EMPOWER Women’s Network Luncheon The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce hosted its November EMPOWER Women’s Network Luncheon at The Greenridge Club in Scranton. Lisa Lori, president of Marywood University, presented on the topic of Dream Big. Dress for Success Lackawanna executive director gave special remarks at the luncheon. Register for the January EMPOWER Women’s Network Luncheon at ScrantonChamber.com.
Marywood Named “Most Engaged Campus for Student Voting” Marywood University has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting, a designation that recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding efforts to increase nonpartisan student voter participation. Marywood University joins a group of 471 colleges and universities recognized by ALL IN for completing four core actions: Sharing 2022 NSLVE Reports with campus voting data with ALL IN Developing and submitting a 2024 democratic engagement action plan with ALL IN Having a current signatory to ALL IN’s Higher Education Presidents’ Commitment to Full Student Voter Participation. “As part of our ongoing efforts, Marywood continues to promote civic engagement every year, not just during major election years,” said Kevin Farrell, associate vice president for the student experience at Marywood University. “With our Pacers to the Polls initiative, as well as our participation in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, the university has made a strong statement about its civic mission to prepare students to be engaged participants in our democracy. We are eager to continue engaging students, not just in major election years like 2024, but in all election years, because voting is something we should consistently do.” Pacers to the Polls is Marywood’s nonpartisan campaign focused on increasing voter registration, preparedness, and turnout among students. This year, voter registration drives were held on campus and in the community, and educational efforts and events, such as a Constitution Day talk, took place. Each of the different events and initiatives held throughout the year as part of this campaign are led and managed by a task force of students, staff, and faculty members. “The research is clear: colleges and universities that make intentional efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement have higher campus voter registration and voter turnout rates. This year we saw more colleges than ever before step up their efforts to ensure that their students were registered and ready to make their voices heard at the ballot box,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, Executive Director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. “These Most Engaged Campuses are setting the standard for nonpartisan civic engagement work for colleges and universities across the country.” The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. ALL IN works to improve civic learning, political engagement, and voter participation on more than 1,075 campuses nationwide. ALL IN believes higher education should play a role in developing an active and informed citizenry by educating students, motivating them to engage in American democracy, and instilling the value of lifelong participation. ALL IN is an initiative of Civic Nation, a nonprofit ecosystem for high-impact organizing and education initiatives, working to build a more inclusive and equitable America. Civic Nation shifts culture, systems, and policy by bringing together individuals, grassroots organizers, industry leaders, and influencers to tackle some of our nation’s most pressing social challenges. Civic Nation is home to seven national initiatives and campaigns: ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, Change Collective, It’s On Us, Save On Clean Energy, SAVE On Student Debt, We The Action, and When We All Vote.
Marywood University Is Celebrating the Season by “Making Spirits Bright” Marywood’s annual celebration of the Christmas season through festive programming, community service, spiritual opportunities, and student and alumni events, will begin in December continue through New Year’s Eve. FESTIVE PROGRAMMING The signature event of the Christmas season, Marywood’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, will take place in the Rotunda of the Liberal Arts Center on Wednesday, December 4, at 4 p.m. Festive music will be provided. The event is free and open to the public. The public also may view the Marywood Christmas tree during the normal operating hours of the Liberal Arts Center, Monday through Friday, from December 4 to December 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Additionally, Marywood’s campus will feature an outdoor Christmas display of the Nativity scene at the Memorial Arch on Adams Avenue, and the Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden in front of the Learning Commons will be adorned with lights and seasonal decorations. Sounds of the season will be broadcast by Marywood’s award-winning, student-run radio station, VMFM 91.7, which once again becomes Christmas 91.7 and continues its traditional community gift of broadcasting commercial-free Christmas music, 24/7. Christmas programming starts on Tuesday, December 