The University of Scranton Opens “National” Era with US News

The University of Scranton has boldly entered the U.S. News and World Report rankings of the best colleges in the entire United States, further validating an historic Carnegie reclassification last year as a National University.

“Scranton has enjoyed an impressive run in the U.S. News Regional Universities in the North Rankings. This year, Scranton has moved up to the ‘National Universities’ U.S. News category, directly competing with Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Notre Dame, Duke and Georgetown, and the country’s other most-distinguished academic universities,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, at a campus celebration of Scranton’s new category and this year’s U.S. News rankings.

In the 2027 U.S. News “Best Colleges” ranking, Scranton tied for No. 137 in the National Universities category. The National Universities category is widely regarded as the premier grouping of American universities and includes more than 420 institutions.

While no single statistic determines an institution’s position in the rankings, which were released Tuesday, Sept. 22, Scranton performed exceptionally well in several indicators tied to educational quality and value as measured by student success.

  • With 91% of Scranton graduates earning more than a typical high school graduate, the University ranks No. 47 in the graduate earnings category;
  • The University ranks 73rd in earnings by major, a new category that evaluates graduates’ earnings four years after graduation and measures the value added by their degree;
  • A 10.77-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio ranks No. 62;
  • Holding a 73% predicted graduation rate and 82% six-year graduation rate, Scranton ranks No. 89 in the category measuring graduation rates.
  • Named a “Best Value School (No. 148 nationally),” Scranton’s exceptional return on investment is reflected in its combination of academic quality, affordability and strong student outcomes.

Long recognized as one the best Regional Universities in the nation — ranking top 10 in the North for 32 consecutive years — Scranton’s evolving academic and research profile in recent years has aligned more closely with institutions in the National category. The University’s position among National Universities was confirmed earlier this year when the Carnegie Classification system, the widely used benchmark that evaluates and compares institutions, recognized it as such.

“We have always taken justifiable pride in the success of our students and the Catholic and Jesuit learning and living experience we offer to nurture their achievements,” Father Marina said. “I am delighted that this same commitment to helping our students achieve their dreams is now enjoying even greater national attention.”

U.S. News rankings are based on the previously listed data, as well as other criteria including peer assessments, faculty salaries, standardized test performance and Pell Grant student graduation rates and performance.

While The University of Scranton is tied for 137th among all national universities, it is tied for 71st among private colleges and universities on the list.

The University’s accounting program is tied for 33rd in the nation, furthering its reputation as a premier destination for the field. Last year, the accounting program ranked 40th. It joins other undergraduate programs also listed on the national rankings: nursing, business, engineering and computer science. 

Founded in 1888, The University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit university with 70 majors and more than 40 graduate programs housed in its three colleges (the Kania School of Management, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Leahy College of Health Sciences). Scranton has recently been recognized in national rankings from TIME Magazine and The Princeton Review, the latter of which ranked Scranton top 25 nationally in multiple categories measuring student satisfaction beyond the classroom.

The most recent  First Destination Survey by the Roche Family Center for Career Development revealed success rates of 99% and 100% for Scranton’s undergraduate and graduate members of the Class of 2024.

Geisinger School of Medicine seeks speakers for TEDxGCSOM 2026

Geisinger College of Health Sciences is seeking speakers for TEDxGCSOM 2026, an event that will challenge the community to explore a universal question: Why Care?

The event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 15, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Medical Sciences Building in Scranton.

Selected local speakers will examine the many ways care shapes lives, communities and healthcare. Applications are open to a diverse range of speakers, including patients and family members, students, healthcare providers, social workers, therapists, educators, caregivers, community leaders — essentially anyone with a meaningful perspective on the role of care in our lives.

“Care is at the heart of the human experience,” said first-year medical student and event organizer Mario Lopez. “It can be found in a life-changing medical intervention, a difficult conversation, an act of advocacy, a moment of compassion or a connection that leaves a lasting impact. TEDxGCSOM offers an opportunity to explore why care matters and how it influences our world.”

Potential topics include:

· Personal experiences receiving care

· The impact of compassionate healthcare

· Caregiving and caregiving challenges

· Patient advocacy

· Health equity and access

· Mental health

· Innovation in healthcare

· Resilience, healing and recovery

· Lessons learned through providing care

To apply, visit TEDxGCSOM Speaker Application. Application deadline is Sept. 20.

