Journal Fall 2018

I nauguration of Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.

Students Listen in Effort to Bridge Political Divide

Longtime Professor

Remembers a Career of Firsts

Alumna in Intelligence

Speaks Truth to Power

EDITOR

Laura Richards DESIGNERS

Bob Sanchuk

Jason Thorne G’13

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Tom Salitsky

Randy Shemanski

Stan M. Zygmunt ’84, G’95

ASSOCIATE WRITERS

Maura Sullivan Hill

ASSISTANT CLASS NOTES EDITOR

Margery Gleason

PHOTOGRAPHY

Douglas Benedict

Terry Connors

Tim Dougherty

Chad Sebring ’93

PRESIDENT

Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. H’15

VICE PROVOST FOR ENROLLMENT

MANAGEMENT & EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Gerald C. Zaboski ’87, G’95

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

Lori J. Nidoh ’80, G’89

DIRECTOR OF PRINTING & MAILING SERVICES

Valarie J. Clark

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

External Affairs & Enrollment

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The University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510-4615

570.941.7900

Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement

The University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510-4624

570.941.7660. 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 and Parent Engagement. The University of Scranton is a Catholic, Jesuit educational institution serving men and women.

© 2018 The University of Scranton

A Message from the President

Dear Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni, Parents & Friends:

It is good to be home. I have repeated this phrase often in the past few months, both to myself and out loud. When I began my second tenure as president in July, I was immediately reminded of the vibrant community we have here at Scranton. As classes began, I saw students reacquainting with their friends and beginning to collaborate with faculty in classrooms and labs.

I have witnessed miracles happen on this campus beginning with my first tenure here. And in attending this year’s reunion — the largest ever — I was reminded of the miracles that happen out in the world, too, among our alumni, our agents of change. As you will read in the pages of this magazine, members of our community are teaching, serving and leading communities near and far, while our students are learning and discussing the most pressing issues of the day back at home.

Regardless of where they are stationed, students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni are forever bound to The University of Scranton and to the deep love and devotion that this work of God inspires. This is why, the theme of Inauguration, which you will also read about in this magazine, was focused on community and the quote from St. Robert Southwell, S.J., “Not where I breathe, but where I love, I live.”

I am endlessly grateful for the support and generosity of our alumni community. Please keep the University close to your hearts and in your prayers.

Sincerely,

Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. President

Features

The Inauguration of Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. H’15, as Scranton’s 27th president took place on Sept. 21.

32 A Political Bubble, Burst

In the Jesuit tradition, students practice listening to understand in a recent civic engagement initiative to bridge the political divide

26

Online Journal

There is more Scranton news than we can fit in this print edition! Look for icons throughout The Scranton Journal indicating that there is more related content, including photographs, videos or expanded articles, on our website. Visit scranton.edu/journalextras to access our web exclusives.

HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS:

More Inauguration

Read the Inauguration Address, watch the Inauguration in its entirety, listen to a podcast with Fr. Pilarz and watch the video message from members of the University community and others.

51-year Tenure

See photos from Michael DeMichele’s 50-year tenure at Scranton, such as this one from one of the faculty-led trips to the United Nations.

Athletics Campus

See photos of the fields and the dedication of the Rev. Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Athletics Campus.

PHOTOS VIDEO STORY

“I love this place, and I am blessed to be here with you,” said Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. H’15, the University’s 27th president, in his Inaugural Address.

On the Commons

Father Keller Hands Reins to Father Pilarz

The Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. H’15, began his second tenure as president of the University on June 1, and Herbert B. Keller, S.J. H’06, who was serving as interim University president, took over a new role in August: special assistant to the president. This new position is in addition to his ongoing responsibilities as rector of the Scranton Jesuit Community.

Father Keller served with distinction as interim president of the University during the 2017-18 academic year. “All of our students now understand better what graduates of Scranton Preparatory School know so well,” Father Pilarz said. “Fr. Keller is remarkably willing to be present in the lives of students. Among his goals this year, for example, was to meet as many members of the graduating class as possible, and he has worked mightily to achieve it.”

In his new role, Fr. Keller will be available to departments and divisions to work with students on matters involving the Jesuit identity of the University. He will also continue his ministry

of presence on campus, providing pastoral care and support to students at activities, events and programs. In addition, he is an advisor to Fr. Pilarz and represents him at events both on and off campus.

In gratitude for Fr. Keller’s contributions to Scranton, the Board of Trustees voted to name the fieldhouse at the Rev. Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Athletics Campus in honor of Fr. Keller. Signage for the Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., Fieldhouse went up this summer. “In approving this well-deserved recognition, the board singled out his focus on getting to know students and understanding their transformational experience at the University,” Fr. Pilarz said. “I thank Fr. Keller for his service and for agreeing to continue to play an important part in advancing the Catholic and Jesuit mission of The University of Scranton.”

To read about Fr. Pilarz’s Inauguration, turn to page 26.

Several students spoke to WBRE about celebrating Mother Earth and the Earth Day event we have on campus today.

Megan Nally & Nick Kapelewski have quite a spectacular view while sporting their Scranton gear on their Outback trip!

ABOVE: Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J. H’06, the 26th president of the University, presents the University mace to Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. H’15, the 27th president of the University.

Response to Grand Jury Report, Buildings Renamed

In a letter to the community on Aug. 20, University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., responded to the release of more than 1,300 pages of grand-jury proceedings detailing sexual abuse by Catholic priests in Pennsylvania.

Here is an excerpt from that statement: “With sympathy for and in solidarity with victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Scranton, The University of Scranton will rescind honorary degrees and rename campus buildings recognizing Bishops Jerome D. Hannan, J. Carroll McCormick and James C. Timlin. As documented in the report, these bishops covered up the crimes and misdeeds of men who were under their jurisdiction and placed children in harm’s way.”

Read the entire statement, which includes more information about the renaming of the buildings, online at news.scranton.edu.

Royal Scholars Program Created

Over the next five years, a new STEM program will provide scholarships to University students studying science, technology, engineering or math, who have demonstrated academic achievement and a need for financial assistance. The new Royal Scholars Program also supports student and faculty mentorships, internship and research opportunities for the students, as well as additional enrichment programs such as a weeklong summer workshop.

The scholars will participate in a common first-year seminar on science and society and in common sections of STEM introductory classes for those in the same major, as well as extracurricular activities, all designed to build community within the cohort.

The program is a result of a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant awarded to Janice Voltzow, Ph.D., a Scranton biology professor, and the University for “Transforming STEM in Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

To read more, turn to Focus on Faculty on page 13.

Program Supports Student Summer Internships

The Royal Experience Summer Internship Program provided 11 Scranton students, selected from a competitive pool, a stipend of up to $4,000 to support their participation in a meaningful unpaid internship for the summer of 2018. The program is funded by the philanthropy of the University’s Parents’ Executive Council and the donations of alumni and friends of the University.

Beyond the Royal Experience Summer Internship Program, students were stationed across the country and abroad this summer, studying, serving and working.

Read reflections by students on what they did this #ScrantonSummer at scranton.edu/journalextras.

Appointments

Robert W. Davis Jr., Ed.D. ’03 was named vice president for the newly created Student Life division at the University. He joined Scranton in 2006 and has worked as chief of staff since 2011.

Thomas MacKinnon was named vice president for University Advancement in March. He previously worked at Scranton as the executive director of the largest capital campaign in the University’s history, which raised more than $129 million to support Scranton’s mission, endowment and development.

Patricia Tetreault ’93, G’00 was named vice president for Human Resources in July. She has worked at the University since 2009 and served as the University’s associate vice president for Human Resources since 2014.

On May 2, Loyola Science Center was the site of the annual Celebration of Scholars, helping to build “a community of learners dedicated to providing a liberal arts education for all the University’s students. . .” univofscranton

“Springsteen’s streets are full of desperate and lonely figures, nearly all of whom seem to be waiting for some revelation,” writes Brian Conniff, CAS dean and #ScrantonFaculty, in his recent America magazine piece about #TheBoss and Catholicism. scranton_cas

Mark Miller ’19 interns at Wasserman in summer 2018.

Anti-Semitism, Past and Present

By Eric Eiden ’19, student correspondent

“Anti-Semitism is defined as a religiously based complex of irrational, mythical and stereotypical beliefs about the diabolical, malevolent and all-powerful Jew infused in its modern secular form with racism and the belief that there is a Jewish conspiracy against mankind,” said Mark Cohen, Ph.D., the Khedouri A. Zilkha professor of Jewish Civilization in the Near East, Emeritus, and professor of Near Eastern Studies, Emeritus, at Princeton University. He spoke at the Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute lecture in May.

Dr. Cohen presented his views on the past and present state of Muslim-Jewish relations by addressing Islamic views of the Jewish community in the Middle Ages at the lecture titled “Modern Myths of Muslim Anti-Semitism.”

“I can say with a great deal of confidence, in agreement with other seasoned scholars, that such anti-Semitism did not exist in the Islamic world in the Middle Ages,” Dr. Cohen said. “Of course, we should not make the mistake of thinking Jews lived in the Middle Ages as equals of Muslims.”

Equestrian Team Breaks School Record

This year’s equestrian team has made Scranton history, with six members of the team competing in the regional show, the highest number ever. While an observer might see the riders easing through the course, team captain Sela Fine said the art of being an equestrian is far more complex than one might imagine.

“A lot of people aren’t aware of the fact that, as a team, we show up to the shows and are randomly assigned a horse to ride for our specific classes. We aren’t given any time to get to know the horse’s habits but are put to the task of figuring that out while trying to perform perfectly in the class,” Fine said.

Robert Hermes, assistant director of Recreational Sports, testifies to the team’s well-earned accolades and deserved spots in the regional competition.

The Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute was created in 1979 through an endowment funded by the local Jewish community and fosters a better understanding and appreciation of Judaism, Israel and their histories. It supports visits to the University by Jewish scholars and writers and supports library acquisitions, publications, faculty research, travel and other scholarly endeavors. The institute’s work was further enhanced by a $1 million gift from Harry Weinberg in 1990.

Read about this and other campus lectures at news. scranton.edu

“They are an amazing group of women who are dedicated to their sport,” he said. “I admire the work they put in and how far they have come as a club in my years overseeing them. They are a testament to the important opportunities afforded by the growing club sports program at Scranton.”

Mark Cohen, Ph.D., presents the Judaic Studies lecture titled “Modern Myths of Muslim Anti-Semitism”.

The equestrian team. Katelyn Langford, Lauren Rice, Alexandra Mueller, Kelsi McGlone, Claire Jarvis and team captain Sela Fine competed for Scranton. Robert Hermes, assistant director of Recreational Sports, oversees the club.

2018 Graduate Wins Fulbright Scholarship

Lauren Coggins ’18 was awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Mexico, where she will teach English as a Second Language at a university in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas.

“Being in Mexico, I will learn more about the culture by experiencing it firsthand. Because learning the language also involves learning the culture, I can bring that deeper understand-

PROGRAM NEWS

New Legal Studies Concentration

The College of Arts and Sciences is now offering a new concentration in legal studies. The interdisciplinary concentration, an extension of the current Pre-Law Advisory Program, provides students preparing for law school, as well as those interested in studying law at the undergraduate level only, with a flexible curriculum that can both advance understanding of the law and develop skills necessary for success in law school.

New Partnership with Duquesne University School of Law

A new affiliation between Scranton and Duquesne University School of Law, Pittsburgh, give Scranton students who meet program requirements the option of automatic admission to the law school after completion of three years at Scranton and a minimum scholarship of $25,000 per year while at Duquesne.

The agreement will allow Scranton students to earn a bachelor’s degree from Scranton and juris doctor (JD) degree from Duquesne in six, rather than seven, years by completing their senior year bachelor’s degree requirements during the first year of law school at Duquesne.

MHA Program Receives National Sustainability Award

The Master’s in Health Administration (MHA) program received the prestigious Commission on Accreditation

I recently had the distinct honor and privilege of holding a mentoring session with several cadets from @ univofscranton and looking forward to commissioning them as @USArmy Officers in a few short weeks.

#USArmy

BG Alfred Abramson

ing back to the United States to share with English speakers here who want to learn Spanish,” Coggins said.

Coggins is one of over 1,900 U.S. citizens who will conduct research, teach English, and provide expertise abroad for the 2018-2019 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)/Canon Award for Sustainability in Healthcare Management Education and Practice.

Business Honors Program Launches

This fall, a cohort of 19 incoming students became the first members of the four-year Business Honors Program at Scranton. Students in the program will take 12 honors-level business courses over four years in the fields of economics, entrepreneurship, operations management, accounting, finance, international business, marketing and management. Students will also complete an honors thesis and participate in community service and professional development, as well as complete two of the following three options: an internship, study abroad or a journal publication.

New Majors

This fall, the Department of Communication began to offer two new programs: social media strategies and business communication. Both programs offer a major and minor. Students in social media strategies will learn to conceptualize, manage and create written and digital social media content, as well as how to integrate social media campaigns across platforms and with strategic marketing communication campaigns to help organizations achieve their marketing and brand goals. Those majoring or minoring in business communication will develop strong oral presentation and written communication skills, which focus on both techniques of persuasion, as well effective use of graphics, visual presentation software, and current media and technology tools.

2018 Softball Champions!!

“THE TOWNIES” Scranton RecSports

Yesterday’s Warriors, Tomorrow’s Leaders

By Phyllida Whittaker ’19, student correspondent

“Veterans, especially educated veterans it is my honest belief will be the generation that leads during the hard times that are in front of us. They are the ones who will solve the complex problems of our country,” Jared Lyon, president and CEO of Student Veterans of America (SVA), said during his keynote address at Scranton’s College/University Regional Veterans Education Representative Conference. The conference was sponsored through a grant from Lockheed Martin.

Veterans “not only defended the world, freedom, and democracy,” Lyon said, “but then came home and were quite literally the most successful students in higher education, with their top three majors of business, STEM and health-related fields.” He explained that today’s student veterans are the most educated subset of the population and have some of the highest GPAs and success rates of any group.

“We are yesterday’s warriors, becoming today’s scholars, who will most assuredly be tomorrow’s leaders,” Lyon said.

The Veterans Advocacy Committee at Scranton, in cooperation with Student Veterans of America (SVA) in Washington, D.C., hosted the conference.

Student Spotlight: Ushu Mukelo ’21

A refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ushu Mukelo ’21 came to Scranton by way of Uganda in December 2015. He spent his childhood in a refugee camp in Uganda, finding ways to continue his schooling, including bartering beans for books.

“My father said, ‘You and your brother, go to school,’” Mukelo recalled. “I didn’t always have the support at home, and school was 45 minutes away by bus, but I did it. Many don’t. Many can’t. I want to help those kids.”

Mukelo began the Congolese International Students’ Organization to help refugee youths complete education with scholarship programs and to create small businesses. When he’s not studying, he works from Scranton to set up orphanages in Uganda and send aid to the elderly.

“I find a lot of happiness in helping people,” he said.

