University of Scranton Ranked by U.S. News “Best Online”

U.S. News Ranks University of Scranton Among ‘Best Online’
Strong student excellence and engagement scores helped Scranton stand out among hundreds of online business and MBA programs.

The University of Scranton, fueled by elite finishes in two of its signature MBA specializations, remains one of the best colleges and universities for an online graduate education, according to the U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 “Best Online Graduate Programs” rankings.

Scranton earned a rare dual achievement with two top-20 finishes in the MBA Finance (tied, 14th) and MBA Business Analytics (tied, 16th) categories. Additionally, the University tied for 76th in Best Online Master’s in Business Programs and tied for 152nd in Best Online MBA Programs.

Hundreds of qualifying schools were eligible for the U.S. News rankings, which were released Tuesday, Jan. 27. U.S. News considers criteria including student engagement, student excellence, faculty credentials and training and student services and technology.

Scranton performed particularly well in the student engagement and student excellence categories. Student engagement examines factors like graduation rates, class size, one-year retention rates and best practices such as accreditation by AACSB International, while student excellence weighs acceptance rates, work experience and students’ undergraduate GPAs, among other things. In the Best Online Master’s in Business Programs category, Scranton ranked No. 7 in student excellence and No. 47 in student engagement.

According to the most recent Roche Family Center for Career Development’s First Destination Survey, graduate degree recipients in The University of Scranton’s Class of 2024 reported a 100% success rate. Survey participants reported a mean annual salary of $82,932 — a 15.4% increase from just three years earlier — with 95% of them employed full-time.

Scranton offers online graduate degrees in accounting and finance, business, business analytics, health administration, health informatics, health sciences, human resources, operations and management, social sciences and STEM, as well as graduate certificates in various fields.

The University of Scranton also achieved high marks in the U.S. News 2026 “Best Colleges” report, released in the fall, which ranked Scranton as a top 10 college in its region with six undergraduate programs ranked nationally. The most recent U.S. News “Best Graduate Schools” report also placed five University of Scranton programs in the top 50 in the nation and several more in the top 150.

Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau Named Pennsylvana’s 2025 Tourism & Event Planning Organization of the Year

Big news we’re proud to share! 🌟 The Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau has been named Pennsylvania’s 2025 Tourism & Event Planning Organization of the Year by International Explorer!

We’re also honored to be featured in their magazine spread titled “From Local Charm to Global Reach: The Strategy Behind Lackawanna County’s Tourism Success.” The article highlights how our community, partners, and shared commitment to showcasing what makes Lackawanna County special come together to elevate our destination on a global stage. 🌍✨

Read the full spread (pages 42-43) 👉 https://lnkd.in/eC3WAncf

This recognition is a true testament to the incredible attractions, events, partners, businesses, and people who make our county such a special place to visit – and to call home. Thank you to everyone who helps bring our story to life every day! 💙

Gentex Corporation Named One of the Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania

Gentex Corporation has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania, an honor that underscores the company’s commitment to creating a high-performing, collaborative, empowered, and people & team-focused workplace culture dedicated to what’s best for the organization and our mission.

The annual survey and recognition program, conducted by the Best Companies Group in partnership with BridgeTower Media and several business journals across Pennsylvania, identifies and celebrates the state’s top employers. Gentex was named one of just 35 organizations in the large company category.

The award is particularly meaningful because it’s based heavily on employee feedback. That employee-driven component makes this recognition especially significant for Gentex. The company’s participation included employees from its Carbondale, Pennsylvania, location, as well as remote team members assigned to the Pennsylvania office and those based in Norwood, Massachusetts, spanning roles in business development, sales, product management, and marketing.

“This recognition is a reflection of the culture we’ve built together,” said Tim Tyler, VP of Human Resources at Gentex Corporation. “We believe that when you invest in people and create an environment where everyone feels valued, amazing things can happen. This award celebrates the heart of our business; our team.”

A Reflection of Continuous Improvement

The recognition highlights Gentex’s ongoing journey to strengthen its organization and employee experience across every level. In recent years, the company has made significant investments in areas such as benefits, benchmarking, compensation, organizational and career development, leadership, and a consistent one-team culture.

This achievement also reflects Gentex’s commitment to continuous improvement through employee input in annual engagement surveys and in everyday conversations that drive meaningful change.

While earning this designation was a goal, Gentex leaders emphasize that the most valuable outcome of the process is the insight gained from employee feedback. That information continues to guide efforts to strengthen the company’s culture and ensure that Gentex remains a great place to work for everyone.

Interested in exploring career opportunities at one of Gentex Corporation’s locations? View our open positions here. 

WVIA Hosts Keystone Edition – Data Centers: Deal of Dilemma Event

How often have you heard the phrase “data center” lately? They are being talked about in all corners of our area. Data centers are a hot topic right now, but many people don’t know exactly what they are, how they’re used, and why there is opposition to them. We’ll wade through it all on the next edition of Keystone Edition: Data Centers: Deal or Dilemma?

WVIA Public Media Studios

Free Event

07:00 PM – 08:00 PM on Wed, 11 Feb 2026

By registering for any event, you agree to be added to WVIA’s email list to receive updates, news, and event information. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Learn more at the link.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Announce New and Returning Value-Driven Initatives

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are pleased to announce several new initiatives geared for veterans, first responders, seniors, and all fans attending games.

The game day parking fee is being reduced to $5 per vehicle in 2026. Season ticket members can purchase preferred and general parking passes at a discounted rate.

The RailRiders are thrilled to announce a partnership with Veterans Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix) this season. Vet Tix partners with sports organizations to provide free tickets to more than 21 million military members, veterans and their immediate families. These free tickets are available to games as a way to help reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, create lasting memories and encourage service members and veterans to stay connected with their local communities and American life. Members of the military and their families can request free tickets for the upcoming RailRiders’ season through VetTix.org.

