Marywood University, Area Residents Earn Commencement Medals Several recent Marywood graduates, who are area residents or natives of the region, earned Commencement medals from Marywood University at the May 2025 Commencement ceremony, including Katelyn Ainey, Jessup; Cassidy Asinski, Waymart; Ryan Coleman, Archbald; Megan Wolff Galko, Roaring Brook Twp.; Natasya Handijaya, Scranton; Olivia Kaschak, Archbald; Celeste Orchard, Lake Ariel; Elyse Rehder, Clarks Summit; Riley Skelton, Honesdale; Alexandra Taffera, Moscow; Anthony Viscomi, Scranton; Elizabeth Vito, Dupont, and Zachary Witte, Lakeville. Kaitlin Ainey, Jessup, was awarded the Medal for Excellence in Psychology, founded by the Psychology Club in honor of Sister M. St. Mary Orr, IHM, and Sister M. Bernardina McAndrew, IHM. Cassidy Asinski, Waymart, was awarded the Sister Maria Laurence Maher Medal for Excellence in Biological Studies, founded in memory of Sister Maria Laurence Maher, IHM, by her family. Ryan Coleman, Archbald, who was co-valedictorian of the Class of 2025, was awarded the Kappa Gamma Pi Medal for General Excellence and the Tama Medal for Excellence in Mathematical Studies. The Kappa Gamma Pi Medal was established by the Scranton Chapter of Kappa Gamma Pi, the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society. The Tama Medal was founded by Mrs. Margaret Mary Tama Hovell and Dr. Judith Tama Page, in memory of their parents, John and Margaret Tama. He also received honorable mention for the Sister M. Immaculata Gillespie Medal for Excellence in Secondary Education, founded by Elizabeth Young Arvad, M.D. Megan Wolff Galko, Roaring Brook Twp., was awarded the Walton Medal for Excellence in Public Administration, founded by Dr. Clarence C. and Elizabeth Walton. Nastasya Handijaya, Scranton, was awarded the Philip E. Mulry Medal for Excellence in Chemistry, founded by the Mulry family in memory of Philip E. Mulry, Sr. Olivia Kaschak, Archbald, was awarded the Sister M. Charitas Loftus Medal for Excellence in Poetry, founded by Jemille A. Zaydon and Friends and Alumni. She received honorable mention for the J. Harold Brislin Medal for Distinction in Creative Writing,founded by the late Gene Brislin, in memory of her husband, J. Harold Brislin, a Pulitzer Prize Winner. Celeste Orchard, Lake Ariel, was awarded the Nemotko Medal for Distinction in Nursing, founded by Mrs. Anthony J. Nemotko, in memory of her husband, Anthony J. Nemotko. Elyse Rehder, Clarks Summit, was awarded the Sister Regina Barrett Medal for Excellence in Early Childhood Education, established in honor of Sister Regina Barrett, IHM, by Superintendent Patricia C. Leamy Riley Skelton, Honesdale, was awarded the Shaffer Medal for Nutrition and Dietetics, founded by C. Norman Shaffer, LL.D., in memory of Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart Walsh, IHM, and Sister Margaret Mary Howley, IHM. Alexandra Taffera, Moscow, was awarded the Judith Piznar Medal for Leadership and Service to Youth, founded in memory of Judy Piznar, Class of 1990. She also received the Rosemary Carroll Kazimer Medal for Excellence in Elementary Education, founded by Dr. Mary Louise Keeney in honor of Mrs. Kazimer. Anthony Viscomi, Scranton, was awarded the Sister M. Sylvia Morgan Medal for Pre-Medical Studies, founded by Elizabeth Young Arvad, M.D. Elizabeth Vito, Dupont, was awarded the Mary Grace Loughney Flynn ’39 Medal for Excellence in Music, established by Sister Elizabeth R. Loughney, IHM. Zachary Witte, Lakeville, was awarded the Sister M. Margrete Kelley Medal for Distinction in Service, founded by Anna G. Kirby in memory of her sister, Sister M. Margrete Kelley, IHM. He also received the Sister M. Immaculata Gillespie Medal for Excellence in Secondary Education, founded by Elizabeth Young Arvad, M.D.
The Wright Center, Chelsea Chopko Recognized as ‘Rising Star’ In Pennsylvania Chelsea Chopko, chief of administrative support to the president and CEO at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, was one of 40 individuals under the age of 40 in Pennsylvania to be honored as a “Rising Star” by City & State Pennsylvania during a reception in Harrisburg. Each year, the multimedia news organization honors these individuals who work in Pennsylvania government, politics, and advocacy. “Rising Star” members have already distinguished themselves in the eyes of their colleagues and are on their way to amassing many more noteworthy accomplishments. At The Wright Center, Chopko is the operational engine behind the enterprise’s most critical leadership workflows and mission-driven projects. Whether aligning schedules across numerous departments, coordinating sensitive communications, supervising eight administrative assistants, or supporting community outreach, she performs with poise, precision, and a rare blend of warmth and drive. Since joining The Wright Center six years ago, Chopko’s influence has grown in tandem with her title. What began as a role rooted in executive assistance has blossomed into one of trusted partnership and strategic insight. Her work spans the entire enterprise’s more than 677 employees, and she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every team member – from physicians, clinicians, physician residents and fellows to administrators and front-desk staff – is supported. “Chelsea Chopko is the exemplary of leader every organization hopes to have – thoughtful, brilliant, kind, inspiring, driven, unflinchingly dependable, and deeply mission-aligned,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “Her well-deserved recognition is a reflection not only of her personal excellence, but also of the high standard she sets for all of us at The Wright Center. We are immensely proud of her and most grateful to have Chelsea on our team.” She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in industrial/organizational psychology from Marywood University. Most recently, she completed the University Scranton Kania School of Management’s Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program. Chopko and her husband, Craig, live in Greenfield Township with their children, Roman, 9, and Isabel, 2.
