SPRING 2019
Alumni Team Examines the Culture of Jesuit Athletics
Community-Based Learning Teaches Real-World Skills Staff and Faculty Follow in the Footsteps of St. Ignatius Meet the New Provost
SPRING 2019 • VOLUME 40, NUMBER 2
EDITOR
Laura Richards DESIGNER
Jason Thorne G’13
A Message
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Tom Salitsky Peter Schmidt Stan M. Zygmunt ’84, G’95
from the President
ASSOCIATE WRITERS
Maura Sullivan Hill Joshua McAuliffe ASSISTANT CLASS NOTES EDITOR
Margery Gleason PHOTOGRAPHY
Terry Connors Tim Dougherty Chad Sebring ’93 PRESIDENT
Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. H’15
Dear Faculty, Staff, Students, Alumni, Parents & Friends, The spirit of innovation is ever present on this campus. In my role as president, I am fortunate to bear witness as ideas take shape and, through collaboration and determination, propel the University forward. Our early progress toward the development of the Strategic Enrollment Plan led by Jeff Gingerich, our new provost, is just one example of the innovative work being done at Scranton that you can read about in this magazine. The Humanities
VICE PROVOST FOR ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT & EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Initiative, begun after a conversation between faculty members at a summer party,
Gerald C. Zaboski ’87, G’95
spurred the idea for a full-fledged Humanities Center. The faculty-led initiative has
VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT
planned and executed programs and events that have already reminded us of the
Thomas MacKinnon 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 Management Office 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. © 2019 The University of Scranton
centrality of the liberal arts in Catholic and Jesuit education. We continue to rely on the strength of our Catholic and Jesuit identity. This fall, I charged a Task Force with charting the path toward healing and hope in response to the pressing and complex issues in the Church. Opportunities for listening, discussion, education and prayer are taking place this spring. We see the spirit of innovation in you, too. It is inspiring to hear about the many ways our alumni put their good ideas to work out in the world. I am grateful for your stories and for your enduring support of the University. God bless you, and God bless The University of Scranton.
Sincerely, Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. President
Features 25 Winning the Jesuit Way
Two alumni team up to examine the culture of Royals athletics.
28 Community Partnerships
Bring Coursework to Life Community-Based Learning courses, now supported in part by the strategic plan and a new office, are “win-win�
32 Pilgrim Travelers.
opportunities for students and the community.
Enlivened Educators. Ryan Sheehan, assistant director of the Jesuit Center, writes about how faculty and staff journey abroad to follow in the footsteps of St. Ignatius.
25
32
contents
28
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/scrantonjournal to access all the content, and check out our web exclusives at scranton.edu/journalextras.
PHOTOS
STORY
VIDEO
HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS:
Global Outlook: Mumbai Family
Receives Scranton MBAs
Get the full story about a father and son who graduated with their MBAs 30 years apart, with the same goal of gaining a global perspective. Start reading on page 19.
Faculty and staff visit an overlook in Montserrat, Spain, on their Ignatian Pilgrimage.
Departments 4 On the Commons 14 Focus on Faculty
16
Alumni News
Intersession Work See more photos and read more about the work that faculty and students did during Scranton intersession, here and abroad.
22 Athletics
34
34 Profiles 41 Class Notes
Strategic Funding Initiatives Read more about initiatives in various disciplines and departments made possible by the University’s Strategic Initiatives Funding Program, including the ongoing Clinical Liaison Nurse Academic Practice Partnership.
On the Commons
The Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., University president, blessed and named a residence plaza in honor of St. Oscar Romero, the martyred Archbishop of San Salvador.
View this ceremony and other events and lectures on our YouTube channel.
Plaza Named in Honor of St. Oscar Romero Scranton named a residence plaza in honor of St. Oscar Romero, the martyred archbishop of San Salvador whom Pope Francis canonized on Oct. 14, 2018. St. Oscar Romero, who was murdered in 1980 while saying Mass in San Salvador, is well known for his commitment to social justice and service to the marginalized and oppressed. The University’s connection to El Salvador and the work of St. Oscar Romero through international service trips and pilgrimages dates back nearly two decades. In 1999, the University began the Bridges to El Salvador program for students, faculty and staff to foster a greater commitment to justice issues. This effort continues through experiences led by the University’s Jesuit Center to El Salvador and other countries. Speaking at the naming ceremony, University President Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., said his life and understanding of the work of this University “were never the same” after his pilGET SOCIAL Improve your flexibility and strength while relaxing at our WEEKLY YOGA CLASSES on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday! #universityofscranton #yoga #strength #mindbody uofschew
4
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
9/20/18
grimage to El Salvador with Scranton students. “I remember visiting the church where St. Oscar Romero was assassinated and being profoundly moved by the witness of his life,” said Father Pilarz. “I wrote in the journal I kept at that time after that visit this quote from Ernest Hemingway, ‘The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong in the broken places.’ The government of El Salvador thought they broke Oscar Romero, but they did not at all. They gave us, all of us — the Church and especially the people of El Salvador — tremendous strength to continue to work for justice, to work for solidarity, to work for reconciliation.” The University’s Romero Plaza, formerly called Mulberry Plaza, is a residence facility constructed in 2000 that consists of four townhouse units, accommodating 141 junior and senior students. 9/26/18
The cast and crew of The Laramie Project, based on the life and death of Matthew Shepard, with Judy and Dennis Shepard. scranton_players
9/28/18 Our students have been registering to #vote this week! Encourage them to do their civic duty this November. University of Scranton
On the Commons
University Continues to Rack Up Rankings • No. 6 in “Best Colleges”
• “Top Green College”
10 top master’s universities in the North
• “Best Business Schools”
• “Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching”
• “Best Colleges”
• “Most Innovative Schools”
• “Best Campus Food”
— U.S. News & World Report
• “Best Science Labs”
• “Top U.S. Colleges” for student engagement
and student outcomes
— The Princeton Review
• No. 15 “Best Catholic College in the Nation”
—The Wall Street Journal & Times Higher Education
— Best Catholic Colleges
New Domestic Service Trip Opens Hearts and Minds By Victoria Pennington ’19, student correspondent Nine students and two adult chaperones traveled to Anchorage last summer, the University’s first domestic service trip to Alaska, to work with Bean’s Café and Catholic Social Services (CSS) to serve the food insecure. Bean’s Café is a day shelter that serves breakfast and lunch to the hungry and homeless. During its time in Anchorage, the service group served meals in the morning and afternoon at Bean’s Café and spent nights serving dinner, cleaning the pantry and assisting people in the grocery store at the Brother Francis Shelter.
and women for and with others. “By putting yourself out there, by being vulnerable to new situations, you are able to relate on a deeper level,” she said. “You hear stories that open your eyes to harsh realities. You connect through faith and love, and you stand in solidarity with one another.”
Virginia Farrell ’20 at Bean’s Café on the University’s first domestic service trip to Alaska.
Virginia Farrell ’20 said the trip was a transformative experience. In her reflection after the trip, she wrote: “We piled out of our vans not knowing what to expect. A homeless woman sitting outside welcomed us with a smile and spoke the words, ‘Good morning, thank you for your service.’ Suddenly, a sense of peace and love flooded our hearts.” She said Bean’s Café exemplified the meaning of being men 10/4/18 Chamber choir and string quartet are NYC bound for the annual PBC Dinner! #Royals4Others uofsmusic
Amy Fotta, service coordinator for Campus Ministries’ Center for Service and Social Justice, said domestic service trips, in particular, are often eye-opening for people because they don’t realize how much service is needed in their own communities.
“The biggest benefit is opening their hearts and minds to something new and different,” said Fotta. “Students often say, ‘Wow. I had no idea.’” She hopes to organize another service trip to Alaska for May 2020. See more photos and read more about Virginia Farrell’s experience serving in Anchorage, Alaska, at scranton.edu/journalextras.
11/11/18 On this #VeteransDay, we want to thank all military personnel for the sacrifices you have made for our freedom. Scranton Admissions
11/13/18 Every day is Halloween, isn’t it? Region 3 had a great turnout to their Late Night Event — Electric Fright!! Uofslatenight
SPRING 2019
5
On the Commons
Executive Hub of Regional Autism Services Collaborative Opens Through the leadership of AllOne Foundation, the Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence (ACCE) was recently formed to meet the needs of and minimize the service gaps for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families living in northeastern and north-central Pennsylvania. The University was chosen to serve as the region’s executive hub and has opened a physical space on Mulberry Street, led by project manager Erin Dunleavy, Ph.D. The University will focus on enhancing undergraduate and graduate training opportunities in ASD-related fields to create a workforce pipeline for the region. “The Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence represents an opportunity for our region to develop a sustainable
framework to address existing service gaps,” said John P. Moses, Esq., chair of the board at AllOne Foundation, at the announcement in September. “Working collaboratively, we seek to create a national model for scientifically sound innovation at the cutting edge of ASD care.” SM
ACCE directly benefits preschool children through adults with ASD in the 13-county area of northeastern and north-central Pennsylvania. Specific services will vary by age but will be available to families regardless of gender, race or socioeconomic status. Based on combined county census data and a presumed ASD prevalence of 1 in 68, the estimated number of individuals in the region living with ASD is more than 17,500, making this a high-impact initiative. “The executive hub and the website will enable us to streamline services, becoming a support system for clients and their families, both inside and outside the University community,” Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies, said. At the announcement of Autism Collaborative Centers of Excellence are, from left: John P. Moses, Esq., chair of the board of AllOne Foundation; Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies; and John W. Cosgrove, executive director of AllOne Foundation and Charities.
Successful Outcomes Reported for the Class of 2018 Ninety-eight percent of the University’s undergraduate Class of 2018 and 99 percent of its graduate class reported success in their choice of career path of either employment or pursuing additional education within six months of graduation. The “First Destination Survey” report by Scranton’s Gerard R. Roche Center for Career Development is based on career success data obtained from about 79 percent of the undergraduate class. This “knowledge rate,” or percentage of graduates for whom career outcome is known, far exceeds
GET SOCIAL At our Thanksgiving Feed-A-Family program today! Campus Ministries
11/18/18
the National Association of College Employers recommended rate of 65 percent. The knowledge rate for members of the University’s graduate Class of 2018 is 68 percent. For members of the University’s Class of 2018 earning a bachelor’s degree, 97 percent were successful in obtaining their goal of full-time employment, and 99 percent were successful in obtaining their goal of attending graduate or professional school.
12/25/18 From our Scranton family to yours, Merry Christmas! Scranton Admissions
1/4/19 Matthew Coughlin, Student Government president, represented Scranton in the inaugural Winter Summit for the Jesuit Student Government Alliance. UofS Student gov
6
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
On the Commons
Task Force Helps Healing Process In October, the University established a Task Force on Healing, Reconciliation and Hope to lead the University’s response “together with the people of the Diocese and Catholics everywhere to address the difficult but necessary questions that arise from the grand jury report,” which was released to the public in August and details sexual abuse by Catholic priests in Pennsylvania. “The Task Force will help us harness the full range of resources that The University of Scranton, as a Catholic and Jesuit university, can offer the church in this painful but pivotal moment,” University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., wrote in an announcement to the University community about the establishment of the Task Force. “Their work will imagine and plan how we can respond, in ways both simple and sophisticated, to the needs of God’s people.” In February, the Task Force updated the University community on the results of its online survey and multiple feedback sessions, in which the Task Force heard from students, faculty
and staff about their concerns, ideas and recommendations for program development. Forty-two members of the community attended feedback sessions, and 237 responded to the survey. They found that most respondents were aware of the Church’s official response to the sex abuse scandal at various levels (local parish, diocesan, Vatican); more than half were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the Church’s response; and 36 percent admitted their faith was weakened because of the report. While the Task Force recognized that the sample was not representative of the entire campus community, it was able to draw some conclusions about themes and approaches to future program development thanks to open-ended questions. For example, through talks, panels, prayer, art and listening support, it plans to address, among other topics, the effects of sexual trauma on survivors; church policies and responses to sexual abuse at the diocesan and universal levels; the spiritual and moral authority of the Church in the wake of the report; and clericalism as a contributing theological and cultural factor.
Student Awarded Entrepreneurship Scholarship Already co-owner and creative director of a digital media production company, senior entrepreneurship major Michael Spadavecchia was awarded a 2018 scholarship from Sigma Nu Tau, the national honor society for entrepreneurship. He was among just four students in the country selected to receive a $1,250 scholarship awarded by the honor society in 2018. In addition to academic requirements, Sigma Nu Tau scholars, each of whom were nominated by their colleges and universities, were selected based on their demonstration of entrepreneurship, community involvement and involvement with each school’s chapter of the honor society. From left, Murli Rajan, Ph.D., interim dean of the Kania School of Management, congratulates Michael Spadavecchia on his scholarship.
A dean’s list student at Scranton and a member of the Sigma Nu Tau honor society, Spadavecchia serves as president of the entrepreneurship club at Scranton and as president of the University’s business incubator on campus.
1/9/19 Peru trip participants outside a Jesuit Church in Cuzco UofS Department of Physical Therapy
1/11/19 After some hard training in Florida, our team is ready to finish up the season strong! #boxlove #allhail Scranton Swim
1/17/19 Welcome to nursing students from The University of Scranton in Pennsylvania to #TallaghtUniversityHospital as part of the TCD International Winter School @univofscranton Aine Lynch
SPRING 2019
7
On the Commons
Love of Haiti Inspires 30 Years of Service JoAnne Kuehner H’01 is the founder of Hope for Haiti, an international charity that provides assistance to Haitians, particularly the children, in the areas of education, nutrition and health care. She is a Dame of the Order of Malta, one of the oldest Catholic lay orders, whose mission is to care for the poor and sick of the world. JoAnne Kuehner H’01 speaks on campus in October about her charity and her book.
Kuehner wrote about her experiences during her 30 years of
service to “the poorest of the poor” in her book Oh, for the Love of Haiti. She read excerpts from her book at a “Meet the Author and Book Signing” reception hosted by the Panuska College of Professional Studies in October. “There was a little boy who caught my eye. He reminded me very much of my son, Paul, when he was an infant. This little one was strapped to his crib with an IV in one arm, and he was crying his heart out. Unfortunately, his body was so dehydrated, he couldn’t shed a single tear. I went to unstrap him to pick him up, but the nurse waved me away. She was afraid that I would dislodge the needle,” Kuehner wrote of her first impressions of Haiti as a volunteer at the general hospital in Port-Au-Prince.
Working Through Disability Bern Gavlick, an eighth-grade guidance counselor, has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and used assistive technology for the first time when he was in first grade. Back then, Bill Zeigler, an assistive technology consultant, introduced Gavlick to a device called the “Unicorn board,” which acted as a giant
pad that had all of the letters of the alphabet on it so Gavlick could spell out words by touching it. Together, they spoke about how assistive technology helped Gavlick throughout his life in “Working Through the System,” the keynote presentation at the University’s 17th annual U.S. Conference on disABILITY, held in October on campus. Kaitlyn Jones ’18, an occupational therapist who works on Microsoft’s Devices User Research Team, won the Leahy Award.
