Scranton Journal, Spring 2013

SPRING 2013

on the cover

Not all classrooms are created equal. During her intersession course, “Extreme Physiology,” Michelle Graham ’13 takes in a spectacular view in Sedona, Ariz. To read the backstory about the photograph – which was taken by classmate Alexander “Bow” Arrow ’14 – go to page 24, or visit scranton.edu/scrantonjournal.

contents

Renovated St. Thomas Hall as seen from the Dionne Campus Green

President’s Message

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A Look Back with Michael J. McDonald ’68

7 Q&A with William Parente, Ph.D. 12 Surviving Hurricane Sandy 14 University, City ‘Forever Intertwined’ 19 1983 Road Trip to Michigan 26 Athletics 29-31 Alumni News 34-35 Class Notes 36- 48

notables

On the Commons 4 -10

A Message

from the President

Dear Alumni, Since our last issue of The Scranton Journal, we — as a people, nation and faith — have experienced

May we pray for

tumultuous, often uncertain, times. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, the school shooting in Newtown,

the success of

to find God in all things. These are not meant to be lighthearted undertakings, nor have they been.

Pope Francis’ papacy and the continued vitality of the Church in service to the people of God.

Conn., and the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, we have been challenged to question, to prevail and As a Catholic, Jesuit institution, we strive to instill in our community a desire to be “men and women for and with others.” We demand more of our students by challenging them to make Ignatius’ charge — his notion of service — their own. Once learned, we expect our students — our future alumni — to take this belief out with them into the world.

It is with the utmost gratitude and respect that I can say this charge has been widely accepted by our students, faculty, staff and alumni, who are accomplishing so much in so many areas. In the following pages, we recount not only the harrowing days following Sandy, but also the faith-filled journey by members of our “Christianity in Africa” course in Uganda. These endeavors cast light on the good that can come forth in the face of despair.

We pause to celebrate the appointment of Kathleen Granahan Kane ’88 as Pennsylvania’s first female attorney general, the contributions of William Parente, Ph.D., during his 43 years of loyal service, and the relationship — both economically and culturally — between the city of Scranton and our University.

May we also pray for the success of Pope Francis’ papacy and the continued vitality of the Church in service to the people of God. His Holiness shares a special bond with Scranton and all Jesuit colleges and universities as the first member of the Society of Jesus to be so elevated.

What has been our campus’ response to the appointment of Pope Francis? Visit scranton.edu/scrantonjournal to read our “Note from Scranton Hall,” as well as numerous media reports featuring our faculty.

Remember, there is no better time to display our faith than when confronted with uncertainty. As my colleague and friend Ronald H. McKinney, S.J., addresses in his essay, “The Idea of Hope,” we have to embrace “the hope in a better world to come.” Embrace the fact that we are always part of God’s plan, even if that plan is not revealed to us at first.

Sincerely,

Kevin P. Quinn, S.J. President

S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 • VO L U M E 3 4 , N U M B E R 2

Your Take Making a Difference at DePaul My daughter is a graduate, class of 2012, of DePaul Catholic (From the Commons to the Classroom; Fall 2012 Journal). She often speaks of her teachers at DePaul and how much they prepared her for high school.

Kudos to Steve Clark ’06, Steve Fromhold ’06, all of you. Thank you.

– Willie Thomas

EDITOR

Tommy Kopetskie DESIGNER

Jason Thorne CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Kevin Southard Stan M. Zygmunt ’84, G’95 ASSOCIATE WRITERS

Sherrell McMillan Matt Morgan

‘Accept the Diagnosis, But Not the Prognosis’ Well done, Tim Burke, Esq. ’89 (With Each Stride Alumnus Overcomes Multiple Sclerosis; Fall 2012 Journal)! That’s what it’s all about. Having a long-term condition such as MS is no fun.

Coming to terms with it can be tough. But it can be a new beginning as you have shown.

Here’s to an enriching life after diagnosis! As someone (a fellow Scranton alum, class of 1992, with Transverse Myelitis) once told me, “accept the diagnosis, but not the prognosis.”

– Barbara Babcock ’92

ASSISTANT CLASS NOTES EDITOR

Margery Gleason STUDENT EDITOR

Melissa DeSoto ’14 PHOTOGRAPHY

Anthony Cernera Terry Connors George Gomez, Ph.D. Carol McDonald Jim O’Connor Kevin Southard PRESIDENT

Kevin P. Quinn, S.J. VICE PRESIDENT FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Gerald C. Zaboski ’87, G’95

Glad Scranton Values Entrepreneurship I think it is awesome that a school is teaching this (Entrepreneurship: Seizing Your Opportunities; Spring 2012 Journal). Being an entrepreneur myself, I have always said that I wish our schools taught this. Good to see that at least some do.

–FarFromIt

Hopes ‘Dear World’s’ Message Continues Such a well-written piece. Simple, yet inspiring. I hope this campaign goes on and on so that those unsaid thoughts can now be shouted out to the world in such a personalized way. A very nice campaign.

– adaptamed2012

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

Lori J. Nidoh ’80, G’89 MANAGER OF CREATIVE SERVICES

Valarie J. Clark

Finding Her Calling That’s quite the place to find her calling after graduation (Lauren Hahn ’11; Alumna Finds Her Purpose on ‘The Last Frontier;’ Spring 2012 Journal). This just goes to show … you can never really be sure where you’ll end up.

The Scranton Journal is published by The University of Scranton for its alumni and friends.

– yutien_andrada

External Affairs Office The University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510-4615.

(570) 941-7900.

Office of Alumni Relations The University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510-4624.

(570) 941-7660. Email: alumni@scranton.edu 1-800-SCRANTON. Website: scranton.edu/alumni If this issue is addressed to a graduate who no longer maintains a residence at your home, please tear off the mailing panel and mail it, with the corrected address, to the Office of Alumni Relations.

The University of Scranton is a Catholic, Jesuit educational institution serving men and women. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation or age.

The above comments were submitted on The Scranton Journal’s online website, scranton.edu/scrantonjournal. These opinions reflect the thoughts of the individual poster and not necessarily the University – though we will gladly take credit if you like what you read!

Online Journal You had better believe there is more Scranton news than we can fit in this print edition! Look for icons throughout The Scranton Journal indicating there is more related content, including photographs, videos or expanded articles, on our website. Visit scranton.edu/scrantonjournal to access the print version’s full content, plus our web extras.

PHOTOS

STORY

VIDEO

© 2013 The University of Scranton

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On the Commons New Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Appointed In February, the University welcomed Gary R. Olsen, a nationally recognized professional with more than 35 years of experience, as its new vice president for development and alumni relations. For the past two decades, Olsen has served as associate vice president for alumni relations and executive director of the alumni association at Villanova University, Villanova.

“Gary will bring a superior strategic vision and a deep commitment to engaging the wider campus community in development and alumni relations,” says University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J. Gary R. Olsen At Villanova, Olsen played a leading role in crafting its integrated development and alumni relations program. He was also involved with the strategic and operational development of two capital campaigns, founded an award-winning leadership summit, and established an alumni association board of directors, among other accomplishments.

That’s Nice of You to Say U.S. News Rates University Among ‘Best Colleges’ For the 19th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Scranton among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” in the 2013 edition of its “Best Colleges” guidebook.

In its 2013 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” listing, U.S. News also recognized several of the University’s master’s degree programs.

Excelling in Online Education U.S. News & World Report’s “2013 Best Online Education Programs” listing again gave the Scranton’s online graduate program high marks.

The University’s online education program ranked No. 6 in the nation, and its online MBA program earned No. 39, according to the January listing.

Top Fulbright Producer Once Again For the eighth consecutive year, the University was named one of the nation’s “Top Producers of U.S. Fulbright Students.” Scranton is among just 17 “Master’s Institutions” in the nation making the list for the 2012-2013 academic year published by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

A total of five University of Scranton graduates received Fulbright scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic year. A total of 139 University students have received grants in the competitions administered by the Institute of International Education since 1972.

University Named ‘Most Efficient’ Paul Holdengraber (left), director of public programs at the New York Public Library, interviews playwright Stephen Karam on campus as part of the library’s 20th anniversary celebration.

‘Native Son’ Helps Celebrate Library’s Anniversary In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library, the University hosted an event titled “Native Son: Stephen Karam in Conversation with Paul Holdengraber” in December. The evening highlighted Karam – a Scranton native – and his award-winning work.

Karam has authored several critically acclaimed plays, including “Sons of the Prophet,” “Speech & Debate” and “columbinus.” Holdengraber, the dynamic director of public programs at the New York Public Library, led the conversation discussing Karam’s life and work.

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A December listing by U.S. News & World Report includes Scranton among the nation’s “highly ranked universities” that operate “most efficiently.” The University is one of just 40 colleges in the nation recognized, and one of only two Jesuit institutions listed.

Business School Among the Best The Kania School of Management is again listed among the elite “Best 296 Business Schools” profiled in the 2013 edition of The Princeton Review’s guidebook. This marks the eighth consecutive year the University has been selected for the international listing of the “best business schools.”

President’s Business Council Announces New Leadership, 2013 Honorees

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The University’s President’s Business Council (PBC) began 2013 with new leadership and an enhanced organizational structure to better support its objectives of providing mentoring and career opportunities for current students, providing meaningful networking opportunities for alumni and friends, and raising funds for the Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund. Tom O’Brien ’86, founding partner of SumRidge Partners, LLC, is the new chair.

Patti Byrnes Clifford ’86, global chief talent officer for Havas Worldwide and chief talent officer for Havas Creative, is the vice chair for student engagement. Tom Lynch ’86, executive vice president at KDC Solar, LLC, is vice chair for fundraising.

Elizabeth Boyle Madden ’96, vice president at Goldman, Sachs & Co., is vice chair for networking and member development.

At its Twelfth Annual Award Dinner, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 3, at The Pierre Hotel in New York City, the PBC will present Jacquelyn ’89 and John ’86 Dionne with the President’s Medal. A current member of the University’s Board of Trustees, Jackie is a registered nurse who received her bachelor’s degree in health administration. Her intensive care nursing career included several earned certifications while at Mount Auburn, a Harvard teaching hospital, and at the New

1 John ’86 and Jacquelyn ’89 Dionne will be presented with the President’s Medal at the PBC’s Twelfth Annual Award Dinner, scheduled for Oct. 3 at The Pierre Hotel in New York City.

2 Brad Wierbowski ’13, a double major in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and English, offered remarks on behalf of the presidential scholars at the 2012 PBC Annual Award Dinner.

Hampshire Heart Institute. She is an officer with the National Charity League. John, a founding co-vice chair of the PBC, is a Senior Managing Director and Head of Private Equity Investor Relations & Business Development at Blackstone in New York City. He received his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1991. John is a former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees.

“Jackie and John are among our most engaged and devoted alumni,” noted University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J. “We are grateful for their many contributions and are proud to recognize them with this honor.”

The PBC’s Eleventh Annual Award Dinner was held on Oct. 4. More than 500 alumni and friends were in attendance as the Lynett-Haggerty family, owners of Times-Shamrock Communications in Scranton, was honored.

For more information on the PBC or the dinner, contact the PBC Office at (570) 941-5837 or pbc@scranton.edu.

3 At the 2012 PBC Annual Award Dinner, University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J. (center), and Mary Beth Farrell ’79 (right), chair of the PBC, present the President’s Medal to (from left) George V. Lynett, Esq., G’71, William R. Lynett ’72, Cecelia L. Haggerty and Edward J. Lynett Jr. ’65.

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T.A.P.E.S.T.R.Y. Brings Education Together This year’s freshmen in the Panuska College of Professional Studies (PCPS) are the first to participate in a new co-curricular initiative devoted exclusively to developing healthy and well-rounded adults.

The T.A.P.E.S.T.R.Y. program, a four-year program geared toward personal and professional development, offers students an opportunity to experience all the University can provide through a series of structured offerings. As part of T.A.P.E.S.T.R.Y., PCPS students will attend special lectures, complete service learning projects, meet with advisors, and participate in wellness activities designed to build a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

“We’re looking at the whole person and what the person needs to be successful as a professional, including things outside of the classroom,” says Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., PCPS associate dean.

“T.A.P.E.S.T.R.Y. provides a framework for these co-curricular

The T.A.P.E.S.T.R.Y. program was designed to help develop the whole person, providing opportunities for aspects of personal and professional development that don’t cleanly fit into a regular classroom setting.

activities to help students organize and understand how all of these things fit into their University of Scranton education.”

While traditional classes within PCPS are designed to develop the whole person, Dr. Castellanos says some topics inevitably fall through the cracks. The new initiative bridges the gap and provides opportunities for development that don’t cleanly fit into a syllabus.

“The term T.A.P.E.S.T.R.Y. comes from the idea that there are threads across all the programs and across all four years of their undergraduate education in Panuska College,” Dr. Castellanos explains.

Sportsmanship Conference Draws Crowd, Sends Positive Message Jim Thompson (pictured), founder and chief executive officer of Positive Coaching Alliance, addressed 300 University and high school student athletes from 20 area schools at the “Schools Shaping the Culture of Sport” conference held on campus March 5-6. The conference, presented by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association and the Bochicchio Sport Character Initiative, promotes the development of exemplary, positive culture of sport in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Celebrating Christmas with Breakfast More than 520 guests and 100 volunteers celebrated the birth of Christ at the University’s fourth annual Community Christmas Day Breakfast Dec. 25. The breakfast, held on the third floor of the DeNaples Center, was offered free of charge to the elderly and those who are alone or in need. The event was organized by the Center for Service and Social Justice and Dining Services/ARAMARK. 6

TH E SCR ANTON J OU R N A L

NAME:

Michael J. McDonald ’68

HOMETOWN:

Pittsford, N.Y.

Wife, Linda; two daughters, three sons, two daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law and 10 terrific grandkids

FAMILY:

A Look Back

Pastor, New Covenant Fellowship, Penfield, N.Y.

OCCUPATION:

Photography, cooking and keeping up with the grandkids

HOBBIES:

MEMORABLE MOMENTS AT SCRANTON:

Meeting my wife at a Friday night dance freshman year; my dad, a World War II veteran, pinning my lieutenant’s bars on at graduation; and a thousand more in between those events.

Wow! I’m actually in the picture here! Having been the chief photographer for The Aquinas and The Windhover, I was usually on the other side of the camera. The picture really brings back some great memories of working on these publication staffs with people like Kevin O’Keefe ’68, Paul Seymour ’68 and Greg Sorcsek ’68. For many of us, our engagement in these activities was a response to a warning by Rev. Bernard Suppé, S.J., who told us, “Don’t let the books get in the way of your education.” He was right, and jumping into the University community socially, spiritually and through extracurricular activities became important facets of our education.

Father Suppé became more of a mentor than he realized. Both in and out of class he related to and greatly influenced many students. His effect on my wife, Linda, and me was to launch us into a search for the deeper meaning of the word “love.” This search led us into many wonderful opportunities and life-changing decisions. One of the most significant of these was a mid-career change from business to the ministry. In the end, those compulsory concentrations in theology and philosophy held more value than my accounting courses when I became the pastor of New Covenant Fellowship in Penfield, N.Y. I’ve served here for 20 years.

My advice to current students is, “Don’t let the books get in the way of your education.” Jump into the community with both feet; it will benefit you and others.

Linda and I had a ball at our 40th reunion. It was great to see old friends and places that held so many memories for us. We stood on the Dionne Campus Green, at about the place where the old student center auditorium was, and said, “Here’s where we met.” When the dates were announced for the 45th reunion, we made our reservation that day.

Can’t wait to be back!

–– Michael J. McDonald ’68

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Business Club Bestows Professor of the Year Award Officers of the Kania School of Management’s Business Club bestowed their highest honor, the Professor of the Year Award, on Kathleen M. Iacocca, Ph.D. ’07, assistant professor of operations and information management, at their annual Recruiting Expo Dinner. The coveted award is granted annually Kathleen M. Iacocca, Ph.D. through a rigorous studentselection process. Dr. Iacocca is not only a faculty member, but also a Scranton graduate, receiving a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA from the University.

Professor’s Book Picked Among Year’s Best In December, a new book by Psychology Professor John C. Norcross, Ph.D., was selected by The Wall Street Journal as one of the year’s best books. “Changeology: 5 Steps to Realizing your Goals and Resolutions” was among the six “best guides to later life” highlighted.

In the book, Dr. Norcross, an internationally recognized expert on behavior change, shares his science-based program for reshaping behavior and ensuring permanent change.

He explains why the process of self change is the same no matter what behavior is being altered and provides the steps and a structured timeline for lasting results.

Dr. Norcross, a distinguished university fellow at Scranton, has written more than 300 publications and edited or co-written 22 professional books.

Hundreds of Gifts Collected, Donated More than 350 students, faculty and staff donated more than 700 individual holiday gifts, including clothing and toys, to those in need during the annual gift drive held by the Center for Service and Social Justice. In addition, participants “adopted” 88 children through the “adopt an angel” program in which sponsors provide multiple gifts for a child. Pictured (from left) are students Peter DeLong ’14, Mary Longest ’15, Kelly Judge ’14, Kerry Delaney ’14 and Lauren Delle Donne ’13.

Former Professor Endows Scholarship Former Scranton professor and the recipient of multiple Senior Fulbright Awards, Jay Nathan, Ph.D., of Clarks Summit, endowed The Professor Jay Nathan, Ph.D., Scholarship at the University to provide financial assistance to graduate students enrolled in the Kania School of Management who are from Mongolia, Thailand, India, Poland or the Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan or Uzbekistand. The first recipient of the award for 20122013 is Nathawut Suksomanat, a graduate student from Chonburi, Thailand.