Former Royal Ray Straccia celebrating the Washington Capitals Eastern Conference Championship! Good luck in the Stanley Cup Finals! royals soccer

Ushu Mukelo ’21

“Great

– Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell ’96 LOVEParkPhilly

Jared Lyon, president and CEO of Student Veterans of America (SVA), provided the keynote address at the College/ University Regional Veterans Education Representative Conference held on campus.

University Celebrates Improvement Projects and Welcomes Senator Blake

Pennsylvania State Senator John Blake G’01 and then-Interim President Herbert B. Keller, S.J., spoke at a ceremony held on campus in May to celebrate recent pedestrian improvement projects on the University’s Commons and Estate grounds.

“We are always glad to have Senator Blake on campus and appreciate all the work he does in support of our community,” said Father Keller, who also blessed the grounds during the ceremony.

The University completed work on the Commons Monroe Avenue Area Pedestrian Circulation Improvement Project, a key gateway for prospective students and visitors. The University also celebrated improvements made to the grounds of The Estate on campus, which include a new bluestone terrace in the area immediately in front of the historic building and stone entrance steps inspired by its original design. The enhancements added contemplation walkways of bluestone and granite to the grounds.

“The project, which will certainly improve visitor and student experience, was funded in part by a $404,086 state

improvement projects.

grant through our Multimodal Transportation Fund,” Senator Blake said.

Other recent campus improvements included new bleachers in the Long Center and a revamp of the food court in The DeNaples Center.

New bleachers, made of a durable, extra-strength polyethylene molded for comfort, were installed in the Long Center. The walls were painted gray, and a new wall padding was installed with branding for the University, Landmark Conference and NCAA. Seating capacity after renovations is now 2,227.

For more photos, visit scranton.edu/journalextras

How many of you still have your Orientation Assistant shirt?! Mark Yunek ‘88 is sporting his from ‘87 at the OA meetup today.

#ScrantonRW18

The Alumni Society of The University of Scranton

Fr. Keller, we applaud you. Thank you for blessing us with a wonderful year! You truly embody the #JesuitEducated mission at The University of Scranton. See you around campus!

The University of Scranton

Get Social with Scranton

Check us out on your favorite social media platforms.

Pennsylvania State Senator John Blake G’01 helps celebrate campus

View this ceremony and other events and lectures on our YouTube channel.

The DeNaples Food Court was updated during the summer. Which Wich Superior Sandwiches and Oath Pizza offer new deli and pizza options. Starbucks also got an update and there are additions to the menus at both Chick-fil-A and Zoca.

Scranton dedicated its new $14 million Rev. Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Athletics Campus at a ceremony on May 8. The campus is named in honor of Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., who served as the 25th president of Scranton from July 2011 through May 2017.

“Today is the culmination of much dreaming, planning and building. Today is the beginning of a new chapter in the history of The University of Scranton,” said then-Interim University President Herbert B. Keller, S.J., at the event “It was Father Quinn’s strong, unshaken resolve to build this campus that has led us to this day. It is so appropriate that this athletics campus bears his name — for it was he who envisioned this field of dreams, and he knew — if we build it, they would come.”

The 11-acre campus, located along Broadway Street in Scranton, will be home for the University’s soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball and softball Division III NCAA teams. The campus includes NCAA-regulation baseball and softball fields and a multipurpose field that meet NCAA standards for soccer, lacrosse and field hockey. The campus also includes bleacher seating at each field, a field house with team locker rooms and a training room, parking, a community basketball court and a children’s play area.

The names of the three NCAA-regulation athletic fields at the new campus recognize the support of prominent alumni families: the Robert and Marilyn Weiss Field in honor of University Trustee Robert Weiss ’68 and his wife, Marilyn; the Charles J. Volpe Family Field, a name chosen by Charles (Chuck) Volpe Jr., Esq. ’82 and his wife, Ellen, in honor of the late Charles J. Volpe

Sr. ’61, and his children and grandchildren who are graduates of the University; and Magis Field, a name chosen by former University Trustee Dennis J. McGonigle ’82 and his wife, Rachel.

“The University has benefited greatly from the decades of generous support received from the benefactors whom we are pleased to honor through the naming of these fields,” said Fr. Keller.

The blessing of the new Rev. Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Athletics Campus included University presidents, past and present. From left: Herbert B. Keller, S.J., then-interim University president; Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., then-incoming University president; Patrick Rogers, director of the Jesuit Center; and Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., former University president.

Athletics Campus Dedication

Commencement Speakers Inspire Graduates Welcome, New Members of the Board of Trustees

Undergraduate Commencement

“I see young people moving all of us toward a more blessed and diverse community. You have always sparked change and been leaders when we needed it. The task of ending racism and poverty is not over, and we need you. The struggle to protect the environment, the unborn and the immigrant continues, and we need you.”

— The Most Rev. George V. Murry, S.J. H’18, Bishop of Youngstown, as delivered by Very Reverend Timothy P. Kesicki, S.J., Jesuit Conference

Bishop Murry, who received a leukemia diagnosis shortly before he was scheduled to speak at Commencement, has been the bishop of Youngstown, Ohio, since 2007, and he is active within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops as the chair of the Committee Against Racism.

Graduate Commencement

“Today is an important milestone for you. You earned your master’s degree. You most likely will manage a department, a division or even your own company someday. You will be looked up to as a leader — someone with great responsibility. Please keep at the forefront of your life the Jesuit values that brought you here today.”

— Peter J. Danchak ’84, H’18, Regional President, PNC Bank, Northeast Pennsylvania

Danchak was born and raised in Scranton and is dedicated to his local community, serving on more than 20 boards or committees throughout his career, including the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry and the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.

The following members of the Board of Trustees began their tenure at the start of the academic year.

Jacquelyn Dionne ’89

• Registered nurse for elderly and Alzheimer’s patients

• Previously cardiothoracic nurse in Boston and at the New Hampshire Heart Institute

• Returning board member, having served from 2011-17

• Instrumental in the creation of the Kania School of Business Wall of Fame

Liz Murphy ’83

• Chief Evangelist and chair of the board for CampusWorks, Inc.

• Thirty-five years of experience in higher education, having served as an institutional fundraiser for both a university and community college foundation

• Board member of Oohlala, Quality Matters and the Alliance for Innovation and Transformation; previous director and chair of the board of the Lupus Foundation of America, DC MD VA Chapter

Vincent F. Reilly, Esq. ’80, P’05, ’08, ’11, ’14

• Founder of the law firm of Reilly, McDevitt & Henrich, P.C.

• Active in civil litigation in the state and federal courts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey since 1983

• On advisory board of the Friends of St. Malachy, Inc., a nonprofit corporation assisting St. Malachy Parish in North Philadelphia

• Returning board member, having served 2011-17

November 2, 2018

See more photos and read the full versions of these On the Commons news items at scranton.edu/journalextras.

Peter J. Danchak ’84, H’18

Very Reverend Timothy P. Kesicki, S.J.

ONE-ON-ONE with Mike Mensah, Ph.D., Leadership Chair in Business Education, Former Dean of KSOM

After 13 years, you have stepped down from your position as dean of KSOM. You’ve done everything from launch new programs to promote the development of ethical and just business leaders. What achievement is closest to your heart?

I am, of course, very proud of the culture of productivity, innovation and collegiality created by the Kania community. However, sometimes it is the so-called “small things” that stick with you the most. With the guidance of the SBDC staff, The Women’s Entrepreneurship Center engages our students to help lower-income women in our region start and grow their own businesses. There is nothing closer to my heart than the work done here to transform real lives.

You joined the accounting faculty more than 30 years ago. Tell us how KSOM has grown and/or changed over the years.

I think the heart and focus of the KSOM have not changed since I got here 30-some years ago. We were, and are still, a very collaborative team and very student-centered. What has changed is that we are much bigger and have become more intentional and organized. We work within formal and ambitious strategies to provide the best student experience and move the Kania School toward the top of our peer group in quality and impact. We are now a nationally ranked business school.

How has getting a business degree changed in the past few decades?

I would say that in a way it has become more complex. The business world has become so much more challenging  with globalization and attendant intensification of competition, mind-boggling developments in technology, incredibly complex financial products and markets and many more innovations. Students must build the foundation for functioning in this new world of business within the same four-year period used 50 years ago. In addition, students face much tougher competition to land a good career placement and must prepare themselves more intentionally to meet employer expectations. It is a more challenging process but also more exciting, because there are more resources to support efficient, integrated learning. Technology and more deliberate attention to student learning by business faculty are particularly helpful developments.

What is your biggest hope for KSOM’s future?

I truly hope the Kania School retains its collaborative and collegial community as it pursues ambitious and innovative goals on behalf of

our students and other stakeholders. It is the kind and supportive environment that will continue to sustain our efforts as we keep pushing our limits.

What is your advice for KSOM alumni and future students?

To our alumni, I want to thank you sincerely for your love and support of Kania. I hope you continue your partnership with us to help our students develop into capable and successful people who represent our Jesuit ideals in the best possible way. To future students, I hope you realize that you are surrounded by the best mentoring and academic resources you can expect anywhere, the Kania School of cura personalis. Engage!

What is the biggest benefit of a business degree at Scranton?

A Scranton business degree means the latest cutting-edge business and leadership skills and access to our very loyal network of successful alumni who are ready to help any graduate. I think  the reputation of Scranton  graduates, especially among employers,  as  honest, competent, very hardworking and willing to go the extra mile to finish the job, is a particularly valuable benefit that every Kania graduate enjoys and is compelled to live up to.

What’s next for you?

Right now, I’m really enjoying being back in Ghana and reconnecting with some people I haven’t seen in more than 50 years. After my sabbatical, I’m hoping to return to my old faculty responsibilities. I’ll enjoy that, but if I’m asked to serve in any other capacity at the University, I’ll consider that an equal blessing. Either way, I hope I find time to do some writing.

Focus on Faculty

Game-changing Virtual Rehab Exploration

VR might typically stand for virtual reality, but two Scranton professors are doing game-changing research on “the other VR” — virtual rehabilitation.

Renée Hakim, Ph.D., a physical therapist and professor in the Physical Therapy Department, and Benjamin Bishop, Ph.D., professor of computing sciences, are collaborating on pioneering research to determine if the specialized devices that have aided recovery in stroke patients can similarly aid those who have or had orthopedic injuries such as fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome or any type of nerve injury.

For example, they are working on a software aid that can help with the seemingly simple task of handwriting: cursive and printed. Handwriting and plenty of other fine motor skills necessary for daily life can become nearly impossible tasks for those who’ve suffered orthopedic injuries, which was what prompted Dr. Hakim to choose this particular skill for the pilot phase of this study. Dr. Hakim provides the motor-skill expertise, while Dr. Bishop’s expertise is in graphics and computer hardware.

Faculty Notes

2018 Teacher of the Year

Daniel Haggerty, Ph.D., professor of philosophy and director of the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program, is the 2018 Teacher of the Year. Among many other accomplishments, Dr. Haggerty developed and teaches a mission-based travel course in Spain and Rome that follows in the footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year

Timothy Foley, Ph.D., professor of chemistry, was named the 2018 Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year. He often involves University students in his research, which centers on the chemistry of protein sulfur as it relates to normal cellular regulation as well as to diseases ranging from neurodegenerative disorders to cancer.

KSOM Professor of the Year

Daniel Mahoney, Ph.D. ’81, G’85, professor of accounting, received the Kania School of Management Professor of the Year Award in 2018, the fifth time he has earned the honor, which is presented by the Business Club.

Two Biology Professors Awarded NSF Grants

Two biology professors were recently awarded National Science Foundation (NSF) grants:

Janice Voltzow, Ph.D., is the principal investigator for a $645,000

NSF grant that will fund scholarships and provide additional academic support to 25 undergraduate students majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields over the next five years. The program is called the Royal Scholars Program.

Marc Seid, Ph.D., received $200,703 as part of an NSF collaborative research grant to support his research into whether social interactions influence brain size by studying closely related species of social and solitary bees. The grant will support summer stipends for undergraduate student researchers.

Provost Awards

Nine faculty members received Provost Faculty Enhancement Awards for excellence in teaching, scholarship or service: Bryan Burnham, Ph.D., Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award; David Dzurec III, Ph.D., Excellence in University Service and Leadership Award; Rita Fleming-Castaldy, Ph.D., Excellence in Scholarly Publication Award; Renee Hakim, Ph.D., Peter Leininger, Ph.D. and Jennifer Schwartz, DPT, Excellence in Integrating Mission and Justice into the Curriculum Award; Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., Excellence in Integrating Sustainability into the Curriculum Award; Steven Szydlowski, DHA, Excellence In Advancing Global Learning Award; and Kevin Wilkerson, Ph.D., Excellence in Graduate Teaching Faculty Senate Award.

Together, Benjamin Bishop, Ph.D., and Renée Hakim, Ph.D., research virtual rehabilitation.

To read more faculty news, from grants to recognitions, visit news.scranton.edu/faculty

Professor Investigates What Grabs Your Attention

Ever wonder why you notice one advertisement over another, why you pay attention to a siren, or how you manage to find your car in a crowded parking lot?

Psychology Professor Bryan Burnham, Ph.D., does, and he focuses his research on understanding the cognitive complexities involved in “selective attention.”

“I look at how phenomena draw attention, and if then we can manipulate that. Our understanding of these mechanisms can eventually lead to developing ways to help you focus more and ways to become less distracted,” Dr. Burnham said.

So far, Dr. Burnham’s studies have found two cognitive mechanisms in the brain causing attention, but he notes more may exist. The first is selection bias, or attentional bias, that is “once a stimulus is introduced, then there is a bias in favor of it.” The second is a memory retrieval mechanism, that is “when you process something, you retrieve a memory of something. You retrieve previous examples, such as pulling a color or shape into working memory.”

Using Literature to Inspire Children

By Breanna Forgione ’18, student correspondent

“If we use children’s literature to contextualize the complexity of our world for young people, we can grow the next generation of world leaders while also developing their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills,” said Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of The Panuska College of Professional Studies, who recently gave a lecture titled “Using Children’s Literature to Teach Social Justice” to Northeastern Reading Association members.

The lecture contained interactive elements in working directly with children’s literature and breaking it down through content brainstorming and picture walks. Each attendee received a copy of Listen to the Wind, a children’s story written by Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth.

“You can make a difference. Show children how they can contribute to make the world fairer. Give children examples of when social justice is at work and when it’s not. Help children understand better a variety of cultures, types of people and situations,” Dean Pellegrino said at the event.

Professor Talks Herbs and Ancient Greeks

Ileana Szymanski, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, recently received a grant to research medicinal plants and spices in ancient Greece. She answered a few questions for The Scranton Journal about her research.

You’re researching medicinal plants and spices. Any that might be familiar to us? Actually, quite a few, especially the herbs such as mint and oregano. Others include myrrh, frankincense and saffron. There is also mention of cinnamon and cardamom.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned? Thus far, the most interesting things I have learned involve the drug culture of the ancient Greeks. In the after-dinner parties (symposia), wine diluted with water was circulated among the guests; usually, that wine was mixed with some kind of substance that would impel the drinker toward a sort of ecstasy and intoxication. Apparently, the cultural need for ecstasy began because people wanted a more direct relationship with the gods.

Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of The Panuska College of Professional Studies, speaks to preschool children at The University of Scranton’s Learning Center in 2015.

Photo Courtesy The Times-Tribune/Michael J. Mullen, Staff Photographer

Professor Bryan Burnham researches selective attention.

Alumni News

A New President

The Alumni Society Advisory Board recently installed Michael K. Short ’99 as the president of the Alumni Society of The University of Scranton.

Short officially became president for a two-year term after past president retired Army Col. Richard H. Breen Jr. ’77 passed the society’s gavel to him in a “transfer of power” ceremony. Breen assumed the duties of past president from Martina Martin ’80, who completed her term of service to the board with the transfer. Colleen Neary, Esq. ’88 assumed the duties of president-elect from Short and will succeed him as president when his term ends in 2020.

“I’d like to thank this board,” Short said to the members of the Alumni Society Advisory Board who were present. “You inspire me to be better. I respect each of you tremendously and will do my absolute best to lead you.”

Short, who resides in Mendham, New Jersey, with his wife, Susanna Puntel Short ’01, and son, Grady Michael Short, graduated from the University with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. He owns two Allstate insurance agencies that provide multi-line insurance products. He is Series 6 FINRA-certified as a personal financial representative and is a licensed New Jersey realtor. Previously, he served as director of service programs at Scranton Preparatory School and was a member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Brooklyn, New York.

During Short’s tenure as an Allstate agency owner, he has won numerous company and industry awards. In 2010, Short’s agency was ranked No. 6 out of all 12,500+ Allstate agencies

Alumni Society Advisory Board Challenge Gift

“Go big or go home” is a sentiment that speaks to many Royals, given the Jesuit order’s emphasis on the magis. To celebrate this year’s 5.06 Weekend of Giving (see page 16 for more about 5.06 Weekend), the members of the Alumni Society Advisory Board chose to “go big” when they announced the Alumni Board Challenge.

Members of the Alumni Society Advisory Board promised to donate $42,000 to University causes if 2,018 Royals made a gift to the University. By the end of the weekend, 2,890 Royals had answered the call, surpassing the board’s goal and unlocking their $42,000 gift.

countrywide. Short’s other awards include Allstate’s Inner Circle Elite (top 1 percent in the country), No. 2 Performing Allstate NJ Agency (2009, 2010), Chairman’s Award, Honor Ring Award and the President’s Conference Award, and he has also merited the distinction of Premier Service Agency since the award’s creation in 2009. He enjoys spending time with his family, studying business and entrepreneurship trends, traveling, real estate investment, skiing, golf, scuba diving, photography and technology.

“I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am to get started and see what we can achieve together,” Short said. “We have a tremendous group of leaders to propel this board forward.”

During his farewell address as president, Breen thanked his fellow board members and told them to be proud of the work they had done together during his term, which included creating the annual student-alumni networking event Toast2Scranton, refining the nomination process for new board members, establishing a quasi-endowment fund and introducing The University of Scranton Alumni Coin of Excellence.

Alumni Society Past President COL Richard H. Breen Jr., U.S. Army (ret) ’77 (left) hands the gavel to new President Michael K. Short ’99 (right).

Members of the Alumni Society Advisory Board gather to announce the Alumni Board Challenge.

A record number of Royals donated $326,000 to The University of Scranton over 5.06 (May 6) Weekend, the fourth annual celebration of the University’s day of giving.

A total of 2,890 Royals made a gift over the weekend, surpassing the University’s goal of 2,018 donors by a wide margin and unlocking a $42,000 challenge gift from The Alumni Society Advisory Board. The celebration featured several other challenge gifts, including a $2,002 gift from the Medical Alumni Council Executive Committee and a $1,500 gift from Toby Lovecchio ‘85, then-associate director of Athletics, and Cathy Lovecchio, Ph.D., chair of the Nursing Department.

The Slattery Match

The 5.06 celebration also featured a $50,000 scholarship match gift from University Trustee Jim Slattery ‘86 and his wife, Betsy. The couple originally pledged a $25,000 match but doubled that amount when they learned their goal had been met well before the end of the weekend.

The Brian Musto ’12 Memorial Fund

When Brian Musto ’12 lost his battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in January, his family set up The Brian Musto ’12 Memorial Fund to help undergraduate and graduate Scranton students battling illness. In order to endow the fund, scores of his family and friends set out to raise $50,000 over the weekend by making donations and participating in the 5.06K. At the eleventh hour, an anonymous donor made a $10,000 gift to reach the $50,000 goal and ensure that Brian’s memory will live on forever at his alma mater.

Three hundred Royals participated in the inaugural 5.06K, a walk/run at the Rev. Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Athletics Campus on Saturday morning.

One hundred and fifty Royals around the world also participated in the inaugural Virtual 5.06K, running or walking a 5K in their respective locations in support of Scranton.

Betsy and Jim Slattery ’86

5.06K and Virtual 5.06K

TOP: Royals run in the inaugural 5.06K at the Rev. Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Athletics Campus; RIGHT: Alumni Society Advisory Board Member Thomas P. Umile, Ph.D. ‘06, G’06 celebrates Scranton in the City of Brotherly Love at the Virtual 5.06K.

Read about the Alumni Society Advisory Board 5.06 challenge gift on page 15. To get more information about 5.06, visit scranton.edu/506

Team Brian, a gathering of the friends and family members of Brian Musto ’12, prepares to embark on the 5.06K at the Rev. Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Athletics Campus.

Brian Musto ’12

Together Again Where it All Began

Attendance at Reunion Weekend 2018 exceeded all records as Royals in class years ending in “3” or “8” returned to campus from June 8-10 to reconnect with their classmates in the Electric City. Alumni celebrated their milestone reunions by raising more than $1 million for University scholarships and campus priorities.

To see more photos from the event, visit scranton.edu/ alumniphotos or follow us on Instagram @ScrantonAlumni

Save the Date for Reunion Weekend 2019

All alumni are invited to return to campus from June 7-9, 2019, for Reunion Weekend, when Scranton grads with class years ending in “4” or “9” will celebrate their milestone years.

If you would like to join your class committee, please email alumni@scranton.edu for additional information.

Registration will open in March 2019.

To learn more information or let your classmates know that you are planning to attend, visit scranton.edu/myreunion and add your name to the “Planning to Attend” list.

University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. (then-president-elect), speaks at the President’s Reception at the newly finished bluestone terrace at the Estate.

A record number of Royals from the Class of 2013 gather on the Dionne Green and challenge the camera’s ability to fit them all in the same image.

Royals gather at the Commons Flag Terrace for the All-Class Welcome Reception.

Honoring Excellence: The Frank J. O’Hara Alumni Awards

Over the years, Reunion Weekend has become many things to many people. For most, it’s a chance to make new memories with old friends; for some, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with the positive energy the campus radiates thanks to Scranton’s pursuit of cura personalis; for The Alumni Society, it’s the time, at the Frank J. O’Hara Alumni Awards, to honor select alumni who have achieved distinction in their professional or personal endeavors.

The Alumni Society and the University established the Frank J. O’Hara Distinguished Alumni Award in 1981 as the highest recognition they jointly bestow to honor the memory of Frank

Frank J. O’Hara Recent Graduate Award Recipient

Elena M. Habersky ’13

Cairo, Egypt

J. O’Hara, an administrator who served the University for more than 53 years. Honorees are selected based on the nominees’ commitment to Ignatian values and their pursuit of professional and personal excellence. In 2015, they established the Frank J. O’Hara Recent Graduate Award to recognize alumni who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to service for others in their personal or professional achievements while embodying Scranton’s Catholic and Jesuit values within 10 years of their graduation date.

At this year’s O’Hara Awards Ceremony, The Alumni Society and the University honored the following alumni:

Andrew W. Mellon/HUSSLab Post-MA Research Fellow, The American University in Cairo

“We, ourselves, as Jesuit-educated, must live greater so our fellow brothers and sisters can live the lives that they feel they are called to live but are unable to do so. Only then will we bring back harmony to the world. Only then will everyone be able to see God in all things. Only then can we live the greatest and make the magis the normal, the everyday. So, I implore you to listen to the migrants, and then also to listen to yourself and feel the pull of the greater, of the magis, of the connections that we all have in-between. Then, we can go forth and set the world on fire.”

From back left: Alumni Society President Mike Short ’99, then-Interim University President Herbert B. Keller, S.J. H’06, COL James F. Cummings, M.D., FACP, FIDSA, FASTMH, U.S. Army (ret) ’88, H’15, Matthew R. Bernard ’99, G’03, William J. Brady ’83, P’12. From front left: Francis J. Pearn ’83, P’16, Dominique Ponzio Bernardo ’93, Michele Giancatarino Gilfillan ’98, Elena M. Habersky ’13 and John H. Appleton, Esq. ’68, P’00, P’03, enjoy a moment together immediately after the Frank J. O’Hara Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony June 8.

John H. Appleton, Esq. ’68, P’00, P‘03

Clarks Summit Attorney

“The O’Hara Award is a very prestigious award, and it is to be cherished when someone is selected to receive it. But for myself and my family, it is something more: It is a special reminder, with gratitude, of how my family over three generations got here, and so it will always have a special place in the lore of the Appleton Family.”

William J. Brady ’83, P’12

Wellesley, Massachusetts

Sustainability-focused Executive, Entrepreneur and Investor

“I remember distinctly the feeling I had that day when I walked onto this campus (for the first time), the feeling of belonging, the feeling of community, and it’s the same feeling I had when I came back here and walked on the campus today.”

Francis J. Pearn ’83, P’16

Garden City, New York Chief Compliance Officer, JPMorgan Chase & Co

“(The University of Scranton) is a fantastic institution. I’m so glad so many people are back to see it. It’s really been transformed since our days here on Linden Street.”

COL James F. Cummings, M.D., FACP, FIDSA, FASTMH, U.S. Army (ret) ’88, H’15

Chevy Chase, Maryland President, ICON Government and Public Health Solutions, Inc.

“That idea of being a man for others — that fire burns deep and has continued throughout my career.”

Dominique Ponzio Bernardo ’93

Bridgeport

CFO, Congreso de Latinos Unidos, North Philadelphia

“Please, please, find a cause that is meaningful to you, be it foster children, be it the environment, be it four-legged friends, be it a multi-service Latino organization in North Philadelphia (hint, hint), and commit something.”

Michele Giancatarino Gilfillan ’98

Bloomfield, New Jersey

Director, Foundations and Corporate Engagement, Catholic Relief Services

“What more can I do? What more can we do to manifest God’s love? We are a community, a community that has responsibility, and that responsibility is to love and seek a sense of justice and right relationship in our world.”

Matthew R. Bernard ’99, G’03

Clarks Green

Principal, Scranton Preparatory School

“Let us tonight be grateful not only for The University of Scranton, but also for Jesuit education and the opportunity for us to be pushed beyond our comfort zones and to be loved.”

Frank J. O’Hara Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

Several Scranton alumni and O'Hara Award honorees watch the O'Hara Awards Ceremony in June.

Scranton Legacies: Kelly ’88 and Haley ’19 Mulroy

A talk with a mother and daughter about their Scranton experiences, 30 years apart.

It’s often said that the more things change, the more they remain the same, but is that true at The University of Scranton? We spoke with Kelly Mulroy ‘88 and her daughter, Haley ‘19, to try to determine if, despite decades of changes, students today still feel the same love for Scranton as they did 30 years ago. What first drew you to Scranton?

Kelly: What I loved best was the feeling you got when you walked on campus. It was so friendly. That’s probably why I liked it.

Haley: I wasn’t going to look at Scranton because my mom went there, but then her friend got me to look at Scranton. It was probably one of the last schools I looked at, and I knew as soon as I got on campus that I wanted to go there. As soon as I walked on campus, people would hold the door for me, even if I was super far away, and if I looked somewhat lost, people would stop and ask if I needed help finding a building.

Kelly: Scranton students are so friendly, helpful and nice. They seem like they really care and want you to have a good experience during your visit. That’s why I was so happy Haley decided to go to Scranton.

What major did you choose? Why?

Kelly: I started in engineering but didn’t really like the uncertainty of modern physics. I really liked math. I became a math major so I could do what I liked.

From left: Jeannie Martin Petrucci ‘88, Kelly McDonnell Mulroy ‘88, Beth McDonnell Cintron ‘89, Lisa Meehan Valenzuela ‘88, Mary Haumacher ‘88 and Christine Lawless Clayton ‘88 gather together with the young Haley Mulroy ‘19 at Clayton’s home in 1997.

Haley: Early and primary education. Ever since I was little, I always liked working with little kids, so I knew that was the direction I wanted to take.

What was/is your favorite spot on campus?

Kelly: The cafeteria*. I liked to be able to eat while I studied. When I needed a break, I would walk around and see people.

Haley: I love to sit outside of DeNaples because it’s nice to see everybody walking by and people stopping by at your table.

What was/is your favorite professor or class?

Kelly: I liked J.J. Quinn. He was an English professor and an amazing speaker. I took Modern Irish Novel and American Short Story with him. He didn’t have written tests; you’d have to go to his office, and he’d ask you questions. It really forced you to think about what you were reading and how you could take it to heart and relate to it. You had to explain to him what you got out of it.

And Father McKinney. I had him his first year teaching Intro to Philosophy. He would never answer your question; in a true Jesuit way, he would answer your question with another question.

Haley: Multicultural Diversity in the Environment, Social and Family Community (with) Dr. Boodwell. It was great because it showed us how to really communicate and be involved in the community.

Did/do you have a favorite Jesuit?

Kelly: It was Father Joe Simmons. He was in charge of Campus Ministries as well as Commuter Relations. His door was always open. You could go and talk to him whenever you needed guidance or someone to just listen. He wanted to help you to be the person God created you to be.

Haley: I’d probably say Father Sweeney. He does live in the dorms, so his door was always open. He actually lived right across the hall from my best friend, so I’d see him at least once a day.

What was/is your favorite on-campus eatery?

Kelly: Our food* was pretty awful. I went more for the people. The kids that were there and the people who worked in the cafeteria were so nice.

Haley: I think it’s changed every year. Freshman year I definitely liked The Fresh Food Company on DeNaples’ third floor because it was nice to go up there and get an

omelet for breakfast and have different options for dinner. Sophomore year, I mainly stuck to the Mulberry POD Market across the street because they had the healthiest options. They had good chicken and the ability to create your own salad. They also had a variety of different foods to get. My junior year, I didn’t get a meal plan, but I ate some of my meals on DeNaples’ first-floor food court because it was nice to kind of have a quick graband-go type set up.

Q: What was/is your favorite part of being a Scranton student?

Kelly: Feeling so comfortable, like you were at home. The teachers wanted to see you succeed, and they wanted to get to know who you were as a person. You don’t see that in a lot of the bigger schools.

Haley: I think I’d have to agree with that for sure. It’s like you’re surrounded by people that care and who are there for you.

