Royal Alumni, Faculty, Students Team Up to Open Youth Center
EDITOR
Kristie G. Ceruti
DESIGNERS
Vikki Lawhon
Jason Thorne G’13
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Zephrin J. Morse
Tom Salitsky
Stan M. Zygmunt ’84, G’95
ASSOCIATE WRITERS
Valarie J. Clark ’12
Josh McAuliffe
Vin Rinella ‘25
ASSISTANT CLASS NOTES
EDITOR
Margery Gleason
PHOTOGRAPHY
Danielle Antonello-Smolley
Grace Crowley ’23
Sasha Gitin
Margery Gleason
Byron Maldonado
Frani Mancuso ’93
Maryjane Rooney ’80
Meg Sweeney ’20
PRESIDENT
Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Gerald C. Zaboski ’87, G’95
VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
Robert W. Davis, Jr., Ed.D. ’03
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
Lori J. Nidoh ’80, G’89
DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE & PRODUCTION SERVICES
Colleen Carter
ONLINE JOURNAL SUPPORT
Jennifer R. Pennington
The Scranton Journal is published by The University of Scranton for its alumni and friends.
External Affairs Office
The University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510-4615
Email: scrantonjournal@scranton.edu
Office of Alumni Engagement
The University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510-4624 570.941.5997. Email: alumni@scranton.edu 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 Engagement.
As Royals guided by Jesuit principles, you routinely effect positive change in the world, and in doing so, align with St. Ignatius’ message, “Strive after the goal to which you are called with all your might. Know that God has already supplied you with the means to achieve it.” This lifelong altruism from the University community reflects one facet of our unique mission.
Our spring issue of The Scranton Journal illustrates that theme. In one instance, an Ignatian synergy established a youth center where all offerings, wrestling to creative arts, are available free of charge. Championed by Laura and Douglas Boyle, DBA ’88, chair and professor of accounting and director of the Ph.D. Program in accounting at Scranton’s Kania School of Management, this undertaking unites like-minded Royals on a quest to provide a nurturing environment where young people could find and develop their passion.
In another inspirational example, our Royals embraced Community-Based Learning, which represents the true spirit of the Jesuit education experience at Scranton. Courses match community partners with the skills and resources of faculty and students, who gain a deeper understanding of service as part of their academic and personal growth.
In the pages ahead, you will meet Allison (Alli) Smith, Ph.D. ’06, whose groundbreaking clinical work in psychology and pain management guides treatment at the top-ranked pediatric hospital in the world; Brett Nance ’15, who responds to infectious disease outbreaks and helps shape future public health professionals; and Elizabeth A. (Boyle) Madden ’96, the chair of the President’s Business Council who is working to reenergize the organization by engaging the next generation of Royals.
The magazine shares the results of a yearlong collaboration between Enrollment Management, External Affairs, and external experts, with input from the entire University community. The results: a theme for the new messaging that invites today’s students and parents to experience all that makes Scranton “Uncommonly US.”
In this season of reawakening, explore new ways to grow and make an impact on the world. Please continue to remember the University in your prayers and be assured of mine in return. GO ROYALS!!
Yours Faithfully,
Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J. President
contents Features
26 Royals Unify to Create a Pathway for Youth
Douglas Boyle, DBA ’88 and Laura Boyle champion a youth center that provides a no-cost environment for athletics, artistry and wellness; alumni, faculty, students and friends rally in support.
30 ‘Good Work That Does Good in the World’
The “Why” and “What’s Next?” for Community-Based Learning at Scranton and how it provides opportunities for faculty and students to engage in the true spirit of the Jesuit educational experience.
33 Scranton’s New Brand Celebrates Unique Identity
The ‘Uncommonly US’ campaign represents more than a refreshed look for admissions publications; it’s a celebration of what makes The University of Scranton truly distinctive.
There is more Scranton news than we can fit in this print edition! Look for icons throughout The Scranton Journal indicating more related content, including photographs, videos or expanded articles, on our website. Visit scranton.edu/scrantonjournal to read the online version of the magazine, and visit scranton.edu/journalextras to access our web exclusives.
What Makes the University Unique to Its Students?
Watch our “Uncommonly US“ video in under 30 seconds at Scranton.edu/journalextras.
Community-Based Learning
Nursing students and Faculty Fellows reflect on their CBL experiences at Scranton.edu/journalextras.
Relive Your Royal Memories
Visit Scranton.edu/alumniphotos to see all the fun you had at the
Have You Seen Gracie the Royal Pup Yet? Get a
On the Commons
Weinberg Memorial Library Named Library of the Year
The Pennsylvania Library Association presented the University’s Weinberg Memorial Library with the 2024 Library of the Year Award at a virtual ceremony on Oct. 15.
The annual award recognizes an individual library in Pennsylvania that has, in the previous 18-month period, exhibited excellence in: service to public or academic community; advancing staff development; innovation in a special project, partnership, or solution to a challenge; and leadership in and support of the PA Library Association activities.
“It’s an incredible honor for us to be selected for this award, especially considering the many outstanding libraries across Pennsylvania, from colleges and universities to public libraries in large cities and small communities,” said George Aulisio, Ph.D., dean of the University’s Weinberg Memorial Library.
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our library’s staff and faculty. We’re committed to creating a
welcoming, inclusive environment while meeting the needs of our entire community — students, faculty, staff and area residents who utilize our library’s public resources.”
In presenting the award, the Pennsylvania Library Association noted the vision of the University’s Weinberg Memorial Library to promote “an accessible, inclusive, supportive and welcoming environment where everyone can learn and grow creatively, intellectually and spiritually.” The association said that the Weinberg Library’s “staff embodies this vision in their day-to-day operations, and prides themselves on service to the community, professional development and service to the Pennsylvania Library Association.”
Dean Aulisio said that the Weinberg Library’s success “is rooted in the University’s Jesuit identity and its longstanding investment in its library.”
The PA Library Association noted the Weinberg Library’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts and the collaborative programming offered with campus groups that included hosting a series of films to celebrate Black History, Arab American Heritage and Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander months for both students and the Scranton community at large. The association also noted the new research guides for gender and sexuality and accessibility developed by Weinberg Library staff, and an Accessibility/Sensory Map to highlight the spaces and features with general accessibility, types of lighting, and noise level of the University’s library.
Full stories are linked from the “On the Commons” section of The Scranton Journal website at journal.scranton.edu, or can be found at news.scranton.edu
Seated from left are Weinberg Memorial Library staff and faculty members: Kevin Kocur, Rose Merritt, Sheli Pratt-McHugh, George Aulisio, Ph.D., Donna Witek, Kate Cummings and Jean Lenville. Standing: Melisa Gallo, Eric Pencek, Margaretta Gilhooley, David Hunisch, Mary Kovalcin, Rebecca Dzikowski, Sharon Finnerty, Tiffany Ash, Mary Fran Galat, Michael Knies, Ian O’Hara, Kym Fetsko, Colleen Farry, Marleen Cloutier, Bridget Conlogue, Jennifer Galas, Sylvia Orner, Mary Beth Roche and Sam Davis.
Construction Check-in: Seven-Figure Funding, Topping Ceremony and Several Seasons of Progress Campus
Last spring, the University began altering its landscape in a four-story way with construction on the 300 block of Madison Avenue. Since the official April 8 groundbreaking, milestone moments have punctuated progress on a nearly 90,000 square-foot center for workforce development, applied research and outreach.
In June, Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced a $10.5 million gift from Robert S. ’68 and Marilyn A. Weiss. The building will be named Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall in honor of the longtime University benefactors.
FACT: The Weiss’ $10.5 million gift is the largest single donation in the University’s 136-year history.
On a sunny Saturday in August, the University held an informal “topping off” ceremony for the Robert S. and Marilyn A. Weiss Hall, placing the top beam on the newest building on campus. Joining Father Marina in signing the beam were representatives of the departments that will be housed in the new facility, members of the President’s Cabinet and those involved in the building’s construction.
FACT: Hemmler and Camayd (HC Architects) are the architects of the building, which incorporates glass walls, steel and stone into a modern design intended to meet silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification requirements. Quandel Construction is the construction manager.
On October 16, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded the University a $1,321,980 grant in support of the Technology-Driven Transformation in Workforce Development and Innovation project. The grant leverages opportunities in the building for outreach and collaboration with the greater Scranton community and is expected to involve 159 students, 10 businesses and 137 participants. Projects funded impact 188 counties in 10 Appalachian states: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
FACT: Scranton is one of just 20 projects in Pennsylvania selected to receive ARC awards. The project received the seventh-largest award in the Commonwealth.
ARC announced awards of $68.2 million for 65 projects through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. The ARC grant funding leverages the workforce development, applied research and community outreach opportunities that will be created in the four-story Weiss Hall, including the expanded and dedicated space for the University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
FACT: POWER directs federal resources to economic diversification and revitalization projects in Appalachian communities affected by the downturn of the coal industry. The awards amount to ARC’s largest POWER investment since the initiative was launched in 2015.
The University plans to begin use of the building for the fall 2025 semester.
OCTOBER 2024
Facilities Department Grounds Staff Bring Vision to Life
Last fall, the University campus blossomed, thanks to the exceptional efforts of its Facilities Department Grounds staff. Outside the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library, a landscaped area of chrysanthemums and other groundcover plants transformed the area into a seasonal masterpiece.
Project inspiration stemmed from necessity and opportunity. Landscape Specialist David Hampton explained that the removal of older plants near the library created a blank canvas. From balancing the bold hues of red, yellow, orange and purple chrysanthemums to selecting resilient plants that thrive late into the season, the design aimed for both beauty and sustainability.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team (shown) worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. The project was a collaborative effort involving Hampton, Anthony Kilker, Gene Kohut, Ken Smoke, John Williams, Nick Carcione, Scott Hintze, Ryan Heffron, Mike Mangino, Antonio Mangino, Frank Cardamone, Dave Winter, Mike James, Sev Alic, John McFadden, Brandon Siley, Eric Powell and James Schuler.
Grounds Supervisor Eugene Kohut revealed plans for the months ahead. Key areas around campus, including the Long Center, St. Thomas Hall and residence halls areas are slated
University News
for vibrant new landscaping. Facilities Operations Director Michael Judge noted that in spring 2025 the University community will see the addition of approximately 1,500 tulip and daffodil bulbs, ensuring fresh bursts of color across campus.
“By graduation, we want these spaces to be full of blooming plants, creating a lively and welcoming environment,” Kohut said.
Meet the New Members of Our Board of Trustees
The University of Scranton named three new members to its Board of Trustees: Charles Carey, J.D. ’75, James Harrington, J.D. ’83 and Patrick Haveron ’83.
Charles Carey, J.D. ’75
• Member emeritus of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris Glovsky and Popeo, P.C., a full-service, multi-disciplinary law firm with over 500 attorneys and senior professionals in offices across the U.S. and in Toronto, Canada.
• Nationally recognized in municipal finance with an emphasis on the financing of both private activity and governmental facilities.
James Harrington, J.D. ’83
• Intellectual property strategist and litigator in business, legal, economic and regulatory environments, including global pharmaceutical corporations, mid-sized businesses, government and law firms.
• Expert in Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act (Hatch-Waxman Act) litigation, and in the use of data analytics in trial strategy and jury selection.
Patrick Haveron ’83
• Chief executive officer and chief financial officer at Maiden Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based holding company specializing in ownership and management of businesses and assets in the reinsurance, insurance and related financial services industries in addition to select strategic investments.
• Served in a variety of executive and financial leadership roles with the company since joining as executive vice president in 2009.
Agreements Established
• The University of Scranton and Symbiosis International, a “Deemed University” in India, signed a memorandum of understanding to set in motion the future development of joint research projects and educational programs. A top-ranked university in India with an international student population representing more than 85 countries, Symbiosis International has campuses in six cities in India.
Staff
Patricia Vaccaro G’92 Receives Alpha Sigma Nu Magis Award
Patricia Vaccaro G’92, director of the Center for Service and Social Justice at the University, received a 2024 Alpha Sigma Nu Magis Award.
Vaccaro joined the University staff in 1987 as director of collegiate volunteers. Under her leadership, the volunteer service opportunities offered to students expanded through partnerships with area nonprofit organizations.
University service programs created during Vaccaro’s tenure as director include FIRST (First-years Involved in Reflective Service Together) reflective service immersion program, the Meg Cullen-Brown SMART mentoring program and the SPARK summer camp program with Scranton Preparatory School that began in 2012 and serves at-risk teens.
• The University of Scranton and Providence University, a Catholic co-educational institution in Taichung City, Taiwan, have signed an Accelerated 4+1 Agreement that will allow qualified students at Providence to earn an MBA from Scranton in as little as one year after completing their undergraduate degree. Through the agreement, students can take graduatelevel courses at Providence during their senior year, which will be recognized at Scranton and allow the students to earn an MBA from Scranton at an accelerated pace.
Julie Schumacher Cohen Named Higher Education Trailblazer in PA
Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president for community engagement and government affairs at the University, was among the 50 Higher Education Trailblazers named by City and State Pennsylvania, a multimedia news organization that focuses on the commonwealth.
At Scranton, Cohen leads a variety of community and civic initiatives. She served as project director of “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story,” a project that garnered a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. A multipleyear, community-wide project, “Scranton’s Story” explored themes of history, belonging, identity, community and democracy through a series of humanities-based programs culminating in a fall 2023 oral history collection.
Cohen joined the University in 2010. During her tenure, she has spearheaded new downtown Scranton studentengagement initiatives and built collaborative relationships with community and government organizations.