A professor for more than 35 years, Dr. Nathan was a Jay Nathan, Ph.D. tenured faculty of the Kania School of Management from 1983 to 1993. He currently teaches as a tenured professor of management at St. John’s University, Queens, N.Y.

University Presents Staff Members with Sursum Corda Awards At a spring convocation, four staff members were presented Sursum Corda (Lift Up Your Hearts) Awards, recognizing employees who have made outstanding contributions to the life and mission of the University.

Pictured (from left) are University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., and Sursum Corda Award recipients Brian Pelcin, university minister; Jim Piazza, carpenter; Kym Fetsko, administrative assistant for the dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library; and Barbara King, director of residence life.

Double Major Receives McGowan Scholarship

Class of 2016 Presidential Scholars Announced Nineteen members of the class of 2016 were awarded four-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarships, which recognizes incoming freshmen with outstanding records in high school and notable community involvement. Seated with University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., are (from left) Alison Gohn, Daniel Clark Jr. and John Clark. Standing (from left) are Ralph Petagna Jr., Norman Frederick Jr., Corey Wasilnak, Tricia Leavy, Andrew Hill, Marisa Riley, Shayne Wierbowski, Cecilia Strauch, Jessica Lavery, Christopher Kilner, Julie Dragonetti, Margaret Capooci, Sara Chapin and Krista Ziegler. Absent from photo are Christopher Musto and Vhalla Otarod.

The Luzerne Foundation awarded a 2012 Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan Cornerstone Scholarship to Kevin Dermody ’13, an economics and history double major and a member of the Business Kevin Dermody ’13 Leadership Honors Program. He holds many leadership roles on campus, including serving as the president of the Pre-Law Society, Omicron Delta Epsilon (economics honor society) and Habitat for Humanity.

The scholarship is awarded to students who are pursuing their education at one of the regional academic institutions to which Father McGowan had devoted his service.

Biology Major Wins Prestigious Scholarship

This year’s Scholars in Service (from left) are Brian Dolan ’15, Matthew Tarantino ’15, Raquel Biondi ’14, Kelly Judge ’14, Deanna Lindberg ’14 and Victoria McAllister ’14. Absent from photo is Anna Phelan ’14.

Seven Students Named Scholars in Service

Vivienne Meljen ’13, a biology major, was selected as a recipient of a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Scholarship to pursue graduate-level study.

To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must demonstrate active participation in community service activities, strong writing skills and financial need, among other criteria.

A member of a diverse group of honor societies, Meljen balances her academic studies with participation in numerous research projects, activities and service initiatives, including serving as a translator at the Leahy Clinic for the Uninsured and organizing a booth on Cuban history and culture at last year’s Diversity Fair.

Seven students have been recognized as AmeriCorps Scholars in Service to Pennsylvania for the 2012-2013 academic year. The award honors students who have committed to complete 300 or 450 hours of individual service in the community during the academic year.

Each scholar volunteers primarily with one or two area nonprofit organizations throughout the year. Some of this year’s service sites include the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten, St. Joseph’s Center and Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania. In addition, the students assist with numerous campus-wide service opportunities, which are organized by the Center for Service and Social Justice and often benefit area residents in need.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Scranton students have been honored with this recognition.

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Nursing Professor Honored with Service Award Marian L. Farrell, Ph.D., professor of nursing, was awarded the University’s John L. Earl III Award for service to the University, faculty and wider community. This award is presented annually to a member of the University community who demonstrates the spirit of generosity and dedication that the late Dr. Earl, a distinguished professor of history, exemplified during his years at Scranton from 1964 to 1996.

An educator for more than 30 years, Dr. Farrell joined the nursing faculty at the University in 1990. Her areas of research include healing experiences of abused women, relationships of abused women and young adult women, and the impact of mentoring in young adult women.

Pictured at the presentation of the annual John L. Earl III Award (from left) are Harold Baillie, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Pauline Earl, wife of the late John Earl, Ph.D.; Marian Farrell, Ph.D., Earl Award recipient, professor of nursing; University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J.; and Kevin Nordberg, Ph.D., past Earl Award recipient and professor of philosophy.

Faculty Member Elected to Serve on National Board Gretchen J. Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, has been elected to a four-year term on the national board of the Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts, which seeks to strengthen the quality and shape the character of church-related institutions of learning for the 21st century.

Deeply committed to the liberal arts, Dr. Van Dyke – in her 19th year Gretchen J. Van Dyke, Ph.D. teaching international relations at Scranton – has served as the University’s faculty representative to the Lilly Fellows Program since 2000.

Online Journal Look for icons throughout The Scranton Journal indicating there is more related content, including photos, videos or expanded articles, at scranton.edu/scrantonjournal.

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Hope A Jesuit Perspective: The Idea of Hope

PHOTOS

STORY

VIDEO

BY RONALD H. MCKINNEY, S.J.

The tragic loss of so many innocent children in the Newtown, Conn., massacre

can’t help but make us question how God could permit such senseless violence. I was sauntering down a Scranton court recently only to discover the word “MOIS” spelled out in masking tape on the path in front of me. Was this some foreign word, I wondered. Perplexed, I continued on until the solution finally hit me. I turned around to confirm my hunch and, sure enough, saw the word “SLOW” glaring at me, as if I were a car going too fast along this narrow roadway and in need of a warning to avoid children at play. I realized that sometimes we need to look at events from a different angle if we are to understand them at all.

After the Holocaust, Austrian-British philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, whose brother died in a concentration camp, wrote: “Of what we cannot speak, we should remain silent.”

However, the premier critic of Holocaust literature, Laurence Langer, allows for our need to express our experience in art and philosophy, lest we be tempted to forget the harm that comes from genocidal rage. He argues, though, that there are authentic and inauthentic expressions. For example, he opposes the optimistic vision found in the entries of the Jewish diarist Etty Hillesum, who perished at Auschwitz. She wrote about the “glorious and magnificent” beauty of God’s love which she glimpsed on occasion in the moon peering out from behind the barbed wire of her concentration camp. She refused to give in to the option of hatred for her persecutors.

The last words she left us were in a postcard thrown out of the train taking her to Auschwitz: “We left the camp singing.”

Langer repudiates such efforts to find redemption and transcendent meaning in the Holocaust experience. For him, the only authentic art is that which courageously expresses the absurdity and senselessness of life.

It seems that today, after going through a necessary period of grief and anger, we need to make a choice. We can decide to glumly see only the barbed wire of life in the future or to blindly revel in only the vision of a beautiful moon. Or, like Etty, we can embrace both: see the glorious moon behind the barbed wire and have hope in a better world to come.

sweet tweets Here are some of our favorite tweets sent to the University’s Twitter accounts in recent months. Join the fun at twitter. com/univofscranton and twitter.com/ScrantonAlumni. @BSNeeHousez Saw three different @univofscranton alumni today running errands, small world. It’s a great day to be a #royal

Get Social with Scranton Are We Facebook Friends?

Procrastinate on Facebook? Us, too! Then don’t forget to “like” the University’s Facebook pages, facebook.com/universityofscranton and facebook.com/ScrantonAlumni.

Thanks to Student Government President Oliver Strickland ’13 for “Instagramming” this photo of campus. He captioned it “I love @univofscranton.” What would you write?

@kmertz22

Anthony Russoniello Photos like this make me miss Scranton in the fall ... hire me to come back!

Missing the @univofscranton #toohard right now #royalsforever

Bethany Purdy In the midst of darkness, here is the light.

@shan3marie

Trudy Gerchak Clemson “FALL”ing for Scranton

I love when you can read a paper you wrote and be proud of it. Ty @univofscranton for letting me indulge in my passion for learning

Amy Mulhern Ensinger Home....

Jessica Piatt My favorite place in the entire world.

@mccabee2 I’m envious of the @univofscranton’s #intersession life. #bringmeback #alumniproblems

@lundinbridge Let’s be honest, if I still went to @univofscranton I’d be wearing a hoodie and sweatpants today. #uofswardrobe

@FoodosaurusRex There’s something magical about getting together with @univofscranton college friends. @merspin12 @MelissaB418 @triciawenke13

@j_figueroa95 Accepted to my #1 college; The University of Scranton! #futureroyal @UofSAdmissions @univofscranton

@thelittlebauer I just reached 1888 tweets, so I figured it would be appropriate to thank the @univofscranton for shaping me into the person I am <3

Congratulations to our new Pope – Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, S.J., from Argentina. And, that’s correct, he’s a Jesuit!

Francene Tearpock-Martini I love his choice name Pope Francis. Saint Francis was humble, loved the environment and animals.

Anne Lyons Glanzman May the Holy Spirit inspire him in his work.

Katharine Kuczynski Bless him, keep him from harm today and always.

Amid loud applause and cheers Kathleen Granahan Kane ’88 was sworn in as the first woman to be elected as Pennsylvania’s attorney general (Jan. 15). We couldn’t be prouder of this alumna!

John Walker She’s definitely a ROYAL!

@Acal

Jim Albert Future governor of PA?

Thank you for years of dedicated service @univofscranton mug. You “randomly” cracked today after being cleaned #Leahysurvivor

Jeff Rossi No surprise ... 88 is the over achiever class.

Pat Wishard Pentis Proud to say she got my vote!

@Chelsaameade Everyday I go to school, I think of it as one day closer to move in at @univofscranton #cantwait #tooexcited #classof2017

Plus, visit scranton.edu/scrantonjournal to read our Facebook post congratulating our 2,100 married alumni couples on Valentine’s Day.

Meet Us Online Check us out online and on your favorite social media platforms. We welcome your comments, posts, tweets and photographs for possible inclusion in the next issue of The Scranton Journal. facebook.com/universityofscranton & facebook.com/ScrantonAlumni • More than 13,800 “like” us! You should, too! twitter.com/univofscranton & twitter.com/ScrantonAlumni • Follow our tweets for the latest Scrantastic news. youtube.com/universityofscranton • Catch the University in action on our YouTube Channel. flickr.com/universityofscranton • Post your best photos so we can share them with your fellow alumni! scrantonalumnisociety.shutterfly.com • Attended a recent alumni event? Maybe we caught you on camera!

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One on One

with William Parente, Ph.D.

Title/Positions: Professor, Political Science Department; former dean, College of Arts and Sciences;

and founder, University’s Fulbright program

Years at Scranton: 43

Hometown: Chicago, Ill.

Family: Seven daughters, two sons (One physician, two federal prosecutors, one school principal, MBA recipient, etc.)

Awards/Honors: Voted Teacher of the Year by 2006 Graduating Class; Voted Teacher of the Year in 2010 by

Alpha Sigma Nu, University’s oldest honor society

Most Remarkable Place You Have Visited: Having visited approximately 74 foreign countries, it’s difficult to name just one.

“Every country is remarkable in its own way,” he says. Four Fulbrights took him to Germany, Korea, Thailand and Indonesia.

There is little doubt that William Parente, Ph.D., is one of the University s more complex figures on campus.

His RateMyProfessor.com profile is wide-ranging, with commenters calling him nearly impossible, while

others describe him as hilarious and a must-take. One former student, Bill Colona 08, recently posted on the University s Facebook page that No NEPA article on politics is complete without a quote from Dr. Parente.

Beyond his shtick ‒ his words, not ours ‒ Dr. Parente has been much more than a lightning rod for opinions.

He has been instrumental in the formation of the University as we know it ‒ something even students who flunked his class can t argue.

During his 15 years (1970-1985) as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, he created 18 ‒ yes, 18 ‒ different

majors. He says his role in leading the creation of the University s nursing, physical therapy and criminal justice programs is his proudest accomplishment. In addition, he established the University s nationally recognized

Fulbright program, as well as the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program. For all of that, he still laments the University never got a law school off the ground, the plan of the late President Dexter L. Hanley, S.J.

recently caught up with Dr. Parente to discuss a myriad of topics, however you must

go online to scranton.edu/scrantonjournal to read the whole story.

Without further ado, here is Dr. Parente in his own words.

Who is/was your favorite politician or political figure?

Reagan was the most effective, and I think most people would agree with that. He carried 49 of 50 states in his 1984 re-election campaign. He was conservative, but had a great sense of humor and kept us out of a war. I make this statement in class: I think it s unfair how we rank presidents. If you don t get us into a war that you then win, you never have the chance of being one of the great presidents. Washington, FDR, Lincoln, they are always ranked as the top three presidents. If you stay out of a war, you never get to be well thought of, or at least thought to be great.

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Biggest mistake made by a candidate leading up to the 2012 presidential election?

There have been several essays in the newspapers about this. One of my favorites is if you are going to run for president, and you ve already done this in 2008, and you are doing it again in 2012, who the heck would have accounts in the Cayman Islands? It just looks suspicious. That struck me as dumb by Romney.

I didn t think Romney was prepared for the obvious: That people are going to say, You are a rich man; you are a millionaire. Well, don t prove it to them. You should try to look poor. [Laughs.]

How would you describe your classroom demeanor and your rapport with students?

The demeanor would be humorous ‒ push the envelope. I try to be humorous, but I m also rigorous, too.

A student who comes late only does it once. Sometimes I ll faint. Sometimes, if a student is really late, I ll grab at my heart and fall down on the floor.

I think I have a good rapport with the bright students, who might take six or seven of my courses. On the other hand, I probably have a terrible rapport with the weak students ‒ like this kid I just gave an F to, who will sensibly never take me again, which is fine with both of us.

One student remembers you telling a class, as you were handing back graded exams, If your blue book is wet, it s because I cried over it. Is this your best zinger?

I don t remember that explicitly. But I say things like that all the time. It wouldn t surprise me.

Now I do remember saying, If the ink looks a little blurry or runny on your blue book, it might be from the tears that came from my eyes when I read your terrible essay.

Students often remember things I don t. I wish they would remember the text material as well.

You have been quoted as telling students, Everything I say in class is a lie ... the truth is in the text.

Is this accurate and why is this true?

The truth is in the text. Yes, it is true. Everything I say in class is a lie, including that statement.

A student recalls you once taped three pennies to her mid-term and told her, Hope this helps you buy the text. That same student called you a genius, adding other schools should be so lucky to have him. Any reaction to such high praise?

Sometimes I tape pennies, sometimes a dollar. Whatever I have on me. But it s only a dollar and I m making a point. As for the genius comment, she probably feels bad for me or something.

OPPOSITE PAGE: William Parente, Ph.D., sits in his O’Hara Hall office with his beloved typewriter. ABOVE LEFT: Alpha Sigma Nu presented its 2010 Teacher of the Year Award to Dr. Parente. Pictured (from left) are Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., past president of the University, Dr. Parente and Timothy Smilnak ’10. ABOVE CENTER: Here is a photograph of Dr. Parente from the administration page of the 1973-74 Windhover.

ABOVE RIGHT: Father Pilarz presents Dr. Parente with a Teacher of the Year Award, which was voted on by the 2006 graduating class.

FAR RIGHT: In 1976, Dr. Parente speaks with Mildred Jefferson, M.D., who received an honorary degree from the University that year.

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Surviving

On the late-October night that Hurricane Sandy’s swells initially pummeled New Jersey, New York and much of the East Coast’s shorelines, Brian Wilton ’97 slept on the floor of a Belmar, N.J., police station in his wet suit that was still damp from the evening’s labor.

A lieutenant of the Belmar Water Rescue Team, Wilton and his crew quarreled with floodwaters, debris, downed power lines and trees, and hurricane force winds to make 37 saves that night. Over the course of the next three days, the rescue team saved nearly 200 people, pulling residents – from an 18-month-old baby to 90-plus-year-old women – from houses surrounded and submerged in four to five feet of water. “That first night, there were spots where I was almost chest-deep in water, which is really impossible to move around in,” says Wilton, an attorney when not saving countless lives.

As dawn arrived, Belmar residents who braved the storm realized the ocean waters moved the shoreline six blocks inland. Sections of boardwalk – some 20 feet long with benches still attached – had been relocated, along with many other objects, in the night.

The rescue calls soon picked up, continuing non-stop for the next few days. Wilton says the sheer force of the storm isn’t understandable until you see the destruction yourself.

“Until I pulled up and saw it with my own eyes, four or five feet of water on our main street, more than a mile from the ocean, I didn’t appreciate how bad it was,” he says.

“That’s when I realized the magnitude of the storm.”

Sandy arrived with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, leaving hundreds of thousands to pick up the pieces, including more than 6,000 University of Scranton alumni residing in the storm’s flood areas. In the days and months following, countless Royals embraced their alma mater’s refrain of “being men and women for others,” assisting neighbors, friends and often strangers get back on their feet.

Here are their stories.

TOP: The

day after Hurricane Sandy’s arrival Brian Wilton ’97 (second from right) and his water rescue team met with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. The water rescue team made nearly 200 saves following the storm. CENTER: As Matt Lockhart ’07 and Elizabeth Mills Lockhart ’07 walked out of Hoboken, N.J., following Sandy, they encountered the National Guard. BOTTOM: Wilton (pictured) pulls a family to safety with an inflatable raft in Belmar, N.J. BACKGROUND: The street outside of the Lockharts’ apartment in Hoboken was submerged in water following the storm.

