Marywood University and PA State Police Academy Celebrate Milestone of First Graduate

Marywood University celebrated a significant milestone as Pennsylvania State Trooper David Kuzmick became the first student to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice through the Marywood–Pennsylvania State Police Academy Partnership. The ceremony took place at the Pacer Statue on Marywood’s campus. Trooper Kuzmick received his degree from Marywood University President Lisa A. Lori, J.D. Patrick Seffrin, Ph.D., Marywood Professor and Director of its Center for Law, Justice and Policy, and Trooper Clint Long, Recruitment Program Coordinator, were also on hand to commemorate this achievement.

The partnership enables eligible Criminal Justice majors to complete their bachelor’s degree while training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. Students earn 30 undergraduate credits upon successful Academy completion, which are applied directly to Criminal Justice elective requirements. The Pennsylvania State Police maintain full authority over Academy admissions, training, and graduation, and participation in the partnership does not guarantee Academy admission, appointment, or employment.

Dr. Seffrin explained how the partnership allows students to combine their academic education with professional training. “Students who are in Marywood’s bachelor’s program for Criminal Justice and have completed these 90 credits can then apply to the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. If they successfully complete the Academy, they receive an additional 30 credits to complete their bachelor’s degree,” Dr. Seffrin said. “Essentially, during their senior year, they will be at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. If they successfully complete the program, they receive their bachelor’s degree and become a state trooper.”

President Lori highlighted the importance of the milestone, noting that “this partnership creates new possibilities for those committed to public service by connecting rigorous Academy preparation with a Marywood education.” She added that Trooper Kuzmick’s accomplishment “reflects academic commitment, professional preparation, and service to the Commonwealth.”

To be eligible, students must:

  • Be enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program at Marywood University
  • Have completed at least 90 undergraduate credits before applying to the Academy
  • Be at least 20 years of age at the time of Academy application
  • Meet all Pennsylvania State Police Academy admission requirements
  • Successfully complete the Pennsylvania State Police Academy

Trooper Kuzmick is the first student to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice under this model, marking a meaningful step forward in the University’s efforts to strengthen connections among higher education, law enforcement, and public service.

Performance Music at University of Scranton Presents “Baroque or Bust!” as Fall Season Opener

Performance Music at The University of Scranton will welcome violinist Aisslinn Nosky and cellist Caroline Nicolas on Friday, September 18, when they present a recital entitled “Baroque or Bust!” The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center, Mulberry Street and Jefferson Avenue, downtown Scranton. Admission is free. The concert is open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis.

Hailed as “superb” by The New York Times and “a fearsomely powerful musician” by The Toronto Star, Nosky has served as soloist and director with ensembles around the world, including the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Holland Baroque, the Victoria Symphony, the Hamilton Philharmonic and the New World Symphony. In 2011, Nosky was appointed concertmaster of the Grammy-winning Handel and Haydn Society, founded in 1815 and one of the world’s longest continuously performing musical organizations. Nosky has recorded the complete Haydn and Mozart violin concerti with H&H on the CORO label. A passionate educator, Nosky has been on faculty at Amherst Early Music Festival, the International Baroque Institute of Longy, Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, Mount Holyoke College and The Banff Centre. She has given masterclasses, workshops and performances at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the New England Conservatory of Music, Codarts Rotterdam and The Juilliard School.

Canadian cellist and viol player Nicolas enjoys an international career performing repertoire spanning the Middle Ages to the 21st century. Acclaimed as “a bright new gamba star” by The Strad Magazine, she performs with leading ensembles across Europe and North America, including The English Concert, Philharmonia Baroque, Kammerorchester Basel, Ars Lyrica Houston, Pacific MusicWorks and New World Symphony. She recently completed her tenure as Music Director of New Baroque Orchestra and now serves as Artistic Director of Ars Poetica. A dedicated educator, she has taught at Yale University, the Peabody Conservatory, the University of Victoria and the University of Washington, and she has led workshops for organizations including the Viola da Gamba Society of America and the Port Townsend Early Music Workshop. Her students have gone on to study at leading conservatories across North America and Europe, and she has been featured in Early Music America for her work on historical bowing techniques.

