Marywood to Present War of the Worlds – The Panic Broadcast as Its Fall Theatre Production Nearly 88 years after it was first broadcast in late October 1938, Marywood University’s theatre program presents War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast, a theatrical reimagining of one of the most infamous moments in American broadcasting history. Inspired by Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre’s 1938 radio adaptation of H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds, the play takes audiences inside a live radio studio as actors, announcers, shadow theatre artists, and Foley artists create the terrifying story of a Martian invasion before our eyes. What begins as an evening of radio drama quickly blurs the boundary between performance and reality. As fictional news bulletins interrupt the broadcast and reports of destruction spread across the airwaves, audiences witness both the making of a radio play and the cultural panic that became inseparable from its history. Performed as a live stage-and-radio experience, Marywood’s production celebrates the artistry of old-time radio while exploring questions that remain strikingly contemporary: How do we decide what information to trust? What happens when entertainment and news become difficult to distinguish? How quickly can fear spread through a community? The production brings together vintage microphones, live sound effects, Foley work, ensemble storytelling and the visual language of a 1930s/1940s broadcast studio to recreate the excitement and immediacy of radio’s golden age. At once suspenseful, theatrical, and darkly playful, War of the Worlds: The Panic Broadcast invites audiences to watch a story being constructed in real time – and to consider why, nearly ninety years later, the story of the broadcast itself continues to fascinate us. Performances, which will be held at the Munley Theater in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts, have showtimes from October 22-24 at 7:30 p.m. each evening and a matinee-only performance on October 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the general public. Marywood students, faculty, staff, and IHM sisters are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance by credit card online at https://marywood.universitytickets.com or with cash at the door.
Peoples Security Bank & Trust Supports Marywood Athletics as Ignite the Light Scoreboard Sponsor Marywood University has received a generous contribution from Peoples Security Bank & Trust as the official scoreboard sponsor of its Ignite the Light for Athletics campaign. The gift supports an improved home field experience for Marywood’s more than 500 student-athletes and the families, alumni and fans who cheer them on. The new scoreboard brings an integrated game clock, shot clocks and penalty indicators to Marywood’s multipurpose turf field. It is part of a broader transformation of the complex that includes a new press box, expanded bleachers and an upgraded sound system. “Every one of our student-athletes deserves a place to compete that reflects the dedication they bring to Marywood,” said Lisa A. Lori, J.D., Marywood’s President. “Peoples Security Bank & Trust’s generous investment helps us build that experience. When our Pacers take the field, they will see a community that believes in them and is proud to stand behind them.” “At Peoples Security Bank & Trust, we believe strong communities are built through opportunities that inspire teamwork, achievement, and pride,” said Gerard A. Champi, President & CEO of Peoples Security Bank & Trust. “We are pleased to support Marywood University’s Ignite the Light for Athletics campaign and help create an enhanced experience for student-athletes and everyone who comes together to celebrate their accomplishments. This project reflects our shared commitment to investing in the future of our region.” The turf field is home to men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey and women’s flag football, plus numerous intramural and recreation programs that benefit all students at Marywood. Together, the improvements made through Ignite the Light for Athletics strengthen the experience for those teams and make game days more welcoming for the entire Marywood community.