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One Tiring Shift The first time Mary Rose ’10 heard about the impending storm everyone now knows on a first-name basis she was attending a Halloween party at her sister Georgia’s Hoboken, N.J., apartment with nearly 15 other Scranton alumni.

Forty-eight hours later, Rose – a registered nurse at NYU Langone Medical Center in Manhattan, N.Y. – was helping evacuate an entire floor at the center, including the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and her own general pediatrics department.

Located a block off the East River, the medical center eventually took on more than 14 feet of water, causing enough damage to close parts of the facility for 73 days. Before the storm’s arrival, Rose prepped during her normal 12-hour shift, relocating her pediatrics department to a more secure location on the center’s campus. As her shift concluded, she planned to ride out the storm in the hospital with her fellow staffers when they were alerted to a power failure in their main building, necessitating more evacuations.

For the next few hours, doctors, nurses and staff prepped NICU and PICU patients, many weighing as few as two pounds, for the nine-flight walk down the stairs to waiting

ambulances scheduled for area hospitals. With the power out, elevators were of no use.

One premature infant after another was moved, including a 2-plus-pound baby by Rose, her four fellow nurses and a manager. Down the narrow stairwell, with a security guard clearing the way and a doctor spotting them, the nurses carried the baby and five pumps attached to IVs. Without the necessary room, Rose held her pump above her head the entire trip.

“I did wonder to myself, ‘Why am I not freaking out right now?’” recalls Rose. “But everybody was so calm. Yes, it was a bit chaotic, but it was a controlled chaos. We all knew what we had to do. We train so much for disaster situations like this.”

Once the NICU and PICU patients were transported, Rose and her staff evacuated her generic patients, who were relocated earlier in the day.

More than 21 hours after her shift began, Rose wrapped up her day, sleeping onsite in an evacuated building. She woke up three hours later to travel home, unaware she wouldn’t return to work at the center for two-plus months.

“The whole day I was going on adrenaline. When I woke up though, I felt like I had died,” she recalls.

Mary Rose ’10, a registered nurse at NYU Langone Medical Center in Manhattan, N.Y., helped evacuate patients for nearly 21 hours during Hurricane Sandy.

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An Anniversary Not to be Forgotten To Matt Lockhart ’07 and Elizabeth Mills Lockhart ’07, it seems only fitting they celebrated their first wedding anniversary – Oct. 29 – in Hoboken with Hurricane Sandy. One year earlier, a surprise storm dropped 19 inches of snow on their wedding day.

“We’ve received a lot of phone calls asking us what’s in store for us next year,” Beth Lockhart laughs.

From their third-floor apartment, the couple watched the city sit in darkness for four days before seeking refuge at the home of Pat Lockhart ’93, Matt’s brother.

Despite no heat or water, and sustained by leftovers, the couple consider themselves fortunate considering water reached the third step of their apartment’s stairwell. The couple’s positive outlook is remarkable given their Volkswagon Rabbit didn’t survive the raging waters.

When the water finally receded, the Lockharts – joined by a fellow tenant they hardly knew – hiked to Weehawkin, N.J., where all three stayed at Pat’s house.

“We put on our galoshes, pulled garbage bags up around our pants, and walked a mile or so looking at all the damage,” Lockhart says.

Months later Hoboken is still recovering says Georgia Rose ’09, who lives in a fifth-floor apartment with Kathleen Reedy ’09 and Meg Hess ’09. Since Hoboken has a history of flooding, and all three alumnae work in health care professions, they left town before the storm and stayed with their parents. When they returned the following week, the area was still in disarray. “I don’t think any of us were really prepared to see how much damage had been done,” Rose recalls.

“It was so odd to see the National Guard driving right outside of our apartment.”

Thanks to its young demographic, Hoboken is home to many restaurants and businesses. The storm closed many of them for weeks, and the once bustling neighborhood was noticeably quiet. Instead of passersby, the streets were filled with discarded beds, clothes, furniture and personal effects.

“It was like everyone’s belongings were on the curb,” Hess says. “Basically their entire apartments – their whole lives – were thrown out on the curb. You felt for these people. It is heartbreaking to see that these people lost so much.”

The garbage stayed on the sidewalks for weeks, moldy reminders of what people had lost.

Matt and Elizabeth Lockhart captured these images in the days following the storm in Hoboken, N.J., including a neighbor kayaking down the street and a handwritten message left on their car, which was totaled due to flood damage.

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Three days after Sandy hit her Staten Island, N.Y., community – sparing her home – Debra Sorrentino Zito ’92 filled her Chevy Tahoe with anything she could pull off the shelves: blankets, canned goods, clothing and jackets.

“I packed as much stuff as I could fit,” she says. What she encountered driving around that day has stayed with her since: houses missing or barely resembling buildings at all; cars on top of other cars; people living without heat and electricity; and very little organization.

On street corners, makeshift drop-off locations sprouted up, collecting everything and anything. “They looked like mini flea markets,” Zito says.

While the donations piled up, she soon learned the issue wasn’t quantity, it was distribution. “People affected by the storm didn’t have cars, and they couldn’t get around, so I went out every day to these drop-off locations and loaded up my car,” she says.

After making as many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as she could – on occasion substituting sandwiches with macaroni and broccoli – Zito drove around the downtrodden neighborhoods, handing out goods, often going door to door.

“I didn’t know these people from Adam, and they would tell me their whole story,” she recalls. “I think it was therapeutic for them to see a friendly face – even if it was an unfamiliar face – that had hot chocolate, coffee or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It cheered them up.”

Often she would be mistaken for the American Red Cross. “I wasn’t from an organization, it was something that I felt I had to do,” she explains.

When she wasn’t going door to door, Zito took advantage of Facebook to both connect with those in need and gather supplies. “It was a great way to share what was needed here, and what the situation was,” she says.

“Facebook was almost mandatory to get the word out.”

One person who saw Zito’s pleas was former classmate Angela DePetris Lewis ’92.

In Morris Plains, N.J., about an hour west of Staten Island, Lewis lost power and a few tree branches, but nothing significant. She was one of the lucky ones, she figures. “When I saw the rest of the town, I had sort of survivor’s guilt, feeling so fortunate, and I wanted to know what I could do,” Lewis says.

From that moment forward, Lewis and friends collected hot meals, cleaning supplies, toys and clothes, utilizing Facebook posts to spearhead five different collection efforts. It was on social media where she saw Zito’s efforts and decided to help, making two donation trips to Staten Island. Lewis says she couldn’t believe the destruction once she arrived. “Houses were gone or in shambles, and that went on for blocks and blocks and blocks,” she explains.

Lewis also made trips – with Mary Fahey Dorrer ’93 – to Brick, N.J., and Bay Head, N.J., but she said Staten Island’s destruction stood out.

“I think the whole social media thing was so instrumental with recovery efforts,” Lewis says. “I didn’t need to call 20 people. I could just post what we needed, and the response I received was wonderful. People wanted to know how to help.”

A Reason to ‘Like’ Social Media

Following Hurricane Sandy, Debra Sorrentino Zito ’92 and Angela DePetris Lewis ’92 took advantage of social media to spread the word about volunteering opportunities and donations. Here are a few of their posts in the wake of the storm. The background image, taken

by Brian Wilton, shows the flooding around Lake Como in Belmar, N.J.

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Scranton Alumni Respond to Sandy Eric Brophy ’92, Mark Degenhart ’85, Mike Short ’99 and Justin Canning ’10 all came to the aid of others during the dark hours, days and months that followed Hurricane Sandy.

Visit scranton.edu/scrantonjournal to read their stories, which includes one riveting video.

Our Campus Response For an in-depth look at how our University students responded to Sandy, including spring break service trips to Oceanport, N.J., and Staten Island, N.Y., visit us at scranton.edu/scrantonjournal.

Raising Donations, Raising Hope Watching many Long Island and Queens, N.Y., neighborhoods – some right in his backyard – succumb to Sandy, Tom Grech ’84 (inset), president of the University’s Alumni Society, couldn’t sit on his hands.

“We battened down the hatches like everybody else in our area,” he says. “We hoped for the best and prepared for the worst.”

The worst came and areas like Long Beach, Island Park and Howard Beach, just a few miles away, were decimated. Months later, approximately 40 percent of the population has not returned, many because there is nothing to come back to. After the storm surge, these families had nowhere to turn, with financial assistance from government agencies days, maybe months, away, Grech explains.

As a result, he – along with two fellow Malverne, N.Y., residents – formed “RepairRestoreRenew: The South Shore of Long Island,” a group that collects funds and provides direct financial assistance to families impacted by Sandy. The goal was to dispense money to people as quickly as possible. Through email blasts and Facebook posts, the group pulled together $2,000 within 24 hours, with donations coming from as far as Florida and even Japan. In the next three months, the group collected more than $12,000, assisting more than 20 families. The group’s Facebook page alone yielded more than 1,100 members.

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Without the time to set up an official 501(c)3 organization, RepairRestoreRenew quickly moved forward on trust – and a PayPal account. As soon as money or checks arrived, Grech and his partners distributed the funds as soon as possible. “The goal was to figure out who needed it most, especially first responders like police officers, firemen, teachers and their families who were affected,” he says. Grech vividly recalls driving to Broad Channel, Queens, at the request of a Scranton alum and friend to deliver $500 to a woman who was living in her car after losing everything. The reaction? It was emotional for both parties.

“The recipients were typical American families, who never had to ask for anything before in their lives,” he says. “These are the folks who always give to others. They have a deep sense of pride, and it often took a lot for them to say, ‘yes.’ I almost always had to force it into their hands.”

In December, RepairRestoreRenew teamed with the Alumni Society, collecting toys at the University’s alumni Christmas parties along the East Coast. With the society’s assistance, RepairRestoreRenew accumulated more than 1,000 toys for its holiday toy drive, distributing them to communities on Long Island. Grech and company hope to continue collecting donations in the months to come.

Large sections of debris, including planks from the boardwalk, were displaced nearly a mile from the shore in Belmar, N.J. Brian Wilton, who captured this shot, knows several families who live on the street. One friend’s house was torn down because of extensive damage.

Intertwined Forever

Examining the University’s Economic & Community Impact on the City of Scranton EDITOR’S NOTE: 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.

Dating back to August 1888, when Bishop William G. O’Hara, the first Bishop of Scranton, blessed a single block of granite as a cornerstone for his new college on Wyoming Avenue, The University of Scranton and the city for which the institution bears its name have been connected. Just as it was fact 125 years ago, it remains that way today – a certainty Jesuit founder St. Ignatius would revel in.

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 the site where transformational education best takes place, and it is here in Scranton that the University’s students learn, engage and grow. The following report highlights the many positive ways the University engages and impacts the 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,” says University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J.

An Employer & Economic Engine

It’s clear that the University’s presence in Northeastern Pennsylvania makes a positive economic impact on the region.

In a dollar amount, the figure stands at $404,077,660 for the 2011-2012 academic year. Since 1980, the institution’s impact on the city and the region moves north of $5 billion.

(The estimate is based on established economic impact studies and formulas, including those used by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania.)

While nearly half a billion dollars might be difficult to comprehend fully, here is a more digestible fact: An estimated 1,749 jobs can be directly or indirectly attributed to the University’s presence in the region. For each full-time employee at the University, an estimated .68 additional jobs are created in the local economy.

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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 nearly 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 eight percent of the city’s workforce.

Another demographic that can’t be overlooked is the nearly 6,000 Scranton students who eat, work, study and live in the city.

In a recent survey of student spending among Lackawanna County colleges – designed to provide business owners with information on how to tap into the economic potential of this group – University of Scranton students reported spending an average of $1.4 million off campus each month.

Furthermore, the University’s Small Business Development Center works to nurture the economy of Northeastern Pennsylvania by providing entrepreneurs with the education, information and tools necessary to build successful businesses. Through nocost small business consulting services, the center provided 631 consulting hours to 115 clients in the city in 2011-2012. As a result, six businesses were started, 18 jobs created and 11 saved.

Additionally, the University’s Office of Community Relations is currently in year two of its Downtown Engagement Initiative, working to increase the University community’s interaction with the city’s downtown. Since it began in August 2011, the initiative has drawn more than 3,500 individuals downtown through more than 35 special events and promotions, including the well-received fall student scavenger hunt.

“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,” says Maureen Duffy, owner of Duffy Accessories, located downtown on Linden Street.

A Good Neighbor

The University is proud to call the city of Scranton home, and home is a very accurate description. Nearly 1 in 10 “Scrantonians” are University students, alumni or employees. Like any good neighbor, these individuals – as well as the institution – share their time, talents and treasure with the surrounding communities.

While the institution meets or exceeds all of the requirements for tax exemption in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 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. This is in addition to the $3.16 million invested since 2007 by the institution to help subsidize the Mulberry Street Improvement Project, improving the Mulberry Street corridor and connecting the University campus to the nearby neighborhood.

The University truly views itself as a partner with the community, and that is reflected in numerous undertakings and ventures. Since 2004, the campus has hosted 4,567 events by community organizations, waiving more than $492,000 in room usage fees. Every year the University hosts more than 100 concerts, performances and lectures that are free to the community, and the Weinberg Memorial Library is open to the public.

Meet a few of the faculty, staff and students who have embraced the city of Scranton as their own. Visit scranton.edu/scrantonjournal to hear their stories.

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Furthermore, the Office of Community Relations, which serves as a link to the Greater Scranton area, began in 2011 to convene “Neighbor Night” events every academic semester. These evenings allow Scranton residents, particularly in the Hill Section and downtown, to hear the school’s latest developments, ask questions, and engage in discussion with University leaders.

“Neighbor Nights have helped demystify the University, giving Scranton residents an opportunity to come on campus, ask questions, and hear the latest news,” says Karin Foster, president of the West Scranton Hyde Park Neighborhood Watch.

Serving the City & One Another

Certainly, “love is shown more in deeds than in words,” as St. Ignatius explains. That notion has been widely accepted by University students, faculty and staff, committing themselves to hundreds of community service and volunteer programs, ranging from food, clothing, holiday gift and blood drives to mentoring programs and clean-up days. The University’s Center for Service and Social Justice works regularly with more than 120 Scrantonarea nonprofit organizations to engage students in addressing community needs.

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. The hours, however, do not tell the full story. Rather, it is the real-world experience that students gain and the human impact that is made on individuals in the Scranton community. Both benefit from

engagement with one another.

“The University gives you the mindset that it’s important to do service,” says Julie Ann Nastasi, O.T.D. ’00, faculty specialist in the Department of Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy, who volunteers at the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind and established the University’s Prayer Shawl Ministry. “It becomes so engrained that you don’t even think about it anymore.”

One of the more prominent areas of need facing Lackawanna County residents has been access to health care. Since opening in 2007, the Edward R. Leahy Jr. Clinic for the Uninsured has answered this demand, providing free health care services to uninsured Lackawanna County residents who may otherwise forgo health care, or seek care inappropriately in hospital emergency rooms. In 2011-2012, the center treated 1,400 patients, dispensed 765 prescriptions, and administered 105 immunizations. In addition, the clinic is a vital educational setting for University students. In the last academic year, 99 students contributed 1,375 hours at the facility.

“The service component is a very strong component to a Jesuit education,” explains Sean Brennan, Ph.D., assistant professor of history and regular volunteer at St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen in Scranton. “That’s what attracted me here to the University. I am drawn – I’m sure like others – to the Jesuit message of developing the mind, the faith, and the strong service component.”

Read About the University’s Impact The University’s overall economic impact is among the data published in the Economic and Community Impact report for the 2011-2012 academic year, which is available online at scranton.edu/economic-impact.

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Intersession Course Offers Revealing Look Into Ugandan Culture & Communities

Beds are numerous but space is scarce in the hospital in Masaka, Uganda. Patients suffering from illnesses ranging from malaria to AIDS lie or sit within an arm’s length of one another. Bed space is limited and some patients are assigned to small, thin mattresses on the floor.

There is no such thing as a private room here. Wards, located in areas about the size of four standard hospital rooms, house up to 50 people. Nurses provide only basic medical care. Family members gather closely around their loved ones, cooking their meals and helping them bathe.

This is the state of health care in Uganda and it’s unlike anything Katherine Juliano ’13 had ever experienced before.

Juliano is a nursing student at The University of Scranton and one of a small group of students who spent 13 days in Uganda during intersession as part of the University’s “Christianity in Africa” course.

“We were warned it was going to be a difficult experience,” Juliano says. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.”

In the hospital, students weren’t allowed to touch patients, but they could smile and wave. The interaction was heart wrenching. At first, students witnessed people listless with fever or weary from the strain of chronic illness. Seeing patients in this state was difficult, especially for the six nursing students on the trip for they could offer little assistance. The most the students could do was be present.

Juliano remembers one particularly fragile woman. She tried to catch the woman’s attention by waving, but she didn’t respond. Eventually the woman slowly pulled her hand out from under her bed sheet and motioned slightly to say hello.

“She was so weak laying on that bed,” Juliano recalls. “She couldn’t even smile. My heart just broke.”

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After first touring the facility, students returned to distribute about 200 care packages – purchased through donations – containing small amounts of sugar, rice, soap and bread.

Students were overwhelmed by the response. Patients were extremely appreciative and praised their visitors, smiling and clapping. Many students left wishing they could do more.

Christianity in Africa is a course designed to teach students the history of the Ugandan martyrdoms of the late 1800s, but it taught so much more. Students witnessed the grim reality of poverty and suffering and were forced to reconcile it with the life they otherwise know.