Volunteerism, Prayer Service and Campus Tributes Honor Veterans Ministry
In the community and on campus in November, the University honored veterans in word and deed. In advance of Veterans Day, University students prepared 60 meals for St. Francis Commons and the Community Intervention Center as volunteers with the We Care Meal Program. On Veterans Day, student groups and their moderators hosted an Interfaith Veterans Day Prayer Service to honor those who have dedicated their lives in service to their country, and Scranton’s ROTC cadets assembled a “Field of Flags” on Founders Green near the Commons Flag Terrace to honor our nation’s fallen veterans.
Alumni Discuss How Their Experiences at Scranton Influenced
Their Vocational and Jesuit Journeys
Two men of faith at different stages in their Jesuit formation journeys recall distinct experiences from their undergraduate years at The University of Scranton that influence who they are today.
Rev. Mr. Douglas Jones, S.J. ’10 credits Scranton with his “vocational awakening.”
Mr. Andrew Milewski, S.J. ’13 describes his role as a resident assistant as “formative.”
Still, both highly value one aspect: a strong sense of community on campus.
“It’s the people. My favorite part of being at Scranton has always been the community,” said Milewski, who, during the regency stage of formation, is teaching at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia. “I met so many friends there, some of whom I am reconnecting with in Philly. Scranton is a place where you are always going to see
University Receives Top Rankings
Accolades received since our last edition.
U.S. News & World Report
2025 “Best Colleges” – September 2024
• For 31 years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked The University among the top 10 regional universities in the north, placing Scranton No. 6 in its 2025 edition of the “Best Colleges” guidebook.
The Princeton Review
2025 “Best 390 Colleges” – August 2024
The Princeton Review selected Scranton among the “Best 390 Colleges” in the nation. Other national rankings earned by the University:
• “Best Science Lab Facilities, ” No.17
• “Students Most Engaged in Community Service,” No. 23
• “Best-Run Colleges, ” No. 23
2025 Guide to Green Colleges – October 2024
• The Princeton Review recognized Scranton for its commitment to sustainability initiatives for the sixth year.
someone you know and connect with, but that you can also always meet someone new.”
Rev. Jones was recently one of eight Jesuits ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Robert P. Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, at the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
“Performance Music ensembles and SJLA were two great communities within the broader University community. They helped me see how I could thrive when I had strong support, and sometimes saw more in me than I saw in myself!”
TOP: Rev. Mr. Douglas Jones, S.J. ’10 is one of eight Jesuits ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Robert P. Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston at the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo courtesy Rev. Mark Scalese, S.J.) BOTTOM: Mr. Andrew Milewski, S.J. ’13, center, at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia with, from left, Rev. Stephen Surovick, S.J. ’96 and Br. Robert Carson, S.J.
For the complete list of University rankings and other recognition, visit scranton.edu/pointsofpride
Other Notable Rankings
• The National Science Foundation data presented by Higher Ed Data Stories placed Scranton among the top 10 Catholic undergraduate colleges and universities in the U.S. for producing doctoral recipients. From 2016 to 2022, the University ranked No. 3 for producing Ph.D. recipients in mathematics and statistics; No. 10 for biological and biomedical sciences; and No.10 for chemistry.
• Forbes ranked the University among “America’s Top Colleges” in its 2024-2025 ranking, published in September 2024. This marks the 16th year Scranton was included in the list of the nation’s elite schools. Scranton is the only college in Northeast Pennsylvania to be named among the just 500 colleges in the nation listed.
• The “First Destination Survey” report by Scranton’s Roche Family Center for Career Development lists 99 percent of members of the University’s undergraduate and 100 percent of its graduate Classes of 2023 as being successful in their career goal within 12 months of graduation. Success includes employment, continuing education, military or volunteer service or taking a gap year.
New in the Neighborhood: Royals Class of 2028
More than 1,225 incoming students joined the University for the fall semester.
Nearly 40 members of the University’s undergraduate class arrived one week early to participate in FIRST (Firstyears Involved in Reflective Service Together), a reflective service immersion program. Class of 2028 FIRST participants volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of NEPA, Friends of the Poor, the Gino Merli Veterans Center, Neighborworks, the Weinberg Memorial Food Bank and the University’s We Care program. WBRE News aired a story on the FIRST program, featuring students at one of the Neighborworks locations.
Incoming students also arrived early to participate in the MOSAIC (Meaningful Opportunities for Student Access, Inclusion and Community) program. MOSAIC included a tour of downtown Scranton and resources on campus, panel discussions with faculty, staff and administrators, and students, as well as sessions on the transition to college and opportunities to meet with other students and each other.
Get to Know the Class of 2028:
• 78 legacy children (parent or parents are Scranton alumni)
• average SAT score of 1,236
• from more than 400 high schools
• nearly 30 percent identify as first-generation college students
• represent 16 states, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, as well as four countries: Dominican Republic, Ireland, Marshall Islands and Mexico
Participants of the FIRST (First-years Involved in Reflective Service Together) program are shown volunteering in the community with Neighborworks.
Members of the Class of 2028 arrived early to participate in the MOSAIC (Meaningful Opportunities for Student Access, Inclusion and Community) program.
Fall welcome events included a Mass at which the Class of 2028 banner was introduced and blessed.
On the Commons
Student Achievement
Students Receive Scholarships, Participate in Internships, Place at Competitions
Several students won awards and scholarships this past year. Here are just some of their achievements.
• Undergraduate students majoring in mathematics and computer science, along with faculty from the Mathematics Department, and a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in business analytics, presented research at two multi-state regional conferences. The research was conducted with faculty advisor Joseph Klobusicky, Ph.D., assistant professor of mathematics, during the summers of 2023 and 2024 and was supported by grants from NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF) Launching Early-Career Academic Pathways in Mathematical and Physical Sciences (LEAPS-MPS) grants.
• The University’s Nu Kappa chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor society for financial information students and professionals, achieved Gold Chapter status for the 2023-2024 academic year. This is the chapter’s second time achieving this status, having earned it for the 2022-2023 academic year. The chapter began at Scranton in 2015.
• Sixteen University of Scranton ROTC cadets participated in leadership training programs that took them to Hawaii, Colorado, Georgia, Germany, Kyrgyzstan and Taiwan through several highly-selective programs.
• Twenty-one students in a Social Media Campaigns class led by Dr. Brian Snee ’93, associate professor in the Communications and Media Department, participated and won third place in the Gift of Life 2024 Students Save Lives College Challenge after organizing and publicizing virtual and on-campus outreach efforts in support of a national nonprofit organization that registers organ, tissue and cornea donors.
• Four students placed in the top ten in competitions at the 2024 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference, which took place in June in Orlando, Florida. In total, the four University students took home five trophies.
• Eleven students participated in a study abroad program in South Korea led by Michael Jenkins, Ph.D. ’06, and Sinchul Back, Ph.D., professors in the University’s Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology. Scranton teams excelled in the cybercrime investigation capture-theflag (CTF) challenge, securing fifth, sixth, and eighth places among the international teams. Four students were invited to present their research and projects at the student poster session of the conference. Dr. Back was the faculty co-author on the research studies presented.
Eleven students from The University of Scranton’s Class of 2028 have been awarded four-year, full-tuition Presidential Scholarships. Seated, from left, are: Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., president of the University; and Presidential Scholars Juliana Monforte, Lainey Conway and Paige Barnett. Standing are: Sarah Kenehan, Ph.D., executive director of the University’s Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities; and Presidential Scholars Adrian Agnello, Lucas Veneziale, Christopher Monda, Meghan Wong, Samantha Horsnall, Rosalie Avalos, Samantha Roerig and Connor Peters.
Guest Speakers on Campus
The University welcomed guests this past semester. Below are highlights of select lecturers who visited in the fall.
• Danté Q. Allen, the commissioner of the U.S. Rehabilitation Services Administration in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, was featured speaker at the 23rd Annual U.S. Conference on Disability, which is designed to educate and enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. Born with spina bifida, Allen is a full-time wheelchair user and a staunch proponent of disability rights and equity. Also speaking at the conference were Alison Levy, director of the Office of Technical and Information Services at the U.S. Access Board; Kathy West-Evans, director of business relations for the National Employment Team of the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation; John Evans, recently retired Vocational Rehabilitation program administrator for employee relations for the State of Washington Department Social Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation; and Gary Karp, disability awareness speaker, trainer, consultant and author of Life On Wheels: For the Active Wheelchair User, among other notable speakers.
Author, historian and medical humanities scholar Brandy Schillace, Ph.D., received the University’s Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library 2024 Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award.
• Marc Melitz, Ph.D., the David A. Wells Professor of Political Economy at Harvard University, presented the University’s 38th Henry George Lecture. He discussed “Global Production and Innovation Networks: Consequences for Trade and Industrial Policy.”
Award-winning author Stephanie Saldaña discussed her book What We Remember Will Be Saved at the University’s 2024 Ignatian Values in Action Lecture. The book was selected for the University’s “Royal Reads” program for its incoming Class of 2028.
The 23rd Annual U.S. Conference on Disability, presented by the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences and the Edward R. Leahy Jr. Endowment, is designed to educate and enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. Shown at the podium are University benefactors Edward R. ’68, H’01 and Patricia Leahy, who served as honorary conference co-chairs.
• Bryan W. Van Norden, Ph.D., best-selling author of Taking Back Philosophy: A Multicultural Manifesto and professor at Vassar College and Wuhan University in China, discussed “Learning from Chinese Philosophy” at a Humanities Forum Lecture presented by the University’s Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities and the Asian Studies Program.
• The University’s Schemel Forum’s fall semester World Affairs Luncheon Seminars speakers included Perri Klass, M.D., author of The Best Medicine; Adam Benforado, J.D., professor of law, Drexel University; and Jonathan Conyers, author of I Wasn’t Supposed to Be Here; Vince Giordano, Grammy-winner, multi-instrumentalist; Olapeju Simoyan, M.D., professor of psychiatry, Drexel University College of Medicine; and Josef Wegner, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, University of Pennsylvania.
Visit the University’s YouTube channel to view some of these lectures and read more about the On the Commons news.
ONE-ON-ONE with
Ed Karpovich ’76, G’86, Head Golf Coach
After 36-plus years, Coach Ed Karpovich ‘76, G’86, retired as Lackawanna County Treasurer on Jan. 1, 2024, to “start smelling the roses” and spend time in Clarks Summit with his family: wife Linda, sons Edward and Michael, daughter-in-law Christine, grandchildren Ellen, 10, and Max, 8, and brother Gene.
Thankfully for Royal golfers, that plan includes his second “family” at the University, where he has the longest active tenure among all coaches. Coach Karpovich completed his 42nd season with the Royals golf programs in 2023-24, achieving his 400th career victory with the men’s golf team.
In an interview with The Scranton Journal, Coach Karpovich discusses his coaching philosophy and how he prepares Royal golfers to compete at a high level.
Coach, you’ve had an incredible career thus far and have been recognized as the 2021 recipient of the University’s Peter A. Carlesimo Award, which honors a person who has made special contributions to athletics and Catholic education. When did you first become interested in golf, and how did that lead you to your current role at Scranton?
When I was 11 or 12, I began caddying at the Glen Oak Country Club in Waverly. I was playing baseball at that time and was a decent player. When I was watching these guys play golf — and a lot of them were not that good — I said to myself, ‘How is this that hard?” I could hit a baseball going 70 miles an hour, curving. For these guys, the ball’s just sitting there. How could they not hit the ball when it’s not even moving? Very shortly after
that, I started playing golf. If you have that kind of attitude, a lot of times you will do better, because you’re not negative out there. I was born and raised in Throop and went to Bishop Hannon High School, so I was leaning toward a Catholic institution for college. The academic reputation of Scranton attracted me, plus the fact that in 1972 when I graduated high school, the University was Division II, and they were allowed to give athletic scholarships. I was fortunate enough to get a golf scholarship. That was a big deal because otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have been able to go to college. My father was a coal miner with little education. He was one of 13 and when his father died young, he had to quit school in eighth grade and go to work.
You have led the Royals to two consecutive Landmark Conference titles, one in 2023 and one in 2024. How do you prepare your players to compete at such a high level?
Preparing for our conference championship in spring is very challenging because we are the northernmost school in the conference, and our championship is held on the last weekend of April. Schools like Catholic (University of America), Goucher (College) and just about every other school are able to get on a golf course to practice much earlier than we are.
During the winter, we hit many golf balls in our simulator. We have a net and a local course, Pine Hills, which will open as long as there’s no snow on the ground. We go there during winter months whenever we can. The simulator tells you how far you’ve hit the ball, your swing speed, launch angle and high-tech stuff. But there’s nothing like being outside.
Congratulations on becoming the first coach in program history with 402 wins. You have experienced tremendous success with the Royals, including a 61-match win streak between 2017 and 2022. To what do you attribute this sustained level of excellence?
I recruit top-level golfers from high schools in multiple states. These students are never satisfied with their game and are always looking to improve. We motivate ourselves by our prior success. I tell my players, ‘Winners win.’ Having so much success over the years motivates my team to stay at that high level of competitiveness.
You’ve coached many standouts, including two who’ve competed in the NCAA Division III championships. What do you look for in a player?
I look for a certain degree of talent, someone eager to learn, and most importantly, someone who puts the well-being of the team first. We pride ourselves on being more than a team because we are a family. The camaraderie is second to none.
