University of Scranton releases schedule of fall events

The University of Scranton has released a list of the events it has planned on campus for the Fall 2026 semester. They are all listed below:

  • Sept. 8-Oct. 9: Art Exhibit: “Joy in the Process: Selections from a Regional Collection.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.
  • Sept. 11: 5 p.m. Art Gallery Curator’s Lecture: “Joy in the Process: Selections from a Regional Collection.” Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.
  • Sept. 17: 7:30 p.m. Ignatian Values in Action Lecture: “Searching for God at Ground Zero” presented by Rev. James Martin, S.J. H’17. Byron Recreation Complex. Free. Call 570-941-7520 or email linda.walsh@scranton.edu.
  • Sept. 18: 11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Work in Progress: Confessions of a Busboy, Dishwasher, Caddy, Usher, Factory Worker, Bank Teller, Corporate Tool, and Priest” presented by Rev. James Martin, S.J. H’17, editor at large of America magazine, consultor to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, and author of several New York Times bestsellers. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.
  • Sept. 18: 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital: Baroque or Bust!” Aisslinn Nosky, violin, and Caroline Nicolas, cello. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
  • Sept. 19: 8:30 a.m. Schemel Forum “University for a Day.” Topics discussed: “The ‘New Right’ and the Old Liberalism of John Courtney Murray, S.J.;” “Stress, Mindfulness, and Resilience: Small Changes, Big Results;” and “Evaluating Alternative College Football Playoff Structures: A Multicriteria Framework for Balancing Stakeholder Objectives.” Moskovitz Theater, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.
  • Sept. 26: 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Family Weekend Concert: Swingin’ The Classics” featuring The Anderson Twins Sextet with an appearance by The University of Scranton Concert Choir. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
  • Sept. 25-27 and Oct. 2-4: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday “Somewhere In Between”presented by The University Players. Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu.
  • Sept. 28: 5:30 p.m. Lecture by John Feal and representatives from the FealGood Foundation about their experiences at Ground Zero on 9/11 and their 20-plus years lobbying Congress for first responder and military healthcare. Sponsored by University Advancement as part of the Royals Remember 9/11 project. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.
  • Oct. 7: 8:30 a.m. 25th Annual U.S. Conference on DISABILITY “25 Years of Progress: Honoring the Legacy of Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Disability Inclusion and Careers Transforming Barriers into Opportunities.” McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Free. Call 570-941-4308 or visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference.
  • Oct. 7: 11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “The Coroner’s Silence: Death Records and the Hidden Victims of Police Violence” presented by Terence Keel, Ph.D., an award-winning professor of human biology and society and African American studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, and founding director of the lab for bioCritical studies. Rose Room. Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.
  • Oct. 7: 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “General Recital” featuring The University of Scranton Performance Music student musicians in solo, duo, trio and small ensemble performances. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
  • Oct. 19-Nov. 20: Art Exhibit: “Peter Hoffer: Reflections Five Decades of Art.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.
  • Oct. 20: 6 p.m. Schemel Forum with the Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities Collaborative Program Lecture: “The 3 Degrees of Why: Moving Beyond Positions to the Stories That Shape Us” presented by Peace Ike, a cultural strategist, dialogue facilitator, and speaker who works across both secular and faith-based spaces to build bridges and foster cultural transformation. The Rose Room, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Free. Exhibit and reception follow. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.
  • Oct. 23: 5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “Peter Hoffer: Reflections Five Decades of Art” presented by Peter Hoffer. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.
  • Oct. 30: 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Recital: Saints & Spirituals” featuring Marcus Printup, trumpet, and Riza Printup, harp. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
  • Nov. 6: 11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Jazz: From the Streets and Clubs to the Schools and Concert Halls” presented by Victor Goines, jazz chair, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, and founding director, Julliard Jazz Studies Program. Rose Room. Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.
  • Nov. 7: 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band with guest artist Victor Goines, woodwinds. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
  • Nov. 11: 5:30 Lecture by retired Col. Mark Volk, Scranton alumnus and former president of Lackawanna College, about his service at the Pentagon on 9/11, for which he was awarded the Soldier’s Medal, the Army’s highest non-combat recognition for valor and heroism. Sponsored by University Advancement as part of the Royals Remember 9/11 project. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-7401 or email info@scranton.edu.
  • Nov. 11: 7:30 p.m. Henry George Lecture: “How Working from Home Reshaped America” presented by Nicolas Bloom, Ph.D., professor of economics, Stanford University. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email pamela.turbessi@scranton.edu.
  • Nov. 12: 6 p.m. Schemel Forum with the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Collaborative Program Lecture: “The Freedom to Read: A Screening and Panel Discussion of The Librarians” presented by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, Kate Cummings and Michele Legate. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Registration required. Free. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.
  • Nov. 14: 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
  • Nov. 16: 11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Why do we have the worst health care outcomes? A consideration of the Social Determinants of Health” presented by Steven J. Scheinman, MD, dean emeritus, Geisinger College of Health Sciences. Rose Room. Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.
  • Nov. 19-21: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. “Mean Girls – The Musical” presented by Liva Arts Company. The Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. $5. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.livaartscompany.ludus.com or email livaartscompany@gmail.com.
  • Nov. 21: 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Symphonic Band. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
  • Dec. 5: 8 p.m. Performance Music: “59th Annual Noel Night” featuring The University of Scranton Singers, String Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles with special guest Wycliffe A. Gordon H’06. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.
  • Dec. 11: 7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Concert: Holidays Around the World” featuring Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, piano. Houlihan-McLean Center. Admission: one new unwrapped toy, new toiletry items or a cash donation. All proceeds will directly benefit local families in need. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Three events coming up at Joy World Wealth Partners