Marywood University Surges 16 Places in 2027 U.S. News Rankings Amid Record Enrollment Marywood University surged 16 places to #45 overall among Regional Universities North in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, making Marywood the highest-ranked Northeastern Pennsylvania university in this category. Marywood also debuted at #30 in the Top Private Universities list, making it the highest‑ranked Northeastern Pennsylvania private higher education institution, affirming Marywood’s strong student outcomes, favorable class sizes, and robust institutional support. The Regional Universities North category includes 155 institutions across 11 states and the District of Columbia and evaluates universities in relation to peers with similar academic missions, degree offerings, and geographic locations. Collectively, these rankings reflect Marywood’s continued advancement as a high-quality, student-centered university distinguished by academic excellence, affordability, access, and strong support for students from enrollment through graduation. “This significant rise reflects Marywood’s remarkable momentum and the collective commitment of our faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni, and supporters,” said Lisa A. Lori, J.D., President of Marywood University. “We are delivering an exceptional education, strengthening student outcomes, expanding opportunities, and demonstrating that academic quality and affordability can—and should—go hand in hand.” The recognition comes as Marywood welcomes the largest incoming domestic class in its history. The Fall 2026 incoming class includes 822 students: 655 incoming full-time undergraduate students and an additional 167 graduate students. The first-year undergraduate class represents 22 states, approximately 65% of its members live on campus, and its average high school GPA is 3.55. Marywood also achieved significant gains in several additional U.S. News categories: · #18 in Best Colleges for Veterans, an 11-place improvement from last year; · #20 in Best Value Schools; · #30 among Top Private Universities; and · #93 among Top Performers on Social Mobility. Marywood’s rise to # 18 in Best Colleges for Veterans places the University among the top 20 Regional Universities North for academic quality and its financial and institutional support of military-connected students. Marywood has consistently ranked among the top 30 institutions in this category. At #20 in Best Value Schools, Marywood remains the highest-ranked four-year private university in Northeastern Pennsylvania included in the category. The ranking recognizes institutions that combine strong academic quality with affordability for students receiving need-based financial aid. U.S. News considers only institutions ranked in or near the top half of their overall categories for Best Value recognition. Additionally, in the Top Performers on Social Mobility category, Marywood ranked # 93 and was the only Northeastern Pennsylvania university to place in the top 100. This ranking recognizes institutions that successfully enroll and graduate students receiving federal Pell Grants while also considering graduate earnings and borrower debt.
Marywood University Sets Fall Open Houses for Prospective Students Marywood University will hold two undergraduate open house events and one graduate open house this fall for prospective students. Prospective undergraduate students can attend the October Open House on Saturday, October 24, or the November Open House, on Saturday, November 14. Both events will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration for each undergraduate open house begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Fireplace Lounge at the Nazareth Student Center on the University’s campus, and the last campus tour departs at 1:45 p.m. A complimentary continental breakfast and lunch are included in the fall open houses for undergraduates. During open house events, students will learn about the undergraduate admissions process, visit the academic department of their choice, and tour Marywood’s campus. There will also be opportunities to connect with faculty from other departments to explore minors and additional educational opportunities, and prospective student-athletes can meet with coaches. For prospective graduate students, an Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, from 6-7:30 p.m. During the event, students will learn about the graduate admissions process and affordability options and receive valuable information about their program of interest during individual faculty meetings. An optional campus tour will be offered beginning at 4:45 p.m. The early evening event also will feature light refreshments with Marywood admissions staff and alumni. For more information and to register for Marywood University’s fall open houses, visit marywood.edu/visitopenhouse or call Marywood’s admissions office at (570) 348-6234.
Marywood University Earns Strong National and Statewide Rankings from Niche Marywood University has earned strong national, statewide and regional recognition in the 2027 Niche College Rankings, which evaluated more than 4,000 colleges and universities across the United States. Marywood earned notable placements across a wide range of categories, demonstrating the University’s strength in academics, value, student experience, and several of its signature programs. Among Marywood’s 2027 rankings are: #63 Best Catholic Colleges in America #7 Best Catholic Colleges in Pennsylvania #47 Best Colleges for Architecture in America #10 Best Colleges for Education in Pennsylvania #23 Best Value Colleges in Pennsylvania #30 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania A grade for Student Wellness Marywood also ranks #16 among the Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania, the highest-ranked local institution in the category. The University earned additional high marks for Best College Dorms in Pennsylvania (#7), Best College Campuses in Pennsylvania (#23), Top Private Universities in Pennsylvania (#25), Best College Food in Pennsylvania (#25) and Colleges with the Best Academics in Pennsylvania (#27), along with positive placements in numerous other categories. Niche combines data from sources including the U.S. Department of Education and the National Science Foundation with enrollment and alumni earnings statistics, tuition and financial aid information, and more than one million student and alumni reviews. Marywood’s strong showing across academic, value, campus, and student experience categories reflects the University’s continued commitment to “students first”, providing students with an exceptional education and an environment in which they can thrive. To view Marywood University’s complete list of rankings, go to niche.com/colleges/marywood-university/rankings.