Kaitlyn Jones ‘18, an occupational therapy graduate, was presented with the Edward R. Leahy Jr. Award for Excellence in Innovation in honor of her work as director of clinical outreach for Warfighter Engaged, a 501 c(3) nonprofit whose mission is to improve the lives of severely wounded and disabled warfighters through customadapted devices. Pictured, from left, are: OT faculty members Dr. Julia Guzman, Dr. Julie Nastasi and Patricia Wisniewski, as well as Dean Debra Pellegrino, Patricia Leahy, Edward R. Leahy ‘68, H’01, Kaitlyn Jones and her father, Ken Jones, founder of Warfighter Engaged.
GET SOCIAL @uofsstudyabroad students with Patriarch Theophilus of Jerusalem UofStheology
1/17/19
2/2/19 Hey, Royals! Thank you for attending our Late Night event, Grocery Bingo! We hope you had a blast! #studentengagement #studentgov UofS Student Gov
8
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
The annual U.S. Conference on disABILITY brings together national, state and regional experts to discuss a multifaceted approach to improving employment, independent living and transition for all people with disabilities. The conference is hosted by the University’s Panuska College of Professional Studies with the support of the Edward R. Leahy Jr. Endowment and Edward R. Leahy ‘68, H’01 and Patricia Leahy, honorary conference co-chairs. 2/3/19 Watch for this Super Bowl commercial tonight, featuring Microsoft’s adaptive controller, which Scranton OT alum Kaitlyn Jones ‘18 helped create. A great project that helps great kids! #GoRoyals #ScrantonAlumni #SuperBowl #WeAllWin University of Scranton
Scranton joined the Magna Charta Universitatum Observatory of Fundamental University Values and Rights, an alliance of more than 800 universities worldwide committed to serving as guardians for the fundamental values of independence, academic freedom and integrity. “Joining the observatory expresses the inherent mission of Scranton as a Jesuit university, fully committed to seeking truth and providing our students with a global perspective in their discipline and in their understanding of the diverse needs confronted by the people of the world today,” said University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
Universities from 85 countries have signed the statement of fundamental values outlined in the Magna Charta Universitatum, which was first ratified in 1988 by rectors of European universities who assembled at the University of Bologna. The fundamental principles agreed upon include the recognition of the autonomy of a university and the role it plays “at the heart of societies.” The document attests that in order for universities to fulfill their purpose, “research and teaching must be morally and intellectually independent of all political and economic power.”
On the Commons
Effort to Safeguard University Independence Expands
Presidential Scholars Named for 2018-19
Seated, from left, are: University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.; and Presidential Scholars Meghan Rohr, Jessica Goldschlager and Charles Kulick. Standing, from left, are: Presidential Scholars Erin Horan, Colleen Chan, Robert Maloney, Ashley Mullan, Anna Wengyn, Sarah White, Eric Dittmar, Sean Connolly, Jacob Shomali, Patrick Dawid and Shannon Broderick. Read more about these news items at news.scranton.edu.
2/17/19 Search 87 Retreat: The Comeback!!! @ Chapman Lake Retreat Center
2/21/19 Missed the Pie a Priest Fundraiser? Check out Fr. Ron getting pie-d!
Get Social with Scranton Check us out on your favorite social media platforms.
univofscranton
Campus Ministries
SPRING 2019
9
On the Commons
Business High School Scholars Complete First Courses
The first cohort of students in new Business High School Scholars pilot program with their professors and members of Business High School Scholars Alumni Advisory Board. See who is who online.
The inaugural cohort of 19 high school students completed their first college course in business as participants in the Business High School Scholars Program, which began as a pilot program during the summer of 2018. Similar to the University’s established High School Scholars Program, the pilot program is intended to allow high school students meeting academic requirements to take college courses at a reduced rate. In addition, the Business High School Scholars Program seeks to group sophomore and junior high school students interested in pursuing a business degree at Scranton into a cohort and provides additional financial support to participants from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
10
Entrepreneurship Department, has also joined them. They teach additional classes specifically for the high school students and donate their compensation from these courses to provide scholarship support tho from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Courses outside of business are taught by Rev. Patrick D. Francis Rogers, S.J., executive director of The Jesuit Center, and Rev. Rick Malloy, S.J., Ph.D., University chaplain.
Marisol Olivares Hernandez, first in her family to complete a college course, was among the first cohort of participants. A bilingual, high-honor student, active in several high school clubs, Olivares Hernandez said she was initially intimidated at the prospect of taking a college class but has overcome her fears and gained confidence in her abilities.
Additional support is being provided by the Jesuit Center, University Advancement, Finance, Administration and alumni donors who started the Boyle-Mahoney Scholarship Fund. A Business High School Scholars Alumni Advisory Board was also formed in support of the program and includes Harry W. Zike ’76, chief financial officer of Chinook Sciences, Edward J. Steinmetz Jr. ’81, senior vice president for Finance and Administration at Scranton, Peter Butera ’83, senior vice president of wealth management at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, and Tracy Bannon ’84, assistant director of development at St. Joseph’s Center and University Trustee.
Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A. ’88, associate professor, director of the Doctor of Business Administration Program and Accounting Department chair, is leading the new program with support of accounting professors James Boyle, D.B.A. ’86 and Daniel Mahoney, Ph.D. ’81. S.P. Chattopadhyay, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Management, Marketing and
“Local alumni are grateful for the education they received at the University and are motivated to pass that opportunity along to the next generation,” said Bannon. “This program gives local students the opportunity to experience the unique attributes of a Jesuit education while they are still in high school and just beginning the college search process.”
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
On the Commons
Distinguished Author Award Presented to Lorene Cary The Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library presented writer Lorene Cary with The Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award at a dinner reception Oct. 13, 2018, in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center. Cary is the author of the best-selling memoir Black Ice and novels such as If Sons, Then Heirs, The Price of a Child, Pride and FREE! Great Escapes on the Underground Railroad. Cary, who read from her upcoming book, founded Art Sanctuary, which creates unique programs for African-American artists, performers and writers in Philadelphia. Such programs have garnered up to 1,500 participants a year. She has also been a senior lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania. In a society where the role of the written press is often questioned, Cary said, it is the writer’s role to “observe, listen, report; to investigate; to create beauty; to create order; to ask questions; to challenge; to call out; to study; to have courage.”
Best-selling author Lorene Cary receives the Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award. From left: Charles Kratz, dean of the library and information fluency at the University; Gretchen Welby, Ph.D., Distinguished Author Award committee chair; Distinguished Author Award recipient Cary; Jeffrey Gingerich, Ph.D., senior provost and vice president of academic affairs at Scranton; Cathy Ann Hardaway, director of domestic relations for Lackawanna County; and Mary McDonald, president, Friends of the Library.
2019
THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON
Carlesimo Golf Tournament & Award Dinner
Together Again Where It All Began JUNE 7-9, 2019
Photo by Evan Schiller
SAVE the DATE June 24, 2019 Philadelphia Cricket Club scranton.edu/carlesimoaward
Registration is open. The Office of Alumni & Parent Engagement alumni@scranton.edu scranton.edu/reunion
SPRING 2019
11
On the Commons
ONE-ON-ONE
with Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D.,
You arrived in Scranton in July 2018. What has been your top priority so far as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs? Before arriving in Scranton, I was aware of the strong sense of community at the University, and it was important to me to understand that community. My top priority initially was to listen to folks around campus to hear about their passion for the University and their concerns about the future. If we are to maintain the strong reputation of The University of Scranton, we will need to work together and listen to each other for new ideas and opportunities. These conversations have led to another top priority, which is to continue to unleash the tremendous possibilities for innovation among our campus community. It has been exciting to talk with faculty, staff, students and administrators about the many opportunities that exist for our future. The members of our University community have many opinions about what makes this place so unique. What’s your opinion? Mission and loyalty. While almost every college or university talks about the importance of their mission, Scranton lives out its mission by concentrating on a quality education that truly matters in the world and that transforms the student experience. As evidenced by the Mission Priority Examen review that we under12
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
took last year, it’s clear that Ignatian values are infused throughout this entire campus. Adhering to mission is not always easy, and I have been impressed with the willingness of University employees and students to engage the difficult dialogue that leads to such a profound Jesuit educational experience. Because of this mission-centered approach, the campus community is tremendously loyal to the institution. It’s been great fun to hear from alumni about the transformational experience they had as students and how this translates into a lifelong commitment to the University. Faculty and staff love this place too, and their loyalty to the University is amazing. You’ve done a lot of volunteer/service work, including conflict resolution at the Twomey Center for Peace through Justice at Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana. How do your service experiences influence your work today? I am grateful to have grown up in a tradition that placed a high value on service to others, whether that meant helping your neighbor who is having difficulties or traveling to other areas to grow in solidarity with those who have fewer material resources. My six years of voluntary service work at Loyola were transformative in every way possible, and they were my first encounter
way that allows the greatest individual fulfillment and productivity while meeting community goals. Sociology is also about using data to inform our decisions. While I have attended some great higher education leadership forums, I would say that my training in sociology and conflict resolution have made the greatest impact on my leadership style as a provost.
What concerns do you have for higher education, and how is Scranton getting out ahead of those concerns?
Over the next year, a team of nearly 50 members of the staff and faculty will develop a data-informed, five-year Strategic Enrollment Plan (SEP) grounded in the University’s mission and vision. What’s your role in this process, and why is it important for The University of Scranton?
Higher education is at a crossroads in many ways because of the declining demographics of high school students and the increased competition among other colleges and universities. It’s vital that we maintain the competitive advantage of a University of Scranton education. In order to do this, we’ll need to continue our core traditions of academic excellence in the liberal arts and humanities while at the same time innovating in new programs and unique engaged ways of teaching. I think we will see some exciting growth in mission-based graduate programs and other professional programs in future years.
This is one of the most exciting initiatives I’m involved with. Over the summer, Father Pilarz and I discussed the need for a strategic approach to enrollment planning at the University and wanted a process that allows broad campus discussion. We have five working groups centered on the issues of undergraduate programs, graduate programs, student support, finance and financial aid, and marketing and admissions. I am chairing the council that oversees the process and working groups. This is a very data-informed process that is already producing some innovative ideas for the University.
You have talked about the importance of focusing on education that “matters to the world.” What does that mean to you, and how will you achieve it? At Commencement, when we hand a diploma to a graduate, we want to know that we have enabled them for success in their careers and communities, but we also want them to feel a sense of responsibility to use their Scranton education to make a positive difference as men and women for others. It’s our responsibility to provide them with the education and experiences during their time as students to help them understand why this is important. If we do that right, Scranton alumni will continue to be known as positive change agents within their communities and throughout the world. Your degrees are in sociology. How does your research inform your work in higher education? I use my training as a sociologist every day as provost. Sociology is the study of human interactions and the ways that we create institutions, such as schools and universities, to help us function more efficiently as a society. I’m fortunate to have a job that requires me to build teams and meet goals by helping folks to interact efficiently and effectively. This might mean facilitating a variety of different opinions within a committee meeting to get to the best decision or structuring an organizational area in a
On the Commons
with Jesuit education. I was an Iowa farm kid suddenly living in a diverse urban environment with a rich cultural tradition. Working with conflict resolution and diversity programs in the public schools and through community organizations opened my eyes to the stark reality of privilege and the needs of poorer communities. Racial and economic inequality disturbed me to the core. When I went to graduate school afterward, it was with a commitment to myself that my personal vision for higher education was to create a fairer and more just world around us.
“Scranton alumni will continue to be known as positive change agents within their communities and throughout the world.”
— Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D.
What can we expect to come from the SEP? By the end of the year, we’ll have a five-year strategic plan for strengthening enrollment. This will contain several specific strategies that will help us feel confident in our short- and long-term enrollment approach, including new curricular and co-curricular programs. It’ll be an excellent way of demonstrating how we’ll maintain the tradition of excellence and mission while staying relevant to a changing world around us. It’s important to note that this participatory process of enrollment strategy will extend beyond this year and into the future. We’ll continue to creatively renew our strategies in order to get the most engaged and best-fit students to benefit from a Scranton education. SPRING 2019
13
Focus on Faculty
Peter Leininger, Ph.D. demonstrates blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy using the BFR Delphi unit and light-load exercise with a tourniquet. From left: Dr. Leininger and DPT graduate students Matthew Aitken ’17, Omar Amer, Stephanie Klug (demonstrating the therapy), Berta Carmo, Jonathan Mayes, Dublin, Dannylyn Manabat, Christine Kiefer ’17 and Sophia DiCamillo ’17.
Leininger Leads Students in BFR Therapy Research Professor Peter Leininger, Ph.D., assistant professor of physical therapy, said there are amazing new technologies in exercise science that are revolutionizing the field, shortening the time from surgery to full recovery. Among the most exciting is blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy. Essentially, a tourniquet is wrapped around the upper or lower extremity, with controlled and monitored blood flow restriction to the muscles and joints of the knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, elbow or wrist, which greatly hastens the rehabilitation process.
Physical Therapy Association’s national conference in Washington, D.C. They are also completing a second systematic review studying the effect of BFR training with the older adult population.
Dr. Leininger, the only physical therapist in the Scranton area currently certified in BFR, explained that the method started in the military, then spread to professional sports and is now being used by major universities, clinics and hospitals to treat their injured athletes.
“What is clear is that light-load exercise with a tourniquet that is used properly is safe and effective,” said Dr. Leininger.
In January, Dr. Leininger and his students presented their BFR research (a systematic review) at the annual American
Several research studies are planned at the University utilizing the BFR Delphi unit (currently the only FDA approved blood flow restriction device). The BFR device is being used on campus with several patients following ACL reconstruction to their knees.
In January, Dr. Leininger and his students presented their BFR research (a systematic review) at the annual American Physical Therapy Association’s national conference in Washington, D.C. They are also completing a second systematic review studying the effect of BFR training with the older adult population.
Professor Emeritus, University Historian Pledges Gift to Humanities Initiative Francis X.J. Homer, Ph.D. ’64, professor emeritus of history, University historian and current adjunct professor in history, pledged $100,000 to support the Humanities Initiative at Scranton. Interested in promoting the study of the humanities — culture, history, language, literature, philosophy, religion — at the University, a group of faculty started the initiative in fall 2017 with support from the College of Arts and Sciences dean. In promoting the humanities, the departments seek to improve the quality of the co-curricular educa14
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
tion for the larger student body and to increase the number of students studying the humanities. The supporters on campus plan to do this by enriching the culture of the humanities, promoting interdisciplinary inquiry and research among faculty and students, and fostering civic engagement and collaboration with the larger community. In announcing his gift, Homer said, “I am deeply grateful to Father Scott Pilarz, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, for his endorsement and commitment to our Humanities Initiative, which serves our broad community.” Read more about the Humanities Initiative on page 31.
