Johnson College Achieves Seventh Straight Year of Record Enrollment Johnson College has reached another milestone, marking its seventh consecutive year of record enrollment. As of August 25, the first day of the 2025-26 academic year, 717 students are enrolled across both the Scranton and Hazleton campuses. This is a 6% increase over last year. This year’s incoming class includes more than 340 first-year students and nearly 90 high school students enrolled in the College’s Industry Fast Track early college program. “Our continued growth reflects the value students and families place on hands-on, technical education that leads directly to in-demand careers,” said Bill Burke, vice president of enrollment and student affairs. “They’re choosing Johnson College because they know we offer the training and experience employers are looking for.” The College’s Hazleton campus saw a 62% enrollment increase over last year. It welcomed its first HVAC class and the largest incoming classes to date in Electrical Construction Technology and Welding Technology. “We’re building strong momentum in Hazleton,” Burke added. “The demand for technical programs continues to grow, and students are responding to the opportunities available right in their communities.” Programs showing the highest year-over-year growth include Carpentry Technology (100%), Radiologic Technology (50%), and HVAC (12%). Other core programs, such as Electrical Construction Technology, also saw continued strong momentum. “These enrollment increases align with what we’re hearing from industry. Employers need skilled technicians and technologists, and our students are stepping in to fill those roles,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO. “We’re excited to welcome this year’s class and to continue expanding access to career-focused education across northeastern Pennsylvania.”
Condron Sweda Advertising: Attorney Bruce S. Zero Receives National Board Recertification Attorney Bruce S. Zero of Moscow has been recertified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) The NBTA, the first national board-certifying organization accredited by the American Bar Association, is a nonprofit committed to raising the standards of trial advocacy and helping consumers identify highly qualified legal representation. Its board certification, the profession’s highest, most rigorous, and most reliable credential, requires substantial trial experience, judicial and peer endorsements, advanced legal education, and adherence to the highest professional standards. Zero, a partner at Powell Zero Mundy, has been practicing law for 41 years. He earned his undergraduate degree from The Pennsylvania State University and his Juris Doctor from Duquesne University School of Law. He is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Attorney Zero has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer every year since 2007. He also serves as President of Lackawanna Pro Bono, Inc. and as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Lawyers Fund for Client Security. For more information about Attorney Bruce Zero and the National Board of Trial Advocacy, please visit powellzeromundy.com/bruce-s-zero-esq/ and nbtalawyers.org.
Allied Services Announces New Hires in Key Roles Holly Eichhorn, MHA, NHA Executive Director, Allied Services Meade Street Campus Allied Services Integrated Health System proudly welcomes Holly Eichhorn, MHA, NHA, as Executive Director of Allied Services Meade Street Campus in Wilkes-Barre. Holly earned a Bachelors in Healthcare Administration with a minor in Business Administration, as well as a Masters in Healthcare Administration, both from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre. Eichhorn brings over 20 years of experience in healthcare management, beginning her career in 2004 and advancing through leadership roles including Nursing Home Administrator and Certified Mentor in a Leadership Development Program. Holly’s vast and expansive knowledge of the healthcare system guides her in staying current with ever evolving regulations, and positions her for continued excellence in the field of personal care residencies at Allied Services. James Duffy, MS, OTR/L Occupational Therapist, Allied Services Wilkes-Barre Rehab Center Allied Services Integrated Health System is proud to welcome James Duffy, MS, OTR/L to the Allied Services Wilkes-Barre Rehab Center. Duffy graduated with a Masters in Occupational Therapy and a Bachelors in Psychology from Misericordia University in 2018. James started with Allied Services in August of 2025, bringing more than 7 years of experience and expertise in areas of stroke rehabilitation, brain injury, Parkinson’s, MS, spinal cord injury, and major multi-trauma rehabilitation. Duffy commits himself to the clients he serves, using a broad swath of modern