Marywood University Celebrates 106th Annual Commencement Ceremony More than 800 students were part of Marywood University’s 106th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 1 p.m., at the Mohegan Sun Arena, Casey Plaza, in Wilkes-Barre Twp. Marywood University’s two colleges, including the College of Health Sciences and the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies, conferred degrees on undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students who hail from 24 states and 7 countries. Business, social work, and physician assistant studies were the top graduate level degree granting programs. Architecture, business, and nursing were the top undergraduate level degree granting programs. Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., Marywood University’s 12th President, who will retire on June 30, served as keynote speaker, bidding a fond farewell to the Class of 2024, the final graduating class of her eight-year presidential tenure. Prior to her address, Sister Mary received a citation recognizing the many accomplishments of her presidency. Sister Kathleen Lunsmann, IHM, Chair of the Marywood University Board of Trustees, shared that the Board recently granted Sister Mary the lifetime title of President Emerita, effective upon her retirement. Sister Kathleen praised Sister Mary’s leadership and vision, and expressed, “During the course of her presidency, Sister Mary has called upon her innate gifts of authenticity, compassion, courage, collaborative leadership, and bold vision, navigating both unprecedented challenges and outstanding accomplishments, always leading with hope, tenacity, and joy.” In her opening comments, Sister Mary teased that the Class of 2024 was not treated to a famous speaker who could have imparted the generic words of wisdom typically offered by those chosen to give such addresses, noting that she instead represented many people who know the graduates personally, the same people who prepared them for this moment. She chose the musical production, Merrily We Roll Along, to reflect upon the choices that are presented at milestone moments of our lives, and her keynote address culminated with the song “Our Time” from the musical. Sister Mary observed, “Commencement is a time to draw upon the skills you have learned to be leaders in the workforce, to value the friendships you have formed during your university years, and to rely on the values you were taught to guide you in your life choices.”
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.”
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.
The Wright Center Announces Keynote Speaker for 2023 Commencement Innovative keynote speaker, classical violinist, and composer Kai Kight will deliver the inspiring commencement address, “Compose Your World,” during The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s 44th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 24 at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, beginning at 4 p.m. As a classical violinist turned innovative composer, Kight uses music as a metaphor to inspire individuals and organizations around the world to compose paths of imagination and fulfillment. He is on a mission to spark a global mindset shift in which ingenuity is the norm and not the exception. “Whether in education, business, health care, or government, the systems and routines we depended on for so long have disappeared,” said Kight. “While this void has been devastating, it also leaves us with an incredible opportunity – a blank page on which we can compose our future. We will look back at this time as the moment we made leaps forward by creating more innovative technologies, more human-centric businesses, and more inclusive workplaces.” His unique background is a blend of both art and science. As a musician, Kight has performed his original music for thousands of people in venues around the world, from the White House to the Great Wall of China. A graduate of Stanford University’s design and engineering program, the Stanford d.school, and the Behavior Design Lab, Kight studied how to help people create healthy and transformative habits in life. “A musical masterpiece is a unique, alive, just right, timeless blessing that captures and connects the fundamental and essential stories of the musical composer, the music, and the audience,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, FACP, FAAP, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “It remains relevant across time, contemporary circumstances, cultures, and generations. It speaks to humanity about our interdependence and our connectedness to each other and the university. “Kai Kight’s inspiring message to dare to play the music that makes you stronger and his passionate, talented delivery are powerful, therapeutic, and both mission and vision aligned with The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education,” she added. “Through the music he composes and performs and the life stories and lessons he shares, Mr. Kight will certainly relax and entertain us, while paradoxically challenging us to think introspectively and collectively about our own lives, our shared future, and the progressive human journey.” The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Class of 2023 has 80 graduates from seven disciplines: Internal Medicine (35); Regional Family Medicine (11); National Family Medicine (17); Psychiatry (10); Cardiovascular Disease (4); Geriatrics (2) and Gastroenterology (1). “The physicians in our Class of 2023 know the importance of providing inclusive, responsive, compassionate, high-quality health services to the patients, families, and communities we serve,” said Thomas-Hemak. “They know the playbook of ‘Wright’ health care and medical education, and they know the difference between what Mr. Kight calls air violining and real engagement playing their part in the