Marywood University Announces Spring 2025 Dean’s List Marywood University announces the students named to the Spring 2025 Dean’s List from each of its colleges, including the College of Health Sciences and the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies. Undergraduate students who earn a semester GPA of 3.50-4.00 on 12 or more graded credits merit this academic honor. Students who believe they may have been omitted from this list in error should contact the Academic Affairs Office at academicaffairs@marywood.edu. Students named to the Dean’s List from the College of Health Sciences as declared by Dean Shelby W. Yeager, M.Ed., LAT, ATC, CSCS, include: Hanna Adonizio, S Abington Twp; Joanna Aguirre, Wilkes Barre; Reese Allen, New Milford; Valerio Amato, Dupont; Chloe Andricks, Avoca; Cassidy Asinski, Waymart; Tatiana Atkinson, Prompton; Taylor Bartle, Nanticoke; Nicole Bessmertnov, Scranton; Seth Blakiewicz, South Abington Twp; Vanessa Bompane, E Stroudsburg; Kyia Brouse, Scranton; Bridgette Brown, Moosic; Halle Bryk, Pittston; Emma Budnovitch, Roaring Brook Twp; Joseph Burke, Susquehanna; Bethany Burns, Susquehanna; Branielle Butwin, Harding; Nevaeh Byrd, Stroudsburg; Olivia Canfield, Honesdale; Joseph Cardillo, Dunmore; Brynn Carey, Ransom Twp; Mackenzie Carr, Greentown; Zuwena Carrington, Milford; Emily Ceccacci, Madison Twp; Corey Cicci, Scranton; Holly Cieczko, Shavertown; Bailey Cinamella, Covington Twp; Samantha Clark, Peckville; Jenna Collins, Duryea; Lily Connor, Roaring Bk Tp; Alexander Corcoran, Milford; Michael Cost, Scranton; Kylie Coy, Montrose; Erin Day, Oley; Morgan Decker, Avoca; Makayla Decker, Avoca; Alexis Devanney, Fell Township; Molly Devine, Scranton; Ashley Diaz, Scranton; Katelyn Diaz, Montrose; Haylee Docalavich, Tunkhannock; Joseph Dougherty, Clarks Green; Gabrielle Eldridge, Nanticoke; Eduardo Escobar, Harding; Audreyanna Esser, Pittston; Myia Evans, Elmhurst Twp; Destiny Evans, Meshoppen; Katilyn Ezerskis, Scott Twp; Alicia Farrell, S Abingtn Twp; Tanner Fenstermacher, Luzerne; Nikauri Fernandez, Scranton; Mackenzie Ferry, Pocono Pines; Noah Fontanella, Archbald; Madelyn Franceski, Vandling; Brandon Freedman, Fleetwood; Dhruvi Fuletra, Plains; Josie Galella, Tunkhannock; Maryeren Galvan, Scranton; Vera Garrety, Wilkes Barre; Onious George, Effort; Gianna Giumento, Throop; Ryan Glatzel, New Milford; Kydalin Gomm, Sinking Spg; Mirian Goncalves, Peckville; Marissa Gregory, Beach Lake; Makayla Gregory, Waymart; Osten Grigas, Mountain Top; Priscilla Grill, Scranton; Sadie Grochal, Shavertown; Amanda Gross, Moscow; James Guariglia, Pittston; John Guichay, Scranton; Emma Gullstrand, E Stroudsburg; Natasya Handijaya, Scranton; Kortney Harry, Noxen; Caleah Hawley, Eynon; Stephanie Hicks, Throop; Adrianna Howell, Bloomsburg; Ashley Hrywnak, Spring Brook; Gregory Hunt, Dunmore; Kaylee Hysock, Shenandoah; Abbey Jackson, Olyphant; Kaylei Janesko, Scranton; Kylee Jezorwski, Dunmore; Justice Johnson, Laceyville; Jake Jones, Duryea; Dariane Jones, Factoryville; Daelyn Karboski, Olyphant; Keira Knight, Covington Twp; Emma Kobylanski, Olyphant; Noel Korkuti, Clarks Summit; Ian Kovatch, Archbald; Kenneth Kraycer, N Scranton; Mameki Kromah, Blakeslee; Kaeden Kusmierz, Laceyville; Lauren Larouche, Bloomsburg; Madison Larue, Montrose; Grace Lehman, White Haven; Kayla Lettieri, Hunlock Creek; Kaylyn Lewis, Hallstead; Anna Liuzzo, Mayfield; Anthony Llaurado, Dingmans Fry; Grace Lorah, Clarks Summit; Jasmine Loury, Scranton; Emma Maddage, Archbald; Luke Magnotta, Roaring Bk Tp; Kayla Malone, Douglassville; Alyssa Marion, Peckville; Morgan Mayne, Eynon; Willow McDonald, South Abington Twp; Ronan McManus, Milford; Abby Megotz, Scranton; Nina Megotz, Old Forge; Mason Mendygral, Kingston; Brett Miller, Scranton; Lizbeth Moctezuma, Scranton; Christina Monroe, Olyphant; Jeremiah Montano, Scranton; Luis Morales, Gouldsboro; Journey Moran, Kingston; Grace