“It was such an in your face reality check,” explains Liz Piliero ’13, a philosophy major. “You think, I have a duty to stay there for them, smile for them, and give them whatever I could give instead of this hopelessness.”

Poor in Possessions, But Rich in Relationships Charlie Pinches, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Scranton, has taken students to Uganda for the past eight years. Each year he refines the trip and course work. He adds new readings to offer perspective about the people of Uganda, and he develops new ways to foster better dialogue in the nightly discussion groups.

He also realizes nothing he does or says on the trip will have nearly as much impact as what the students see for themselves.

“It’s the most transformative teaching I do and the teaching comes not from me talking, but rather simply showing,” Pinches says. “Nobody can picture it until they’re there.”

The lessons aren’t just from heartbreaking scenes like the one at the hospital in Masaka, though those are certainly part of the

experience. Instead it’s the joy of the Ugandan people even in the midst of much sadness that leaves the most enduring impression.

Beyond the disease and poverty in Uganda is the innate and unshakable spirit of its people. Ugandans face uncertainty in their lives each day, but rather than wilt under the bleak outlook, they find happiness. Rather than focusing on possessions, Ugandans value relationships. They depend on each other. They find joy in what they do have and in the community surrounding them.

This was evident to the members of the Christianity course.

The idea of catering to guests is important in Ugandan culture and the Scranton students saw it firsthand. In one stop, students were welcomed to a jubilee celebration for a Catholic sister who had given her life to teaching. They were seated close to the honored nun and embraced by a group of more than 300 partygoers who an hour before were complete strangers.

“They were so unconditionally loving, so happy, so hospitable, so welcoming,” Juliano explains. “It was totally life changing.”

This juxtaposition of poverty and happiness is something many Americans don’t know how to handle.

“When you first go, you’re hit in the face with the conditions,” Dr. Pinches says. “And if you stay a while you recognize how different their culture is and also how beautiful it is.”

Serving Others Through Teamwork Watching the Ugandan nurses work, Cathy Lovecchio, Ph.D., assistant professor of nursing at Scranton, couldn’t help but notice how their work process differed from their American counterparts.

“When they do their dressing changes, they use honey to draw the fluid out of their wound,” Lovecchio notes. “In this country we’d never use a high sugar content-based product because here we feel that draws bacteria. But over there, it works.”

Dr. Lovecchio points this out not to cast judgment – quite the opposite in fact. Working without the benefits of modern technology and medicine, Ugandan nurses do more with less, she says. They compensate for a lack of supplies with a strong connection with patients.

In the past, the Christianity course was offered mainly to students in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts (SJLA) Honors Program. However when Dr. Lovecchio was asked to chaperone the trip, she immediately inquired about including her nursing students. She felt her students could gain invaluable experience. “I thought it would provide a way to help these students develop their compassion,” Lovecchio explains.

The mix of students allowed each group to learn from one another. Nursing students offered medical knowledge, putting what the group saw in context. Likewise, the SJLA students, as well as Daniel Haggerty, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and SJLA director at Scranton, provided religious and philosophical insight during their nightly group discussions. “I was really grateful we were able to have that variety of opinion,” Juliano says.

The two groups also exhibited their strengths in service projects during the trip. Nursing students hosted an HIV prevention exercise in one of the towns they visited, while non-nursing students helped build a house overlooking the rainforest for a family of Batwa Pygmy people.

“It was absolute teamwork,” explains Pat Harrington, Ed.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Nursing at Scranton. “We stood with them and worked, and at the end of the day the family had a new house to live in.”

An Experience That Won’t Be Forgotten Upon returning from her 13-day trip, Piliero felt compelled to clean out her closet. All the old shirts, pants, shoes – anything she doesn’t use anymore – if it still had monetary value, it had to go.

Piliero has been determined to not let her experience in Uganda go to waste. It’s not enough to go on a trip and return to the status quo, she feels. There has to be a next step. For her, it’s selling clothes to raise money for Uganda. “The money can go such a long way there,” Piliero explains. “I think I have enough clothes to pay for like 10 people’s education.”

Piliero says she’s privileged to have gone to Uganda and, while she feels they accomplished a lot, she’d like to return and complete a larger project.

She isn’t the only student affected by the Christianity in Africa course. One student on the trip decided she was going to dedicate her life to service. Another said the experience inspired her to become a better Christian.

Before the trip Juliano raised money through her church to pay for expenses. She donated her leftover money to the people of Uganda, but she too feels the need to give back.

The future nurse says the experience in the hospital in Masaka is an experience that will push her professionally. “I’ll always have this drive to do something about it, even if it’s not at that hospital,” Juliano explains.

Want a closer look at Uganda? Check out the Journal’s website, scranton.edu/scrantonjournal, to see photos and videos of the “Christianity in Africa” course.

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ExtR eme To The

Intersession Course Exposes Students to Arizonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diverse Climate

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Earning three credits has never been more breathtaking. The photographs you see

are a sampling of images provided by the participants in the University’s intersession travel course “BIOL 395 – Extreme Physiology.”

During the three-plus-week biology course, 10 students, led by Terrence Sweeney, Ph.D., professor of biology, and Tara Fay, faculty specialist, examined the stunning and diverse environments of Arizona, investigating human physiological adaptation to extreme environmental and aerobic challenges.

Utilizing the students as both subjects and investigators, challenges included exposure to the desert environment, prolonged bouts of exercise – including a 30-mile bike ride – and extensive changes in altitude.

A top-to-bottom hike of the Grand Canyon highlighted this year’s course, and included an overnight stay at the canyon’s Phantom Ranch. “That trip allowed me to see why the Grand Canyon is considered one of the seven wonders of the natural world,” says Eric Brazon ’14.

Through the classroom work, long van rides, exercises, meal preparation and family-style dinners, the students and faculty explain that an obvious bond developed. “The friendships and the family ties that were made on this trip honestly will always make me smile,” says Gregory Stonier ’15.

Here’s a glimpse into the extreme circumstances the class encountered in Arizona.

A special thanks to Terrence Sweeney, Ph.D., Tara Fay, Alexander Arrow ’14 and Nick Cucci ’14 for sharing their striking images.

Want to hear the backstory to these stunning photographs and see additional images we couldn’t fit in print? Visit scranton.edu/scrantonjournal to read the students’ journal entries highlighting their time in Arizona.

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p i r T d Roa Gra

tion:

Destina

. h c i M , ds i p a R d n

rricane a cross-fire hu I was born in iving rain, y ma in the dr m at d le w And I ho ct, it’s a gas! ght now, in fa But it’s all ri jack flash, t. I’m jumpin’ gh ri l al ’s it But s! gas!

It’s a gas! ga

— The Rolling

Stones

How the Men’s Basketball Team, Its Fans & The Rolling Stones Claimed the 1983 Division III Championship In the spring of 1983, there was no bigger stage than the basketball court at the John J. Long, S.J., Center. While Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones may have opened the show – literally, not figuratively – the men’s basketball team was the headliner, and the Royals didn’t disappoint.

To secure a seat at a Scranton home game meant arriving an hour before tip off, joining the standing-room-only crowd or wedging yourself into the crowded wooden bleachers. The chants of “Roooyyyyaaallls, Roooyyyyaaallls” started soon thereafter thanks to “super fans” like Tom Grech ’84, Mark Degenhart ’85, Rocco Mariano ’84, George Rafferty ’83 and so many more. Of course, Paul LeClair ’84 – and his alter ego, the Royal Rooster mascot – was already working up a sweat, playing to the crowd and razzing opponents.

Mark Hutchinson ’83, a starter on the 1982-1983 Royals, recalls experiencing chills before the team even hit the floor.

“We’d be in the locker room a good hour before the game, and our lockers were shaking because the gym was already at capacity,” he says. “The fans would be chanting, cheering and stomping. Our lockers would literally be vibrating.”

The Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” was a staple of the Royals’ introduction and, before Jagger’s voice reached its crescendo, the Long Center was in full frenzy. The song became the team’s anthem, so much so it resonates with fans decades later.

“I can’t hear that song today without it taking me back to my college experience and the Royals’ basketball team,” says Karen Kaczmarczyk Roberts ’84, then a captain on the cheerleading squad. “That was their song.”

Legendary coach Bob Bessoir reveled playing in front of the home crowd, moving the bleachers to the edge of the sideline.

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“The Long Center was a tough place to play,” he says. “Division III teams weren’t used to playing in games where fans were all over the court. We were the ‘Rock-N-Roll’ Royals.”

It should be noted that the original “Rock-N-Roll” Royals were the members of the 1976 championship squad, but the 1982-1983 team proudly carried on the winning tradition, according to Coach Bessoir.

After securing their place in the NCAA Final Four, the Royals – like any popular band – hit the road, headed for Grand Rapids, Mich., site of the 1983 NCAA Division III tournament championship. The Scranton faithful followed – in droves.

This isn’t a story so much about the University’s championship-winning basketball team. It’s a story about how the Royals’ fans caught “Michigan Fever” and turned Calvin College’s fieldhouse into “Long Center West.”

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you wanted to be there to make the most of it,” says Francie Truran Warther ’84, a Royals cheerleader. Adds Roberts, “Everybody knew that we would remember this trip for the rest of our lives.”

Immediately following Scranton’s 65-64 quarterfinal win over Potsdam State, “Michigan Fever,” as The Aquinas called it, “spread throughout the campus as quickly as a Royals fast break.” Nearly 650 miles separate Scranton and Grand Rapids, and University students and Royal faithful were concocting nearly that many ways to make the trip.

While the basketball team flew to Michigan – the first plane trip for several members of the team, Hutchinson recalls – students hit the road by automobile, bus and rented “wrecks.”

Although the 1983 championship team enjoyed the tune, Coach Bob Bessoir says his 1976 men’s basketball team first incorporated “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” into its pre-game introductions.

It was a tribute to Jack Maher ’76, who was an outstanding jumper, according to the coach.

Packed in his roommate Greg Strasuss’ station wagon, Keith Lane ’85 and two others – maybe three, who can remember – made the long drive. “I don’t know if you have ever done that trip to Ohio and Michigan, but it is basically Route 80 West the whole way,” Lane says. “Once you get into Ohio, you make a right turn and head north.”

Likewise Grech teamed up with 15 people to rent an eightperson Winnebago from a Dunmore rental company. “By any means necessary we were getting out there,” he says. The Aquinas reported Dan Shea ’83 skipped his GMATs and rented a vehicle from Rent-A-Wreck with nine of his fellow Royals. Similarly Mike Booth ’83, Ted Christy ’84 and six others chipped in on their own rental.

Mariano, who was roommates with high-flying forward Jeff Jones ’84, didn’t have an automobile or the money to make the trip himself. Instead, he led a bus trip with sports information director Ken Buntz’s blessing.

For just $70 fans purchased a bus ticket that included transportation, lodging and game tickets. “The only way for me to get out there was to run that trip,” Mariano says. “Once we found out the team was going to Michigan, everyone started making plans to get out there.”

As many as 16 buses hit Route 80 packed with students, family, friends, alumni and other members of the Scranton community. The actual number of buses has evaded those who made the trip 30 years ago.

“It was my first major road trip in college,” says Lane, a photographer for The Aquinas. “We drove straight through. We had no place to stay. It was just four or five of us with just enough money for gas and junk food. Sometimes it was uncomfortable, but we wanted to be there.

“As a journalist, as a fan of the team, as a student at the school, you had to be there.”

The memories of the city of Grand Rapids and the campus of Calvin College have faded for many of the Royals who made the road trip. In fact, for some, it’s hard to recall who made the trip at all. “I don’t remember how many of my good friends went, but it was the type of thing where you almost didn’t care,” explains Degenhart. “It was a pilgrimage. If you were into the team and into the season, you just wanted to make the trip.”

“There was this excitement among the fans,” Lane adds. “To us, it was the playoffs, not just the Division III playoffs. If it’s your school, it doesn’t matter what division it is, it’s the Final Four.”

While Scranton had the furthest trip of the four semifinal teams, there was an undeniable pro-Royals crowd at Calvin College’s Knollcrest Fieldhouse. In every direction, purple and white dominated the crowd.

When starter Mickey Banas ’84 looked into the stands, he saw his roommate Steve Casey ’84 and his entire dorm, the Mercer House, as well as family, friends and alumni who were all regulars at the Royals’ games. Even Scranton mayor James Barrett McNulty was there. It might not have been the Long Center, but it sure resembled it.

The Aquinas painted a great picture of the crowd explaining, “Armed with bedsheets, toilet paper, our home-grown rooster, and flashing the latest Burger King crowns, we prepared ourselves for battle against the Roanoke Maroons.”

Support aside, Friday’s NCAA semifinal against Roanoke was closer than its 82-67 final score indicates. The first half was nip and tuck, but sixth-man Tom Kosin ’83 poured in double digits to lead the way. The Royals’ victory shouldn’t have been a surprise given the game’s tempo. “Roanoke wanted to run up and down and play a fast-paced game,” Hutchinson recalls. “Anyone who did that with us ended up on the losing end that year.”

BOTTOM LEFT: Three decades later, Karen Kaczmarczyk Roberts ’84 (center, standing) and Francie Truran Warther ’84 (far right, standing) can’t think of their college experience without remembering their days cheering for the Royals.

Haven’t had enough of the Royals and the squad’s 1983 title run? Visit scranton.edu/scrantonjournal to read about why the Royals were so easy to cheer for.

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LEFT: Rocco Mariano ’84 (left) celebrates with Jeff Jones ’84, the Royals’ leading scorer in 1982-1983 and Mariano’s roommate.

CENTER: While in Grand Rapids, Mich., Keith Lane ’85 snapped this iconic image.“I don’t remember a lot of shots from that weekend, but the one I remember the most is the No. 1 with our fans,” he says. “I don’t know why, but I felt it was important to do that. We couldn’t get a shot of everyone who made the trip, but I thought that was one way to include everyone who came on the buses. Before the photograph, I remember telling the people in the hotel, ‘I know you will think I’m crazy, but can I get on your roof?’”

RIGHT: It was hard to miss the energetic Paul LeClair ’84 (center) when he donned the Royal Rooster costume.

Nearly halfway through Saturday’s title game, the Royals, trailing by as many as nine points, looked like anything but champions.

Although the crowd – 3,700 strong – favored Scranton, Wittenberg was grinding down the pace, using its physical, half-court style to keep the Royals at bay. To make matters worse, point guard Todd Bailey ’85 was injured, and his return was uncertain.

With 30 years of hindsight available, Banas knows exactly how Scranton pulled off what now seems like an inevitable comeback.

“It was a combination of good coaching, Billy Bessoir ’85 having an unbelievable game, and our fan base,” he

says. “What brought us back was the crowd, and the energy they generated helped us pull out the win. Beyond a doubt they helped us win the title.”

With eight minutes left, Bailey returned and teamed with Banas to nail a series of key free throws down the stretch, and Bessoir put the finishing touches on a spectacular contest, pouring in 27 points en route to the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award. In the closing seconds, Wittenberg got off a desperation heave that missed its mark, securing the Royals’ 64-63 win and igniting “utter bedlam, but in a positive way,” says Grech.

Fans rushed the court, engulfing the players on the floor. Banas calls a photograph of him and Jones hugging moments after the final buzzer – with a storm of fans converging from behind – one of his most prized possessions. “The happiness and the magnitude of that win as you get older gets better and better,” he explains.

“The fans’ support, including how many came out to Michigan, just solidified how the student body and the community of Scranton felt about our team and how much it meant to them,” Hutchinson says. “They were responsible for that championship as much as our play.”

As the Royals cut down the net in celebration, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” was queued up on the gym’s PA system. “The transformation of the Knollcrest Fieldhouse into ‘Long Center West’ was finally complete,” concludes an Aquinas article.

“When that song would play, and we would head out on the floor, whewwww, what a wonderful feeling that was,” Coach Bessoir recalls.

‘

Afterward, Coach Bessoir and his staff stayed behind to scout the semifinal match-up between Wittenberg and Wisconsin-Whitewater in preparation for the following day’s title game. Bessoir put Hutchinson and his fellow captains in charge, explaining, “everyone has to be in their hotel rooms by 11 p.m.”

“Well, we get back to the hotel and there are probably 200 students waiting for us,” Hutchinson laughs. “I thought, ‘There is no way I’m going to be able to corral all of this.’ But our guys knew what was at stake. We were focused, and we were ready to take care of business.”

All these years later, LeClair – like many Royal students on hand – can’t remember where he rested his head that night. There was good reason – Scranton fans weren’t in Michigan to relax. “Sleep is not one of the things you remember from that trip,” adds Roberts.

... our lockers were shaking because the gym was already at capacity ... The fans would be chanting, cheering & stomping. Our lockers would literally be vibrating.

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– Mark Hutchinson ’83, a starter on the 1982-1983 Royals TH E SCR ANTON J OU R N A L

31 459

CoSIDA Academic All-Americans at Scranton since 1981

70.3%

Women’s Soccer Team’s Winning Percentage, 2010-2012

Athletics

Kills by volleyball player Julia Crilly ’15 in 2012

Dominance Continues The women’s soccer team continued its dominance of the Landmark Conference, winning its third straight title and fourth championship in six years. The Royals made their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance and 14th in school history while finishing with a record of 9-7-5. It is the Royals’ 25th winning season in the program’s 30 years. Sydney Parker ’13 (Randolph, N.J.), Jessica Sciscione ’13 (Freehold, N.J.), Samantha Russo ’14 (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.), Kelsy McAnelly ’14 (West Chester) and Erin Casey ’16 (Hatfield) were honored by the Landmark Conference for their play.