Marywood University and Scranton Shakespeare Festival announce partnership Marywood University and Scranton Shakespeare Festival (SSF) have entered into a landmark partnership establishing SSF as Marywood’s resident professional theatre company and bringing professional theatre, experiential learning, community programming, and new creative opportunities directly to Marywood’s campus. The partnership is an important part of the vision behind Marywood’s new School of Communication, which formally launched this semester and brings together the University’s Theatre programs, Film, TV & Digital Production, Multimedia Communication, Music Production & Entrepreneurship, Journalism & Public Communication, Sports Media, Digital Influencing, Arts Administration, and other creative disciplines in one academic home. The partnership between the new School and SSF was developed with a shared purpose: to create greater connections among academic disciplines, professional practice, and the wider community. By bringing a professional theatre company into this new interdisciplinary environment, Marywood students will have opportunities to work across programs while gaining hands-on experience alongside professional actors, directors, designers, technicians, producers, and other creative professionals. At the same time, SSF will establish a permanent institutional home at Marywood from which to expand its performances, educational programming, and community outreach. Together, these initiatives will bring students, professional artists, faculty, audiences, and community members together on Marywood’s campus throughout the year, advancing a broader vision for Marywood as a place where education, professional practice, performance, and community intersect. A signing ceremony was held at Marywood on August 24, 2026, marking the beginning of the partnership, featuring Lisa A. Lori, J.D., President of Marywood University; Dr. Lindsey Wotanis, Director of the School of Communication; Dawn McGurl, Chair of the SSF Board of Directors, and Lizzie Newcomb Gumula, SSF Director of Education/Associate Producer. “This is about creating opportunities for our students, for SSF, for professional artists, and for our entire region,” said President Lori. “As we developed the vision for our new School of Communication, we wanted professional practice and community engagement to be integral to the student experience. Bringing Scranton Shakespeare Festival to Marywood helps make that vision a reality. Our students will have extraordinary access to professionals working in the field, our campus will come alive with even more performances and creative activity, and our community will have another reason to experience Marywood as a destination for theatre, culture, and the arts.” President Lori added, “Together, the new School of Communication and our partnership with SSF advance our longstanding vision for Marywood to become a cultural hub for the arts in Northeastern Pennsylvania, a place where artists, students, and the community come together to create, learn, perform, and experience the arts.” The university’s partnership with SSF is woven into the broader vision for Marywood’s new School of Communication: creating an interdisciplinary environment where students learn across traditional academic boundaries, engage directly with working professionals, and prepare for a creative economy in which disciplines and platforms increasingly intersect. “The world our students are entering is increasingly interdisciplinary,” President Lori said. “Performers, directors, designers, filmmakers, producers, marketers, journalists, and content creators work across disciplines and platforms. That is one of the reasons we created the School of Communication, and this partnership helps bring that vision to life. We are putting a professional theatre company into an academic environment where theatre students can collaborate with these creative professionals. Students will learn by doing, build professional relationships, and connect what they study in the classroom with the realities of today’s creative industries.” Lindsey Wotanis, Ph.D., Director of Marywood’s School of Communication, said the partnership will create opportunities extending well beyond the stage. “Bringing SSF into the School of Communication’s interdisciplinary environment creates a living laboratory for our students,” said Dr. Wotanis. “A theatrical production requires storytelling, performance, design, production, sound, video, marketing, publicity, social media, and audience engagement. Those are precisely the kinds of connections we want our students to make across programs. They will have opportunities to apply what they are learning to real productions, work alongside professionals, and build portfolios and experiences that prepare them for their careers.” “Marywood University is the ideal home for Scranton Shakespeare Festival,” McGurl said. “This partnership gives SSF the opportunity to put down roots, grow artistically, expand our programming and community reach, and build for the future, while investing in the next generation of creative professionals. With a permanent home at Marywood and access to the university’s students, faculty, facilities, and broader community, we have an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen SSF and extend the impact of professional theatre throughout the region. We look forward to building a shared future that celebrates performance, education, and community while creating new opportunities for artists, students, and audiences across Northeastern Pennsylvania.”