techniques, combined with new technologies in the physical/occupational therapy field. Leann Everett, PT, MPT Physical Therapist, Allied Services John P. Moses Esq Pediatric Rehab Center in Wilkes-Barre Twp. Allied Services Integrated Health System proudly welcomes Leann Everett, PT, MPT, to the Allied Services Pediatric Rehab Center in Wilkes-Barre. Leann graduated from Misericordia University in 2009 with a Masters in Physical therapy, focusing on pediatric care. Everett comes with a considerable knowledge base of pediatric settings, gaining experience across various pediatric therapy environments including most recently, school-based therapy. At Allied, Leann works within the children’s pediatric department in Wilkes-Barre, helping young patients reach their fullest potential through personalized, compassionate care. For questions and additional information, please reach out to Ian Lopera at iloper@allied-services.org, or at 570-348-1490
Wayne Bank Hires Ryan Ehrhardt as Commercial Loan Officer Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the hiring of Ryan Ehrhardt as Commercial Loan Officer. Ryan will be working out of Wayne Bank’s Pike and Monroe County offices. “I am very excited to welcome Ryan to our commercial lending team,” said Donnelly. “His experience in commercial banking and commitment to building strong relationships will provide valuable support to local businesses and the communities we serve.” As a Commercial Loan Officer, Ryan will partner with area businesses to understand their needs and provide financing solutions that foster growth and strengthen the local economy. His role will focus on building lasting relationships, supporting small business success, and contributing to community development across Wayne Bank’s footprint. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. He brings over five years of experience in the financial services industry, including four years in commercial banking. He currently serves as a Board Member for the Chamber of the Northern Poconos and resides in the Lake Wallenpaupack area.
Allied Service’s Janitorial Departments Earn Third Consecutive Certification Allied Services Integrated Health System is proud to announce that its janitorial departments within the Vocational Services Division have once again achieved the Cleaning Industry Management Standard – Green Building (CIMS-GB) with Honors certification, awarded by ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association. This marks the third consecutive time the organization has earned this distinguished recognition. PHOTO ID: Martin Cruz, Custodian; Wayne Allegrucci, Custodian; Patrick Valonis, Custodian; Stacey Biduck, Asst. Director Custodial/Landscape/Photo ID; Brandon Kaminski, Custodian; Wendy Seymore, Custodial Supervisor CIMS-GB certification is considered the gold standard in the janitorial and facility management field. It recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in quality systems, service delivery, training, safety, and environmental stewardship. Earning this certification even once is a major achievement – receiving it three times in a row is a clear testament to the professionalism, consistency, and dedication of Allied Services’ janitorial teams. “Achieving CIMS-GB with Honors certification three consecutive times underscores the commitment and hard work of our janitorial staff,” said Stacey Biduck, Assistant Director of Custodial, Landscaping, and Photo License at Allied Services. “It reflects the high standards of excellence and environmental responsibility that our teams bring to their work every day. I am incredibly proud of their professionalism and leadership.” Allied Services’ janitorial teams currently serve a wide range of businesses and institutions throughout the community, including the Tobyhanna Army Depot, East Stroudsburg University, the Social Security Administration building in Wilkes-Barre, the Army Reserve building in Scranton, and many more. Their expertise and commitment ensure that facilities of all sizes are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and sustainability. The CIMS-GB certification process involves a comprehensive, independent assessment verifying an organization’s commitment to delivering environmentally preferable services that meet customer needs and expectations. The certification is valid for two years and is a benchmark of quality recognized across the industry. Allied Services congratulates all members of its janitorial departments on this well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their ongoing contributions to providing clean, safe, and sustainable environments for patients, staff, clients, and the community. To learn more about janitorial services or employment opportunities with Allied Services, contact Stacey Biduck at (570) 341-4349.