Your teams have experienced exceptional seasons, including the 2013 campaign when the Royals went 12-0 and won invitational titles. What were the keys to that undefeated season?
The dedication and the hard work of my players. As all my teams do, they had a great work ethic. They were always concerned more about the team than they were about themselves. Plus, they were all very good players but never satisfied, always looking to get better. They always listened hard and paid attention when I offered my advice.
They were also great friends. I get invited to their weddings, tons of weddings, and all their teammates from college are there. That makes me feel so good. To me, that’s more important than every trophy I have in that trophy case — making lifelong friends or helping them make lifelong friends. I’m prouder of that than any conference championship I’ve ever won. That is what matters.
With over four decades of experience, how have you seen college golf evolve, especially at the Division III level?
The most significant change is technology; the equipment
and golf balls have brought the sport to a new level.
How has your coaching philosophy adapted to those particular shifts?
We play in more tournaments now rather than matches during the regular season. Most schools, especially local schools, play in matches with just one school against another. I get in a lot of highly competitive tournaments where there are 12 to 20 teams in one event. We see where we stand. If you think you’re good, well, suddenly, ‘Oh, we’re not that good,’ then we get a little bit better.
Is there anything I haven’t asked about that you would like to mention?
We have a lot of excellent sports teams, from basketball to baseball to soccer to golf, all over the board, and there’s got to be a reason for that. Our Executive Director of Athletics Dave Martin supports every single sport; he does not play favorites. The most important sport to him is the sport you coach, and the most important players are the players on your team.
My longevity here, coaching, especially at my age, I owe largely to him. He’s not only a colleague; he’s a friend who I trust and admire.
Coach Karpovich’s favorite course is Augusta National, but he would much rather watch a tournament on television, “the best seat in the house where you see everything that’s going on, who’s making a comeback, who’s doing lousy.” When not leading the Royal golf teams to victory, Coach Karpovich enjoys completing home improvement projects and spending time in the role of Dziezie, which is Polish for Grandpa.
Cassandra Weir ‘26 of the Women’s Golf Team with Coach Ed Karpovich.
Coach Ed Karpovich, shown in 2002, his 21st year as The University of Scranton Head Golf Coach.
Focus on Faculty EQUIPPING
TOMORROW’S SCIENTISTS
University professors secure prestigious National Science Foundation grants totaling over $2 million for groundbreaking research.
Biology Professors Equip Students To Be ‘Drivers of Research’ in STEM Fields
A $551,957 National Science Foundation
Major Research Instrumentation grant will enhance teaching and research in biology fields at Scranton. Ashley Driver, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at the University, is the principal investigator for the grant that will be used to purchase the Olympus FV4000 Confocal Microscope System, which will enhance teaching and innovative research in multiple biological fields for undergraduate and graduate students.
Co-principal investigators for the project are Marc Seid, Ph.D., professor of biology; Jong-Hyun Son, Ph.D., associate professor of biology; and Joseph Brague, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology.
Dr. Driver noted the instrument will be integrated into multiple upper-level biology courses to enhance research experiences for undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields.
“The use of this equipment by our students in their coursework and research projects will give them advanced microscopy experience at the undergraduate level. It will make our students competitive for top-tiered graduate programs, as well as positioning them well for industry research positions,” said Dr. Driver.
“We chose the system that was most amenable for student use in order to allow them hands-on experience in obtaining meaningful information for their course laboratory experiments, as well as in their independent research projects. We are training students, our future scientists, to be drivers of research. This instrumentation system will further enhance their learning experience at Scranton.”
Physics and Engineering Professor Garners $1.8 Million To Equip Nationwide Network
An associate professor of physics and engineering, Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D., will serve as the lead principal investigator of a $1.8 million National Science Foundation (NSF) collaborative grant to provide sophisticated atmospheric measuring equipment to a nationwide network of ham radio enthusiasts and citizen scientists that he developed.
Dr. Frissell will work with colleagues at Case Western Reserve University, the University of Alabama and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. The grant will further the collective data-gathering capabilities of the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation project led by Dr. Frissell. The grant supports the development of a network of 30 standardized receiver stations.
“The grant will establish the only widespread, coordinated high frequency, very low frequency and ground magnetometer
measurement network that is distributed primarily across the midlatitude region,” said Dr. Frissell.
Physics and engineering faculty and students, community volunteers and Dr. Frissell have been involved in research projects through grants he has received in the past five years from the NSF, NASA and the Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) foundation.
A space physicist, Dr. Frissell focuses research on the ionosphere, which is an atmospheric region that extends from about 50 to 600 miles above the earth’s surface. According to Dr. Frissell, changes in the ionosphere alter the behavior of radio wave propagation and affect radio communications and global navigation satellite systems. Understanding ionospheric structures and processes will lead to an increased understanding and prediction of these effects.
Grant Supports Inaugural Data Science Day Competition
Mathematics professor Joseph Klobusicky, Ph.D., received a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to support the University’s inaugural Data Science Day Competition, an interactive event for area high school students. The day also included a luncheon keynote address by Melinda Kleczynski, Ph.D., a post-doctoral scholar at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and remarks from Carolyn Barry, Ph.D., dean of Scranton’s College of Arts and Sciences. University students majoring in mathematics and other fields assisted with the competition.
Driver
Seid
Brague
Son
Lori Bruch, Ed.D., Receives Award at Conference
The 23rd Annual U.S. Conference on Disability at the University, titled “The Rehabilitation Act: Learning From Our Past, Knowing Our Present, and Building Our Future,” featured nationally respected speakers addressing access, advocacy and employment in the age of artificial intelligence.
Lori Bruch, Ed.D., associate professor, Counseling and Human Services Department, and faculty fellow, Office of the Provost, received the inaugural Ralph N. Pacinelli, Ed.D., Award, presented at the conference in honor of the lifelong leader in vocational rehabilitation.
Dr. Bruch joined the faculty full-time in 1995, having previously served as an adjunct professor at Scranton since 1989. She has served as chair of the Counseling and Human Services Department since 2015. She also served as co-chair of the University’s annual Conference on Disability for more than a decade.
Earlier this year, she received the University’s Excellence for University Service and Leadership Award, which recognizes a faculty member who has contributed service to the University community, particularly those who demonstrate academic leadership by effectively mentoring their junior colleagues.
Faculty Notes
Professor Discusses Research on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Workouts
Joan Grossman, Ph.D., associate professor of health and human performance, has discussed her research on an effective exercise method for post-menopausal women in several publications recently. Dr. Grossman discussed her studies on the effectiveness of high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts for post-menopausal women in an article published in Women’s World in July, and in the fall on podcasts Age Better, MD for You, and in Academic Minute.
Professor Selected for Leadership Roles with Accounting Organizations
Ashley L. Stampone, Ph.D. ’10, G’11, PHD’22, assistant professor in the Accounting Department, was selected as one of just 25 educators/academic members worldwide to serve on the Institute of Management Accountants’ (IMA) Committee of Academic Relations for a two-year term. She was also elected to serve as vice president on the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (PICPA) Board of Directors for a one-year term and will serve as the PICPA board representative on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation.
Gretchen J. Van Dyke, Ph.D., Receives Earl Award
Gretchen J. Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor in the Political Science Department, received the John L. Earl III Award for service to the University, the faculty and the wider community. The 2024 John L. Earl III Award was presented at the annual Fall Convocation, which took place on campus Sept. 6.
The award is given annually to a member of the University community who demonstrates the spirit of generosity and dedication that the late Dr. John Earl, a distinguished professor of history, exemplified during his years at Scranton from 1964 to 1996.
Stephen E. Whittaker, Ph.D., professor of English and theatre and the 2023 John L. Earl III Award recipient, read the citation for Dr. Van Dyke, which described her as “a person with and for others” who has “generously embraced her duties as a department member, faculty colleague and advisor to administrators and students.” In presenting the award to Dr. Van Dyke, who joined the faculty in 1994, he said that she “has fully engaged in the academic and social fabric of the greater University community since her first arrival on campus.”
Faculty Member Appointed General Editor
Yamile Silva, Ph.D., professor of world languages and cultures at Scranton, was appointed general editor of the academic Journal of Gender and Sexuality Studies/Revista de Estudio de Género y Sexualidades, which is published by Michigan State University Press. Dr. Silva will serve as general editor for five years, beginning in 2025.
Criminal Justice Professor Wins Outstanding Service Award
Michael Jenkins, Ph.D. ’06, professor and chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology, received the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences 2024 Police Section Outstanding Service Award. The annual award honors an individual who has provided significant service to the Police Section of the academy, an international association with 2,000 members that was established in 1963 to foster professional and scholarly activities in the field of criminal justice.
Read more about faculty research and awards at news.scranton.edu
LEGACY
In Case You Missed It…
In August, incoming first-year students of Scranton alumni gathered on campus with their families and Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, for the Class of 2028 Legacy Families Reception. Also in August, scores of Royals enjoyed a night of summer fun at Hoboken’s Pier 13. In September, former recipients of The Francis E. and Elizabeth Redington Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to students based on ability and need in both the United States and the Republic of Ireland, gathered on campus to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the scholarship. And, also in September, Kyle Dunn ’24 1, Luke Merlan ’26 2, Brendan O’Donoghue ’24 3 and James O’Donoghue ’26 4 won the third annual Alumni-Student Golf Outing at Pine Hills Country Club and were presented with the event’s signature purple jackets in recognition of their accomplishments. See more photos from these and other events at scranton.edu/alumniphotos, and visit scranton.edu/alumni to register for our next event today!
PIER 13
by Evan Schiller
Photo
Alumni, Parents and Friends Celebrate Scranton at the President’s Medal Gala in NYC
The spirit of generosity at The University of Scranton was on full display at the President’s Medal Gala at Pier Sixty in Manhattan, proceeds from which support the University’s Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund. James M. Slattery ’86, H’23, former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and head of North America for Rosebank Industries PLC, was honored with the President’s Medal, an award that recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence in their fields and have demonstrated extraordinary compassion for others. Immediately following the award presentation, the University received three anonymous six-figure donations totaling more than $700,000 in less than 20 minutes; by the evening’s end, more than $2.3 million was raised. The total is the most money raised for Presidential Scholarships in the more than 20-year history of the President’s Medal events, which started in 2002.
1: James M. Slattery ’86, H’23, former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees and head of North America for Rosebank Industries PLC, receives the President’s Medal from Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president.
2: Alexandra Shomali ’25 speaks on behalf of the Presidential Scholars.
3: The Presidential Scholars of the Class of 2025 enjoy a moment together.
4: John D. Dionne ’86, H’10, P’22,’28, chair of the President’s Medal Gala, speaks at the event.
5: James M. ’86, H’23 and Betsy Slattery share a dance.
6: Iggy poses for a photo with a few friends.
“A Fire That Kindles Other Fires: The Campaign To Advance Mission, Access, & Excellence,” the University’s $135 million capital campaign, is in its final phase, and there is still time to kindle the fires of others at Scranton by making a gift to your favorite campus cause. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to help advance the University’s mission and vision; visit scranton.edu/campaign to support the future of Scranton today.
“How Can You Help?”
SAVE THE DATE for the
PRESIDENT’S MEDAL GALA
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 , 2025 PIER SIXTY
PBC Networking Reception
In October, students from the Kania School of Management met up with alumni from the greater New York metro area at a PBC Networking reception at Sixty Pine Street in Manhattan.
Regional Christmas Receptions
In December, alumni, parents and friends of the University in Boston, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, the Lehigh Valley, Scranton, Washington, D.C. and Stamford, Connecticut, celebrated the holiday season at regional Christmas receptions.
Scranton Legacies:
Michael ’92, Mary Alice ’92, Megan ’22, Katie ’24 and Mallory Bertrand ’28
Five Royals reflect on the meaningful connections that have made the University a “special place” for their family across generations.
A transfer to the University more than 30 years ago led thensophomore Michael Bertrand to where he felt he “needed to be.” Life-affirming experiences followed, including a #ScrantonLoveStory, a Royal legacy and a notable career in New York City with the FBI. Today, Michael and Mary Alice Bertrand and their three daughters discuss cherished aspects of campus and the Scranton connections that have guided their path.
What first drew you to Scranton?
Michael ’92: I started my college journey at another university. One of my best friends had chosen The University of Scranton and spoke so highly of the school. I visited him one weekend, and knew this was a special place, and where I needed to be. I transferred to Scranton my sophomore year.
What major did you choose?
Michael ’92: criminal justice
Mary Alice ’92: computer information systems
Megan ’22: English and philosophy
Katie ’24: entrepreneurship
Mallory ’28: communication sciences and disorders
Did you meet at Scranton? Please share a few details about your #ScrantonLoveStory?
Mary Alice ’92: We started dating our junior year after being introduced by a mutual friend. Some of our favorite memories were getting to know each other while enjoying that time in our lives. We especially loved our senior formal, celebrating with all our friends before graduating.
Would you recommend Scranton to a high school student? If yes, how did Scranton impact your career journey?
Michael ’92: Absolutely. I recommended Scranton to three high school students (my own kids!). I was a criminal justice major at Scranton, attended law school and went on
to become an FBI Agent. I had a great career, specializing in international counterterrorism investigations, all while working in New York for 23 years.
Mary Alice ’92: I was so happy our girls all chose Scranton, and I tell everyone who is on a college search with their children to look at the University. It is still the special place that it was all those years ago. After graduation, I was actually recruited to my first job by an alum who had graduated two years earlier.