For further information on the concert (or related education events for student musicians and music educators), call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music.

Marywood Expands Student Care through New Collaboration with UPMC Workpartners®

Marywood University formally unveiled a new partnership with UPMC Workpartners® during a campus ceremony held on Wednesday, September 9, immediately following the University’s Opening Picnic. The event, hosted in the Loughran Hall lobby, brought together representatives from Marywood and UPMC Workpartners® to celebrate a shared commitment to strengthening student health and well‑being.

The partnership establishes a new model for delivering on‑site health and wellness services to currently enrolled students who attend classes in person. UPMC Workpartners® will assume management of Marywood’s Student Health Clinic and Center for Well‑Being, expanding access to clinical care, behavioral health support, and coordinated services.

Marywood University President Lisa Lori highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting that the health and wellness needs of college students continue to evolve and require increasingly comprehensive support. She emphasized that the collaboration with UPMC Workpartners® reflects a thoughtful investment in the future of student care at Marywood and aligns with the University’s longstanding commitment to educating and supporting the whole person.

“Our students’ health and well‑being are central to their success, and this collaboration with UPMC Workpartners® helps us meet those needs in a more integrated and sustainable way,” said President Lori. “Together, we are creating a model of care that supports students academically, personally and emotionally, and ensures they have access to the resources they need to thrive.”

Through MyHealth Marywood – Student Health Clinic, students will have access to a centralized location for multiple aspects of care, including treatment for acute illnesses and minor injuries, rapid on‑site testing, immunizations, biometric screenings, wound evaluation and coordination of referrals and specialized services. Telemedicine with a UPMC advanced practice provider will also be available five days a week. The Center for Well‑Being will provide behavioral health support through academic and performance coaching, mental health and emotional support, life transition guidance and 24/7 telephone crisis assistance. Students will also benefit from referrals to psychiatric services and off‑campus resources when needed.

Academic programs such as Physician Assistant, Nursing and Education will see additional benefits through streamlined health clearances for students preparing to enter clinical sites or field experiences.

SHRM Certification Prep Course at Misericordia University in October

Misericordia University’s Center for Workforce Development & Talent Solutions, in partnership with SHRM, is offering a SHRM Certification Prep Course beginning October 21, 2026.

Designed for HR professionals looking to prepare for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification exams, the course offers a flexible hybrid format with both online and in-person options available.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Build confidence as they prepare for the SHRM certification exam
  • Strengthen their knowledge of key HR competencies and practices
  • Learn alongside other HR professionals
  • Choose between online and in-person participation
  • Prepare to take the next step in their professional development

For more information or to register, contact Paul Nardone at pnardone@misericordia.edu or (570) 674-8130, or click here.

Misericordia University hosting Customer Experience Academy Workshop

Misericordia University’s Center for Workforce Development & Talent Solutions is inviting professionals and organizations to its Beyond Service: Designing Exceptional Customer Experiences workshop on September 24.

The interactive Customer Experience Academy workshop will help participants look beyond individual transactions and develop practical strategies for creating meaningful customer experiences that strengthen relationships and drive results. Participants will explore topics including understanding customer expectations, communication, service recovery, loyalty and designing experiences with intention. 

Participants will also earn a Misericordia University certificate and digital badge upon completion.

Space for this workshop is limited. Click here to register.

Keystone College seeking feedback from community through online survey

Keystone College would like to hear from businesses, community leaders and members of nonprofit organizations as it creates its next strategic plan.

The survey asks community members what they would like to see from Keystone College in the future, and the experiences of anyone who has hired or hosted a Keystone College student.

Its online survey takes ten minutes or less to complete and can be completed on desktop or mobile devices. Information obtained from the survey will be used to create a stronger strategic plan.