Focus on Faculty
Faculty Notes Philosophy Professor Receives Earl Award Rev. Ronald McKinney, S.J., Ph.D., professor of philosophy, received the John L. Earl III Award for service to the University, the faculty and the wider community. “I am glad today that we honor his tireless work in the service of so many generations of Scranton students,” said University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., adding that he often hears alumni speak of Father McKinney “with tremendous admiration, affection and respect.” Fr. McKinney joined the faculty in 1984. Professor Named Collegeville Institute Scholar Gretchen J. Van Dyke, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, was selected as a 2018-19 Resident Scholar at the Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research in Collegeville, Minnesota. Dr. Van Dyke, who will research an edited collection project titled “Teaching Mission as a Vocation in the Jesuit Tradition,” joins just nine other scholars from across the nation who will spend a semester or academic year at the institute that supports “scholarly research that would nurture the best Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox theology.” Accounting Professor Recognized for Professional Experience Douglas M. Boyle, D.B.A., professor and chair of the Accounting Department, was profiled as one of just six “Professors to Know in Business Programs Based in the Northeast” selected by Bschools.org, an online resource for entrepreneurs. The professors, who teach at business schools in the Northeast with online MBA programs, were selected based on their professional experience and knowledge.
See more photos and read more faculty news at scranton.edu/journalextras and news.scranton.edu.
From left: Laura Romanovich ‘18 and Dr. Voltzow at Romanovich’s graduation last May.
Professor and Alumna Research Effects of Climate Change Over Intersession A joint intersession project by Janice Voltzow, Ph.D., whose research is focused on understanding the relationship between structure and function in organisms and how that understanding can shed light on their evolution, and Laura Romanovich ‘18 researched climate change and its effects on coral reefs. “Since coral reefs are difficult to find in Scranton, we decided to use sea anemones as models for coral,” said Dr. Voltzow.
A sea anemone that was bleached as a result of being exposed to elevated temperatures for four weeks.
Romanovich and Dr. Voltzow identified how to carefully control the temperature and carbon dioxide levels in small tanks of anemones and developed the methods to measure their responses.
“Changes in temperature and pH are having a series of effects on marine organisms from the poles to the tropics,” said Dr. Voltzow. According to Dr. Voltzow, corals and their relatives, the sea anemones, are facing a multitude of threats, including a phenomenon known as bleaching. When corals and anemones are exposed to warming events, they may lose these tiny, photosynthetic organisms within their cells, causing them to turn white, or bleach. “Once an animal bleaches, it is difficult for it to recover,” she said. “Bleaching events are becoming increasingly common; tropical corals are facing a potential mass extinction within the next century.” The first set of experiments provided the data for Romanovich’s honors thesis. “We have found that increased temperature has a greater effect on bleaching than does increased levels of carbon dioxide, but that the combined effect can be complex,” said Dr. Voltzow. SPRING 2019
15
Alumni News In Case You Missed it‌ Enjoy these photos from a few of our signature fall semester events.
ersey
, New J
ood Ridgew
New York Cit
y
Toast2Scranton The University held Toast2Scranton regional celebrations in Fairfield, Connecticut; Harrisburg; the Lehigh Valley; Philadelphia; New York City; Raleigh, North Carolina; Redbank, New Jersey; Ridgewood, New Jersey; Scranton; and Washington, D.C., to welcome the Class of 2018 to the alumni family. For more information, visit scranton.edu/toast2scranton.
Philadelphia
Regional Christmas Receptions Alumni celebrated the Christmas season together in several regions, including Chesapeake, Maryland; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; the Lehigh Valley; Long Island, New York; Harrisburg; Morristown, New Jersey; and New York City. To see photos from the events, visit scranton.edu/alumniphotos.
New Jersey
Philade
lphia
Washington, D.C. New York City
16
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
Alumni News 50th Anniversary of Men’s Soccer Men’s Soccer marked its 50th anniversary with a daylong celebration that included an alumni game, cocktail reception and the dedication of the Steve Klingman Plaza at The Rev. Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., Athletics Campus in honor
of Steve Klingman, former men’s soccer coach and current assistant athletics facilities manager. To see photos from the event, visit scranton.edu/alumniphotos. To read more about the event, go to page 22.
The President’s Business Council 17th Annual Award Dinner The President’s Business Council 17th Annual Award Dinner honored Linda S. McGowan ’80, partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and Joseph L. Sorbera Jr. P’08, ’08, president of JLS Cost Management Systems Inc., with the President’s Medal. The black-tie gala raised more than $1 million for the Presidential Scholarship Endowment. For more information, visit scranton.edu/pbcdinner.
President’s Business Council
SAVE THE DATE October 10, 2019 P R E S I D E N T ’ S B U S I N E SS CO U N C I L 18TH ANNUAL AWARD DINNER SPRING 2019
17
Alumni News
25,000 Strong A new University group creates a place for its 25,000 alumnae to connect with one another and the University.
18
All across the cultural landscape, women are sharing their experiences, raising their voices and inspiring others. One need only look as far as the workplace (which now boasts a record number of women), the financial sector (more than half of American wealth is now controlled by women) or the internet (#MeToo, Time’s Up) to see the multitudes of women stepping forward to change the world for the better.
ership and philanthropy,” said Eloise Butovich of University Advancement. “We know that women change the world every day through their vast and varied contributions. With renewed focus and energy, The Women’s Alliance will strive to increase the engagement of female leaders who can help transform the future of the University, our communities and our students.”
A Bold Mission
An Empowered Alliance
There are approximately 25,000 University of Scranton alumnae; it is the mission of The Women’s Alliance to connect those alumnae with the University and one another. “The goal of The Women’s Alliance is to engage the alumnae of the University in networking, education, lead-
Through The Women’s Alliance, alumnae will have new opportunities to connect with business colleagues and leaders who will become their trusted network. Alumnae will also have the opportunity to connect with women for and with others who share a passion for philanthropy. Through these
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
Women’s Alliance will also provide its members with online media content such as videos, webinars and articles through a variety of channels, including Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. To join The Women’s Alliance and begin sharing, learning and connecting with other alumnae in this unique environment today, visit scranton.edu/womensalliance.
Alumni News
renewed connections and relationships, the University will reinforce leadership pipelines for increased future female representation in key leadership and affinity areas such as the Board of Trustees, Alumni Society Advisory Board, President’s Business Council, Medical Alumni Council, President’s Circle and Estate Society. Members can participate in The Women’s Alliance in a variety of ways, including attending lectures or workshops, networking and speaking on campus. The
The Women’s Alliance is committed to intentionally increasing alumnae representation and leadership. Its members will support, guide and inspire each other as they advance the mission of the University.
A Father and Son’s Global Mindset Leads to MBAs at Scranton erations, and, most recently, COO at Tata Teleservices. He is currently a guest faculty member at IIM Bangalore and founder and director of Strategy Green Consultancy. “I owe this whole career of mine to Scranton and the education I got there,” said Sunil. “It got me to move from being just a kid playing around in the streets of Mumbai to be a formative professional in the way I looked at things.”
The Pillai family poses with Murli Rajan, Ph.D., at Rathin’s graduation. From left: Sunil Pillai, Dr. Rajan, Rathin and Swarna Pillai.
When Sunil Pillai G’83, of Mumbai, India, was finishing up his MBA at Scranton at age 23, he promised himself that if he eventually got married and had a child, that child would go to Scranton for his or her MBA. “God has been kind,” said Sunil in a recent interview. “I had one son, and his name is Rathin.” It was pretty clear from early on that Rathin Pillai G’12, who, like his dad, grew up in Mumbai, would follow in his father’s footsteps. “My dad had his framed final certification on the wall at home. He’d say to me, ‘That’s the degree that has gotten me this far. You can talk back to me all you want, but until you have that degree, I won’t listen,’” remembered Rathin. Rathin had a lot to live up to. Sunil had gone from Scranton to Pfizer International in New York to Colgate Palmolive in India, quickly moving up the corporate ladder. He eventually became vice president of marketing and sales at CavinKare, a conglomerate in fast-moving consumer goods, then vice president of marketing at Reliance Communications, Global Op-
Rathin, a TV executive who recently took on a strategy and business development role at India’s Network 18 (Viacom in the United States), said it was essential — for both of them — to go abroad for their graduate degrees. “I think I speak for both of us when I say we needed a global perspective. Had we studied for our MBAs in India, it would’ve been specific to India marketing only,” he said. Sunil and his son both chose Scranton because it had a good reputation, was a “friendly campus” and was close to major cities. “It was my first exposure to the U.S.,” said Sunil. “I was getting used to the culture, weather, food and people. I found that it was an extremely friendly place. There were a lot of other international students. And the faculty was excellent.” Rathin agreed. “It’s not just the students; it’s the professors as well,” he said. “They made me feel at home right from the start.” For Rathin, one of those professors was Sunil’s Scranton roommate, Murli Rajan, Ph.D. G’84, now interim dean of the Kania School of Management. When Rajan arrived from Yugoslavia in 1982, Sunil made him feel right at home. But that’s another story. Read on at scranton.edu/journalextras.
SPRING 2019
19
Alumni News
Clockwise, from top center: Jim Conmy ’90, Catherine Conmy, Kerry Cosgrove Conmy ’90, Patrick Conmy and Seamus Conmy enjoy some fun in the sun together.
Patrick’s Pals for Good: Jim ’90 and Kerry Cosgrove Conmy ’90 An alumni couple turns a one-time charitable gesture into a perpetual force for good. Dedication to service. Concern for the common good. These are two of the values The University of Scranton hopes to instill in its graduates so they may become “men and women for and with others.” They are also two of the values that guided Jim ’90 and Kerry Cosgrove Conmy ’90 when they chose to create Patrick’s Pals Foundation, a New Jersey-based nonprofit dedicated to helping the families of children with disabilities get equipment and therapy they cannot otherwise afford and that their insurance companies refuse to cover.
begins at Scranton in the 1980s, when Jim, a Philadelphia native studying history, met Kerry Cosgrove, a New York native studying accounting. After graduating in 1990, the couple married in 1994 and had Seamus, their first child, in 1998. Their daughter, Catherine, was born in 2000, and, in 2003, the family welcomed Patrick into the world. Almost immediately, Kerry noticed significant differences between Patrick and his siblings.
“One thing we valued and learned and took away from our education at Scranton was about being charitable and giving back,” Kerry said. “We are fortunate to be able to help others, and it has really been a blessing to us.”
Gradually, the Conmys realized Patrick was unable to do many things for himself. As a result, he required specialized medical equipment and therapies that their health insurance often did not cover because it did not deem them “medical necessities.” In 2006, when Patrick was 3 years old, a group of their family and friends approached them with the idea
Why did the Conmys choose to start a foundation that has raised nearly $1 million for children with disabilities? The story 20
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
“He wasn’t hitting the milestones and developing, and, being my third child, I was very aware of that,” she said.
Alumni News sons and many other things to more than 150 families. Hundreds of supporters, including many Scranton alumni, attend its golf outing and dinner at Stanton Ridge Country Club in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, each August and its 5K at Duke Island Park in Bridgewater, New Jersey, each April. Five Scranton alumni sit on the foundation’s 12-member board of directors. Kerry said the Conmys feel fortunate that so many like-minded people, passionate about helping others, surround them, and they believe the foundation would not succeed without the efforts of their family and friends. “Because of their love for Patrick, they are driven to help othClockwise, from left: Dan Tempone ’90, Jeannie Tempone, Daniel Tempone, Caroline Tempone and Matthew Tempone participate in the annual Patrick’s Pals 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk.
ers,” she said. “That is a blessing to us.”
of putting together a charity golf outing to raise money for Patrick. While Jim and Kerry were touched by the gesture, they didn’t feel comfortable accepting money. Instead, they chose to start a foundation that would help the families of children with disabilities.
the families of children with disabilities.
“Adaptive equipment is expensive, and insurance doesn’t cover a lot of it, which makes it difficult for families to purchase equipment that their children need to function on a daily basis,” Kerry said.
every August, and it’s all because of my little angel, Patrick.
From its home base in New Jersey all the way to Costa Rica, Patrick’s Pals Foundation has provided safety beds, bath chairs, motorized wheelchairs, adaptive bicycles, hippotherapy les-
With a little help from his friends, Patrick will continue to help “Patrick has done a tremendous amount for others,” Kerry said. “Without him and his inspiration this foundation wouldn’t be in place, and these families wouldn’t have been helped, and this community wouldn’t rally the way it does every April and “He brings people together, and he brings out the compassionate side of people. Without him, this never would have been accomplished. I’m really proud of him.” Patrick’s Pals Foundation will have its annual golf outing Aug. 12. For more information, visit patrickspalsfoundation.com.
Several members of the Class of 1990 attend the Patrick’s Pals Annual Charity Golf Outing in August 2018.
SPRING 2019
21
Athletics
Steve Klingman, longtime Scranton men’s soccer coach and current assistant athletics facilities manager, speaks at the dedication of the plaza bearing his name at the Quinn Athletics Campus as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of men’s soccer.
Men’s Soccer Celebrates 50th Season The men’s soccer program celebrated its 50th season this past fall, honoring the Royals’ rich tradition, which includes 10 conference championships and 14 NCAA Tournament appearances. Scranton men’s soccer has also produced 11 All-Americans and two Academic All-Americans. A special ceremony was held on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Quinn Athletics Campus, in conjunction with the men’s soccer game against Goucher. Alumni,
family and friends of the program gathered for an alumni game in the morning, followed by the dedication of the Steve Klingman Plaza at Weiss Field. Scranton then took on Goucher in a Landmark Conference match, with the Royals defeating the Gophers 2-0. Following the game, there was a cocktail reception in Leahy Hall. On the field, the team battled to a 6-8-2 record on the season and went 4-3 in Landmark Conference play. The Royals tied for the fourth and final playoff spot with Moravian, but the Greyhounds edged out the Royals for the final playoff berth with an overtime win on the final day of the regular season. That ending epitomized a season in which the breaks did not seem to go in favor of the Royals, who played a challenging non-conference schedule, including several games against nationally and regionally ranked opponents. Of
22
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
Scranton’s eight losses this year, six were by one goal; the other two losses were two-goal defeats. Following the season, junior midfielder Jon Roberts (pictured, left) was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Mid-Atlantic Region Third Team and Third Team Scholar All-Region. Roberts and junior defender Patrick Prinner were both First Team All-Landmark Conference honorees. “We couldn’t have asked for a better day to celebrate the rich and storied history of the men’s soccer program,” said Dave Martin, director of athletics at Scranton. “We had a fantastic turnout of alumni who have been extremely supportive of the program. To have the turnout that we did for the dedication of the Steve Klingman Plaza at the Quinn Athletics Campus and to have this year’s team walk off the field with a victory, we couldn’t have asked for a more fitting way to celebrate the program’s 50th season.”
Athletics
Women’s Soccer Reaches Second Round of NCAA Tournament The women’s soccer team enjoyed an outstanding campaign this past fall, posting a 16-2-3 overall record and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. It was the team’s third straight bid to the national tournament as an at-large selection, after finishing this year as the Landmark Conference runner-up. The team was ranked 25th in the nation in the final United Soccer Coaches (USC) top-25 poll. The awards quickly piled up for Scranton following the season, highlighted by USC Second Team All-American honors for junior defender Rebecca Russo. Among other honors, Russo was the first Royals women’s soccer player to earn All-American honors since 2010, and became just the 13th player in program history and 67th Scranton student-athlete in any sport to achieve All-American status. She was also one of a record-setting five
Royals to earn USC All-Mid-Atlantic Region honors. Additionally, head coach Colleen Pivirotto was named the Landmark Conference Coach of the Year for the fourth time in her coaching career at Scranton.