Megan ’22: I definitely would. All the people at Scranton are amazing and the school set me up to succeed in law school. The small class sizes meant we all got to know each other very well, and the clear writing and logical reasoning I learned about at Scranton are skills I use every day.
Katie ’24: Yes, I loved my time at Scranton. The small class sizes allowed me to connect with my professors and classmates easily. This made networking for internships and jobs easier as we all wanted to help each other succeed.
Mallory ’28: Yes, I’ve been here a few months, and the Scranton community has been very welcoming.
The three daughters of Michael ’92 and Mary Alice Bertrand ’92 followed the educational path of their parents to Scranton. The family is shown at the 2024 Commencement of Katie, from left: Mallory ’28, Michael, Katie, Mary Alice and Megan ’22, who is now at Temple University Beasley School of Law.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
Michael ’92: Scranton has changed so much since I have been there, but The Commons has remained the same. I make sure I walk through the center of campus to take in the atmosphere every time I visit. I love it most in the fall with the leaves changing colors, and the Scranton flags flying.
Mary Alice ’92: I love to visit the DeNaples Center and Dionne Green. There are always so many smiling faces greeting each other and so much activity all around. It reminds me of our time with friends at our student center, the Gunster Center, and sitting on Nevil’s Beach those first beautiful days of spring.
Megan ’22: Second floor of the DeNaples Center is a great place to sit in between classes and talk with friends.
Katie ’24: Going to the volleyball court in front of Condron Hall to play with friends
Mallory ’28: Loyola Science Center study room
Who was/is your favorite professor and/or class?
Michael ’92: I still remember taking a class with some of my friends (and future wife) on the Russian Revolution. Dr. Earl (the late John L. Earl III, Ph.D.) was so passionate about the topic and every lecture was entertaining and informative. Did you/do you have a favorite Jesuit?
Michael ’92: Father “Papa Bear” Panuska (the late Rev. J.A. Panuska, S.J. H’74) has a special place in my heart. He had a big presence on campus, participated in campus functions and never missed an opportunity to speak with students.
Which on-campus tradition would you like to revisit?
Michael ’92: No doubt, orientation weekend. Those two days were such an exciting time on campus. I loved the experience so much as a transfer student that I became an orientation aide. The large orientation team organized sessions during the summer and then, in our purple shirts, welcomed the freshman class with two days of activities, including a talent show.
What did/do you enjoy most as a Scranton student?
Michael ’92: I loved the people. The Scranton community was welcoming to me as a transfer student and I developed great friendships that I still have today.
Mary Alice ’92: The University community is what I enjoyed most as a student. The faculty and staff created an environment for you to succeed academically, and grow personally and spiritually, preparing you well for your next journey. I made so many lifelong friendships while at the University. Of course, one of my favorite memories is meeting my husband.
Megan ’22: The long-term friendships I developed over the years.
Katie ’24: Sitting on the first floor of the DeNaples Center with friends, pretending to do homework.
Mallory ’28: Meeting new people and trying new things.
I was so happy our girls all chose Scranton, and I tell everyone who is on a college search with their children to look at the University. It is still the special place that it was all those years ago.”
— Mary Alice Bertrand ’92
What advice would you offer a Royal undergraduate student to help them make the most of their time at Scranton?
Mary Alice ’92 and Michael Bertrand ’92, started dating their junior year at Scranton. “We especially loved our senior formal, celebrating with all our friends before graduating,” said Mary Alice.
Michael ’92: Get involved, get involved and get involved. Scranton has a great academic reputation, but most of my favorite memories came from outside the classroom. I played lacrosse, was an Orientation aide, did Search and went to London. Four years go by very fast. Take advantage of every opportunity you can.
What inspired you to join the Alumni Society Advisory Board? What have you found most fulfilling?
Michael ’92: After my first daughter decided to go to Scranton, I began to travel more frequently to the University to visit her. I began to speak at networking and career fairs and loved talking with the students. I decided to join the alumni board as a way to continue contributing to the school.
Michael ’92, Mary Alice ’92, Megan ’22, Katie ’24 and Mallory Bertrand ’28 reside in East Windsor, New Jersey.
Athletics
Scranton Student-Athletes Earn Top Ranking
Fall Season Success Secures a Top Spot for Scranton in Landmark Presidents’ Trophy Standings
The University of Scranton student-athletes and Athletics Department produced another successful fall season. Royals ranked first out of 10 schools in the Landmark Conference Presidents’ Cup and Scranton set the pace with an impressive 10.75-point average, excelling across all six fall sports.
Women’s Soccer
The University’s women’s soccer team advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 for the third time in four years after earning wins against Marywood University and Wesleyan University. The Royals finished the regular season ranked 9th in the NCAA’s Division III NPI Rankings. Scranton posted 19 wins for just the third time in program history.
Field Hockey, Volleyball and Men’s Soccer
The University’s field hockey, volleyball and men’s soccer teams all earned wins in their respective Landmark Conference tournaments. The men’s soccer team made it to the semifinals, while the field hockey and volleyball teams advanced to the conference championship.
Cross Country
At the Landmark Conference Championships, the women’s cross country team placed third of 10 teams and the men’s cross country team placed fourth out of nine teams.
The University’s women’s soccer team, shown, advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 for the third time in four years.
The University’s women’s volleyball team, shown, earned a win in their Landmark Conference tournament.
The University’s men’s soccer teams and field hockey, shown, all earned wins in their respective Landmark Conference tournaments.
At the Landmark Conference Championships, the women’s cross country team, shown, placed third out of 10 teams and the men’s cross country team, shown, placed fourth out of nine teams.
Standout
Player Katie Redding Consistently Rises to the Occasion Field Hockey Teammates, Coaches Describe Record-Breaking Redding as the ‘Epitome of What It Means to be a Leader’
Records are made to be broken, and Katie Redding G’25 of The University of Scranton field hockey team has taken that to heart in her career with Scranton Athletics. Despite experiencing immense hardship during her time at Scranton, Redding has made a lasting impact on the program.
Redding is the first player in Landmark Conference history to win three consecutive Offensive Player of the Year awards and the first player in Scranton field hockey program history to be a multitime All-American. She has been an All-Landmark Conference First Team selection four straight years, and Redding finishes her career at Scranton as the program’s all-time leader with 70 goals, 34 assists and 174 points.
Redding has experienced incredible individual success at Scranton, and has led her team to success, as well. Under Redding’s leadership, Scranton has posted a strong 63-15 record during the last four seasons. The Royals have made three Landmark Title Games, and the team won the Landmark Championship and recorded an NCAA Tournament win in 2021.
“I’ve had the pleasure to play with so many talented teammates who have left an impression on the program, and with girls whose bright futures I now get to watch. I will forever cherish my time as a Scranton field hockey player,” Redding said.
Drawing on Reserves of Strength
Family has always been a crucial part of Redding’s athletic success, from her youth to the college level. She recognizes the sacrifices that her parents have made and credits her brother with helping to shape her into the person and player she is today.
“My parents paid a lot of money for me to play field hockey. Every opportunity to have a field hockey stick in my hand was because of them,” Redding said. “And my brother wasn’t easy on me growing up and he made me tough.”
During her sophomore year, Redding needed to channel that strength off the field, when on Dec. 20, 2021, her father, Sergeant Kevin Redding, passed due to complications of COVID-19.
Three years later, as a graduate student, Redding broke the Landmark
Conference record for career-points in a game against Goucher College when she recorded one goal and two assists.
“My emotions are more heightened. I think about my dad a lot – he was very involved in my field hockey career. I know that he was with me and by my side the whole time. I can just feel how proud and happy he would be, and that makes me happy,” Redding said.
Throughout her career, Redding has inspired those around her. As a standout player, she carried the weight of elevated expectations with grace, consistently rising to the occasion. Her coach, Colleen Moyer, said working with a player of Redding’s’ caliber was a privilege.
“Coaching a player of Katie’s talent is an honor and very inspiring as a coach. It opens so many possibilities on the field for your team to work toward and push for. She played with a lot of pressure on her shoulders, and I will always be immensely proud of how she continuously played at such a high level, year after year,” Moyer said.
Redding has made her mark on the program and will forever be part of the record books at Scranton. She hopes that what she has done on and off the field will motivate other young players, the way she was inspired when she joined the team in 2021.
“It’s a surreal feeling to be able to leave a lasting impression on something that has been such a big part of my life. I hope that a first-year athlete can walk in and think ‘OK, that’s going to be my name there’,” Redding said.
As a first-year athlete, Redding was mentored by another Landmark Offensive Player of the Year winner, then-senior Allie Benadon. “Katie is the most talented player that I have had the pleasure of sharing the field with, but what impresses me more than her accolades are her intangibles. She is always positive and picks up her teammates when they’re down, and her work ethic is unmatched,” Benadon said. “She is the epitome of what it means to be a leader. As both a former teammate and a friend, I couldn’t be prouder and happier for her.”
Redding’s biggest takeaway is the lifelong friendships and memories she has created. She appreciates the players and friends she has shared the field with over her career.
“I came in with goals that I wanted to achieve, and I did that, but I didn’t do it alone. I have a whole roster of girls who have guided and supported me. I’m not me without them,” Redding said. “I got to do the thing I love with the people I love…. it’s not just the goals, hardware, and games; I get to walk away with people who will be in my life forever.”
The West Scranton Wrestling Alumni Association (WSWAA) and Youth Arts Coalition (YAC) secured funding for capital renovation and programs at the West Scranton Youth Center through community fundraising, private donors, grants and sponsorships. “As soon as we heard about the center, we knew we had to be involved,” said Jaime Ryan ’14, vice president, community development, PNC. Shown from left are: John Cosgrove, CEO, AllOne Foundation and Charities; Jesse Ergott, chief advancement officer at AllOne Foundation and Charities; Thom Welby, district office director Representative Bridget Kosierowski, Douglas Boyle, DBA ’88, chair and professor of accounting and director of the Ph.D. Program in accounting at Scranton’s Kania School of Management; Laura Boyle, Ryan, and Pete Danchak ’84, regional president northeast PA, PNC.
Royals Unify to Create a Pathway for Youth
University of Scranton Community Puts Ignatian Values in Action
Throughout history, Jesuits have wrestled with what it means to be a person for and with others. In a serendipitous series of events, that Ignatian quest found a home at the former L.A. Lewis warehouse-turned youth center that opened in West Scranton last summer thanks to the passion and dedication of University of Scranton faculty, alumni, students and friends.
It started with a modest idea — the proverbial seed sewn. Douglas Boyle, DBA ’88, chair and professor of accounting and director of the Ph.D. program in accounting at Scranton’s Kania School of Management, had long been involved in wrestling in West Scranton, where he grew up. The junior and senior captain at West Scranton High School and, later, wrestling coach, remained involved in the community, supporting an after-school wrestling program. Over time, the number of participants in the program began to decline. For families of limited means, the $100 registration fee became challenging.
Dr. Boyle and other local wrestlers who had formed a group to help increase the number of participating students decided to make the wrestling program free — a decision that put everything on a new path.
“There were literally families lined up all the way around the block and all the way up to the next street (at West Scranton High School),” said Dr. Boyle. “We enrolled about 180 kids.”
“We knew that the demand was there and that it was bigger than just wrestling,” said Dr. Boyle, noting that they quickly saw the need for more programs.
What followed was a truly Ignatian response to a need to provide a place where young people could find and develop their passion in a safe and nurturing environment, free of charge. In the fall of 2022, two students in the Business Leadership Program at Scranton traveled to Los Angeles with Dr. Boyle and
Ashley Stampone, Ph.D. ‘10, G’11, PHD’22, assistant professor of accounting, to visit Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. That trip provided insight and inspiration for what ultimately became the West Scranton Youth Center.
“It was amazing to see people who were so motivated to turn their lives around and who had people to help them,” said Emma Boyle ’23, G’24 who, together with Matthew Earley ’23, visited Homeboy. “We went to the Homeboy Youth Center to observe their environment and how it supported academic and extracurricular activities,” she added.
Once back at Scranton, Emma Boyle and Earley made a presentation to other students in a consulting class about what they learned. The two asked the class who wanted to get involved in a Consulting Club that could help shape something similar in Scranton.
“Thirty-five students came to the first meeting,” said Emma Boyle, noting that they broke into groups, one of which was dedicated to the development of the local youth center. Using knowledge gained from the trip to Homeboy, as well as business skills learned in the classroom at Scranton, the group made recommendations about programs and the most efficient use of building space.
Input from the students and insights from the trip to Homeboy Industries led Dr. Boyle and others to cast a much wider net in their thinking about what the youth center could offer to the community. Dr. Boyle’s wife, Laura, was pivotal to the development of the Youth Arts Coalition.
Also a native of West Scranton, Laura Boyle noticed that the music programs in the intermediate schools had dwindled over time. This had a ripple effect at West Scranton High School, as there were few, if any, music programs feeding into the high school.
“I thought that it would be great to start a nonprofit where we could have music programs after school for the children,” she said. “It’s not that the kids weren’t interested; it’s just that they didn’t have an opportunity.”
Instead of just music programs, however, Laura Boyle saw the need for visual arts and theater as a “great opportunity to supplement what the school district is doing.” Aware that the
If we can put these kids in a safe place, that’s our goal — to try to help as many kids as we possibly can.
— Douglas Boyle, DBA ’88
poverty level in West Scranton is much higher than the national average, Laura Boyle contacted CHOP out Hunger to provide food for after-school snacks.