Elite Feat The men’s soccer team enjoyed its most successful season in 29 years, going 17-3-2 and reaching the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1983. The Royals won three NCAA Tournament games and finished the season ranked ninth. Bill McGuiness ’13 (Forty Fort), Matt Salvatore ’13 (Howell, N.J.), Colin McFadden ’14 (Ventnor City, N.J.), Stephen Kilty ’14 (Downingtown), Joel Potter ’16 (Randolph, N.J.) and coach Matt Pivirotto were all honored by the Landmark Conference as well. Additionally, McGuiness, who scored 12 goals and seven assists this season, earned firstteam Academic All-America honors from the College Sports Information Directors of America and was named Landmark Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

Off & Running

Laura Fay

Mary O’Neill

Mary O’Neill ’14 (Middletown, N.J.) and Laura Fay ’15 (Thornton) of the women’s cross country team earned second-team All-Landmark Conference honors this season. O’Neill finished 10th overall at the Landmark Conference championships while Fay was three spots back, leading the Royals to a fourth-place finish.

Crilly Killin’ It Outside hitter Julia Crilly ’15 (Rochester, N.Y.) of the women’s volleyball team earned Landmark Conference second-team honors for the second straight season. She helped the Royals to a 20-15 record and a berth in the conference playoffs by leading the squad in kills with 459, the second-highest single-season total in school history.

Academic Overachievers

Kempf Conquers After scoring 15 goals and adding eight assists this season, forward Gretchen Kempf ’13 (Warrington) of the field hockey team capped her career by being named Landmark Conference Player of the Year. Her play helped the Royals to an 11-7 record and a berth in the Landmark Conference playoffs. Kempf finished her career with 41 goals, fourth-most in school history, and 18 assists, second-most in Scranton history.

Goalie James Dillon ’13 (Downingtown) of the men’s soccer team was named to the Landmark Conference All-Academic Team for his performance on the field and in the classroom. He was joined by teammate Bill McGuiness ’13 (Forty Fort), Emily Farrell ’13 (Telford) of the women’s soccer team and Gretchen Kempf ’13 (Warrington) of the field hockey team.

James Dillon

Bill McGuiness

Emily Farrell

These student-athletes aren’t the only ones shining on the field and in the classroom.

Visit scranton.edu/scrantonjournal to read more about other Royals leading by example and making us proud!

The Will to Overcome As if juggling academics and athletics wasn’t difficult enough, these three Scranton studentathletes have each battled injuries on their way to achieving success on the playing field. Ironically, we didn’t select Travis Farrell ’13, Sara Franciscovich ’14 and Chris Silakoski ’14 with this theme in mind. Instead we were drawn to them because they exemplify what it takes to be a Royal: dedication, leadership and hard work. We must add perseverance to this list. Here are three Royals giving us a reason to cheer this season!

TRAVIS FARRELL Q: Earlier this year, you became the 39th player in Royals’ history to score 1,000 points in a career. How does it feel to reach such a milestone?

A: Reaching this milestone and joining all the other Scranton players who have accomplished this means a lot to me. In my time here I’ve seen two of my teammates [Zach Ashworth ’11 and Luke Hawk ’12] accomplish this, and they were both great players for the University. To join them in this club is an honor.

Q: You suffered a sprained ankle the day before the photo shoot. Thanks for toughing it out! What is your worst sports-related injury? How did it affect you?

A: My sprained ankle was the first injury that made me miss a game in my college career so I’m going to have to say that was my worst sports-related injury. It was miserable sitting out of practice and games and having to watch our team play without me.

TRAVIS FARRELL

Year: Senior Major: Finance Hometown: Middletown, N.J. Sport: Basketball Position: Guard Injury: Sprained Ankle, December 2012

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SARA FRANCISCOVICH SARA FRANCISCOVICH

Year: Junior Major: Early & Primary Teacher Education Hometown: Frederick, Md. Sport: Swimming Favorite Events: 100 Backstroke, 200 Backstroke, 100 Freestyle Injury: Torn ACL, Senior Year of High School

Q: Do you have any pre-race routines or superstitions?

A: Yes, I have a few. The night before a swim meet, I have to paint my nails and each week it has to be a different color. Each meet I always wear the same cap and goggles, and I only wear them at swim meets, never at practice. I always ask the same person to help me put my swim cap on before each race. Before each event I do the same stretches right before I get on the block or enter the water. Before a backstroke event, I always jump in the water on the right side of the block.

Walking up to the blocks before each event, I always wear my warm-up jacket or a towel.

Q: What played into your decision to attend the University?

A: When looking at colleges, I wanted a school that was not close to home and was a place where I did not know a lot of people. Scranton is three hours from Frederick, Md. – a perfect distance for me. It was a good distance away yet still close enough if I needed to go home. A friend of mine, Carrie Gillespie ’12, graduated from the University last year. We are from the same hometown and both swam on the same club team. My senior year I came to visit and watched one of her swim meets. I fell in love with the school and team, and decided Scranton was the best place for me.

CHRIS SILAKOSKI CHRIS SILAKOSKI

Year: Junior Major: Community Health Education Hometown: Trenton, N.J. Sport: Wrestling Weight Class: 197 Injury: Broken Right Hand, February 2012

Q: You were named a captain for the 2012-13 season.

What does it mean to be recognized as a leader on this year’s squad?

A: Being named as one of the captains of the 2012-2013 squad is a huge honor. More importantly, it means that I need to act as a leader and do all I can to help the team as a whole on the mat and off.

Q: What is the best advice – sports-related or not – that a coach has ever given you?

A: The best advice that I have received from a coach is a lesson about how to win and how to lose. The most influential lessons are those of having humility in victory and class in defeat. When you win, respect your opponent. When you lose, respect yourself.

Make sure to check out our extended interviews with these Royal athletes online at scranton.edu/scrantonjournal. Find out who considers Springsteen – yes, the Boss – their favorite musician, which athlete knows “Remember the Titans” backward and forward, and who has an identical brother.

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Gregory Marx ’05 & Angela Croteau Marx ’07 Donors to ISP, Athletics Fund, Women’s Softball & CAS

Gregory and Angela Marx, who were married in the Madonna della Strada Chapel in August 2011, credit Scranton for “transforming us into the people we are today.”

Not Just Another Catholic School Greg grew up in Scranton’s South Side, and the University was a bit of a Marx family tradition. His father attended the school, as did several aunts, uncles and cousins. The school was a little more than two miles from his parents’ house, so calling it close to home was an understatement. As a child, Greg attended several day camps at the University. Exposure at a young age made the University a familiar place, and Greg happily enrolled in the fall 2001. Despite living at home, Greg participated in intramural sports and the IEEE engineering club for four years, serving as president his senior year. Throughout his years at Scranton, Greg was continually inspired by the faculty and staff, and grew academically and personally in the Jesuit tradition. The University equipped him with the necessary tools to be successful in the engineering industry. Greg graduated in 2005 with a degree in computer engineering and minors in philosophy and mathematics. He is now happily employed by BAE Systems, where he started one month after graduation.

Angela, originally from Ellicott City, Md., was looking at colleges up and down the East Coast. During the summer before her senior year, her college decision was all but made. Scranton was in the “just another Catholic school in Pennsylvania” pile, literally. One summer vacation and a new family friend later, she was told she should visit the Scranton campus and she would have a change of heart. On a brisk September afternoon, that is exactly what happened. Angela knew she

had found her school the moment she stepped foot on the Commons.

As a freshman, she dove into any activity she could – student activities and orientation, Campus Ministry, band, intramural volleyball and varsity softball. Angela graduated with honors in 2007 with a biophysics degree, philosophy and mathematics minors and as a fouryear varsity softball player. She became an optometrist in 2011 and uses the Scranton-instilled Jesuit ideals to better treat her patients every day.

We met one month before Greg graduated and began dating that summer. We continue to stay in touch with faculty and staff, visiting Scranton as often as possible. In August 2011, we returned to the place that has so greatly shaped our lives and married at the University’s Madonna della Strada Chapel.

The University transformed us into the people we are today, and we are grateful for the impact the school has had on our lives, our careers and our futures. We hope to one day send our children to the University so they can share in the same experiences we were fortunate enough to have. Scranton is no longer the school down the street, the school Greg’s father attended, or just another Catholic university in Pennsylvania. The University is our school, our home away from home, a place we hold dear to our hearts, and a place worthy of our pride, passion and promise.

– Gregory Marx ’05 & Angela Croteau Marx ’07

While Waiting for Her ‘Ship to Come In,’ Alumna Makes First Donation Twenty years! Whew, that was fast. Two decades ago my classmates and I walked across a stage at the soccer field, shook Father Panuska’s hand, and received our diplomas. I remember the professors and priests who challenged our minds to grow, the friends who encouraged us to reach our potential, and the spirit-driven community that drove us to find the purpose and meaning in a life of service for others. I will always be grateful that I attended The University of Scranton, a decision that has led me to teaching high school English.

I recently made a small gift to our alma mater. I had never donated money before because I was waiting for my “ship to come in” so I could donate a million dollars and get my name on a building! Truth is, I’m guessing we can all give $20 right now. For those of us in our reunion year, we focus on our combined impact, as a class, which has the power to pave a path for those who come after us. I was encouraged to know that I could specify exactly where my donation goes. I donated to the University’s Campus Ministry as I found great pleasure during retreats while in college, and I want other students to have the opportunity for that spiritual experience.

Our school is growing stronger and better, thanks to God and the alumni and parents who continue to support the University. This Jesuit foundation helps shape the hearts and minds of the future. If you can give more, please do, but if we all give $20, we can do something great together! God bless you wherever you are in life.

– Joan Froehlich ’93

Joan Froehlich ’93 Reunion Participation Committee

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Students Helping Students It’s inspiring to hear our fellow students speak from the heart about why they love Scranton and why they chose to make a contribution during student philanthropy week held last fall. As student philanthropy officers, we remember those conversations, and that is what motivates us to continue to raise funds in order to help as many students as possible.

In the fall, responding to student feedback, we started raising money that will go toward textbook scholarships for students in need. Students donated whatever they had available, from $1 to $5 bills, and more often, the spare change available on their desks or in their wallets and purses. This project was a great success, and perfectly reiterates our motto for the year: “No gift is too small to make a difference.” Last year we raised more than $7,000, and we are eager to reach our new goal of $10,000 in the coming months.

– Jack Hambrose ’13, Samantha Lia ’14 and Melissa Przewlocki ’15 Student philanthropy officers Samantha Lia (from left), Jack Hambrose and Melissa Przewlocki helped make last fall’s student philanthropy week a success.

Crunching the Numbers: Fiscal Year 2012 For all you visual people out there, here is an informational breakdown of the University’s donor participation during the fiscal year of 2012.

The University’s fiscal year matches its academic year and ends on May 31.

41%

11,286

Helping One Another

Many Hands Make ...

Percentage of the class of 2012 that made cash gifts to the “Students Helping Students: Textbook Scholarship Fund,” raising more than $7,000.

Number of alumni, parents, friends, faculty and staff, students, corporations and foundations who donated in FY2012. 5,758 were alumni (51%) and 1,722 were parents (15.2%).

$439,653 Combining Efforts

Amount raised by 7,607 donors who made gifts of $25, $50 or $100. (Combined impact really matters! Every gift makes a difference.)

3,068 First-Timers

People who made their first gift ever in FY2012.

15.6%

Participation is Up!

Percentage of alumni participation during the fiscal year of 2012 – up from 13.7% in 2011.

251

Spreading the Wealth Gifts were made to 251 different funds, scholarships, teams, clubs and causes on campus.

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Alumni Alumni Medical Mission Visits Haiti

Spread the Word: Alumni Benefits & Services As a graduate of Scranton, you and your family have access to exclusive discounts, programs and services through the Alumni Society. Whether you need career advice, car insurance, or just want to take a once-in-alifetime trip with Scranton friends, your use of these alumni benefits can help, and at the same time, support alumni activities. The Alumni Society provides access to comprehensive and affordable short-term medical coverage for new graduates to keep them insured throughout the job search, as well as auto and renter’s insurance.

Read more about the benefits at scranton.edu/alumnibenefits.

Four alumni doctors and five students traveled to Haiti on the University’s Medical Alumni Council’s (MAC) annual medical mission in January. Similar to previous trips, the team worked with Rev. Richard Frechette, C.P., D.O., a Passionist priest and physician, as well as a 2007 honorary degree recipient from the University. He is the director of St. Damien Hospital, a pediatric facility in the country’s capital city of Port-Au-Prince.

Led by Hartford, Conn., maxillofacial surgeon Richard Bevilacqua, D.M.D., M.D. ’83, the team spent a week providing much-needed medical care to the underserved people of Haiti. Joining Dr. Bevilacqua on the trip were Pamela Taffera, D.O., M.B.A. ’02, Chris Andres, M.D. ’89 and Chris Jones, M.D. ’02. University students Nick Cucci ’14, Moriah Diamond ’13, Brian Entler ’13, Lucie Henry ’13 and Dana Muller ’13 also joined the team on the mission.

Since 2002, members of the MAC have teamed with current Scranton students to travel to the Republic once a year, offering medical support, supplies and care. The mission’s goals are twofold: providing medical support to those in need and educating Scranton’s future physicians.

Swimming, Diving Alumni Reunite, Take a Few Laps More than 45 alumni of the University’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving squads came together to cheer on the current teams at this season’s last home meet on Jan. 26. The male alumni carried on the tradition of pulling on their swimming suits and jumping in the pool for the alumni meet. After the meet, the teams, alumni and During the swimming and diving teams’ last home meet, parents gathered in Redington Hall for a social. alumni and parents raised $700 for the Brendan J. Giblin Memorial Fund.

Calling All Entrepreneurs Celebrate the entrepreneurs among us! Visit scranton.edu/ASBI to browse the online directory of more than 200 restaurants, stores and businesses owned by fellow Scranton alumni. If you are a Scranton graduate who owns a business, submit your information to be included in the directory.

Alumni Society Names New President Thomas J. Grech ’84 was installed as the 27th president of the Alumni Alumni, Players Gather, Hit the Hardwood Society on Feb. 25. Since graduating from the University, Grech has been involved for many years at bothfamily the alumni club and On Feb. 9, actively nearly 100 alumni, players, parents, and friends ofboard the levels.

He is founder and principal of The Peritus Group, LLC, a Lady Royals attended the women’s basketball reception after the team’ssales last development and marketing consulting andevening is currently a home game against Catholic University.

It was firm, a great to celebrate managing director at JJT Energy, a natural gas and electric energy the senior class and the University’s loyal alumni. Those in attendance walked supplier.

Grech is also an adjunct professor at Farmingdale down memory lane as they looked through old media guides and pictures.

State College, East Farmingdale, N.Y. Grech residesoff in on Malverne, In addition, the men’s basketball alumni game tipped Jan. 12.N.Y., More with his wife, Janet, and their two children, Ashley and Thomas. than 20 alumni laced up their shoes and took the Long Center court prior to the Royals’ home game against Goucher College.

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Shamrockin’ & Rollin’ On March 8, the classes of 2008-2013 gathered in green to help throw a record-breakin’, Irish-jiggin’, Shamrockin’ Eve Party. Created for alumni by alumni, Shamrockin’ Eve is one of Scranton’s most popular traditions as it reunites young alumni, seniors and friends on campus the evening before the city of Scranton’s St. Patrick’s Parade Day. Check out photos of this year’s Irish shenanigans at scranton.edu/shamrock.

Welcome Parties Create Scrantastic Summer

‘Beyond the Commons’ Continues Success

Join hundreds of Scranton alumni for some summer fun as we welcome the newest generation – class of 2013 – to the Alumni Society. Our Summer Welcome Parties are designed to welcome recent graduates to the Alumni Society and introduce them to alumni in their region. If you would like to help plan a welcome party in your area, email alumni@scranton.edu.

For more information, visit scranton.edu/welcomeparties.

“Beyond the Commons” – a dinner series that gives members of the senior class an opportunity to connect with Scranton alumni – has become one of the most popular student-alumni engagement programs hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations.

Members of the senior class committee select dinner discussion topics, ranging from “Careers in Medicine” to “Finances 101.” In October, Brian Goldsack ’09 and Tina Cognetti ’12 shared their “Do’s and Don’ts of Senior Year” and provided insight to being a member of the Scranton Alumni Society. Another dinner in November provided a unique opportunity for seniors to learn about completing a year of service after graduation from Kelly Miguens ’10, a former JVC member and current campus minster at Scranton, and four current JVC members serving in the city of Scranton. In February, a group of seniors had dinner with Shawn Lamb ’11 and Rita Dileo ’11 who shared their transition from being an active college student to a career within student affairs and higher education.

If you are interested in participating in this program, contact Kristi Cordier ’09, class affinity coordinator, at kristin.cordier@scranton.edu.

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37 marriages 42 births 47 in memoriam 48 milestones

Look Closely!

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Class Notes We know you love the Class Notes section! Why? Because your fellow Royals are out “setting the world on fire” – and we couldn’t be prouder. In recent months, one alumna joined the 9/11 Memorial team, an alumnus placed 17th in the Steamtown Marathon, and another alumnus co-founded a new craft microbrewery. Enjoy reading, and don’t forget to submit your own Class Notes!

