Lackawanna College Announces Police Academy Cadet Graduation The Lackawanna College Police Academy will graduate the full-time Class 261 of Hazleton during the ceremony. The graduating classes includes 29 total cadets, who will begin their careers in law enforcement. Director of Police Academy Operations Kevin Mahoney will welcome those attending and present certifications to the cadets during the ceremony. Guest speaker Jenny Roberts, Esq. Assistant U.S. Attorney, will attend the ceremony to speak to the cadets. Tuesday, May 14 at 6:00 p.m. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Lackawanna College Peoples Security Bank Theater, Angeli Hall, 501 Vine St., Scranton, Pa. Media are requested to RSVP prior to attending the event. Contact Eric Eiden, media relations coordinator eidene@lackawanna.edu or 570-961-7807.
Clarks Summit University Celebrates 92nd Commencement Clarks Summit University celebrated graduates in their 92nd Commencement on May 11, 2024, at 10 a.m. in the Recreation Center on their Clarks Summit campus. CSU’s graduating class earned degrees in 50 programs of study, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral. 92nd Graduating Class 158 graduates were celebrated. The class represented a breadth of academic achievement with 16 different degree types, from associate to doctoral. 161 degrees were conferred across 50 programs of study, including business, counseling, education, organizational leadership, biology, health sciences, ministry and theology. Members of this graduating class hail from 27 states and 10 different countries, including Ethiopia, Japan, South Africa, United Kingdom and Brazil. First Program Graduates Among the graduates were the first graduates of CSU’s Master of Business Administration program. CSU launched the program last fall, and it has earned the distinction of “Best One-Year MBA” by Forbes Advisor. These first graduates completed their MBA online in less than one year. The first graduates with an undergraduate major of Intercultural Entrepreneurship were also part of this graduating class. The first graduates of the Master of Business Administration program are joined by faculty members. CSU president James Lytle, D.Min., speaks at the university’s 92nd Commencement. Commencement Service The invocation was given by Dena Cambra, M.Ed., vice president for Marketing and Communications. Assistant professor Brian Deschaine, M.Ed., read Colossians 1:9–14. The Concert Choir sang “Elijah Rock,” arranged by Roger Emerson, and “Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed,” by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Ed Cash, arranged by James Koerts. William Higley, Ph.D., vice president for academics, presented the candidates for graduation. CSU president James Lytle, D.Min., conferred degrees and spoke a prayer of dedication before the audience sang the university hymn, “Holding Fast the Faithful Word,” by Vera Stilwel and W.S. Miller, arranged by David Harris. Dr. Lytle also introduced the commencement speaker, Aaron Marshall, M.A. Commencement Speaker Marshall is the chair of CSU’s Board of Trustees. He spoke on the Colossians passage, challenging graduates to “Live a Worthy Life.” A two-time Clarks Summit University alumnus (’96, ’19), he is also the managing partner of TEAMMarshall LLLP. Marshall has served in pastoral roles and as past president and CEO of BCS, a technology deployment company. Aaron and his wife Jaye T. live in Arkansas and have three children. The couple started the JLE Marshall Endowment for Pediatric Oncology in 2011 to assist in bringing pediatric cancer treatment to Northwest Arkansas. Passionate about helping those experiencing homelessness, Aaron helped establish New Beginnings Village, providing a micro-shelter “bridge housing” community and access to services and programs which holistically help residents. Aaron Marshall, M.A., gives the commencement address at Clarks Summit University’s 92nd Commencement. In his volunteer role as community shepherd at Fellowship Bible Church of NWA, Aaron administrates small group ministry. He serves on the board of Arkansas Children’s Hospital Northwest and is president of the board of New Beginnings Northwest Arkansas. An instructor and two graduating scholar-athletes celebrate during CSU’s 92nd Commencement. Student Testimonies Students from various degree levels were selected to give graduate testimonies. Juan Izquierdo, from Kissimmee, Florida, majored in Biology and Biblical Studies. He said, “It’s been an honor to serve and represent this school academically and athletically. As I look back and reflect on my journey, I can see a man that has grown spiritually in tremendous ways.” Emma Mitten, from Largo, Florida, graduated with Highest Honor with majors in Intercultural Entrepreneurship and Biblical Studies. “I think the biggest way in which I’ve learned from my time here is in the opportunities I have been given, and the people that God has placed in my life,” she said. “From day one, I’ve been challenged by my professors, my RD [resident director], and my friends to always obey God in the things He is calling me to do, even if I’m not too comfortable doing it.” Luke Tice, a Pastoral Ministries and Biblical Studies double-major from Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, graduated with High Honor. He said, “Praise God for all he has done, is doing, and will continue to faithfully do in and through