Field Hockey Finishes as Landmark Conference Runner-Up Posting a 13-6 overall record, the field hockey team went 4-3 to qualify for the Landmark Conference playoffs. The team finished as the conference runner-up, falling to Susquehanna in the championship game, 2-0. Scranton won nine of its first 10 games before going 3-4 in its final seven contests of the regular season. The Royals qualified for the postseason field as the fourth seed. The team made the most of its playoff berth, scoring a 1-0 upset at top-seeded Catholic University in the semifinal round before falling to Susquehanna in the championship game. Following the season, junior forward Gracie McClatchy (pictured) was named to the Longstreth/NFHCA All-South Atlantic Region First Team, while sophomore midfielder Megan Gallagher earned Second Team All-Region honors. McClatchy was also named the Landmark Conference Player of the Year and was one of six Scranton players to earn All-Landmark Conference accolades, including three First Team selections.
Volleyball Returns to Landmark Conference Playoffs Enjoying another strong season this past fall, volleyball earned its ninth straight Landmark Conference playoff bid before falling to sixth-ranked Juniata in the semifinal round. The Royals finished the year with a 19-17 overall record while going 3-3 in Landmark Conference matches. Senior outside hitter Kristin Kirwan (pictured) capped an outstanding career by being named to the AVCA All-East Region Honorable Mention Team and earning First Team All-Landmark Conference
honors. During her senior year, she broke both the Landmark Conference and Scranton all-time records for career kills and finished her career as one of just eight players with at least 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs. Fellow senior outside hitter Megan Monastra and sophomore setter Kindler Norman both earned Second Team All-Conference honors. Norman became one of just eight players in program history with at least 2,000 career assists, while sophomore defensive specialist Regina
Schetroma reached the 1,000-dig milestone. Senior Catherine Manning also capped her career as second all-time in program history for block assists.
SPRING 2019
23
Men’s Cross Country Finishes Fourth at Landmark Conference Championships Men’s cross country placed fourth
At the NCAA Mideast Regional Cham-
at this past fall’s Landmark Conference
pionships, Scranton brought home a 27th
Championships.
place finish out of 52 teams in the event.
Juniors Zach Gutekunst (pictured) and Eric Bartlett led the Royals by finishing
Junior Chris Baldwin led Scranton with a time of 28:34.
10 and 13 , respectively. Both logged ca-
As a team, the Royals enjoyed a trio of
reer-best times and earned Second Team
top-three finishes this past fall, highlighted
All-Landmark Conference accolades fol-
by a first place finish at the Cougar Classic
lowing the competition.
hosted by Misericordia in September.
th
th
Women’s Cross Country Places Fifth at Landmark Conference Championships This past fall, the women’s cross country team finished fifth at the Landmark Conference Championships. Sophomore Rachel Kerr (pictured) led the Royals, finishing seventh with a career-best time of 23:32.06 to earn First Team All-Landmark Conference honors. The team went on to post a 19th place finish out of 47 teams at the NCAA Regional Championships, hosted by DeSales on November 10. Kerr again led the Royals with a 57th place finish, while fellow sophomore Abigail Guziewicz was close behind in 59th place. As a team, the Royals claimed a pair of top-three finishes during the fall, highlighted by a runner-up result at the Cougar Classic hosted by Misericordia on Sept. 15. Scranton also placed third at the season-opening Misericordia Invitational on Aug. 31.
Scranton Inducts Six New Members into Wall of Fame Scranton inducted the six newest members into its Athletics Department Wall of Fame on Feb. 9, in a ceremony held between games of the men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader against Juniata in the John Long Center. This year’s class includes Randy Arnold ’08 (men’s basketball), Karen (Barlow) Lisk ’89 (field hockey), Tim Logan ’08 (men’s soccer), Mary Beth (Vogel) Murray ’08 (women’s soccer and softball), Frank Ross ’87 (baseball) and Donell Young ’07 (wrestling). The Wall of Fame was founded in 1970 to honor student-athletes, administrators and those in the community who have been instrumental in the overall development of the University’s athletics program. This year’s class brings the Wall’s membership to 261. 24
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
The Wall of Fame Class of 2018, seated from left: Donell Young ‘07, Frank Ross ‘87, Mary Beth (Vogel) Murray ‘08, Tim Logan ‘08, Karen (Barlow) Lisk ‘89 and Randy Arnold ‘08. Seated, far right, is University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. Standing, far left, is Dave Martin, director of athletics.
Winning the Jesuit Way Two alumni team up to examine the culture of Royals athletics.
Matthew L. Davidson, Ph.D. ’93 calls himself a “strength and conditioning coach for culture.” The former Scranton lacrosse player and women’s basketball assistant coach created the nonprofit Institute for Excellence & Ethics (IEE) to help schools, companies and institutions achieve excellence with integrity. And since 2014, he has been an instrumental voice in the development of The Royal Way, the mission and vision of The University of Scranton’s Department of Athletics. Davidson worked with a collaborative team at the University throughout the process of developing The Royal Way, including Dave Martin, director of athletics, Robert W. Davis Jr., Ed.D. ‘03, vice president for Student Life at Scranton, and Toby Lovecchio,
who was director of athletics when the process began and is now chief of staff in the President’s Office at Scranton, Ryan Maher, then director of the Jesuit Center, past University Presidents Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., and Herbert Keller, S.J., and current President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. The essence of The Royal Way is in the first sentence of its mission statement: “We compete with an attitude of gratitude and greatness, striving to win each day our way.” “It’s the way that we want to conduct our business,” said Martin, who Davidson and Davis agree was the “heart and soul” of the project. “We want to win. We want to win as much as anybody. But we want to win on our terms, by doing it our way — The Royal Way.” SPRING 2019
25
“It’s easy to judge athletics success in wins and losses. However, these results alone are not enough to judge the impact athletics has on student-athletes and their formation at Scranton.”
Davidson, who did his graduate work in character development, moral psychology and character education, and Davis, who oversees the Department of Athletics in his current role, published the results of their work in Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal in January 2019, in an article titled, “Sport at the Service of Human Development,” which they hope will encourage other institutions to take a closer look at how to inspire and guide their athletes. While each of the Scranton teams are striving for athletic excellence and success on the field of play, winning isn’t the main goal of the Department of Athletics. Rather, it’s winning the Jesuit way. “In and through the experience of athletics, there is a unique opportunity to experience the Jesuit values in a way that is personal and deeply relevant,” Davidson said. He used the analogy of a golfer having a rough day on the course — bad weather, poor shots, playing from a place of fear and doubt. “Your ability to find peace, to play present, to let go of mistakes, to be grateful for the moment, even during that tough situation, those are all ways in which — if you are aware of them — you understand what it means to find God in all things,” he said. “Once you can be grateful for adversity in sport, you can extend that to other areas of your life.” Just as strength and conditioning coaches help athletes get in peak shape for competition, The Royal Way primes Scranton student-athletes for success on the field and in life.
The Royal Way When Scranton partnered with Davidson’s organization in 2014, it was out of a desire to integrate the University’s Jesuit 26
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
— Robert W. Davis Jr., Ed.D. ‘03
mission more deeply into the student-athlete experience. “There was a sense that athletics was operating in a vacuum and that the experience of our athletes was different than the general student body,” said Davis. “Our hope in this process was to create a department that improved the student-athlete experience across the board, which includes things like faith development, academic success and competitive success.” Enter Davidson, who Davis said, “cares deeply about Scranton and the work we were hoping to undertake. It also struck me that he had an authenticity about faith and spoke the language of athletics with credibility that student-athletes would relate to easily. He and Dave Martin have been the major reasons that this effort was embraced by coaches and student-athletes.” The work began with conversations and focus groups about the current culture in athletics, and what could be improved. Coaches, student-athletes, administrators, parents and alumni all took part. Then, within the department, leaders and student-athletes worked together to develop The Royal Way mission statement. Part of that process was determining how five distinctly Jesuit values factored into the student-athlete experience at Scranton: magis, cura personalis, men and women for others, finding God in all things and transformational love and justice. In addition to the conversations, IEE measured these concepts through anonymous surveys of each team, asking them to think collectively about how their entire team experiences these five values. From there, the data informs the programming supporting The Royal Way, whether it is leadership training for all student-athletes or something that focuses on a specific issue or weakness within one team, which could be anything from offering more service opportunities to confronting cliques or a
party culture. Davidson credits the entire athletic department and every coaching staff for engaging in a “time of great trust and soul searching” to create The Royal Way. And that knowledge and experience stems directly from his time as a student at Scranton, Davidson says. He was an English and philosophy major in the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts (SJLA) program, and says he uses concepts and lessons learned in the Scranton classroom in his work every day. “I have so much to be grateful for from Scranton. I used to joke that I was a ‘recovering academic,’ a cheesy way to get a laugh from the coaches I work with, until my old philosophy professor David Black told me I can’t be a recovering academic if I’m making my living on what I learned here as an English and philosophy major. I’m still an academic,” Davidson said. “At Scranton, I learned not just the philosophical ideas about virtue and character and culture or spiritual ideas, but also how to speak, how to write and how to be passionate about others and causes greater than yourself.”
More Than Just Wins and Losses Since implementing The Royal Way in late 2015, Scranton athletics is tallying wins on the field of play. But what’s happening off the scoreboard is equally important to Royals coaches and student-athletes. “It’s easy to judge athletics success in wins and losses. However, these results alone are not enough to judge the impact athletics has on student-athletes and their formation at Scranton,” Davis said. “The effort we’ve undertaken includes student-athletes having success on the field, but also focuses on their experience and ensures that they have balance in athletics, academics, faith and personal relationships. The results of striving for that balance have improved relationships among student-athletes, coaches and members of the community. Our student-athletes have become examples for living the mission of the University.”
Players can often be heard referencing The Royal Way on and off the field. After its implementation, Chase Standen ’18, a baseball player, wrote to coaches and his fellow athletes about the importance of reflection in “The Royal Way Sunday Playbook,” a method of communication used to inspire and encourage athletes from within the department on Sundays. “It is important to take a moment at the end of each week to reflect on the work that you have done in order to make changes to improve,” wrote Standen. One question he encouraged them to ask of themselves was: “Did I do everything I could to make my teammates better as individuals?” Coaches, like students, are learning a new game. Colleen Pivirotto, the head women’s soccer coach, has embraced The Royal Way. “As coaches, we are able to take concepts from The Royal Way and apply them to every day situations that happen at practices or games,” she said. “On our team, we talk about ‘finding optimal,’ a concept we learned through Royal Way programming. ‘Finding optimal’ means looking for the positives even in a challenging situation.” Davidson sees an opportunity for Jesuit schools to become leaders in bringing a focus on human development into intercollegiate athletics. Most coaches are trained and experts in their specific sport, but Davidson said that few college-level coaches receive the leadership and character training that is so important for coaching student-athletes as people, not just machines primed to win. “Too often, the competitive experience impoverishes the academic and spiritual experience, and it leaves young people broken, not fortified for life,” Davidson said. “So, I think that the Jesuit colleges and universities — who have always had a commitment to nurturing mind, body and soul — can really be the leaders in showing what it looks like for the rest of the NCAA.”
Read more about Davidson and from the “Sunday Playbook” at scranton.edu/journalextras.
SPRING 2019
27
Community Partnerships Bring Coursework to Life Community-Based Learning courses, now supported in part by the strategic plan and a new office, are “win-win” opportunities for students and the community.
28
Students are immersing themselves in the real world of environmental psychology, community health and consumer behavior, among dozens of other topics. They are in neighborhoods and downtown, interacting with residents and agency leaders and getting in the weeds, sometimes literally, to serve and reflect critically as part of their courses. This academic experience, which involves students working with individuals, groups or organizations in ways structured to meet community-defined needs is Community-Based Learning (CBL).
Community-Based Learning and is a faculty member in the So-
“Our University has an obligation to engage with the community that it sits in, that it benefits from,” said Meghan Ashlin Rich, Ph.D., who serves as faculty coordinator for the Office of
why this kind of experiential learning is important to their stu-
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
ciology, Criminal Justice, & Criminology Department. “In my own CBL courses, I want students to engage; I want them to be able to understand not just that their service is needed but why it is needed.” Dr. Rich said balance between what students need and what the community needs is crucial to a successful CBL course. Faculty members who teach CBL courses have different views on dents’ education, but they all agree that it has a real possibility of having a transformative effect on the student experience.
Kania School of Management professor Abhijit Roy, D.B.A. partnered with Scranton Tomorrow, a nonprofit, non-partisan community leadership and development organization, for his core marketing course on consumer behavior. “It’s a win-win situation for everybody,” said Dr. Roy. “It benefits the students because they apply what they learn in class to a real situation, and the client benefits by getting their help.” Thanks to seed money from the Strategic Initiatives Funding pool, the University’s Office of Community-Based Learning was created in fall 2017 to help better support faculty and more formally recognize this special academic activity. The office, which Logan Pisciotti ’19 discusses a project for Scranton Tomorrow with its executive director, Leslie Collins ’87, for his consumer behavior course taught by Abhijit Roy, D.B.A.
is supported by a board comprising faculty, staff and administrators representing academic, mission and community-related offices and departments, is also helping to determine more precisely the surrounding community’s needs. “We are proud to support Community-Based Learning efforts through Strategic Initiatives Funding, which at its heart is all about prioritizing and advancing innovative and impactful projects — the difference makers — like this collaborative office,” said Kate Yerkes, assistant provost for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness. According to a 2018 Economic and Community Impact Report, more than 100 Community-Based Learning classes were conducted at the University during the 2017-18 academic year alone. More than 60 faculty members from 16 academic departments engaged students in these courses in a variety of
Professors Partner with St. Joseph’s Center Joan Grossman, Ph.D. teaches in the Department of Exercise Science and Sport and organizes about 140 students a year to serve individuals with special needs at St. Joseph’s Center in Scranton. In addition to the coursework, she often has to teach students how to get the COLTS bus, sometimes the first time they will use local public transportation. “But I would never give it up. It’s so valuable for both the students and the patients.” This is her ninth year embedding CBL into her courses, and watching students with the patients is “such a rich and rewarding experience,” she said. “The first time I went, the students were putting bibs on these adults and wiping their mouths. Students are initially so apprehensive, but they quickly become comfortable. What St. Joseph’s has given back to our students — you can’t even put it into words.” Student Eamonn Hanrahan’s experience at St. Joseph’s is a prime example of how the University-community partnership can be mutually beneficial. He became comfortable working at the center during the semester, connecting with one resident in particular. In his reflection, Hanrahan wrote: “We became such good friends that, on my last Sunday there, the second he saw me, he reached his arm out to grab my hand, and he had a smile as wide as the Grand Canyon. It made me feel so special to be a part of something so amazing.” Students often tell Dr. Grossman that their experiential learning experience was profound, bringing them into contact with marginalized individuals. “The students begin to recognize that this is
Debra Fetherman, Ph.D. (front row, left) with her students at the St. Joseph’s Center Worksite Health Fair.
giving them a broader perspective of the community and world at large,” she said. Community Health Education students participated in a Community-Based Learning project serving the employees of St. Joseph’s Center. The project is part of a course led by Debra Fetherman, Ph.D., an associate professor and director of the community health education program. Students applied health communication methods and tools to promote health behavior change among employees. The students designed and implemented health promotion stations at the employee health fair, which focused on the health needs and interests of the center’s employees. “The students can read about the health communication techniques in the textbook and research or journal articles. I can provide case studies for them to analyze the communication strategies used,” Fetherman said. “But this kind of community project brings the course concepts to life. Students come to understand the value and role of their profession while they are serving others.”