Names in Gold indicate Alumnus/Alumna is celebrating his/her Reunion Year S/O to the honest guy that found my phone & brought it to public safety today, TY! Another example of how great @univofscranton students are! @ClaireMurphy25 on Twitter

Class notes included in this edition were submitted prior to Feb. 1, 2013.

To submit your own news or see additional class notes, visit scranton.edu/classnotes.

Milestones R. Barrett Noone, M.D. ’61, Haverford, a Philadelphia-area plastic surgeon, was honored with the 2012 Special Achievement Award from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, recognizing a career of contributions to plastic surgery. This is the highest award given by the specialty society.

William Kiehl ’67, Mountville, had his fourth book, “The Last Three Feet: Case Studies in Public Diplomacy,” published in September.

Len Schneider ’67, Nutley, N.J., had his fourth book, “The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to High Performance Home Theater” published. The book details topics like Blu-ray discs, computer audio, loudspeakers and room acoustics, and was recently awarded “Best of 2012” honors by enjoythemusic.com, a leading website covering consumer electronics.

Gerald Luchansky ’68, Olyphant, has been re-elected chairman of the Mid Valley School District board of directors for 2013.

Joseph Castine ’70, Oneonta, N.Y., is planning to thru-hike the American Discovery Trail. The trail is more than 6,800 miles and is part-city, part small-town, part-forest, part-mountains and part-desert.

Richard Patterson, Ph.D. ’70, El Paso, Texas, authored a book titled “Turtle on the Fencepost: Finding Faith through Doubt.”

Geraldine Turkington G’70 was named Union Savings Bank’s vice president, senior commercial lending officer, responsible for generating new business development and building client relationships.

John Houston, Ph.D. ’72, an associate dean of graduate education at Fordham University, was elected to one of the Clifton (N.J.) Board of Education seats in November.

William Hanley ’74, a veteran economic development specialist, joined newly elected Pennsylvania Congressman Matt Cartwright’s staff working as a senior economic development specialist, handling special projects including grant writing for the district.

David McCormick ’75, G’79, Centreville, Va., has been elected regional vice president and member of the global board of directors of the Institute of Management Accountants.

Hon. Malachy E. Mannion ’76, a U.S. magistrate judge, was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate to become a federal district judge in the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Alan Peslak, Ph.D. ’76, associate professor of information sciences and technology at Penn State Worthington Scranton, was recently named IST Statewide Faculty Member of the Year for 2012-13. He received the honor at the recent all campus IST meeting.

Col. Joseph Agostinelli, DPM ’77, Niceville, Fla., was elected a life member of the American Military Surgeons of the United States for 30 years of continuous service as a military surgeon, professor and consultant.

Thomas G. Parisot ’78 has been elected the new director of the board of directors of Thomaston Savings Bank. Parisot is a corporator of the bank and is a partner at the law firm of Secor, Cassidy & McPartland, P.C. in Waterbury and Southbury.

Peter A. Cognetti, M.D. ’79 was named UNICAN of the Year by the Scranton chapter of the UNICO. He received the award Jan. 26 at the chapter’s charity ball.

Sam Evans ’79, Milford, Conn., is vice-president at Photronics, Inc. Robert J. Mancuso ’80, G’83 has joined Wayne Bank as senior vice president, chief information officer.

Catherine Potash ’80, Hamilton, N.J., celebrated 20 years with St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center in Lawrenceville, N.J., as an admissions liaison.

She is responsible for assessing patients for admission to rehabilitation at this comprehensive facility operated by the Diocese of Trenton.

Robert English ’81, Eatontown, N.J., was re-elected to his second three-year term on the Eatontown School Board.

Chester D. Newhart Jr. ’81 was named a visiting instructor of business and accounting at Wilkes University.

Nancy Norman Olivo, Ph.D. ’81, has been hired as the director of human resources for the city of Suffolk, Va. Marise Garofalo ’83 was hired by The Commonwealth Medical College as its new vice president for institutional advancement, overseeing development, alumni relations and marketing communications.

Terrence P. Lenahan, M.D. ’83, an expert in pulmonary medicine and critical care, has been hired by Delta Medix and will join its multispecialty group of physicians and surgeons.

Alumnus Lectures on Campus, Defends Dissertation As part of The University of Scranton Veterans Association luncheon, held on Nov. 9 in recognition of Veterans Day, Mike Noonan ‘93, a University of Scranton commissionee, served as the event’s guest speaker. A former captain in the Army Reserves who deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Noonan now serves as director of the Foreign Policy Research Institute’s program on national security. Noonan is a member of the International Institute of Strategic Studies and a fellow of the Inter-University Seminar on Armed Forces and Society. Additionally, Noonan defended his doctoral dissertation at Loyola University Chicago in December. His degree will be conferred in May. Pictured (from left) are Noonan, Jessica Persoon ’13, cadet battalion commander for the University’s ROTC program, and Ray Burd, director of printing and mailing services at Scranton.

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Colette Mazzucelli, Ph.D. ’83, Brooklyn, N.Y., organized and led a United Nations/Rotary International module session for her New York University Global Civil Society graduate course at the UN Secretariat in July. The module featured a presentation from Chairman Deepak Kapur, who traveled from New Dehli, India, to participate in a discussion analyzing the efforts to eradicate polio in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. The session was filmed as an educational and humanitarian resource for internet viewing.

Joseph Yanish, MHSA, FACHE ’83, a hospital administrator for more than 28 years, was inducted as president of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), Rhode Island chapter, Jan. 17.

Mark Mensack ’84, Cherry Hill, N.J., has recently published articles regarding fraud in the 401k industry. As a result, he is now the author of a new column, the “401k Ethicist,” in the Journal of Compensation and Benefits.

Louis Pocchiari ’84, Butler, is the director of the Prospect Library in Butler County.

Angelo J. Bolcato, Esq. ’87, partner at Laddey, Clark & Ryan, LLP, has been named to the Sussex County Chamber of Commerce board of trustees. The chamber, which has more than 700 members, recently held an induction ceremony for its 2013 board. Bolcato is vice chair of the chamber’s membership committee.

Mary Danuinas Woolson ’87, Lancaster, has established a health coaching and energy healing practice called SynchronEssence.

Patrick Cawley, M.D. ’88 was hired as the Medical University of South Carolina’s vice president of clinical operations and CEO of the Medical University Hospital Authority. Dr. Cawley previously served as chief medical officer of the hospital authority.

Col. James Cummings, M.D. ’88, Chevy Chase, Md., is the new director of Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System (GEIS), a division of the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center.

Joseph T. Kelly Sr., D.M.D. ’89 has been honored with a Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition Award from the Academy of General Dentistry.

The award recognizes his commitment to lifelong learning, volunteering services to people in need, mentoring new dentists, and participating in organized dentistry.

Rob Sarisky, Ph.D. ’89 has been appointed chief business officer of FORMA Therapeutics. Dr. Sarisky is an experienced scientific and business professional from the pharmaceutical industry, most recently serving as vice president of oncology business development and licensing within Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a Johnson & Johnson company.

Daniel O’Toole ’89, Oradell, N.J., a principal at Block O’Toole & Murphy LLP, has obtained one of the top 10 jury verdicts in the state of New York in July 2012 for the fourth time in seven years. He was recently honored by the Institute of Jewish Humanities in New York City as Lawyer of the Year.

Kelly Hurley ’90, Allendale, N.J., joined the Arlon Group as its chief financial officer. The Arlon Group is a private equity firm that focuses on making investments in food and agricultural businesses.

Margaret Bartnicki-Tatich ’91, Binghamton, N.Y., was named director of community and donor relations at the Children’s Home of Wyoming Conference.

Richard D. Padula ’91 has been promoted to First National Community Bank’s assistant vice president, mortgage loan originator supervisor, where he is responsible for the daily management and overall performance of the mortgage originators.

Bernard Prevuznak, Ph.D. ’91 was recently named superintendent of the Wilkes-Barre Area School District.

Chris Schneider ’91, Naperville, Ill., has been named to the finance committee and board of directors of the Ray Graham Association (RGA) for People with Disabilities. RGA serves nearly 2,000 children and adults with primarily intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Illinois’ DuPage County.

Dawn Leas ’92 has joined Wilkes University’s low-residency graduate creative writing program as associate director. In her new role, she will assist with marketing, outreach, student recruitment and program development.

Kristin Maile ’92, a former University volleyball standout, has taken another step up the career ladder, moving on to Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, N.Y., as the school’s director of athletics and physical education.

Joe Turturica G’92 was named the vice president of human resources at Kane Is Able, Inc. Turturica will oversee human resource responsibilities for 1,000 KANE associates across 16 nationwide offices and distribution centers.

Tom Anderson ’93 co-founded Rabbit Hole Brewing, a new craft microbrewery opening in Texas, which has selected the city of Justin as its initial business location with a grand opening scheduled in the coming months.

Kim Emick ’93, an occupational therapist at Allied Rehab Hospital, was recently certified in the treatment of lymphedema by Lymphatic Care Specialists in Blacksburg, Va., where she studied anatomy, physiology, and the pathophysiology of the lymphatic system.

Jennifer Hopkins ’93, president of Sustainable Energy Fund, was elected to CAN DO Community Foundation’s board of directors. Hopkins is also a certified public accountant and a certified renewable energy professional.

Robert Keefrider Jr. ’93 has been named chief financial officer at Onesource Water. Keefrider, who has worked nearly 20 years in the finance and corporate development field, most recently spent 10 years with FuelEnergy.

Paul Matey ’93, South Orange, N.J., was appointed deputy chief counsel to Governor Chris Christie.

Staci Wille ’93 recently opened Heritage Health and Physical Therapy, LLC, in Sparta, N.J. She has 19 years of experience treating orthopedic and neurological conditions.

Amy Ferguson ’94, G’96, Dunmore, published a novel called “The Sanctity of Love and War.”

Class of 1944 Graduate Marvels at Campus’ Transformation During his visit to campus for the Loyola Science Center dedication ceremony in September, Francis Lukash ’44 was captivated by the transformation of his beloved alma mater. “It doesn’t resemble the place where I went to school, but I love the changes,” he explained. Prior to his retirement, Lukash spent 30-plus years at the Continental Grain Company, an international grain-trading firm, traveling the world. During his globe-trotting, Lukash visited Egypt, Japan and much of South America.

Spreading Their Scranton Pride

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Young Scranton alums Maggie Coyne ’12 (from left), Michael Wiencek ’12 and Caitlin Hopkins ’12 share their Scranton passion with students of the newly established Yap Catholic High School in the Micronesian Islands where Wiencek and Hopkins are volunteer teachers. For those who are wondering, Micronesia is a subregion of Oceania, comprised of thousands of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Yep, it’s OK to be envious.

A Passion to Right Wrongs

Alumna Makes History as Pennsylvania’s First Female Attorney General

For most people in Kathleen Granahan Kane’s position, the evening of Nov. 6, 2012, would have been a call for celebration. Not only had she been elected the first female attorney general in the history of Pennsylvania, but she also received the most votes of any candidate in any race in the state that night.

It was a night of triumph, achievement and – presumably – relief.

Instead, for Kane ’88, it was a call to action. As she watched the returns come in with her family and campaign staff, her mind skipped over the celebration and went straight to the next step – preparing her family to meet with the media and getting ready to take office. She has two sons with her husband, Christopher J. Kane ’86.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do. There’s no rest for the weary,” Kathleen Kane says looking back. “I’ll probably bask in the moment, hopefully, eight years from now.”

This is how Kane has always been – direct, driven and aware of the responsibility that comes with a position.

Kane started her work in public service in 1995, serving as an assistant district attorney for Lackawanna County, but it wasn’t her first job in law. After graduating from Temple University Beasley School of Law in 1991, she worked for a private firm, but quickly found that aside from paying off her student loans, the job did nothing for her.

“They were great people to work for. They taught me how to be a lawyer,” Kane recalls. “But it wasn’t anything I was excited about. It wasn’t anything I had a passion for.”

Kane isn’t one to waste time, and she didn’t then. She quit her job, took a 50 percent pay cut, and moved into her sister’s spare bedroom to work in a role where she could help people.

As an assistant district attorney she went to crime scenes, collected evidence, helped build cases, and eventually prosecuted the cases in court.

“Being able to get up every day and find justice for people who had just experienced probably the worst thing in their life meant something to me,” Kane says.

In her 13 years working for Lackawanna County, Kane prosecuted a variety of cases from the abuse of children and elderly to cases involving white collar crime, fraud and public corruption. In 2007, she accepted a position with the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign before transitioning to a private law firm in Scranton.

Today, Kane brings this same passion for justice to the position of attorney general. She said her decision to run for the position was inspired by her time at The University of Scranton. When she saw the open seat, Kane viewed it as her civic responsibility to serve her community. “I think good people need to step up to the plate and I think that’s what Scranton does,” Kane says. “They teach you to jump right in and not stand on the sidelines.”

Former co-worker and classmate Gene Talerico Jr., Esq. ’89, Lackawanna County’s first assistant district attorney, explains that the people of Pennsylvania are fortunate to have Kane in their corner.

Talerico worked with Kane at the district attorney’s office and views her as an extremely strong and principled woman.

“When there’s injustice and it comes before Kathleen, she’s tenacious in her pursuit. She truly is,” Talerico says. “I’ve never seen anything motivate her more than a wrong that needs to be righted.”

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1 Kathleen Granahan Kane ‘88, accompanied by her husband, Chris ‘86, is sworn in as Pennsylvania’s attorney general at the state Capitol in Harrisburg in January. Kane is the first woman and Democrat to be elected to the office. 2 With the support of former President Bill Clinton, Kane received more votes than any other candidate in any race in the state in November 2012.

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Ending the Cycle of Poverty Shelter Director Found Desire to Serve as Scranton Undergraduate

People like John are the reason Kevin Moran ’01 gets out of bed each day.

Moran, executive director of the New Visions Homeless Day Shelter in Camden, N.J., first met John a few years ago.

He, like many others enduring difficult circumstances, used the shelter’s basic services – facilities for showering and laundry, food for breakfast and lunch, and available clothing.

“We provide the social services to help get guests in the door,” said Moran of the New Visions Day Shelter. “Our main goal is to build relationships, complete needs assessments, and then find out what their goals are, all while trying to end a person’s cycle of poverty.”

John’s story is one of their most heartwarming cases.

After taking aid from the shelter, he shared his love of cooking and preparing food. John then began volunteering in the shelter’s kitchen, which led to an interview, acceptance and eventual graduation from the Cathedral Kitchen culinary arts program. Less than two years after being homeless and hungry, he accepted a position with the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen in Sacramento, Calif., and reunited with his estranged father.

“John went from severe drug and alcohol addiction, and being without a home, to full-time employment and self-reliance,” Moran explains. “That’s a tremendous accomplishment in such a short period of time.”

Making an impact is why Moran has dedicated his career to service. However, this desire wasn’t fully established until he enrolled at Scranton in 1997.

Following in his older brother’s footsteps – Matthew Moran ’99 – Kevin came to Scranton enticed by his sibling’s experiences in Collegiate Volunteers programs, as well as service trips domestic and abroad. Hearing about his brother’s endeavors planted the seed for his own volunteer work, often led by Patricia Vaccaro, director of the Center for Service & Social Justice at Scranton.

“She has an extremely contagious, energetic way about her that just exudes a yearning to make you want to pitch in and help with whatever projects she’s working on,” Matthew Moran says of Vaccaro. “She was a big influence on my brother and me.”

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Kevin Moran’s volunteer and service experiences eventually shifted his career path from elementary education – his major at Scranton – to social work, ultimately leading him to Camden.

“Even though he’s my little brother, I have always, and will always, look up to him,” says Matthew Moran. “He helps me want to be a better person because of how he carries himself and what he does every single day.”

To repay the support he received from the Scranton community, Kevin Moran feels it’s necessary to share his story with current students. In 2012, he ventured back to campus to participate in the University’s “Beyond the Commons” dinner program to discuss careers in the nonprofit sector.

“It’s important for students to hear testimonials from alumni that have gone through Scranton having such a positive experience,” he says. “Scranton was the foundation that allowed me to put my faith in action in ways I never expected.”

That faith has allowed Moran to have a career that’s both personally satisfying and a reminder that everyone encounters struggles, victories, successes and failures in life.

“I’m blessed and humbled to know that we’re all one paycheck away from being in the same situation as those at our center,” he says. “We’re really no different than they are. My job has given me the opportunity to recognize each guest as my brother and as my sister, treating them with the dignity, love and compassion that they deserve.”

ABOVE: An executive director at a Camden, N.J., homeless day shelter, Kevin Moran ’01, found his interest in social services while studying at Scranton.

AT RIGHT: He recently got engaged to Kate Colameco, a St. Joseph’s University graduate, and they plan to get married in fall 2013.

Joseph Armstrong ’95, Philadelphia, is a shareholder and director of litigation at Fineburg, McCarthy, P.C. David Guarino ’96, Clark, N.J., has been named global head of communications for S&P Dow Jones Indices, the world’s largest index provider and home to the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Elizabeth Aldridge ’97, Langhorne, is the principal of Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School in Bucks County.

Gretchen Wintermantel ’97, Scranton, served as co-chair of Marley’s Mission Third Annual Blue Ribbon Gala in February.

Stephen Timchack, Psy.D. ’98, Bear Creek, has obtained board certification in clinical psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology. He maintains a private practice in Kingston.