3, and continues through New Year’s Eve. Those outside of the station’s local broadcast range can stream it for free online or through the Tune-in app. Salute to Service Basketball games for the men’s and women’s teams, in conjunction with the local National Guard, will be held on Saturday, December 7, at 1 p.m. (women’s) and 3 p.m. (men’s) at the Insalaco Arena, Center for Athletics and Wellness. Some military vehicles will be on display, the team will borrow military jerseys that they will wear, and there will be a tunnel for the team to run through onto the court. Military alumni, students, supporters, and families will be recognized at these games. The Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance is presenting several free seasonal concerts: 12/5 Guitar Ensemble Concert, Marian Chapel, 5 p.m.The Marywood Guitar Ensemble presents its traditional Holiday Concert by performing a diverse repertoire, including songs, old carols, Viennese Waltzes, and contemporary music. 12/5 Clarinet Choir Concert, Marian Chapel, 7 p.m. 12/12 String Project Concert, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts, 5 p.m.String students, ages 4-18, will be performing in small ensembles and string orchestras in this Holiday Gala performance. Admission is free and all are welcome to join this celebration of our young musicians. Additionally, there will be a Marywood Wind Symphony Holiday Concert at Marywood Heights, December 11, 7 p.m. The Band does this event each year to bring joy to the residents/staff of Marywood Heights. They will perform many traditional holiday favorites including sing-a-longs for the residents. Attendance at this event is limited to residents and staff of Marywood Heights. COMMUNITY SERVICE An on-campus Christmas Giving Tree service project will run from November 20 to December 6. Several Giving Trees on campus feature tags that can be selected to purchase a gift for a child in need in the local community. Gifts can be dropped off to the Office of Community Service and Social Justice in the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life or the Student Engagement Office in Nazareth Student Center by Friday, December 6. Student volunteers will also collect gift donations at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 4. This year’s Christmas Giving Tree is co-sponsored by the Office of Community Service and Social Justice, Marywood University Student Educators (MUSE), and Marywood Student Government Association. All gifts will be donated to the annual “Gifts for Kids” program, which is the collaborative effort of Catherine McAuley Center, Catholic Social Services, Friends of the Poor, and the Salvation Army. Contact communityservice@m.marywood.edu with any questions. SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITIESMarywood’s annual Advent/Christmas Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, December 8, at 7:30 in the Marian Chapel. This will be a Candlelight Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent. This will be the last Sunday Mass of the semester. Marywood will celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, its patronal feast, on Monday, December 9, with Mass at Noon in the Marian Chapel. It is a tradition of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to renew their vows on this day. On the liturgical calendar this feast is celebrated on December 8, but because it falls on the Second Sunday of Advent this year, it has been moved to Monday, December 9. STUDENT AND ALUMNI EVENTS The Student Government Association (SGA) will host the Annual Christmas Office Decorating Contest on campus. The SGA will announce winners at the tree lighting on December 4. The winning offices will have their monetary prizes awarded to the charity of choice in their honor, as follows: First Place – $250, Second Place – $150, and Third Place – $100. The SGA also is sponsoring a “Letters from Santa” project for members of the Marywood community (including alumni) and their families, who request letters for the children in their lives. The deadline for requests is December 4. For more information, contact marywoodclubs@marywood.edu. The traditional Breakfast with Santa event, hosted by the NEPA Marywood Alumni Chapter in conjunction with the Office of Alumni Engagement is set for Sunday, December 8, 10 a.m., in the Latour Room, Nazareth Student Center. Seating is limited, and preference is given to Marywood alumni. Advanced registration is required; once event capacity is reached, registration will be closed. Alumni can join the Office of University Advancement for “Cookies and Cocoa” in Maria Hall after the annual Christmas Tree Lighting on December 4, from 5-6:30 p.m. Also, the Marywood Alumni Association is hosting several off-campus events, including: NYC Alumni Meet Up at the Met, Friday, December 6, at 6 p.m., and a NYC Happy Hour Alumni Meet Up on Friday, December 6, 8-9:30 p.m., at Five Mile Stone, 1640 2nd Ave, New York, NY. Hershey Hotel Alumni Meet Up, at the iconic Hershey Hotel, featuring an exciting wine and chocolate pairing session, is set for Wednesday, December 11, 6-9 p.m. Alumni Gathering at the Binghamton Club, Binghamton, NY, Thursday, December 12, 6-9 p.m.
