits!” This year’s PaLA annual conference t-shirt design was created by our own Kate Cummings!
Professor Kate Cummings also presented with Heather Lindskold, Information & Community Education Librarian at Altoona Area Public Library, on the intersection of intellectual freedom and social justice in their session, “Championing Freedom: Libraries as Guardians of Intellectual Freedom and Social Justice.”
Cataloging & Metadata Librarian Professor Marleen Cloutier presented a poster on “Preparing for Data Migration,” sharing practical advice and consideration for preparing data and library personnel for change associated with migrating to a new integrated library system or platform.
Great Librarians of PaLA
For the past several years, a PaLA member, Kate Shaw, has created one button each year featuring the likeness of a fellow librarian. This year’s button, which was series 5, honored Professor Sylvia Orner, who is the Weinberg Memorial Library’s Collections and Resource Management Librarian and 2024 Pennsylvania Library Association President. Congratulations Sylvia on being one of the Great Librarians of PaLA!
Winning trivia team: David
Campus Happenings
Books and Brews
The Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library hosted an evening of fun and philanthropy on Oct. 23, 2025, at the Susquehanna Beer Garden at Maiolatesi. Attendees enjoyed a delightful array of beverages from Susquehanna Brewing Company and Maiolatesi Wine Cellars, as well as delicious dishes from Maiolatesi’s chef-curated menu. The evening also included live music and trivia hosted by Tip of My Tongue Trivia. A commemorative pint glass, made at the IDEA Center, was gifted to the first 80 registrants.
Rolling Book Sale
Did you know that the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library offers a mini book sale year-round at the rolling Friends of the Library Book Sale area? This shelving unit is in the vestibule of the rear entrance to the Library. Books are frequently added to this collection and available to purchase at the Library Services Desk when the Library is open. We hope you stop by to purchase a new-to-you read!
Connect and Communicate
Professor Kate Cummings presented a webinar on “Identities: Their Role in Shaping Difference Behavior in Faculty Relationships” on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, for the Pennsylvania Library Association’s College and Research Division’s Connect and Communicate Series.
Shappert, Melisa Gallo, Charles Dooley, Jim Keating
Photo courtesy of: Tip of My Tongue Trivia
Banned Books Display
The Weinberg Memorial Library celebrated our freedom to read and raised awareness during Banned Books Week, Oct. 3-11, 2025, with a Banned Books Display on the second floor of the Library. Students, faculty and staff were invited to stop by and interact with the display as well as find out about frequently challenged titles.
From Manuscript to Print: The Journey of Medieval Books
On Nov. 13, 2025, as part of the Schemel Forum fall programming and in conjunction with an exhibition featuring the McHugh Family Special Collections’ earliest printed book, a circa 1470 editio princeps of “De Dignitate Sacerdocii (Dialogue on the Dignity of the Priesthood)” by St. Johannes Chrysostomus, Special Collections Librarian and University Archivist Michael Knies gave a lecture tracing the transition from handcrafted medieval manuscripts to the mechanical press, featuring selections from the Library’s complete manuscripts, manuscript leaves and incunabula (early printed books) from before 1500.
Affordable Learning Implementation Grant Update
The Weinberg Memorial Library continues to award Affordable Learning Implementation Grants in an effort to encourage faculty to adopt Open Educational Resources (OER) and library licensed materials in their courses.
In Fall 2025, an interdisciplinary judging panel comprised of volunteers from the Library Advisory Committee selected five outstanding applicants to receive Affordable Learning Implementation Grants for courses that will be taught in the Spring/Summer 2026 semesters.
The grant recipients for Spring/Summer 2026 are:
• Dr. Joyanna Hopper, Associate Professor of Political Science
• Dr. Sangita Saha, Assistant Professor of History
• Dr. Jong-Hyun Son, Associate Professor of Biology
Adoption of OER and other no-cost resources in these courses is expected to save an estimated total of $22,250 for approximately 125 students.
The next round of Affordable Learning Implementation Grants will be for courses taught in the Fall 2026 or Intersession 2027 semesters.