Murtagh, Olyphant; Kaitlyn Newberry, Jessup; Alex Ni, Moscow; Kaitlynn Nichols, Scott Twp; Mark Oldziejewski, Kingston; Rebecca Ottensman, Nanticoke; Alyssa Pajalich, Avoca; Fil Am Jr. Palma, S Sterling; Michelle Pan, Stroudsburg; Mackenzie Panetta, Milford; Victoria Para, Pittston; Isabella Parise, Jessup; Raina Patel, Scranton; Happy Patel, Brodheadsvlle; Allie Pauler, Waymart; Sarah Pavlovicz, Scranton; Kailynn Peck, Forest City; Mallory Phillips, Lake Ariel; Sabrina Pollock, Pringle; Joshua Ponce, Dalton; Caitlyn Posdon, Hawley; Jack Rafferty, Scranton; Brianna Reardon, Factoryville; Paige Redman, Peckville; Brandon Reed, Taylor; Uday Reva, Scranton; Matthew Richards, Dallas; Camille Rillstone, Ransom Twp; Natalie Rinaldi, Tobyhanna; Nora Robson, Old Forge; Bernard Roedel, Lake Ariel; Tatiana Roldan, Milford; Samantha Rooney, Clifton Twp; Jordan Rosenberg, Brodheadsville; Samuel Rosetti, Archbald; Morgan Sakulich, Shavertown; Mahnoor Sami, Jessup; Gracie Secor, Avoca; Kelsey Sholtis, Larksville; Carl Shygelski, Taylor; Nathanial Smyser, Dingmans Fry; Nevaeh Sorensen, Scott Township; Christina Stein, Honesdale; Amanda Suraci, S Abingtn Twp; Cataldo Talutto, Scranton; James Togher, Clarks Summit; JaeAnna Topa, Scranton; Marie Traverse, Milford; Alexis Turner, Clifford Twp; Emily Umlah, Hanover Twp; Mayra Varela, Taylor; Molly Vennie, Hawley; Anthony Viscomi, Scranton; Noel Voglino, Archbald; Breanna Walsh, Scranton; Rebecca Webb, Shoemakersvle; Cian Wescott, Scranton; Ryanne Wheeler, Lake Ariel; Julia White, Scranton; Bailey White, S Abingtn Twp; Gabriella Wilson, Reading; Madeline Wittig, Frackville; Sarah Wolfe, Moosic; Chloe Wolfe, Prompton; Michelle Woods, Wilkes Barre; Rachel Yaros, Carbondale, and Leah Zambetti, Yatesville. Students named to the Dean’s List from the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies as declared by Dean James Eckler, M.ARCH, MSAS, include: Jihad Abdallah, Greeley; Emma Adamchak, Swoyersville; Annabel Adams, Brackney; Elizabeth Adams, Brackney; Madeline Adams, Brackney; Abigail Adamsky, S Abingtn Twp; Kaelin Alicea, Saylorsburg; Susanna Almonte, Scranton; Tatiana Amaral, Roaring Brook Township; Casey Ames, Clarks Summit; Lila Anderson, Tunkhannock; Mia Angelicola, Waverly Twp; Olivia Arcuri, S Abingtn Twp; Nathaniel Armstrong, Clarks Summit; Brooke Arnold, Old Forge; Aniqa Asim, Scranton; Liberty Azaravich, Springville; Andrew Babinski, Scranton; Matthew Barletta, Scranton; Brandon Bartley, Mountain Top; Ella Basilio, Milford; Bria Beggin, Jessup; Kayleigh Beichler, Dalton; Chase Benjamin, Archbald; Emma Bergstresser, Saylorsburg; William Berlew, Courtdale; Jaelynn Berry, Blakely; Karolina Bis, E Stroudsburg; Mia Blume, Dunmore; Brayden Bogdon, Larksville; Michael Bonavoglia, Dunmore; Mia Bonavoglia, Scranton; Abigail Bonczek, Clarks Summit; Mirian Bonifacio, Mahanoy City; Faith Bravo, Dunmore; Esmeralda Brito Romero, West Hazleton; Joseph Brown, Dunmore; Julie Bryan, Lake Ariel; Caitlyn Burdick, Waymart; Lenae Burkhard, Orwigsburg; Brennan Burnside, Scranton; Joel Cali, Old Forge; Bryan Cano, Scranton; Ashley Capone, Scranton; Kendel Card, Stroudsburg; Christopher Cassidy, Milford; Rebecca Castimore, Lords Valley; Lucca Cerminaro, Fell Township; Hajer Chaibi, Scranton; Emily Chamberlain, Luzerne; Sephora Charlot, Scranton; Alex Chickson, West Pittston; Beatrice Chindemi, Archbald; Emily Chmakov, Gouldsboro; Maya Chorba, Peckville; Maria Cicerini, Jefferson Twp; Anna Cipriano, Scranton; Lauren Ciullo, Clarks Green; Olivia Ciullo, Dunmore; Vito Ciullo, Scranton; Lauren Clancy, Clifford Twp; Paige Clark, Brackney; Anna Coar, Honesdale; Ryan Coleman, Archbald; Isabella Coleman, Factoryville; Gavin Connor, Carbondale; Chloe Conway, S Abingtn Twp; John Costanzi, Dunmore; Elizabeth Cowgill, Waverly Twp; Daniele Cragle, Old Forge; Shannon Croll, Milford; Katrina Davis, Throop; Thomas Day, Moosic; Aviel