all of us here at CSU. I have the opportunity to take some of the best, most practical classes, meet some of the most solid, Christ-following people, and experience some of the most truthful, heartfelt ministry in my time here.” Kristin Charles represented Master of Education graduates, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction. She earned her undergraduate degree at Grove City College and is from Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. “I am grateful to God for all that He has taught me along the way and for the chance to step into the classroom each day to do what I love. I now have renewed energy and the resources I have needed to teach with excellence,” she explained. She completed her degree over 21 years and admitted, “I had wondered if it was too late to finish this degree, but I was reminded that it is never too late to pursue the dreams God has put on our hearts.” Donna Oakes, from Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, earned two degrees from CSU through the Accelerated Counseling program—her Bachelor of Science in Counseling and Master of Science in Counseling. The South African native shared how her story has changed from someone who failed in high school, had no hope for the future and had suicidal thoughts to someone who was supported by God and others to earn both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in counseling. “Who I am today is a stranger to my yesterdays. You are looking at someone who believed she was intellectually unable to complete high school, much less college. You are looking at someone who believed she had no hope for her future…and now look, here I am. Here I stand with my hands raised high to a Savior that saved my soul and rewrote the story of my life. I am surrounded by people who have been instrumental in changing the course of my life.” Emily McLean, hailing from Ontario, Canada, earned her Master of Divinity from CSU’s Baptist Bible Seminary. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Ministry focus. “Throughout all the challenges and blessings and chaos, the grace of God and the discipline of seminary homework deadlines kept me in the Word and brought me back to Its truth again and again and again.” She said, “At the time that I began my seminary degree, I could never have pictured myself on this day, at 31, seven years later. And yet, God knew the work that He was preparing me for even then. He used His living and active Word to equip and challenge and sanctify me, one course at a time.” Ryan Day, a three-time CSU graduate from Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania, earned his Doctor of Ministry degree with a Pastoral Ministry focus. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a dissertation: “Training Deacons who Dare to Make a Difference.” A high-school student who attended Teen Leadership Conference and eventually earned his bachelor’s, master’s and now doctoral degrees at CSU and Baptist Bible Seminary, Day describes the university as “a special place where God can change your life.” He continued, “I want to thank the faculty here at Baptist Bible Seminary for your unwavering commitment to both truth and love—the truth of the Bible and the love of your students. I praise God today for the incredible impact that CSU and Baptist Bible Seminary have had on my life.”
Misericordia University Offers Summer Camps for Students Misericordia University offers a variety of camps during the summer for students of all ages. From Career Exploration Camps for high school students to Sports Camps and a Performing Arts Camp for any age group, there is something for everyone! To explore all that our summer camps have to offer, please visit: https://www.misericordia.edu/campus-community/university-camps utm_source=google&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=pacesetter_expressway_pmax&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwuJ2xBhA3EiwAMVjkVGmjP4i7Z3d3kbBlssdefXihoSC2OZqSLJLqaspqhbs8eQ5NhXcJ9RoCkeUQAvD_BwE
The Honesdale National Bank Supports School District The Honesdale National Bank has recently made a $5,000 contribution to the Susquehanna Community School District via Commonwealth Charitable Management, Inc. through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The funds will go towards financial education programs in the school district. HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., stated, “We are happy to support The Susquehanna Community School District as they enhance their educational programs.” He continued, “The best way to get our future generations prepared for the next step in life, is providing access to critical financial lessons and resources.” The mission of the Susquehanna Community School District is to nurture an educational environment that will develop life-long learners who will be successful participants in an ever-changing world. Commonwealth Charitable Management, Inc. has been administering EITC since 2003. They have over a decade of experience and have provided millions of dollars in funding to support thousands of students. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. HNB is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender with NMLS ID # 446237. Pictured (L to R):Tina Verrastro, Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager, Ted Radu, Assistant Trust Officer, along with students and staff of the Susquehanna Community School District.