Q: Would you recommend Scranton to a high school student?

Kelly: I have, over and over again. I’m always recommending that people go see Scranton because you have to see it. If you see it, you’re going to be drawn to it.

Haley: I do it all the time. I recommend it to everybody, and I tell them if you come visit, I’ll definitely show you around.

*When Kelly was a student, the cafeteria in the Gunster Student Activities Center was the only dining option on campus. Gunster was replaced by The DeNaples Center in 2008.

Kelly and her friends gather in front of their house in 1988. Front row: Kelly McDonnell Mulroy ‘88 and Anne Dubon Murphy ‘88. Back row: Erin Kelly Webber ‘88, Beth McDonnell Cintron ‘89, Christine Lawless Clayton ‘88, Mary Haumacher ‘88 and Jeannie Petrucci Martin ‘88.

A card from the funeral service of the Rev. Joseph F. Simmons, S.J., who was Kelly’s favorite Jesuit during her time at Scranton.

Carlesimo Golf Tournament & Award Dinner Honors Mike Strong

The University honored former Lady Royals basketball coach Mike Strong with the 2018 Peter A. Carlesimo Award at its annual Carlesimo Golf Tournament & Award Dinner at Saucon Valley Country Club in June.

More than 225 guests attended the event, helping to raise more than $100,000 for Scranton Athletics. The University partnered with title sponsor Quandel Construction Group for this year’s event.

In his 34 seasons as head coach of the University’s women’s basketball program, Mike Strong accomplished things no one else ever has. When he retired in 2014 with 815 wins under his belt, Strong ended his career as the all-time leader in career victories in NCAA Division III women’s basketball history. Over the decades, he led the Lady Royals to 19 conference titles, 26 NCAA Tournaments and eight Final Four appearances, where the team captured the 1985 national title.

Strong also coached some of the best athletes in University history, including 19 All-Americans and two National Player of the Year honorees. In addition, Strong mentored 11 different student-athletes who earned Conference Player of the Year or MVP recognition. During his tenure as head coach, he never had a losing season, and he became the first women’s coach in NCAA Division III history and the second in all of NCAA Division III to win 800 games. His overall record is 815-182.

Strong’s career at the University began well before his appointment as head women’s basketball coach. After graduating from Concord College in West Virginia in 1967, he joined the University as an assistant men’s basketball coach in 1972 under then-head coach and 2016 Carlesimo Award Recipient Bob Bessoir. Under their guidance, the team won the 1976 NCAA Division III national championship.

Strong also enjoyed success in other areas at the University. He coached the men’s tennis team to 91 victories over 11 seasons and led the women’s tennis team to 53 victories and three conference titles in five seasons as head coach. Strong is also a retired associate professor in the University’s Exercise Science and Sport Department. He and his wife, Linda, reside in Paupack. The couple has two children, Scott and Chris, and three grandchildren.

Named in honor of Peter A. Carlesimo, former University of Scranton coach and athletics director, the Carlesimo Golf Tournament & Award Dinner celebrates athletics at Scranton and honors a person who has made special contributions to athletics and Catholic education. The Golf Tournament & Award Dinner serves as a fundraising event to support and enhance the student-athlete experience at Scranton.

For more information on supporting student-athletes, visit scranton.edu/athleticsfund

From left, Dave Martin, University director of Athletics; P.J. Carlesimo, son of Peter A. Carlesimo; Mike Strong, former Lady Royals coach; the Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J. H’06, then-interim University president; and Colleen (Murphy) Pivirotto ’04, head women’s soccer coach, celebrate Strong’s career at the Carlesimo Golf Tournament & Award Dinner.

Baseball Game Opens Quinn Athletics Campus, Home to Seven Intercollegiate Athletic Teams

The University’s new Rev. Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Athletics Campus officially opened on April 5 when the baseball team hosted Wilkes on Volpe Field. The Royals rallied for a thrilling 9-8 victory to open the facility in successful fashion. The softball team played its first game on Magis Field on April 7, and they went on to post a 16-2 record at the team’s new home. Weiss Field — the multi-purpose field that is home to the men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer and field hockey teams — was completed late in the spring and hosted its first intercollegiate competition on Aug. 31.

The Quinn Athletics Campus was dedicated in the name of former University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., in a ceremony at the facility on May 8. Read more about the fields and the dedication on page 10.

Baseball Reaches Final of Landmark Championship

The baseball team advanced to the final series of the Landmark Conference Championship for the fourth time and finished the season with a 22-21 record. Senior outfielder Tommy Trotter (pictured) became the only player in Landmark Conference history to earn First-Team All-Landmark Conference honors four times, and he finished his career with a school-record 219 hits. Trotter also earned All-Region honors from the American Baseball Coaches Association for the second time in his career.

Another Winning Season for Men’s Basketball

The Royals finished the 2017-18 season with a 13-12 overall record, including 9-5 in Landmark Conference play. It marked the 13th straight season the team posted a winning record and won at least nine conference games. Seniors Ethan Danzig (pictured) and Drew Schankweiler both earned All-Landmark Conference Second Team honors for their play, and Danzig finished his career with 269 3-pointers, the most in school history.

Lady Royals Reach NCAA Sweet 16

Enjoying another banner season, the women’s basketball team won its third straight Landmark Conference championship and advanced to the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament. The Lady Royals, led by Landmark Conference Coach of the Year Trevor Woodruff, went 28-2 on the season and 13-1 against conference opponents and rattled off 23 straight wins during the season. Junior Bridgette Mann (pictured) was honored as an All-American and was named both the Mid-Atlantic Region and Landmark Conference Player of the Year. Sophomore Makenzie Mason joined Mann as an All-Region and First Team All-Conference honoree.

The synthetic-turf softball field is named Magis Field, a name chosen by former University Trustee Dennis J. McGonigle ’82 and his wife, Rachel.

The synthetic-turf baseball field is named Charles J. Volpe Family Field, a name chosen by Charles (Chuck) Volpe Jr., Esq. ’82 and his wife, Ellen, in honor of the late Charles J. Volpe Sr. ’61, his children, and grandchildren who are graduates of the University.

Wrestling Continues Winning Trend

The wrestling team posted 10 dual match victories, marking the second straight season of 10 or more wins and the third straight winning season. Senior Zachary D’Apolito (pictured) highlighted the season by finishing fourth at 184 pounds at the NCAA Mideast Regional. The Royals captured the team title at the Jim Crytzer Memorial Invitational in January, and three wrestlers finished the season with at least 20 victories, led by junior Daniel D’Agostini, who finished with a 25-8 record.

Men’s Lacrosse Reaches Postseason for Eighth Straight Year

The Royals finished with a 10-7 record and qualified for the Landmark Conference playoffs for the eighth straight season and made their 11th playoff appearance in the past 12 years. Sophomore attackman Connor Kirkwood (pictured) scored 45 goals, a new single-season school record. He was one of seven Royals to earn All-Landmark Conference honors, including sophomore Mike Modesti and seniors Conor Carey, Adam Drury, Kieran Pues and Adam Maiale.

McGurrin Brothers Lead

With a 13-4 overall record while going 6-1 in Landmark Conference matches, the men’s tennis team finished as the Landmark Conference runner-up. Brothers Tarquin McGurrin (pictured), a freshman, and Keller McGurrin, a senior, were both named First Team All-Conference in doubles.

Byrne Thrives in First Season with Women’s Swimming & Diving

The women’s swimming & diving team had another strong season, finishing the regular season with an impressive 11-1 record in dual meets. The Royals went on to earn a third-place finish at the Landmark Conference Championships. Freshman Lauren Byrne (pictured) paced Scranton by winning three events at the conference championships and was honored as the Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year, while junior Claire Mason also captured an individual conference title.

Sophomore Duo Leads Men’s Swimming & Diving

The men’s swimming & diving team posted an 8-4 record in dual meet competition during the regular season and earned a third-place finish at the Landmark Conference Championships.

Sophomores Timothy Quigley (pictured) and Michael Diana led the Royals, with Quigley winning two individual conference titles and Diana claiming one gold medal and earning Landmark Conference Co-Diver of the Year.

Softball Shatters Records in Historic Season

The softball team enjoyed a record-breaking season, posting a school-record 33 wins on its way to a Landmark Conference runner-up finish. The Royals went 33-11 this spring, including a 9-3 record against conference opponents. Freshman Jennifer Sweeney (pictured) had an outstanding season in which she became the first Scranton softball player to earn All-American honors, while also being named First Team All-Region and All-Conference and the Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year. Senior Morgan Rentzheimer broke numerous career pitching record records for the Royals, who went 16-2 on Magis Field in their first season at their new home.

Trio Leads Women’s Lacrosse to Another Strong Season

The women’s lacrosse team finished its season as the Landmark Conference runner-up for the third straight year while posting a 12-7 overall record, including a program-best 6-1 mark in conference games. The Royals, who earned the most wins in a season since 2005, had three players earn All-Region honors: junior Elena Gallo (pictured), sophomore Becca Russo and freshman Kate Calabro, who was also named the Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year.

Women’s Tennis Wins Program-Record 19 Matches

The women’s tennis team won the Landmark Conference championship and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Royals shattered the program record for wins, going 19-4 on the

Trio Leads Women’s Golf

The women’s golf program took to the course for its second season, competing in the Landmark Conference champion ship for the first time. The Royals finished fourth in the championships, with seniors Katie Allen (pictured) and Julie Cran ney and sophomore Brianna Stein each earning All-Landmark Conference Second Team honors. On the season, the team posted four dual match victories.

Gerace’s Discus Gold Highlights Men’s Track & Field Season

Freshman David Gerace (pictured) won the gold medal in the discus at the Landmark Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships, becoming the first male track & field athlete from Scranton to win a conference crown — indoor or outdoor. Junior Mark Merli finished the season with a trio of podium finishes at the conference championships, finishing fifth in both the long jump and triple jump at the indoor championships and adding a fourthplace finish in the long jump at the outdoor championships.

Senior Student-Athletes Recognized

The Athletics Department held the 27th annual Senior Student-Athlete Brunch on Saturday, May 12. Ninety-eight senior student-athletes were recognized during the event, which included the presentation of the Athletics Department Merit Awards to those with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. The luncheon also included the presentation of eight special awards to senior student-athletes:

• Tim McGovern, men’s soccer — Willensky Award (overcoming extreme hardship)

season with a perfect 7-0 record in conference play. Scranton swept the major conference awards, with senior Julia Frattaroli (pictured) named the Player of the Year, freshman Tatiana Klacko selected the Rookie of the Year and Janice Winslow chosen as the Coach of the Year.

Boland Wins Landmark Conference Men’s Golf Title

Senior Michael Boland (pictured) won the individual title at the Landmark Conference men’s golf championship, becoming just the fourth golfer in school history to win a conference title. Boland Thomas McAuliffe, who finished second at the conference championship and was named Rookie of the Year, earned First-Team All-Landmark Conference honors, while junior Brett Lubba was a Second-Team honoree. The Royals finished second as a team, their highest conference finish since 2014.

Banas Earns All-American Honors During First Women’s Track & Field Season

Sophomore Caroline Banas (pictured) helped ensure the first women’s track & field season in school history was a memorable one. She qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships during both the indoor and outdoor seasons, earning All-American honors during the indoor season by finishing seventh in the country. Along the way, she won Landmark Conference titles during both seasons and set the indoor and outdoor conference record in the high jump.

• Katie Allen, women’s golf; Maeve Potter, women’s swimming & diving; and Richard Endico, men’s swimming & diving — Fitzpatrick Award (outstanding community service and leadership)

• Morgan Rentzheimer, women’s volleyball and softball, and Keller McGurrin, men’s tennis — Carlesimo Award (academic and athletic achievement)

• Meredith Campbell, field hockey, and Tommy Trotter, baseball — O’Hara Award (most outstanding student-athletes in the senior class)

In addition, long-time WUSR playby-play man Dean Corwin was presented with the Beining Award for out-

standing contributions to University of Scranton Athletics.

Eight student-athletes received special awards at the Senior Student-Athlete Brunch. From left: Maeve Potter; Katie Allen; Keller McGurrin; Morgan Rentzheimer; Meredith Campbell; and Tim McGovern. Not pictured: Richard Endico and Tommy Trotter.

J oyous Return to Scranton

The Inauguration of Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., as Scranton’s 27th president took place on Sept. 21.

This is how Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. H’15 began his Inauguration Address as the 27th president of The University of Scranton, and it is a phrase he has repeated again and again since the announcement of his presidency in March 2017.

His declaration of love for the University and its community

set the tone of the Inauguration where more than 1,500 people were gathered on campus on Sept. 21.

Community, Core, Commitment

Fr. Pilarz’s address called for love and emphasized the sacred role played by teachers and the blessed atmosphere of a university as a place to search for and discover truth. He recommitted

“I love this place, and I am blessed to be here with you.”

to dedicating University resources to the key role humanities play in a Jesuit education, announcing the establishment of a center for the humanities at Scranton, as well as a leadership gift of $1 million from University Trustee James Slattery ’86, and his wife, Betsy, in support of this effort. Slattery took part in the installation of the president.

“The humanities and liberal arts are home to the great sto-

ries, and Jesuit educators have always believed that reading the great stories is the best preparation for a life lived generously in service of others and God,” said Fr. Pilarz. “In addition, they knew that the great stories teach you that time is a finger snap and a blink of an eye, and that you should not allow a moment to pass you by without taking joyous, ecstatic note of it. In other words, the humanities teach us, don’t waste love.”

Fr. Pilarz also promised to raise funds to support endowments for scholarships and financial aid to students, as well as support for life-changing service and service trips.

“Our devotion to community, our passion for the liberal arts, and all of our commitments constitute a call to action, a call to think beyond ourselves in service of our mission for the greater glory of God and the world’s well-being. Ultimately, they are a call to love,” said Fr. Pilarz. “I pray today and every day that all of us at Scranton will be preoccupied with love for our students and for one another.”

Day of Great Promise

The Inauguration included video greetings from faculty, students, alumni and staff, as well as college presidents and elected officials.

“Fr. Pilarz, I want to sincerely welcome you back to the city of Scranton. The University of Scranton is such a bedrock of our fine city, and I know you’ll serve it well,” said Bill Courtright, mayor of Scranton, in the video greeting. “We are all very lucky to have you back.”

At Inauguration, Joseph M. Vaszily ’95, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, welcomed Fr. Pilarz home.

“This is a day of great promise for The University of Scranton,” he said. “We have chosen you to lead this University community and to embrace, strengthen and further our mission. As you undertake the presidency, the Board of Trustees and the entire University community pledge our support and collaboration to work with you to enlighten the minds and lift the hearts of our

campus, our community and our world.”

The ceremony also included a surprise performance by acclaimed trombonist Wycliffe A. Gordon H’06 and the world-premiere performance of “Don’t Waste Love,” which was composed by Joshua Rosenblum and commissioned especially for Fr. Pilarz’s Inauguration. Rosenblum conducted the piece, which was performed by the University’s Concert Band and Concert Choir.