Decastro, Scranton; Ava Devereaux, Throop; Christian Diaz, Covington Twp; Cristopher Diaz Hilario, Hazleton; Logan Dick, New Milford; Tehya Dietrich, Carbondale; Macrina Dolinish, Old Forge; Cali Domin, Jefferson Twp; Collin Dougherty, Shavertown; Andrew Dovin, Friendsville; Molly Driscoll, Roaring Bk Tp; Kyle Driscoll, Roaring Bk Tp; Sr. Nhung Duong, Scranton; Emily Duris, Monroe Twp; Daniel Ebersole, Scranton; Sabrina Endriss, Scranton; Jayden Evans, Olyphant; Kayleigh Evans, Taylor; Emma Eynon, Dunmore; Ellen Fago, Hawley; Laura Farber, Pittston; Elaine Felipe Olivares, Scranton; Stephanie Fenescey, Montrose; Dominique Ferraro, Jessup; Brenna Fester, Berwick; Ana Fiedler, Stroudsburg; Emma Field, Scranton; Avery Fiorillo, Clarks Summit; Bridgette Flannery, Lake Ariel; Kadyn Forkal, Springville; Alison Fortuner, Carbondale; Serenity Fox, Dunmore; Joseph Fox, Taylor; Jolie Fraggetta, Milford; Kami Frindt, Hawley; Ethan Frutchey, Clarks Summit; Day-Shon Fulcher, Scranton; Gianni Gaitan, Cresco; Benjamin Galko, Roaring Bk Tp; Anastasia Galko, Roaring Brook Twp; Carleigh Galliford, Lake Ariel; John Gallo, Scranton; Estrella Galvan, Scranton; Reece Garvin, Reading; Elizabeth Gething, Old Forge; Tara Gladney, Scranton; Josh Godlewski, Taylor; Dominique Gomez, Scranton; Fabiana Gonzales, Old Forge; Angelina Goyne, Shavertown; Jacob Grande, Dunmore; Kelsey Green, Nescopeck; Allyson Griscavage, Catawissa; Zachary Grosvenor, Kingsley; Mallori Grzywacz, Scott Twp; Marissa Gubitoso, Pittston; Joseph Guglielmo, Madison Twp; Mason Gumble, Tafton; Destiny Hallock, Throop; Charles Hamm, Waverly Twp; Justin Hartz, Orwigsburg; Lawson Hawke, Milford; Karley Heid, Peckville; Camryn Hicks, Nicholson; Jocelyn Hittle, Morgantown; Shaylynn Hoak, Carbondale; Marissa Hoffman, Zion Grove; Zachary Hoover, Elmhurst Township; Carolyn Hopkins, Clarks Summit; Zachary Houston, Exeter; Allison Huegel, Scranton; Colby Hughes, Scranton; Corey Iyoob, Jessup; Emily James, Hanover Twp; Joseph Jara, Lake Ariel; Lindsey Jason, Olyphant; Kyle Jenkins, Scranton; Matthew Jesse, Dallas; Bo Judson, S Abingtn Twp; Corrine Justick, Jefferson Twp; Emily Kaeb, Archbald; Delaney Kaeb, N Abingtn Twp; Shelby Kaschak, Jermyn; Jatym Keller, Kingston; Kaitlyn Kenney, Effort; Megan Kielar, Carbondale; Danielle Kintzer, Mohnton; Taylor Kizer, Scranton; Karyn Klocko, Honesdale; Natalie Kohut, Scott Township; Alexandra Korb, Honesdale; Owen Kotchessa, Lake Ariel; Elias Kowal, S Abingtn Twp; Matthew Kubasti, Hunlock Creek; Brett Kugler, Wilkes Barre; Ella Kulenich, S Abingtn Twp; Melanie Lamberti, Roaring Brook Twp; Kaitlyn Lampke, Saylorsburg; Braden Law, Plymouth; Alivia Lawless, S Abingtn Twp; Alexys Lazuka, Scranton; Sage Lesh, Scranton; Hunter Long, Simpson; Matthew Lorenzetti, Throop; Jodi Lowthert, Long Pond; James Lucia, Covington Twp; Tristan Luczak, Hanover Twp; Isabella Luongo, Old Forge; Ashlyn Maas, Carbondale; Angelina Maglio, Spring Brook Twp; Jaylene Maisonet, Tobyhanna; Hudson Malinowski, Waymart; Aubrey Mangan, Scranton; Hailey Mankins, Taylor; Marissa Manza, E Stroudsburg; Alex Marcin, Dallas; Amanda Marcinkevich, Scranton; Jordyn Mark, Peckville; Lydia Marotti, West Pittston; Riley Marshall, Peckville; Nelly Martinez, Scranton; Jade Marzolino, Scranton; Cecilia Matatics, Scranton; Jayden Matute, Scranton; Danielle May, Madison Twp; Matthew Mazzoni, Archbald; Mercedes McAvoy, S Abingtn Twp; Jack McCabe, Old Forge; Coleman McCain, Great Bend; Michael McCann, Roaring Brook; Danilo McDonough, Scranton; Sarah McLain, Greenfild Twp; Emma McNally, Olyphant; Faith Meals, Fleetwood; Isaiah Meals, Fleetwood; Nicholas Mecca, Dunmore; Kirsten Melton, Scranton; Dominic Memo, Peckville; Jack Messina, Ringtown; Domenic Meyers, Scranton; Mary Miles, Pittston; Bailey Millard, New Milford; Hailey Miller, New Milford; Samantha Mitchell, Lakeville; Mackenzie Mitchko, Olyphant; Evelyn Moctezuma, Scranton; Emma