Celebrating Success with Lackawanna College’s Physical Therapist Assistant Alumni Mixer Lackawanna College will host a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Alumni Mixer event on Thursday May 9, in the lobby of Angeli Hall following the current PTA senior cohort pinning ceremony. Attendees will have the chance to network with peers, reconnect with former classmates and engage with Lackawanna College clinical education partners. Clinical partners include Saber Healthcare Group and AccessPT. “An event like this benefits our graduates because they have the opportunity to communicate and network with our local clinical partners and possibly get interviews and job placements,” Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Dr. Ashley Reedy said. Date and Time: Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM Location: Angeli Hall, 501 Vine Street, Scranton, PA 18509 In addition to creating professional connections, the event will offer refreshments, basket raffles and giveaways. Tickets are free, and alumni attendees are encouraged to bring guests, with each guest receiving two raffle basket tickets plus a special giveaway. Join us for an evening of networking and celebrating the accomplishments of our students at the PTA Alumni Mixer event. “We want our graduates to leave with pride in their future profession, themselves and personally I hope they leave being proud of what they’ve accomplished,” Dr. Reedy said. Those interested in attending can register online at no cost here: https://shorturl.at/joJW5.
Lackawanna College Hosts Annual Golf Tournament for 2024 The Lackawanna College Athletics Department announces the return of the Lackawanna College Annual Golf Tournament. The 2024 tournament will be on Monday, June 3, at Elmhurst Country Club in Moscow, PA. Attendees are invited to a day of camaraderie and competition featuring activities like hole sponsors, closest-to-the-pin contests, longest drive competitions door prizes and raffles. The tournament starts with registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the club house, followed by a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. At 5:30 p.m., dinner will be in the club house, with prizes awarded and raffle items drawn. “Lackawanna College distinguishes itself by offering higher education opportunities to students who seek to excel, both in the classroom and on the field,” Erik Larson, Director of Athletics at the College said. “The goal of this event is to gather Lackawanna College Athletics supporters, friends, coaches, and community members to raise funds for the Lackawanna College Athletics Department.” The tournament is open to teams of four and individual golfers, starting at $200 for single golfer registration, and $800 for a team. Proceeds from this event will support the needs of our student-athletes through various athletic department programming. Golfers and their teams interested in participating are encouraged to go to register early online. Parties interested in sponsoring the event can also find additional information on sponsorship packages and ways to get involved.
Lackawanna College to Host Spring Pop-up Lackawanna College’s 409 on Adams has transformed again! Welcome to Wisteria, our Spring Semester dining experience! Wisteria is an amazing, built from scratch concept in collaboration with Marywood University School of Architecture. Wisteria, a storybook come to life, where reality dissolves and magic blossoms, will feature a full bar and menu. There will be heated outdoor patio seating, as well as indoor seating with many magical spaces to see and explore. Dining Options are available from April 4th through May 9th on Wednesdays and Thursdays Wisteria’s gates open at 5pm Dinner and food service until 9pm Drinks and fun until the dragon sleeps While reservations are encouraged, walk ins are always welcome. Please click the link below and fill out the form to submit your reservation request. https://forms.gle/sPKzVqNGcyueE8AX9
Lackawanna College Receives Donation from Fidelity Bank for Dual Enrollment Program Lackawanna College received a donation of $25,000 from Fidelity Bank. This contribution will support the Dual Enrollment Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, allowing high school students to enroll in college-level courses and earn credits while attending high school. “We know Lackawanna College will take these dollars and put it to work in the programs that benefit our community the most,” President and CEO of Fidelity Bank, Dan Santaniello said. “This is an investment to the future and the future leaders of northeastern Pennsylvania, to get these young students college credits and experience in college level courses.” By making this donation, Fidelity Bank reaffirms its dedication to education, resonating with Lackawanna College’s mission to foster accessible and affordable education to the communities it serves. About the Lackawanna College Dual Enrollment Program Lackawanna College allows local high school students the opportunity to gain a head start on their college careers through Dual Enrollment courses offered within the hours and confines of their high school. Courses are also available through Lackawanna College’s online program, at our main campus in Scranton, or at our satellite centers in Hawley, Hazleton, Sunbury, Towanda, and Tunkhannock. This program is offered to high schools throughout northeastern Pennsylvania on a contractual basis and a reduced cost. About the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program The EITC program is a Pennsylvania tax credit for businesses who donate to an approved nonprofit organization. Lackawanna College is an approved Educational Improvement Organization. Companies contributing to Lackawanna College through EITC can receive significant tax benefits. Approved corporations can receive tax credits equal to 75% of its contribution up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year. In photo from left to right: Vice President & Investment Officer William Fennie III, Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray, President & CEO of Fidelity Bank Dan Santaniello and Director of College Advancement Amber Riedinger.