Indelible Mark

Fr. Pilarz served as Scranton’s 24th president from 2003 to 2011, becoming the fifth longest-serving president at Scranton and third longest-serving Jesuit president. During his first tenure as president, the University earned national recognition for academic quality, community engagement and student success,

LEFT: Wycliffe A. Gordon H’06 gives a surprise performance at the Inauguration. RIGHT: Joshua Rosenblum conducts the world premiere of “Don’t Waste Love,” which was performed by the University’s Concert Band and Concert Choir.

The stage party processes from the Long Center into the Byron Recreation Complex.

“Where I Love, I Live”

During his first tenure as president, Fr. Pilarz was instrumental in having the phrase “Where I love, I live” etched above the entrance of the DeNaples Center. In a recent interview, he discussed the reasoning behind his decision.

“In the 16th century, there was great antagonism between different religious sects, among Protestants and Catholics and among different Protestant sects. What Southwell did, remarkably, was try to promote reconciliation and religious freedom and tolerance. He was way ahead of his time.

“We live in a time where there is a certain amount of intolerance as well, and I think his message is still very relevant for us. I think those words are really apt for our community. People love this place. Deeply. And no matter where they go after they graduate, I really think wherever they’re breathing, they still love The University of Scranton, so I thought those words were absolutely appropriate for that space on our campus.”

achieving then-record admissions and undertaking the largest construction projects in its history. He expanded international mission and service opportunities and programs to enhance its Catholic and Jesuit identity. Transformational capital projects included the 180,000-square-foot Patrick and Margaret DeNaples Center; the 108,000-square-foot Christopher and Margaret Condron Hall; the John and Jacquelyn Dionne Campus Green; the expansion of the Retreat Center at Chapman Lake; the 189,000-square-foot apartment and fitness complex on Mulberry Street; and the 200,000-square-foot Loyola Science Center.

Other accomplishments included dedicated support for research by new faculty, the President’s Colloquy for Presidential Scholars and five endowed chairs to attract top scholars. The University’s progress was supported by the Pride, Passion, Promise Campaign, the most ambitious capital campaign in the University’s history, which surpassed its $125 million fundraising goal.

As a scholar, Fr. Pilarz has delivered numerous papers at

scholarly conferences on various aspects of medieval and Renaissance literature. He has also lectured and published on topics related to Jesuit education and published a book on St. Robert Southwell, S.J. That book, Robert Southwell, S.J., and the Mission of Literature 1561-1595: Writing Reconciliation, was published by Ashgate Press. Thanks to Fr. Pilarz, a quote of St. Robert Southwell’s, “Not where I breathe, but where I love, I live,” is engraved above a prominent entrance to the DeNaples Center. It is just one mark the Fr. Pilarz left on Scranton’s campus, a subtle reminder of his former work here.

“I’m excited to have Fr. Pilarz as the school’s president after hearing so much about him as a Jesuit and leader,” said Colleen Boyle ’20.  “He has already established himself as a bold presence and has been able to provide the University reassurance and celebration of our Jesuit mission and values. In the few weeks I’ve been back, it has become clear to me why many of my professors speak of his last tenure here so fondly.”

Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., is installed as the 27th president of The University of Scranton on Sept. 21, 2018.

Faculty and staff look on as groups from around campus and dignitaries welcome Fr. Pilarz back for his second tenure as president.

“This is a profound day for us, and we are pleased to have all of you here with us so that we can celebrate in the true spirit of community. … Inaugural ceremonies serve as a bridge between the achievement and heritage of the past and the promise and hope of the future. And that bridge is a moment of joy and celebration.”

Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D.

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

The University Mace

“Fr. Pilarz, you assume this responsibility at a challenging time in the history of our Church, in our country and in the Jesuits’ mission of higher learning. Pope Francis has called on Jesuit institutions to enter into a true dialogue and discernment and to be engaged at the frontiers of the Gospel in a culture of faith and reason showing special concern for those on the margins of society.”

Very Rev. Robert M. Hussey, S.J. Provincial Superior of Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus

“As you undertake the presidency, the Board of Trustees and the entire University community pledge our support and collaboration to work with you to enlighten the minds and lift the hearts of our campus, our community and our world.”

Joseph M. Vaszily ’95 Chair of the University’s Board of Trustees

E“xcerpt from the Inaugural Address

The University mace is traditionally carried at the head of academic processions as a symbol of educational authority and institutional identity. The mace, originally a medieval weapon used to break through armor, consists of a 56-inch polished aluminum staff topped by an engraved great seal of the University with sunburst accents formed by cut-metal rays. The symbol of the Society of Jesus appears on the rear of the mace. The seal is echoed on the verges, which consist of shorter hardwood rods tipped with an engraved great seal on brass. The seal with sunburst accents also appears on other ceremonial items, including the presidential medallion.

When Scranton friends first suggested that I consider coming back, my respect for and devotion to this place led me to discern the pursuit of this opportunity. And throughout that discernment, I was haunted by some words that somebody etched on the front of the DeNaples Center:

‘Not where I breathe, but where I love, I live.’

While community is a key strength, we can never be complacent here at Scranton. As you know, community both here and everywhere is under stress. Some of these stresses are not new. In 2011, Father General Adolfo Nicolás in Mexico City said:

‘When one is overwhelmed with such a dizzying pluralism of choices and values and beliefs and visions of life, then one can so easily slip into the lazy superficiality of relativism or mere tolerance of others and their views, rather than engaging in the hard work of forming communities of dialogue in the search of truth and understanding.’

We have never been afraid of this kind of hard work at The University of Scranton. In our current context, this work requires a focus on reconciliation. As our current Father General recently wrote:

‘The university is … a privileged space for exercising hu-

Professor Emeritus Frank Homer, Ph.D. ’64, University historian, passes grand marshal duties on to Ann Pang-White, Ph.D. Homer was the grand marshal at five inaugurations, beginning with Rev. William J. Byron, S.J. H’84 in 1975.

Quick Facts about Inauguration

Inauguration Date: Sept. 21, 2018

Number of Colleges and Universities Represented: 54

Oldest College Represented: Harvard University (established 1636)

Newest College Represented: The Commonwealth Medical College (established 2008)

Number of School Presidents in Attendance: 11

Former University of Scranton Presidents in Attendance: 3 (including Father Pilarz as No. 24)

man freedom. Freedom to search and find the paths of social transformation through research and teaching. It is a space in which the message of liberation of the Good News of the Gospel can contribute to finding better ways to generate life in the midst of difficulties and uncertainty, which seem to overwhelm the daily lives of most men and women, opening a space for hope to enter.’

What better place for hope to enter than here at The University of Scranton. We must ensure that hope always abides here and more, that we are the source for hope in our local community, the communities in which our graduates live and work, in the Church and in the world.

To see more photos, read the Inauguration Address, watch the Inauguration in its entirety or watch the video message from members of the University community and others, visit scranton.edu/journalextras

Attendance (estimates)

Total for all Inauguration events: 3,100

Ceremony: 1,500

Mass: 1,000

Concert: 600

A Boardwalk-style, all-campus celebration takes place after the Inauguration ceremony.

A Political Bubble, Burst

Students arrive on campus each fall with distinct, sometimes very personal stories that have shaped their evolving political identities. In today’s polarized environment, their instinct might be to engage only with those like-minded or, in class discussion, to shy away from sharing their experiences or their values. The result is lost opportunities.

“At a time when talking to people with different political views seems like a dying art form, Scranton’s strong campus community — with its Jesuit emphasis of care for the other — has made this kind of challenging engagement possible,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen, director of Community and Government Relations at the University, whose office coordinates a collaborative new initiative at Scranton called “Bursting Political

Bubbles: Dialogue Across Differences.”

The initiative aims to bring students together, outside of class but in connection with academic courses, to share their personal experiences and beliefs — and, more important, to lis-

ten to others — in a space that is confidential and respectful and open to the unexpected and uncomfortable. Using a method called Reflective Structured Dialogue conceived of by Essential Partners, a nonprofit organization based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that helps “foster constructive dialogue where conflicts are driven by differences in identity, beliefs and values,” students can begin to feel more secure in their own stories and less fearful of others.

“A lot of times we tend to put a certain view on another group — that they are liberal or conservative — then we think, ‘Well, they definitely believe this or believe that,’ and we never give them the chance to share and show what their views are,” said Nailah Harvey ’18. “People don’t just fit into one little box.”

“Bursting Political Bubbles: Dialogue Across Differences” facilitator Patrick Rogers, S.J., discusses the Daily Examen, urging students to be present and reflective during group discussions. The collaborative new initiative aims to bring students together to share their personal experiences and beliefs.

Students John Garvey and Katrina Coviello discuss things about their identities that are important to them during a small group session this past spring. The group went on to discuss their views on immigration and how they arrived at those views.

In the Jesuit tradition, students practice listening to understand in a recent civic engagement initiative to bridge the political divide.

The initiative has campus-wide involvement, run by a Campus Working Group.*

“These dialogues are about better understanding where other people are coming from, understanding where the person’s belief system comes from and, ultimately, building empathy,” said facilitator Teresa Grettano, Ph.D., faculty member in the English and Theatre Department, who in the 2018-19 academic year is coordinating a Clavius seminar for faculty and running an academic course as part of the initiative.

Learning to Listen

Each political dialogue session — three in the spring of 2018 — was structured carefully. After opening sessions to understand biases and present the “rules” of communication, including respecting others’ stories and perspectives, students broke up into smaller groups, and facilitators followed a consistent format to ensure the students did the talking. And the listening.

“It takes you out of your own little bubble,” said Harvey, who attended two of the three sessions in the spring. “We all surround ourselves with peo-

ple who agree with us constantly. We never really listen to dissenting views. And if there are dissenting views, we either unfollow them on Facebook or unfriend them. The sessions allowed us to share our own views but also be open to listening to what everyone else was sharing.”

Listening. It’s not a new idea. Here is St. Ignatius of Loyola in 1546 speaking to the fathers attending Council of Trent: “Be slow to speak, and only after having first listened quietly, so that you may understand the meaning, leanings and wishes of those who do speak. Thus, you will better know when to speak and when to be silent.”

“We put together the practical facilitation skills from Essential Partners

with the spiritual guidance of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Together, they create an environment where students can begin to engage with genuine curiosity and conviction, honesty and humility. It’s not about glossing over differences or staying neutral — in fact, the dialogue process can make you a more effective advocate. It’s not easy, though,” said Schumacher Cohen.

Enis Murtaj ’20 said he knows he should listen, but he thought it was effective to have the rules set out so that people — including him — did.

“It’s useful to listen for the sake of listening, not listening for the sake of responding, which a lot of people do in this day and age,” he said. “And I’m guilty of it, too. The rules made you listen to other people’s opinions, which makes you understand them a little better because you’re actually hearing where they’re coming from.”

By reading and discussing the Daily Examen, Patrick Rogers, S.J., a facilitator and the director of the University’s Jesuit Center, urged students to be present and reflective in discussions about their political values, guns and immigration, topics that, in class, might be uncomfortable or even off limits.

“When we use the reflective structured dialogue method we are putting our thoughts about the topic being discussed into a larger context that actually is ‘built’ so that people know that there is room for differing opinions and that we don’t have to ‘solve’ each other,” he said.

Students and facilitators agreed that it was sometimes against their instinct to stay quiet, to not interject, when a student was talking. It was difficult, too, to hold back from sharing their view in response to someone else’s view.

Students Leticia Demps (middle, left) and Sydney Greenwald (middle, right) discuss immigration during a small group session this past spring.

To continue reading A Political Bubble, Burst, turn to page 40.

“The creation of such classically civic and civil space is the leaven for changing society.”

- Facilitator Cyrus Olsen, Ph.D., associate professor, theology and religious studies

Speaking Truth to Power

The first item on Deirdre Walsh’s to-do list in January 2017 was preparing the intelligence community report on Russian influence on the 2016 election.

“It was hugely important and changed the face of history, and I was right there as we rolled the information out to Congress and the public for the first time about what we knew about such an egregious effort to undermine democracy,” said Walsh, who is the chief operating officer of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in Washington, D.C. “In the moment, I was thinking, ‘I have a million things to do, meetings to set up.’ But when I walked into the hearing room and there were cameras and reporters and the lights went on — I was watching history happen right before my eyes.”

The Office of the DNI oversees all 17 of the U.S. intelligence departments — Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Security Agency, to name a few — and presents an integrated intelligence picture to the president, Congress, and all policymakers. Walsh took over as COO in early 2018, after working as the director of legislative affairs for four years. She has worked in D.C. since graduating from Scranton in 2000 with a degree in international studies, and she has spent the past 12 years in intelligence.

High-Profile Cases

Walsh is no stranger to high-profile, politically charged situations like the investigation of Russia’s influence on American

An alumna does her part to keep America safe as the COO of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

elections. Over the years, she has been part of everything from launching national security space systems into orbit to the scandal involving CIA detention programs. From the events involving attacks on Americans in Benghazi to the political fallout that resulted, Walsh weighed in. In these high-stakes moments, Walsh relies on facts over bias.

“In the intelligence community, you are taught from the very first moment that you speak truth to power. Our job is to present the facts — what we know and what we don’t know,” she said. “The intelligence community is a nonpolitical entity of the U.S. government, but we live within the normal government system, which includes political motivations, so it’s a balancing act. One of the best parts of working in intelligence is that when all of the political winds swirl around you, your compass is going in the same direction. We do not waver in the face of political challenges.”

During her 12 years at the DNI, Walsh has helped write landmark intelligence policy to keep the United States safe, including the executive order that unified the intelligence agencies under the Director of National Intelligence and, most recently, critical legislation that gives intelligence agencies critical national security tools in the fight against terrorists, weapons proliferators, foreign spies and other bad actors.

“Getting there can be really stressful, and you feel the responsibility on you, because you have to deliver,” said Walsh, who earned a master’s degree in legislative affairs at The George Washington University. “It’s a challenge, but it can also be very exhilarating, too.”

A Higher Mission

Walsh enjoys contributing to a mission larger than herself — providing facts and intelligence so that government officials can make informed decisions — and connects it to her Jesuit roots.

“Doing something on behalf of others is in the Jesuit tradition, which was born in me from a very early age,” said Walsh, who grew up in a Scranton family, with dad, Kevin J. Walsh ’73, and brother, Ian P. Walsh ’02. “Providing security for our nation is something I’m being called to do.”

Walsh played basketball when she was at Scranton and said the skills she gained as a student-athlete — such as time management and resiliency — are critical in the work she does today. The support of a Scranton mentor also has played a major role in her career trajectory.

Jack Bagley ’65, president of consulting firm The Bagley Group, was Walsh’s first boss in Washington, D.C., when she worked for him as a summer intern at the Battelle Memorial Institute, a nonprofit science and technology development company. Bagley was vice president and head of the D.C. office at the time, and Walsh was his first intern from Scranton.

“I benefited from a mentor in my own career and wanted to do the same for others,” Bagley said.