Leadership Lackawanna announces Core Program Class of 2026-27 Leadership Lackawanna, a division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the 39 professionals selected for its Core Program Class of 2026–27. The 10-month Core Program develops participants’ leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills while expanding their understanding of issues affecting the greater Scranton region. Through monthly sessions led by recognized specialists, participants explore topics that may include community and economic development, government, health care, law, education, quality of life, sustainability, regional history and media. A cornerstone of the program is the Core Class Project experience. Working in teams alongside local nonprofit organizations, participants develop and implement service projects that address genuine community needs. The projects give class members practical experience in strategic thinking, goal setting, teamwork, consensus building, problem solving, fundraising, resource development, marketing, public relations, equity and inclusion, conflict resolution and evaluation. The Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Class of 2026–27 includes: • Emily Arcaro, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania • Nicole Ash, Aramark at the University of Scranton Catering Dept. • Alyssa Bartoli, Fidelity Bank • Rik Bhattacharyya, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company • Jonathan Brady, Fidelity Bank • Melissa Calachino, The Wright Center for Community Health • Dylan Cawley, Geisinger • Nicole Cesarini, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA • Camille Dantone, Everhart Museum • Sean Dempsey, Alliance Wealth Advisors • Samantha Donahue, The Arc of NEPA • Brittany Dougherty, Penn State Scranton • Laura Dunn, Merrill Lynch • Angelina Elders, NBT Bank • Elizabeth Ephault, The Wright Center for Community Health • Kevin Farrell, Marywood University • Morgan Farrell, Geisinger College of Health Sciences • Kyle Frable, Benco Dental • Lauretta Graham, The Wright Center for Community Health • Claire Guarneri, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. • Natasha Hazzouri, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education • Kristen Hoover, Maximus • Teresa Kalinay, Montage Mountain Resorts • Fletcher Kanas, Barry Callebaut • Curt Kromko, Prudential • Kim Lazuka, Greater Scranton YMCA • Kristen McGoff, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. • Todd Monahan, Stone House Investment Management, LLC • Elisheva-Lydia MR, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania • Rich Mullen, Posture Interactive, LTD • Nicole Piccoletti, Outreach – Center for Community Resources • Theodor Radu, The Honesdale National Bank • Monica Reich, Penn East Federal Credit Union • Alondra Vazquez Rivera, Wells Fargo • Lewis Schweppenheiser, Penn East Federal Credit Union • Nicholas Sherman, Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center • Kelly Siekierka, Plaskolite Pennsylvania • Jeff Snyder, Allied Services • Anthony Walaitis, Plaskolite Pennsylvania
Marywood University Receives $500,000 Grant to Support Science Center Upgrades Through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program Marywood University has been awarded a $500,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to support a transformative modernization of its Center for Natural and Health Sciences, strengthening STEM education and expanding opportunities for future scientists, healthcare professionals, and technology leaders. The grant, announced by Governor Josh Shapiro as part of more than $52.5 million in investments across 42 Northeast Pennsylvania projects, will help fund the construction of a new physics laboratory, flexible collaborative learning spaces, and significant upgrades to biology, biotechnology, chemistry, and computer science laboratories. The Commonwealth’s investment will be combined with private philanthropic support to create modern, technology-enhanced environments that prepare students for today’s rapidly evolving workforce. “I am grateful to Governor Josh Shapiro, State Senator Marty Flynn, and State Representatives Kyle Mullins, Bridget Kosierowski, and Kyle Donahue, as well as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for their investment in Marywood University and in the future of STEM education,” said Lisa A. Lori, J.D., president of Marywood University. “This transformative grant directly supports our strategic priority of academic innovation by creating state-of-the-art learning environments where students can develop the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to lead in high-demand STEM fields. It is an investment not only in Marywood, but in the future workforce and economic vitality of Northeastern Pennsylvania.” The renovation project reflects Marywood University’s continued commitment to providing exceptional academic experiences through innovative facilities, cutting-edge technology, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare graduates for meaningful careers and advanced study. Marywood’s project was selected through the Commonwealth’s highly competitive Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program based on its potential to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy, enhance workforce development, and improve quality of life throughout the region. Renovations to Marywood’s Center for Natural and Health Sciences are expected to be completed in September 2026.