You can take the online survey by clicking here. It closes on Friday, September 18th.

Tim Kelly, Esq. recognized for dedication to pro bono legal services

The Lackawanna Bar Association has awarded Tim Kelly, Esq. of Needle Law Firm with an award in honor of his dedication to pro bono legal service in Lackawanna County and the outstanding delivery of pro bono legal services.

This award is in memory of Attorney Samuel Fallk, who, over a long career in Lackawanna County, dedicated countless hours to providing pro bono legal services. 

Pro bono legal services are offered to underserved members of the Lackawanna County community who must meet stringent income criteria in order to qualify for the free services.

Outreach Center for Community Resources to host Mighty Oak Awards

The annual Mighty Oak Awards, hosted by Outreach Center for Community Resources will take place on Thursday, October 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Glenmaura National Golf Club. The organization will honor Jerry and Michele Musheno for their contributions to the community.

Each year, the awards ceremony recognizes individuals and organizations that stand out in their efforts to support individuals and families in our community who strive to achieve family stability and economic self-sufficiency.

You can buy tickets online by clicking here.

Geisinger hosting Saturday flu shot clinics

Flu season is quickly approaching, and Geisinger is making it easy to get vaccinated at Saturday drive-through events.

The first event will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Drive-through flu vaccines will be available for anyone age 3 and older at dozens of participating Geisinger locations. Children 6 months and older can receive a flu shot at participating Geisinger pediatrics locations. The second Saturday flu shot clinic is scheduled for Oct. 17.

“The flu can lead to serious illness, hospitalization and missed time with family, work and school,” said Stanley Martin, M.D., director of infectious diseases at Geisinger. “Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family and others who may be at higher risk for severe illness.”

Most insurance plans cover an annual flu vaccine. Patients will be asked to provide insurance information at the time of vaccination. Those without insurance can also receive a drive-through flu shot.

Saturday clinics will be held at the following locations:

Northeast Region:

Clinics

  • Geisinger Dallas (114 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive)
  • Geisinger Kingston (560 Pierce St.)
  • Geisinger Montage (5 Lakeview Drive, Moosic)
  • Geisinger Mountain Top (35 S. Mountain Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Pittston (42 N. Main St.) 
  • Geisinger Tunkhannock (809 Hunter Highway)

CommunityCare

  • CommunityCare Hazleton (426 Airport Road) 
  • CommunityCare Kistler Clinic (175 S. Wilkes-Barre Blvd.) – walk in only
  • CommunityCare Mt. Pleasant (531 Mt. Pleasant Blvd.)

Pediatrics

  • Geisinger Pediatrics Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way) – walk in only
  • Geisinger Pediatrics Scranton (5 Morgan Highway) – walk in only
  • Geisinger Pediatrics Forty Fort (190 Welles St.) – walk in only

65 Forward

  • Geisinger 65 Forward Hazleton (20 Diana Lane) – walk in only
  • Geisinger 65 Forward Kingston (499 Wyoming Ave.)
  • Geisinger 65 Forward Scranton (3 W. Olive St.)

Flu shots will also be available at the Bloomsburg Fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 28, Sept. 30 and Oct. 2. 

Find more information about flu vaccines and Saturday clinic locations at geisinger.org/flu.

Tickets now on sale for Mystic Pizza at the Scranton Cultural Center

The musical Mystic Pizza is coming to the Scranton Cultural Center from October 23-25, and tickets are now on sale.

Mystic Pizza: A New Musical delivers the beloved story from the iconic hit film driven by a score packed with unforgettable hits from the ’80s and ’90s. Follow best friends Kat, Daisy, and Jojo as they navigate the complexities of friendship and romance, all while slinging slices at a small-town pizza joint.

You can buy tickets online by clicking here, in person at the Scranton Cultural Center Box Office on North Washington Avenue in Scranton or by calling (570) 342-7784.