The internship went so well that Walsh decided to move to D.C. after she graduated, and Bagley was there to lend a hand once again.

“Jack gave me lots of good guidance about how Washington works, everything from how to get around the city to how to navigate issues and relationships. He gave me guideposts and then let me figure some things out on my own,” she said.

For his part, Bagley says he is proud to have played a small role in Walsh’s success, but that it all goes back to their Scranton roots. “Her career progression is a testament to her academic experience at the University, her work ethic and her commitment to public service, inspired by the Jesuit ethic.”

ABOVE: Deirdre ’00 (left) and her brother, Ian P. Walsh ‘02 (right), both played basketball at the University. Here they are during their Scranton days with their father, Kevin Walsh ’73. OPPOSITE: Deirdre Walsh supports Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats (seen here with Lieutenant General Robert Ashley, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency) in presenting the global threats to U.S. national security before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

“Doing something on behalf of others is in the Jesuit tradition... Providing security for our nation is something I’m being called to do.”

— Deirdre Walsh ‘00

A Scranton Legacy

One alumnus, turned Scranton professor, has had a career of firsts and gained countless fans along the way.

In 51 years, 30 as chair of the History and Political Science Departments, Michael DeMichele, Ph.D. ’63 taught more than 12,000 students, hired the department’s first four female faculty members, added 23 new courses and two new undergraduate degree programs, founded the four-year BA/MA graduate history program, earned dozens of awards for teaching, service and leadership — many the first of their kind — and instituted the first travel course at Scranton. This beloved professor emeritus has had a career of firsts.

“How powerful it is to have a history professor become a legacy, a part of The University of Scranton’s history,” said Dr. DeMichele’s daughter, Jackie Kloss, Ph.D. ’92, at his retirement dinner in the spring of 2018.

Scranton Family

DeMichele has been married to Rosemary (Yantorn) DeMichele of Scran-

ton for 55 years, and their three children all graduated from Scranton (in addition to Jackie Kloss, Michael A. DeMichele, M.D. ’87 and Christine Consiglio, Esq. ’89). But long before DeMichele’s children matriculated, they were roaming the hallways of St. Thomas. When Kloss was just 5 years old, her mom would often ask her to run into her dad’s office to fetch him for dinner.

“The echo and laughter of his voice would resonate down St. Thomas,” she said, “as he would typically be advising a student or kibitzing in the hallways with Frank, Jack, Will, Bob and Ray.”

They may not have known it then, but colleagues Frank Homer, Ph.D. ’64, the late John L. Earl III, Ph.D., Willis Conover, Ed.D., the late Robert Hueston, Ph.D., and the late Raymond Champagne Jr., Ph.D., would become lifelong friends.

From the halls of St. Thomas at Scran-

ton to the banks of the River Thames in London, DeMichele influenced thousands of Scranton students. Upon his retirement, he received hundreds of letters from his former students, most of which call him a mentor; nearly all detail the various ways he helped shape their lives and careers. The letters fill a very thick binder.

“It’s the historian in me,” he said, after handing over the binder, plus three others documenting his years at Scranton.

The First Firsts

DeMichele was born in New York City and spent the early part of his childhood in Long Island. His family moved to Scranton when he was 7 years old. He went to St. Mary’s High School in South Scranton where he was an All-Scholastic basketball player.

Attending The University of Scranton

Michael DeMichele, Ph.D. ’63 in St. Thomas next to a painting gifted by his former student James Ruane ’71 of the Duke of Wellington, a copy of the original by painter Thomas Lawrence. AT RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: DeMichele teaches a history course; DeMichele, then-chair of the Hoban Lecture, with, from left: Rev. J.A. Panuska, S.J., thenUniversity president, and former U.S. Secretary of State Alexander Haig, Hoban lecturer; Together with his colleagues, DeMichele (front row, second from right) led one of the first travel courses to London.

was the obvious choice, as he could commute on foot. When DeMichele arrived his freshman year, he already showed promise in history and politics, having won the history medal from the Chamber of Commerce in high school. At Scranton, he became active in student government, eventually was elected vice president of his senior class and, in 1960, alongside the late Michael Loyack ’63, he founded the Royals Historical Society, a student history club that still exists today.

After a few years away to get his Ph.D. in history at Penn State University, DeMichele returned to his alma mater in 1967, this time to teach.

“I interviewed with Father (Joseph) Rock, who was then the academic vice president. He liked my background, and he hired me on the spot. He said I was on the Jesuit wavelength,” said DeMichele. “For the next 51 years, I taught. I taught

journal composed of articles written by history and political science majors. As faculty moderator, he also led a variety of field trips, including an annual (and then biannual) trip to the United Nations to meet with UN delegates.

“My wife, Rosemary, and I must’ve made 1,000 sandwiches for those trips,” he said, laughing.

He also served as the first chair of the Judge T. Linus Hoban Lecture series, working alongside the Lackawanna Bar Association to bring national and international speakers to the University, including former British Prime Minister Edward Heath, U.S. Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist and U.S. Secretary of State Alexander Haig.

It was DeMichele’s love for and scholarly interest in British history that led him to initiate the first travel course at the University, which served as a model for the

The Scholarship, a.k.a ‘My Last Hurrah’

Endowed by Dr. DeMichele and his family, former students, colleagues, and friends, The Michael D. DeMichele, Ph.D. ’63 Scholarship was established in honor of the history and political science faculty who served alongside Dr. DeMichele during his 51-year tenure. This scholarship is awarded each year to a senior history, political science or international studies major on the basis of scholarship, service and need. Make a gift at scranton.edu/makeagift

night school, day school, graduate school, summer school and intersessions, mostly all of them up until a few years ago.”

Teaching, Mentoring, Traveling

In addition to teaching more than a dozen different courses, from Constitutional and Legal History of England to Rebels, Robbers and Rogues, for 16 years he served as the Royals Historical Society moderator. He initiated the publication of Retrospect, a student scholarly

many that followed and still run today. For nearly 20 years beginning in 1970, he and several of his colleagues in the History Department took from 50 to 100 students annually on what he liked to call “The London Study Tour.”

His global mindset led to his book about the Italian experience in America, and, at Scranton, the creation of new programs, including a new major in international studies. Thanks to a series of grants, alongside the late Dr. Earl, he created the Ethnic Studies Program, send-

ing students into the community to learn about ethnic and racial minorities and bringing representatives of various ethnic groups into the classroom to share their experiences.

DeMichele’s commitment to international studies and teaching at Scranton has been widely appreciated. He was the first CASE Professor of the Year, earned the first Provost Award for Leadership and Service and was awarded the first and only Campion Medal by the Jesuit Community of Scranton, given to “that individual who has made a significant contribution to the Catholic and Jesuit Character of the University.”

However, one of his personal favorite accolades came from a former student of his, NYU professor Colette Mazzucelli, Ph.D. ’83, who dedicated her speech in the British House of Lords to him this past June.

He continues to correspond with many of his former students and attends reunions at the University (he’s only missed a couple in 51 years!). Most recently, he has been fundraising for The Michael D. DeMichele, Ph.D. ’63 Scholarship, which will benefit history, political science or international studies students. This, he said, is his “last hurrah” before he begins to write his family history and complete a couple of unfinished scholarly articles.

“I love The University of Scranton, and I love to teach University students, which is why I decided to endow a scholarship at the University,” he said, smiling from behind his desk in St. Thomas where he still teaches one course a semester. “I’ve had a really good career here. Fifty-one years — you wonder where it all went.”

See more photos and learn what other professors had a 50year tenure at Scranton at scranton.edu/journalextras

The Importance of Play

From building playgrounds for children in need to teaching yoga to prisoners, an occupational therapist/triathlete constantly reaches beyond her comfort zone.

When Long Island native Allison Merlo ’12, G’13 moved to Arizona on a whim after graduating from Scranton with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in occupational therapy, she was looking to go outside her comfort zone. About two weeks after she arrived, Merlo’s boss at a pediatric outpatient clinic asked her to go to Haiti to provide OT services at an orphanage.

Merlo’s immediate answer: “Yes, when do I leave?”

Merlo consistently feels compelled to help others. It’s the common thread throughout a busy schedule of work, triathlon training and volunteering, and she attributes that to both her parents and her Scranton education.

“From a young age, volunteering was always a part of my life, and I know I wanted to go to Scranton because of its Jesuit ideals,” she said. “Service was ingrained in me in the OT program, and I realized that I love to be of service and humble myself in that aspect. I took a lot of opportunities to do that while at Scranton, and it made it easy for me to jump to saying yes to go to Haiti, even though I had just moved.”

Immersed at Scranton

While she was at Scranton, Merlo participated in an immersion service trip to Mexico City and, as vice president of the women’s crew team, she organized two spring break Habitat for Humanity service trips. During her graduate year in the occupational therapy program, she worked on a research study about the impact of service learning, which included a trip to Guyana.

“Scranton prepared me to be able to be comfortable in situations that a lot of people would be hesitant about, and willing to take things out of the realm of my comfort zone.”

Lauren S. Rivera, the University’s assistant vice president for Student Life and dean of students, traveled with Merlo on that

service trip to Mexico City, where they lived with young girls at a juvenile residence and volunteered at a school.

“The girls loved Allison, who was always up for an impromptu game of jump rope or soccer, making string bracelets for hours on end, or celebrating their impending First Holy Communions a few days early,” Rivera said. “Allison truly embodies the Jesuit ideal of being a woman for and with others. The care, compassion and commitment that she has for the poor and marginalized in our world are inspiring.”

Outreach Theraplay

Merlo went on to become a school-based occupational therapist and a therapist in a pediatric outpatient clinic, but because of her experience in Haiti and her service experiences at Scranton, she founded a nonprofit to help children and has rounded out her day jobs by volunteering.

She and a friend were traveling to Haiti twice a year to volunteer at the orphanage and special-needs preschool, each time filling their suitcases with medical and therapy supplies, when they looked at each other and asked, “What can we leave there so that they can always have therapy, even when we aren’t there?”

They decided on an accessible playground because, Merlo said, “Play is a vital part of child development. We wanted to have an impact that would be sustainable and resourceful.”

The two formed a nonprofit, calling it Outreach Theraplay. They raise money through family and friends, as well as fundraising events, and this November will build their first playground at the special-needs school in Haiti. Plans are underway to ship pieces of a playground to the growing special-needs school in Haiti, and Merlo will lead a team that will assemble it.

The playground is from a Head Start facility in Pennsylvania

Merlo “finds the light through yoga,” at a stop on a drive from Arizona to California.

that got a brand-new playground and donated the old one to Outreach Theraplay. Once that playground is up and running, Merlo plans to continue to provide play resources to the missions her organization supports in Costa Rica and Mexico.

In her 20s, Merlo decided to run a half marathon and a marathon as “bucket list” experiences, but then her marathon time was so fast that she qualified for the Boston Marathon. After unleashing this untapped potential as a runner, Merlo decided to give triathlons a try. And much like that first marathon, it was a rousing success; she qualified for the U.S. Nationals in her first triathlon. She went on to qualify for the World Championships with Team USA and will compete in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, in October.

She often uses her races to raise money for Outreach Theraplay. Last year, she participated in Project DM Xtreme Triathlon, which finishes at the peak of Mount Humphreys, the highest point in Arizona. This particular event requires participants to raise money for charity, and Merlo’s sponsors supported her

organization. Merlo is the only female triathlete to finish this event — and that’s just one of her notable accomplishments in triathlons, something else she picked up on a bit of a whim.

Testing the Limits

The triathlons test her limits physically, but volunteering with the Prison Yoga Project stretches her comfort zone in an entirely different way. The organization offers yoga classes at two Phoenix facilities, one for adult men and one for juveniles. Merlo got involved about two years ago, when she saw a post in a local yoga instructor Facebook group asking for volunteers to teach in the prisons.

“I usually work with kids, who are so innocent, and this is so out of the spectrum of any other community I serve,” Merlo said. “But I felt like I had to do something.”

Driving to the facility for the first of 12 weekly yoga classes with incarcerated men, Merlo said she was nervous. When she entered the multipurpose room at Towers Jail, she was surprised and relieved to encounter a group of men who were open and receptive to yoga and its emphasis on the unity of mind, body and spirit.

Merlo’s classes introduce them to basic yoga poses, and she offers demonstrations and examples from the front of the room while the participants try each pose on their own mat. Unlike in many yoga studios, she doesn’t offer hands-on assistance, for safety reasons. But she still feels connected to her yoga students.

“It’s such a powerful experience, to see how much they want to change. It’s amazing what you see transform in them, how much that yoga practice can change who they are when they walk out those doors,” she said. “Now it’s one of my favorite things to do.”

By testing her limits, Merlo has apparently discovered her full potential.

Merlo with a student at Footprints of the Son inclusive special-needs preschool in Haiti, where her nonprofit, Outreach Theraplay, will send a playground this fall.

A Political Bubble, Burst

continued from page 33

Murtaj found it particularly difficult, as he is a self-proclaimed debater. “I had to hold back a little,” he said. “We had agreed to respecting each other, not talking over each other. It made the environment open.”

That “open” space is crucial in a reflective structured dialogue so that all students have the same amount of airtime, said facilitator Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology. “The reflective dialogue helps to accomplish the goal of creating groups of equal status,” she said.

A Bold, Civil Space

As the sessions progressed, facilitators said they witnessed students who disagreed with one another on divisive topics engaging in a civil manner.

“The creation of such classically civic and civil space is the leaven for changing society,” said Cyrus Olsen, Ph.D., a facilitator and associate professor of theology and religious studies. “Repeated practice of structured dialogue instructs us all in the beauty of civic discourse for creating a more coherent and unified society, aimed at the common good of all.”

Students said the sessions helped them understand that there are nuances to everyone’s stories and, similarly, in the topics discussed. Murtaj said a student in his discussion group revealed that his friend was killed in a school shooting. Murtaj, a supporter of the Second Amendment, began to empathize with the student.

“The sessions helped me realize that not only are there other people that think the way I do, which is reassuring, but maybe I never thought about this issue a certain way,” he said. “And then there are other opinions out there

SPOTLIGHT

Enis Murtaj ’20 Accounting Major

President of the Commuter Student Association, Member of Student Government

“Freedom is the biggest value for me. My dad emigrated from Kosovo, from Yugoslavia. He wanted the American dream, you know. In America you can have differing opinions, but you have the right to speak your mind. I always think of the quote: ‘I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.’ That’s important. Both my parents are registered Democrats, but I’m conservative. I live in a rural area where it’s mostly Republicans. I want to be my own person. We have different views.”

Nailah A. Harvey ’18 Biology Major

Member of the Refugee Solidarity Committee, Founder and Director of the Refugee Tutoring Program

“For me, a lot of my political values come from the fact that I’m a female, African-American, first-generation college student and also first-generation immigrant. When it came to different laws such as immigration and education, I’m more on the liberal aspect in terms of decisions the government makes.

“Everyone tends to keep others at an arm’s distance for those they don’t agree with, especially in such a polarized political climate. So, now, I think it’s more important than ever to listen to each other. I also don’t think we should go to the extremes of our views just to get our points across.”

that I know I need to consider. It kind of leaves you in a spot of deeper thinking.”

