High School Students in Lackawanna College’s Level Up Program Honored On Tuesday, Sept. 21, several local high school students in Lackawanna College’s award-winning Level Up program were recognized at a ‘Level Up 30 Down’ reception on the main campus in Scranton. Students in the program are pursuing an associate degree through Lackawanna College while in high school and have earned 30 or more credits. “We are proud of our Level Up students and what they have accomplished,” said Dr. Abbey Judge, Level Up Program Director. “This progressive program fast tracks a student’s education, saving them both time and money, and prepares them academically for college-level academic rigor.” Level Up has graduated a total of 49 students, with 24 earning a certificate and 25 earning an associate degree since its launch in 2018. Upon completion, students can stay at Lackawanna to complete their degree, earning an incentive scholarship for their participation in the Level Up program, or transfer credits to another college or university. In March 2021, the business magazine Fast Company included Lackawanna College on its World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2021 list, specifically for the merits of our Level Up program. The College ranked 9th place in its Corporate Social Responsibility category. For more information about the Level Up program, visit www.lackawanna.edu/levelup. Photo Caption:Students in Lackawanna College’s award-winning Level Up program who earned 30 or more credits toward their associate degree were recognized at the ‘Level Up 30 Down’ reception. These high school students are on track to graduate with an associate degree from Lackawanna College when they graduate from high school. Listed are, from left to right, Connor McKeefery, Riverside HS, Professional Studies; Ava Aulisio, Old Forge HS, Professional Studies; Lawrence Lombardi, North Pocono HS, Professional Studies; Dr. Abbey Judge, Program Director; Kathryn Dougherty, Riverside HS, Professional Studies; Kayleigh Leonard, Abington Heights HS, Professional Studies; Shea Dailey, Notre Dame Academy, Stroudsburg, Professional Studies; Jason Catalano, Pittston Area HS, Criminal Justice. The following students are on track to graduate but were not in attendance: Isabelle Edwards, Blue Ridge HS, Professional Studies; Shannon Toolan, Mt. View HS, Business Administration; Ian Richmond, Mid Valley HS, Accounting; Sydney Harris, Riverside HS, Professional Studies.
Lackawanna College President Named to Ben Franklin Technology Partners Board Lackawanna College President Dr. Jill Murray has been selected as a member of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/NEP) Board of Directors. BFTP/NEP has led tech-based economic growth in the region for more than 35 years. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Ben Franklin Technology Partners Board of Directors,” said Dr. Murray. “The appointment is an honor and I look forward to collaborating with this innovative organization to support our local economy and encourage the growth of new businesses within our region.” “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jill Murray to our board,” said Angelo J. Valletta, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Her deep experience and thoughtful perspectives will be a great asset to our organization.” Dr. Jill Murray became the ninth and first female president of Lackawanna College on July 1, 2020. Prior to serving as president, Dr. Murray served as the College’s executive vice president and chief innovation officer from 2012 to July 1, 2020. From 2008-2012, she operated as the College’s vice president of academic affairs, where she was responsible for developing and overseeing all of Lackawanna College’s academic curricula. During her time at Lackawanna, Dr. Murray has helped double the student population, increased student retention and graduation rates, expanded online learning options, and lead the creation of academic programming and support services. She also implemented a strategic planning process at the College. Dr. Murray is the catalyst behind Lackawanna College’s successful esports program, one of NEPA’s first programs of its kind. Dr. Murray also assisted with the formation of the award-winning Level Up program, which allows high school students to affordably begin their college education and potentially complete an associate degree by high school graduation. Due to the success of the Level Up program, Lackawanna College was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2021 by Fast Company.
Lackawanna College and Wilkes University Sign Early Entrance Agreement Lackawanna College has signed an agreement that will give students early entry into Wilkes University’s Maslow Family Graduate Creative Writing Program. Students in the Lackawanna College Bachelor’s in Professional Studies English Writing concentration can begin pursuing master’s degree credits at Wilkes University. “This new opportunity lets Lackawanna students participate in undergraduate and graduate-level course work at the same time,” said Adrienne Asbury, Lackawanna College Dean of Curriculum and Faculty Affairs. “This partnership will benefit students academically, socially, and financially, as it will enable them to embark on their master’s degrees while still undergraduate students and avail themselves of all the resources Lackawanna College and Wilkes University have to offer.” “We are very excited to welcome Lackawanna College students to our nationally renowned graduate creative writing program,” said David Hicks, Wilkes University Director and Faculty of Practice in the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing. “Our graduate program is focused not only on the craft of writing but on the community of writers and the career of writing.” The agreement will be effective for the 2021-2022 school year and students will be able to start the master’s degree program during the January or June residency at Wilkes University. All credits completed at Wilkes University will be transferrable to Lackawanna College to meet degree requirements.