Monahan, Fell Township; Lexi Moncinelli, Mayfield; Jillian Mooney, Dunmore; Jolene Morais, Clarks Summit; Kevin Morales, Scranton; Hunter Moran, Duryea; Nolla Morawiec, E Stroudsburg; Macey Morcom, Moscow; Paige Morgan, Olyphant; Owen Morgan, South Abington Twp; Amanda Moyer, Robesonia; Riley Mulherin, S Abingtn Twp; Connor Mulhern, Duryea; Samantha Munson, Old Forge; Alexandra Murphy, Orwigsburg; Jacob Muth, E Stroudsburg; Yamile Nader, Beaver Mdws; Maggie Nagle, Forest City; Donia Nazmy, Wilkes Barre; Taylor Neri, Carbondale; Maurice Nicholas, Scranton; David Nichols, Jr., Scott Twp; Rebecca Nieto, Hawley; Marissa Nowak, Exeter; Jessica Nowakowski, Duryea; Lauren O’Brien, Pittston; Alexandria O’Halloran, Jessup; Thomas O’Keefe, Milford; Emily Orlando, Scranton; Nick Oruska, Montrose; Cecelia Otis, Olyphant; Julie Pabst, Scranton; Gina Palermo, Eynon; David Paramo, Scranton; Maive Pawelski, Dunmore; Casey Penzone, Jermyn; Ava Penzone, Peckville; Chloe Perko, Bear Creek; Ava Perrins, Throop; Logan Pfaff, Scranton; Matthew Pfohl, Scranton; Ragan Poplawski, Nicholson; Michael Prebola, Monroe Twp; Zachary Price, Scranton; Chloe Pugh, Mountain Top; Anaid Ramirez, Effort; Joshua Ramos, Mahanoy City; Elyse Rehder, South Abington Twp; Emma Renard, Dunmore; Ryan Repecki, Olyphant; Allie Resetar, West Pittston; Kailey Rillstone, Ransom Twp; Anna Rinehimer, Nescopeck; Ayana Rivera, S Abington Twp; Hunter Robertson, Dunmore; Emilee Robinson, S Abington Twp; Thomas Robinson, Scranton; Alexandra Rodriguez, Lake Ariel; Katie Rowlands, West Wyoming; John Russo, Milford; Ceyonna Rybitski, Scranton; Abigail Sankus, Wilkes Barre; Avianna Santarelli, Archbald; Brian Santarsiero, Dunmore; Abigail Saverslak, Dickson City; Autumn Savitski, Shavertown; Brielle Scheland, Old Forge; Santo Schiavone, Clarks Summit; Marissa Schuler, Harveys Lake; Lia Schwenk, Dunmore; Mia Scotti, Taylor; Angelina Servino, Lake Ariel; Aartie Sewah, Scranton; Daniel Shea, Scranton; Briseus Shupp, Harding; Jada Siino, Newfoundland; Taylor Simpson, Dunmore; Gracie Slaven, Moosic; Nadia Slish, Union Dale; Maxwell Slusser, Berwick; Cassandra Slusser, Bloomsburg; Adriana Smargiassi, Scott Twp; Andrew Smith, Archbald; Aspen Smith, Montrose; Darrell Smith, Pleasant Mt; Gabrielle Snee, Olyphant; Gary Snyder, Madison Twp; Todd Snyder, Meshoppen; Emily Spencer, Shavertown; Grace Spisso, Taylor; Kailey Stevenson, Montrose; Bryn Stiles, S Abingtn Twp; Italia Storey, Scranton; Connor Straka, Peckville; Milana Straub, Shickshinny; Antonia Summa, Dunmore; Isabella Summa, Scranton; Jessica Sunar, Scranton; Natalie Sweeney, Jessup; Joseph Swetter, Clifford Twp; Jonelle Symonies, Carbondale; Alexandra Taffera, Moscow; Carissa Tallo, Dunmore; Joseph Taraschuk, Honesdale; Trevor Thomas, S Abington Twp; Samantha Thomas, Factoryville; Caryn Thompson, Scranton; Abagayle Toraldo, Old Forge; Gloria Truong, Scranton; Barbale Tsulaia, Pittston; Stephanie Ulitchney, Olyphant; Kaylee Urso, Old Forge; Peter Valcukas, E Stroudsburg; Jaida Valdez, Scranton; Zachary Valeski, West Pittston; Arianna Varela, Scranton; Nicola Veniamin, Waverly Township; Elizabeth Vito, Dupont; John Walsh, Clarks Green; Mira Walsh, Scranton; Julia Walsh, Scranton; Justine Walters, Roaring Bk Tp; Kenneth Ward, Scranton; Gerald Wasilchak, Archbald; Brendan Weber, Shillington; Victoria Weber, S Sterling; Benjamin Werle, Meshoppen; Emma Wesley, Wilkes Barre; Mia Wilkus, Scranton; Abigail Wilson, Scranton; Savana Wilson, Throop; Madison Winn, Waymart; Zachary Witte, Lakeville; Sean Wolfe, Nanticoke; Molly Yatchyshyn, Bernville; Lauren Yencho, Dickson City; Kyra Yergey, Fleetwood; Maggie Yerkes, Milanville; Rachel Zarubski, Dunmore; Jenna Zerilli, Effort; Yuan Zhou, Scranton; Libby Zick, New Milford, and Anna Zuby, Peckville.