TEDx events are local, independently organized programs that bring people together to share ideas and foster meaningful dialogue. Modeled after TED conferences, TEDx events feature live speakers and recorded TED Talks centered on ideas worth spreading within local communities.

Lackawanna Historical Society Program Honors Women Vets

On Valentine’s weekend, the Lackawanna Historical Society will present “A Love Letter to My Sister Soldiers” on Sunday, February 16, at 2 pm at the Society’s headquarters, the Catlin House, 232 Monroe Avenue, Scranton. Join Janice Gavern to share stories and honor the women currently serving today, including Capt. Lacie Hester, an Air Force airman who was recently awarded a Silver Star for her performance in an enormous drone fight.

Janice is a Scranton native and Air Force Veteran who continues to serve her country as the deputy commander for Women Veterans Issues at the 15th District American Legion Department of Pennsylvania. She is also the historian for Gardner Warner American Legion Post 154 in Montrose, Pennsylvania, and the acting historian for Gladys Watkins American Legion Post 550, which once existed in Scranton.

For more information or to register, please call the Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahhistory@gmail.com.

Lackawanna College Enters Agreement with Lower Dauphin School District

Lower Dauphin School District Approves Pre-College Agreement with Lackawanna CollegeLower Dauphin School District, located near Harrisburg and Hershey, has approved a pre-college partnership with Lackawanna College, enabling Lower Dauphin School District students to earn college credits while still in high school. Finalized in December 2024, the agreement is new to the Lower Dauphin School District and will be offered online and concurrently through the high school.

 “Lower Dauphin is looking forward to our partnership with Lackawanna College. The agreement is another avenue for our students and families to evaluate and maximize to make the best possible decisions in assisting with transitioning after high school,” said Todd Neuhard, Assistant to the Superintendent: Secondary Education.

 The goal of this partnership aligns with Lackawanna College’s commitment to making college more accessible. Lackawanna College creates affordable career pathways, by helping high school students receive access to college level classes through dual enrollment. The college continues to strengthen community ties and prepare students for higher education, while also supporting both student achievement and workforce development.

 “We are excited to collaborate with the staff, students, and their families of the Lower Dauphin School District. This partnership opens doors for students to get a head start on their college journey, empowering them to earn valuable credits and build a strong foundation for future success, all while still in high school,” said Philip Campbell, Director of College Partnerships at Lackawanna College.

Our program provides flexible learning options tailored to meet students’ needs:

  • In-Person: Attend daytime or evening classes at any Lackawanna College location, offering a traditional classroom experience.
  • Online: Utilize the convenience of our Learning Management System (Canvas) to complete courses online, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
  • Concurrent Enrollment: Take college-level courses directly at your high school. We collaborate closely with schools to align our curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) and other qualifying courses, with their offerings.

Through these options, Lackawanna College focuses on academic enrichment and college readiness, empowering students to take confident steps toward their educational goals.

For more information or to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact our Director of College Partnerships, Philip Campbell, at campbellp@lackawanna.edu. 

Johnson College Now Enrolling for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Course in Scranton

Johnson College is now enrolling for its upcoming 285-hour, non-credit certificate Computer Numerical Control (CNC) course at the Scranton campus. The course will run from February 11 to June 10, 2025, with classes held Tuesday through Thursday, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

This training program is designed for individuals eager to enter the high-demand machining industry, equipping students with both the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills required for success in the field. Participants will receive instruction in conventional and CNC machining techniques, alongside key topics in math for machinists, metalworking, and the stresses placed upon materials during the machining process.

The cost for the complete program is $4,200. In order to enroll, students must have a GED or high school diploma.

This course provides an excellent opportunity for those seeking to develop the skills necessary for a successful career in the machining industry, a sector that continues to see significant demand for trained professionals.

For more information or to reserve a spot in the course, please visit the official course page: https://johnson.edu/continuing-ed/285-computer-numerical-control-cnc/. You can also contact Johnson College’s Continuing Education team at 570-702-879 or continuinged@johnson.edu.

Indraloka Expands Summer Day Camps To Help Kids

When kids enter Indraloka’s Art Barn, the first thing some notice is the wall of windows facing the fields where animals are grazing in the distance. Others immediately connect to the art — stylized photographs of Indraloka’s rescued farm animals — covering the lofted gallery walls. A pool table, piles of games, and reading nooks stacked with books catch some of the kids’ attention. They all sense they’ve arrived at a place that values them and their interests. And this year, they can spend their whole summer at Indraloka.

