Non-profit Valley In Motion is excited to announce Season Five of The Office 5K, taking place Saturday, May 2 at 1:00 p.m. in downtown Scranton. Presented by national shoe company Kizik, the popular road race celebrates Scranton’s connection to NBC’s hit show The Office while bringing together fans, runners, and families from across the country. 

Starting beneath the iconic Electric City sign, runners and walkers will travel through Scranton landmarks featured in the series, including The Office mural, Penn Paper, Cooper’s Seafood House, the Dwight Schrute mural, and more. Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite Office character for themed fun and prizes. 

This year’s event will feature a special appearance by Bobby Ray Shafer, Jr., known to fans as “Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration.” The recurring character on The Office is married to Phyllis on the show and has become a fan favorite among the series’ devoted audience. 

Now in its fifth year, The Office 5K continues to gain national and international attention, with over 500 participants already pre-registered. Entry is just $30, and thanks to generous local and regional sponsors, the race offers numerous perks. All participants will receive a custom finisher medal, sponsored by Onvo, which operates travel plazas across Pennsylvania and New York. 

The event will also feature a one-mile loop for walkers, complete with Office-themed activities along the route. At Courthouse Square, where the race starts and finishes, families can enjoy kids’ games, food trucks, and spectator activities throughout the afternoon. 

Race proceeds support Valley In Motion, a local non-profit dedicated to strengthening community connections throughout the Lackawanna Valley. Donations collected during the event will help fund the construction of a new playground at Whittier Elementary School in South Scranton 

The fan-favorite costume contest returns with new categories this year, including: 

• Kelly’s Most Talked About 
• Best Season 5 Reference 
• Secret Secrets – honoring the best deep-cut or non-main cast character 

The celebration extends beyond race day. The Office 5K Weekend begins Thursday, April 30 with a series of themed events, including walking tours of Scranton, comedy shows, an Office trivia night, an Office marketplace, a pub crawl, and more. The nearby Everhart Museum is also hosting a special The Office exhibit featuring cast memorabilia and the show’s connection to Scranton. 

The race begins Saturday, May 2 at 1:00 p.m. at 523 Linden Street in Scranton. Pre-registered participants can pick up race packets at Cooper’s Seafood House (701 N. Washington Avenue) on Friday, May 1 from 4–7 p.m. Packets will also be available on race day. 

Media & Appearance Opportunities 

Event organizers are available for media interviews, podcast appearances, morning show segments, and promotional features in advance of race weekend. Media outlets interested in covering the event or booking an interview are encouraged to contact VIM President, Gus Fahey. 

General Public Call to Action 

Registration is now open, and participants are encouraged to sign up by April 19th to receive a free custom race T-shirt! The first 2,000 finishers will receive a custom Season 5 race medal! 

Register, Sponsor, learn more about race weekend events, or inquire about media appearances at: www.TheOffice5K.com 

Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram

Media Contact: VIM President, Gus Fahey at 570-346-0600 or gus@valleyinmotion.org. 

Hosted by The River 105, NEPA’s favorite outdoor concert tradition — Party on the Patio at Mohegan Pennsylvania — returns this spring and summer for its 17th season, bringing back the region’s top tribute acts 19 electric weeks of live music. Taking place at the Mohegan Pennsylvania racetrack, guests can enjoy a rotating lineup of fan‑favorite food trucks, along with weekly drink specials and free general admission. The 2026 series kicks off with Haus of Monsters: America’s #1 Tribute to Lady Gaga, promising a high‑energy opening night.

Premium seating options are also back this summer after their successful debut last year at Party on the Patio at Mohegan Pennsylvania. Guests can now elevate their experience with upgraded seats close to the action, personal beverage service, and access to a dedicated standing lounge area for only $15. For more information, click HERE. 

