Message from the Dean

Dear Partners of the Panuska College of Professional Studies Family,

In May of 2007, I received a wonderful call from The University of Scranton asking me to accept the position of academic dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies. I was humbled and delighted to join Scranton, especially PCPS.

After much discernment and prayer, I am now writing my last letter for Challenges in Theory and Practice. It was a true honor to serve as your academic dean. It has been a true blessing to work with each of you. Our accomplishments in every area are many. Those accomplishments are reflections of the amazing faculty, staff, students and community members who call PCPS home.

In the words of 13th century Persian poet Jalaluddin Mevlana Rumi: “Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.”

I am and will always be thankful to each of you for always placing the PCPS student first in your heart. PCPS students, both undergraduate and graduate, truly model our rich Jesuit Catholic heritage by viewing their professions as a vocation. The PCPS community cares about humanity.

Another poet, Khalil Gibran, penned: “One day you will ask me which is more important. My life or yours? I will say mine and you will walk away not knowing that you are my life.”

Please know that you will always be in my prayers. I know that you will continue to “set the world on fire” with the Ignatian spirit.

Without a doubt, let’s remember these words from my favorite bear, Winnie the Pooh: “Goodbye...? Oh no, please. Can’t we go back to page one and do it all over again?” “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D.

Academic Dean of the J.A. Panuska College of Professional Studies