Marywood to Hold Virtual MFA Info Session Marywood University will hold a virtual Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Information Session on Thursday, May 23, at 4 p.m. This information session is free and open to anyone who is interested in pursuing a low-residency master of fine arts degree. To register, please visit https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/Spr24MFA. Marywood’s “Get Your Master’s with the Masters” MFA program is the oldest and best low-residency program in the country, designed for educators, graphic designers, and illustrators who are working professionally anywhere in the world and are interested in earning a terminal degree. The virtual info session will cover what to expect during the three-year program that includes four, two-week residential summer sessions at Marywood’s campus; six study tours conducted in New York City and other major cities; and independent work. Former student thesis and class project examples will be shared. While production and technical skills are stressed, the thrust of the program is on creativity and conceptual thinking. By design, the program is structured for students to keep their day job while pursuing a terminal degree. While production and technical skills are stressed, the core of the program encompasses creativity and conceptual thinking. For more details about the MFA in Graphic Design and Illustration Degree program, visit marywood.edu/visual-arts-graphic-design-illustration-masters-degree. To register for the MFA Info Session, please visit https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/Spr24MFA. For additional information about Marywood University’s MFA Information Session, please contact Steven Brower, MFA, director of the “Get Your Master’s with the Masters” MFA program at Marywood University, at (570) 348-6211, ext. 2569, or email sbrower@marywood.edu.
Johnson College Celebrates 105th Commencement The Johnson College Scranton campus was full of excitement as students and their families, staff, and faculty gathered to celebrate the College’s largest graduating class at its 105th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Graduates completed programs for Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees, academic certificates, and Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE). Michele Bannon, Mayor of the City of Carbondale, gave the commencement address before degrees were presented by Katie Leonard, Ed.D., President & CEO of Johnson College, and Heather Bonker, General Education Director of Johnson College. Recipients of Johnson College’s Award for Academic Excellence, Devin Walsh, a Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology graduate, and Chase Notz, a Computer Information Technology graduate, served as student speakers. Nicole Nye ’22, Johnson College Electrical Construction Technology Instructor, gave the alumni address to the newly graduated Johnson College Class of 2024. The event was live-streamed on the College’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnsonCollegePA. Following is a list of the spring 2024 graduates: ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE PROGRAMS Computer Information Technology Michael Fordham, Greentown Luca Guasto, Avoca Aaron Hall, Pittston Kade Hapeman, Wilkes-Barre Anthony Jacobino, Carbondale Joshua Littlejohn, Blakely Joshua Heffernan, Greeley Sean McGeehan, Swoyersville Chase Notz, Scranton Jonathan O’Connor, Milford Noah Petty, Old Forge Ryan Reap, Avoca Jeremiyah Sandy, Scranton Brian Sworen, Hawley John Umbaugh, Moscow Nathaniel Warnack, Kingston Physical Therapist Assistant Josue Aguilar Miron, Scranton Michael Bennici Jr, Olyphant Natalie Buchinski, Dickson City Abbie Hessling, Hawley Kalpana Sharma, Sayre Bryce Shorten, Jessup Karolina Zdrok, Scranton Radiologic Technology April Best, Pittston Olivia Gries, Honesdale Tiahna Jackson, Peckville Kayla Jensen, Milford Joshua Kane, Old Forge Thomas Kubelus, Springbrook Twp. Susan Long, Swoyersville Sierra Matash, Bloomsburg Emily Ohme, Plymouth Trinaya Parker , Scranton Devon Porvaznik, Tunkhannock Alyssa Purpura, Milford Gina Simeone, Wyoming Nancy Wassef, Tobyhanna Veterinary Nursing Rianna Balliet, Nescopeck