Full Schedule: Thursdays, weekly from May 7th through September 10th, 2026  

5/07/26:  Haus of Monsters, America’s #1 Tribute to Lady Gaga
5/14/26:  Play It Again, Tribute to Luke Bryan starring Scott Jordan
5/21/26:  Mamma Mania, The American Tribute to ABBA
5/28/26:  The Amish Outlaws, Straight Outta Lancaster

6/04/26:  Philadelphia Freedom, a tribute to Elton John
6/11/26:  Back in Black, True AC/DC Experience
6/18/26:  Raise Your Hands, a tribute to Bon Jovi
6/25/26:  Uncaged, a Zac Brown Tribute

7/02/26:  M80, the Ultimate 80s Dance Party Band
7/09/26:  Adrenalize, the Ultimate Def Leppard Experience
7/16/26:  The Idol Kings, a tribute to Journey & REO Speedwagon
7/23/26:Billy Joel Tribute THE STRANGER featuring Mike Santoro
7/30/26:  7 Summers, the Ultimate Morgan Wallen Tribute

8/06/26:  Super 70s Rock Show featuring Super Trans Am
8/13/26:  Best of the Eagles, A Tribute to Music of the Eagles
8/20/26:  A Proud Monkey, a tribute to Dave Matthews Band
8/27/26:  Motley 2, Touring Tribute to Mötley Crüe

9/03/26:  Stevie Mac, A Fleetwood Mac & Stevie Nicks Experience
9/10/26:  Black Dog, the Music of Led Zeppelin

*Lineup subject to change.

“Now entering its 17th season, Party on the Patio continues to be one of Northeast Pennsylvania’s favorite summer concert traditions,” said Anthony Carlucci, President & GM of Mohegan Pennsylvania. “With a fantastic tribute band lineup, upgraded premium seating options, and great local food truck offerings, we’re thrilled to welcome the community back for Party on the Patio all summer long!” 

All guests must be 21+ to attend Party on the Patio. For the safety and security of guests and team members, bags and purses are limited to the following: small clutch purses not larger than 4”x6” or bags that are clear on all sides and do not exceed 8”x10”. All persons, bags and personal items are subject to inspection. No portable chairs are permitted.

For more information about Party on the Patio, visit moheganpa.com/POTP

Special Events Series Commemorates America 250PA and Lake Wallenpaupack Centennial.

A milestone year with two monumental anniversaries is cause for celebration. Settlers Hospitality is pulling out all the stops with its Big 6 in 2026 to commemorate America’s 250th birthday and Lake Wallenpaupack’s centennial.

From May through September Settlers Hospitality will host six special events to celebrate and honor two landmark occasions.

“It was important to us to observe this historically significant year in a way that brought together the community and captured the essence of this area and its people,” explains Settlers Hospitality CEO Justin Genzlinger. “We’ve lined up a stellar season of entertainment, family activities, fun and of course, food. There really is something for everyone.”

It all begins with a Wally 100 Kickoff Celebration on May 24 at Silver Birches. The family-centric event on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack offers live music on two stages featuring headliner, The Maybabies. Visitors may shop an array of vendors, take in a fly-fishing demonstration, compete in the canoe and kayak races and check out historical displays.

Wally 100 Kickoff Celebration on Memorial Day weekend will be held from noon-9 p.m. with plenty of food and drink options available.

Next, Wally Wine Fest returns June 5-7 for its 10th year. The perennial favorite brings more than 100 vintages from domestic and international labels to Silver Birches for visitors to taste and purchase bottles. Over the course of three days festival goers enjoy themed wine dinners, tastings, food, shopping and entertainment on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack.

For America’s 250th Birthday on July 4, Silver Birches with host an epic party. Festivities include food trucks and craft vendors, a concert from a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, plus prime viewing for a gigantic fireworks display over the lake.

A Birthday Bash is planned for July 18 at Silver Birches to celebrate Lake Wallenpaupack’s 100th anniversary. The waterfront will transform into a Carnivale atmosphere with roaming performers and music all day featuring headliner Steppin’ Eddy. Birthday treats, tiki boat rides and craft vendors fill the daytime activities while a pool party for 21+ will keep the party going into the night.

Lake Wallenpaupack’s end of the season celebration takes on special meaning during the centennial year. Wally Lake Fest, August 28-30, features a marquee concert by a Bon Jovi tribute band on Saturday, August 29 at Silver Birches.