Support Arrives in the Form of Fellow Royals
With a building purchased and programs being developed, Dr. Boyle turned his attention to funding renovations needed to open the West Scranton Youth Center. He reached out to alumni connections who were quick to help.
“As soon as we heard about the center, we knew we had to be involved,” said Jaime Ryan ’14, vice president of Community Development for PNC Bank.
West Scranton Youth Center has expanded its offerings to include year-round programs in wrestling and fitness for over 200 youth aged six and up. Experienced coaches and educators volunteer to lead the programs.
Ryan, who grew up in West Scranton and was also a wrestler, was familiar with the building and the community. He and others at PNC saw a clear connection to the foundation’s philanthropic goal of supporting nonprofits serving low- to moderate-income families. On a personal level, support for the youth center reflects the values that Ryan said he learned at The University of Scranton and Scranton Prep. His Jesuit education “set me on a path for giving back to others,” he said.
William (Bill) Lewis ’82 also “saw a wonderful opportunity to get involved” when contacted about his support. Since retiring from a position as partner at Pricewaterhousecoopers, Lewis, who lives in Arlington, Virginia, had been looking for ways to connect more deeply with his alma mater and to do something good for the community. He, too, grew up in West Scranton.
Lewis worked alongside Dr. Boyle and others to secure and manage donors, potential grants and insurance. A longtime volunteer with the Washington Jesuit Academy, Lewis said the academy and the West Scranton Youth Center share a “common thread of what I want to do in retirement … to advance youth education and youth development.” He noted that supporting nonprofits also connects with the values his parents shared and those that he learned at Scranton.
“It’s not just thinking about yourself (in life), but thinking about others,” he said. “I’ve always carried that with me.”
Changing Outcomes One Child at a Time
Within one year, the group had raised half a million dollars to get the building renovated and the programs up and running.
By last summer, they opened the West Scranton Youth Center on Washburn Street. Owned by the West Scranton Wrestling Alumni Association (WSWAA) and operated by WSWAA and the Youth Arts Coalition, the 4,500 square-foot building is home to athletics, arts and wellness programs for students in West Scranton.
What’s particularly unique about the center is that everything — from programs to materials, uniforms and equipment — is provided free of charge to participants, just as it is at Homeboy Industries.
“If you’re a local family with three or four kids who want to do different things, it can be hundreds of dollars a month for lessons and things like that. Everything here is going to be accessible for anybody in our community,” explained Dr. Boyle.
“There’s something here for everybody. They can build selfesteem and a sense of community and pride in what they’re doing,” said Dr. Boyle. “We’re hoping one of the outcomes of this is that kids will have a different pathway other than getting involved in things that aren’t really productive for the community or for themselves.”
With the larger space and equipment in the West Scranton Youth Center, WSWAA has expanded its offerings to include year-round programs in wrestling and fitness for over 200 youth aged six and up. Experienced coaches and educators volunteer to lead the programs.
Music and arts programs were launched in fall 2024 through the Youth Arts Coalition. Instructors, who are paid a stipend, teach classes for students in grades five through
Music and arts programs were launched in fall 2024 through the Youth Arts Coalition. Laura Boyle was pivotal to its development. “I thought that it would be great to start a nonprofit where we could have music programs after school for the children,” said Boyle.
“There’s something here for everybody. They can build self-esteem and a sense of community and pride in what they’re doing,” said Douglas Boyle, DBA ’88, chair and professor of accounting and director of the Ph.D. Program in accounting at Scranton’s Kania School of Management.
eight. Theatre programs will be offered through the Scranton Fringe Children’s Program.
Sarah Boyle ’24, current MBA student at Scranton, is a member of the Alumni and Youth Arts Board. As someone who had been involved in the arts her whole life, she said that when she heard about the center “it was a great fit” for involvement and “a way to carry forward the Jesuit mission through my work in the community.”
“It’s been a rewarding experience,” she said. “Watching children as they accomplish something with their own motivation and determination is so inspiring.”
A Wellness Work-in-Progress
The wellness program took shape after a faculty member at Scranton reached out to Dr. Boyle upon seeing an editorial in the local paper. Patricia Wisniewski, Ed.D., faculty specialist in Occupational Therapy (OT) at the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences, engaged a group of four students in her master’s program to develop an evidence-based wellness program.
“The essence of the program is to promote participants’ inclusion and foster a sense of belonging through activities focused on physical activity, self-esteem building and making healthy life decisions,” said Wisniewski.
“Based on research, developing an activity-based and child-centered model for at-risk youth can lead to enhanced
self-advocacy through assertive communication, improved self-expression and positive perceptions about their future,” she said.
Among the items recommended by the OT students are programs addressing nutrition habits, hygiene, physical activity, mental health, positive social interaction, life skills and financial literacy. Key to their recommendations is to have the youth share ownership, from developing a name for the program to making tie-dye T-shirts. Implementation of the wellness program is expected to begin this spring.
Already, Dr. Boyle and others are looking at ways not only to make the center sustainable, but also to expand its community impact. To that end, the administration at The University of Scranton provides high-level guidance and support.
“They’re looking at all of the touchpoints on campus, whether mentoring, service or maybe even tutoring, and trying to formalize them,” said Dr. Boyle. “I’m so grateful to President Father Marina and the administration.”
In his Prayer for Generosity, St. Ignatius calls us “to give and not to count the cost.” Those behind the West Scranton Youth Center are heeding that call.
“If we can put these kids in a safe place, that’s our goal — to try to help as many kids as we possibly can,” said Dr. Boyle.
For more information or to provide support, please contact scrantonyouthcenter@gmail.com.
During a presentation to Professional Nursing students, Daysi Carreto ’14, assistant director of community and civic engagement at Scranton, highlighted the Catherine McCauley Center’s “Period Project,” which provides menstrual products to clients, many of whom are experiencing homelessness. The presentation opened the eyes of many students to the challenges of menstrual hygiene product access due to poverty. Inspired by this, they, under the guidance of their instructor, Dona Rinaldi Carpenter, Ed.D., professor of nursing, began to collaborate with the Catherine McCauley Center on a Community-Based Learning (CBL) project.
Across campus and throughout Scranton, faculty and students are partnering with community organizations to enrich the learning environment of future alumni while facilitating positive change in the community. “Community-Based Learning is a great opportunity for students to integrate what they are learning in the classroom into a real-world setting,” said Carreto.
Dr. Carpenter couldn’t agree more. “It (CBL) opens the students’ eyes and gives them a real sense of what people need in the community.”
What started in the spring 2024 semester with five students gathering enough donations to make 30 gift bags of period products grew exponentially by the fall semester, with 36 students collecting enough donations to put together 100 canvas bags filled with period and self-care products, educational cards and bracelets made by the students to donate to those in need.
A CBL project originated in the spring 2024 semester with five University students in NURS 140 – “Foundations of Professional Nursing,” gathering donations to make 30 gift bags of period products for the Catherine McCauley Center’s “Period Project.” Shown are a few of the 36 students who collected enough donations during the fall semester to package 100 bags on Dec. 3 in McGurrin Hall.
Dona Rinaldi Carpenter, Ed.D., professor of nursing
For Mary-Pat Ward, development director of the Catherine McCauley Center and Friends of the Poor, the partnership with Dr. Carpenter and her students struck a chord between two organizations that are community-minded at their core.
Ward, once a program participant at the McCauley Center, has completed the nonprofit leadership certificate program in the University’s Kania School of Management, and has lived experiences with both entities. At the University, she sees an organization that makes Community-Based Learning far more than “a bullet point requirement.” It sits within the classroom as part of a “package of learning” that nurtures “the idea of community-mindedness.”
The Why Behind CBL’s ‘Important Work’
While Community-Based Learning isn’t new at Scranton, it has grown substantially since a dedicated CBL Office was first launched in 2017. Debra Fetherman, Ph.D., professor and chair of Health and Human Performance and CommunityBased Learning faculty coordinator, was part of the original group that sought ways to grow service learning as part of the University’s Strategic Planning process. What sets CommunityBased Learning apart from other types of service is “how it is grounded in Ignatian pedagogy and puts that into action,” said Dr. Fetherman. Another key differentiator is how reflection is infused into CBL learning so that students can better understand the service as part of their academic experience and personal growth.
The combination of Ignatian-inspired pedagogy and reflection results in “transformative learning,” according to Dr. Fetherman. “It gives meaning behind why we are doing this important work. It (CBL) helps to form the person … it’s the kind of learning that is very deliberate.”
‘A Feeling That We’re in this Together’
Today, the CBL Office is supported by a CBL Board comprised of faculty, staff and administrators. In 2023-2024, 87 community-based learning classes were conducted. A total of 2,362 students engaged in academic community-based learning, either through these classes or in activities related to their academic program, for a total of 31,373 hours. This includes 2,129 students from the Leahy College of Health Sciences, which has a longstanding requirement of requiring students to complete 80 service hours for graduation.
Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president of community engagement and government affairs and CBL Board Chair, said the breadth and depth of engagement is a testament to the ways in which CBL matches the skills and resources of faculty and students with community partners.
“It hits the sweet spot of how our educational mission connects with the community,” said Schumacher Cohen.
Being small – or at least smaller – has its advantages, she added. “Scranton is a relatively small city, and we are a small office that is very connected to the community,” she said. “There’s a feeling that we’re in this together.”
Schumacher Cohen was instrumental in connecting the economic development non-profit Scranton Tomorrow with Aram R. Balagyozyan, Ph.D., associate professor of economics, to update the map of businesses in downtown. Students in Dr. Balagyozyan’s Principles of Macroeconomics class surveyed the region to identify downtown businesses and to group them by categories. They created a spreadsheet with the updated data that was then turned into a map used to promote the downtown Scranton businesses to visitors and students.
In addition to the benefit of creating an updated map, the initiative shows students in real time “how macroeconomics works from the ground up,” said Dr. Balagyozyan.
In surveying businesses, students often developed connections with the business owners. Dr. Balagyozyan conducted an informal survey of his own that revealed positive outcomes of this CBL initiative. Before engaging with downtown businesses for the map project, students had somewhat pessimistic opinions about the downtown. After meeting with business owners and learning more about their businesses, students had much more optimistic attitudes.
Faculty Fellows Integrate an Ignatian Mindset
Beyond the coursework and student engagement, CBL has grown appreciably in other ways. The CBL Faculty Fellows Program supports faculty eager to fully integrate CBL as an
Mary-Pat Ward, development director of the Catherine McAuley Center and Friends of the Poor, speaks to University nursing students in McGurrin Hall on Dec. 3.
intentional pedagogical strategy and community engagement activity into their coursework, either by revamping an existing course or developing a new course or project. Including participants in the third cohort of Faculty Fellows, 13 educators have completed an academic year with the CBL program.
One such faculty member is Brian J. Snee, Ph.D., ‘93, associate professor of communication and media, who is also a CBL Board member.
Community-Based Learning assignments are central to most of Dr. Snee’s courses. “I don’t want my students completing assignments for an audience of one (me). I want them to be responsible for and accountable to the needs of a real-world client,” he said.
Occupational therapy (OT) students from OT 121 – Occupational Performance are shown with instructor Patricia A. Wisniewski, Ed.D., OTR/L, a faculty specialist in the Department of Occupational Therapy, at their booth at the United Neighborhood Center‘s Pine Brook Family Arts Festival in 2024. Students developed an activity for children at the festival hosted by United Neighborhood Center’s Pine Brook Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. Dr. Wisniewski was in the inaugural cohort of the CBL Faculty Fellows for Academic Year 2022-2023.
“I try to select local non-profit organizations as my CBL clients, thereby subtly adding a strong Ignatian element to skill-based courses. The result is that my students produce good work that does good in the world,” Dr. Snee said. Organizational clients have included Neighborworks Northeastern PA, Outreach, Lackawanna Heritage Valley, Valley in Motion and Keystone Mission.
The Faculty Fellows Program includes workshops, reflection meetings and stipend support, all of which have helped to “build a great group of faculty who support the CBL program,” according to Dr. Fetherman. Looking back over the program’s growth, Dr. Fetherman said, “the ways in which CBL is so directly tied to the mission of the University is more evident.”
New Faces, Voices Present Growth Opportunities
New for the spring 2025 semester will be the first cohort of Student Fellows. Members of the CBL Board and staff selected five students through a rigorous application process for a semester-long fellowship. In reviewing the student proposals, Carreto said she was “in awe” of what the students had in mind for projects. Selecting just five students from the applicants was no easy task.
“We were looking for students interested in pursuing CBL projects that highlighted their interests and would meet community-defined needs,” said Carreto.
The selected students will be working alongside a faculty mentor and will be connected to a local organization, with the support of the CBL Office.
The CBL Talks, an annual series that originated in spring 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, continued in spring 2024 with three presentations featuring community partners representing some of the most pressing needs of the local population. The hourlong talks, open to the entire University, discussed health disparities in Lackawanna County, immigration, and homelessness and poverty in our region. Three are hosted each spring.
Looking ahead, Community-Based Learning is poised for future growth, not just in numbers but in the way that it speaks to the true spirit of the Jesuit educational experience at Scranton.
“It’s an ongoing dialogue,” said Schumacher Cohen. “We want to keep the conversation going as the needs of the community continue to evolve.”
University nursing students and Faculty Fellows reflect on their CBL experiences at scranton.edu/journalextras
The Iggy Bus provides transportation for community partner site visits during the CBL Annual Faculty Workshop 2024.