Joy World Wealth Partners is hosting three events in August and September 2026 at its location at 125 North Washington Avenue in Scranton.

The first is “Move wth Intentional Joy,” a movement-based workshop to enhance overall well-being. The inclusive, energizing and supportive workshop on Wednesday, August 18 from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm is designed for people of any fitness level. The drop-in rate for this workshop is $20 per person. Anyone interested in attending can RSVP to Joanna at (570) 507-9642.

The second event is another “Move wth Intentional Joy” workshop. This one will be similar to the first and will take place on Wednesday, September 8 from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. The drop-in rate for this workshop is $20 per person. Anyone interested in attending can RSVP to Joanna at (570) 507-9642.

Finally, Joy World Wealth Partners is hosting “Comedy for a Cause wth Jennie Luby, Mary Rapach, Kathryn Viam & Erin Watts.” This event will take place on Thursday, September 24. Doors will open at 6:30 pm and the show will begin at 7:00 pm. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the spreadJOY Foundation. You can purchase tickets by clicking here.

Misericordia University Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy

Misericordia University invites the community to join in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during MLK Celebration Week, taking place January 19–23, 2026. Throughout the week, the University will host a variety of programs centered on reflection, dialogue, and unity under the theme “One Dream, Many Voices: The Power of Solidarity.”

Select events during the week are open to the public, and community members are welcome to attend and engage in meaningful conversations that celebrate Dr. King’s vision and impact.

Week-Long Initiative

 • McAuley Market Donations – Jan 19–23, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Drop off non-perishable food, hygiene items, and household essentials to support students and neighbors facing food and resource insecurity. 

• Community Vigil – Tuesday, January 20 at 4:00 PM
Celebrate the spirit of Dr. King with a community gathering of reflection and unity. 

• The Dream Reimagined: An Interdisciplinary Dialogue – Wednesday, January 21, 3:00–4:15 PM
An engaging gallery dialogue exploring Dr. King’s legacy and its impact on social change. Reception to follow. 

• Honorary MLK Women’s Basketball Game – Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00 PM
Join the community and cheer on the women’s basketball team at this special game in support of unity and inclusion. 

To learn more about this week’s events and view public programming, visit misericordia.edu/mlkweek.

Wright Center To Host Free Soup for Community

The Wright Center invites community members to enjoy a warm, cozy, and free bowl of soup at its community health centers in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. The meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited quantities.

Gerri McAndrew

The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton, 501 S. Washington Ave., will offer soup and bread donated by or purchased from area restaurants on Monday, Jan. 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsors include state Senator Rosemary Brown’s office, state Senator Marty Flynn’s office; state Representative Bridget M. Kosierowski’s office, the Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Office, Caravia Fresh Foods, Pasquale’s Pizzeria and Family Restaurant, the Sacco family, and others. Community officials will join The Wright Center’s employees to serve the hot meal.

Additionally, The Wright Center’s community health workers will be at the event to provide information about services, including help with temporary housing, utility assistance, transportation to medical appointments, health insurance, food, and clothing.

The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre, 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave., will host a similar event with soup and bread donated by or purchased from area restaurants on Monday, Feb. 16, from 11:30 to 2 p.m.

The Wright Center will also provide information about whole-person primary and preventive care services, including pediatric and geriatric services, as well as the Ryan White HIV Clinic.