Jennifer Inglett ’99, G’00, Oakland, N.J., is president of the Neuro-Development Treatment Association (NDTA), an organization that provides clinical training, supports clinical research, and supports family education in the Neuro-Development Treatment approach used for the management and treatment of individuals with central nervous system pathophysiology.

Rev. Thomas Muldowney ’99, Scranton, was appointed vicar general of the Diocese of Scranton. Father Muldowney also serves as a chaplain for the Pennsylvania State Police.

Courtney Gilligan Saleski, Esq. ’99, a former assistant United States attorney in the District of Columbia, has joined the law firm DLA Piper as a partner in its litigation practice. She will work in the firm’s Philadelphia office.

Thomas Welsh ’99, Warren, N.J., was promoted to assistant principal for student affairs at Immaculata High School in Somerville, N.J. Kristin Erk Erbach, D.D.S. ’00 has joined the Zefran Dental Group in Honesdale.

Marykay Nutini, D.O. ’01, finished her pediatric rehabilitation fellowship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins Hospital.

She currently works at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, Md., where she specializes in treating children with acquired brain injuries.

Veasna Lay ’02, Denver, Colo., is a certified prosthetist-orthotist at the Veteran’s Administration Orthotic and Prosthetic Clinic in Aurora, Colo.

Cory Adams G’03 was named South Middleton Township’s new township manager. Adams spent eight years as a lobbyist with the Pennsylvania Association of Township Supervisors and is very familiar with issues affecting townships.

Maria Boulis Villafuerte, D.O. ’03, Royal Oaks, Mich., a physician at Kingswood Hospital, was part of the team selected for a Focus on People Award of 2012 recognizing their project, “Psychiatry Readmission Prevention (PReP): Pediatrics Team.” This award acknowledges teams which achieve success in the pillars (people, service, excellence, quality & safety, growth, research & education, community, and finance) of The Henry Ford Experience.

Lucie Iuzzolino ’03, Valley Cottage, N.Y., recently joined the 9/11 Memorial team as a visitor services host. In a recent article for the 9/11 Memorial Blog (www.911memorial.org/blog/meet-911-memorialhost), she recounted where she was on Sept. 11, 2001 (a junior at The University of Scranton), and how she worried for her father, who had been doing electrical work in the World Trade Center, until she heard from him and learned he fled Manhattan on foot. Iuzzolino states, “When working at the 9/11 Memorial, I am reminded that the human spirit is tremendously resilient.”

Joseph Pierce ’03, Greenville, N.C., was one of 10 Ph.D. students selected nationally for research support from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in June. The ACSM Doctoral Student Research Grant Initiative will fund his dissertation project entitled “Role of Skeletal Muscle-Released Myokines in Human Fat Lipolysis.”

Christopher J. Holland ’05, Nanuet, N.Y., is on the board of directors of the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Kristin Perilli ’05, foundation director for The Thomas Jerome House, an assisted-living facility for veterans with traumatic brain injuries, has led the foundation in purchasing a residence in Hamilton Square, N.J. The foundation is named in honor of Thomas Jerome Hromisin ’05, who suffered a traumatic brain injury while serving in Iraq.

Lawrence T. Mattern ’05, of Brian T. Kelly, CPA & Associates, has completed requirements for certification as a certified public accountant by the Pennsylvania state board of examiners.

Kirk Burr G’06, Beachwood, N.J., was named principal of Berkeley Township Elementary School.

Chad Mullen ’06, who writes under the pen name C.M. Mullane, had his new novel, “The Mirror of Aberrantine,” picked up by Northampton House and is available for download on any e-reader.

Allyson Urie ’06, Kingston, N.Y., graduated from Drexel University with a master’s degree in library and information science through Drexel’s iSchool program. She is currently a volunteer at the Kingston Library where she assists the reference department with its health collection.

Patrick Ehnot ’07 has been promoted to First National Community Bank’s electronic banking coordinator, where he will oversee all electronic banking projects to ensure the installation of products are completed on time and all terms and conditions are met.

Allana Prosser G’08, Johnsonville, S.C., was named South Carolina Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year 2013.

Jeffrey Passetti ’10, Nanticoke, has been named assistant director of campus ministry at Misericordia University.

Maria Gubbiotti ’11, Falls, is a second-year medical/Ph.D. student at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. She is a member of the Pathology Honor Society, global health chair of the AMA Student Association and vice president of the Pathology Interest Society.

Conor McMenamy ’11, Florham Park, N.J. is a regional internal wholesaler at AXA Equitable.

Tara Cobb G’12 has been promoted to real estate lending support coordinator at First National Community Bank.

Pat Casterline ’12 finished fifth in the 17th annual Steamtown Marathon in October.

Vietnam Memorial Named in Honor of Late Alumnus On July 21, 2012, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Hillsborough County, Fla., was named in memory of the late Lt. Col. James Michael Basta ’61. Following his graduation from Scranton, Basta entered the U.S. Army through the ROTC program, in which he was a distinguished military graduate and commissioned as a second lieutenant. After 24 years of active military service, which included tours of duty in Germany, Taiwan and three years in Vietnam, where he flew both fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft, he retired as a lieutenant colonel. During his career, he was awarded numerous medals, including two Purple Hearts. Basta settled in Tampa, Fla., working at MacDill Air Force Base and later as a civilian contractor until his retirement in 1999. A Tampa, Fla., resident for more than three decades, Basta was a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association of Florida, and he was instrumental in erecting the memorial that now bears his name. Basta passed away on April 24, 2012.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marie, and four children. In June 2012, Basta was posthumously awarded the University’s Frank J. O’Hara Award.

James M. Basta ’61

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Marriages Christine Potts ’02 to Russell Miller Melissa Scott ’03 to Edward Vaks Dawn Wagner ’05 to Pete Duda Erin Fischer ’06 to Ronald Cartlidge Kelley Fitzgerald ’08 to Raymond Girnys ’08 Francis Gradijan ’08 to Jee Hyun Lee Sarah Salisbury ’08 to Joseph O’Connell ’08 Katie Morrison ’09 to Brett Guglielmi ’09 Julia Haddon ’10 to Michael Losito ’10 With nearly 40 University alumni in attendance, Christine Cornwall ’06 and Matt Casperson ’06 were married on April 16, 2011. Casperson is the son of another Scranton union – his parents are Pam Schrum Casperson ’80 and Chris Casperson ’80. Among those Royals who attended the nuptials were (front row, from left) Shannon Taylor Scott ’06, Tom Hogan Jr. ’06, Robert Iovino ’06, Alexander Zola ’06, Lori Sledziewski ’06, Pollyanna Fino ’06, Chris Casperson ’80 and CJ Casperson ’12. Pictured in the second row (from left) are Susan Dishinger Hogan ’79, Tom Hogan Sr. ’79, Pam Schrum Casperson ’80, Gina Ponente Fanelli ’04, Jon Patro ’06, Sumi Clamser Patro ’06, Carrie Inkrott ’06, Jessica Phillipy ’06, Christine Cornwall Casperson ’06, Matthew Casperson ’06, Chris Breary ’06, Mary Vitale ’06, Gregory Zaino ’06, Colleen O’Hara Tofani ’81, Paula Kearney Barrett ’81, Karen Wreath Pinder ’81 and Megan McKenna ’06. In the back row (from left) are Bart Fanelli ’04, Matthew Joseph ’06, John Sheehan ’06, Robert McGill ’06, Thomas Mehldau ’06, Wade Shaver ’06, Patrick Barrett ’82, Erika Diesel Lynch ’81 and Gregory Lynch ’79. In attendance, but not pictured, were Megan Diamond ’06, David Ganley ’06, Michelle Jastrzemski Ganley ’06 and Ashley Paxson ’06.

Amanda Halpin ’07 and John DeGroat ’07 exchanged nuptials on Sept. 29, 2012, at Saints Simon and Jude Church in Bethlehem, followed by a reception at Hotel Bethlehem. The wedding had a distinctive Scranton flavor with several University alumni in attendance, including (from left) Patrick Morgan ’01, Eric Weber ’07, Brittany Thornton McKinney ’07, Kathleen Antognini ’07, Geoffrey McKinney ’07, Jessica Hafich ’07, Christina Rakowski ’07, Halpin, DeGroat, Drew Shiner ’07, Jonathan Walsh ’07, Nick Susko ’06, Alyssa Duerr ’08, Brandon Hatler ’07, Aimee Davin ’09 and Joseph DeGroat ’10. When John provided the wedding photo, he wrote about his wife, “I figure, when you marry someone that looks that good you might as well make it known.” The happy couple now resides in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.

Abigail Barrett ’09, G’12 and John Fitzpatrick ’08 tied the knot on Aug. 4, 2012, in front of family, friends and many fellow Royals. On hand to help celebrate their union were Samantha Baietti ’09, Patrick Barrett ’72, Alexandra Biga ’09, Jaclyn Bromley ’09, Michael Byrnes ’09, Brian Comly ’08, Jamie DePinto ’09, Alyssa Dixon ’10, Deanna Every ’09, Andrew Fitzpatrick ’10, Jennifer Barrett Gallagher ’82, Lawrence Gallagher ’82, Alexis Marley ’08, Samantha Barrett McDonald ’07, Jenn McKeigan ’09, Meagan Moran ’09, Marie Newkirk ’10, Jacqueline Pisano ’09 and Jackie Sinto ’09. Jerry Muir, Ph.D., and Stacey Muir, Ph.D., professors of mathematics at Scranton, were also on hand.

With their Scranton friends on hand, Erin O’Connor ’09 and Alex Lentini ’07, G’10 were married on Aug. 25, 2012, at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, N.J. Alex works at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, while Erin is a nurse at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, N.J. The couple resides in Maywood, N.J.

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On Hand for Medical History

Photo courtesy of Jefferson Medical College

Alumnus Reflects on His Contribution to Open Heart Surgery Breakthrough With more than half a century of hindsight, Victor F. Greco, M.D. ’47 says the solution seems simple – just basic physics. At the time however, it was the final hurdle in a major medical breakthrough.

Open heart surgery was the final frontier of medicine in the early 1950s. Doctors had performed procedures on the heart, but there was no proven method of supplying the body with oxygenated blood. Dr. Greco was helping to search for a solution.

Just 25 years old, he had worked for two years on a team of researchers, led by John Gibbon, M.D., which was developing a device called the heart and lung machine. This device would pump out blood, oxygenate it and then pump it back into the body during surgery.

After years of research, the team had perfected everything except the final step. When they closed the heart after surgery, patients would sometimes develop air embolization because air would collect in the heart.

Dr. Greco broke down the problem from its most basic level to develop a remedy. “I thought, where does air go?” he says. “It rises to the highest level.”

He suggested they stand the heart up when the patient is coming off the heart and lung machine. Once vertical, the air would rise to the top and they could puncture the heart with a trocar catheter to let it out.

“It was as simple as that,” Dr. Greco recalls. “It was just a matter of someone thinking of it, trying it out and doing it.”

Dr. Greco had always been ahead of the curve. He graduated from high school at 15 years old and then The University of Scranton two years later. But even with his advanced career path, helping Dr. Gibbon’s team clear the final hurdle was a huge accomplishment for him.

The first procedure came on May 6, 1953, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. The patient was an 18-year-old

TOP: During his senior year of medical school, Victor F. Greco, M.D. ’47 (far left) listens to a lecture by John Gibbon, M.D., who was discussing his research involving the heart and lung machine. After the first successful heart surgery, Dr. Greco recalls Dr. Gibbon wasn’t interested in publicity, noting that the surgery wasn’t mentioned in the press.

Instead Dr. Gibbon was more concerned with sharing his experiences in surgical journals, better educating his medical colleagues.

woman who had an atrial septal defect and had just weeks to live. During surgery Dr. Greco monitored the heart and lung machine – the speed, the amount of oxygen and keeping the blood flow equal going in and out.

The surgery proved successful as the female patient went on to live 40 additional years.

After the surgery, Dr. Greco was offered several prestigious jobs, but his heart and his experience at Scranton inspired him to give back. He opened a private practice in his hometown of Hazleton, introducing new surgical methods to the region while raising the bar of medical care for the state.

Dr. Greco says he still has people come up to him and thank him for the care he provided. “To me, that is worth more than anything else,” he says.

It’s this human touch that Dr. Greco’s son, Victor Greco, O.D. ’75, says made his father such an exceptional doctor.

“I remember him saying if you listen closely to a patient’s history and then to their symptoms, you should know the diagnosis. Then you run tests to confirm the diagnosis,” Dr. Greco Jr. says. “A lot of doctors today don’t take that approach.”

In addition to his private practice, the elder Dr. Greco, a recipient of the University’s O’Hara Award for medicine in 1997, has a long list of accolades, including a stint as deputy secretary of health for Pennsylvania.

He worked as Muhammad Ali’s personal doctor, fixing a hand injury that threatened the champ’s career. He also found success in real estate investments and politics.

Today, Dr. Greco is 86 years old and still very active, occasionally teaching courses and giving lectures. “I can’t go a day without doing something,” he says. “I’m the type of person who has to stay busy.”

During his distinguished career, Dr. Greco was the recipient of numerous accolades. He was a member of the advisory council to the director of the National Institutes of Health, vice chairman of the board of trustees of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and a member of the State Board of Medicine appointed by then Governor Casey. Dr. Greco was also nominated to serve on President Clinton’s National Health Board. Most recently, he received UNICO’s prestigious Marconi Science Award for 2012.

INSET:

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Put a Ring onIt

Put a Ring With a hand from his former professor, Kevin Berry ’09 pops the question to Stephanie Kazanas ’08

EDITOR’S NOTE: Kevin

Berry ’09 shares the details – in this first-person account – of how he proposed to Stephanie Kazanas ’08, enlisting the help of George Gomez, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, and using the Rev. G. Donald Pantle, S.J., Rose Garden as the backdrop.

Kevin Berry ’09 and Stephanie Kazanas ’08, who got engaged on campus, have yet to set a wedding date. The couple is waiting to see where Berry gets his residency before they select a date and venue. They hope to get married in Kazanas’ church in Queens, N.Y.

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Stephanie and I met during my freshman year at Scranton, and we were in love a month into our relationship. Fast-forward almost six-and-a-half years and when considering places to propose, I couldn’t think of a setting more important to us than the University.

Not only did we meet and fall in love here, but our careers were also set in motion here.

It should be noted that Stephanie told me years before that she wanted wherever we got engaged to be somewhere we could go back to visit someday, especially a space that would provide us some privacy. The campus’ Rose Garden provided a perfectly secluded area, and it had the bonus of being near where we first hugged. With the site in mind, I met with George Gomez, Ph.D., a professor and close friend, and his wife, Pamela, and asked if they’d help me get Stephanie to Scranton for the proposal. They were delighted to help, and the scheme was set.

On the day of the proposal, we met with George and Pam, went downtown for lunch, and walked back up to the Loyola Science Center for a tour of the new building. While we were touring, George and Pam were taking pictures of us under the guise that they needed a picture of me to accompany a quote in a science center brochure (which happened to be true). Unbeknownst to her, Stephanie and I were also getting engagement day photos long before she was aware.

As we toured the building, we entered George’s office and had a perfect view of the Rose Garden that, thankfully, was empty. (We had back-up locations if it wasn’t.) Taking that cue, we walked outside with plans to tour the rest of campus. At this time, George and Pam retreated to George’s office to retrieve a forgotten fictional item.

As Stephanie and I walked into the Rose Garden, I asked her about our first hug, pointed to where it was, and also mentioned our first kiss. I told her, “I love you,” to which she replied, “I love you more!” Figuring that was as good a cue as any, I said “Oh yeah, top this!” and bent down on one knee and asked her to marry me.

She was completely surprised, but said “yes,” making it the best moment of my life. The ring fit perfectly and everything went absolutely to plan. (God truly guided every step of the way.) We then reunited with George and Pam and, after many congratulations, we went to the science center’s rooftop. George and his wife were amazing, playing their roles perfectly. They even had champagne waiting for us. The day, the people and the place could not have been more perfect.

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Marriages

Amanda Loyden ’04 and Ken Mohn Jr. ’04 tied the knot on April 21, 2012, at Normandy Farm in Blue Bell. On hand were numerous Royals, including Matt Bernard ’99, G’03, Rebekah Ferguson Bernard ’01, Trevor Brennan ’02, Allison Wieman Buchholz ’04, Jim Buchholz ’04, Ed Cosgrove ’03, Ed Donnelly ’89, Marie Donnelly G’09, Mary Donohue ’04, Bill Dotter ’02, Maria Dotter ’02, Tom Gorman G’83, Brian Jauntig ’02, Jeff Jones ’03, G’07, Kimberly Loyden ’11, Jim Manganiello ’02, Kate Manganiello ’02, Kerry McGarvey ’04, Lauren McHale ’04, John Mullen ’72, G’81, RJ Nemetz ’02, David Pavlico G’95, Suzanne Santarelli ’04, Lauren Marie Smith ’04, Jessica Massaro Vitale ’04, Rich Vitale ’04, Rachel Becker Wolk ’04 and Deanna Zarzecki ’02, G’08. The couple is currently living in Tampa, Fla.