SPRING 2019
29
“Our University has an obligation to engage with the community that it sits in, that it benefits from.” —Meghan Ashlin Rich, Ph.D., Faculty Coordinator, Office of Community-Based Learning
Writing in the Real World
community organizations working together have a multiplier effect,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen, chair of the Community-Based Learning Board. With an eye toward more faculty collaboration and support, the Office of Community-Based Learning ran an inaugural annual faculty workshop in summer 2018 that included cross-disciplinary conversations and presentations by community partners. Since its inception, the office has provided nine faculty mini-grants, engaged 65 faculty through seminars and events and is working on a University-wide CBL course designation that will help to spur even greater CBL activity. A Community Agency Workshop is planned in spring 2019, in collaboration with Campus Ministries’ Center for Service and Social Justice and the Office of Community and Government Relations, to bring area nonprofit and public sector organizations together to explore how they can work together through community-based learning and other forms of experiential learning.
Kim Pavlick, Ph.D. (front row, left) with students in her fall Newswriting course.
Several downtown businesses and students in a journalism course taught by communication professor Kim Pavlick, Ph.D., have benefited from a project partnership with the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Students interviewed and wrote feature articles about businesses, from a new ramen shop to Electric City Escape, for the Chamber website, giving businesses more press and visibility and the students writing and real-world interviewing experience. “You can’t teach journalism in a bubble,” Dr. Pavlick said. The newswriting project is not one that people often think of as a “service” experience, but, Community-Based Learning can involve both direct service with social service agencies and special projects that build capacity at a nonprofit, raise awareness or otherwise address a community need or issue.
activities related to their academic study and in collaboration with community partners. Community-Based Learning is a way for students to live out the University’s Jesuit and Catholic mission, what St. Ignatius of Loyola meant when he said, “Love is shown more in deeds than in words.” “These activities are bringing students face to face with challenges in our region, helping them to apply their skills and, most importantly, learn from community agencies long at work addressing such issues as poverty, education and economic revitalization. The collective efforts of our faculty, students and 30
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
Jesse Ergott, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania president, spoke at the recent faculty workshop about the real impact a partnership between a nonprofit and The University of Scranton can have on the community.
Wolfer Honors the Muddle A community commitment nearly always guarantees some disarray, but Loreen Wolfer, Ph.D., professor of sociology, criminal justice and criminology, is among those who welcome and honor the muddle, now being relieved, in part, by the new office. CBL “does get challenging, complicated and messy,” Dr. Wolfer said. But the real world itself is messy, which is perhaps why it’s an ideal place in which to apply otherwise esoteric classroom concepts. She has worked most closely in the past couple of years with Outreach — Center for Community Resources to make headway on recidivism intervention at the Lackawanna County Prison. High rates of relapse into criminal behavior have long been part of a complex problem in the criminal justice system. By designing surveys and extracting, coding and analyzing data, Dr. Wolfer and students in two of her methods and statistics classes have, in the past, helped the center to examine its offerings to determine whether they truly make sense for released prisoners. “Most students don’t think they’re going to be doing a lot of data collecting in their ‘real’ job,” Dr. Wolfer said, so CBL really works for these students. “It helps them see the utility of what they’re doing. It really drives home to students that what they’re doing will be used by a real agency.”
“Working with the University has really helped us to leverage expertise in a way that has helped us to build our program,” he said. “We did not start with the organization experience we needed, so this partnership really allowed us to avoid mistakes we would have made without it.”
Sustainable Behavior & Storytelling For her course on fostering sustainable behavior, Jessica Nolan, Ph.D., a psychology professor, partnered with The Greenhouse Project at Nay Aug Park, whose mission is to grow a “sustainable community through education, wholesome food and healthy active living.” To aid The Greenhouse Project in its mission, especially in increasing awareness of programs, the students first studied sustainable behavior, and then used tools associated with community-based social marketing. They were tasked with things such as designing an intervention message, setting up a booth at the Earth Day fair on campus and even selling plants. The project, said Dr. Nolan, resulted in her students’ “reflective thinking about their personal and civic responsibilities and involvements within their communities.” Other CBL courses that Dr. Nolan has taught have included her psychology of diversity students interviewing diverse members of the Scranton community, including Congolese refugees, building empathy and community between students and residents. After the interviews, students write stories about the community members lives in the first person. “We’ve done variations of this storytelling project. We’ve found that there is value in telling your story and hearing it,” said Dr. Nolan. “Not only is it effective in inducing empathy in students, it gives the community members a sense of being heard. We underestimate the power of being heard and telling our story to someone who is deeply listening.”
The Evolution of the Humanities Center Strategic Initiatives Funding has helped fund the Humanities Initiative, an idea that originated at a July 4 party in 2017 during a conversation between Adam Pratt, Ph.D., assistant professor of history, and Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy. A little more than a year later, with support from Brian Conniff, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, University President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., announced a more expansive endeavor — the Humanities Center. “One traditional aspect of the humanities that makes the need for such a center now is the degradation of civil discourse in our nation,” said Father Pilarz in his State of the University address in January. “The study of the humanities can pave the way for us to rediscover and engage in conversation around complex issues.” The Humanities Initiative has already provided research funding for students and sponsored programs. Hear from the faculty members whose mission it is to raise the profile and advance the study of the humanities at Scranton:
“From its beginnings in the 16th century, Jesuit education has been grounded deeply in the liberal arts, with a special emphasis on the humanities. With the Humanities Initiative, we are demonstrating some of the ways that this same tradition will distinguish our University in the future.” —Brian Conniff, Ph.D. dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Students from Jessica Nolan’s course on sustainable behavior stand around Jane Risse (center), director of The Greenhouse Project.
See more photos, hear about other projects, and read the stories from Dr. Pavlick’s journalism class at scranton.edu/journalextras.
“This is a faculty-led grassroots initiative to pool resources for the good of our disciplines, the good of our students, the good of the University and the good of the world.” —Adam Pratt, Ph.D. assistant professor of history
To continue reading The Evolution of the Humanities Center, turn to page 40. SPRING 2019
31
Pilgrim Travelers. Enlivened Educators. Faculty and staff follow in the footsteps of St. Ignatius and other important Jesuits to enrich their own lives and others. By Ryan Sheehan, Assistant Director, Jesuit Center
Faculty and staff at the Sanctuary of Loyola in Azpeitia, Spain.
32
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
This article originally appeared in the fall issue of Connections, published by the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.
In the later years of his life, St. Ignatius Loyola referred to himself as “the pilgrim” — as one on a lifelong quest for spiritual formation and fulfillment. His journey as a pilgrim traveler was deeply physical and spiritual. Ignatius’ spiritual pilgrimage began after he sustained serious injuries during the battle of Pamplona in 1521 and lasted until he took his final breath in Rome 30 plus years later. He never could have imagined how God’s transformative grace would change the course of the Church and the world as he sought to follow Christ more closely in his day-to-day life. Since the summer of 2017, the University’s Jesuit Center has taken groups of faculty and staff on the “Footsteps of Ignatius Pilgrimage” to Spain and Italy to visit the important sites in the life of St. Ignatius and other prominent Jesuits. The faculty and staff cohorts begin with a nine-month on-campus Ignatian Leadership Program, designed to prepare participants for the experience along the Camino Ignaciano — the path of St. Ignatius — from Bilbao, Spain, to Rome, Italy. “This journey broadened my knowledge about the founding of the Society of Jesus and was a rare combination of fascinating geography, aesthetic beauty, historical significance and, most important, provided a religious and spiritual context to what it is to be part of a Jesuit institution,” said Abhijit Roy, D.B.A., professor in the Management, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Department.
The Current-day Pilgrimage The Footsteps of Ignatius Pilgrimage is designed to offer University employees a truly unique experience: an opportunity to take part in an authentic religious pilgrimage. Prior to taking the first step on the Camino, participants are asked to
read seminal works on the early Jesuits and Ignatian Spirituality (The First Jesuits; The Autobiography of St. Ignatius Loyola; Men for Others) in order to prepare intellectually and spiritually for the journey. Once in Spain and Italy, we travel to the cities and locations venerated as sacred to the spiritual conversion and development of Ignatius and the Society of Jesus. The faculty and staff at Scranton have long dedicated themselves to our Jesuit and Catholic mission in order to provide our students with ongoing transformational educational experiences. Ours is a community rich in those committed to the values and ideals of Jesuit education and its founder, St. Ignatius. The opportunity to connect our vocations as educators to the very places that Ignatius lived continues to animate and enliven our understanding of our responsibility within this tradition. “While I have long been familiar with the history of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the opportunity to ‘walk in his footsteps’ and see first-hand the Loyola family castle, the cave at Manresa and the Virgin in Montserrat brought a new depth of meaning and understanding to that history and to my own connection to the Jesuit tradition,” said David Dzurec, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of History. “These experiences were made all the more powerful because I was able to share this pilgrimage with a group of colleagues who have become my friends.” Our pilgrimage begins where Ignatius began his: at Loyola Castle, the birthplace of Ignatius and, more significantly, the place of his conversion during his convalescence after the battle of Pamplona. From there, our groups travel to Oñati, To continue reading Pilgrim Travelers. Enlivened Educators.,turn to page 40.
“We are charged with bringing back our experiences and incorporating them into the life of our community so that we may enrich the lives of our students, and this University, and so that we may follow the example of St. Ignatius to become pilgrim travelers throughout our lives.” — Ryan Sheehan
The sanctuary of Montserrat where Ignatius surrendered his sword at the altar of Our Lady of Montserrat.
SPRING 2019
33
PROFILE: Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz ’89
Educating for the Future One alumnus draws on his experience at this University to lead another.
While Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz cherished his undergraduate years at The University of Scranton, he left with little intention of pursuing a career in academia. Life, though, had other plans for him. Last year, Pietruszkiewicz ’89, became the 24th president of the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana. The former government lawyer arrived there after serving as dean and professor of law at Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida. “So far, my time at Evansville has been fabulous. When they talk about Midwest values, it’s a true statement,” said Pietruszkiewicz, who moved there with his wife, Siobhan, and sons, Ryan and John. Pietruszkiewicz has no trouble citing some of the 2,500-student, Methodist-affiliated university’s recent accomplishments. Its accounting and finance programs are both nationally recognized, 96 percent of its students do internships before graduation, and its theater program claims Academy Award-winning actor Rami Malek, who played Queen front34
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
University of Evansville President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz ’89 getting to know some students in Ridgway University Center at Evansville.
man Freddie Mercury in the film Bohemian Rhapsody, among its esteemed alumni. In addition, Evansville has been designated an Ashoka Changemaker campus, thanks to its commitment to social justice and community outreach in the greater Evansville area, Pietruszkiewicz said. Evansville faculty and students have collaborated with government and nonprofit organizations on a number of projects, from looking for ways to combat Indiana’s high infant mortality rate to establishing micro-financing programs for women and minority entrepreneurs.
A Piece of Scranton Besides its purple colors, Evansville shares a lot in common with the University in terms of its ethos, Pietruszkiewicz said. “Even though we’re Methodist-affiliated, it’s much the same as the Jesuit model,” he said. “The University of Scranton played an enormous part in how I think about educating students for the future, both in terms of the classroom experience and
PROFILE: Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz ’89
in terms of educating the whole person. That solid liberal arts foundation really gets you to think about problem solving. That foundation has really carried me forward.” Pietruszkiewicz grew up just miles from the University in Throop, Pennsylvania. He went to Bishop O’Hara High School and developed a lifelong obsession with Revello’s Pizza in Old Forge — today, he often gets par-baked trays shipped to his home. At the University, Pietruszkiewicz studied accounting while playing on the golf team and working full time. One of his jobs was at the former Third National Bank, where his regular dealings with attorneys inspired him to pursue his law degree at another Jesuit institution — Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.
“I couldn’t think about a better way to practice law than to represent the citizens of the United States in litigation,” he said. As if his life wasn’t hectic enough already, he then received an offer to become an adjunct professor at George Mason University’s law school. “I got a call from the associate dean. He said, ‘Classes start in 10 days. Are you available to teach?’ I said, ‘Absolutely,’” Pietruszkiewicz said. “And I loved it. Had I said no to that, I wouldn’t have had a conversation with you as president of the University of Evansville.”
“The University of Scranton played an enormous part in how I think about educating students for the future, both in terms of the classroom experience and in terms of educating the whole person.”
Upon passing the bar, he went to work for the federal government, first at the Department of Education, then as a trial attorney in the Tax Division of the Department of Justice. In between, he also found time to pursue his master’s degree in taxation at yet another Jesuit institution — Georgetown University Law Center.
“It’s About the People” At the Justice Department, Pietruszkiewicz was assigned to the southern United States and spent a good part of his time jetting off to courtrooms in Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and Mississippi.
— Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz ’89
From there, he received an offer to teach full time at Louisiana State University’s law school. Six years into his tenure there, he became the school’s vice chancellor for business and financial affairs. Then came the dean’s job at Stetson, where he strengthened its enrollment management system, increased student diversity and grew its alumni and fundraising networks. And he still managed to teach. “And I will eventually teach at Evansville, too,” he said. “If I say it’s the most important thing we do, I ought to do it, too.” Currently, though, Pietruszkiewicz is still acquainting himself to the demands of his new job. He’s made it a point to be a highly visible part of campus life, whether he’s having lunch with students or filming his Purple Friday Wrap, a weekly video about campus happenings that he records using an iPhone and a selfie stick.
Pietruszkiewicz still wears purple. Here he is, standing, second row, far right, sporting UE purple, supporting UE’s annual Freshman Service Project. Kneeling in the front row, far right, is his wife, Siobhan, alongside volunteers and students at the Boys and Girls Club in the Evansville community.
“It’s important to me to make those connections on campus,” he said. “Ultimately, at the end of the day, it’s about the people, and the more time I spend outside of the office, the more I think I’m doing the job the right way.” “So far, the University of Evansville has been a great fit for my family and me,” he added. “It feels like home.” SPRING 2019
35
PROFILE: Jennifer Kelly Dominiquini ’93
Leading Innovation A marketing executive strategizes for top brands such as Crayola, all with an eye toward “making the world a better and brighter place.”