The Wright Center for Community Health Welcomes Director of Employee Health The Wright Center for Community Health welcomed a longtime emergency medical technician and vascular technologist to serve as director of employee health and coordinator of continuing medical education. Mark Powell, RVT, NRP, will oversee employee health services and training for The Wright Centers, which is transitioning from an official American Heart Association (AHA) designated training site to an AHA training center, a distinction earned by training a certain number of people annually and meeting other high standards. “By becoming a center, we can develop sites and expand access to these classes that provide these critical training classes, including Basic Life Support, which many people know as CPR, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and more,” Powell said. “These skills are important for everyone to know because they can save lives.” Since The Wright Center launched its AHA training site in 2023, it has completed nearly 3,560 certifications, which include 1,761 in Basic Life Support (BLS), 416 in Heartsaver CPR, 412 in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), 158 in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and several more. Powell has decades of experience as an emergency medical technician, paramedic, and registered vascular technologist in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland. He has extensive experience directing vascular labs, managing clinical operations, and ensuring accreditation compliance. Before joining The Wright Center, he worked as the technical director and vascular manager at Guthrie Medical Clinic and Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. In addition to being a registered vascular technologist, he is an accredited ACLS/PALS/CPR instructor and a certified intervention team member. Mark Powell, RVT, NRP, helps Taila Avia, a Marywood University student, use a bag valve on a mannequin during a Basic Life Support class at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton. Powell, our director of employee health and coordinator of continuing medical education, is working to have our American Heart Association (AHA) training site designated as an AHA training center, a distinction earned by training a certain number of people annually and meeting other high standards.
Marywood University President Named a Chambers USA Ranked Lawyer Marywood University proudly announces that its President, Lisa A. Lori, J.D., has once again been named a 2025 Chambers USA ranked lawyer in General Commercial Litigation — a prestigious honor that highlights her outstanding contributions to the legal profession and her distinguished record as a business litigator. Chambers USA is widely regarded as the leading independent legal directory, recognizing the top lawyers and law firms across the country based on rigorous research, client feedback, and industry peer review. Inclusion in Chambers is considered one of the highest accolades in the legal profession. Before assuming the presidency of Marywood University in 2024, President Lori built a prominent career representing national and international clients — including Fortune 500 companies, higher education institutions, healthcare systems, and executives — in high-stakes litigation and strategic counseling. She also served as outside General Counsel to La Salle University and co-chaired the Higher Education and Healthcare practice groups at her former law firm. President Lori’s leadership extends beyond the courtroom. As Marywood University’s 13th and first lay president, she has brought her strategic insight and collaborative leadership to higher education, championing innovation and community engagement. “I am honored to receive this recognition from Chambers USA,” said President Lori. “It reflects the deep commitment I’ve had throughout my career to serve with integrity, strategic thinking, and professionalism — values that continue to guide my leadership at Marywood University.”