Marywood Sets Virtual Info Session for Dual Enrollment Program Academically focused high school students can get a head start on college by participating in Marywood University’s pre-collegiate program, Momentum. Courses in the Momentum program are offered at a special rate of $95 per credit, providing students with a head start on their collegiate career at an affordable price. To provide program details to students who are interested in taking dual enrollment classes, Marywood is hosting a virtual information session on Wednesday, November 20, from 6-7 p.m. Students should be ranked in the top 50% of their high school class or have a 2.75 High School GPA (80%) to participate in the Momentum program. Students can register for the virtual session at https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/Momentum. Marywood University’s dual enrollment program provides qualified high school students with the opportunity to earn college credits while completing requirements for high school graduation. Students choose from a wide variety of courses during the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Dual enrollment courses use the same curriculum, assessments, and instructional materials as other college-level courses. Momentum students are eligible to receive: Privileges to utilize Marywood University’s academic and recreational resources (e.g. library and fitness center). Free parking on campus. A Marywood University ID (This can be used for local university student discounts!) Free admission to most Marywood University athletic, musical, social and cultural events.
Marywood University to Inaugurate 13th President Marywood University will mark a historic moment when Lisa A. Lori, J.D. is formally installed as the institution’s thirteenth president during an Inauguration Ceremony set for Friday, November 8. The theme for the inaugural festivities, as well as for initiatives planned throughout the year, is “Ignite the Light.” As Marywood’s first lay president, President Lori’s distinguished qualifications, including a dynamic leadership record as Marywood’s former Board Chair and an extensive background as a lawyer, reflect a growing national trend of lawyer presidents, whose legal training and strategic expertise are highly sought in the challenging, complex climate of higher education. A proud Marywood alumna, President Lori is committed to further expanding Marywood’s scope of influence in higher education. The day of celebration will feature several events, including an Inauguration Liturgy, celebrated by the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, at 10 a.m. The Inauguration Ceremony, at which President Lori will be formally installed, will take place at 2 p.m. Both events are being held at the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. Marywood Presidents Emeritae, Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., and Sister Mary Reap, IHM, Ph.D., will take part in the ceremony. The Inaugural Liturgy is open to the public, but capacity regulations will be observed. Due to space constraints, attendance at the Inaugural Ceremony is by invitation only. However, both the Liturgy and the Inauguration Ceremony will be livestreamed at: marywood.edu/inauguration. There is a watch party planned for students in the Latour Room at Nazareth Student Center. All Marywood students will enjoy a celebratory lunch, courtesy of President Lori, in the Main Dining Hall in between the morning and afternoon events. In the evening, an Inaugural Gala will be held for invited guests, faculty, and staff of Marywood University in the Insalaco Arena at the Center for Athletics and Wellness, beginning at 6 p.m. Throughout the day, an art exhibit, “Highlights from the Maslow Collection,” will be on display in the Mahady Gallery and the Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art. The exhibit opens on November 8 and runs through January 24, 2025. Visitors to campus on Inauguration Day are encouraged to visit the galleries in between events to view the largest and most comprehensive collection of Contemporary art in Northeastern Pennsylvania, with over 700 works by more than 150 artists.
Marywood University to Feature “Highlights from The Maslow Collection” Exhibit Runs from November 8, 2024 – January 24, 2025 As Marywood University prepares to inaugurate its 13th President, Lisa A. Lori, J.D., on November 8, the Mahady Gallery and the Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art are planning to kick off a special art exhibit, “Highlights from the Maslow Collection,” which will begin on Friday, November 8 and continue through Friday, January 24, 2025. Jim Dine, “L.A. Eyeworks”, 1982, Etching with Carborundum on 4 Sheets of Paper, 50.5×44″, Edition 17/40 Visitors to campus on President Lori’s Inauguration Day are encouraged to visit the galleries in between events to view the largest and most comprehensive collection of Contemporary art in Northeastern Pennsylvania, with over 700 works by more than 150 artists. Collected by Marilyn and Richard Maslow and originally housed at InterMetro Industries, it is now on long-term loan to Marywood University. The largest part of the Maslow Collection is devoted to paintings by newly established or emerging artists working or exhibiting in New York during the late 1970s through the early 1990s. The Collection also includes major prints and important photographs spanning the 1930s to the 1990s. Featured artists include Berenice Abbott, Bernd and Hilla Becher, Francesco Clemente, Chuck Close, Jim Dine, Jack Goldstein, Valerie Jaudon, Jasper Johns, Ellsworth Kelly, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Motherwell, Robert Rauschenberg, Susan Rothenberg, Ed Ruscha, Julian Schnabel, Frank Stella, Wayne Thiebaud, Andy Warhol, Thornton Willis, and others. The Maslow Collection has loaned works to major exhibitions at the Whitney Museum of American Art in NYC; The Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC; the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, CA; P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center, Queens, NY; and the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA; among others.
