Marywood University’s “Day-in-the-Life” Exercise Science Experience Event Marywood University’s exercise science program will host a day-in-the-life experience for prospective students on Friday, February 16, at the Center for Athletics and Wellness, from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The deadline to register for the event is Monday, February 12. The experience will feature immersive and hands-on learning in topic areas including sports performance and sports rehabilitation. This event also includes a program overview, meetings with faculty, a Q&A student panel, and breakout sessions. An optional campus tour is included at the conclusion of the day’s events. Register for the event by February 12 at: admissions.marywood.edu/register/ExerciseScienceSpr24. Learn more about Marywood’s bachelor’s degree program in exercise science at: marywood.edu/exercise-science-bachelors-degree. Contact Lindsay Howard, Chair of the Exercise Science program, with any questions at howard@marywood.edu or 570-348-6211, ext. 2283.
Marywood to Host 11th Annual Community Leadership Celebration Marywood University’s 11th Annual Community Leadership Celebration will honor community leader and Marywood alumna Mary Ellen McDonough, with a special spotlight on retiring Marywood President, Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D, on Thursday, May 2, 2024, 5:30 p.m., at the Center for Athletics and Wellness on the University’s campus. During the celebration, Mrs. McDonough will receive the University’s Lead On Award, in recognition of her dedicated service as both a Certified Prevention Specialist and as a community volunteer leader. The Community Leadership Celebration, Marywood’s signature fundraiser, provides special support to Marywood students and honors individuals in the community who exemplify Marywood’s core values in leadership and service to others. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit campus improvements as part of the EMPOWER Campaign. Drawing on her innate sense of hope and her compassion for others, Mrs. McDonough’s professional world developed around her desire to do more and to do better for her community. She and her husband, Jim, have four children and seven grandchildren. Her devotion to and caregiving of her family has extended to countless children, individuals, and families she has served in the community. During the years when she was raising her family, Mrs. McDonough noticed a lack of a drug and alcohol curriculum in her children’s schools. She decided to create the South Scranton Drug and Alcohol Task Force to raise money for drug and alcohol education in Scranton’s parochial school system. Her professional life evolved out of her volunteer work, leading to a long, meaningful professional career as a Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS) with the Lackawanna Drug and Alcohol Commission, through which she made a positive, enduring impact on the many regional educators, parents, and students who benefited from her compassionate expertise in prevention programming. Her community involvement has encompassed numerous board memberships, leadership positions, and volunteer efforts for Catholic Social Services, Divine Mercy Parish at St. Joseph’s Church, South Scranton Drug Curriculum Task Force, and more. At Marywood, Mary Ellen served as a Member of the Board of Trustees and on the Alumni Association Board. In 2008, she merited the Alumni Association Award for Excellence in Education and Human Development, which recognized her many professional accomplishments. She co-chaired the Inauguration Committee for Marywood’s 12th President and, along with Atty. Pat Brier, co-chaired Marywood’s Community Leadership Celebration at its inception. To join Marywood University in honoring Mary Ellen McDonough and in recognizing Sister Mary Persico, IHM, at the Community Leadership Celebration on May 2, or for details about event sponsorships and items for auction, please visit marywood.edu/clc, or call (570) 348-6238.
Marywood Architecture Student Recognized by AIA Pennsylvania Rye Ahronson, Scranton, a Marywood University Architecture student, was recently recognized by AIA Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Chapter of The American Institute of Architects, with its 2023 Architectural Excellence Student Award. Each year, AIA Pennsylvania recognizes one architecture student from each of the seven Pennsylvania schools offering an accredited architecture program, as determined by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Mr. Ahronson, a Dean’s List student, who will earn his Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) degree from Marywood in 2024, represents the Marywood University School of Architecture (MUSOA) in this prestigious awards program. He earned the AIA Pennsylvania Architectural Excellence Student Award based on his exceptional accomplishments and proficiency in academics and design and his readiness to meet the challenges and responsibilities of a career in architecture. The Pennsylvania chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), AIA Pennsylvania, represents nearly 3,000 members across the Commonwealth working at the forefront of a nearly $17 billion construction industry. AIA Pennsylvania advocates for the value of architecture and policies that promote economic prosperity and the health, safety, and welfare of the public. As a membership organization, the chapter provides architecture professionals with the statewide community, advocacy, and knowledge to affect positive outcomes through the power of design. For more information about Marywood University’s School of Architecture programs, please visit marywood.edu/architecture.
Marywood University to Hold Community Stalking Awareness Campaign January 2024 marks the 20th National Stalking Awareness Month, an annual call to action to recognize and respond to the serious crime of stalking. Stalking is defined as a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that causes fear. Many stalking victims experience being followed, approached, monitored and/or threatened—including through various forms of technology. Victims and survivors often suffer anxiety, social dysfunction, and severe depression as a result of their victimization, and many lose time from work and/or move. As a part of the Department of Justice Grant, Project SHARE, Marywood’s prevention education efforts of the grant will be supporting a Stalking Awareness Week, January 22-26, 2024. The events scheduled are as follows: January 22 – Sweet Information Table, Learning Commons, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.: This will be a tabling event where students can pick up information (flyers, brochures, etc) about Stalking Awareness on a college campus. January 23 – Stalking In the Media Presentation, Upper Main, Nazareth Student Center, 5-6 p.m.: This event is a presentation about how the media portrays stalking behaviors. January 25, 2024 – Stalking Awareness Presentation, given by the Women’s Resource Center (WRC), Swartz Center, from 3-4 p.m.: WRC will give a presentation on stalking behaviors and ways to stay safe.
Fidelity Bank Commits $250,000 to Marywood EMPOWER Campaign Fidelity Bank has made a $250,000 commitment to The Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion at Marywood University, as part of Marywood’s comprehensive campaign, EMPOWER. Daniel Santaniello, Fidelity Bank CEO, is a Marywood graduate and regional community business leader, who earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1990. Mr. Santaniello, who has contributed his own personal financial support to the EMPOWER campaign, was proud to also guide the major gift from Fidelity Bank. “To be a part of this is inspiring,” said Mr. Santaniello. “The IHM Sisters and Marywood, and their core values, focusing on exemplary ideals like community and excellence, along with their commitment to continuous improvement through lifelong learning, share the core values that we have at Fidelity Bank.” By proactively addressing increasing healthcare workforce shortages that place communities at risk and limit timely access to care, Fidelity’s significant commitment to the EMPOWER Campaign is a key part of the solution, providing vital support to advance Marywood’s ability to expand its healthcare offerings.The Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion is a 15,000 square-foot addition to the existing Keith J. O’Neill Center for Healthy Families. With state-of-the-art simulation laboratories and technology-supported classrooms, Marywood University will be able to teach more health sciences students, who will learn and work together in one facility. This real-world environment will better prepare them to deliver an integrated model of collaborative clinical care after entering practice. “The demand is here today,” Mr. Santaniello affirmed. “The workforce is asking for these professionals. None of us anticipates the demand for healthcare workers will go down anytime soon. In fact, it is going to continue to grow.” He added, “This contribution makes it possible for Marywood to expand and meet the ever-growing demand that exists today. We need to respond in a way that is proactive. We feel that this (campaign initiative) will absolutely help meet that demand.” For more information about EMPOWER: The Campaign for Marywood University, go to: marywood.edu/empower.
Marywood University Sets Virtual Info Sessions for Graduate Programs Marywood University will hold virtual information sessions for several graduate programs throughout the month of January. Prospective graduate or doctoral students interested in any of these programs are encouraged to sign up for the virtual events. To register for any of these programs, go to marywood.edu/visit. Master of Social Work Program: Wed., Jan. 3, 2024, at 6 PM Learn about Marywood’s Master of Social Work program, converse with faculty, and get information from Admissions staff about the application process. School of Education Graduate Programs: Thurs., Jan. 4, 2024, 3 PM Spend an afternoon online with Marywood faculty and Admissions staff to learn more about School of Education graduate degree programs as well as the admissions application process. Ph.D. and Master of Public Administration Programs: Tues., Jan. 9, 2024, 6 PM Join Marywood faculty member Dr. Alex Dawoody and Admissions staff virtually to learn about our 100% online Ph.D. and Master of Public Administration degree programs, which use dynamic teaching methods designed for learning adults and effective graduate studies. Dietetic Internship Program: Wed., Jan. 10, 2024, 4 PM This virtual event includes an overview of the Nutrition/Dietetic Internship program and conversations with current student interns. Biotechnology Master’s Program: Mon., Jan. 22, 2024, 5:30 PM Join science faculty members virtually to learn about Marywood’s 100% online Biotechnology degree program. You’ll also get information about the application process from Admissions staff. School of Business and Global Innovation-MBA and MIS Programs: Wed., Jan. 24, 2024, 5 PM Join business faculty online to learn about MBA and Management Information System graduate degree programs. Admissions staff will discuss the admissions application process. Graduate & Doctoral Psychology & Counseling Programs: Tues., Jan. 30, 2024, 3 PM Spend an afternoon online with faculty and Admissions staff to learn about Marywood’s Counseling & Psychology graduate and doctoral degree programs, as well as the admissions application process. This session includes the Ed.S. School Psychology and Psy.D. Clinical Psychology programs.