Uncommonly
Scranton’s New Brand Celebrates Its Unique Identity
In the world of college admissions and marketing, a strong brand identity is more crucial today than ever. The University’s new undergraduate marketing rebranding celebrates what makes Scranton truly unique. The theme “Uncommonly US” personifies the distinctive characteristics that set Scranton apart. As the new branding statement reminds us, “It’s what we have in common that makes US so uncommon.”
This rebranding effort results from a yearlong collaboration among Enrollment Management, External Affairs, and external experts, with input from the entire University community. Grounded in extensive research, the new brand campaign emphasizes individualized care, community belonging and lifelong success while presenting Scranton’s Catholic and Jesuit heritage in ways that appeal to a diverse audience.
“The ‘Uncommonly US’ campaign represents more than a refreshed look for our admissions publications; it’s a celebration of what makes The University of Scranton truly distinctive,” said Shannon Zottola, vice president for enrollment management. “At Scranton, we combine exceptional academics with a community deeply rooted in Jesuit values, offering students a transformative experience where every individual is valued and cared for. This campaign reflects our mission to invite future Royals into a place where they can grow, thrive and leave ready to make an impact on the world.”
The University collaborated with the Creative Communication Agency (CCA), which was chosen from among several other national firms. The project’s goal was to create a compelling and memorable brand for Scranton that resonates with today’s college-bound students.
An essential part of the research and listening phases involved exploring insights into the understanding and awareness of Scranton’s Catholic and Jesuit mission and identity among prospective students, their parents and high school counselors. The campaign explains and explores critical aspects of Scranton’s Catholic and Jesuit mission to get at goals, objectives and values that are important to today’s students and parents.
As we aspire to expand the breadth and depth of the University’s reach, we need ways to share what makes Scranton so exceptional, especially our Catholic and Jesuit mission, that resonate with young people and their parents.”
Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J. President
Cover of the 2024-2025 Viewbook
BRAND PILLARS
“Best of” Is Our Norm
The brand positioning strategy has four main elements: emphasize individualized care, community belonging and lifelong success; translate Scranton’s Jesuit heritage to appeal to all; make the University’s academic value proposition more explicit; and position Scranton as a dream school where students want to be — a university that consistently ticks all the boxes for this generation.
The result, “Uncommonly US,” rests on five “pillars” that are explained through words, images and graphics in the new Viewbook.
The University of Scranton is consistently ranked among America’s best colleges. Known for exceptional programs like business, engineering, nursing and computer science, the University also excels in teaching, labs, dorms and overall value. A Scranton education leads to standout graduates because each student’s unique humanity, intelligence and aspirations are sparked and tended in the best of ways.
No Opportunity Too Big for a Scranton Grad
Scranton graduates thrive in their careers, graduate school, and communities, embracing challenges with confidence. With 99 percent of graduates employed or pursuing further education within a year, the University ranks in the top tiers for alumni salaries and return on investment, demonstrating the enduring value of a Scranton education.
Go Forth for a Better World
Guided by Jesuit values, Scranton students are inspired to create a better world through social justice and sustainability. They engage in active learning that connects knowledge with action, exploring profound questions about themselves and society. Scranton fosters a sense of agency in students, encouraging them to pursue meaningful change, regardless of their faith or background, and to act as if the world’s well-being depends on them.
The Friendly Royals – No Crowns Needed
Known as “The Royals,” students and alumni value equality and connection, building lifelong friendships and supportive relationships with professors, staff and alumni. Recognized among the friendliest and healthiest universities, Scranton creates a welcoming environment where individuals feel a deep sense of belonging, extending to a global Jesuit university network.
Dream Campus – Electric Destination
Scranton’s campus blends historic charm with cutting-edge facilities, featuring over $302 million in recent upgrades. The University offers a vibrant environment with access to state-of-the-art labs, athletic fields and residence halls. Located near downtown Scranton and surrounded by outdoor adventures, students enjoy a safe yet dynamic setting with easy access to major cities like New York and Philadelphia, creating endless opportunities for personal and professional growth.
In addition to the Viewbook, the rollout of the new brand includes other key admissions publications such as the Travel Brochure, Search and School Counselor mailers, the Acceptance Packet, and brochures that highlight important topics for prospective students, including our location, financial aid and affordability, and outcomes.
“‘Uncommonly US’ beautifully captures the spirit of community at the heart of what makes Scranton exceptional,” said Gerald Zaboski ’87, G’95, senior vice president for the Office of the President. “The strength of the campaign lies in its authenticity. It brings into focus the experiences of our students and alumni and the deep mission commitment that drives our faculty, staff and administrators.”
The undergraduate rebranding project is already starting to influence other University materials. Enrollment Management and External Affairs are currently developing a new approach to graduate admissions and marketing inspired by the “Uncommonly US” campaign. In the coming weeks and months, you’ll see changes on the University’s website that reflect the visual style of this campaign. Additionally, banners featuring themes from the “Uncommonly US” campaign will be installed on light poles throughout the campus this spring.
BRAND STORY
This is where uncommon care leads to uncommon excellence.
Where “Best of” is our norm: from best business, undergraduate engineering, nursing and computer science to top Catholic and character-building liberal arts and sciences university to best teaching, labs, dorms and food to best value, most impact on grad salaries, most green and best overall university.
Where we become graduates who can go anywhere in the world because no opportunity will ever be too big for what we can do.
This is where we are called the Royals, but we have no need for crowns because everyone’s individuality is equally valued. Here, what’s king are relationships — from the friends you really will have forever to the professors who will cheer you on in everything you do, to the 56,000 alumni ready to help you from day one.
We all come from different backgrounds. But this place, so electric with opportunity, brings us together. Because it’s what we have in common that makes Scranton so uncommon. This is a place where we share the belief that each of us has the power and the potential to create a healthier, greener, fairer, kinder world — in our own, unique ways.
At Scranton, we learn how, together, and then we go out into the world and make it happen.
Pages from the 2024-2025 Viewbook
Uncovering Mysteries Behind Health Trends
How a fortuitous internship shaped Brett Nance’s impact on public health and epidemic response
Arriving at The University of Scranton in 2011, Brett Nance had little idea what her major, public health education and promotion, might portend career-wise.
“I kind of stumbled upon the major,” she said. “I knew I wanted to pursue something in the health field, but I just couldn’t pinpoint it.”
The program eventually led to a fortuitous internship with the Freehold Area Health Department (FAHD) in New Jersey. And that’s exactly where you’ll find Nance today, in her role as the department’s assistant health officer and epidemiologist.
Nance responds to infectious disease outbreaks occurring across five municipalities. Health education and prevention are also big parts of her role, and she and another colleague recently oversaw a free two-part infection control training for 500 staff members from the area’s nursing homes and longterm care facilities.
That work led Nance and her colleague to receive a 2024 Promising Practice Award from the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).
“It’s great personally to be recognized for all of our hard work — and a great win for our local health department,” said Nance, 31, who lives in Neptune, New Jersey, with her husband, Mike Maguire and their dogs, Maisy and Millie. “I find a lot of passion in the work we do, and helping build up the next generation of public health workers.”
Love at First Visit
An advisory board member for the Leahy College of Health Sciences’ new public health major, Nance admits that Scranton was far from her top college choices as a teen. In fact, it wasn’t even on her radar until her mom casually mentioned one day that the University had a free application.
That initial application eventually gave way to a weekend tour of the University’s campus, which Nance quickly fell in love with.
“When I was doing my tour and meeting people there, there was such a passion among the students,” she said. “Even being an alum now, I feel like the Scranton community is very tight-knit — you feel the love. I also love that it had a small school feel, because I probably would have gotten lost at a bigger university.”
Nance ’15, MPH, HO, CIC, assistant health officer and epidemiologist, Freehold Area Health Department (FAHD)
Too squeamish for nursing and not interested in physical or occupational therapy, Nance gravitated to the idea of pursuing a career in public health education and promotion. She loved the coursework and the professors who went on to serve as close mentors, among them longtime faculty member Debra Fetherman, Ph.D., chair of the Health and Human Performance Department and Community-Based Learning Faculty Coordinator.
Brett
I truly don’t know if I would be at this point in my career if not for my education at Scranton. ... Those values Scranton instills in you, I think, really drive my passion in my field.”
— Brett Nance ’15, MPH, HO, CIC, assistant health officer and epidemiologist, Freehold Area Health Department (FAHD)
Through her roles as president of the Community Health Education Club and vice president of the University chapter of Eta Sigma Gamma, the national honor society for health education, Nance worked hard to recruit undergraduates to the major. She also participated in numerous community service projects, from volunteering at a community garden to organizing food drives.
Through and through, the Jesuit ethos of service to others resonated deeply with her and continues to this day.
“I always think about the idea of being men and women for others,” Nance said. “When people ask me why I do what I do for a living, it’s because I see myself as being a resource for the community. And at its crux, public health reflects the ideals of becoming men and women for others.”
Small Moment Becomes ‘Building Block of a Career’
The summer before her senior year at Scranton, Nance reached out to several public health offices in search of an internship. The only response she got was from the woman who now serves as her boss at the FAHD.
The internship turned out great, and Nance came out of it determined to make a career of it.
“I always tell students, don’t ever discount any type of experience in the field. What may seem small in the moment can really be the building block of a career,” said Nance, who has taught courses in epidemiology at Rutgers University, where she received her master’s degree in public health epidemiology.
While a graduate student, Nance did part-time community health assessment work with FAHD. That introduced her to the world of communicable disease investigations.
“It could be anything, like interviewing people with salmonella to find out how they got sick,” she said. “That’s where my love of epidemiology came from. It’s very analytical, but you’re also bringing the human perspective to it.”
In 2018, Nance took a job as a regional epidemiologist with the New Jersey Department of Health. There, she was a lead epidemiologist on the statewide hepatitis A outbreak in 2019, then logged countless hours during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“My learning curve was exponential, and I truly felt like a sponge during those three years,” she said. “It made me the public health official I am today.”
After three years, Nance went in search of a new position that would provide her with more growth potential and worklife balance. As it happened, her former boss at FAHD was looking for an epidemiologist.
Nance recently passed New Jersey’s health officer licensure exam, which led to her taking on additional duties as assistant health officer. At some point, she’d like to take on a lead health officer role with a public health department.
“I truly don’t know if I would be at this point in my career if not for my education at Scranton. I don’t know if my path would have been paved as well as it was,” Nance said. “Those values Scranton instills in you, I think, really drive my passion in my field.”
students at a daycare, using glow-in-the-dark simulated germs.
Brett Nance ‘15, MPH, HO, CIC, conducts an interactive handwashing activity with
Harnessing Knowledge to Combat Chronic Pain
clinical research from
Nestled at the bottom of the email signature for Allison Smith, Ph.D. ’06 are the words cura personalis. That familiar Latin phrase has been the north star guiding her groundbreaking clinical work in pediatric psychology and pain management at the top-ranked pediatric hospital in the world.*
Over the past decade, Dr. Smith has been part of interdisciplinary teams using a unique biopsychosocial model to treat pediatric pain and headaches at Boston Children’s Hospital. Currently the associate director of the Pediatric Headache Program, she served as an attending psychologist at the Mayo Family Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Center (PPRC) at Boston Children’s for seven years prior.
At the core of her work and, indeed, her very being, is the Jesuit-inspired tenet that she learned at Scranton.
“Care for the whole person — cura personalis – speaks to all parts of health and wellbeing,” said Dr. Smith. In her field of work, there is an unmistakable connection among the physical, psychological and social aspects of treating pain.
“The way that the human body works, everything is everything,” Dr. Smith said. “In order to care for the whole person, we have to look at all parts.”
Unlocking Potential Through the Guidance of Mentors
What exactly is the biopsychosocial model of treating pain, and how did Dr. Smith end up in this fascinating field of health care?
“Where I landed is not a coincidence,” she said.
From her college and major choices to impactful professors, Dr. Smith found her place in the world at Scranton. From the moment she stepped onto campus, “I knew I was supposed to be here,” she said.
“Psychology was really it for me … understanding people’s emotions and behaviors and to harness that for the purpose of health and wellness.”
Christie Karpiak, Ph.D., professor and chair of psychology, who was Smith’s advisor, “saw the potential in me,” said Dr. Smith. Dr. Karpiak watched Dr. Smith’s eyes light up as she walked into her first psychology conference and told her, “You are totally meant to do this.”
“That statement resonated in my mind and heart,” said Dr. Smith.
She cites William Rowe, Ph.D., professor emeritus in
* Newsweek ranked Boston Children’s Hospital the #1 pediatric hospital in the world in its World’s Best Specialized Hospitals rankings, 2025.
Innovative
Allison (Alli) Smith, Ph.D. ’06 guides treatment for a pediatric headache program at Boston Children’s Hospital.
Allison (Alli) Smith, Ph.D. ’06 innovates through clinical research and helps guide treatment at a pediatric headache program at Boston Children’s Hospital.
philosophy, and the late Tim Cannon, Ph.D., professor of psychology, for infusing in her a new understanding of human behavior. She also finds inspiration from the popular podcaster Brené Brown. “She shows the value of being empathetic and vulnerable — such huge pillars of the work that I do,” said Dr. Smith.
After graduating from Scranton, she earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Rhode Island before ultimately landing her “dream job” at Boston Children’s PPRC. For eight years, she was part of an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals that included physical, occupational, recreational and music therapists, psychologists, social workers, nurse practitioners and physicians.