Active and retired members of the military can show valid identification at the PNC Field Box Office and save $5 per ticket for any game (limited to four tickets per game).

First Responder Fridays return for 2026. Thanks to Kost Tire & Auto, first responders have the opportunity to receive free tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. One hundred complimentary tickets are given out for each Friday home game. Visit the First Responder Friday page on the Community tab at swbrailriders.com and fill out the form to request up to four free tickets.

First responders, including police, fire and EMTs, can also show an ID at the PNC Field box office on Friday nights to save $5 per ticket (limited to four tickets per game).

Additionally, the RailRiders recently announced the new Silver Sluggers program for $60 per person, offering reduced tickets and free parking on Tuesdays to individuals 55 and older who purchase the plan.

“Minor League Baseball thrives on many things, including being a great value,” stated Shawn Reilly, the RailRiders’ president & general manager. “Working with Vet Tix and our partners at Kost Tire & Auto is a tremendous part of what we can do. Offering additional savings to those brave members of our nation’s military, both active and retired, our vital area first responders, plus the new Silver Sluggers program and lowering the cost of parking are all steps in creating the best possible value for every trip to PNC Field.”

Daily promotions, 2026 theme nights and giveaways will be announced soon. Season tickets are on sale now, and single-game tickets will be available starting at 10 A.M. on February 9. Call (570) 969-2255 or visit swbrailriders.com for more information.

University of Scranton Students to Offer Free Income Tax Assistance

University of Scranton accounting students will assist local residents with their tax returns for free as part of the VITA program.

Lackawanna and Wayne County residents, whose households earned $67,000 or less in 2025, can receive free assistance in completing and filing their federal, state and local tax returns from University of Scranton accounting students through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

University students have assisted residents with low and moderate incomes who need help with their basic tax returns for more than 30 years.

Walk-in service at Brennan Hall on the University’s campus begins Monday, Feb. 4, and will end on Wednesday, April 8. The VITA service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis during scheduled hours. Appointments are not available at the University.

Residents can schedule appointments at other locations by contacting the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties by visiting its website or calling 570-602-3133 or 1-866-662-8887.

Residents who qualify for the free VITA service are asked to bring the following items: a valid photo ID; Social Security cards for all taxpayers and dependents; all W2 forms; last year’s tax returns; all 1099 forms (interest, dividends, pensions); unemployment paperwork; Form 8332 for non-custodial parents; information related to income and expenses (business, rental properties, sale of stocks); a personal banking account check if direct deposit is desired; documentation related to health insurance for themselves and anyone on the tax return, such as Form 1095-A, -B or –C; and real estate tax receipts if you qualify for the rent/tax rebate.

Walk-in VITA service without an appointment is available in Room 111 of Brennan Hall, Madison Avenue, on the University’s campus on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, noon to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Service begins on Monday, Feb. 4, and continues to Wednesday, April 8, except for the week of March 16-20, when the University is closed for Spring Break.

The VITA office may also close due to inclement weather.

The University reserves the right to cap the number of walk-in residents they can serve within a single day. Residents with questions may call the University at 570-941-4045.

United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike, VITA Program Enters 19th Year

United Way Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is proud to announce the return of its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, beginning on February 3, 2026. This free service is available to qualifying individuals and families, offering assistance with tax preparation to help maximize refunds and ease the burden of filing.

The VITA Program provides free tax preparation services to individuals and families with an annual income of $67,000 or less. Certified volunteers trained by the IRS will assist in preparing and electronically filing both federal and state tax returns. This service is designed to ensure participants receive the full benefits they are entitled to, including tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC).

“We’re thrilled to, once again, support and administer the VITA Program. Continuing to help families and individuals in our community navigate the tax season with ease,” said Angela Bassani, ED.D., CPA, President & CEO of United Way Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This program not only saves participants money on tax preparation fees but also helps them take advantage of critical tax credits that can provide much-needed financial relief.”

Program Details:

The biggest change in this year’s VITA season is the main location.  The majority of appointments will be held at United Way Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike’s headquarters on, 615 Jefferson Ave. in Scranton.  Free parking is available in the JCC parking.

VITA will also be “hitting the road,” like always with the following mobile locations for commuting convenience:

  • Monday, Feb. 23 – Woodloch Springs Country Club, Hawley
  • Monday, March 2, North Pocono Library, Moscow
  • Tuesday, March 3 – Pike County. Admin. Bldg, Milford
  • Wednesday, March 4 – Abington Fire Hall, Clark Summit
  • Thursday, March 5 & Friday, March 6 – Trinity Episcopal Church, Carbondale

For more information about the VITA Program, eligibility requirements, or volunteer opportunities, please visit https://uwlc.net/initiative/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita/.

Hoban Wellness Hosts Valentine’s Day Partner Yoga for Two

Rooted Together: Partner Yoga for Two is a Valentine’s Day shared yoga experience designed to celebrate connection in all its forms—friends, family members, and romantic partners.

This 75-minute class invites you to move side by side through mindful movement, gentle strengthening, supported stretching, breathwork, and moments of stillness. The practice emphasizes presence, communication, and shared pacing—without physical contact—allowing each participant to remain fully grounded in their own body while experiencing the energy of practicing together.

The experience is enhanced with curated aromatherapy and concludes with a deeply restful closing practice. Each participant will receive a take-home eye pillow and a thoughtfully prepared wellness goodie bag.

Expect to leave feeling grounded, connected, and nourished—body, mind, and heart.

Register: www.katiehobanwellness.com