Southwestern Energy Sponsors Lackawanna College’s School of Petroleum & Natural Gas Lackawanna College announced Southwestern Energy as the official sponsor of the School of Petroleum and Natural Gas Drilling and Production Lab located in the new Tunkhannock Center as part of an eight-year partnership with the company. “Southwestern Energy comes to Lackawanna College with a similar goal of building a skilled workforce in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the energy sector,” said Susan Gumble, program director for the College’s School of Petroleum and Natural Gas (PNG). “The company’s proven leadership in the industry and commitment to creating a positive impact in the communities they serve makes them an ideal partner.” As part of the sponsorship, Southwestern Energy will receive naming rights to the drilling and production lab, which will be used for hands-on instruction. Funds from the partnership will be used to support the School of PNG degree and certificate programs. “Southwestern Energy is proud to partner with Lackawanna College on their move to Tunkhannock which will provide local students with enhanced educational opportunities and the skills necessary for employment in the natural gas industry,” said Mike Narcavage, Southwestern Energy’s Senior Community and Government Affairs Manager. “Our partnership goes back many years, and SWN has benefitted from Lackawanna College’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Program by hiring summer interns as well as graduates of the program to be full-time employees of our production, measurement, and maintenance teams. We look forward to continue building this successful partnership for many years to come.” Lackawanna College offers associate degree programs in petroleum and natural gas business administration and technology along with certificate programs in natural gas technician and compressor/engine mechanic. For more information on Lackawanna College School of Petroleum and Natural Gas programs, visit Lackawanna.edu.
Lackawanna College Receives PA GOAL Grants Lackawanna College was recently awarded four grants from PA GOAL (Pennsylvania Grants for Open and Affordable Learning). PA GOAL supports student success by offering mini-grants to create open and affordable learning projects at a diverse range of institutions across Pennsylvania, through funding provided by the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) by the state Department of Education (PDE) through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL), and managed by PALCI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization. The funding will support the redesign of the institution’s American Government (HIS 118), Introduction to Psychology (PSY 105), Helping Skills (HSV 310), and Business Law (MGT 240) courses to utilize open educational resource (OER) materials. Dr. Gopu Kiron, Lackawanna College Associate Dean of eLearning and Information Literacy, identified a need to replace textbooks with cost-free eBooks and other resources. By utilizing freely available learning materials via OER in these courses, traditional textbook expenses will be eliminated. This shift will help to bridge the socio-economic gap and improve the accessibility of the College’s programs. “Obtaining this grant means that we can continue to further the mission of Lackawanna College, which is to provide a quality education to all persons who seek to improve their lives and better the communities in which they live,” said Dr. Kiron. “Implementing OER materials will help students to save money and will support the principles of equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our main campus and across our six satellite centers.” Dr. Kiron will lead a team of instructors, faculty, and staff in implementing structured course content based on OER materials that will be implemented during the 2021-2022 academic year. For more information on these grants managed by PALCI, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization, visit PA GOAL’s website, pagoal.org.
Lackawanna College Announces School of Petroleum & Natural Gas Sponsor Lackawanna College announced Williams as an official sponsor of the School of Petroleum and Natural Gas with their sponsorship of a 4,500-square-foot teaching lab located in the new Tunkhannock Center as part of a three-year partnership. “We are excited to continue our long-standing partnership with Williams,” said Susan Gumble, program director for the College’s School of Petroleum and Natural Gas (PNG). “Through their sponsorship, we can continue to provide students with real-world, hands-on experience that will fill in-demand positions in the oil and gas industry.” As part of the sponsorship, Williams will receive naming rights to a teaching lab that houses compressors, engines, and other industry equipment. Funds from the partnership will be used to support the School of PNG degree and certificate programs. “Williams is thrilled to support the School of Petroleum & Natural Gas,” said Mike Atchie, director, Community and Project Outreach. “We’ve hired more than 70 graduates over the years, and they are a critical part of our operations workforce both in the Tunkhannock area and other parts of our enterprise. We also are pleased to support an endowed scholarship at the school, enabling even more students to enter an industry that is adapting to a clean energy future.” Lackawanna College offers associate degree programs in petroleum and natural gas business administration and technology along with certificate programs in natural gas technician and compressor/engine mechanic. For more information on Lackawanna College School of Petroleum and Natural Gas programs, visit Lackawanna.edu.
Lackawanna College Grows Medical Assistant Program with $150K Grant Lackawanna College has received a $150,000 grant from Moses Taylor Foundation to launch a certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) certificate program at the main campus in Scranton and the Lake Region Center in Hawley. Funds from the grant will be used for the purchase of equipment and supplies for hands-on teaching laboratories and to upgrade lab equipment at the College’s Towanda Center. “This grant will provide state-of-the-art equipment to students, giving them the hands-on experience, they need to enter the workforce as skilled medical assistants,” said Christine Martin, Program Director. “Thanks to the generosity of the Moses Taylor Foundation, Lackawanna College can meet Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania’s need for certified medical professionals.” Lackawanna College’s program is matching the growing demand for medical assistants which stems from several factors including an aging population, rising chronic disease rates, and advancements in healthcare. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in this field are expected to grow 19% by 2029. The certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) certificate program at Lackawanna College is one of only a few of its kind available in Northeastern and Central Pa. For more information on the Lackawanna College medical assistant program, visit lackawanna.edu/certificates/.