Scranton Resident Joins Lackawanna College Faculty Brianna Florovito was born and raised in Archbald and currently lives in Scranton. She is a new instructor in Lackawanna College’s business division. Her first day in the classroom will be Monday, January 22. “I am excited for this new opportunity,” said Florovito. “I am passionate about helping people figure out what they truly want to pursue in life.”Florovito is a graduate of Valley View High School, Rutgers University, and Wilkes University, Wilkes University. During her education, she spent time studying at Budapest Hungary Central European University.
Lackawanna College and Police Academy Extend Support to Wounded Detective Lackawanna College and the Lackawanna College Police Academy extends our unwavering supportand prayers to Detective Kyle Gilmartin, his family, friends, and all of the brave men and womenwho make up the Scranton Police Department. Detective Kyle Gilmartin was shot and seriously wounded while honorably performing his duties onJanuary 11, 2024. This tragic act of violence services as a stark reminder of the dangers our local lawenforcement officers face on a daily basis while serving and protecting our communities. Lackawanna College has a longstanding and meaningful relationship with the Scranton PoliceDepartment, and Detective Kyle Gilmartin was a distinguished graduate of our Police Academy in 2010. His resilience, integrity, heroism, and unwavering dedication to duty serve as a shiningexample of the highest standards in law enforcement. We extend our heartfelt wishes for a swift and complete recovery for Detective Kyle Gilmartin. Ourthoughts and support are with him and all those who uphold the noble cause of ensuring the safetyand well-being of our society.
Lackawanna College Occupational Therapy Program Hosts Assistive Technology Event On Thursday, Nov. 30, the Lackawanna College Occupational Therapy Assistant program hosted an Assistive Technology Fair in the OTA lab on campus, open to the public. In addition to Occupational Therapy Assistant program staff and students, the event was attended by area occupational therapy students, practitioners, and other Lackawanna College employees. The spacious area housing the OTA program was an excellent fit for area vendors to display their unique and specialized equipment and services. The fair included familiar and cutting-edge assistive technology and services that enable individuals to live more independently, safely, and vibrantly. These devices and services create a context that better engages and supports the individual’s level of function. Vendors at the fair provide services across an age span from early childhood through adult rehabilitation to aging. Students and the public participated in live demonstrations and learned how to assess the need for, document reimbursement for, and access alternative funding solutions for assistive devices and services. PM Medical, Hanover Township, provided familiar low-tech assistive technology, durable medical equipment, with a unique opportunity for students to learn from the provider about the specific and critical documentation needed for reimbursement requirements. PaTTAN, PA Training and Assistive Technology Network, presented their full-service provisions of education, consultation, and technology to support the needs of students in the classroom, including a discussion of the inter-professional teams and roles they support. United Cerebral Palsy’s Assistive Technology Resources Center presented their services and lending library of low- and high-tech devices, creating an excellent alternative access option for individuals unable to afford purchases of this nature. Additionally, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation taught fair-goers about their unique programs for not only assessing needs for assistive technology but also providing a variety of funding options for access to high-end technology. Penumbra was present, providing opportunities for attendees to experience virtual reality devices, the REAL system, for therapeutic recovery and skill development, as well as pain management and wellness. As these cutting-edge, research-based therapeutic interventions begin to become standard within the profession, it is critical that occupational therapy assistant students have access and experience to enter the profession in a knowledgeable and prepared manner. Those looking for a safer option for aging in place in NEPA were represented by NeighborWorks NEPA. One of the many vibrant services that this critical program offers is to provide education for and install assistive technology, as well as home repairs, enabling a person to age in their home environment and community for longer. Together, this group of vendors represents a segment of human services that partners with occupational therapy to support an individual’s ability to engage in the things that matter—the things they want to “occupy” their time. The Lackawanna College Occupational Therapy Assistant program desires this annual Assistive Technology Fair to be a resource not only for area occupational therapy students and practitioners but also for members of the public seeking information and the ability to experience the technology.