Becoming familiar with a previously unfamiliar perspective is one of the “essential parts of living and working in diverse and pluralistic communities,” according to Essential Partners, who trained the facilitators on the method they used in the sessions.

Father Rogers said the whole experience gave him hope.

“Hopefully,” he said, “what the students are learning from the political dialogue method we used will spill over

into the other parts of their lives and give witness to how well-intentioned folks can actually have vigorous dialogue in a way that respects the dignity of each participant.”

*The Campus Working Group, coordinated by Community and Government Relations, comprises faculty in political science, psychology, and English and theatre as well as staff and administrators from the Jesuit Center, the Ellacuria Initiative, the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTLE), Cross Cultural Centers and Equity and Diversity.

To read questions you can discuss, visit scranton.edu/journalextras

Class notes included in this edition were submitted prior to July 7. To submit your own news or see additional class notes, visit scranton.edu/classnotes

Milestones

Jim Noone ’66, Fairfax, Virginia, has been elected to the board of trustees of the National Maritime Historical Society. Noone is of counsel to the public affairs/government relations firm of Mercury, having served as managing director in the firm’s Washington, D.C., office.

Paul LaBelle ’70, South Abington Township, along with his wife, Sharon, received the 2017 Spirit of Hope Tribute to Courage Award at the 6th annual Spirit of Hope Celebration in November 2017 for raising more than $200,000 for the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute (NRCI) in Scranton. NRCI provides programs to ease the burden of cancer and save lives in the community. The LaBelles’ foundation is called “JUDI H. ROCK ON” in memory of their niece, who died very young of cancer.

Peter Bielinski ’75, Houston, Texas, retired after 18 years as associate general counsel for Cameron International Corp.

Joseph Montella, M.D. ’80, Philadelphia, was promoted to chief medical officer at Cooper University Healthcare in Camden, New Jersey. He is professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, is a certified physician executive and earned his Master of Science degree in Healthcare Quality and Safety.

Kevin McGlinchey ’82, Media, served as key grip for dramatic re-creations on CNN’s “Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History.”

Lori Brucker Block ’83, Pitman, New Jersey, of the Department of Public Relations & Advertising at Rowan University, was awarded the NACADA Region 2 Excellence in Advising-Advisor Primary Role award by the National Academy Advising Association at its regional conference March 23. Block, a senior advisor and faculty member, presented “It Just Makes Sense! Intentionally Infusing Career Counseling while Academically Advising!” at the conference. She was also honored in February by Rowan University for her 25 years of service to the university.

ClassNotes

Marion Munley ’83, Moosic, a partner at the Munley Law Firm, served as a speaker on an ethics panel and hosted the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Women Trial Lawyers Caucus meeting and its surrounding events at the AAJ Winter Convention in Maui in February 2018.

James Courey, D.D.S. ’84, Manalapan, New Jersey, has been selected as a top prosthetic dentist for the 10th consecutive year in New Jersey Monthly Magazine by a survey of his fellow New Jersey dental peers. Thomas Grech ’84, Malverne, New York, president and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed as a member of Sunnyside Yard Steering Committee, hosted by New York City deputy mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen and Amtrak chairman Anthony Coscia.

Michael Burke ’85, Beverly Hills, California, chairman and CEO, AECOM, was named 2018 “Business Person of the Year” at the Los Angeles Business Journal ’s annual Business Hall of Fame Awards event.

John Pivovarnick ’85, Dunmore, published his novel Tales from the Back of a Bus July 3. It is available as an eBook and paperback on Amazon.

John Littel ’86, Virginia Beach, Virginia, was elected rector of the College of William and Mary, where his youngest son Clay will attend this fall. The rector chairs the governing Board of Visitors of the nation’s second oldest college.

Christopher Pietruszkiewicz ’89, Saint Petersburg Beach, Florida, was appointed the 24th president of The University of Evansville on July 1.

Joyce Corbin Moya ’90, Spotsylvania, Virginia, marked the one-year anniversary of the opening of her clinic, Hozho Behavioral Health and Life Coaching Services, an outpatient behavioral health care office that services the northern Virginia region. The basis of her practice is cognitive behavioral therapy complemented by holistic approaches she learned while living in New Mexico. Her primary audience has been women and couples of color and retired and active-duty military.

Rob Davis ’90 , Red Bank, New Jersey, was promoted to head of Digital, USA, at Ogilvy.

Sean McFarland ’90, Frederick, Maryland, has been promoted to senior vice president and head of Loss Control and Liquidations Technology for Wells Fargo.

Names in Gold indicate alumnus/alumna is celebrating his/her reunion year.

Several women from the Class of 1992 enjoy a dinner together in Washington, D.C., in April. From left: Bridget McMahon ‘92, Joan Howlett Kaiser ‘92, Mary Beth Gionta Flanagan ‘92, Erin Marut Ferguson ‘92, Deb Sackman DeAcutis ‘92 and Maureen Cronin ‘92.

Milestones continued

Robert Miller, Ph.D. ’90, Bloomfield, New Jersey, received tenure and was promoted to the rank of associate professor of Religious Studies at Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, New York.

Cathy Binder ’91, King George, Virginia, was elected supervisor for Shiloh District in King George County, Virginia.

Tricia Pahoski Richards-Service G’91, Clarks Summit, earned her doctorate in administration and leadership with a focus on health promotion from Marywood University in May 2018. Richards-Service is completing a Fulbright-Schuman research grant in the European Union and was awarded the McGowan Medal for Excellence in Doctoral Studies.

Stephen Brophy ’93, Arlington, Virginia, has joined the firm Husch Blackwell. Brophy will serve as senior counsel in the firm’s technology, manufacturing and transportation industry group and international trade practice team.

Justin Daly ’93, Great Falls, Virginia, was named, for the third consecutive year, one of the Top Lobbyists by The Hill Daly founded Daly Consulting Group in 2012 after serving for over 15 years as a senior legal advisor to the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate and Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm represents Fidelity Investments, Goldman Sachs, PwC, Travelers and other major financial institutions.

Michael Hollinger ’93, Reading, was recently awarded the prestigious ABA “2018 Lawyers of Distinction Award” in the field of General Practice of Law. Hollinger is the founder and managing partner of the Law Office of Michael Hollinger. In addition to his general practice, Hollinger provides pro bono work to those who cannot afford an attorney.

Alan Landis ’93, Alexandria, Virginia, has been appointed chief operating officer of the Rights and Resources Initiative, an international development coalition advocating for land and resources rights for women, indigenous people and local communities.

Kate Groark Shields ’97, Fort Washington, was named one of 2017’s “Top Women in

PR” by PR News. Shields is president of Vault Communications, which was recently named to the Inc. 5000, the Philadelphia Business Journal’s “Soaring 76” list and the Philadelphia 100, a joint initiative of the Philadelphia Media Network, the Wharton Small Business Development Center and the Entrepreneurs’ Forum of Greater Philadelphia to recognize the 100 fastest-growing companies in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Michael Enea ’98, Hillsborough, New Jersey, is celebrating his third year as the owner of Simply Delicious Dinners, a meal preparation (fully prepared meals with sides) and catering business in New Jersey.

Jennifer Menichini ’02, Pittston Township, of the Scranton-based law firm Greco Law Associates PC, became the chair-elect of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division at its annual meeting in May.

Robert Dyer, M.D. ’03, Lafayette Hill, earned his M.D. from Temple University Medical School and is doing his residency in Burlington, Vermont, at the Burlington Vermont Medical Center.

Stephanie Longo ’03, G’06, Dunmore, recently published her third book, Italians of Lackawanna County, with Arcadia Publishing. Her other titles are Italians of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Dunmore. Longo is the director of marketing and communications at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

Nicole Kosteczko Odell, Ph.D. ’03, Woodland, California, has accepted a new position as the assistant principal at Williams Junior/Senior High School in Williams, California. Odell also finished her preliminary California Administration Credential as of June 2018.

Maria Villafuerte, D.O. ’03, Farmington Hills, Michigan, is a mental-health services provider for New Oakland Family Centers in their partial hospitalization, outpatient and telepsychiatry programs.

Nicholas Kravitz ’04, Dupont, has been named a partner in the firm Myers, Brier & Kelly, LLP.

Brian Patchcoski ’08, State College, co-authored a chapter titled “Redefining Com-

munity through Collaboration: Defining Gender-Neutral Housing for a Four-Year Residential Liberal Arts College” in the newly released book Trans* Policies & Experiences in Housing and Residence Life

The Rev. Mark Searles ’08, Easton, has been appointed to the position of director of Vocations Promotions for the Diocese of Allentown. Searles will also maintain his role as chaplain of Allentown Central Catholic High School.

Deborah Young Nealon ’13, G’15, Rockville, Maryland, group practice administrator, Horizon Surgical Practice, recently became a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders.

Abdul Hussain Azizi, M.D. ’14, Scranton, graduated from the Geisinger Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton in May 2018. Hussain will complete his residency in Internal Medicine at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Kyle Gleaves, M.D. ’14, Wilkes-Barre, graduated from the Geisinger Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton in May 2018. Gleaves will complete his residency in Internal Medicine at Penn State Hershey.

Nunzio Pirrotta, M.D. ’14, Milford, graduated from the Geisinger Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton in May 2018. Pirrotta will pursue his intern year at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh and follow with an anesthesiology residency at the University of Chicago.

Louis Porreca, M.D. ’14, Marlton, New Jersey, graduated from the Geisinger Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton in May 2018. Porreca will complete his residency in neurology at Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia.

Brian Dolan ’15, Pearl River, New York, served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest during the 2017-18 program year. Dolan volunteered at Terry Reilly Health Services in Boise, Idaho.

Michael McDonald ’16, Dunmore, served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps during the 2017-18 program year. McDonald volunteered at Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, Syracuse, New York.

The University of Scranton Saudi Arabia Alumni Club gathers together in Riyadh with Gerald Zaboski ‘87, G’95 (center), vice provost for Enrollment Management & External Affairs, in April 2018. Ziad Alzahrani G’10, who gave opening remarks at the event, remembered being welcomed “with kindness” into the Scranton community when he arrived as a student. Planning Committee members were Saleh Almubdel G’13, Alaa Almehmadi G’12, Omar Alshikhi G’12, Majed Almaghlouth G’11, Dr. Ahmed Alzahrani G’01, Ziad Alzahrani G’10, Saad Alshahrani G’16, Harb Almarri G’17, Musaab Alawad G’16, Mohammed Albohmood G’13 and Mohammed Alammar G’15

Glendys Orellana ’16, Spring City, served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps during the 2017-18 program year. Orellana volunteered with Proyecto Generando Vida in Managua, Nicaragua.

Erin Finnerty ’17, Brigantine, New Jersey, served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps during the 2017-18 program year. Finnerty volunteered with Urban Compass in Los Angeles, California.

Christa Howarth ’17, Somerset, New Jersey, served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest during the 2017-18 program year. Howarth volunteered at Boise Family Strengthening Center at Catholic Charities of Idaho in Boise.

Natalie Kern ’17, Newtown, served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest during the 2017-18 program year. Kern volunteered at Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis in Anchorage, Alaska.

Mariah Ruther ’17 , Tinton Falls, New Jersey, served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps during the 2017-18 program year. Ruther volunteered at Native American Health Center in San Francisco, California.

Dillon Vita ’17, Melville, New York, served with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps during the 2017-18 program year. Vita volunteered at Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School in Camden, New Jersey.

Marriages

Kelly Taylor ‘00 to Jack Wheeler

Pawrush Shah, M.D. ’06 to Shelly Dutt

Kaitlyn Carey ’08 to Sean Kennedy

Diana Sorbera ’08 to James Wortman

Lindsay Manno ’10 to Matthew Slemmer ’10

Elizabeth Pulice, V.M.D. ’10 to Robert Wideman

Zoe Fountoukis ’11 to James Yeates

Dana O’Donnell ’11 to Ted Abbot ’11

Casey Pavlick ’11 to Matthew Kaplan

Julie Ozycz ’12 to Peter McManus ’11

Katie Delpriora ’12 to John Lyons ’13

Chris Weber ’12 to Lindsay Schmidt

Kelsey Hassig ’13 to Robert Gadomski ’12

Colleen Sullivan ’13 to Samuel Arcieri ’12

Rachel Salmon ’15 to Dustin Frisbie ’15

Katie Delpriora ’12 and John Lyons ’13 celebrated their marriage with many Scranton friends in Asbury Park, New Jersey, on Sept. 15, 2017.

Lindsay Manno ‘10 and Matthew Slemmer ‘10 were married on April 6, 2018, in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. They were joined by many of their Scranton best friends.

Kelsey Hassig ’13 and Robert Gadomski ’12 were married on May 13, 2017. Scranton friends in attendance included: Kathryn Rigby ‘11, Justin Savitski ‘11, Tori Lippincott ‘13, Katie Cavazzini ‘14, Susannah Bruno ‘13, Keri Beckman ‘13, Meg Norsigian ‘13, Denise Henry ‘12, Dana Walsh ‘12, Laura Capasso ‘12, Maria Marx ‘12, Kristin Luongo ‘12, Eddie Ocasio ‘12, Kerry Madden ‘12, Amanda Stahl ‘14, Paul Luongo ‘12, Abby Lukasik ‘13, Shannon Lavis ‘14, Joseph Sonner ‘13, Mike Moleski ‘13, Scott Beyer ‘13, Andrew Urban ‘13, Ryan Schuster ‘13, Tom Conte ‘13, Heath Ganssle ‘13, Abby Yavorek ‘13, Gina Desplantes ‘13, Sydney Smith ‘17, Cara Brindley ‘12, and Jimmy Dalkiewicz ‘13, along with the bride and groom.

James Yeates ’11 and Zoe Fountoukis ’11 were married in Middletown, Connecticut, and they celebrated with fellow Scranton alumni.

Dana O’Donnell ’11 and Ted Abbot ’11 were married on Sept. 23, 2017, by the Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. Many Scranton alumni were in attendance.

Chris Weber ’12 and Lindsay Schmidt were married on Dec. 2, 2017, in Manhasset, New York. Scranton alumni and friends in attendance included, from left: Jared Knauer ’12, Ronick Biason ’11, Christine Salah Grisi ’12, Alex Grisi ’11, Chris Weber ’12, Lindsay Schmidt Weber, Matt Ravensbergen ’11, Ryan Zumbo ’12, Jack Jamgochian ’12, Alex Chiodo ’12 and Chris Castro ’12

Pawrush Shah, M.D. ’06 and Shelly Dutt were married on June 2, 2018, in Orange County, California. Pictured, from left: Sol De Jesus ’06, Salvadore Cherra ’06, Dr. Shah, Asif Rahman ’08, Michael Quartuccio ’06, Neil Patel ’06 and George Gomez, University professor of biology.