A celebratory summer comes to a close with the introduction of a new annual event. The inaugural Fiber Festival at the Hawley Silk Mill on September 6 celebrates Pennsylvania’s textile heritage, labor history and creative communities. The official America250PA event will feature 30 local and regional vendors showcasing an array of raw and processed natural fibers along with finished goods. Visitors may browse the fabrics, crafting tools and finished fiber art from talented makers, attend a workshop or demonstration and take in a historical display about Pennsylvania’s Industrial Age. The outdoor event will also feature live music, food trucks and more.

Settlers Hospitality partnered with Clarks Summit based Blu Elephante to manage sponsorships and vendor recruitment for all Big 6 events. Sarah Effertz owns the company, which brings 15 years experience in the field of event strategy, logistics, vendor coordination, guest management, and promotion.

For information on sponsorship and vendor offerings, visit SettlersHospitality.com or call 570-226-2993 for more information.

Filmmakers, area leaders to examine theme through local lens.

Community members are invited to explore what the American Dream means at “Amerigo: The American Dream,” an engaging public conversation on Tuesday, March 31, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Geisinger School of Medicine, 525 Pine St., Scranton. 

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The event serves as a lead-up to the upcoming PBS documentary series “Amerigo,” a three-part project examining resilience, creativity and the evolving meaning of opportunity in the United States.

Filmmakers traveled across all 50 states and conducted more than 1,000 conversations with Americans to explore a central question: What does the American Dream look like today?

The Scranton event will feature an intimate discussion with the project’s creators and community leaders. Themes will include the renewal of rural communities and the role of arts and culture in shaping national dialogue.

Speakers will also discuss how communities in Pennsylvania and across the country are redefining the American Dream as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026.

The program is open to the public. Registration is required.

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity joined veterans, local leaders, Friends of the Forgotten North East Wing, and members of the community today to celebrate Women’s History Month and honor the life and sacrifice of Carol Ann Drazba, who was killed in a helicopter crash while traveling for rest and recuperation leave on Feb. 18, 1966, during the Vietnam War.

“2nd Lt. Carol Ann Drazba, and her fellow nurses who volunteered to serve our country and go to Vietnam, held the hands of young men who were frightened, wounded, and far from their families,” Treasurer Garrity said. “They provided hope while soldiers healed and dignity and compassion in their final moments – today we honor their memories and the legacies that they left behind.”

Drazba, of Dunmore, studied nursing at the former Scranton State General Hospital School of Nursing and felt a deep calling to serve others. During her junior year, she joined the Army Student Nurse Program, committing to serve as a nurse in the Army for two years. 

She was first sent to Fort Huachuca in Arizona before being deployed to Vietnam in October 1965. There she spent months caring for wounded American servicemen enlisted in the war. 

Friends of the Forgotten were instrumental in the construction and installation of a memorial of Drazba that stands outside the Gino J. Merli Veterans’ Center, where today’s ceremony was held.

“Carol’s legacy was a labor of love and respect,” said Veteran advocate, Kim Atkinson, who originally dedicated Carol’s memorial. “Keeping her memory alive is a true gift to future generations to understand her strength, courage, and sacrifice.” 

“It’s fitting that Carol’s memorial stands outside a facility dedicated to caring for our veterans,” said Treasurer Garrity. “Just as she cared for our soldiers on the front lines in Vietnam, this memorial ensures that her compassion, courage, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Garrity also highlighted one of the most meaningful parts of her role as state treasurer, returning lost or forgotten military decorations through Treasury’s unclaimed property program. 

“These medals represent courage, sacrifice, and service to our country and are priceless pieces of family history, and we will never stop working to reunite them with the Veterans who earned them and their families,” said Treasurer Garrity. 

Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has returned 548 military decorations, including 13 Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars, and one Gold Star Medal.