Debunking Chronic Pain Myths Through Research
The PPRC provides a day treatment program for youth who experience ongoing chronic pain after they’ve tried outpatient treatments. Patients participate in individualized pain rehabilitation eight hours a day, five days a week, for about five weeks. The healthcare team uses clinical research — including research conducted by Dr. Smith — to inform its treatment. Through the intensive program, participants find a path to health and wellness by learning to self-manage pain, improving strength, tolerance and endurance, and understanding the biological, psychosocial and social factors involved in chronic pain.
“So many families feel lost when they come to us,” she said. “They’ve spent time, energy and resources on a temporary
solution when what they need is a more systematic approach.”
The results speak for themselves. Dr. Smith says she has observed patients who, “by the time they finish, are able to run out the door.” One patient success story is especially meaningful to her. A youth who suffered a soccer injury, developed chronic pain, and completed the PPRC program went on to major in neuroscience and is now Dr. Smith’s clinical research coordinator.
In 2021, Dr. Smith transitioned into a new position in a program that is a precursor to the PPRC. As associate director of the Pediatric Headache Program, she helps to lead a team that treats patients earlier in the process before symptoms become more significant. The Pediatric Headache Program uses many of the same therapies as the PPRC, but in an outpatient environment.
Boston Children’s status as a teaching hospital provides Dr. Smith with a joint appointment at Harvard Medical School, where she is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and conducts clinical training and supervision. She is also an adjunct professor of psychology at Simmons University.
“We take the educational piece very seriously because we know the research,” she says. Another important goal is to make pain management care accessible to a truly diverse patient base.
Across her work, Dr. Smith finds great satisfaction in helping patients to debunk the myth that chronic pain is “all in their head.” With perseverance, these patients see that it is not.
“Watching their victories is really incredible,” she said.
One patient success story is especially meaningful to Allison (Alli) Smith, Ph.D. ’06. Hannah Rogan completed the Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation Center (PPRC) program at Boston Children’s Hospital. Rogan, shown with Dr. Smith in 2016, went on to major in neuroscience and is now Smith’s research coordinator. Above is a note of gratitude sent to Dr. Smith by Rogan.
On a warm day in October, a busload of Kania School of Management students arrived at New York City’s Sixty Pine Street for a President’s Business Council (PBC) Networking Reception they hoped would provide a sneak preview into the types of careers their Scranton degrees might help them build.
As these young voyagers introduced themselves to alumni from a four-decade span of grad years, it was clear that everyone in the room believed in the power of the Scranton network. The reception itself, after all, was proof of the network’s ability to connect established alumni with developing talent eager to soak up their wisdom, a veritable “win-win” for all involved. Moving adroitly through the crowd was one of the architects of the event, a founding member of the PBC who has given a great deal of her time, talent and treasure to its cause and who now finds herself, as its chair, presiding over a critical post-Covid inflection point in its storied history; her name is Elizabeth A. (Boyle) Madden ’96, and, if one of the eager young minds in attendance was to ask her to distill the secret of her success into a few short words, she might reply, “An underdog mentality and a growth mindset.”
The Perks of Being an Underdog With Elizabeth A. (Boyle) Madden ’96
Growth Mindset Guides President’s Business Council Chair to the Next Challenge and Beyond.
Today, Madden isn’t anyone’s idea of an “underdog.” As the managing member of Compass Advisors and Coaching, the HR consulting and executive coaching business she recently founded, she utilizes some of her favorite parts of her former positions at Goldman Sachs & Co. and Davidson Kempner Capital Management to the benefit of her clients. She resides near the beach in Lake Como, New Jersey, with her husband, Michael Madden ’95, founding partner, St. Thomas Aquinas Private Long Term Equity, and their two children, whom she has been able to spend more time with since she became her own boss. And, in her role as chair of the PBC, she has become the very sort of person she once looked up to: the mover and shaker who is never too busy to help a fellow Royal if she can. But, when she was first starting out, she often felt the sting of imposter syndrome, especially when she compared the Ivy League credentials of some of her former competitors with her own accomplishments, which were largely still ahead of her. How did she find the strength and resolve to become a leader in a room full of leaders?
“The University taught me confidence in who I was that was foundational for me to … be the underdog, or not be afraid of conflict, or be brave enough to stretch outside my comfort zone,” she said. “That has obviously helped me throughout my career, and that’s part of the reason why I continue to give to the University through the PBC.”
The PBC 2.0?
When Madden first joined the PBC, she was its youngest member, and she never imagined she would one day find herself leading it.
“I remember (saying) 20+ years ago, ‘I’ll never be an honoree, and I’ll never chair the PBC,’” she laughed. “And, here I am, chairing the PBC.”
What changed? Madden said her experiences mentoring and coaching students illuminated the transformative power of the organization.
“I look at the PBC as opening up doors for students that they may not have ever thought were possible,” she said. “The PBC gives them that foundation of opportunity.”
Since taking the helm, Madden has placed renewed emphasis on the PBC’s three pillars: mentoring, internships and philanthropy.
The greatest gifts (alumni) can share with a student are time and experience,” she said. “It literally can change the course of a young person’s life. I love that, and that’s why I continue to show up.”
— Elizabeth A. (Boyle) Madden ’96
“We’ve had an amazing generation before us that has really built this magnificent mechanism for philanthropy and connectivity, and, with any sort of growth, there is the opportunity to take it forward, especially post-Covid,” she said. “We are not looking to change the core mission at all; the idea is to engage this next generation of PBC leaders.”
Madden said she hopes to attract new members by offering more opportunities for mentoring and internships, and she’s confident that the altruism of her fellow alumni will continue to pave the way forward for the next generation of Royals. And, her focus on diversifying membership across several generations is already beginning to pay off as the PBC welcomed 12 new members to its executive council at the council’s January meeting.
“The greatest gifts (alumni) can share with a student are time and experience,” she said. “It literally can change the course of a young person’s life. I love that, and that’s why I continue to show up.”
Elizabeth and Michael Madden, circled, meet at a University RA training session in 1994.
Elizabeth and Michael Madden attend a University reception at Baltusrol Golf Club in January.
ClassNotes
Milestones
Joe McCarthy ’63, Coventry, Rhode Island, completed Leadership Rhode Island’s 2024 Senior Fellows Program “aimed at lifting the voices, knowledge and vision of Rhode Island residents 62 and older.” Participants met with state leaders and identified issues to address through meaningful action plans. For six months, McCarthy will work on a Rhode Island Department of Health project aimed at supporting state residents with Alzheimer’s disease.
Bart P. Billings, Ph.D. ’66, Carlsbad, California, has recently published a book, How the Media Creates Victims in our Society. More information can be found at bartpbillings.com.
Lt. Col., U.S. Army (Ret) Nick Camera ’71, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was again appointed the Community Service chairman for the state of South Carolina Veterans of Foreign Wars. Camera has held this position since 2017, when he achieved All State recognition as VFW Post Commander of Post 10804 in North Myrtle Beach.
Lawrence J. Moran Sr. ’74, Jermyn, of the law firm, The Moran Law Group, LLC, achieved recertification as both a civil trial and criminal trial law advocate, recognizing 30 years of certification of special competence in the fields of both civil and criminal trial law advocacy, by The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA).
Gerard J. Walsh ’76, Hanover, and his wife, Irene, celebrated the births of their 30th and 31st grandchildren in 2024; additionally, they celebrated the release of their son Matt’s hit movie “Am I Racist?” to theaters nationwide in September.
Melinda C. Ghilardi ’80, Dunmore, recently presented at the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s (PBA) “Women in the Profession” (WIP) Annual Conference. She spoke on the topic of “Overcoming Obstacles, Finding Your Path and Transitioning to New Opportunities.”
Joe Nazzaro ’81, Park Ridge, New Jersey, has just seen his 20th book (and his fifth Star Trek book) published. A biography of makeup legend Dick Smith and a collection of Harry Potter interviews are expected to be published in 2025.
Class Notes included in this edition were submitted prior to December 5, 2024. To submit your own news or see additional class notes, visit scranton.edu/classnotes
Carol A. Peters ’82, Scranton, celebrated 42 years as vice president of Peters Design Group, Inc.
Marion Munley ’83, Moosic, of Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys presented at the Women in Trial Travel Summit April 3-7, 2024, in Punta Mita, Mexico. The focus of her presentation was handling truck cases.
Ed Burnetta, M.D. ’84, Villanova, accompanied his son, Chris Burnetta, to Wrocław, Poland, for the European Men’s U20 Lacrosse championship this summer. Chris was the youngest player on the Ireland national team, which he qualified for based on his mom, who was born in Ireland. He led the team in scoring and made the all-tournament team as Ireland went 7-0 and defeated England in the final 10-7 to become the 2024 European champions. Chris will be a sophomore at the Haverford School this year.
Frank R. DiMaio, M.D. ’84, Old Brookville, New York, has been appointed Chairman of the Musculoskeletal Service Line at Catholic Health in Long Island, New York.
John Littel ’86, Virginia Beach, Virginia, was recently appointed chief of staff to Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. He previously served as Virginia’s Secretary of Health and Human Resources.
Kathleen McNally Durkin ’87, Baltimore, Maryland, chief executive officer of The Arc Baltimore, has been named to The Daily Record’s 2024 list of Maryland’s Most Admired CEOs.
Clarke U. Piatt, M.D. ’90, Wayne, is Bryn Mawr Hospital’s medical staff president and medical director critical care.
Eileen Carmody Cramer ’91, Mount Holly, New Jersey, and
, Marlton, New
volunteered for Vacation Bible School at Medford United Methodist Church in Medford, New Jersey, where
is serving as Cultivate Summer Intern. They shared the same major at The University of Scranton, secondary education/ social studies. Carmody Cramer is currently at Lawrence High School in Lawrence Township as a school librarian media specialist and teacher of AP capstone.
Names in Gold indicate alumnus/alumna is celebrating his/her reunion year.
Charles Zola ’88, Aileen MacDonald Loranger ’95, Jane Koch MacDonald ’93, Luke MacDonald ’28 and Bryan MacDonald ’94 met last summer in Florence, Italy, and celebrated the annual feast of San Giovanni, patron of the city of Florence, on June 24, 2024.
Lexie Maese ’26
Jersey, recently
Maese
Lt. Col. John Chrampanis ’97, St. Louis, Missouri, has officially retired from the United States Air Force after 22 years of service. Affectionately known as the “Party Guy” during his days at the University, he accumulated over 3,500 flight hours in the mighty C-130 “Hercules” aircraft during his career, including 200-plus combat missions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn and Inherent Resolve. He has performed military operations in over 50 countries and has supported numerous humanitarian efforts globally, including the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. He has been stationed in Alabama, Japan, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Illinois, and he served his final seven years in the Connecticut Air National Guard with the 118th Airlift Squadron and “Flying Yankees.” He is set to continue his flying career as a pilot for Delta Air Lines.
Joseph P. Redington ’93, Kingston, has been named University registrar at The University of Scranton.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael B. Lalor ’95, New Baltimore, Michigan, was promoted to major general during a ceremony on Aug. 27, 2024, at the U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal. As the commanding general of the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), he oversees the command staff at TACOM’s Detroit Arsenal headquarters, as well as the Integrated Logistics Support Center, four depots, two arsenals, and the Army’s ground equipment supply chain, life cycle management and sustainment efforts supporting active-duty Army units around the world.
Kathryn Ott Lovell ’96, Philadelphia, president and CEO, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corp., was named one of the Top Women Influencers 2024 by Philadelphia Business Journal
Marissa Trichilo Brunetti, M.D. ’98, Media, has been promoted to associate professor of clinical anesthesiology, critical care and pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr. Brunetti is a critical care specialist at the Children’s Hospital of
Philadelphia. Dr. Brunetti is also the co-creator and co-director of a new Extracorporeal Life Support fellowship training program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia which will train pediatric critical care physicians on advanced modes of life support in children.
Brian Shahum ’00, Portland, Oregon, has earned the Management Liability Insurance Specialist (MLIS) designation from the International Risk Management Institute, Inc. (IRMI).
Gregory Shahum, Ph.D. ’00, G’05, St. Paul, Minnesota, celebrated his one-year anniversary as administrator of a 220-bed skilled nursing facility in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Kristen Fratz Vogl, DPT ’00, G’01, Mantua, New Jersey, has been named vice president for service lines at BayCare.
Brian Eltz ’02, G’05 , Millersville, was hired as a theology teacher at Lancaster Catholic High School.
David Simpkins G’08, Saint Augustine, Florida, has been promoted to Director for School Services at the St. Johns (FL) County School District.
Maria Zangardi G’09, Norristown, was named senior vice president, Human Resources and Corporate Officer, at Universal Health Services.
Andrew Ponti ’10, Leonardtown, Maryland, received the Maryland Tourism Coalition’s “Ambassador of the Year” award in both 2023 and 2024. This award is given in recognition of a Maryland Tourism Coalition member who has worked to grow the membership of the organization and to promote the tourism and hospitality industry in their region and throughout the state of Maryland.
at Boston College and begins his new ministry as a deacon at St. Mary of the
Brookline, Massachusetts. Deacon Jones will be ordained a priest at Fordham University on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Rev. Mr. Douglas Jones, S.J. ’10, Brighton, Massachusetts, was one of eight Jesuits ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Robert P. Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, at the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. He will continue his studies for the priesthood at the Clough School for Theology and Ministry
Assumption,
Milestones
Emma Dermody, daughter of Kevin Dermody ’13 and Jacquelyn Tofani Dermody ’13, was honored during a family trip to Italy in September when she was selected out of a crowd during a papal audience to meet Pope Francis and receive his blessing. In attendance were several family members, including Emma’s paternal grandparents, Ellen Cummings Dermody ’84, a former professor in the University’s Theology Department.