Elizabeth Pulice, V.M.D. ‘10 married Robert Wideman on Sept. 2, 2017, in Pennsburg. The ceremony was celebrated by the Rev. Peter Folan, S.J., Pulice’s former Scranton professor. The bride and groom danced the night away with all of their closest family and friends, which included many Scranton alumni. Back row: Robert Ostrosky ’92, Helen Anne Sheedy Ostrosky ’92, Patrick Fabricatore G’98, Robert Hosko, D.D.S. ’79, Patrick Clauss, D.P.M. ’79, Timothy Smilnak, M.D. ’10, William Wing ’12, Kimberly Witt ’12, Michael Losito ’10 and the Rev. Peter Folan, S.J. Front row: Dominick Pulice, V.M.D. ’79, Joanne Hughes Pulice ’79, Stephanie Webber ’10, JoAnna Rumbauskas Del Gaizo ’10, Julia Haddon Losito ’10, Elizabeth Pulice-Wideman, V.M.D. ’10, Robert Wideman, Erica Joyce ’10 and Sylvia Szerszen ’10, G’13

Peter McManus ’11 and Julie Ozycz ’12 were married in Morris, Connecticut, on May 19, 2017, surrounded by friends and family.

Rachel Salmon ‘15 and Dustin Frisbie ‘15 were married on July 29, 2017.

Casey

‘11

Day 2018

St.

Stamford,

Kara Kilgallen ‘11, Jennifer King ‘11, Desiree Basilii ‘11, Megan Kopecki-Cox ‘11, Cora Szapka ‘11, Barry Eiden ‘11, Carolyn Trembly ‘11, Jimmy Wilfong ‘11, Zach Cicconi ‘11, Megan Hess ’09, Kaitlin Verdon ‘11, Elise Hanson ‘11, Pavlick (bride), Kaplan (groom), Amy Hanson ‘13, Joe Aiello ‘11, Emily Halpin ‘12, Tyler Cox ‘11, Pete Thomas ‘11, Jaci Dygos ‘11, Matthew Soderman ‘11 and Bill Hutchenson ‘11

Diana Sorbera ‘08 married James Wortman on Oct. 21, 2017. The ceremony took place at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Manhattan. She was escorted down the aisle by her father, Joseph Sorbera Jr., former member of the University Board of Trustees. The bride’s twin brother, Joseph Sorbera III ‘08, and friend John Gownley ‘06 served as groomsmen. The bride’s friend, Nicole McGreevy ‘09, served as a bridesmaid. Many friends and family who are Scranton alumni were also in attendance.

Kelly Taylor ‘00 married Jack Wheeler on Oct. 14, 2017, in Syracuse, New York. Fellow Scranton alumni in attendance included: Rebecca Taylor Gellert ‘95, Kimberly Taylor Cass ‘97, Sarah Taylor Tulio ‘03, Sarah McDermott ‘00, Anne Marie Mulcahy ‘00, Delight Wilson Balducci ‘00, Alexandra Abboud Miller ‘00, Elizabeth Murphy O’Brien ‘00, Adam Minakowski ‘00, Matthew DeNinno ‘00, Andres Rojas ‘00 and Joseph Balducci ‘00

Colleen Sullivan ‘13 married Samuel Arcieri ‘12. Many Scranton alumni were in attendance.

Pavlick

and Matthew Kaplan were married on

Patrick’s

in

Connecticut, surrounded by many Scranton alumni. Pictured are:

Births & Adoptions

A daughter, Tobin Phyllis, to Gregg Marella, M.D. ’89 and Taryn Mitchell, Morristown, New Jersey 1

A daughter, Hannah Evelyn, to Jenn and Kevin Cleary ’99, G’00, Clemmons, North Carolina 2

A son, Kaius William, to Brian ’02, G’05 and Sharon Canale Eltz ’02, Millersville 3

A son, Dominic Michael, to Michael ’04 and Crystal Mayfield Quaglio ’06, Newton, New Jersey 4

A daughter, Morgan Abigail, to Michael ’05 and Sara Suchoski Carroll ’05, Montville, New Jersey 5

A son, Luca Reid, to Dominick ’06, G’07 and Courtney Esposito Bellizzi ’06 , Rockville, Maryland

A daughter, Lillian Rae, to Daniel and Nancy Duda Leet ’06, G’07, White Plains, New York 6

A daughter, Emma, to Clyde ’07, G’09 and Lisa Hummel Rosencrance ’08, G’09, South Abington Township 7

A son, James Satterlee, to Andrew ’08 and Cynthia Satterlee Donovan ’07, Garden City, New York

A daughter, Everly Susan, to Joseph ’08, G’09 and Susan Salisbury O’Connell ’08, Archbald 8

A daughter, Alyson Paige, to Ben and Kathleen Gruffi Baksic ’09, Southgate, Michigan 9

A son, Gerard Kevin, to Kevin and Cate McKenna Furman ’09, Philadelphia 10

A daughter, Jane, to Carissa and Brian O’Connor ’10 Great Bend 11

A son, Edward Siloé, to Siloé and Charlotte Brown Perez ’10, Deptford, New Jersey 12

A daughter, Alice Joanna, to Michael ’11 and Elizabeth Lukowicz Sunkel ’11, Fieldsboro, New Jersey 13

A son, Luca, to Stephen ’12 and Sarah Phillips Fernando ’12, Charlotte, North Carolina 14

Kaitlyn Carey ’08 and Sean Kennedy married on Nov. 24, 2017.

In Memoriam

Michael J. Altier ’37, South Abington Township

Robert F. Killeen ’41, Scranton

Canio J. Sleyo ’41, Scranton

Robert K. Cavanaugh ’46, Scranton

James M. Kane, M.D. ’46, Barrington, Illinois

Arthur F. Zimmerman, M.D. ’47, Dover, Delaware

Henry W. Bartholomay ’48, Clinton Township

Louis A. Petrini Sr. ’49, Old Forge

Richard S. Campagna ’50, Danville, California

John M. Cefaly Sr. ’50, Hanover Township

Philip J. Kinney Sr. ’50, Oxford, New Jersey

Robert E. Lucas, M.D. ’50, Narrowsburg, New York

John L. Fahey, M.D. ’51, Clarks Green

Frank M. Lewis ’51, Washington, D.C.

Chester “Chet” Lukas ’51, Bridgewater, New Jersey

Samuel J. Dante ’52, Old Forge

Gregory J. Harmonosky ’52, State College

Theodore Slachtish ’52, Moscow

Norman E. Woodworth, Lt. Col. (ret) ’52, Peckville

Joseph G. Huggler ’53, Bordentown, New Jersey

Gerard R. Roche ‘53, Hobe Sound, Florida and Chappaqua, New York

Stanley J. Exeter ’55, G’71, Moosic

William J. Nellis ’55, Scranton

Joseph E. Zack ’56, Glen Mills

Angelo A. Costanzo, D.D.S. ’57, Clarks Summit

Thomas J. McHugh ’57, Lake Forest, Illinois

James L. Horan ’58, Scituate, Massachusetts

Thomas E. Vassil Sr. ’58, Owego, New York

Joseph Wascalis ’58, Binghamton, New York

Michael Peregrim Sr. ’59, Scranton

Francis J. Pryal ’59, Edgewater, Maryland

Terence J. Burke ’60, Naples, Florida

Joseph E. Festa ’60, Scranton

John A. Straka ’61, G’69, Scott Township

James H. Tigue ’61, Edwardsville

Drew Von Bergen ’61, Alexandria, Virginia

Eugene Corcoran ’62, Linwood, New Jersey

Edward J. Earley, Ed.D. ’62, Fogelsville

Mark L. Eisenstadt ’62, Endwell, New York

Patrick E. Kilker ’62, Windsor, New York

Lt. Col. Patrick J. Lalley ’62, Chantilly, Virginia

Joseph J. Leonard Sr. ’62, Hazle Township

Robert G. Meeker, Ph.D. G’62, Hazel Crest, Illinois

Charles J. “Chick” Rader ’62, Scranton

Terrence F. Gallagher ’63, Scranton

James P. McGraw Jr. ’65, Scranton

Donald F. Noll ’65, Scott Township

James P. Calpin Jr. ’66, Poughkeepsie, New York

Andrew J. Miroslaw ’66, Lehman Township

Michael A. Polizzi ’66, Archbald

Richard J. Carlonas ’67, Troy

Joseph P. McCormack ’67, Scranton

Thomas A. Mellow, Ph.D. ’67, Forest City

Alfred Romitelli ’68, Peckville

Robert L. Burke ’69, Monessen

Gerald J. McInerney Jr. ’70, Elmira, New York

Clarence E. “Spud” Nachand Jr. ’70, Dunmore

John W. Reckless ’70, Dunmore

Peter Stchur, Jr. G’70, Hanover Township

Myron W. Yencha ’70, Wilkes-Barre

John J. Ziskowski, M.D. ’70, Chillicothe, Ohio

In Memoriam Friends & Family

Maryann Artigiani, wife of Armand Artigiani ’53

Carolyn Blake, wife of Gerald Blake ’63

Raymond Champagne, Ph.D., former professor of history and political science at the University and father of Robert Champagne ‘94

Nancy Farkas, wife of John Farkas, Ph.D. ’76, G’78

Joyce Gilgallon, mother of Patrick Gilgallon ’87

Patrick Gilmore Sr., father of Patrick Gilmore Jr. ’87

Santa Maria Giunta, mother of Carmen Giunta, Ph.D. ’82, Josephine Ann Giunta Hanselmann ’84, Lucia Giunta White ’91 and Mary Louise Giunta Piner ’92

Joseph Hardisky, father of Michael Hardisky, Ph.D. (faculty), father-in-law of Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D. (dean of Panuska College of Professional Studies), grandfather of Michael Hardisky ’00, G’02, Andrew Hardisky,

Robert B. Gorham ’71, Mill City

Kevin J. McMahon ’71, Raleigh, North Carolina

Giacinto “Gino” Cicco ’72, Scranton

Sr. Catherine Williamson, RSM G’72, Dallas

Terrence A. McMahon, III ’74, Moosic

Mark W. Ackerman ’76, Binghamton, New York

Edward R. Fryzel ’78, Scott Township

Carmen J. Grazious ’78, Old Forge

Mark G. Balczeniuk ’79, Ormond Beach, Florida

Charles “Chuck” Colarusso ’79, Jessup

Edward P. Coleman ‘80, Stroudsburg

Thomas S. Chirkot G’82, Swoyersville

John T. Garvey ’83, Brookfield, Connecticut

Roman T. Gumina ’84, Monmouth Beach, New Jersey

Michael P. Loughney ’84, Clarks Green

Arthur V. Manuel ’85, Peckville

David J. Gromelski ’86, Clarks Green

Mary Ann McCormick, O.D. ’86, Honesdale

Salvatore Petrucci, D.M.D. ’86, Scranton

David Petro ’88, Clearwater, Florida

George MJ Petrus ’88, Sydney, New York

David Sadock ’88, Robbinsville, New Jersey

Craig K. Lockwood ’89, Pittston

James Stimpfl ’89, Sherman Connecticut

Kristie T. McDowell ’91, Clarks Summit

Deidre Day Sieck, D.O. ’97, Belmar, New Jersey

Katherine Bialczak Felker ’02, G’04, Scott Township

Joseph J. McDonald ’02, Dunmore

Capt. Richard D. Heier Jr. ’08, Scranton

Rebecca D. Haggerty G’09, South Abington Township

Carolyn M. Byrne ’13, Valley Cottage, New York

DVM ’01, Denise Hardisky, DVM ’09 and Dana Hardisky, DVM ’10

Peter G. Loftus Jr., son of Peter G. Loftus, Esq. ’61

Alice Mackrell, mother of Timothy Mackrell ’86 and Cynthia Mackrell Cerminaro ’90, G’92, grandmother of Colleen Mackrell ’13

Kathryn Manger, mother of Thomas Manger ’70

John McGarry, father of Daniel McGarry ’88

Evelyn Mikuski, mother of Joanne Mikuski Brush ’82

Michael Murphy, husband of Ann Marie Castagnaro Murphy ’80

Marie Roche, wife of the late Gerard R. Roche ’53 and grandmother of Michael Haag ’18 and Kevin Haag ’20

J. Roger Schmiedel, father of Zita Schmiedel Redford ’85

Helen Skoritowski, mother of Joseph Skoritowski ’81

Helene Talerico, mother of Gene Talerico ’89 and grandmother of Katie Talerico ’19

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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, 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.

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

The Estate Society

Bill Antognoli, M.D. ’57 wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, but only so far.

Bill’s father, Anthony Antognoli, M.D., was an old-fashioned general practitioner who had an office in his home and was always on call. As a youth, Bill knew he wanted to be a doctor, but he wasn’t certain what type.

“I wanted some kind of normal life, and surgery or pathology seemed like positive choices,” he said. “It turned out that my internship steered me into my life’s work and vocation: pathology.”

Out of high school, The University of Scranton was the only school the aspiring doctor applied to. Upon acceptance, he lived at home with his parents and commuted, as did many of his peers at the time. It was in many ways a very different University then, but the pre-med educational experience under the guidance of Joseph T. Evans, Ph.D. ‘42, and Leonard M. Wolf, Ph.D., was already first-rate.

“Professor Wolf’s pre-med program and reputation was outstanding with an outstanding success rate for medical school acceptance,” Bill said. “That was the reason I focused on Scranton. That was my only goal.”

With his University diploma in hand, Bill headed to Philadelphia, where he studied at the Jefferson Medical School, now called the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. After serving an internship at what was then College Misericordia, he began a residency in clinical and anatomic pathology at The University of Pennsylvania Medical College.

His next step was into uniform during the Vietnam War era.

Giving Today to Support Tomorrow

Doctor’s Gift Provides Scholarship Support for Students

As a doctor, Bill was eligible for the physician draft, which allowed him to complete his training prior to military service. His first two choices for deployment were Europe and Hawaii; he was, of course, off to Vietnam.

After the completion of his military service, Bill served at the Poly Clinic Hospital (which was later absorbed by the Harrisburg Hospital) before returning home to become a member of Pathology Associates of NEPA. There he met and became a partner and personal friend of a fellow Royal, Edward Skovira, M.D. ’53. At the same time, Bill became a partner in Clinical Laboratory, a separate business entity.

Bill’s service to the community included time on the boards of Scranton State General Hospital, Mercy Hospital and MidValley Hospital. He has been on the staff of Moses Taylor Hospital, Community Medical Center, Carbondale General, and Saint Joseph’s Hospital, also in Carbondale. After a long and rewarding career, which he loved, Bill retired in 2003.

“My undergraduate education at the University allowed me to have a very successful career,” Bill said. “As a way of giving back, I established the Antognoli Family Scholarship to help today’s students pursue their dream of becoming physicians without spending a lifetime in debt.

“When the University built the Loyola Science Center, I was thrilled to make an irrevocable planned gift through my estate to continue the tradition of not only great professors but also great facilities at my alma mater. Providing an estate gift through your will is a wonderful way to make a gift that is much larger than the one you can give while on Earth, and paying it forward is just the right thing to do!”