“This is about more than soup – it’s about showing up for our communities,” said Gerri McAndrew, director of development and relations for community outreach at The Wright Center. “While we offer a warm meal, we’re also helping people understand the high-quality, whole-person primary health services available to them at The Wright Center, no matter their circumstances.”

The events are organized by The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement, which helps many of the most under-resourced individuals and families in Northeast Pennsylvania, including those experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, social isolation, poverty, or other hardships. To learn more, visit TheWrightCenter.org/patient-and-community-engagement. For a full list of upcoming community events, visit TheWrightCenter.org/events. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-209-0019.

Johnson College Announces Winter 2026 Workshops

Johnson College is now enrolling students for a series of hands-on workshops open to the public through its WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) department. Upcoming offerings include Test Strategies That Change the Game, Women at the Workbench: Electrical, Milk Jug Sowing, Hand Quilting – Mug Rug and Women at the Workbench: Carpentry. For more information or to register to attend a workshop, visit johnson.edu/workshops, call 570-702-8979, or email wave@johnson.edu.

Designed for beginners and skill-builders alike, the workshops provide practical instruction in academic success, skilled trades and creative pursuits. Led by experienced instructors, each session emphasizes step-by-step learning in a supportive environment. Additional details for each workshop are listed below.

Upcoming workshops include:

Test Strategies That Change the Game

This dynamic workshop helps students unlock peak test performance through effective study strategies and time management. Participants will learn a proven, step-by-step system to organize and retain information, understand exam structure, eliminate incorrect answers and improve accuracy.
This workshop is open to those aged 15 and older and is free. PA EMS continuing education credit is included (3.5 hours other). Space is limited to 65 students.
Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, with two sessions available: 12:30–4 p.m. or 5:30–9 p.m.
Ideal Saldi Hall, Scranton Campus

Women at the Workbench: Electrical

Designed for beginners, this hands-on workshop introduces the fundamentals of electrical work in a supportive and encouraging environment. Guided by a skilled female electrician, participants will gain confidence as they learn practical skills, such as changing outlets and understanding switches. No prior experience is required.
This workshop is open to ages 18 and older. Space is very limited. Cost per person is $65.
Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Scranton Campus

Milk Jug Sowing

This eco-friendly workshop teaches participants how to start seeds outdoors during winter using recycled plastic milk jugs as mini greenhouses. Attendees will learn how to prepare containers, select seeds, add soil and moisture, and use natural weather conditions to support spring garden germination.
Space is limited. The Cost is $25 per person.
Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Moffat Student Center, Scranton Campus

Hand Quilting – Mug Rug

Participants will experience the relaxing rhythm of hand quilting while learning essential techniques, including preparing and layering a quilt and stitching clean, even lines. Open to all skill levels, this workshop offers a welcoming space to build confidence and create a lasting handmade piece.
Space is limited. The cost is $40 per person.
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Ideal Saldi Hall, Scranton Campus

Women at the Workbench: Carpentry

This hands-on carpentry workshop invites participants to learn woodworking fundamentals in a welcoming environment led by a skilled female carpenter. Participants will practice measuring, cutting and assembling while creating a finished project to take home.
This workshop is open to those aged 18 and older.
Space is very limited. The cost is $65 per person.
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Scranton Campus

Johnson College To Host Two Free Test Strategy Workshops

Unlock the secrets to peak test performance. Many high-achieving students find that mastering effective test strategies and strong time management is the key to translating their knowledge into higher scores.

Johnson College’s WAVE Department is hosting two free “Test Strategies That Change the Game” Workshops on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026: one from 12:30 to 4 p.m. and the other from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in Ideal Saldi Hall on its Scranton campus. To register, visit johnson.edu/workshops.

The free workshop introduces a focused, proven study system designed to maximize preparation time and significantly boost information retention. Participants will leave with practical tools to approach any exam with confidence and precision.

Attendees will explore the underlying structure and design principles of written exams; learn a reliable, step-by-step method for studying, organizing, and retaining crucial information; and master proven techniques to eliminate incorrect answers and improve test-taking accuracy.

The workshop is open to individuals 15 and older and is free to attend. PA EMS continuing education is included (3.5 hours, other). Space is limited to 65 participants per workshop. For more information, email wave@johnson.edu or call 570-702-8979.

Steamtown NHS Returns And Releases Holiday Schedule

Winter Hours Begin November 17

Starting Monday, November 17, Steamtown National Historic Site shifts to winter hours:

  • Closed Monday and Tuesday
  • Open Wednesday–Sunday, 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Holiday Season Schedule & Events

Steamtown is heading into a busy stretch of programs and community events. Here’s what’s ahead: