Marywood University to Hold Virtual Master of Fine Arts Information Session Marywood University will hold a virtual Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Information Session on Thursday, April 1, 2021, at 4 p.m. This information session is free and open to anyone who is interested in pursuing a low-residency master of fine arts degree. To register, please visit admissions.marywood.edu/register/mfa. Marywood’s “Get Your Master’s with the Masters” MFA program for designers and illustrators is the oldest and best low-residency program in the country, designed for those who are working full time, but who are also interested in earning a terminal degree. For additional information about Marywood University’s MFA Information Session, please contact Steven Brower, MFA, director of the “Get Your Master’s with the Masters” MFA program at Marywood University, at (570) 348-6211, ext. 2569, or email sbrower@marywood.edu.
Marywood University’s School of Social Work to Hold Its Spring 2021 Colloquium Virtually Marywood University’s School of Social Work will hold its Spring 2021 virtual Colloquium titled, “The Culturally ‘Woke’ Social Worker: Addressing Historical and Contemporary Racial Inequities,” on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, from 8:45 a.m. – Noon. This virtual event is free and open to the public. Because space is limited, participants must register in order to attend, at marywood-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqd-CorzgrEtX0PgW0iXzoAx0XjDKK8B4y. This educational gift to the community will help us stay connected and enable us to work together to make a difference. It is a social worker’s role to address racial justice in proactive practice—to become ‘woke’ to cultural differences and systems of racial oppression. As we all continue to struggle with the uncertainty of a global pandemic, people have taken to the streets and boardrooms to address inequities and their devastating effects. For Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, stories about the impact on health, wealth, and relationships of intergenerational traumatic events in the form of news or social media posts are more than stories—they are examples of experiences enduring trauma, historically and currently, which have led to health and other social disparities. Marywood University’s School of Social Work’s Spring 2021 Colloquium will bravely engage in conversations about work that helps to foster authentic engagement with social work staff, community providers, clients and their families. Participants will learn which facilitation tools to use when faced with a hot button issue, or other challenging situations, and how to bravely lead conversations about race with presence, grace, and intention. By attending this workshop, participants will be able to define intergenerational trauma and complex trauma; explain three trauma-informed, resilience-oriented strategies to address the impact on individuals and communities; explore culture, unconscious bias, micro aggressions, racism, privilege, marginalization, color blindness, and intersectionality; determine ways that cultural differences impact professional relationships; and obtain a culturally relevant skill set with at least two tools to work towards micro and macro level change. Presented by Lia Richards-Palmiter, Ph.D., director of the Office of Diversity Efforts at Marywood University, this session will provide a culturally competent understanding of trauma-informed, resilience-oriented strategies that inequities have had on those we support. This session will also address the impact at the individual and community level to build a future that promotes healing and resilience. This program is approved for three (3) continuing education hours for social workers applicable toward New York and Pennsylvania LSW licensure renewal. To register, please visit marywood-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqd-CorzgrEtX0PgW0iXzoAx0XjDKK8B4y. For additional questions, please contact Jill Schroth, director of Professional Continuing Education at Marywood University, at jschroth@marywood.edu, or call (570) 340-6061.
Marywood University Receives Council of Independent Colleges Program Development Grant Marywood University was recently notified that it is the recipient of the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) NetVUE Program Development Grant, in the amount of $46,153. The grant will be used between May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2023. Marywood University is among a group of NetVUE, the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education, a nationwide network of colleges and universities formed to enrich the intellectual and theological exploration of vocation among undergraduate students. Marywood University’s “Integrative Core Curriculum Fellows Program,” was developed to build a curricular structure that supports integrative learning and vocational exploration strategies in the new Core. The Core Curriculum helps students think critically, examine values carefully, and act responsibly. Additionally, the Core Curriculum challenges students to engage in civic responsibility in terms of social justice, unmet human needs, and empowerment of others, as it provides a context within which students can realize meaningful personal and professional lives. This grant program will help Marywood to intentionally support and thread reflective practices that develop vocation throughout the Core in a systematic, measured, and faculty-led process. The work of the eight Fellows and the Project Team will equip Core faculty with the knowledge, support, and materials to integrate opportunities for students to begin to recognize their life’s purpose and their impact on those around them. Marywood University’s mission and message of passion and purposes matches the student’s academics with cultural, social and human experience to give each student a fully immersive education—one that prepares students to make a difference and impact on the world. Colleges and universities that are members of NetVUE are already committed to campus activities that encourage vocational exploration by students. These institutions are making significant investments of their own resources to develop and sustain vocational exploration initiatives. In order to support NetVUE member campuses in their work, Lilly Endowment Inc., has provided funding to The Council of Independent Colleges to be used for NetVUE Program Development Grants. Leaders at colleges and universities have observed that grants for program development at even modest levels enable their institutions to strengthen and expand existing programs significantly. For additional information about Marywood University, please visit marywood.edu, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234. For additional information about the CIC or NetVUE, please visit cic.edu/programs/netvue/program-development-grants.