To most, innovation may seem like an ephemeral quality, some fleeting spark of inspiration exchanged between the apple and Newton. Those people, however, probably haven’t met Jennifer Kelly Dominiquini ’93, the chief marketing and digital sales officer at BBVA Compass who has made a career out of leading innovation during moments of disruption. “My career has always been about helping companies go through a transformation as the world is disrupting around us,” the Sugar Land, Texas, resident said. Most recently, she helped lead BBVA Compass’ foray into the financial industry’s ongoing digital wave by incorporating an agile mindset and methodology into its culture and relying more heavily on digital channels such as SEM, SEO, programmatic display, email and affiliate marketing. The strategy has led 36
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
to a transformative marketing plan that focuses not only on strategic partnerships, but also on promoting digital capabilities to help people take better control of their financial lives. How does one lead innovation? According to Dominiquini, it involves questioning a company’s orthodoxies, focusing on its strengths and expanding it into new territory. For instance, she helped Crayola get into the toy market by combining its reputation for artistry with restaurant “glow board” technology. She also helped Best Buy see how its then-newly acquired Geek Squad could add value to its customers’ experiences. “I’ve always believed that industries and companies that don’t disrupt themselves are going to be disrupted by someone else,” she said.
PROFILE: Jennifer Kelly Dominiquini ’93
Expanding into New Territory Throughout her life, Dominiquini has kept herself open to new, transformative experiences. While growing up in Westchester County, New York, she was inspired to travel internationally by her father, who traveled often to South America as a commodities trader, and by her mother, who taught school in the Bronx to children from many diverse backgrounds and cultures. “I got the international bug very early on because of my family background,” she said. When researching colleges, Dominiquini visited several Jesuit universities, but something clicked for her when she first came to Scranton.
“Believing in people inspires me to give back, because people make the world a better and brighter place.”
— Jennifer Kelly Dominiquini ’93
“I felt such a warm welcome,” she said. “I saw the hills and pretty much fell in love.” At Scranton, Dominiquini joined the Debate Team, ran Cross Country, covered sports for The Aquinas and participated in Campus Ministries while double-majoring in international studies and Spanish. During her senior year, she interned at Monitor Group, who hired her as a strategy consultant and sent her to Colombia. She spent the following year as a Fulbright Scholar in Uruguay. At the end of that year, she backpacked across Latin America and met her future husband, Daniel Dominiquini, a Brazilian, on the Inca Trail. When she returned to Monitor, the company sent her to Brazil, which gave her relationship with Daniel the chance to flourish. In Brazil, Dominiquini eventually left Monitor and co-founded Solutions For Business, which offered English, Spanish and Portuguese training and strategy solutions to its clients. Afterward, she began working in innovation consultancy at Strategos, first
Jennifer Kelly Dominiquini ’93 pauses for a picture while riding across the state of Wisconsin with the Pursuit Ride, a cross-country ride that raised $13.5 million for The Center, a non-profit organization that serves adults with disabilities.
in Brazil, and then in Chicago, where she earned her MBA at The University of Chicago. Next, she worked at Prophet, a global brand consultancy. She then went on to Sears Holdings Corporation, where she became the chief marketing officer (CMO) for the Sears and Kmart Seasonal Division, and later, the Toys, Fitness and Sporting Goods Business Units. She then became CMO of Evite and BuySeasons, and, soon after, began working in her current role at BBVA Compass. All the while, Dominiquini’s focus on the big picture allowed her to see the places where the little picture could use a touch-up. “Having the ability to work across many industries allowed me to see that there are patterns,” she said. Today, the mother of two uses that same macro focus to assist her fellow CMOs as co-president of the CMO Club Houston Chapter and by serving as a board member at The Center, a nonprofit organization that serves adults with disabilities. In 2016, she rode her bicycle across the state of Wisconsin as part of the Pursuit Ride, which raised much-needed funds for The Center. “Believing in people inspires me to give back, because people make the world a better and brighter place.” Dominiquini said. “That’s definitely something I learned when I was at the University. “Everybody, it seems, at The University of Scranton cares about each other, and I think that’s something that I’ve taken away as my M.O. for life.” SPRING 2019
37
PROFILE: Marty Holleran ’64
The Determined Mentor A CEO transforms tragedy into resolve, documenting the highlights in his recent memoir.
In his senior year at Scranton, Marty Holleran walked into a small conference room in the Estate to face five Jesuits for an oral philosophy exam. An engineering major, he learned the technical skills that would take him to General Electric (GE), where he eventually led numerous operating divisions. But back then, in 1964, long before his successes in business, his task was to discuss the ambiguities of philosophical thought. He was confident with numbers and data, but not this. This was daunting. “That particular exam scared the bejesus out of me,” said Holleran ’64, one for Irish exclamations. “But it helped me. You come out of Scranton as a well-rounded person, not just a technician.” Holleran learned that with hard work and a bit of humor, he could succeed. His tenacity helped him to survive hardships down the line and come out the other side to call his life “well lived.” In fact, Well Lived is the title of his recent memoir, in which he details everything from his aspirations to become a singer to the founding of the Children’s Pompe Foundation. He set out to write the memoir for his family, “a bit of heritage,” he said, but the book, which also covers his broad career in business, is now inspiring others thanks to its message of resilience.
Transforming Tragedy Holleran grew up in Scranton. His house, he said, was often full of his Irish relatives, some of whom stayed for long periods of time. He remembers his mother teaching a couple of critical lessons during those hectic years. 38
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
“She said, ‘Marty, I’m going to give you two gifts in your life. The first is my love because that’s free. The second is the gift of self-confidence. You’ll sing and dance. We’ll do anything to get you up on the stage in front of people. That’s going to be a gift that will help you the rest of your life.’ And it did,” he said. Holleran dreamed of becoming a professional singer, but his father convinced him to apply to college so he would have a “backup plan.” After he was initially rejected from Scranton, Holleran lobbied the dean of admissions for a spot in the class. He was accepted on probation; the tenuous nature of his acceptance inspired him further. Nevertheless, he was stressed about his grades during his freshman year. Still in his family home at the end of his first semester, his mother stopped into his room to tell him how he’d done — he’d made the dean’s list, she said. It was one of the last things she said to him. She died later that day. His mother’s death weighed heavily on the family. Soon after, they were forced out of their home and into public housing. Holleran helped take care of his younger brothers during his remaining years in college. “I was more determined because of that tragedy,” he said. “We all were.” After obtaining his master’s degree in electrical engineering, he went on active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He was stationed stateside and, among other duties, was assigned the task of informing parents that their sons were killed in action.
PROFILE: Marty Holleran ’64
“I grew up big time in my 20s, telling parents that their sons died,” he recalled. “It put real life in perspective and propelled me forward in my professional career.”
Holleran and his family.
Having “grown up,” he began working at GE and, including an assignment on the Presidential Executive Interchange Program, sponsored by the White House, spent 10 years in engineering and manufacturing roles before he moved into marketing and sales positions, which led to senior management positions. Later in life, when his infant grandchildren, Megan and Patrick Crowley, were given three months to live after receiving a diagnosis of a rare disease called Pompe, he knew he’d again have to ward off tragedy with determination. As detailed in a 2010 movie called Extraordinary Measures starring Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser, the Crowley and Holleran family fought back. Holleran and his son-in-law, John Crowley, founded the Children’s Pompe Foundation, which funded a company eventually bought by Genzyme, which developed the life-saving, federally approved drug for the disease. Megan and Patrick are now in their early 20s, and Megan attends The University of Notre Dame.
“In addition to your chosen field of study, a Jesuit education exposes you to religion, history, philosophy, foreign languages, etc. These are things you will never forget as you go through your life.”
— Marty Holleran ’64
“When you are faced with a tragedy such as Pompe, you either go in a corner and cry, or you get so angry you do something about it. And then you end up moving mountains,” said Holleran. “You are often reminded that life is delicate, but you gotta get through it. You can’t let it tear you apart.”
perienced CEOs as mentors with new CEOs or C-suite executives, helping them and their teams “lead more effective lives and build more successful businesses.” So far, he has mentored 15 CEOs. When he mentors a client, he gets to know them during a two-and-a-half-day retreat to discuss everything from strategy to business. He gets started by asking the client to create a “lifeline” by plotting the degrees of their happiness and sadness over their lives on a chart. “The chart usually ends up with a sine curve,” he said. “And when they begin to talk about those highs and lows, they often won’t stop. It’s very powerful.” Effective storytelling is also important in creating deep connections, said Holleran, which is why his personal story is not off limits. “There’s no mystery to mentoring,” he said. “When you tell your story honestly, that leads to an in-depth discussion. You don’t preach. It’s not a religious thing. This is a real discussion about your life and your business, and it leads to significant improvements going forward.” Writing his own story helped him reflect on how his Jesuit education helped him along the way. “In addition to your chosen field of study, a Jesuit education exposes you to religion, history, philosophy, foreign languages, etc. These are things you will never forget as you go through your life. It’s the secret sauce of a Jesuit education.”
Telling the Story Holleran hands out personal and professional advice at every turn, including, “There’s no substitute for hard work — you work your tail off. If you do, you’re going to succeed; if you don’t, you’re going to wander.” It is just this sort of advice that makes Holleran the ideal mentor to CEOs and other top executives. After more than three decades in CEO and other top executive positions at GE and other companies, he joined Merryck & Co., which matches ex-
Holleran (right) with his brother Charles ’67 (left) and Bernard McIlhenny, S.J. (center), at the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick’s Dinner. SPRING 2019
39
The Evolution of the Humanities Center continued from page 31
“The humanities has been very central to Ignatian pedagogy. And now that we’ve put a lot of infrastructure into things like preprofessional programs, we should also think about the Scranton difference.” —Hank Willenbrink, Ph.D. associate professor, director of the theatre program “Because we live in a democratic society, we need citizens who have a robust understanding of history, ethical principles, what it means to live in a democracy, to be able to empathize with others, see things from different perspectives, to be able to talk sensibly about difficult things. I think that’s exactly what the humanities do.” —Matthew Meyer, Ph.D. associate professor of philosophy In addition to the above, other faculty members leading the Humanities Initiative are Maria Johnson, Ph.D. (theology), Aiala Levy, Ph.D. (history), Susan Méndez, Ph.D. (English & theatre and Latin American & women’s studies) and Joel Kemp, Ph.D. (theology).
“The next piece of this is to get our alumni involved. We are inviting alumni from the humanities majors to come back to speak to our students about what they’re doing now.” —Yamile Silva, Ph.D. associate professor of world languages & cultures
“Amongst the many things we’re doing, one of the things we’re doing is to reach out to the students and try to bring them together around this Humanities Initiative as well and to support them in a variety of ways, including research. We also want to give them a forum to see what the humanities are doing and what the possibilities are for them.” —Andrew LaZella, Ph.D. associate professor of philosophy Stay tuned for more news about the Humanities Center in future issues of The Scranton Journal and email humanities@scranton.edu to share how your humanities degree has benefited you.
Pilgrim Travelers. Enlightened Educators. continued from page 33
to Our Lady of Arantzazu, where Ignatius vowed chastity and resolved to go to the Holy Land. The next stops are the castle of St. Francis Xavier, the cave in Manresa where Ignatius drafted The Spiritual Exercises, and the sanctuary at Montserrat where Ignatius surrendered his sword at the altar of Our Lady of Montserrat. Traveling to Rome for the final leg of the journey, our pilgrims visit the first offices where Ignatius directed the fledgling Society of Jesus and the room where he took his final breath. Day trips to St. Peter’s and the Vatican are also a highlight as are our visits to the Church of the Gesù, known as the mother church of the Jesuits.
A Spiritual Journey The pilgrimage is more than the sum of its sites, and the spiritual and intellectual fulfillment that it brings. The journey from Scranton to Spain and Rome is an opportunity to experience a profound personal and spiritual journey with colleagues and friends. We travel together, we cry together, we pray together 40
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
and, more than any of these things, we enjoy each other and have great conversations filled with much laughter and joy. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get to know those we labor with every day on such a deeply personal and intimate level. “The pilgrimage allowed me to develop relationships with colleagues I had not previously been in contact with,” said Teresa Grettano, Ph.D., associate professor of English and theatre. “I could write something beautiful about every person we were with on the pilgrimage. Witnessing someone’s faith is a level of intimacy we generally do not get while preparing for classes or serving on committees.” Those who undergo the journey are tasked with a significant responsibility. We are charged with bringing back our experiences and incorporating them into the life of our community so that we may enrich the lives of our students, and this University, and so that we may follow the example of St. Ignatius to become pilgrim travelers throughout our lives. Find more photos at scranton.edu/journalextras.
Class notes included in this edition were submitted prior to January 8, 2019. To submit your own news or see additional class notes, visit scranton.edu/classnotes.
Milestones
ClassNotes
Names in Gold indicate alumnus/alumna is celebrating his/her reunion year.
The Rev. Myron Zuder, Ph.D. ’58, Akron, Ohio, celebrated 50 years as pastor of St. Mary Dormition Orthodox Church in Akron. He also celebrated 56 years of ordination and marriage to his wife, Dolores. William Kiehl, Ph.D. ’67, Mountville, was appointed a trustee of Wilson College, Chambersburg. Barry Kelly ’74, Drexel Hill, received the State of New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal in honor of his 4th great-grandfather, Revolutionary War Veteran Rem Corson. Ernest Kollra ’75, Plantation, Florida, was elected to a full six-year term on the circuit court for Broward County, Florida, on Aug. 28, 2018. Judge Kollra, who was appointed to the bench in 2016 by Florida Governor Rick Scott, sits in the felony trial division and presides in Fort Lauderdale. Ronald Collins ’77, Washington, D.C., was reelected to a two-year term on Nov. 6, 2018, as an advisory neighborhood commissioner (ANC) in the District of Columbia, representing the Southwest, Navy Yard and Buzzard Point neighborhoods. ANC commissioners have the responsibility of considering zoning, development projects, Alcohol Beverage Control licensing, public safety, transportation and public works matters in their neighborhoods. Robert Mancuso ’80, G’83, Dunmore, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Wayne Bank, was recognized by the Pennsylvania Bankers Association for his 40 years of service to the banking industry. Mancuso has served the banking industry in various executive leadership roles for four decades. Albert Russo ’80, Pottersville, New Jersey, and Thomas Schaible ’80, Oldwick, New Jersey, marked the 30th anniversary of their business partnership (and 42 years of friendship) in September 2018, with a trip to Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast of Italy with their wives, Susan and Laura, respectively. Schaible Russo Financial provides comprehensive financial planning and investment advisory services to clients across the country and is based in Whitehouse, New Jersey. Paul J. Cooper ’82, White Mills, was among the 11 men ordained to the permanent diaconate Nov. 25, 2017, by his excellence Bishop Joseph Bambera, Diocese of Scranton. Cooper was
Graduates of the Class of 1984 attend the New York Yankees vs. Chicago White Sox game on Aug. 29, 2018. Back row, from left: Dan Tomlin ’84, Craig Boyle ’84, Pete Cassidy ’84, Tim McKenna ’84, Tom Ardiff ’84. Front row, from left: Kevin Lanahan ’84 and Jim Hotchkiss ’83.