To learn more about unclaimed property and military decoration returns, visit www.patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/

“Making NEPA Home Trailer” is selected as Best of Show as it, and other elements of its ad campaign win producer Kara Washington 4 American Advertising Award Trophies 

“Making NEPA Home Trailer,” which highlights the documentary “Making NEPA Home”, takes home best of show at the American Advertising Federation of NEPA’s (AAF NEPA) annual advertising awards show and gala.

“Some pieces impress you with craft, others stay with you because of how they make you feel. This work does both. Through deeply human storytelling, it captures something profoundly important, the universal desire for belonging, human connection, and home,” Judge Sara Janssen of Sara Janssen Creative said. 

The evening saw Anna Lesher of Susquehanna University take home student Gold and student Best of Show for her “Hear Her Out” female composer PSA campaign. Also presented were their annual Game Changer Award, the Rising Star Award, and the People’s Choice Award, voted on by those in attendance. This year’s event was held at the Mohegan Pennsylvania Convention Center and hosted by local drag king Oliver Twist. 

The American Advertising Awards are widely acknowledged to be the largest and most representative competition of its kind, with more than 25,000 entries received as part of the three-tier competition. Campaigns need to advance through both local and regional levels in order to be eligible for the national award. In addition, the awards are often viewed as a lens offering insights into work that may also perform well at other upcoming international creative competitions.

Local Gold winners will automatically advance to the regional level and silver winners have the option to send their work on.

In all, 12 Professional ADDYs and 10 Student ADDYs were awarded at the Northeastern PA American Advertising Awards, along with 6 Special Judges Choice Awards. Winners were announced during the award show on March 6th, which was attended by 80+ creative professionals, educators and students from across the advertising, marketing, media and tech communities, representing numerous counties and communities in Northeast PA. 

Said Dan Kimbrough, President of AAF NEPA, “Each year I’m blown away by the talent our region puts on display. Judges constantly talk about the quality of work in our market and are stunned by our student submissions. The creative market in Northeast PA is alive, thriving, and continuing to grow. I’m proud to have a small part in showcasing it!” 

Other highlights from this year’s American Advertising Awards include: 

● Benco Dental’s interactive “40 Under 40: Top Young Dentists”, took AAF NEPA’s first ever Best of Show: Print/Design award. 

● Local ad agencies Halibut Blue and Posture Interactive both took home a Gold and Silver Addy Award.

● Students representing Wilkes University, Pennsylvania College of Technology, Susquehanna University, Marywood University, and Keystone College took home awards. 

Awards were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges representing 3 different markets and agencies not local to NEPA. 

Outside of our AAA Competition awards, Doug Martin, owner of Turtleboy Productions and professor at Luzerne County Community College, took home the Game Changer Award, which recognizes local visionaries who are pioneering new and exciting ideas within the advertising industry. 

Kristina Zenga of Shanty Town Design won The Rising Star Award, which celebrates emerging talents in the advertising industry who exhibit outstanding potential and a commitment to excellence in both their professional endeavors and community engagement. 

All professional and student entries and the winners can be viewed online at adflix.aafnepa.org. 

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have announced their 2026 campaign promotions, appearances, theme nights, and giveaways. This season will feature 20 fireworks dates, three Copa de la Diversión games, six new custom jerseys, appearances, unique giveaways and much more!

“We know 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best seasons in franchise history, and this promotional schedule just adds to the fun!” said RailRiders’ President & General Manager Shawn Reilly. “On top of the expanded fireworks schedule and great daily promos, these theme nights and our giveaways, plus our soon-to-be-announced celebrity appearances, will make this one of the most talked about, memory-packed years NEPA has ever seen. And it’s almost time!”

2026 Promotional Calendar Highlights

Opening Night at PNC Field is slated for Tuesday, April 7, against the Durham Bulls. Gates open at 5:30 P.M. with a 2026 magnetic schedule giveaway for the first 1,500 fans, with first pitch set for 6:35 P.M. Opening Day is presented by Charbroil.

Join us on May 2 as we celebrate a Day at the Movies, honoring some of our all-time favorite flicks. The first 1,500 fans will receive a CHAMP popcorn bucket courtesy of the Times-Leader before the RailRiders take on the Buffalo Bisons.