Lackawanna College Receives Donation from People’s Security Bank & Trust Lackawanna College received a donation of $45,000 from Peoples Security Bank & Trust. This generous contribution will support the Dual Enrollment Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, which allows high school students to enroll in college-level courses and earn credits while still attending high school. “We are deeply grateful to Peoples Security Bank & Trust for their support of our mission to enhance educational opportunities for high school students,” Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray said. “This donation will directly impact the Dual Enrollment Program, opening doors for students to engage in advanced coursework and gain valuable college experience before graduation.” The Peoples Security Bank & Trust’s donation shows their commitment to education, aligning with Lackawanna College’s mission to provide accessible and affordable education for the communities it supports.
Lackawanna College to Bring Back Blitzen for the Holiday Season Lackawanna College is thrilled to announce a partnership with Dallas Shaw to bring back the unique and creative space known as Blitzen this holiday season! Best of all? This is happening right in downtown Scranton at 409 on Adams, the student-run restaurant at Lackawanna College! Last season over 5,000 guests were welconed, but more help is still needed to expand the space so even more guests can be welcomed! What is Blitzen you may ask? It is where the famed and mysterious reindeer spends his off-season. Guests are invited into his dimly lit home for a cocktail surrounded by his collection of antiques and clues about his life tucked into every corner of his den. Everything tells a story, from his paintings to his book collection and all allude to the feelings he carries about the other reindeer. How does Blitzen really feel about leading the pack from the back this whole time? Look around and learn a little more upon every visit. Our student bartenders and chefs create magic and guests tend to break out in song around a charmingly untuned piano. Let the reindeer games begin! When you show support for Blitzen, you are not just supporting Lackawanna College, you are giving back to our students. The College uses proceeds from Blitzen and other projects to do things like: Increase mental health support for students including the addition of a therapy dog on campus in Fall of 2023. Address food insecurity among the student body through on campus food banks with a program called The Common Kitchen which utilizes culinary kitchens outside of classroom hours and gives resident and commuter students basic staples and lessons to prepare meals for themselves to eat at home or bring back to their dorms. Increase fellowship opportunities: the appointment of third and fourth-year students to roles in key College offices whereby they receive a $3,000/semester scholarship and receive real-world workforce training and professional and leadership development.
Lackawanna College Police Academy Director Appointed Commissioner for CLEAR Commission Lackawanna College Police Academy Director Kevin Mahoney has been appointed as one of the 11 Commissioners for the Citizens Law Enforcement Advisory and Review (CLEAR) Commission. This comes after Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2023-21, establishing the CLEAR Commission to ensure transparency and accountability within state law enforcement agencies. The CLEAR Commission brings together law enforcement experts and criminal justice reform advocates from across Pennsylvania to collaboratively address public safety concerns and enhance accountability measures. Mahoney’s appointment as commissioner recognizes his experience in the field and dedication to continuing responsible law enforcement practices. With over 25 years of service in the Pennsylvania State Police, Mahoney held various supervisory positions, including roles as a criminal investigation unit supervisor, station commander for Troop R Gibson and commander of internal affairs, eastern division, for the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards. Governor Shapiro’s selection of Mahoney is reflected in his earlier nomination to serve on the Municipal Police Officers’ Training Commission (MPOETC). The nomination was approved unanimously by the Pennsylvania Senate on June 21, 2023.