also honored for his 30 years of service as a PIAA sports official on Aug. 4 at the PIAA annual convention in Harrisburg. Phillip Dunn ’84, Cary, North Carolina, completed a successful summit to Everest Base Camp in April 2018, which raised funds for charity. This was Dunn’s second successful summit within two years. In August 2016, he summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Thomas Shields, Ph.D. ’90, became the associate dean for Academic and Student Affairs in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies at the University of Richmond. Shields is also the chair of Graduate Education and associate professor in Education and Leadership Studies at the University. Dominique Ponzio Bernardo ’93, King of Prussia, has joined Variety Children’s Charity as its new CEO. Variety Children’s Charity is a nonprofit in Montgomery County with a mission to enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities through social, educational and vocational programs that
nurture independence and self-confidence while preparing them for life. Matthew L. Davidson, Ph.D. ’93, Fayetteville, New York, along with Robert W. Davis, Ed.D. ’03, had an article, “Sport at the Service of Human Development: Distinctly Jesuit Athletics,” published in the Jesuit Higher Education: A Journal. The article describes the underlying theory and practice of a Distinctly Jesuit Approach to Athletics, which was represented at the 2016 Vatican Conference, Sport at the Service of Humanity. The approach has been developed and implemented in a collaboration between the Institute for Excellence & Ethics (IEE) and the athletics departments at Le Moyne College and The University of Scranton. (Read more on page 25.) Paul B. Matey ’93, West Caldwell, New Jersey, has joined the law firm of Lowenstein Sandler LLP in Roseland as a partner. Matey has also been nominated by President Trump to serve as a circuit judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. SPRING 2019
41
Class Notes
Milestones continued Erin O’Malley ’94, G’97, Reston, Virginia, has accepted the role of principal at St. Theresa Elementary/Middle School in Ashburn, Virginia, after serving as dean of Student Services for the last seven years at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, Virginia. Vincent Carsillo, D.O. ’95, Slingerlands, New York, the managing partner of Capital District Renal Physicians, has opened his second dialysis unit in the Capital District of Upstate New York. Brendan Curry ’95, Fairfax, Virginia, was appointed as chief of Washington Operations at The Planetary Society, the world’s largest independent, nonprofit space interest organization. Curry brings nearly 20 years of
space policy experience to the new role. Prior to joining The Planetary Society, Curry served as vice president of Washington Operations at the Space Foundation, where he interfaced with industry executives, officials in the White House, NASA, the Department of Defense, the National Reconnaissance Office, the State Department, Commerce Department and other officials in the Executive Branch departments. He continues to work with Congress as well as international space officials. Mary Doyle Troy, Ph.D. ’95, G’06, Dunmore, earned her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision in August 2018 from Regent University. Dr. Troy is an assistant professor in the Department of Counseling & Human Services at The University of Scranton.
Members of the Class of 1997 play the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Birmingham, Alabama. From left: Brian Farrell ’97, Joe Portman ’97, John Tierney ’97, Peter Kelly ’97, John Mooney ’97, Mike Lessig ’97 and Matt Grum ’97.
Christy Marshall Silva ’96, Downingtown, was awarded the National Honoree for L’Oréal Paris USA 2018 Women of Worth at a gala in New York City in December 2018. Silva formed Aidan’s Heart Foundation (AHF) after the unexpected death of her son, Aiden Joseph Silva, in 2010 to protect young hearts from sudden cardiac arrest. AHF works to create a culture of lifesavers and its biggest achievements to date are the number of hearts it has screened, the number of AEDs it has installed and the number of children it has taught CPR and AED skills. Mari Andres Duncan, Ph.D. ’97, Arlington, Texas, earned a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership and policy studies from The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Duncan currently serves as the director of Apartment & Residence Life at UTA. As director, she is responsible for the student, staff and community development of the oncampus housing communities. This includes professional and student staff recruitment and training, programming, budget oversight and student success. UTA has a global enrollment of more than 58,000 and more than 180 degree programs with 10,000 students living on or adjacent to campus. Adelaide Riggi ’97, Bridgewater, New Jersey, a partner at Snyder Sarno D’Aniello Maceri & da Costa, LLC, was inducted as the Somerset County Bar Foundation’s new chair for 201819. Riggi was honored and recognized for her dedication to the Foundation and the Somerset County community-at-large, as well as her legal expertise. Thomas Venditti ’01, Ephrata, completed the 2018 Nancy Bacher Long PR Institute, a public relations intensive program held by the Public Relations Society of America’s Philadelphia chapter. Venditti was a member of the winning team, which designed a new public relations plan for Ralston My Way, a homecare nonprofit serving residents in Northwest Philadelphia. Rachel Trommelen Wellons, DPT ’02, G’03, New Orleans, Louisiana, was promoted to associate professor of Physical Therapy at Louisiana State University Health Center in New Orleans. Wellons’s teaching and research focus is neurologic physical therapy.
Pre-Dental Graduates of The University of Scranton and senior members of the School’s Health Professions Organization are recognized for their academic achievements at a career night hosted on May 4, 2018, by Dr. John Evanish III P’18, president and CEO, Horizon Dental Care. Students enjoyed a dinner presentation by six local doctors on planning their dental school education and career in dentistry after graduation. Pictured, from left: Dr. Mark Hellinski, Dr. Niranjan Desai, Babak Alipour ’20, Dr. Victoria Lombardo ’11, Alexandra Peck, A.J. Knott ’18, Krista Flanagan ’18, Evan Evanish ’18, Kerim Kerimoglu ’20, Dr. Jack Lawrence, Maura Burns ’18, Dr. James Sailus and Dr. John Evanish III P’18; Kathleen Blozusky ’21 and Dr. Todd Habeeb ’85 attended but were not in the photo.
42
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
Mary Wozny ’02, Delray Beach, Florida, participated in Miami University’s Earth Expeditions global field course in Namibia in the summer of 2018. Wozny studied ongoing research projects such as radio tracking, cheetah conservation and ecosystem management, as well as the design of school and community programs
Class Notes Members of the Class of 2000, including Sarah McDermott ’00, Elizabeth Murphy ’00, Alexandra (Abboud) Miller ’00, Anne Marie Mulcahy, J.D. ’00, Kelly (Taylor) Wheeler ’00, Delight (Wilson) Balducci, Esq. ’00, Matthew DeNinno ’00, Joseph Balducci ’00, Mark McDonald ’00 and Adam Minakowski ’00, along with their spouses and children, celebrate their 40th birthdays and 22 years of friendship during a visit to the Poconos. “As Father Pilarz once said, ‘Don’t waste love ... dance at one another’s weddings. Stand as Godparents for each other’s children.’ We have, over the last 22 years, lived this. Through all the things that life brought and all the miles between us, we made it to here, our 40th birthdays, and this glorious weekend together. As the dedication on the DeNaples Center reads, ‘Not where I breathe, but where I love, I live.’”
Several Royals recently attended the Patrick’s Pals Golf Outing in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, to support Patrick’s Pals Foundation, a nonprofit foundation started by Jim Conmy ’90 and Kerry Cosgrove Conmy ’90, which provides equipment and therapies for children with multiple disabilities to function on a daily basis. Pictured, from left: Will Waldron ’90, Drew Mackenzie, Joe Tone ’90, John Isola ’90, Joe Hanlon ’90, Mark Chegwidden ’90, Sue Considine Chegwidden ’90 and Chris Russo ’90 enjoy a moment together at the outing. (For more information on Patrick’s Pals Foundation, see page 20.)
in Namibia. Wozny is a science teacher and department chair at American Heritage School Boca Delray. Lindsay Menasco ’05, Amherst, New York, has joined the Corporate and Securities Practice of the firm Hodgson Russ LLP as a senior associate. Menasco will focus her practice on education law, special education law, and labor and equipment law in the firm’s Buffalo, New York office. Jason Shrive ’06, Scranton, was recently hired as a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor in the Sociology, Criminal Justice and Criminology Department at The University of Scranton commencing fall 2018 semester, having previously served as an adjunct professor from
2016-18. Shrive is also serving as the University’s Mock Trial Team Faculty Advisor. Shrive is an attorney and will be maintaining his private law firm, Shrive Law, LLC, in Scranton, on a part-time basis, where he will practice primarily in criminal defense law. Thomas Umile, Ph.D. ’06, G’06, Philadelphia, joined the faculty of Villanova University as an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry. Brian Patchcoski ’08, State College, was sworn in as a commissioner for the governor’s office in Pennsylvania for the newly established Commission on LGBTQ affairs. Thomas Churilla, M.D. ’09, Roaring Brook, completed his residency in radiation oncology
Rebecca Guenther ’06 and Eileen Carmody Cramer ’91 show their Scranton pride at Lawrence Middle School, New Jersey, on College Sweatshirt Day.
at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia and is practicing medicine at Northeast Radiation Oncology Centers in Dunmore. Gina M. Noia, Ph.D. ’10, Ave Maria, Florida, received her Ph.D. in theology and health care ethics from Saint Louis University. Dr. Noia is now an assistant professor of theology at Ave Maria University. Tara Gramigna Churilla, D.O. ’11, Roaring Brook, completed her pediatrics residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and is now practicing medicine at Pediatric Associates of Kingston. Joseph Scotchlas ’11, Largo, Florida, was promoted to assistant healthcare director, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System in Bay Pines, Florida. SPRING 2019
43
Class Notes
Marriages Krista Sadowski ‘08 to William Centeno Paul Biagioli ’09 to Rebecca Smith ’13 Paul Boye ’09 to Kerry O’Connor Matthew Schwind ’11 to Karen Eschmann ’11 Kaity Tirney ’11 to Bill Bornaschella ’11 Rebecca Walsh ’11 to Joseph Tafaro ’11 Ashley Chandler ’12 to Gregory Lyons ’14 Gerard Ford ’12 to Colleen O’Brien ’13, G’14
Kimberly Hosgood ’12 to Michael Martin ’12 Kathleen Lavelle ’12 to Dennis Mishko ’12 Frantz Lucien Jr. ’12 to Meagan Molina ’13 Katherine Pisano ’12 to Richard Corbett ’12 Briann Lafty ’13 to Robert Scirocco ’13 Shannon Lavelle ’13 to Brewster Tisson Christine Moleti ’13, DPT ’16 to Bobby Della Polla ’13, G’14
Grace Nebzydoski, V.M.D. ’13 to Joseph Mastroianni, V.M.D. ’14 Dave Savino ’13 to Cassie Doheny ’14 Anastasia Zygmunt ’13, G’15 to Gregory Mooney ’13 Andrew Gentilucci ’14 to Olivia Wynn ’15 Samantha Heck ’14 to Adam Bogumil
Olivia Wynn ’15 and Andrew Gentilucci ’14 were married on Aug. 3, 2018, surrounded by family and friends. Pictured is the bride’s sister, Kirsten O’Reilly ’22, and Scranton alumni Will Dempsey ’14, Biren Desai ’14, Melissa Desoto ’14, Thomas Kern ’11, Lauren Prinzing ’14, Tyler Fenstermaker ’14, Melissa Fedor ’14, Kate Lajeunesse ’15, Mark O’Malia ’14, Christopher Kustera ’15, Benjamin Turcea ’15, Kevin Prendergast ’15, Layne Mertz ’15, Claire Murphy ’15, Greg Carman ’15, Erin Seiter ’15, Daniel Gleason ’14, Dayton Beasley ’15, Peter Alexander ’14, Scott Holdren ’14, Eric Paone-Hurd ’14, Antonelle Tuazon ’14, Michelle D’Souza ’14, Caroline Dress ’14, James Walsh ’15, Mary Longest ’15, Emily O’Connor ’15, Brigid Campbell ’15, Lindsay Holdren ’14, Katherine Prizeman ’08, Catherine Thurston ’15, Natalie Gower ’14, Jillian Rifkin ’15 and Katie Greene ’15.
Scranton alumni from the Classes of 1978, 1985 and 2011 surround Becky Walsh ’11 and Joe Tafaro ’11 at their Aug. 4, 2018, wedding.
44
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
Briann Lafty ’13 married Robert Scirocco ’13 on Aug. 10, 2018, at St. Katherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church in Philadelphia. Scranton alumni were among the couple’s family and friends, who celebrated their union at the Northampton Valley Country Club.
Class Notes Ashley Chandler ’12 and Gregory Lyons ’14 were married on July 14, 2018, at Windows on the Water in Sea Bright, New Jersey. The couple met during Scranton intersession in 2011. They celebrated with their lifelong Scranton friends.
Kaity Tirney ’11 and Bill Bornaschella ’11 were married in Philadelphia on June 2, 2018. They celebrated with many of their best Scranton friends.
Meagan Molina ’13 and Frantz Lucien Jr. ’12 were married on March 18, 2018.
Scranton alumni attended the wedding of Katherine Pisano ’12 and Richard Corbett ’12. Pictured, from left: Allison Gormly ’12, Janice Thompson ’91, Corrissa Doda ’12, Thomas Schick ’12, Kyle Gittleson ’12, Greg Buron ’12, Katherine Pisano ’12, Richard Corbett ’12, Matthew Terry ’12, Jarek Ogorzalek ’14, Christopher Corbett ’17, Anthony Manzi ’12, Stephen Corbett ’15, Minnel Meglioranza ’12 and Patrick Cefalu ’11.
Cassie Doheny ’14 married Dave Savino ’13 on Oct. 13, 2018.
On Sept. 1, 2018, Dennis L. Mishko ’12 and Kathleen K. Lavelle ’12 celebrated their marriage surrounded by alumni and staff of The University of Scranton.
SPRING 2019
45
Class Notes 46
Grace Nebzydoski, V.M.D. ’13 and Joseph Mastroianni, V.M.D. ’14 were married on Oct. 13, 2018, in Madonna della Strada Chapel by the Rev. Timothy Cadigan, S.J. Many Scranton alumni were in attendance. Front row, from left: Andrew Nebzydoski, V.M.D. ’77, Joseph Nebzydoski, V.M.D. ’74, G’77, Sara Memoli ’14, Antonelle Tuazon ’14, Thomas Kern ’11, Cariann Vialva ’14, Michelle D’Souza, M.D. ’14, Robby Ondevilla ’14, DPT ’17, Erin McPeak ’14, Joseph Mastroianni, V.M.D. ’14, Grace Nebzydoski, V.M.D. ’13, Lucie Henry, D.O. ’13, Heather Dein, D.V.M. ’08 and Brian Spinelli ’96. Middle row, from left: Sarah Vassallo, V.M.D. ’07, Emily Nebzydoski, M.D. ’09, Patrick Kelly, V.M.D. ’06, Kevin Kucharski, D.O. ’14, Sara Krogulski ’14, Kevin A. Kucharski ’85, Melissa Chiarelli, D.O. ’01, Audrey Nebzydoski ’99, Tyler Fenstermaker ’14, Biren Desai, D.O. ’14, Beth Spinelli, V.M.D. ’98 and Bobbi Kelly ’06. Back row, from left: Dan Nebzydoski ’02, Thomas Nebzydoski ’79, John Nebzydoski ’10, G’12, Ashley Nebzydoski ’12, Kathryn Pisarcik, D.O. ’10, Matthew Nebzydoski G’12, Christopher Nebzydoski ’12, G’14, Thomas Nebzydoski, V.M.D. ’07, and Mark Nebzydoski, Ph.D. ’98, G’00.