Marywood University Nursing Program Earns Perfect Pass Rate Graduates achieve 100% on national licensure exam for third straight year. Marywood University’s nursing program was notified that its 2025 graduating class achieved a perfect 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), well exceeding the year-to-date national average of 87 percent for first-time U.S.-educated nursing candidates. The NCLEX is the world’s premier licensure exam and uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) technology to deliver the exam, ensuring a valid and reliable measurement of nursing competence. Marywood’s 2025 nursing graduates, pictured here, have achieved a 100 percent pass rate for first-time test takers on the NCLEX licensure exam. This is the third consecutive year that Marywood nursing graduates have attained this outstanding achievement, exceeding the national average. This is the third consecutive year that Marywood nursing graduates have achieved a perfect pass rate within one year of graduation. “Our nursing graduates’ achievement of a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX nursing exam for the third consecutive year is a testament to their dedication, resilience, and exceptional preparation,” said Dr. Theresa Tulaney, chair of Marywood University’s nursing program. “We are committed to empowering our students to excel in their nursing careers while making a meaningful difference and providing their patients with an exceptional standard of care.” Marywood University further expanded its deep commitment to health sciences, including nursing, when it opened the Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion last year. “This perfect pass rate for our nurses, coupled with the 100 percent overall pass rate for our physician assistants, demonstrates that Marywood University consistently produces top graduates in health sciences, who score well above the national average,” said Shelby Yeager, Dean of the College of Health Sciences. “We’re tremendously proud of our graduates and continuously strive to maintain that standard of excellence through the academic and clinical rigor of our health sciences programs.” For additional information about Marywood University’s nursing degree programs, click here.
Geisinger Nurse Residency Program Expands Accreditation The Geisinger Nurse Residency Program recently received accreditation with distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The ANCC’s Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) sets the global standard for residency or fellowship programs that transition registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses into new practice settings. Geisinger nurses react to news of accreditation with distinction for the Geisinger Nurse Residency Program from the American Nurses Credentialing Center during celebrations in Danville. Nursing teams from other campuses participated via video feed. To achieve PTAP accreditation, organizations must pass an extensive application process, including submission of written documentation in the form of a self-study, and a site visit. Accreditation with distinction is the highest form of recognition awarded by the ANCC’s accreditation program. “This recognition speaks volumes about the experience and personal support the Geisinger Nurse Residency Program offers new nurses,” said Lindsey Ford, DNP, RN, senior director of nursing excellence and nurse residency/fellowship programs. “By immersing our new nursing colleagues in the environments where they’ll build their careers, we’re laying a strong foundation for long-term success and professional growth.” The Geisinger Nurse Residency Program first earned accreditation in 2021 when it became only the 208th program globally to achieve recognition. That 4-year accreditation included Geisinger Community Medical Center, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. This recent accomplishment expands that recognition to these hospitals in Geisinger’s central and north-central regions: Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital Geisinger Medical Center Geisinger Medical Center Muncy Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital The Geisinger Nurse Residency Program was established in 2015, and all new graduate nurses are enrolled into the 12-month program. It’s designed to transition newly graduated nurses from academia to professional practice in a welcoming and supportive environment. Geisinger nurses react to news of accreditation with distinction for the Geisinger Nurse Residency Program from the American Nurses Credentialing Center during celebrations in Moosic
Greenlight Networks Completes Acquisition of Loop Internet Greenlight Networks, a leading fiber-to-the-home provider, today is pleased to share the completion of its acquisition of Loop Internet, initially announced on July 8, 2025. This acquisition establishes the company’s first in-state operations hub and dedicated Pennsylvanian team. “Today’s announcement is about more than just finalizing a strategic acquisition, it’s about fueling growth and digital opportunity across Northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond,” said Greenlight’s CEO, Mark Murphy. “Loop Internet has built a reputation for responsive local service and community investment – and that’s something we plan to build upon. We’re proud to welcome our new colleagues joining the Greenlight family and we’re incredibly optimistic about what the future