Intermediate Beekeeping Certificate Registration Open The Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center is accepting registrations for Intermediate Beekeeping Certificate which will begin Sept. 2, 2021. The Intermediate Beekeeping certificate is part of an intensive multi-level program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of honey bees and beekeeping. The three levels of certification are as follows: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. The Intermediate program is designed to support beekeepers who have completed the Beginner Beekeeping Certificate or have kept bees for two or more seasons. By the end of the course, beekeepers will be able to grow their apiary, improve their colonies beyond the beginner level and maintain a sustainable apiary. Upon successful completion of the course, students will earn an Intermediate Beekeeping Certificate and will be prepared to take the Advanced Beekeeping Certificate program, which is set to begin Spring 2022. The Intermediate Beekeeping program runs every Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00pm from Sept. 2 to Nov. 4. The cost is $250 for the certificate, textbook not included. The program will be held at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center (LCEEC) which is located at 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township. For more information about the program, please visit lackawanna.edu or contact Sharon Yanik-Craig at yaniks@lackawanna.edu or call (570) 842-1506.
Lackawanna College Towanda Center Invites Transfer Students to Special Event The Lackawanna College Towanda Center will host its Transfer Week from Aug. 9-13 to welcome students looking to transfer college credits to Lackawanna. The event takes place at the center, 1024 S. Main St., Towanda, daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Students will meet one-on-one with an enrollment specialist and receive help with their financial aid and registering for classes. A cookout will also be provided by the College. Perks of enrolling at the Lackawanna College Towanda Center include affordable tuition, a location close to home, and easily transferrable credits. “Students especially enjoy the small class sizes, which rarely exceed eight students per section,” Center Director Brad Reid said. “It is significantly less overwhelming than some of the larger state school class sizes, and instructors can get to know the students and provide more individualized attention. The low tuition combined with finances saved on room and board gives students a better opportunity to save money for the next step in their career or education.” The Towanda Center offers the most affordable Clinical Medical Assistant certificate program in Northeastern Pennsylvania along with certificate programs for Phlebotomy Technician, Medical Administrative Assistant, and Medical Billing & Coding. Associate degrees are offered in majors including Accounting, Agribusiness, Business Administration, Business Studies, Criminal Justice, Cyber Security, Human Services, Pre-Allied Health, Professional Studies, and Sports Management. Human Service majors, who can obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree at Lackawanna, may find job placements close to home with Northern Tier Counseling. One of the center’s largest programs, Pre-Allied Health, offers many readily transferrable credits that open an umbrella of career opportunities in the medical field. Students may also spend two semesters at the Towanda Center to start their coursework in Hospitality Management or Petroleum and Natural Gas Business Administration before finishing their degree at the Scranton Campus or the brand-new Tunkhannock Center. Students who begin their major coursework at the Towanda Center can also finish their bachelor’s degrees online in Business, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Restaurant & Foodservice Management, and RN-to-BSN. The Transfer Week event welcomes walk-in or pre-registered students. For more information, please visit www.lackawanna.edu/towandatransfer, call (570) 265-3449, or email towanda@lackawanna.edu.
Lackawanna Students Earn National PBL Awards Six Lackawanna College students competed alongside nearly 800 of the country’s top business students in the 2021 Future Business Leaders of America – Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) National Leadership Conference (NLC) held virtually between June 24-27. Several Falcons placed in the top ten in their respective categories. The students had previously competed and won between first and third place in state competitions, also held online in April 2021, qualifying them to advance to nationals. At the NLC, Business graduate Jillian Martin ’21, of Berwick, and Accounting major Brian Davis, of Scranton, partnered to earn fourth place in the business category. Current Professional Studies bachelor’s degree student Mason Kay ’19, of Clarks Summit, earned fifth place in Digital Media. Current Accounting bachelor’s major Sara Kellerman ’17, of Honesdale, obtained seventh place in Accounting for Professionals. Brittany Flynn ’21, of Mayfield, placed eighth in Sports Management and Marketing and ninth in Contemporary Sports Issues. Scranton native Kelly Kuzma ’21 also competed in the national event. College faculty and staff supporting PBL include advisor Carolyn Chupko, co-advisors Suzanne Cercone and Karen Lipnichan, and Pennsylvania PBL State Advisor Beverly O’Hora. PBL is the college division of FBLA with over 8,000 members and more than 350 chapters, helping students prepare for careers in business. As PBL’s mission is to “prepare students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences,” Lackawanna’s chapter is open to students of all majors.