Legacy couple Anastasia Zygmunt ’13, G’15 and Gregory Mooney ’13 were married on Nov. 3, 2018, in Scranton. The bride is the daughter of Elizabeth (Casey) ’87 and Stan Zygmunt ’84, G’95 and the granddaughter of the late Thomas Casey ’51. The groom is the son of Mary Ann and Charlie Mooney ’83. Scranton alumni attending the wedding included: Daniel Mooney ’10, Alexander Zygmunt, M.D. ’12, Alexa Mahalidge ’13, Jaclyn (Henry) Hudacek ’12, DPT ’15, Charles Hudacek ’14, David Bright ’12, Tom Casey ’99, Morgan (Mayenschein) Caviston ’12, Ryan Caviston ’14, Julia Chaplin ’13, G’16, Caroline Connors ’12, Matthew Kane ’13, Beverly (Zygmunt) Kawalski ’84, Tom Kroll ’73, Anthony Lacertoso ’80, Jennifer (Telesco) Loftus ’01, Matthew Loftus ’98, Aria Mooney ’18, Patricia (Mooney) Petula ’94, Justin Rattino ’13, Cory Sabato ’11, Jessica (Hodovanoc) Sabato ’08, G11, Mark Sabato ’06, Emily Sheehan ’20, John Sheehan ’13, Dave Slattery ’13, Sarah Sweda ’12, Tara (Trauger) Walsh ’00, G’02, G’04 and Devin Harvan.
Colleen O’ Brien ’13, G’14 and Gerard Ford ’12 were married on Nov. 25, 2017, in Malverne, New York. They shared their wedding day with many of their closest University of Scranton friends. Pictured: Erin Serkes ’13, Jenna Syverson ’13, John Hogan ’12, Molly Hogan ’13, Sean Coleman ’12, Amy Oakley ’13, Bobby Della Polla ’13, Christine Della Polla ’13, Maggie Daly ’13, Gretchen Kempf ’13, Kerry Callahan ’13, Meg Dolan ’13, Brooke Leonard ’14, Jordan Leonard ’12, Megan McCarthy ’13, Joseph Daly ’13, Stephen Stark ’12, Joseph Nagy ’12, Tim O’Connor ’12, Devin Avellino ’12, John Avellino ’12, Jack Flynn ’12, Jenna Caserta ’12 and Capt. Michael Horan ’12 (the best man).
Michael Martin ’12 and Kimberly Hosgood Martin ‘12 were married on Sept. 15, 2018, in Collegeville. Pictured are Scranton alumni and friends: Steven Scrivo ’12, Margie Kessler ‘12, Bobby Patches ‘14, Patrick Cassidy ‘13, Molly Furlan ’13, Matthew Grillo ‘12, Adam Gault ‘12, Peter Silvestri ‘12, John Hogan ‘12, Kevin Williams ‘12, Nick Martin ‘14, David Hopp ’12, Michael Martin ’12, Kimberly (Hosgood) Martin ’12, Andrew Kluger ’12, Emily Andrews ’12, Michael Joachim ’11, Stefanie (Crosta) Tasco ’12, Anthony Tasco ’12, Andrew Kelly ’12, Veronica Dress ’12, Meghan (Fleming) Joachim ’12, Kathleen Kardos ’12, Sarah (Gibbons) Olechna 13 and Jimmy Olechna ’12.
Christine Moleti ’13, DPT ’16 married Bobby Della Polla ’13, G’14 on June 23, 2018, at St. Matthew’s Parish in Conshohocken.
Shannon Lavelle ’13 married Brewster Tisson with many Scranton alumni from the Classes of 2012 and 2013 in attendance. Pictured are: Maureen Lee ’13, Jen Bullis ’13, Marisa Dussel ’13, Sean Cogan ’13, Jess Persoon ’13, Kristina Jimenez ’13, Benji Brust ’12, Justin Riley ’13 and Veronica Kurtulik ’13.
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
Class Notes
Paul Biagioli ’09 and Rebecca Smith ’13 exchanged wedding vows on July 28, 2018, at The Church of Saint Catherine of Siena in Moscow. More than 25 Royals celebrated the couple’s nuptials.
At right: Krista Sadowski ’08 married William Centeno on Aug. 26, 2016, in Cortland Manor, New York. Pictured, first row, from left: Damien McDonald ’10, Krista Sadowski ’08, Brandon Bradley ’10. Second row: William Centeno, Patrick Wagner ’10, Jessica Pastore ’09, John Grosso ’10, Jude Fitzpatrick ’10, Brian Sadowski ’98 and Jennifer Donovan Lund ’00. Last row: Chris Reilly ’11, Patrick Bannon ’10, Guy Moore ’10, Samuel Widdowson ’10, Michael Kennedy ’10, Meghan Devine Condron ’01 and Andrew Lund ’00.
Samantha Rose Heck ’14 married Adam Christopher Bogumil on July 21, 2018.
Matthew Schwind ’11 married Karen Eschmann ’11 in Southold, New York. All pictured are Scranton alumni.
Births & Adoptions A son, Connor Joseph, to Amanda and Jeffrey Manganaro ’02, Hoboken, New Jersey 1
1
2
3
4
A daughter, Harper Madison, to Christopher and Kimberly Johnson Harris ’04, Newnan, Georgia 2 A son, Hudson Devlin, to Joe and Rebecca Devlin Gallagher ’05, New York, New York 3 A daughter, Lucy Helen, to Matt and Jan Amann Rooney ’06, Decatur, Georgia 4 A son, James Nicholas, to Bill Carton and Liz Connolly ’05, New Rochelle, New York 5 A son, Carmen James, to Franco and Amanda Szewczyk Forgione ’07, South Abington Township 6
5
6
7
A son, Andrew Michael, to William and Leigh Magnotta Fennie ’11, Dunmore 7 A daughter, Maeve Downing, to Jim and Tiffany McDermott Swinarski ’05, East Windsor, New Jersey Twin sons, Owen Edward and Tristan James, to Aimee and Drew Clancy ’06, Brick, New Jersey A son, Graeme Alexander, to Daniel ’07 and Sarah Malcolm Navins ’08, Highland, New York SPRING 2019
47
Class Notes
“May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Eternal rest grant unto them, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.”
In Memoriam Hon. Richard P. Conaboy ’46, H’83, Scranton Paul M. Borick, Ph.D. ’47, Clemson, South Carolina The Rev. Francis Schemel, S.J. ’48, Washington, D.C. Paul J. Flynn ’49, Lake Wales, Florida John (Jack) Forrester ’49, Vienna, Virginia Andrew R. Chmiel ’50, Fairport, New York Peter Cupple, M.D. ’50, Scranton George F. Hoyes ’50, Forty Fort Paul A. Hiznay ’52, Warren, Vermont Frank A. Agnone Sr., D.D.S. ’54, West Palm Beach, Florida, and Manassas, Virginia George J. Blahuta ’54, Spring Hill, Florida Donald J. Galligan ’55, Bethel Park Neil H. Graham ’55, Willow Grove John P. Hopkins, Ph.D. ’55, Palmer Township James F. Mullaney ’55, Homewood, Illinois James J. Murray ‘’56, Endwell, New York Joseph R. Ciabocchi ’57, Lewisburg Joseph J. Lantolf ’57, Arlington Heights, Illinois Lt. Joseph J. Pajuf, USN (ret.) ’57, Virginia Beach, Virginia Michael J. Grobosky ’58, Duryea Joseph A. Pellegrini ’58, Pittston
Walter F. Cavanagh ’59, McLean, Virginia Robert G. Donovan ’59, Pittston Theodore L. Ferraro ’59, West Long Branch, New Jersey C. William Eckenrode ’60, Lancaster Joseph A. Lucas ’60, Kenhorst John W. McGoff ’60, Allentown James J. Mowad Jr. ’60, Scranton Robert M. Grady Sr. ’61, Throop John J. McGee ’61, Thousand Oaks, California Thomas J. Nolan ’63, Bethlehem John P. Polansky ’63, Archbald Alexander M. McGowan ’64, Carbondale Lawrence Semenza, Ph.D. ’64, Springfield, Illinois F. Robert Brady ’65, Scranton J. Timothy Hinton ’65, Scranton George F. Ollendike ’65, Garden City, New York Frank M. Lavin, Sr. ’66, Whites Crossing and Crystal Lake Shepard Bennett G’67, Vestal, New York John W. Murphy Sr. ’67, Pittston William W. Duffy ’68, Grant, Minnesota Andrew J. Bednar ’69, Allentown Marie Keeler G’69, Hackettstown, New Jersey Marianne Blazys Kleha ’69, Scranton
Harry P. O’Neill III ’69, G’75, The Villages, Florida Gerald P. Grzywacz ’70, Philadelphia The Rev. William B. Blake G’72, Jessup Richard Gratz, M.D. ’73, South Abington Township Martin R. Kelly ’73, Skaneateles, New York Arthur E. Manuel ’73, Peckville The Rev. Ronald J. Hughes ’75, Dunmore The Hon. William J. Nealon H’75, Scranton Daniel D. Denning ’77, Bradford Frederick W. Dute G’78, Sugarloaf Edward M. Marchand, D.M.D. ’78, Kintnersville Anthony “A.J.” Dreier, Ph.D. ’80, Wilkes-Barre Twp. Sharon A. Evans, Ph.D. ’80, Germantown, Maryland John Lynn ’83, Hollywood, Maryland Salvatore J. Nardozzi, Jr. ’83, Dunmore David F. Rohlic ’83, Emmaus Doreen Yankoski Swingle ’83, Lake Ariel Judith Hashem Shea ’85, Natick, Massachusetts Maria R. Doria, M.D. ’88, Winona, Minnesota Peter P. Power ’91, Dublin, Ireland Frederic W. Wey ’91, Sugar Land, Texas Brett Miller ’01, Colonia, New Jersey Jeanne Anderson Bovard H’08, Fleetville Rosemary Orrson Hosey G’09, Dallas
In Memoriam Friends & Family Blaise Davis, son of Annie and Andrew Davis ’06, nephew of Bobby Davis ’03, Claire Davis ’08, Bobby ’13, G’14 and Christine Della Polla ’13, G’16 and David Miller ’18 Grace Grizzanti, mother of Jessica Grizzanti McLaughlin ’05, G’08 Alvin Gross, father-in-law of Joseph Sharp ’78 J. David Hosie, brother of Martin Hosie ’79 and Eric Hosie ’88
Evelyn Mikuski, mother of Lenore Mikuski Tighe ’76 and Joanne Mikuski Brush ’82 Thomas Mitchell, father of Thomas Mitchell II ’97 Harold Sharp, father of Joseph Sharp ’78 Linda Weinstock, wife of Martin Weinstock ’65
We Want to Hear from You!
Please send your class notes, photos, address changes and feedback. There are four easy ways to reach us: ONLINE: scranton.edu/BeEngaged E-MAIL: alumni@scranton.edu FAX: 570.941.4097 STANDARD MAIL: The Scranton Journal, 800 Linden Street, Scranton, PA 18510 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. The University of Scranton is committed to providing a safe and nondiscriminatory employment and educational environment. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other status protected by law. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational, extracurricular, athletic, or other programs or in the context of employment. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination and sexual harassment and sexual misconduct policies may be directed to Elizabeth M. Garcia, executive director, Office of Equity and Diversity, 570.941.6645.
48
THE SCRANTON JOURN A L
A Gift of Education & Opportunity Alumna’s Endowed Scholarship Honors Scranton Legacy
The Estate Society
T H E U NI V ERSI T Y O F S C R A N TO N
It is difficult to decide what to highlight when describing Colette Mazzucelli, Ph.D. ’83 and her life’s work, given her impressive education, academic career, awards, grants, publications and activism for peace and diplomacy. Once upon a time, however, she was a young girl in Brooklyn, New York, searching for the perfect college, and her parents, Silvio Anthony Mazzucelli and Adeline Maria DePonte Mazzucelli, were “not so keen” on the prospect of their only daughter moving to Scranton. When the family visited The University of Scranton campus, they had the good fortune of encountering Michael D. DeMichele, Ph.D., chair of the Department of History, who immediately sensed her parents’ anxiety and went out of his way to address their concerns. Soon after, the Mazzucellis became avid supporters of their daughter’s decision to study at Scranton, and Dr. DeMichele became a mentor whose interest in Mazzucelli’s academic goals and personal well-being helped illuminate her future career path. Scranton “encouraged us, and even instilled in us, the importance of being part of the global community to make a difference in the world,” she said. “Scranton professors gave us the roadmap and tools to accomplish international learning in a tangible way.” While at Scranton, Mazzucelli also studied under another mentor, William J. Parente, Ph.D., the professor of political science she referred to as “the father and genius of Scranton’s Fulbright program.” Parente gave Mazzucelli the tools that earned her the 1984 IIE Swiss Universities Grant that she credits as the launching pad for her career. “I am especially proud of Scranton’s continued success and
its stellar reputation for earning national accolades as a top producer of IIE Fulbright Scholarships,” she said. Since graduating from Scranton, Mazzucelli earned a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from The Fletcher School at Tufts University, a Ph.D. from Georgetown University and a Master of Education in International Educational Development, International Humanitarian Studies from Teachers College, Columbia University. Today, she is a BMW Foundation Responsible Leader, chair of the NYU European Horizons Advisory Board and a member of the Advisory Board of The Data Union. She is also on the graduate faculty at New York University, where she organizes the Bosch Workshops in The Ethics of Personal Data Collection, and a member of the undergraduate faculty at LIU Global, where she mentors talented students. “I am in constant service to my local community, The University of Scranton and the world,” she said. “This way of life reflects my formative undergraduate years. It is truly the Scranton legacy, what differentiates a Scranton education from other schools.” Recently, Mazzucelli established an endowed scholarship at the University in honor of her parents. “The important work at Scranton continues today,” she said. “This is the reason I established The Silvio Anthony and Adeline Maria DePonte Mazzucelli Scholarship. I cannot think of a better Estate Gift to give Scranton in appreciation of my education. “There is no better gift than a gift of education and opportunity. I am thrilled to help The University of Scranton’s mission continue for the generations that follow.”
For helpful planning tools, articles and spotlights on Estate Society members, please visit our website scranton.edu/plannedgiving. For personalized illustrations or options, contact Carol Maculloch, director of Planned Giving, at carol.maculloch@scranton.edu or 570.941.7799.
NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID PPCO
800 Linden Street • Scranton, PA 18510
SAVE the DATE 2019 Medical Alumni Council Symposium
March 30
Scholarship Brunch
April 7
Day of Service
April 13
Boston PBC Event
April 25
5.06 Weekend Kick-Off Happy Hours
May 3
5.06k Walk/Run
May 4
5.06: The University’s 5th Annual Day of Giving
May 6
Commencement Weekend
May 24-26
Class of 2019 Legacy Family Reception & Photo
May 25
50-Year Class Procession at Commencement
May 26
Reunion Weekend
June 7-9
University of Scranton Day at the Races: Monmouth Park
June 23
Carlesimo Golf Tournament & Award Dinner
June 24
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs Game
June 28
PLAN TO JOIN US for these UPCOMING EVENTS
The University of Scranton • University Advancement • scranton.edu/advancement