Marywood University’s Nursing Graduates Achieve 100% Pass Rate Marywood University’s nursing program was recently notified that its 2024 graduating class achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the NCLEX Exam. The NCLEX is the world’s premier licensure exam and uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology to deliver the exam, ensuring a valid and reliable measurement of nursing competence. This is the second consecutive year that Marywood nursing graduates have achieved a perfect pass rate within one year of graduation. “Our nursing graduates’ achievement of a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX nursing exam for the second consecutive year is a testament to their dedication, resilience, and exceptional preparation,” said Dr. Theresa Tulaney, chair of Marywood University’s nursing program. “We are committed to empowering our students to excel in their nursing careers while making a meaningful difference and providing their patients with an exceptional standard of care.” Marywood University further expanded its deep commitment to health sciences, including nursing, when it opened the Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion in June.
Marywood University Announces New Faculty Members Shelby W. Yeager, M.Ed., LAT, ATC, CSCS, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, and James F. Eckler, Jr., M.ARCH, MSAS, Interim Dean of the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies, recently announced new faculty members at Marywood for the 2024-2025 academic year. By college/program, new faculty include: COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES: Communication Sciences and Disorders Kaitlyn Froese, AuD, Instructor of Practice/Clinical Audiologist. Dr. Froese earned a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) degree from the University of Arizona and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Marywood University. Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science Maureen Burke, M.S., Assistant Professor of Practice. Ms. Burke holds a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania, and she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education (athletic training), with minors in Coaching and in Nutrition, from Marywood University. Emily Wargo M.S., Instructor of Practice. Ms Wargo is a Registered Dietitian, who received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition & Dietetics with a minor in Science and her Master of Science in Sports Nutrition & Exercise Science from Marywood University. She is a board-certified specialist in Lifestyle Medicine and a Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness instructor. Ms. Wargo was accepted into the International Olympic Committee Sports Nutrition Diploma program, with the goal to receive her Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics credential. Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and Healthcare Administration Sarah Dalton, B.S., Instructor of Practice/Director of Clinical Education. Ms. Dalton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy from Marywood University. She also holds an Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy from Luzerne County Community College. Physician Assistant Dane Doornbos, DMSc, Assistant Professor of Practice. Dr. Doornbos holds a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree from the University of Lynchburg. He earned two degrees from Marywood University, including a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with an emphasis in Clinical Practices, as well as a minor in English. Both of his Marywood degrees were bestowed with honors. Chelsea Robinson, M.S., Assistant Professor of Practice/Clinical Coordinator. Ms. Robinson earn both her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and her Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physician Assistant Studies from Marywood University. Psychology and Counseling Mindy Farley, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Counselor Education. Dr. Farley received her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Capella University. She holds a Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Counseling & Human Service from the University of Scranton. Her graduate and undergraduate degrees were awarded magna cum laude. Heather Rakestraw, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Practice. Dr. Rakestraw earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in the Child and Family track from Kent State University. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Kent State, and she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, summa cum laude, from Temple University. Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science Derrick Boucher, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Physics. Dr. Boucher was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics from Lehigh University, where he also earned a Master of Science degree in Physics. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, cum laude, from the University of Scranton. Michael Gottstein, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mathematics. Dr. Gottstein earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Binghamton University, where he also received a Master of Arts in Mathematics. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Statistics from Misericordia University. Kimberly Stanek, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Chemistry. Dr. Stanek holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Virginia. She also earned two bachelor’s degrees, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry, from the University at Buffalo. School of Social Work Yerodin Lucas, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Social Work. Dr. Lucas served as Executive Director of Equity and Inclusion at Marywood University prior to becoming a full-time social work faculty member. He earned two degrees from Marywood University, including a Ph.D. in Administration & Leadership and Master of Social Work degree. Dr. Lucas also holds a Master of Arts in Education from Temple University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Minor in International Relations) from Arcadia University. REAP COLLEGE OF CREATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES School of Architecture Jim Sullivan, M.Arch., AIA, Professor of Architecture. Mr. Sullivan is a licensed architect, who previously served as Dean of the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies and as Dean of Marywood’s School of Architecture. He holds Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Environmental Design degree from Miami University of Ohio. School of Visual and Performing Arts (Art Therapy) Jackalynn Wilson, M.A. Instructor of Practice/Art Therapy. Ms. Wilson is a Board-Certified Art Therapist. She holds both a Master of Arts in Art Therapy and a Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy, with minors in Sculpture and Psychology, from Marywood University. School of Visual and Performing Arts (Music, Theatre, and Dance) Allison Fox, M.A., Instructor of Practice/Interim Director of Music Therapy. Ms. Fox holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. Her field of study on the master’s level was Expressive Therapies (Music Therapy). She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of Delaware. Her field of study included Music and Jazz Studies.