Marywood University President Announces Retirement Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D.,the 12th President of Marywood University, has announced to the Board of Trustees her decision to retire from her role, effective June 30, 2024. Sister Mary was elected President of Marywood University by the University Board of Trustees in April 2016 and began her presidential tenure on July 1, 2016. Throughout her eight-year tenure, the University endowment has nearly doubled and maintained a fiscally responsible status, even during universally challenging financial times in higher education and while the industry as a whole has faced a national downturn in enrollments. To further strengthen Marywood’s future, Sister Mary is presently guiding the University’s $30 million comprehensive campaign, which is set to conclude upon her retirement. The campaign is designed to fund new construction and academic spaces on campus, to provide scholarships for students, and to enhance the student experience. The state-of-the-art Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion, an addition to the O’Neill Healthy Families Center, which will house all students who study the Health Sciences, will be dedicated in May 2024. Since 2016, several signature programs have enjoyed expansion, including the Physician Assistant and Architecture programs, and several innovative programs in Respiratory Therapy, Construction Management, and Biotechnology were launched. Last spring, the Living City Lab at Marywood University was established and dedicated to the memory of Jane Jacobs, an urbanist and activist from Scranton; this entity is housed in the Insalaco Center for Studio Arts. Sister Mary also launched the Center for Law, Justice, & Policy, as a precursor to the engagement of students in programs that will lead to legal-related professions. Additionally, the University established the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, out of which grew the Center for Truth and Racial Healing. Sister Mary’s belief that universities exist to serve the communities that surround them was realized, in part, with the purchase of Marywood Heights, the former Holy Family Skilled Nursing Facility, which is home to nearly 90 residents. Marywood Heights is the first UBRC (University Based Retirement Community) in Northeast Pennsylvania. In addition, the NativityMiguel School of Scranton was relocated to Marywood University in 2019 and is now a permanent addition to campus. Sister Mary has represented Marywood to the broader higher education community through service on boards and by her presence in the public arena, including a six-year term on the Board of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania, during which time she assumed the role of Chair for one year. She was an appointee of Governor Tom Wolf to the PA Humanities as a Director for six years and also assumed the role of Chair for some of her tenure there. In 2019, Sister Mary was asked to deliver the Commencement Address at the Catholic University of East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya. She currently serves as one of ten members on the Governor’s task force for Higher Education in the Commonwealth of PA and has chaired several Middle States site visits during her years as Marywood’s President. Sister Mary’s leadership has led to global accomplishments, such as online graduate Business programs to students from the Tsingsua Holdings Zijing Education Group in Beijing, China, and from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Support, Alexandria, Egypt. The Office of Global Education also was established during her presidency. Through this office, dozens of students from South Korea spend one semester at Marywood and do practical nursing training in local hospitals and clinics. When the COVID-19 pandemic arose, Sister Mary guided Marywood through unprecedented, uncertain times, successfully navigating challenges and positioning Marywood to thrive in the aftermath of a global pandemic. The University was able to pivot quickly to sustain its mission and to assist the community to curb the spread of the virus and minimize the pandemic’s consequences. Additionally, she brought national retail partnerships to campus, including Starbucks, the Gear Shop, the Apple Store, and the Amazon Store, to provide an enhanced campus culture to students. “On behalf of the Trustees, I wish to acknowledge our admiration for Sister Mary, her collaborative leadership, and her bold vision for Marywood,” stated Board President, Lisa Lori, Esq. “Sister Mary has been an inspiration to us all. Throughout the years, and long before her tenure as President, Sister Mary promoted the mission and core values of our University. She has kept them ever before our students, staff, faculty, and administration as the collective light that guides all we do.” The Board of Trustees will launch a national search for Sister Mary’s successor. The Board of Trustees has hired a search firm/consultant and will be forming a search committee, which will include members of various stakeholder groups. The position is expected to be posted in early January 2024, with a plan to announce finalists for the position in March and a President-Elect by early April 2024.
Marywood University Hosting String Project Holiday Gala Concert Marywood University’s String Project will present its Holiday Gala Concert on Thursday, December 7, at 5 p.m. The performance will take place in the Munley Theatre at the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts, and the concert is free and open to the public. Approximately 125 students enroll in Marywood’s String Project each year. Marywood is one of several universities across the U.S. participating in the National String Project Consortium (NSPC). The NSPC is dedicated to increasing the number of children playing stringed instruments, and addressing the critical shortage of string teachers in the U.S. The Marywood University String Project is grateful for support from: The Laurence Myer Davidow Memorial Fund, The Schwartz Mack Foundation, and The Anne Therese Kenny Flanagan Endowment. For more information about the Marywood University String Project, go to: marywood.edu/community/youth-programs/string-project.
