Lackawanna College Center for Technology Innovation Receives Donation from Coterra Energy Lackawanna College and Coterra Energy have partnered again on a new initiative to help expand workforce opportunities in northeast Pennsylvania. Through the Pennsylvania Neighborhood Assistance Program/Special Program Priorities (NAP/SPP), Coterra has donated $1 million to Lackawanna College to assist with the implementation of its new Center for Technology Innovation (CTI) to be launched in 2024 at their Scranton Campus. The collaboration between Lackawanna College and Coterra Energy is driven by a shared commitment to fostering innovation, technology, and workforce growth in the region. The CTI will serve as an education and corporate training space for both new students and existing professionals in the industrial technology workforce. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the modern workforce. The Center for Technology Innovation will be a catalyst for innovation, creating a bridge between education and industry to drive economic growth in our community,” President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray said. Coterra Energy’s donation reflects their commitment to supporting local communities and investing in the future of the workforce. This collaboration builds on the success of previous partnerships between Lackawanna College and Coterra Energy, underscoring the ongoing dedication of both organizations to the prosperity of northeast Pennsylvania. “Coterra has a history of investing in education locally, and Lackawanna College has been a great partner. From the School of Petroleum and Natural Gas in Tunkhannock, we have seen local students transition into solid careers with family sustaining wages,” Coterra Director of External Affairs George Stark said. “We expect the CTI to have the same impact here in Scranton. We are proud to call NEPA home and are excited to foster growth in new technologies and careers.” The CTI offers undergraduate degree programs, corporate training, as well as short term, stackable certificates, to prepare individuals for the jobs of tomorrow in areas such as robotics, electric vehicles/advanced automotive, cybersecurity, and communications technology. The CTI is now accepting enrollment in programs that will lead to careers in industries such as transportation and logistics, warehousing and distribution, industrial automation, and technology and communication. Lackawanna College’s vision for the CTI is to ensure the College’s role as an economic, social, and community development leader that supports the future industrial ecosystem.
Lackawanna College Named a “2023 Great College to Work For” This honor places Lackawanna College as an elite company. Lackawanna College is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For® program. The results, released today in a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education, are based on a survey of 194 colleges and universities. In all, 72 of those institutions achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition for specific best practices and policies. Results are reported for small, medium, and large institutions, with Lackawanna College included among the small universities with 500 to 2,999 students. Lackawanna College won honors in the following categories this year: Professional Development Mission & Pride Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness Faculty & Staff Well-being Faculty Experience Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Lackawanna College was also named to the Great Colleges Honor Roll, a status granted to only 42 colleges each year who are highlighted most across the recognition categories. “This is a very proud moment for Lackawanna College. Our employees are changing lives every day and having a positive social and economic impact in our communities. In return, we strive to provide a supportive and collaborative work culture, that values their contributions and prioritizes their well-being. Our growth and successes have been a direct result of employee input, hard work and commitment. Thank you to everyone at Lackawanna College who help to make this a great place to work,” Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray said. The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institution questionnaire that captures employment data and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback. “This year we had our highest employee survey participation rate and knowing that makes this recognition even more rewarding,” said Renee Mundy, Esq., SPHR, SHRM-SCP. “Our employees live our mission every day and are committed to improving the lives of our students and our surrounding communities. It takes a special group of individuals to do that, and we are thankful for their dedication and grateful they have chosen to be part of our team. They are the reason we are a Great College to Work For.” The Great Colleges to Work For® program is one of the largest and most respected workplace-recognition programs in the country. For more information and to view all current and previous recognized institutions, visit the Great Colleges program website at GreatCollegesProgram.com and GreatCollegesList.com. ModernThink, a strategic human capital consulting firm, administered the survey and analyzed the results.
Lackawanna College Receives $5,000 Grant The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded Lackawanna College a $5,000 grant to support adult literacy. This local grant is a part of the Foundation’s largest, one-day literacy donation of more than $13 million throughout the 47 states in which Dollar General operates to support adult, family and summer literacy programs. “This program has been really effective for building a bridge to college and career education for underserved populations. It is an opportunity I’m grateful to be a part of it,” Manager of the Lackawanna Language Academy (LLA) at the Hazleton Center Casey Weisbeck said. The Lackawanna Language Academy (LLA) will provide free ESL classes to benefit the residents of Hazleton, PA. The LLA will serve 48 individuals by offering two, 10-week ESL classes that will occur in Summer and Fall 2023. In-person instruction of literacy skills and take-home lessons will assist Spanish-speaking individuals with limited English proficiency to improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills by at least 2 proficiency levels to attain Adult Basic English proficiency. Experienced ESL Instructors will provide responsive, individualized instruction using a variety of teaching methods and assessment tools. If a student desires to continue their studies upon completion of the course, LC offers Continuing Education Certifications for the Workforce and an English Proficiency college certificate in an 18-credit program that advances English learning and prepares learners for college-level work. “It is a joy to celebrate this historic grant announcement during our 30th anniversary year,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “For three decades, DGLF’s investment in community programs has created meaningful access to literacy skills for adults, children and families alike and exemplified Dollar General’s mission of Serving Others. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity and access to a quality education, and we look forward to seeing these literacy grants inspire reading and build brighter futures.” The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online here or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.