—Associate Professor Sylvia Orner, Collections and Resource Management Librarian
Leaves of Class XXVI Winners
August 2025
Winner: John Norcross
Grand Prize: The Schemel Forum (one semester couple’s membership)
Culinary Delights: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar ($25 gift card); Dave & Buster’s ($50 power card); Domino’s (two coupons for a large pizza with two toppings)
Entertainment: Hardback edition of “Dirty Blonde” (courtesy of Barnes & Noble Booksellers-Lehigh Valley); Roba Family Farms (four VIP admission tickets)
Tres Chic: Liztech Pins (butterfly, lobster and mermaid – courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady)
And More!: $250 Cash (courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady); Crystal Vase (courtesy of Driftwood Antiques); Halloween Placemats (four) (courtesy of Driftwood Antiques); Handcrafted Wreath (courtesy of Sheli PrattMcHugh); Kalahari Resorts and Conventions (gift package including $100 gift card); One Point (office supply gift basket)
November 2025
Winner: Karen Vossenberg
Grand Prize: Crunch Fitness (two threemonth Peak memberships, including two personal training sessions)
Culinary Delights: AV ($25 gift certificate); Café Rinaldi ($25 gift card); Dave & Buster’s ($50 power card); Domino’s (two coupons for a large pizza with two toppings); Fork ‘N’ Bowl ($50 gift card); Gertrude Hawk Chocolates ($50 gift card); Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar ($100 gift card); Jack’s Draft House ($30 gift certificate); Northern Lights Expresso Bar & Café ($25 gift card); Retro Café ($25 gift card – courtesy of Rosemary Shaver); Sibio’s Restaurant ($30 gift card); TGI Friday’s ($25 gift card – courtesy of Metz Culinary Management); Thai Rak Thai ($50 gift card); The 16th Ward ($50 gift card)
Entertainment: Actor’s Circle (pair of FLEX tickets); Dietrich Theater (movie gift bag); Hardback edition of “The Women” (courtesy of Barnes & Noble Booksellers-Lehigh Valley); Scranton Art Haus ($25 gift card); “The Outsiders” (CD – courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady)
Tres Chic: Handknit Shawl (courtesy of Bonnie Strohl); Liztech Pins (grapes, turtle, teapot pin and bracelet – courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady)
And More!: Barnes & Noble ($50 gift card – courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady); China Christmas Bowl (courtesy of Driftwood Antiques); Christmas Tote (courtesy of Driftwood Antiques); Crystal Pitcher (courtesy of Driftwood Antiques); Handcrafted Wreath (courtesy of Sheli Pratt-McHugh); Jim Shore Santa (courtesy of Charles Kratz & William Varady); On & On ($25 gift card – courtesy of Rosemary Shaver); Santa Card Holder (courtesy of Driftwood Antiques); Santa Cookie Jar (courtesy of Driftwood Antiques); Santa Light (courtesy of Driftwood Antiques); The Settler’s Inn ($50 gift card); The University of Scranton, Advancement (Royal gift basket); Woodfire Apple Candle (courtesy of Driftwood Antiques)
2026 Ann Moskovitz Leaves of Class XXVII Raffle
The Ann Moskovitz Leaves of Class XXVII Raffle is an annual fundraiser that supports the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Endowment Fund. Proceeds from the endowment support the growth of the Library’s collections and services. Each $25 raffle entry provides a chance to win over $11,000 in extraordinary prizes! There are three drawings left in 2026. Drawings will be held in May, August and November. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. Visit scranton.edu/leaves for more information.
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510-4634
A Newsletter from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library
Scranton, Pa 18510-4634
Co-Editors: Sheli Pratt-McHugh and Marleen Cloutier
Dean of the Library: George J. Aulisio
Phone: 570-941-7816
The University of Scranton is committed to providing a safe and nondiscriminatory employment and educational environment. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other status protected by law. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational, extracurricular, athletic, or other programs or in the context of employment. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination and sexual harassment and sexual misconduct policies may be directed to Elizabeth M. Garcia, J.D., Executive Director and Title IX Coordinator, Office of Equity and Diversity, (570) 941-6645.