In front of many of their closest Scranton friends, Julia Haddon ’10 and Michael Losito ’10 were married on Aug. 4, 2012, in Lancaster. After meeting freshman year in their dorm, Hannan Hall, the rest was history, the couple claims. “The University is the best thing that ever happened to us, aside from meeting each other,” they add. In tribute to Scranton, the happy couple named all their reception tables after their favorite locations on campus and in town. Among those in attendance were (front, from left) Sylvia Szerszen ’10, Elizabeth Pulice ’10, Michael Losito ’10, Julia Haddon Losito ’10, Stephanie Webber ’10, Alexandra Pipa DeRose ’10 and Alycia Crilly ’10. Pictured in the second row (from left) are Kristin Cinquino ’10, G’11, Michael Karwacki ’10, Christopher Yarosh ’10, Deirdre Wylie ’10, John Hall ’11, Ian Butterwick ’11, Lindsay Horvath ’10, G’11, Antony Delliturri ’11, Joseph Canamucio ’10 and Michael Wolansky ’10.

The Sept. 15, 2012, wedding between Nicole DeMarco ’08 and Maurice McGeehan was cause for a celebration, and who better to lead it than a former Royal cheerleader! During the reception at the Gettysburg Hotel in Gettysburg, this scene really happened! Among the Royals in attendance were Kristin Alfieri ’12, Christina Chase ’09, Caitlin Gluck ’06, Camille Gonzalez ’14, Marissa Gryzbowski ’10, Jaclyn Henry ’12, Jennifer Johnson ’09, Cynthia Maguire ’09, Catherine McGuire ’08, Tina Morisco ’08, Maura Schofield ’07, Megan Trevino ’10 and Danielle West ’02.

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Adjusting to the

Unexpected

Educator’s Vision Impairment a ‘Non-Issue’ in the Classroom

Mark Phelan ‘90 shares a moment with his supportive family. Pictured (from left) are Sam, son; Mark; Lisa Donoghue Phelan ‘90, wife; and Alaina, daughter.

AT LEFT: Phelan enjoys creating an atmosphere in his classroom that encourages education, as well as laughter.

He credits the University for instilling in him a feeling that “every individual is important.” He adds, “You have a responsibility to help others, and I feel I learned that at Scranton.”

ABOVE:

“You know who else likes to read?” a student asked Mark Phelan ’90 not too long ago. “Who?” inquired the teacher willing to play along.

“My … mom!” crackled the student as the classroom exploded in laughter.

“The kids were dying,” Phelan recalls. “They were laughing on the floor.”

While he might not know the punch line – a reference to a Cartoon Network series, and apparently appointment television for 8-year-olds – Phelan understands his students sometimes need to be kids.

At Lenape Meadows Elementary School in Mahwah, N.J., Phelan works with special needs students – usually second- and third-graders – who are striving to overcome a variety of learning disabilities, including dyslexia. It is not uncommon for his students to be one or two grade levels behind their peers, struggling to learn to read and write, as well as comprehend math.

“I try to use humor when I teach,” he says. “I know that it’s a lot of work for these kids, and they know it, so we should make it fun, too.”

Fellow teacher Jenn Koby explains that Phelan has developed a great rapport with his students, keeping them upbeat with his sense of humor and creativity.

“He definitely tries to connect with them,” Koby says. “He makes an impression.”

With nearly 20 years in the classroom, Phelan also knows the routine he maintains is his students’ best bet to succeed. “The students have to have order and structure,” he explains. “They have to know all the rules. They have to have consequences. You have to be consistent and follow through because they are going to test you.”

Phelan has been tested once before – though to a greater extent – when his vision began to deteriorate unexpectedly as a Scranton undergraduate.

As a result of Stargardt disease, a hereditary juvenile macular degeneration that affects eyesight, Phelan’s vision went from 20/20 to 20/200 in the span of 10 years, costing him many freedoms he previously enjoyed.

“It was shocking, and it was terrifying,” he recalls of his vision loss. “It just kind of came out of nowhere, then got progressively worse. It was a completely life-altering event.”

After graduation, the Queens, N.Y., native eventually landed a statistical analyst position in a New York City department store. He soon realized that his poor vision demanded a shift in his life.

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“I couldn’t see the numbers I was entering and analyzing,” Phelan recalls.

“I knew then I had to do something different. I always wanted to teach, so I went back to school to get a master’s in special education.”

While the classroom fulfilled him more fully than business ever did, the career change wasn’t without its challenges. After first teaching blind and low-vision students, Phelan moved into a high school special needs position, but it wasn’t a good fit.

“I was still pretty young, and I was sensitive about my vision,” he recalls.

“I felt that some of the kids, only some, were not exactly nice about my vision impairment. They could be pretty obnoxious about it. I was hurt by the experience, but it was also a growing process for me.”

Phelan soon transferred to Lenape Meadows Elementary where he found the sense of comfort he sought. “My disability means nothing to my students,” he explains. “They don’t even notice it. Being here has really helped me to accept it and handle it. It is a non-issue for us.”

With his vision impairment, Phelan faces daily obstacles in his personal life. He can’t drive a car, which means he carpools to work with other teachers.

He has difficulty reading small print, so he uses special computer settings and projection devices to increase font size.

“Every day is hard,” he says. “I can never forget about it. I have to rely on others.”

He maintains as active a lifestyle as possible, swimming three times a week, while also running, biking and skiing when he can. “I am fortunate that my vision problems haven’t kept me from doing what I enjoy, and I haven’t harmed myself yet,” he laughs.

Phelan credits his wife, Lisa Donoghue Phelan ’90, as well as his children, Sam, 13, and Alaina, 10, for their endless support. He also thanks Patrick J. Sweeney, Esq. ’90, Joe Hubert ’90, Maureen Sullivan Gonzales ’90 and Kate McGarry ’90 for being incredibly loyal friends as he adjusted to his vision loss after college.

“They handle it well because it is all they have ever known,” he says of his children. “They have always helped me. And I hope that this experience has made them more compassionate. Hopefully, they can see the help that I need and they won’t be quick to judge others.”

Chris and Danielle Egan Rowland ‘00 recently welcomed an adorable daughter, Noelle Ayreslea, who isn’t afraid to show her Scranton spirit.

Births A son, Edward Mortimer “Teddy,” to Dan and Kristen Sarisky Williams ’92, New York, N.Y. A son, Frederic Lucian, to Chris Attig ’93 and Jennifer Steel, Dallas, Texas A daughter, Evlin Elizabeth, to Patrick ’96 and Susan Blanton, Phoenix, Ariz.

A son, Miles Emilio William, to Eugenio and Amy Cirminello Gil ’96, Monroe Township, N.J. A son, Brian, to Brian ’96 and Dawn Sileo, Archbald A son, James Francis, to James ’97 and Jennie Broderick, Jersey City, N.J. A son, Thomas Charles, to Thomas ’97 and Carie Kelly, Commack, N.Y. A daughter, Cecilia Graciella, to Mark ’98 and Johanna Jones, Wayne, N.J. A daughter, Margaret “Maggie” Shundiin, to Ken and Lauren Leone Hartzfeld ’98, Pine Beach, N.J. A son, Lucas Matthew, to Matthew and Denise Mahalidge Derricks ’98, G’00, Breinigsville Twin sons, Thomas Joseph and James Edward, to Daniel and Maryellen Horne Fulton ’99, Wayne A son, Miles Nathan, to Daniel ’99 and Amy Novkovic Lloyd ’00, Milwaukee, Wis. A daughter, Emerson Grace, to Michael ’99 and Kara Finan Reheis ’02, Summit, N.J. A son, Reese William, to Robert and Nancy Bassano Molinet ’00, Newton, N.J. A daughter, Sofia Marie, to Demetry and Anna DiPaola Gemolas ’00, Frederick, Md. A son, Cole Andrew, to Brian and Christina Harchar Lafferty ’01, G’06, Spring Brook Township A son, Christopher John, to Chris and Erin Keating Ott ’01, Millersville, Md.

A son, Justin Miles, to Neal and Kristina Walsh Karnovsky ’01, New York, N.Y. A daughter, Emerson Grace, to Michael ’99 and Kara Finan Reheis ’02, Summit, N.J. A son, Connor, to Brad ’02 and April Puscavage Troy, M.D. ’02, Bowie, Md. A daughter, Adrianna Marie, to Anthony and Angela Drace McCloskey ’03, Harrisburg A son, Daniel Murphy, to Dan ’03 and Ellen Findlay Loftus ’03, Doylestown A daughter, Elizabeth Jane, to Matthew and Deirdre Lynn Kathman ’03, Worcester, Mass.

A son, David Lev Chaim, to Edward and Melissa Scott Vaks ’03, Lansdale A daughter, Annabelle Teresa, to Andy and Katie Corr Matthews ’04, Hatboro A daughter, Maya Ann, to Christopher ’04 and Judith Flounders Marcic ’04, New Hyde Park, N.Y. A daughter, Ava, to Michael and Alison Janes Johnson ’04, Falls Church, Va. A son, Eamonn O’Neill, to Patrick ’05 and Maggie Brennan, Odenton, Md. A son, Charles Edward, to Charles ’05 and Elizabeth Garnett Teixeira ’05, E. Norwich, N.Y. A daughter, Norah Elaine, to Anthony ’05, G’06 and Michelle McColgan Primerano ’06, Nazareth A daughter, Elizabeth Marion, to Scott ’06 and Laurie Wager Peslak ’07, Rochester, N.Y. A daughter, Avery Elizabeth, to David and Krystle Blew Fulton ’09, Denver, Colo.

Bobby Davis ’03 and his wife, Abbey, recently welcomed a son, John James.

The family resides in Dunmore.

It’s never too early to become a Royal! Future University of Scranton graduates James Crawford (left), born March 5, 2012, to Jim and Lauren Quirk Crawford ‘01, G ‘02, and Alexander Chiarelli, born Sept. 15, 2011, to Michael and Melissa Nebzydoski Chiarelli ‘01, show off their Scranton threads.

Pantle Welcomes Back Alumni During an Ignatian retreat for alumni in May 2012, Rev. G. Donald Pantle, S.J., (seated on right) helped bring together 49 alumni, spouses and children at the University’s Retreat Center at Chapman Lake. The retreat was based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Father Pantle and Jean Willi, moderator of the retreat, led the event’s Masses and direction.

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‘May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Eternal rest grant unto them, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.’

In Memoriam Rev. Harry J. Lewis ’36, Wilkes-Barre Anthony Alfano Sr. ’43, Scranton Raymond A. Caldarelli, M.D. ’43, Hartford, Conn.

Walter C.F. Whalen ’43, LuthervilleTimonium, Md. Rev. Henry E. Zapotocki ’44, Roaring Brook Township Michael F. Beirne ’47, Cathedral City, Calif.

Michael J. Fasciana ’48, Pittston Harry R. Rivenburg ’48, Bel Air, Md. Carl F. Siracuse ’48, Dallas Bernard M. Dubin ’49, Boynton Beach, Fla. William A. Gabello ’49, Old Forge Frank H. Mechler ’49, Scranton Donald Moskovitz ’49, Boynton Beach, Fla. James A. Spinelli ’49, Scranton Paul F. Waters, Ph.D. ’49, Washington, D.C. Daniel S. Kuchar ’50, Scranton Joseph C. May ’50, Dickson City Anthony D. Orsini ’50, Brick, N.J. Robert R. Gallagher ’51, Dunmore Stephen E. Kiesel ’51, Milford, Conn.

Paul M. Lavelle ’51, Pompton Plains, N.J. Thomas Miller ’51, Harrisburg John B. Nagy ’51, Scranton Domenick W. Colangelo ’52, Belvidere, N.J. Sister M. Gabriel Kane G’52, Scranton John George McHugh ’52, Warren, Mich.

Edward F. Moraski ’52, Scranton William G. Shorten ’53, Scranton

Louis V. Galetto ’54, Waxhaw, N.C. Irene T. Kocak G’54, Binghamton, N.Y. Joseph J. Gulla G’55, Swoyersville Walter E. Seigle, M.D. ’56, Scranton James W. Steele ’56, Palm City, Fla. James E. “Jay” Golden ’57, Roaring Brook Township James J. Bonin ’58, Magnolia, Texas Thomas J. O’Donnell ’58, G’62, Dunmore Walter C. Ritzie ’58, Camp Hill Donald Ruddy ’58, Scranton Anthony J. Semenza ’58, Old Forge Joseph T. Kilker ’59, Narrowsburg, N.Y. Timothy V. O’Hara ’59, Collegeville John J. (Jack) Witowski, M.D. ’59, Moscow James E. Farley, Jr. ’60, Venice, Fla. Carl Ferraro, Sr. ’60, Richmond, Va. James Pickard ’60, Archbald George E. Rebar ’61, Jermyn Martin R. Brennan ’62, Holmdel, N.J. Louis J. Giordano, D.D.S. ’63, Clarks Summit Anthony Santilli ’63, Moosic Paul J. O’Donnell ’64, Jessup William J. Witaconis ’64, Oreland Allan T. Edwards ’65, Hopewell, N.J. William Scott Van Nostrand ’65, New York, N.Y. Joseph E. Cronkey, M.D. ’68, Waverly David G. Kristunas ’68, Duryea J. Wayne Morgan ’68, Scranton

John Q. Durkin ’69, Waverly J. Thomas Gavigan ’70, Palm Desert, Calif.

Jack P. Nealon ’70, Arlington, Va. George M. Roskos ’70, G ’74, Scranton William D. Rodner G’72, Ocala, Fla. Gerald J. Dougher ’73, Scranton Michael J. Palmasani ’73, G’75, Pittston Stephen Cosminski ’75, G’77, Silverdale Frederick A. Hensley Jr., M.D. ’75, Birmingham, Ala. Margaret A. Preno G’75, King of Prussia Richard A. Tremmel ’75, Throop John J. Yaskoweak, Jr. G’77, Nanticoke Patrick J. Marx ’79, G’85, Scranton Leonard M. Hoal G’80, New Milford Henry W. Heller ’81, Bethlehem Barbara Ann Gillespie ’82, Scranton Carmen J. Strazzeri ’82, Lake Ariel Thomas G. Lopatofsky, D.M.D. ’85, Wellsboro Cheryl A. Mugford, Ph.D. ’85, Royersford Sgt. Michael W. Johnson ’86, Fairee, Vt. Gary R. Mathers G’87, Trucksville Constance Phillips ’87, Scranton Melanie Lutz Humphrey ’89, Blairstown, N.J. Dawn Nicole Foster Norton ’92, Thorndale Jane Swarts ’96, Clarks Summit Don W. Moss ’98, Louisville, Ky. Aaron N. Reznick ’06, Ebervale

In Memoriam

Friends & Family

Dr. Remedios Dy-Sanchez Rigoroso Alfelor, grandmother of Maria Boulis Villafuerte, D.O. ’03 Keith Bair, father of Amanda ’07 Kevin Barrett, father of Samantha Barrett McDonald ’07 Kathleen Brennan, wife of Frank Graeff ’79 George Cameli, father of Sandy ’82 Ruth Ann Casey, mother of Dr. Paul ’71, Brian ’77, Joseph ’69 Joseph Gall, father of Joseph ’83 Kelly Gibbons, wife of Hon. James ’79 Ellen Golding, mother of Karen ’91 Bernadine Kaplan, wife of Saul ’47 Paul Kelly, father of P. Timothy ’79, Ann Kelly Harder ’89 and the late Dr. Patrick ’82

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Andrew Lenns, father of Charles ’75, grandfather of Matthew ’07 and Molly ’15 William Noone, brother of George ’66 Julia Piszezek, grandmother of Damien Elias ’87 Joseph Rasimas, father of Joseph (J.J.) ’96 Janice Rupp, mother of Jennifer ’07, G’09, Maria Rupp Phillips ’06 and Melissa Rupp Balzano ’04 Ruth Serowinski, mother of Kristina Serowinski Griffiths ’00 Romayne Stuckart, mother of Marc ’78 and Matthew ’86 Grace Vaughan, mother of Monica Vaughan McGonigle ’78 Patricia Whalen, mother of Mary Helen ’86 and Suzanne Whalen Maxwell ’90 Edward Ziskowski, brother of Dr. John ’70

contents

Renovated St. Thomas Hall as seen from the Dionne Campus Green

2013

JUNE 7-9, 2013

2

President’s Message

A Look Back with Michael J. McDonald ’68

7 Q&A with William Parente, Ph.D. 12 Surviving Hurricane Sandy 14 City ‘Forever Intertwined’ 19 Alumni whose class years end in “3”University, and “8”: 1983 Road Trip to Michigan 26 For a tentative schedule Make plans now to join your classmates back on campus in June.

of registration form, events, hotel information and more visit scranton.edu/reunion.

CLASS COMMITTEES WORK TO HELP

REUNITE

notables

On the Commons 4 -10 Find out more about how you can help make Athletics 29-31 your reunion a success by calling the Office of Alumni Relations atAlumni 1-800-SCRANTON News 34-35 or via email at alumni@scranton.edu

CLASSMATES & FRIENDS

Class Notes 36- 48

More than 1,000 Scranton graduates and friends attended Reunion in June 2012.

Here’s what some of our alumni had to say: An awesome trip back to the ‘warm land’ known as Scranton.

The Jesuits know how to start, build and maintain an outstanding University.

I am one proud alumnus.

Attending the Scranton Reunion and reconnecting with friends is always a joy, but seeing it unfold months before and being part of the planning really enhanced the experience. The Reunion staff was a great support, and we thank them for making our ideas reality.

– Teresa Poloney Knipper ’82

– Jim Janci ’77

scranton.edu/reunion

SCRANTON, PA 18510-4628

Make Your Gift Today at

scranton.edu/makeagift