May 13 and 27 are STEM School Days with first pitch at 11:05 A.M. Before the games, students from across NEPA will have the chance to participate in our annual trebuchet competition. During the game, STEM-related activities will be available and area businesses will be on display on the concourse. 

We celebrate National Nurses Week in early May and honor those life-saving individuals on May 14 with a custom RailRiders’ scrubs top giveaway for the first 1,000 fans when gates open at 5:30 P.M. 

Friday Night Fireworks begin on May 15 and continue after nearly every Friday home game during the remainder of the 2026 season! 

This is the way! Star Wars Night returns on May 16. A custom giveaway fit for a Jedi greets the first 1,500 through the gates. The RailRiders host the Syracuse Mets at 6:05 P.M. while wearing custom Grogu-themed jerseys, set to be auctioned off benefitting Children’s Miracle Network. After the final out, we light the night sky with an intergalactic drone show! Miss this night, you shall not.

The RailRiders will host Sensory Friendly Day at PNC Field on Sunday, May 17. We will provide a sensory-safe environment for fans of all ages, including reduced ballpark sounds, sensory-friendly activities and much more. An additional Sensory Friendly Day is slated for September 6.

Let’s get fired up! The first 1,000 fans on Thursday, May 28, get their very own RailRiders rally towel. 

We’ll see your situation and raise you a situation. We’ve negotiated our own Tribute to Upper Management Night at PNC Field on May 29 with additional details coming soon! You just have to wait it out.

May 30 is Military Appreciation Night with a patriotic hat giveaway for the first 1,500 fans presented by MetLife. The RailRiders will also wear custom military-themed jerseys. It’s also Scout Night! Contact a sales representative now to book your pack, patrol or troop for an outing at the game against the Worcester Red Sox with a scout campout to follow. All scouts are welcome!

Reading is fun and was fundamental in getting over 80 area schools perusing the pages this spring. CHAMP’S Home Run Readers program, presented by Red Robin, welcomes its participants on June 9 and 10.

The first of three Copa de la Diversión games also falls on Wednesday, June 10, against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. The RailRiders will also take on their alternate “Vejigantes” identities on July 21 and August 18.

We get cozy on June 11. The first 1,000 fans will receive their own pair of plush SWB slippers!

Erin Go Bragh! Irish Heritage Night is on tap for June 13. The craic starts with live music from Poor Man’s Gambit on the Geisinger Plaza at 4:15 P.M. Gates open at 5:30 with a custom SWB shamrock t-shirt giveaway. During the game, the team will wear custom green SWB jerseys, set to be auctioned off. After the IronPigs get banjaxed by our RailRiders, stick around for a grand pyrotechnic extravaganza sure to make Saint Patrick himself proud.

Let that oom-pah fill your heart and soul on Polka Night – Tuesday, June 30! Live music from the John Stevens Polka Band will help you hop and half-step through the Geisinger Plaza before the series opener against the Norfolk Tides.

We are thrilled to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday through 2026. Semiquincentennial festivities peak on July 2-4. With the rush of the United States hosting the World Cup, the first 1,000 fans get a custom SWB soccer jersey on Thursday, July 2, plus a special Thursday fireworks blowout. Enjoy a post-game fireworks spectacular on Friday, July 3, courtesy of ShurSave.

On July 4, we honor our nation with custom jerseys, set to be auctioned off benefitting Camp Freedom. After the final out, our annual extended fireworks extravaganza, presented by the PA Lottery, we help cap the best celebration of the last two-and-a-half centuries!

Calling all royalty and rogues alike! Princess & Villains Night returns on July 17!  

Celebrate CHAMP’S birthday on July 19. All his rowdy friends will be here to honor the bestest mascot in the world during a Geisinger Sunday Family FunDay!

Thursday, July 23, is Country Night with a cowboy hat giveaway for the first 1,000 fans ahead of a 7:05 P.M. first pitch versus Syracuse.