master orchestra of medicine. “We celebrate our graduates and our confidence that they will go forth into thrilling and fulfilling futures, energized by their competence and meaningful contributions to service society and to advance public health, the noble profession of medicine, and medical education.” In July, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education will welcome 88 residents and fourfellows to its regional and national residency and fellowship programs. The resident physicians will train in the following programs: Internal Medicine Residency (40); Regional Family Medicine Residency (12); Psychiatry Residency (12), and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (5). The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s National Family Medicine Residency includes resident physicians at the Tucson, Arizona (4); Auburn, Washington (6); Washington, D.C. (6), and Hillsboro, Ohio (3) training sites. Fellows will also begin training in the Cardiovascular Disease (3) and Gastroenterology (1) fellowships in July. Similar to Kight, The Wright Center sparks innovation in the delivery of primary and preventive care and the cost-effective education and training of an inspired, competent physician workforce. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education is affiliated with The Wright Center for Community Health, which serves as the cornerstone ambulatory care delivery service organization of The Wright Center’s Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Safety-Net Consortium, the largest in the nation funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. Together with consortium stakeholders, The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education train primary care residents and fellows in a community-based, community-needs-responsive workforce development model to improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. For more information about The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org, call 570.866.3017, or email gmerecruitment@TheWrightCenter.org
Johnson College to Celebrate Largest Graduating Class Johnson College will celebrate its largest graduating class at its commencement ceremony on May 13, 2023, at 10 a.m. on its Scranton campus. Graduating students will report to the Moffat Student Center gym by 9 a.m. Graduates will complete programs for Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees, academic certificates, and Readiness in Skilled Employment (RISE). John W. Cosgrove, Chief Executive Officer of AllOne Foundation & Charities, will give the commencement address. Degrees will be 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 A.A.S., Jacob Banta, an Automotive Technology program graduate, and Richard Christianson, a Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology program graduate, will serve as student speakers. Matthew Michalek ’85, Vice President of Operations of L.R. Costanzo Company, and Co-Owner of B & M Property Development, will give the alumni address to the newly graduated Johnson College class of 2023. The event will be live-streamed on the College’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnsonCollegePA. Alpha Beta Kappa (ABK) is the premier national collegiate honor society for trades and essential occupations. The society honors excellence not only in the classroom, but also in shop, studio, and laboratory study. Additionally, students must be a member of a student organization or club to become Alpha Beta Kappa members. The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is an educational non-profit that exists to honor, recognize, and empower students and teachers in Career & Technical Education The appearance of the degree candidate’s name does not verify satisfactory completion of degree requirements.
The University of Scranton Announces Plan for Commencement Events The University of Scranton announced plans for in-person graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies for its class of 2021, which will now be held May 22-23, one week earlier than originally scheduled. Additionally, the University will now hold separate ceremonies for each of its undergraduate colleges and for graduate students at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Following Pennsylvania’s current indoor capacity guidelines, a maximum of 2,500 people would be able to attend each ceremony at the arena. The graduate commencement ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 22. Separate undergraduate commencement ceremonies will be held on Sunday, May 23, for graduates of: the Panuska College of Professional Studies at 9:30 a.m.; the Kania School of Management at 1 p.m.; and for the College of Arts and Sciences at 4:30 p.m. Graduates will receive four tickets for guests to attend their ceremonies to ensure space capacity limits are followed. Other health and safety guidelines, such as social distancing and wearing masks, will also be followed. The ceremonies will also be live streamed for online viewing. The announcement, sent to the University community by Jeff Gingerich, Ph.D., acting president, also mentioned plans for a virtual Baccalaureate Mass at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 22. On Friday, May 21, at 8 p.m., the University will hold a virtual Class Night event, at which undergraduate students will be recognized for academic, service and leadership excellence. Information about additional commencement events will be shared in the coming weeks and will be posted on the University’s commencement webpage. The University was able to determine plans for in-person commencement ceremonies because of recent modifications in Pennsylvania’s pandemic restrictions, which were announced Mar. 15. The University will continue to monitor and adapt to changes in health and safety recommendations from federal or state guidelines between now and May