Marywood University Dean of Health Sciences: Local and Global Accomplishments In addition to her academic leadership role at Marywood University, Shelby W. Yeager, M.Ed., Dean of Marywood’s College of Health Sciences, is keeping busy with personal and professional accomplishments, both locally and internationally. Dean Yeager traveled to Paris, France, in April to run in the 2025 Paris Marathon, dubbed “the world’s largest marathon,” which she successfully finished. This race is not her first distance-running event. She has competed in numerous marathons over the years, including those in New York City (for charity), Chicago, and Philadelphia, as well as the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton and more than 15 half marathons. The Paris Marathon marks her first international competition. On the professional front, the Scranton Counseling Center Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Dean Yeager as one of its new directors. Her board tenure begins on July 1, and she brings a wealth of experience as an academic administrator with a professional/clinical background in health sciences, including the areas of kinesiology, sports medicine, and athletic training. Dean Yeager has led Marywood’s College of Health Sciences since March 2022. She was a long-term faculty member and department chair prior to her appointment as dean, beginning her academic career at Marywood in 2004. Before that, she was an athletic trainer at Wilkes University, then assumed clinical and administration roles at John Heinz Rehabilitation Institute and Keystone College. Additionally, she worked as part of the Sports Injury Prevention Program at the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City. Dean Yeager earned her bachelor of kinesiology and sports medicine degree from Temple University and a master’s in health and physical education from East Stroudsburg University. She is a licensed athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach with an emphasis on movement assessment, injury reduction, and corrective exercises. She also holds multiple specialty certifications from the USA-Weightlifting, National Academy of Sports Medicine, and Functional Movement Screening. In 2024, she was inducted into the Order Cor Mariae-Pro Fide et Cultura at Marywood University, an honor bestowed for 20 years of distinguished service.
Celebrate Marywood Event Raises Nearly $400,000 Marywood University’s re-imagined flagship annual fundraising event, Celebrate Marywood, formerly known as the Community Leadership Celebration, took place on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The outdoor celebration, held in the picturesque Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden, marked a significant milestone by raising nearly $400,000 to support vital campus improvements and enhance the student experience at Marywood University. Since its inception in 2014, the event has raised over $4.2 million, with the 2025 total setting a new benchmark for generosity and community engagement. Proceeds from this year’s event will directly fund projects that enrich and enhance the student experience at Marywood for years to come. This year, Marywood honored Richard and Erin Kane of Dalton with the Inspire Award for their outstanding contributions to the university and the broader region. Their leadership, including Mr. Kane’s past service as a trustee and board chair, along with the couple’s philanthropic commitment to Marywood, embodies the institution’s mission and core values. Additionally, their dedicated leadership and care have inspired Marywood students in their pursuit of education and service. “Together, Dick and Erin have made lasting contributions that are woven into the very fabric of our campus,” said Lisa A. Lori, J.D., President of Marywood University. “Their legacy is not only written in bricks and mortar, but in the lives of our students—students who have benefited from their generosity, their leadership, and their belief in the future of Marywood.” The celebration featured an array of food stations, live music by the band Old Friends, dancing, and a spectacular 3-D digital mapping show projected onto Marywood’s iconic Liberal Arts Center. The event provided a festive atmosphere where alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and friends of the university came together to celebrate Marywood’s growth, community spirit, and vision for the future. 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) 348-6238. Images:Richard and Erin, Kane, Dalton, address attendees of the recent Celebrate Marywood event, expressing their gratitude as recipients of the Inspire Award for their leadership and service to Marywood University and to the community. A vibrant light display is projected onto the Liberal Arts Center at Marywood University. The 3-D Digital Mapping presentation culminated the Celebrate Marywood event, held outdoors at the Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden in the center of campus.
Wayne Bank Promotes Bridget Kennedy to Bank Officer and Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Bridget Kennedy to Bank Officer and Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager. “I am proud to announce Bridget’s promotion – her can-do attitude, diligence, and commitment to Wayne Bank make her deserving of this great accomplishment. Bridget is someone whose incredible customer focus and work ethic truly inspire those around her. I am confident in her ability to drive team efficiency and build meaningful client relationships,” said Donnelly. In her new role, Bridget will be responsible for supporting commercial lenders in managing client relationships and identifying cross-selling opportunities. Bridget joined the Bank in May of 2001 and has held many titles during her tenure. With over 27 years of banking experience, she brings a great wealth of knowledge to our Wayne Bank team. Bridget holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Marywood University. She is an active member of the Scranton community, currently serving as Secretary of the North Penn Charitable Foundation, and Board Member of the Scranton Diocese Catholic Women’s Conference. Bridget resides in Scranton with her husband, Jim, and her 11-year-old son, James.