Did you know Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii’s way to say Merry Christmas to you? Hawaiian Christmas in July is presented by the Salvation Army. Gates open at 5:30 on July 25 with our annual button-down shirt giveaway for the 1,500 fans, custom jerseys to be auctioned off and a post-game fireworks show that even Kris wouldn’t Kringle at.

The Joey Chestnut VIP Experience hits PNC Field on August 7. The world champion and record-holding eater extraordinaire will take on the RailRiders Pierogi Challenge in front of 200 VIP guests!

Faith & Family Night is also slated for August 7. Bring your group to PNC Field for a night of fun and fellowship, plus fireworks after the game! 

Mystery surrounds August 8 as we find out Who Dun It? A mystery bobblehead awaits the first 1,500 fans as gates open at 5:30 P.M. before the RailRiders host the Rochester Red Wings. Follow along as we find out which legendary figure from our lore was the responsible party. Was it CHAMP in the clubhouse with the rosin bag? Perhaps Mr. Incrediball in the bullpen with the radar gun? Follow the clues, one plus two plus two plus one (?), and win!

Learn the art of the big league curve with a play bat and ball set! On August 20, the first 1,000 fans will receive this classic set before a 7:05 P.M. first pitch.

We got a real jam goin’ down on Friday, August 21! Space Jam Night, featuring a custom jersey honoring the 30^th Anniversary of the legendary animated classic, slams down. The RailRiders host the Charlotte Nerdlucks… we mean Charlotte Knights… and we will send them all the way back to Moron Mountain from Montage! The custom jerseys will be auctioned off to benefit our Community Organization of the Game program. Together, we might just save the world!

90s Night IV has no strings attached. On August 22, the first 1,500 fans receive an SWB Red Barons jersey giveaway – PLUS a guest appearance and our annual post-game dance party on the Geisinger Plaza with DJ Hersh. Additional appearance and VIP details are coming soon. 

September 3 takes a spooky turn on a chilling and Thrilling Thursday, featuring Reaper’s Revenge performers. The first 1,000 fans get a custom RailRiders monster-inspired plush toy.

Girls Night Out is slated for Friday, September 4. We paint the park pink and the players will wear custom jerseys that will be auctioned off to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

Saturday, September 5, is Law Enforcement Night. Prior to the RailRiders game against the IronPigs, baseball teams with representatives of the New York and Philadelphia police departments will play an exhibition at PNC Field. Celebrate our Scranton/Wilkes-Barre heritage with a legacy pennant giveaway for the first 1,000 fans and then stick around after the game for a post-game fireworks blast.

After the conclusion of the SWB and Lehigh Valley game, another Saturday night fireworks showcase lights up the sky.

Plan For Your Future at PNC Field on Wednesday, September 16, with our second-annual college & career fair. Representatives from local colleges and businesses will be on hand for this 1:05 P.M. game against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

As our baseball season winds down, the hockey season is fast approaching. Prep for WBS Penguins games with our custom SWB hockey jersey, given to the first 1,000 fans when gates open on September 17.

On October 12, 1926, Babe Ruth, the “Sultan of Swat” himself, visited Wilkes-Barre’s Artillery Park to play in an exhibition game between Hughestown and Larksville. So the legend goes, Ruth demolished a pitch 650 feet – the longest home run in history. We commemorate this clout on Saturday, September 19, with a Babe Ruth Bobblecard for the first 1,500 fans, presented by Geisinger. After the game, stick around for the final fireworks show of the season. 

We wrap the 2026 home slate on Fan Appreciation Day, set for Sunday, September 20, as we honor all those who make RailRiders baseball possible.

All promotions, theme nights and giveaways remain subject to change. Additional information, including additional promotions and giveaways, appearances and special VIP packages will be announced soon! All giveaways are for the first 1,500 fans this season unless otherwise noted.

Single-game tickets as well as season tickets, including full, half, partial and flex plans, are available now. Buy online at www.swbrailriders.com or at the PNC Field Box Office.

For more information, contact the RailRiders front office by calling (570) 969-2255.

WeiDong Zhu, Ph.D., is currently the chief academic officer at Saint Peter’s University, a Jesuit sister institution in New Jersey.