Marywood University Announces New Endowed/Annual Scholarships Marywood University recently announced five endowed scholarships and two annual scholarships at the 2026 Scholarship Luncheon. The annual luncheon brought together students, donors, and esteemed guests to celebrate the impact of scholarships and express heartfelt appreciation for the donors who make scholarships possible. Emma Budnovitch ’26, Roaring Brook Township, BS Biochemistry, was the student scholar who spoke on behalf of the student scholarship recipients. She noted, “Scholarships do not just ease financial burdens, but they allow students like me to discover their passions and the confidence to pursue them. Because of your support, I did not just attend Marywood, I fully experienced it.” Institutional aid through scholarships allows Marywood University to assist students and make their education affordable and attainable. In 2025-2026, Marywood provided more than $3.5 million in institutional aid through 642 named scholarships awarded to 556 individual students. New endowed named scholarships can be established with a gift of $50,000 or more. New annual named scholarships can be established with a gift of $10,000 or more. For information on establishing a named scholarship, please contact the Office of University Advancement at 570-348-6238 or development@marywood.edu. The newly endowed scholarships include: The Rocco and Catherine Ciliberti Endowed Scholarship, established by Henry and Margaret Jordan Sallusti ’83, supports academically accomplished local students with financial need, who wish to pursue studies in Nutrition and Dietetics or the Health Sciences. The Kelleher Family Endowed Scholarship, established by Frank Kelleher ’03, Trustee of Marywood University, and his wife, Lauren, supports business students with financial need. The Dr. Lotte Behrendt von Kerczek Endowed Scholarship, established by Elisabeth Gilligan ’59, supports full-time undergraduates with financial need with preference to students enrolled in a major in Science, Math, or Computer Science Department or in the Health Sciences. The Class of 1972 Endowed Scholarship, established by the Marywood Class of 1972 in honor of their 50th Reunion, supports full-time undergraduates with academic achievement and financial need. The Joey Monaghan ’21 Endowed Scholarship, established by Richard Gorelick, supports full-time undergraduates with financial need who demonstrate leadership, compassion, and a desire to help others excel. The newly established annual scholarships include: The Dr. Alice Elaine McDonnell Annual Scholarship, established by Dr. Alice Elaine McDonnell, M.P.A. ’77, supports full-time graduate students in the Master of Healthcare Administration program with financial need and academic achievement. The Barbara Spellman Shuta ’68 Annual Scholarship, established by Barbara Spellman Shuta ’68, Marywood Alumni Association Board Member Emerita, supports full-time undergraduates with academic achievement and financial need.
Marywood Event Raises More Than $466,000 Marywood University’s flagship annual fundraising event, Celebrate Marywood, took place on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The outdoor celebration, held in the picturesque Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden, marked a significant milestone by raising more than $466,000 to support the renovation and transformation of the Center for Natural & Health Sciences. Since its inception in 2014, the event has raised over $4.6 million, with the 2026 total setting a new benchmark for generosity and community engagement. Proceeds from this year’s event will fund the renovation and transformation of the Center for Natural & Health Sciences into a state-of-the-art facility supporting nursing, physician assistant, pre-med, and science programs, including upgraded laboratory spaces, enhanced classrooms, and advanced simulation environments. Marywood’s natural and health sciences students, who consistently attain outstanding licensure pass rates ranging from 98% to 100%, gain the knowledge and hands-on experience that power the region’s healthcare and STEM workforce. This year, Marywood honored Virginia Doherty McGregor, Scranton, and Father Thomas M. Muldowney, Moscow, with the Inspire Award for their outstanding contributions to the university and the broader region. The celebration’s entertainment featured dueling pianos by The Philly Keys and fireworks on campus. President Lisa A. Lori, J.D., praised both honorees and noted that it was Marywood’s privilege to honor “two extraordinary individuals, whose lives reflect the very best of Marywood.” She added, “Individually, they are remarkable. Together, they remind us what it means to live with purpose—through service, leadership, and a deep commitment to others.” Marywood University extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who attended, sponsored, and supported Celebrate Marywood. Their contributions play a pivotal role in advancing the university’s mission and ensuring a bright future for its students. To learn more about Celebrate Marywood, go to marywood.edu/celebratemarywood or call (570) 348-62