Lackawanna College Police Academy Cadets Graduate The Lackawanna College Police Academy graduated the part-time Class 258 of Scranton and full-time Class 259 of Hazleton during the ceremony. The graduating classes includes 36 total cadets, who will begin their careers in law enforcement. Director of Police Academy Operations Kevin Mahoney welcomed those attending and presented certifications to the cadets during the ceremony. This graduation comes after Governor Shapiro’s visit to the Lackawanna College Police Academy in March to discuss a police recruitment proposal via a $2,500 tax credit yearly for the next three years.
Lackawanna College CNR Certificate Program Now Accepting Applications The Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center (LCEEC) is accepting applications for their Conservation and Natural Resource (CNR) certificate program. The program is set to begin August 28, 2023, and ends December 15, 2023. During this 16-week accelerated program, students will complete five undergraduate-level field biology courses at the LCEEC located on 211-acres of diverse habitat in Covington Township, Pa. The curriculum focuses on the conservation and interpretation of our natural environment. The program includes instruction in environmental interpretation, wildlife management, freshwater ecosystems, dendrology and ornithology. Students will also experience both classroom and hands-on field training throughout the program. The CNR certificate is appropriate for anyone seeking a career as a park ranger or in a related field. Students may also take individual courses. Courses are transferable into two or four-year degree programs. Upon graduation, students will receive a CNR certificate and transcripts of their undergraduate coursework. Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall 2023 semester and financial aid is available. The CNR program is also approved for WIOA funding for displaced workers or individuals with high financial need. Please call PA Career Link for Lackawanna County to verify WIOA funding eligibility. For more information about the program, please visit lackawanna.edu or contact Sharon Yanik-Craig.
Lackawanna College Hosts Annual Golf Tournament for 2023 The Lackawanna College Athletics Department will have a golf tournament fundraiser to support student athletes through various athletic department programming. It will take place Monday, June 5, 2023 at 1:00 p.m at the Elmhurst Country Club in 319 Gardner Rd, Moscow, PA 18444. 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. Hole sponsors, closest-to-the-pin contests, longest drive competitions, and more door prizes and raffles will be available for all attendees. At 6:00 p.m., dinner will be in the club house, with prizes awarded and raffle items drawn. The tournament is open to teams of four and individual golfers.
Lackawanna College Class of 2023 Graduates *In photo – Lackawanna College graduates Channel Evans Kearse, Scranton, Ashley Bruno, Wilkes Barre, Jessica Hinton, Blakely, Abigail Eileen Foley, Dunmore, Gustavo Weislher Andrade, Clarks Summit, Chelsea L Bush, Susquehanna, Tiffany Michelle Anello, Spring Brook Township and Makkah Madinah Watkins, Scranton celebrate outside Angeli Hall. Lackawanna College awarded 117 bachelor’s degrees along with more than 375 associate degrees and 19 certificates at the college’s 129th commencement. The ceremony honored the class of 2023 and Brianna McCarthy of Scranton presented the valedictory address. “Leave today with the knowledge to take on the world and meaningfully contribute to it,” McCarthy said. “Whether we land our dream career, go on to achieve our masters or more; we remember Lackawanna College as the place to fuel true ambition.” Jill Murray, Ph.D., and Erica Barone Pricci, Ph.D. addressed graduates at the ceremony, conferred degrees to candidates and presented degrees with Adrienne Asbury, dean of curriculum and faculty affairs, and Kelly Musti, associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of health sciences. “I am proud of what you all have accomplished and what you will accomplish as cherished alumni,” Dr. Murray said. “Your time at Lackawanna College has made you intellectually curious and prepared you to be responsible citizens of this planet. The work you do once you leave us, will help to evolve a better world.” Members from the Class of 2023 represented 15 states including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maine, Colorado, Florida, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Georgia, Oklahoma, Connecticut and Virginia. Undergraduate degrees with the most graduates were bachelor’s Human Services, associate in Professional Studies, associate in Business Administration, associate in Business Studies and associate in Criminal Justice.