University of Scranton president Joseph G. Marina, S.J., announced that WeiDong Zhu, Ph.D., has been named provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, effective July 2026.

Dr. Zhu was selected following a highly competitive national search and will join the president’s cabinet, providing academic and strategic leadership to advance the University’s mission.

Working closely with deans and faculty, the provost helps guide the development of curricula and directs academic programming across the University’s three colleges. The provost is responsible for providing leadership and oversight for the academic division’s budget; undergraduate and graduate programs; teaching and research activities; the University’s library; and the faculty.

Dr. Zhu comes to Scranton from Saint Peter’s University, a Jesuit sister institution in New Jersey, where he has served in numerous academic leadership roles since being hired in 2007.

He is currently the interim vice president for academic affairs at Saints Peter’s. Since assuming this role in August 2024, he has guided Saint Peter’s through a period of significant institutional evolution, creating its newest strategic plan, restructuring academic departments for mission-aligned relevance and infusing Ignatian values into faculty development, core revision and high-impact practices.

“Dr. Zhu brings a breadth of experience and mission-centered leadership to The University of Scranton,” Father Marina said in a community email announcing the hire. “He is a deeply accomplished academic leader and scholar whose record and achievements reflect both intellectual distinction and a deeply humanistic approach to higher education, especially in a Catholic and Jesuit setting.”

Beyond his recent work as chief academic officer at Saint Peter’s, he was the co-director and later director of its Center for Microplasma Science and Technology from 2009-2018; chair of the Department of Applied Science and Technology, 2014-2018; vice president and briefly president of the faculty senate, 2016-2018; and dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, 2018-2024.

As a dean, Dr. Zhu led the largest college at Saint Peter’s, focusing on academic innovation and financial and strategic stewardship. Earlier, as department chair, he helped establish new academic concentrations, implement revised curricula and enhance lab-based learning for biochemistry, biotechnology and physics programs, as well as dual-degree engineering partnerships.

Dr. Zhu helped secure more than $2 million in research grants and the establishment of the federally funded Center for Microplasma Science and Technology. Through collaborations with partner institutions, Dr. Zhu mentored high school, undergraduate and graduate students, helping develop future scientists.

A first-generation college student, Dr. Zhu was born in China. He came to the U.S. to pursue a doctoral degree at Stevens Institute of Technology. He credits his personal journey, including early challenges with language and cultural adjustments, for shaping his compassionate, community-focused approach to leadership.

Dr. Zhu earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Education and a Master of Engineering in Material Science and Engineering from Soochow University in China. He also holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the Stevens Institute of Technology. He is a graduate of the 18-month Ignatian Colleagues Program, which included formative experiences such as a silent retreat at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat Center in Colorado and an immersion trip to Lima, Peru.

An accomplished researcher and scholar in plasma physics, he holds two patents in the United States and six in China, and has had numerous peer-reviewed journal and conference publications.

MEGA Events will present “The Princess Concert” on July 18 at 3:30 PM at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple.  The concert, which will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, features the music from classics like “Frozen,” “Wicked,” “Moana, “Beauty and the Beast,” and many more.

Audiences can prepare for a show-stopping performance with tributes to iconic, heartwarming and nostalgic songs from animations including; “The Wizard of Oz,” “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” “Anastasia,” “Pocahontas,” “Aladdin,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and even pop favorites like Taylor Swift, Coldplay and Rachel Platte.

Stars of “The Princess Concert” have performed on the West End, ITV, and even for members of Royalty!  With an incredible response and sold-out shows across the country, this show will create magical memories, share stunning musical moments, and spread joy to all who attend.  

The Princess Concert will take place in the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Theatre, located on the building’s first floor, with doors opening for bar and concessions at 2:30 PM. 

 Tickets start at for $33.85 for ages 2-15 and $39.85 for ages 16 and up (includes fees) and free for children under 2 if seated on a lap.  Prices are subject to change. Top price tickets include one complimentary piece of merchandise per purchased ticket.  

Tickets will be available for purchase on March 11 at 10 AM at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster.  For more information or to view a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.