Marywood University Receives $200,000 Grant Marywood University recently received a $200,000 grant to The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler endowed Scholarship fund, which was established in 2020 with a gift from the Foundation in the amount of $385,000. The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation was established by Mr. and Mrs. Stabler in 1966 exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. Students who receive a Stabler Scholarship commit to making contributions to the endowment scholarship fund after their graduation in an amount at least equal to what they received. This is a “debt of conscience” rather than a legal obligation, and it helps to create a culture of philanthropy in students who have received funding and support. Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president of Marywood University said, “This generous gift will create resources that best serve our students during these times that require flexibility and ingenuity—two bedrocks of a Marywood education founded in the liberal arts tradition. Because of The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation, our resilient and innovative students will have the resources to emerge stronger and better. Their support indeed inspires the next generation of Marywood students to dedicate their lives to serve the common good.” For additional information about Marywood University, please visit www.marywood.edu, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234.
Marywood University Recognized as a Best Allied Health Professions Schools Marywood University is one of the 2021 Best Allied Health Professions Schools according to Health Care Degree Search. Allied health encompasses a broad group of health professionals who use scientific principles and evidence-based practice for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic diseases, promote disease prevention and wellness for optimum health, and apply administration and management skills to support health care systems in a variety of settings. Marywood has earned a total of 6 different awards in this year’s rankings. Highlights includes #7 Best Allied Health Professions Schools in Pennsylvania; #9 Best Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Master’s Degree Schools; #19 Best Allied Health Professions Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region; #26 Best Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Schools; and #69 Best Allied Health Professions Schools. The determinants that Health Care Degree Search employed for their ranking methodology include outcome focus; majors and degree offerings; the amount of time for a student to graduate; ranking factors; post-graduation wages; educational resources and success; post-graduation debt, program demand; online options; and data systems, including integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the College Scorecard, and the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). For additional information about Marywood University’s College of Health and Human Services, please visit marywood.edu/hhs/index.html, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234. For additional information about Health Care Degree Search, please visit healthcaredegreesearch.com/colleges/marywood-university/media/ranking-college-quality-media-kit/.
Marywood University’s School of Social Work to Hold Master of Social Work Virtual Information Sessions Marywood University’s School of Social Work, Lehigh Valley program, will hold Master of Social Work (MSW) Virtual Information Sessions on Wednesday, January 6, at Noon, Monday, January 25, 2020, at 5:30 p.m., and Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. The sessions are free and open to anyone interested in advancing their career with a master of social work degree. To register for the MSW Virtual Information Sessions, at the Lehigh Valley location, please visit https://forms.gle/qY556z48aGAPyAZB8. The MSW Information Sessions will provide study options for full- and part-time students; advanced standing for bachelor of social work graduates; provide admissions information; and give internship program options. For additional information about Marywood University’s School of Social Work or its MSW Information Sessions, please visit www.marywood.edu/ssw/index.html, or call the office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234.
National Band Association Journal Publishes Article by Dr. F. David Romines An article addressing advanced saxophone instructional techniques by Fred David Romines, D.M.A., associate professor of music education, director of bands and co-chairperson of the Music, Theatre, and Dance department at Marywood University, was published in the November 2020 issue of the National Band Association Journal. The submission reveals several instructional insights routinely addressed in the Marywood course, “MUSC 303A Woodwind Methods I” (a course required of all Marywood music education majors). Dr. Romines has been a member of the National Band Association (NBA) since 1977 and presently serves the NBA as Pennsylvania State Chairperson. The National Band Association Journal has a current circulation of approximately 2,500 band directors from all 50 United States, Europe, and Asia. Dr. Romines has studied saxophone with several of the country’s leading performers and teachers, including: Anthony D’Andrea, Gary Sperl, Jerry Coker, William Scarlett, Douglas Masek, and Steven Mauk. For additional information about Marywood’s Music, Theatre, and Dance department, go to marywood.edu/mtd, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234.