holds for Pennsylvanian residents and businesses.” Greenlight first announced its expansion into Pennsylvania in April 2025 with news of two major market builds, Dickson City and Chambersburg. This acquisition expands Greenlight’s presence into other parts of the state including Wilkes-Barre, Mountain Top, Scranton, and Kingston. Loop’s experienced local team will continue serving the region as part of Greenlight’s organization. “As the Loop team officially joins Greenlight and becomes a part of this industry-leading organization, we’re confident it will bring meaningful benefits to our customers and a positive impact to the region around us,” said Jason Wasmanski, General Manager of Loop Internet who will now serve as Vice President of Operations for the Central Region with Greenlight Networks. “We are looking forward to contributing to Greenlight’s mission and are excited about the opportunity to expand access to affordable, reliable fiber services like never before.” By combining Greenlight’s resources with Loop’s strong local presence, the company plans to accelerate fiber network expansion and create new opportunities for jobs and community partnerships across the region. According to Pennsylvania State Representative Alec Ryncavage, 119th Legislative District, “Local residents now have access to faster, more reliable, and affordable internet connectivity options because of the efforts of Loop and Greenlight. It’s exciting to see two community and customer focused businesses coming together and investing in Northeast PA.” City of Wilkes-Barre Mayor George C. Brown said, “Congratulations to Loop Internet on joining Greenlight Networks through this acquisition. As Mayor, I am delighted to see the growth of a business which started in Wilkes-Barre City. It is a product of a rich entrepreneurial environment cultivated by our community. I wish them continued success.” John Augustine III, President/CEO at Penn’s Northeast said, “From Planters Peanuts to the birthplace of HBO, Northeastern PA has always been a major location for new companies. Loop Internet embodies that start up spirit, bringing the need for faster internet connections at an affordable cost. Now through Loop’s acquisition by Greenlight, it will only further enhance and grow high-speed fiber access across Northeastern PA. This investment strengthens infrastructure to support business and economic development.” To learn more about Greenlight services and its growing footprint in Pennsylvania, visit: greenlightnetworks.com.
Marywood University Announces Fall 2025 Performance Schedule Marywood University’s Music, Theatre, and Dance Department is raising the curtain on their Fall 2025 performance season, showcasing everything from the timeless power of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard to the vibrant sounds of wind symphonies, string ensembles, and an inspiring opera workshop. With performances that highlight both student artistry and faculty mentorship, this season promises to fill the stage with passion, talent, and creativity—offering the campus and community alike a chance to experience the transformative power of live performance. The Cherry Orchard (October 2, 3, 4, 7:30 p.m. – October 5, 2 p.m. Sette LaVerghetta Auditorium) is Anton Chekhov’s masterpiece, and the last play he wrote before his death, The Cherry Orchard is simultaneously a comedy, a tragedy, realism, and absurdism. It is about the most delicate and intimate of human feelings and experiences, the sometimes-farcical nature of life, and how a changing society manifests in concrete changes in the lives of individuals and families. Admission: $15/adults and $10/students. Admission to major ensemble performances: Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Jazz Ambassadors is $10/adults and $5/students. The remainder of the schedule is free and open to the public. Featured concerts include: The Orchestra Concert – (October 18, 7:30 p.m., Sette-LaVerghetta Auditorium) will allow their audience the opportunity to experience the power and beauty of Romantic-era masterpieces with the Marywood University Symphony Orchestra, featuring Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 and Farrenc’s Overture No. 2—performed by passionate student and community musicians who simply love making music! The Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble Concert (October 19, 3:00 p.m., Sette-LaVerghetta Auditorium) is affiliated with American Youth Ensembles, offering middle and high school musicians an opportunity to perform with other student instrumentalists who simply enjoy making music. They will perform a variety of repertoire ranging from traditional (transcriptions, marches and works of serious and artistic merit) to cutting-edge contemporary composition and music from popular media venues. The Percussion Ensemble Concert (November 9, 7:30 p.m., Sette-LaVerghetta Auditorium) is a concert of chamber music performed by the Marywood University Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Steven Mathiesen. Program features include works by Nathan Daughtrey, Joel Smales, an arrangement of music by Aaron Copland. The concert is free and open to the public. The Faculty Recital (November 15, 7:00 p.m., Marian Chapel) will feature professional performers on the faculty of the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance will share the stage in a recital of instrumental and vocal solos and ensembles. The Tutti Concert (November 