Marywood University Faculty Member Publishes Two New Books Marywood faculty member Alexander Dawoody, Ph.D., Director of Marywood University’s Ph.D. Program in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies, recently published two new books, The Quantum Metaphors and History of Iraq: From Inventing Civilization to the Modern Failed State. The Quantum Metaphors This book discusses the use of quantum and chaos theories as metaphors in the social sciences. It emphasizes intentionality, flux, uncertainty, emergence, relations, non-linearism, irrationality, and process. History of Iraq: From Inventing Civilization to the Modern Failed State This book examines the history and political trajectories in Iraq, from early Mesopotamia and the invention of civilization in cities such as Sumer, Akkad, Babylon, and Nineveh, to the creation of writing, astronomy, laws, scribes, administration, city-states, and the early agrarian settled communities. The book also observes the impact of Islamic conquests, the golden era of the Abbasid Caliphate, the Mongol invasion, and the negative impact of the Ottoman-Persian rifts on the population. Additionally, History of Iraq observes the creation of the Iraqi modern state of Iraq by Great Britain in 2020, the subsequent political regimes that governed it, the country’s ethnic and religious make up, the Iran-Iraq War, the two Gul Wars, the U.S. invasion in 2003, and the current political dynamics of a dysfunctional and corrupt administrative state struggling to maintain the integrity of a failed state from disintegrating into separate fiefdoms divided on ethnic and sectarian lines. Finally, the book examines the effect of Iraq’s future disintegration on the Middle East and the competing regional and international forces. Both books can be found online and purchased on Amazon.
Marywood University Students Assist Garden of Cedar Community Project Marywood University is working in collaboration with the Garden of Cedar, a local nonprofit organization in Scranton’s South Side neighborhood, on a community garden project that features sculpture, native plants, vertical planters, a hydroponic system, and other features to be added later. The specific academic areas involved with the project include the Environmental Science Program, Art Department, School of Architecture (SOA), and School of Business and Global Innovation (SBGI). The living T-rail sculpture’s design ties to the area’s industrial roots, specifically highlighting the pivotal role of the Iron Furnaces in shaping the regional landscape. At the base of the sculpture, an arrangement of native vegetation is planned. This natural component is not only aesthetic but is also symbolic, designed to grow and intertwine around a representational map of Scranton. The sculpture was funded by Frank and Marigrace Dubas, Scranton, Michael and Candice Curran, New Canaan, CT, and Howard and Amy Kaplan, Saddle River, NJ. Native plants were donated to the Garden for community members to plant in the garden or take back to plant in their yards, including Black-eyed Susans, Butterfly Weed, and Yellow Coneflower. Vertical planters, inspired by the design of totem poles, provide accessibility for ADA planting as the planters are raised above the height of the ground-level planters already in the garden. A hydroponic system developed by the students uses sustainable methods of maintaining plant life on an existing vertical wall, providing not only a visual experience, but an interactive one, as users are given the opportunity to grow specific herbs and succulents on the site. Features that will be installed in the Garden at a later date include bee hotels and a canopy. Bee hotels are the insect equivalent of a birdhouse, providing nesting spaces for solitary bees. Solitary bees, such as mason bees and leafcutter bees, are non-aggressive because they are solitary nesters and do not have large colonies to defend. Most bees native to Pennsylvania are in fact solitary bees, acting as important pollinators that are vital to the survival of our ecosystems. The canopy will be a removable shade structure to be used by outreach programs that provide lunches and other events to children during the hot summer months. The Garden of Cedar was created and developed by Frank Dubas, President of the Garden. Frank is also responsible for the Garden’s unique design and construction. Marywood students, faculty, and staff have been collaborating with Frank on the project for several years. Branding, including the logo for the Garden, was created and developed by Marywood students. Tom McLean & Associates provided landscape design. Jerry Chilewski Enterprises constructed the Garden. Principal faculty from Marywood University involved with the project include: Michelle Pannone, SBGI Executive Director & Associate Professor; Sara Melick, Assistant Professor of Practice in Environmental Science; Sue Jenkins, Associate Professor of Art and Design, and Christine Medley, Associate Professor of Graphic Design. Students and recent graduates involved with the project include: Environmental Science: Juan Cardenas, Emily Haggerty, Carly Walters, and Bailey White. Graphic Design: Kristina Zenga, Marlena Bompane, Marykate Boyle, Danae Drews, Jad Tindall, Alexander Shields, Caitlinn Belcher, Emily Duris, Marla Gambucci, Reece Wolbert, Allison MacDermott, Shanon Sohl, Gabby Ziegler, and Daniele Cragle. Architecture: Nicholas Baney, Kyle Brosenne, Giavanna Burdick, Brianna Conniff, Lois Downing, Iain Kerrigan, Daniel Leonard, Tristan Luczak, Thomas Milewski, Megan Pavlowski, Christopher Salisbury, Joseph Sanfilippo, Autumn Savitski, Angelika Valdes, and Lenae Burkhard. Marketing: Kathleen Lynott. Marywood students finalize the installation of the Garden’s hydroponic system. Pictured left to right: Emily Haggerty, Juan Cardenas, Bailey White, and Giavanna Burdick.