Marywood University Wraps Up Its “Making Spirits Bright” Campaign Successfully Marywood University’s answer to encouraging prayer, sharing gifts, and uplifting people through November and through New Year’s Day is a success. Marywood University began its festivities in November with its “Making Spirits Bright,” initiative, prior to students leaving campus to finish the remainder of their semesters online. The students desire to help plan and share in the holiday event, which has become such a special part of their Marywood experience, was the catalyst for campus representatives to gather with students and find creative, community-minded solutions. The timeline also connected to the spirit of Marywood’s sponsors, the IHM Congregation, who celebrate their Founders’ Month in November. Marywood University’s Community Christmas Card Writing project yielded nearly 5,500 Christmas cards that were delivered to 18 different groups locally, nationally and internationally. Participants included 17 clubs and campus organizations, 2 athletic teams, 21 additional individual students, 58 staff members, 20 departments, 5 faculty, 1 retiree, the retired IHM sisters living at Our Lady of Peace residence, and 97 students at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Elementary School, Dunmore, Pa. Recipients of the Community Christmas Card Writing project included Marywood Heights residents, Our Lady of Peace residents and staff, NativityMiguel School students and staff, the Gino Merli Veterans Centers residents and staff, St. Francis Commons residents and staff, Regional Hospital staff, Moses Taylor Hospital staff, Geisinger CMC staff, St. Joseph’s Center residents and staff, Friends of the Poor staff, the children in Big Friends Little Friends after-school program, and active/deployed military members. Marywood University also collected a record number of gifts this year, thanks to the generosity of the “Making Spirits Bright” initiative. More than 160 gifts were provided to local children/teens through Friends of the Poor, 73 gifts were provided to Marywood Heights residents, and 146 items for persons experiencing homelessness were donated to the Keystone Rescue Mission. Marywood University’s “Making Spirits Bright” kicked off its campaign with an Outdoor Tree Lighting and Blessing of Nativity. Student groups typically create ornaments for the tree, but, since it was an outdoor event this year, the student organizations decided to participate in campus decorating efforts with Marywood’s Grounds/Maintenance staff. Campus decorating was completed by 18 volunteers who contributed 54 hours of service to decorate campus. Marywood University continues its “Making Spirits Bright” project through New Year’s Day. The “Light Up Campus” drive through light display will remain in place through the New Year. Additionally, Marywood University’s award-winning, student-run radio station, WMFM 91.7, will continue its traditional community gift of broadcasting commercial-free Christmas music, 24/7 through News Year’s Eve. And, Marywood University’s concerts, events, mass, and chats can be accessed, at youtube.com/watch?list=PLNBU0ru7D18C-3quPrCUVwxt2FTeHZD6I&v=r_pZAXVqVO4&feature=emb_title. To check out all of Marywood University’s “Making Spirits Bright” initiatives, please visit marywood.edu/article/2020-Making-Spirits-Bright.
Marywood University’s Student Health Services Take Steps to Stop the Impact of Covid-19 on Its Campus Marywood University’s Student Health Services staff are doing their part in limiting the spread of COVID-19. With the help of Geisinger Health System and The Wright Center, Stephanie Jennings, CRNP, and Maura Smith, RN, director of Student Health Services at Marywood University, have received the first of the two doses in the vaccination process. Ms. Jennings received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, and will receive the second dose on January 12, while Mrs. Smith received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and will receive her second dose on February 1, 2021. Mrs. Smith said, “Neither I or Stephanie had any side effects following our vaccines, other than the side effect of hope. The sooner we can stop the spread, the sooner we can stop the impact on our campus community and beyond.” Ms. Jennings, who works per diem with Geisinger Health System, was able to get inoculated through work, and The Wright Center is offering vaccines to those who are working in the healthcare field, which is how Mrs. Smith received her vaccine. Mrs. Smith said, “We [Marywood University] hope to have a clinic on campus through a local pharmacy for the COVID-19 vaccines, similar to what we [Marywood University] offer to the campus community for flu shots, in the near future.”
Marywood University Offers Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate Program Marywood University’s Office of Institutional Equity and Inclusion (OEI) recently announced that it will offer a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Certificate Program for staff and faculty members. The DEI Certificate Program is a cohort model designed to increase the level of awareness, understanding, and action for equity by creating an inclusive community that reinforces the University’s core values and mission. Attendees of the DEI Certificate Program will attend at least five DEI workshops and/or events, submit a diversity statement, present a reflective portfolio/e-portfolio; and participate in an Intercultural Development Inventory Assessment. The program will be offered in the fall and spring semesters beginning the week of January 18, 2021, with competition of the certificate to occur one calendar year from the chosen start. Continuing education and ACT 48 credits are available where applicable. DEI represents a healthy campus climate at Marywood that proactively prepares students for the global marketplace and faculty and staff to be leaders for inclusive excellence. The overarching goal of this certificate is to foster active engagement of Marywood’s faculty and staff with its student body and to promote an environment of opportunity and success for all members on campus. Participants who obtain the certificate will gain the competencies necessary to enact systemic change at Marywood and in higher education. For additional information about Marywood University’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate Program, please contact Yerodin Lucas, Ph.D., director of the office of institutional equity and inclusion and Title IX coordinator, at ylucas@marywood.edu.