Marywood University to Host Orchestra Benefit Concert Marywood University’s Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance will present an orchestra concert featuring “Romantic Classics” on Friday, December 8, 7:30 p.m., at the Munley Theatre in the Sette LaVerghetta Center. The performance will be conducted by John Masko, Marywood’s new Director of Orchestral Activities. Admission for the benefit concert is $10 for adults and $5 for students/children. Those with a valid Marywood ID and IHM Sisters will be admitted for free. Proceeds from the performance will be used exclusively to support Marywood students’ performances. The orchestra will perform three classics from the romantic period, including: Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, Bizet’s Second L’Arlésienne Suite, and Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture. The Marywood Orchestra is a student orchestra that also includes some musicians from the greater Scranton community. For more information on Marywood’s Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance, or to view upcoming performances, go marywood.edu/mtd.
Marywood University to Celebrate the Season by “Making Spirits Bright” “Making Spirits Bright,” Marywood’s annual celebration of the holiday season through festive programming, community service, and spiritual opportunities, will begin this month and continue through New Year’s Eve. Service activities and a concert will begin this month, followed by signature events and programming occurring in December. 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 6, at 4 p.m. Seasonal music from student musicians will be featured. 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, December 6-22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Marywood’s campus also will feature an outdoor Christmas display of the Nativity scene at the Memorial Arch on Adams Avenue. 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 Wednesday, December 6, following the Tree Lighting Ceremony, 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. The Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance is presenting several seasonal concerts, which are free and open to the public, including: Percussion Ensemble Concert, November 28, 5 p.m., Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts – The concert will feature two works arranged by Clair O. Musser for the 1935 International Marimba Symphony Orchestra: Edward Elgar’s – “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1,” and “Bolero,” by Eustasio Rosales. The concert will also feature works by composers Michael Udow, Nathan Daughtrey, and a novelty ragtime xylophone solo by Harry Breuer: “Back Talk,” with Benjamin Werle as xylophone soloist. There will also be a touch of Christmas Music! Guitar Ensemble Holiday Concert, December 9, 7:30 p.m., Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual Life – Join us for a program that includes music by Francisco Tárrega, the 19th-century Spanish virtuoso, combined with live Jazz improvisation! The program also includes a few Christmas classics, such as “Silent Night.” Chamber Singers Holiday Concert, December 10, 2 p.m., Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual Life – The annual Christmas concert by the Marywood University Chamber Singers will feature sacred and secular music and carols by Pierre de Manchicourt, Richard Rodney Bennett, Abbie Betinis, Kevin Allen, John Milne, and John Orfe. Additionally, there will be a Marywood Wind Symphony Holiday Concert at Marywood Heights, December 6, 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 Giving Tree service project will run from November 13-December 8. Unwrapped gifts, valued at $15, for the Giving Tree are due on Friday, December 8, at the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life. In addition to unwrapped gifts, monetary donations, as well as gift cards to stores such as Target, will be acceptable. Donations of gift wrap that can be shared with families are also welcome. Co-sponsors of this service effort are MUSE Education Club and the Maxis-Gillet Student Ambassadors for Service, Faith, and Justice. The gifts are being given to children, senior citizens, and men and women in the Scranton area who are experiencing homelessness. Contact communityservice@m.marywood.edu with any questions. Marywood students will spread holiday cheer to the retired IHM Sisters at Our Lady of Peace Residence, located on campus, with two afternoons of Christmas caroling on Tuesday, November 28, and on Monday, December 11, at 2:30 p.m. on both dates. SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITIESMass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, patronal feast of the IHM Sisters and the United States, will be celebrated on Friday, December 8, at Noon in the Marian Chapel. An Advent Prayer Service is taking place on December 13, 2023, 6:30 p.m., at the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes in the IHM Center adjacent to Marywood’s campus (1512 University Avenue). This bilingual prayer service is being coordinated by IHM Associates Alejandra Marroquin and Rufino Cano. STUDENT AND ALUMNI EVENTS An office decorating contest, sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA), will allow students to vote for their favorite décor. A $250 donation will be given to the winning office’s favorite charity, and the winner will be announced at the tree lighting ceremony. Additionally, the SGA 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. Marywood will offer its traditional Breakfast with Santa event, hosted by the NEPA Marywood Alumni Chapter in conjunction with the Office of Alumni Engagement. The event is set for Sunday, December 3, from 9 a.m. – Noon, in the Latour Room, Nazareth Student Center. Seating is limited, and preference is given to Marywood alumni. Advanced registration is required; once the event capacity is reached, registration will be closed. For details, go to: marywood.edu/alumni/events. For information on Marywood’s Christmas events and related resources, visit marywood.edu/makingspiritsbright.