Juliana Deininger, Scranton Emma Faithfull, Honesdale Brooke Frable, Dunmore Elizabeth Friedrichs, Elizabethtown Aleeza Leary, Moscow Kaitlyn McDonald, Newfoundland Molly Nagle, Forest City Thayer Rogers, Hershey Stephanie Ropietski, Plymouth Adriana Ruiz, Reading Shana Souryavong, Old Forge ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE PROGRAMS Advanced Manufacturing Technology Seth Gruver, Palmerton Richard Reed, Lake Ariel Jason Skumanich, Olyphant Architectural Drafting & Design Technology Rachel Butler, Lake Ariel Daniel Dougherty, Scranton Tyler Mendicino, Clarks Summit Automotive Technology Laura Alleva-Cox, Archbald Michael Altieri, Archbald Dylan DeGroat, Shohola Joschua Perez, Scranton Danielle Reese, Scranton Mackenzie Snyder, Scranton Biomedical Equipment Technology Jacob DeManicor, Clifford Twp. Robert Jenkins, Moosic Evan Scarnecchia, Bushkill Brian Smith, Kingston Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology Abby Bowen, Tunkhannock Brendan Jarosh, Eynon Aiden Martelli, Dickson City Patrick McLaine, Scranton Aaron Newhart, Dalton Austin Norris, Waymart Charles Santarsiero, Clarks Summit Kenneth Stucker, Lake Ariel Civil Design Technology Tristin Piazza, Clarks Summit Michael Sarno, Pittston Diesel Truck Technology Victoria Keller, Exeter Michael Naegele, Clarks Summit John Ozark, Pittston Twp. Troy Venesky, Clarks Summit Joshua Wiggins, Plymouth Peter Winowich, Clarks Summit Nicholas Youshock, Olyphant Electrical Construction Technology Evan Berretta, Old Forge John Bonilla, Bushkill Richard Bowen, Exeter Jacob Burke, Scranton Salvatore Caminiti, Moscow Tyler Cawley, Archbald Anthony Celona, Hawley Aleksander Chilson, Pittston Zachary Chilson, Pittston Cody Choyka, Throop Jeffrey Costello, Greenfield Twp. Alyssa Crawford, Jermyn Jacob Decker, Henryville Hezekiah Deitz, Hamlin Seth DePalma, Olyphant James Diaz, Scranton Bruno Ealo, Scott Twp. Korry Eisley, Clifton Twp. Michael Forrester, Willkes-Barre Shane Frank, Dunmore Ryan Freer, Milford Luke Galli, Yatesville David Giaimo, Scranton Luis Gonzalez, Scranton Brandon Griffiths, Scranton Marco Guerrero Alvanez, Forest City Liam Hetherson, Olyphant Wayne Jones, Dickson City Jacob Kelly, South Abington Twp. Imran Khan, Moosic Ian Koehler, Scranton Fantajah LaRoche, Simpson Brendan Lynott, South Abington Twp. Audrey Marrow, Dunmore Cyrus Morales, Bushkill Ethan Muha, Dickson City Matthew Mychayliw, Dunmore Carlos Orta, Carbondale Jack Patten, Beach Lake Hunter Pazzalia, Archbald Noah Perrotti, Moosic Preston Petts, Dunmore Blake Praschak, Archbald Zachary Racht, Simpson Elijan Roberts, Scranton David Romanski, Archbald Michael Romiti, Scranton Xariel Sanchez, Wilkes-Barre Erick Sanchez-Guzman, Scranton Alfredo Santiago, Scranton Brenden Scarantino, Dunmore Adam Schield, Roaring Brook Twp. Parker Smith, Scott Twp. Seth Sylvester, Pittston Brian Troutman, Moscow Jackson Valentin, Milford Kevin VanLuvanee, Nicholson Liam Walter, South Abington Twp. Electronic Engineering Technology Zebulon Chisdock, Harding Hershall Ferguson, Factoryville Guy Higdon, Carbondale Hope Hoanzl, Forest City Isaya Ortiz, Scranton Jacob Tighe, Forest City Kyle Williams, Greentown Jallen Wilks, Moscow Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Technology Jaron Bullick, Scott Twp. Jeffrey Bushinkski, Scranton Robert Castaldi, Moosic Joshua Cohen, Scranton Jared Craig, Clarks Summit Thomas Dougherty, Dunmore Damian House, Drums Jonathan Hunsberger, Canadensis James Lamberti, Roaring Brook Twp. Dustin McAllister, Scranton Richard McCabe, Scranton Cameron McCarthy, Mountain Top Blake Mullin, Nazareth Robert Murphy, Thompson Ryan Phillips, Luzerne Derek Segear, Wilkes-Barre Nathan Shaw, Carbondale Ryan Soignet, Mayfield Corey Sweeney, White Haven Conner Sweeney, Dupont Zackary Vojick, Childs Devin Walsh, Olyphant Kevin Williams, Eynon Heavy Equipment Technology Nicholas Lathrop, Greenfield Twp. Brian Talley, Lake Ariel Mechatronics Technology Adam Haines, Madison Twp. Ryan Reber, Clifton Twp. Andrew Sesso, Taylor Alex Ziemrowski, East Stroudsburg Welding Fabrication & Manufacturing Technology Luke Gyurkovic, Honesdale John Milewski, Jefferson Twp. Todd Varley, Milford David Yencho, Dickson City CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS Welding Technology Christoper Evancho, Rock Glen William Fischer, Clarks Summit Steven Gallo, Milford Jadan Gomez, Hazleton Charity Keithline, Tunkhannock Tyler Kielty, Milford Zachary Menichello, Jessup Alex Michaylo, Old Forge Grace Rodriguez, Scranton Ethan Stankowski, Clarks Summit Logan Treat, Falls RISE (READINESS IN SKILLED EMPLOYMENT) PROGRAM Building & Property Maintenance Jai-li Camacho, Scranton Terrence Jefferson, Scranton Computer Support & Security Specialist Mark Lindsay, Simpson Daisy Smith, Carbondale Nicholas Snyder, Dunmore Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technology Anthony Rivera, Throop Medical Assistant Specialist Alicia Brown, Scranton Daniele Chatelain, Scranton Shauna Pace, Throop Kency Ramirez, Taylor Dulce Semedo, Peckville Welding Technology Scott Jaccarino, Wyoming Alexander Allen, Carbondale Aaron Carney, Carbondale Luciano Devine, Jefferson Twp.
Marywood Student Recognized on ALL IN Voting Honor Roll Marywood student Kelly Royer, Weatherly, has been named to the 2024 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll, which recognizes college students doing outstanding work to advance nonpartisan democratic engagement at participating campuses. Ms. Royer, who is pursuing her degree in Physician Assistant Studies, joins a group of 137 students recognized for their voter registration, education, and turnout efforts during the 2023 elections, which featured critical ballot measures and local and state races. “Whether it’s a presidential election year or one with critical state and local races on the ballot, students have a powerful role to play in fostering active and engaged campuses and getting their peers to participate in our democracy. Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge is honored to celebrate 137 student leaders who model nonpartisan democratic engagement,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, Executive Director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. “These honorees hosted candidate information sessions, created guides on polling location accessibility, registered their peers to vote and so much more. We know these students will continue to make a difference in our democracy.” Studies show that voting and democratic participation are habits that are built and strengthened over time. A recent survey from CIRCLE showed that 86 percent of under-35 youth who voted in 2022 and 72 percent of those who voted in 2020 consider themselves extremely likely to vote in 2024. Colleges and universities have an important role to play in encouraging their students to become active and engaged citizens at the ballot box and beyond. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge engages more than 1,000 institutions enrolling over 10 million students in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. For more information on Marywood University’s nonpartisan democracy initiative, Pacers to the Polls, along with more information on the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, visit marywood.edu/life-at-mu/involvement/pacers-to-the-polls.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart Receives $5,000 Donation Sherry Cross delivered a $5,000 check to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit in Dunmore this afternoon. The check represents proceeds from the 2nd annual “Night to Remember” fundraiser in memory of Sherry’s sister, Tracy Gototweski. The event was held at the Back Mountain Brewery in Dallas. There were basket raffles, a 50/50 drawing, great food and drinks. “Please accept this donation of $5,000 as a token of our gratitude for all you do. It is an honor to have the opportunity to give back to your wonderful organization. We hope that our efforts will support patients and their families and keep Tracy’s star shining bright,” said Sherry Cross. The mission of Hospice of the Sacred Heart is to provide comfort, care, hope and choice to patients and their families, while guiding them through the end of life journey. Pictured l to r: Michael Catalano, Director of the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit, Sherry Cross and Diane Baldi, CEO of Hospice of the Sacred Heart