Summer day camp at Indraloka, a farm animal sanctuary in Dalton, PA, offers affordable options for children and teens — ages 5 to 17 — to explore nature surrounded by the love of rescued farm animals. Indraloka runs up to nine weeks of camp for a continuous summer solution. Each day of camp includes active and passive games, sports, arts and crafts, music, and animal lessons and activities based on kindness, compassion, friendship, and storytelling. Indoor space provides respite from inclement weather and rest on hot days.

The cost per week of camp ranges between $150-$220 and includes a kid-friendly, healthy lunch and two snacks daily. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available.

“We are offering more weeks of summer camp based on feedback collected in previous summer camp surveys. Parents and guardians shared that campers love attending Indraloka camps and that having consistency throughout the summer would help with their childcare needs and camper social and emotional growth. We also want to offer continuous employment for our summer camp counselors. With these additional weeks, no matter your summer schedule, we have an opportunity for your kids,” Indraloka’s Director of Education, Sarah Thornton says.

Set on 100 acres of beautiful farmland, rimmed by the Endless Mountains, Indraloka is a mere five miles from Clarks Summit. During camp, kids are supervised daily for six hours by a staff of educators and camp counselors led by a former public school teacher with trauma certification. In addition to lunch and snacks, all supplies for games, crafts, and other activities are provided.

Camp dates and other important information are available on the Indraloka website.

The camps sell out quickly, often to children and teens who have attended previous camps. Indraloka is getting the word out early so first-timers have a chance to enroll. Early registration discounts are currently open, but prices increase February 1.

Summer camp counselor jobs and internships are available for anyone interested in working with children and teens. We are grateful for applicants with experience related to teaching, social work, psychology, and similar fields.

On Monday, President’s Day, February 17, 2025, Indraloka is sponsoring “Play-cation Day.” The daylong event (9 am to 3 pm) is a great summer camp preview.

Indraloka offers numerous year-round events. Public tours, Self-Care Saturdays, Nurture and Nourish Series, and Storytime with the Animals are great ways for parents to experience Indraloka and its offerings. All education events are led by Sarah Thornton, Indraloka’s Director of Education, who holds a master’s in music education and is a Certified Trauma Specialist in Education. Her career includes 20 years in the Sullivan County School District teaching music.

“At Indraloka, we focus on joy, healing, compassion, and friendship. Kids jump in puddles, run through sprinklers, and hug pigs, sheep, and feathered companions. Most importantly, they make friends and happy memories. At a time when technology is so often the go-to entertainment for kids, we are honored to bring them outside in a supportive environment where they can experience the magic nature provides,” says Indraloka founder Indra Lahiri, PhD, who has a background in organizational psychology and is also a Certified Trauma Specialist. Dr. Lahiri runs trauma-informed programs and retreats for regional healthcare professionals, the Scranton School District, and others onsite at the sanctuary.

Research into the relationship between kids and animals shows that interacting with animals can help build kids’ confidence, empathy, and compassion and that relating to farm animals brings benefits beyond those that companion animals offer. Spending time in a noncompetitive environment that emphasizes respect for all beings and the planet can help develop coping and relationship skills.

Dr. Lahiri and Ms. Thornton are available for interviews and can speak about Indraloka’s exciting programs. Please visit Indraloka.org for more information on all events.

Maternal and Family Health Services Circle of Care Now Open

Maternal and Family Health Services held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for its Circle of Care, a one-stop healthcare and nutrition location in Scranton. Congressman Matt Cartwright was honored at the event with the Distinguished Public Service Award in recognition of securing $2.1 million in community project funding for the new facility.

MFHS Circle of Care offers a maternal home model of care, which includes the following services in one location:

  • Pregnancy Care
  • Reproductive Health Care
  • The WIC Nutrition Program
  • The Nurse-Family Partnership
  • Dental Care
  • Mammograms and Cancer Screening
  • Primary Care (well and sick visits)
  • Pediatric Care (well and sick visits, vaccinations)
  • Behavioral Health Care

For more information go to https://www.mfhs.org/ or to schedule an appointment, call 1-570-961-5550.