16, 2:00 p.m., Sette LaVerghetta Auditorium) founded at Marywood University in 2016, is an innovative adaptive program that combines music therapy and music education to create an enriching musical journey for individuals with unique learning styles. Our free concert at celebrates the achievements of our students who have learned new instruments, developed musicianship skills, and formed lasting friendships. The Wind Symphony Concert (November 16, 4:30 p.m., Sette LaVerghetta Auditorium) continues their tradition of presenting classic, yet entertaining works for the wind band. This season’s concert features transcriptions for band by Piazzolla, Verdi and Elgar as well band chestnuts by Ralph Vaughn Williams and Clifton Williams. Join us Sunday for a concert that is sure to inspire. The Jazz Ambassadors Concert (November 21, 8:00 p.m., Marian Chapel) will feature an evening of iconic blues, funk, and swing. This concert highlights the timeless spirit of mid-century jazz with dynamic arrangements, smooth style, and remarkable technique—rooted in a profound dedication to the blues. The String Ensemble Concert (November 24, 7:00 p.m., Marian Chapel) will feature a captivating program featuring Christopher Wilson’s rarely heard Suite for Strings—a true gem of the repertoire—paired with an arrangement of Gershwin’s tender Lullaby. Join us for this free performance. The Opera Workshop Performance (December 1, 7:00 p.m., Sette-LaVerghetta Center) will be a culmination of a semester-long study of excerpts from various operas, the Opera Workshop performance will feature 17 students in fully staged renditions of ensembles by Handel, Mozart, Rossini, Verdi, Copland, and others. The Evening of Strings Concert (December 3, 7:30 p.m., Marian Chapel) Marywood string students take center stage in this end-of-semester showcase, performing a wide range of solo works. The Guitar Ensemble Concert (December 4, 5:00 p.m., Marian Chapel) is happy to present their Holiday Concert – Meditating, Grooving, and Celebrating!This year’s program offers a festive journey through different moods and styles—meditating with Gabriel Fauré’s graceful Pavane, grooving with a vibrant Brazilian minimalist work by Paulo Porto Alegre, and celebrating the season with beloved traditional holiday songs. Together, these pieces create a program that blends reflection, rhythm, and joy, capturing the spirit of the year’s end in music The Chamber Singers Christmas Concert (December 7, 2:00 p.m., Marian Chapel) will feature sacred and secular music by Cipriano de Rore, Josef Rheinberger, Michael Joncas, René Clausen, Jonathan Rathbone, and others. The performance will include several familiar and original carols. The String Project Concert (December 8, 6:30 p.m., Sette-LaVerghetta Center) rings in the season with a festive Holiday Gala Concert, showcasing students ages 4–18 performing in string orchestras and class ensembles. For additional information about the Chamber Series and other performances at Marywood University, please visit marywood.edu/mtd/events, or call (570) 348-6268.
Marywood University’s PA Graduates Achieve Overall Perfect Pass Rate Marywood University’s Physician Assistant Program was recently notified that it has achieved an overall perfect pass rate on the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), the national certifying examination given to graduating physician assistants. This exam must be passed to be eligible for licensure in all 50 states. Marywood’s 2025 graduating Physician Assistant class is pictured following the program’s annual white coat ceremony. Marywood’s PA Program has had an overall perfect pass rate on the national certifying exam (PANCE) for five consecutive years The program’s overall pass rate of 100 percent, which it has held for five consecutive years, includes a first-time pass rate of 98 percent for its most recent graduating class. The national mean pass rate is 92 percent. The overall PANCE pass rate includes all exam attempts, while the first-time pass rate only counts the successful attempts by candidates who took the exam for the first time. The overall pass rate is typically higher than the first-time pass rate, because this statistic accounts for all testing attempts, including retakes. “This overall perfect pass rate on the PANCE for our physician assistants, coupled with the 100 percent pass rate on NCLEX for our nurses, demonstrates that Marywood University consistently produces top graduates in health sciences, who score well above the national average,” said Shelby Yeager, Dean of the College of Health Sciences. “We’re tremendously proud of our graduates and continuously strive to maintain that standard of excellence through the academic and clinical rigor of our health sciences programs.” Marywood University further expanded its deep commitment to health sciences, including physician assistants, when it opened the Pascucci Family Health Sciences Pavilion last year. Physician Assistants are licensed medical professionals who work under the supervision of licensed physicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for physician assistants is projected to grow 20 percent by 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. As demand for healthcare services grows, physician assistants will be needed to provide care to patients. For additional information about Marywood University’s Physician Assistant Program, please visit marywood.edu/physician-assistant-masters-degree.