Kristin Schmidt Larson G’13, Fargo, North Dakota, is the author of Traveling Caravan: Growing Up Under The Big Top. Her books are available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IngramSpark. She is also the founder of Simplekindness.co, a small business owner of Kind Skin, and the inventor of Koollips.com.
Marriages
Linzee Duncan ’16, Bloomfield, New Jersey, and Shannon Howe Pendergast ’13, Pear River, New York, have begun their journey at Holy Name Medical Center Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing, Class of 2026. Shannon and Linzee met at orientation when Pendergast had a Scranton ‘13 lacrosse shirt on and Duncan called her out.
Brian Maguire ’18, Philadelphia, joined Fox Rothschild in Philadelphia as an associate in the Litigation Department. A former prosecutor, Brian helps clients resolve an array of commercial disputes and provides strategic advice to mitigate litigation risk.
Samantha Falgout, Ph.D. ’24, Houma, Louisiana, is serving the second year of a two-year term as Memberat-Large on the Society of Louisiana CPAs’ (LCPA) 2024-25 Board of Directors. Dr. Falgout is an assistant professor of accounting at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux and serves as Chapter President for the LCPA’s South Central Chapter. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in accounting from
Megan Etzel ’13 married Salvatore Grosso on June 1, 2024, in New Jersey. More than 25 Scranton alumni were in attendance, including Anthony Pisciella ’13, Catherine Fischer ’13, Jack Hambrose ’13, Garret Wolan ’13, Jonathan Schall ’13, Steve Brody ’12, Kelly Brody ’13, Jerry Mantone ’13, Kimberly Mantone ’13, Megan Etzel ’13 (Bride), Salvatore Grosso (groom), Lindsay Wolan ’13 Chrissy Fuentes ’13 Evan Canavan ’13, Christian Gabucci ’13, Colleen Coleman ’13, Amy Schwartz ’13, Carolyn Hashemi ’13, Kaitlin O’Connor ’13, Sean O’Connor ’13, Michael Pannone ’13, Catherine Appell ’13, Lizzie Abikaram ’13, Michael Cuerou ’13, Erin Falcone ’15, Devin Patel ’13, Brianne Longest ’13 and Michael Longest ’13.
The University of Scranton and holds both a Master of Business Administration and bachelor’s degree in accounting from Nicholls State University.
Luke Capper ’24, Mechanicsburg, interned with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives in Harrisburg during the summer of 2024, where he gained hands-on experience in archival work. As part of his role, he digitized historical records, photographed artifacts, and conducted research on early 19th-century Pennsylvania legislators. Capper also had the unique opportunity to work alongside Jesse Teitelbaum G’98, Director of Archives, Harrisburg.
Taylor Septer Hartman ’19, G’20, married Erich Hartman on July 8, 2022. They celebrated along with Pam Amerine Septer ’89, Jared Septer ’22, Leah Colussi ’19, Emilie Tronoski ’19, Erin O’Connell ’19, G’21, Melissa Agostinho ’19, G’20, Devan Pecoraro ’19, Emily Carr ’19, Christopher Mingone ’19, Emmaline Freeman Mingone ’21 Emily Crozier ’19, G’20 Hailey Monaghan ’25 Madison Hartman ’22, Peter Sims ’22, Jennifer Sweeney ’21, G’22, Matthew Criscone ’19, Nicholas Peragine ’18, Regina Dolan Donohue ’89, Susan Gleason ’89, MaryEllen Johnson Couchie ’89, Karen McTigue Housel ’89, Colleen Lavelle Fowler ’88, Maureen Diver ’90 and Ellen Keefe Jaspan ’91.
Ackerman’20 and Jack Peccerillo’20 were married on August 10, 2024, in
They
by many of their friends and family who are also
and began dating their sophomore year and are grateful that Scranton was a part of their love story and will forever be their second home.
Christina Rakowski ’07 and Alex Marentis were married July 27, 2024, in Williston Park, New York. Christina’s first-year and sophomore-year roommate, Katie (Redden) Doherty ’07, was a bridesmaid, and brother Eddie Rakowski ’12 was a groomsman. Meghan (Nee) Rose ’07, Amanda (Halpin) DeGroat ’07, John DeGroat ’07, Alyssa (Duerr) Hatler ’08, Brandon Hatler ’07, Kathleen (Antognini) Desbets ’07 and Chris Mirabito ’12 celebrated the occasion.
Angela Parry ’15, DPT ’18, married Adam Cassel on Oct. 14, 2023, at The Ridge at Maiolatesi in Olyphant surrounded by University of Scranton employees and alumni.
Morgan Rentzheimer ’18 married Jarod Herman ’21 in June of 2024, surrounded by Scranton alumni.
Brian Felkowski ’08, G’11 married Kaitlyn Kotlowski on Dec. 8, 2023, in Jersey City, New Jersey, surrounded by many Scranton friends and alumni.
Meagan
Fredon, New Jersey, surrounded
Scranton alumni.
met
Emily Carr ’19 married Nicholas Peragine ’18 July 13, 2024. Attending Scranton alumni included John Mecca ’21, Martin Carr ’79, Matt Barrett ’19, Anna Altmiller ’20, Shauna Leahy ’19, Katherine Manna ’19, Monica Holden ’18, Maeve Potter ’18, G’19, Stephen Grunbok ’19, Catherine Stapf ’19, Elaine House ’18, Joseph Delmar ’19, Emily Carr ’19, Nicholas Peragine ’18, Robert Dougherty ’19, Meg Barr ’19, Sergey Gnilopyat ’19, Sarah Ricupero ’19, Andrew Charway ’18, Connor Sharp ’19, David Guelph ’19, Nick Crockett ’17, Kevin Griffin ’17, Jimmy Buckley ’17, Marc Kalny ’17, Joe Flanagan ’17, Stephanie Cillo ’17, Ted Doyle ’19, G’20, Taylor Septer ’19, G’20, David Deleon ’18 Devan Pecoraro ’19 Deidre Doyle ’19, G’20 Rachel Kerr ’20 Peter Burke ’21 and Matt Criscone ’19
Katie Greene ’15 and Kevin Prendergast ’15 celebrated their wedding in Bellport, New York, on June 22, 2024.
Tiffany Cecere ’18 married Christopher O’Donnell on Aug. 31, 2024.
Cesar Andy Garcia ’18 and Rachel DiBisceglie ’18 were married Oct. 12, 2024. Pictured with bridal party are Scranton alumni Sabrina DiBisceglie ’18, Marco Carnovale ’18, John Ebert ’18, Zachary Wilbank ’18 and Michael Frawley ’18
Births & Adoptions
A daughter, Adelaide Marie, to Claire Davis ’08 and John Carman, Havertown 1
A son, Nolan, to Kerry and Paul Boye ’09, West Orange, New Jersey 2
A daughter, Jane Elizabeth, to Christopher and Christine Gein Gill ’10, G’11, Massapequa, New York 3
A son, Owen Patrick McDermott, to Michael ’10 and Joan Miller McDermott ’10, and a grandson to Michael ’71 and Patricia McDermott 4
A son, Isaac Emmanuel, to James ’13 and Anali Ranslow, Corona, California 5
“Eternal rest grant unto them, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.”
In Memoriam
Leonard J. Tabone ’50, West Pittston
Julio De Arteaga, M.D. ’51, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Leo M. McCormack ’51, Scranton
Hugh G. Collins ’52, Mashpee, Massachusetts
Rev. Michael J. Rafferty ’52, Scranton
Joseph R. Carr ’53, Dunmore
Patrick J. Lahey ’55, Scranton
Eugene J. Leeson ’55, Olyphant
Thomas R. Conway ’56 Moscow
Victor M. Vassil ’56 Cumming, Georgia
Joseph J. Jankowski, M.D. ’57 Needham, Massachusetts
Arthur T. Myers ’57 Owego, New York
William J. Golla ’58 Moosic
Lt. Col. Jack J. LaSpina Jr., USA (Ret.) ’58 Georgetown, Texas
John G. Higgins ’59, G’70 Dunmore
John L. Rafferty ’59 Rockbridge Baths, Virginia
John G. Gulbin ’61 Old Forge
John A. Kelly ’61 Moscow
Thomas G. Peacock ’61 Binghamton, New York
John J. O’Rourke ’62, Scranton
Michael J. Sekol ’62, Sun City, Florida
Thomas B. Walsh Jr. ’62, Dallas, Texas
Leroy B. Gerchman, M.D. ’63, Allentown
Eva Moretti ’63, Scranton
Henry A. Turchanik Jr. ’64, Hanover Township
Ralph J. Domenick ’65, Rock Hill, South Carolina
Martin J. Dowling ’65, Fleetville
Loretta B. Garrity G’65, Bridgewater, New Jersey
James A. Gilmartin G’65, Hamburg
Robert E. Ghigiarelli G’67, Old Forge
James A. Wilson ’67, G’76, Scranton
Joseph F. Casagrande ’68, Round Rock, Texas
Michael J. Culkin ’68, Mountaintop
Dorothy M. Lenhart ’68, Archbald
In Memoriam Friends & Family
Michael C. Demyan Jr., brother of Philip J. Demyan ’76
Romaine Biedlingmaier, mother of Mark Biedlingmaier ‘80, G’80 and Paul Biedlingmaier ’76, widow of the late Paul P. Biedlingmaier, D.D.S. ’46
Dorothy D. Karas, mother of Noelle D. Karas ’97 and April (Fletcher) Karas ’00
Patrick Twohig, father of Mary Twohig Novick ’98
Richard Kapusta Sr., father of Beth Kapusta Welsh ’99
Rosemary Quinn Malloy, spouse of Edwin S. Malloy, M.D. ’64; sister of Julianne Karpeh P’11, Margaret “Maggie” Quinn Mariotti, Au.D. P’10, J. Anthony Quinn, D.M.D. ’66, Peter
Andrew P. Marko G’68, Harveys Lake
Louis A. Danzico ’69, Moscow
Alan J. Kosh ’69, Scranton
Frank L. Larkin ’69, Scranton
John J. Lemoncelli, Ed.D. ’71, G’73, Mechanicsburg
Martin J. Parise G’72, Clifford Township
William T. Mickere ’73, Palm Desert, California
Giles Morgan ’73, Dickson City
Thomas T. Vrba G’73 Whitehall
Charles J. Lipinski, Ph.D. ’74, G’76 Clarks Summit
Donato J. Summa, Ph.D. G’74 Dunmore
Kevin J. Kakareka ’76 Scranton
Julia Lalli Lackenby G’76 Susquehanna
Gerard S. Field ’77 Mountaintop
Thomas J. Coggins ’81 Scranton
Marianne Cimino Lynch ’81 Scranton
John J. Hartridge ’82 Dunmore
Aurelio D. Catanzaro G’83 Childs
Elizabeth Wickkizer G’84 Macungie
Robert J. Spager ’85, Dickson City
Joel Z. Krisanda ’86, Moosic Lakes
Karen Puzycki Greco ’88, Waverly Township
Mark J. Kane, M.D. ’90, Newington, Connecticut
Colleen Farrell Foulke ’91, Clifton Park, New York
Kathleen Videtti Wright ’91, Clarks Summit
Irene S. Gaughan ’92, Scranton
Edward S. McHale G’92, Harford Township
Susan (Jill) Holczer ’93, Warrington, Virginia
Kristin Sanner Walker, Ph.D. G’98, Binghamton, New York
Scott K. Nowak ’02, Houston, Texas
Sandra A. Sylvester ’02, Pittston
Michael J. Pucci, M.D. ’03, Philadelphia
John P. Patrick ’04, Milltown, New Jersey
Cecelia Lynett Haggerty H’18, Dunmore
D. Quinn, D.M.D., M.D. ’70, Msgr. Joseph G. Quinn, J.D., J.C.L. ’72, Sheila Strickland G’11, P’13, ’15, ’17, ’20, and Rebecca Anne Walsh P’06, ’09, ’09, ’14; sister-in-law of Martin Karpeh, M.D., P’11 John J. Malloy ’66 John R. Mariotti, D.M.D. ’75, P’10, Harry B. Strickland Jr. ’86, P’13, ’15, ’17, ’20, and Donald Walsh P’06, ’09, ’09, ’14; aunt of Jayne Mariotti Hebron, Esq. ’10, Chelsea Karpeh ’11, Benjamin Q. Strickland ’20, Chloe M. Strickland ’17, Hayden B. Strickland ’15, G’20, Oliver J. Strickland ’13, Maura B. Quinn ’10, Alexander S. Walsh, DPT ’09, DPT ’12, Clarke W. Walsh ’09 and Ethan T. Walsh ’14; mother-in-law of Peter J. Millett, M.D. ’90
Class Notes Publication Policy: The University of Scranton accepts submissions of news of professional achievements or personal milestones for inclusion in the Class Notes section of The Scranton Journal. Submissions can be submitted electronically to alumni@scranton.edu or by mail to Marge Gleason, Class Notes editor, The University of Scranton, 800 Linden Street, Scranton, PA 18510. Digital photos should be 300dpi, JPG or TIFF format and at least 3x5 inches. The University of Scranton reserves complete editorial rights to all content submitted for Class Notes, and posts and publishes listings in as timely a fashion as possible, as space permits. Reasonable steps are taken to verify the accuracy of the information submitted, but the University cannot guarantee the accuracy of all submissions. Publication of achievements or milestones does not constitute endorsement by The University of Scranton.