Marywood Celebrates First Anniversary of Construction Management Program Marywood University is planning to celebrate the first anniversary of its distinctive Construction Management program with a special event and announcement in October. The event, which will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 3 p.m., in the Center for Architectural Studies on Marywood’s campus, will provide attendees the opportunity to meet industry leaders, review student work, and take a “hard hat” tour. The event will also recognize the Sordoni Family by naming the Sordoni Construction Management Program in honor of their generosity in support of the first and only four-year construction management program in Northeastern Pennsylvania. For the last four decades, through The Sordoni Family Foundation, as well as their business, Sordoni Construction Services, Inc., the Sordoni Family has both aided in erecting buildings on campus and in philanthropically aiding the academic activities that take place within them. The recent naming opportunity provides resources to enhance the Construction Management Program within the School of Architecture, which reflects the reputation for excellence and expertise that Sordoni Construction Services, Inc. commands in the area. Construction management occupations are projected to grow by 8 percent in the next few years. The Sordoni Family’s support further expands and enhances the depth of the Marywood University School of Architecture, funds faculty for program expansion, improves the student experience through experiential learning, and sponsors guest lecturers in the field. Marywood University’s School of Architecture is the largest in the state of Pennsylvania. In addition to Construction Management, the School features renowned programs in Architecture and Interior Architecture, as well as the only Virtual Architecture program in the world.
Marywood’s Maria MacDonald to Present Keynote at Greater Erie Awards Maria MacDonald, a practicing interior architect and Program Director of Interior Architecture at Marywood University, will give a keynote presentation at this year’s Greater Erie Awards, sponsored by Preservation Erie, on October 10. In addition to her role at Marywood, Ms. MacDonald also serves as the Executive Director of the Center for the Living City, the only urbanist organization founded by Jane Jacobs. Ms. MacDonald specializes in adaptive reuse, preservation, and restoration projects, as well as creative civic engagement. With over 25 years of experience, she partners her professional practice with her teaching. Ms. MacDonald has been a team leader for many significant community projects throughout her career. As an educator, her intense focus is on service and community outreach, providing community-based, experiential learning opportunities for her students and the people in the communities where they work. Ms MacDonald holds degrees in both Architecture and Interior Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, where she received the Excellence in Design award for her work on the “Reclamation of Forgotten Spaces.” She is a founding faculty member of Marywood University’s School of Architecture and has served as the Interior Architecture Program Director for the past 15 years. She has successfully guided the program through two full NASAD accreditations. With her integrative, holistic design approach, Ms. MacDonald works to strengthen the relationships between the allied design disciplines and the people and environments where we live, work, play, and, ideally, thrive. Preservation Erie’s annual Greater Erie Awards acknowledge individuals, businesses, and organizations that are exceptional stewards of the physical and cultural landscape that is Greater Erie and includes a keynote by a distinguished urban planner, historic preservationist, or a similar professional. There are eight recipients of this year’s Greater Erie Awards. The event will be held October 10 at 6 p.m. at the Erie Center for Arts & Technology.