UCP of NEPA Summit Slam Pickleball Tournament

United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UCP of NEPA) will host the “Summit Slam Pickleball Tournament for UCP of NEPA” from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 22, at Birchwood Tennis and Fitness Center, 105 Edella Rd., Clarks Summit. The event is a non-sanctioned, round-robin tournament of men’s, women’s, and mixed teams. Teams will enjoy playing on eight newly-surfaced, indoor Nova® hard pickleball courts and will have access to modern clubhouse facilities. All players will receive an official tournament shirt, player gift bag, bottled water, and a free drink coupon for a beverage from the exclusive event drink menu at the “Clink & Dink Tournament Eve Happy Hour

The “Clink & Dink Tournament Eve Happy Hour” will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 21, at Andy Gavin’s Eatery & Pub, 1392 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. This event will include pickle-themed drink specials, food, raffles, and more. Prior to the event, any guest who makes a $10 donation via UCP of NEPA’s website, www.ucpnepa.org, will receive a free drink coupon for an item from the exclusive event drink menu.

There also will be a basket and gift card raffle of prizes from restaurants, businesses, and more located throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Chances may be purchased at either event or online at www.ucpnepa.org.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Jackie Galvin, M.S., director of communications and development, at j.galvin@ucpnepa.org or 570-347-3357, ext. 33.

To register to play or to provide sponsorship or donation, visit www.ucpnepa.org.

All event proceeds will be used to fund programs to help children with special needs develop their skills and abilities through UCP of NEPA’s children’s service center, Clarks Summit.

Johnson College to Host Celebration of Industry

Johnson College will host its first-ever Celebration of Industry event on September 7, 2023, on the College’s Scranton campus. The event will honor David Boniello ’84, President of Simplex Industries, as the recipient of the President’s Spirit of Giving Award for his leadership and contributions to Johnson College and the region.

Johnson College’s Celebration of Industry is a signature fundraising event that celebrates the unique relationship between the College and its industry partners. Each year, an industry partner will be honored for work as an industry champion and for playing a vital role in supporting the College’s students and the community. Proceeds from the event will benefit the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign to improve programs and facilities for student success.

The President’s Spirit of Giving Award is an artistic representation of the community, students, and the College made of steel and welded together in a flowing 3D design. The award was designed and created by members of the College’s Welding Department including Tony DeLucca, Welding Technology Program Director, Ben Lipperini, Welding Instructor, and Josh Perniciaro, Welding Instructor.

Mr. Boniello is a native of Dunmore, Pa., and graduated from Johnson College with an Associate Degree in Building Construction Technology in 1984. He became an active member of the College community by participating in its Program Advisory Committees, as a member of the Board of Directors in 2008, and became the first alum to be named Chair of the Board of Directors in 2016.

Mr. Boniello worked on the College’s first capital campaign from 2009 to 2014, helping to raise over $5.1 million, and currently chairs the College’s $5 million five-year capital campaign, Innovation at Work, launched in 2021. He played an instrumental role in the College’s nationwide search for the current President and CEO, Dr. Katie Leonard.

Mr. Boniello has been part of the Simplex team for over 30 years. Throughout his professional career, he rose through positions in sales and management before being appointed to Vice President of Simplex, where he focused on developing and maintaining relationships with large-scale customers. He oversaw the company’s largest apartment and townhome projects across the Mid-Atlantic region. He was promoted to President in 2022. Furthermore, in 2005, he was an instrumental part of the company’s efforts to launch its own retail division for home sales called Cornerstone Building Solutions Inc. of which he currently serves in the capacity of President.

In addition to his commitment to Johnson College, Boniello is a former board member of the Lackawanna Home Builders Association and Home Builders Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, along with the Women’s Resource Center Golf Tournament Committee.

Simplex Industries has been an industry partner of Johnson College for over 25 years. The partnership benefits both organizations and most importantly, the local community. Through collaborative efforts with NeighborWorks of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Lackawanna County Area on Aging, the College and Simplex are involved with the Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO). The project allows older adults to remain close to family or caretakers as they age by placing cottages on their properties. These structures are designed and built by Johnson College students and members of the Simplex team.

To learn about available sponsorship opportunities for the Celebration of Industry, please contact Karen Baker, Senior Director of College Advancement, at kbaker@johnson.edu or (570) 702-8908.