Lackawanna College’s Cybersecurity Lab Sponsored by Mcdonald’s The Lackawanna College Cybersecurity program received a sponsorship from McDonald’s for its lab in the upcoming Center for Technology Innovation (CTI). “It’s super empowering and exciting for the future home of our CTI building and this sponsorship is going to make a difference for us to give back to the students who will then give back to the community as whole,” Director of College Advancement Amber Riedinger said. “Everyone knows McDonald’s and having them come on as a sponsor to back our new facility is huge.” The payment made is $50,000 from the Mueller family, operators of McDonald’s restaurants in the local area. The sponsorship goes to the CTI’s capital campaign fund and will be paid over the course of five years. The lab will be located on the first floor of the CTI building. “We are investing in educating the future of our local community and helping people better themselves by following whatever dreams they have,” Christina Mueller said. “Cybersecurity is a growing industry and becoming more critical every day. We are extremely happy to partner with Lackawanna and make an impact.” The Mueller family franchise is locally owned and operated with 19 McDonald’s restaurants across northeastern Pennsylvania, including two in Allentown. Currently, Lackawanna College and the Mueller family have a partnership where employees who work in Mueller family McDonald’s can receive free tuition. Employees who work at least 16 hours a week and complete 90 days of employment, can earn a degree. Lackawanna College’s Cybersecurity Associate Degree will cover various computer science topics, allowing students to learn how to prevent major cyber security threats and attacks. Cybersecurity is a fast-paced field, and students receive an education preparing them to tackle the problems our online world faces every day. The program is currently accepting enrollment. *In Photo – Pictured left to right – Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray, Ph.D., Carol Mueller, Christina Mueller and Director of College Advancement Amber Riedinger.
Lackawanna College Student-Run Restaurant Hosts BBQ Event Lackawanna College’s student-run restaurant, 409 on Adams, will host a BBQ on the patio event with live music, lawn games and cocktails on Thursday May 4, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Lackawanna College School of Hospitality students will team up with Greenley’s BBQ of Tunkhannock, to make an array of smoked summer foods such as brisket, pork and chicken. Also featured are a variety of salads, and desserts made by Lackawanna College’s Baking and Pastry students. “Instead of just learning about how to plan and manage events, students are actually executing leadership, organization and collaboration skills in a real-world setting, giving them a leg up when moving out into their careers,” Director of Lackawanna College’s Kiesendahl School of Hospitality Kristen McNally said. The proceeds of the BBQ support Lackawanna’s Gratuity Scholarship, used to directly support School of Hospitality students. “While the BBQ is a first-time event, we have done many themed events for our guests. Some objectives of the courses students take during their fourth semester are learning techniques of a volume kitchen and display proficiency in platter production for larger events,” McNally said. “These themed events support those objectives as well as give the students a fun immersive way to learn.” The BBQ on the patio is open to the public and located at 409 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509. Tickets are $40 per person and include admission, food, 1 drink token (21+, ID required) and all non-alcoholic beverages. Proof of digital confirmation is required for the event. Guests interested in joining the event can click this link to sign up.
Lackawanna College Hazleton Center Awarded Grant from Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry HAZLETON, PA – Lackawanna College received $377,097.61 from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry as part of the PAsmart Building, Supporting and Expanding Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs in the Building and Construction Trades Grant. The funding will be used to establish the Lackawanna College Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program at the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center. “We are thrilled to receive this grant for the new Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program here at the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center,” Director of the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center April Harris-Snyder said. “This program will not only help the Hazleton Center expand its educational catalog but give back to the community with dedicated graduates.” The Lackawanna College Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a 16-week semester of college level coursework having students complete six credit-bearing courses, obtaining 11 certifications and earning 16.5 college credits. The goal of the program is to prepare students for a variety of entry-level jobs in the construction industry such as carpenters, construction laborers, electricians, HVAC workers and plumbers. Included in the program is an eight-week ESL course for students who may require a basic English education. The program will seek to serve individuals in the Hazleton area and provide training options for those unable to attend a career technology center. April Harris-Snyder, director of the Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program, has experience establishing workforce training programs with ESL students in the Hazleton community. The program she helped organize has partnerships with Associated Builders and Contractions, Inc. (ABC) Eastern PA Chapter and Hayden Power Group. Graduates of the program will become a member of ABC and will take part in a career fair hosted by ABC. The program is set to launch in July 2023. The Lackawanna College Hazleton Center will host a grand opening of the Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Certification on Wednesday April 12, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Media are requested to RSVP prior to the event. On April 15 Lackawanna College Hazleton will host an Open House for high school students interested in attending Lackawanna College. Students can learn about the programs at Lackawanna college and take a personalized tour of the Hazleton Center. Media are requested to RSVP prior to attending.
