Penn State Scranton’s Alan Peslak Honored Penn State Scranton Professor of Information Sciences and Technology Alan Peslak has been named the 2025 Computer Educator of the Year by the International Association for Computer Information Systems (IACIS). The award, the highest honor bestowed by the organization, was presented earlier this month during the IACIS annual conference in Pensacola, Florida. The Computer Educator of the Year award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional research and teaching achievements, and who have made significant contributions to the fields of information systems (IS), information technology (IT) and computer science. Recipients are selected for their national and international impact on information science education and scholarship. Peslak, who also serves as professor in charge of Penn State’s information technology degree program and as information sciences and technology discipline coordinator for the University’s 14 Commonwealth Campuses, has played a key role in advancing IT education across Penn State. He recently co-chaired a University-wide committee to design the new IT degree focusing on broad-based technology skills for entry-level professionals, particularly in small and medium-sized organizations. “I am very proud to be a part of advancing the field of Information technology in our society,” Peslak said. “Our discipline is leading the way in improving the lives of everyone by using technological resources to improve health, manufacturing, businesses, the environment and nearly every aspect of society. And the use of artificial intelligence to accelerate improvements in everyday life is nothing short of revolutionary. I am privileged to be a part of Penn State and help prepare our students to use technology to further our progress and address the major challenges we face in the world.” Peslak joined Penn State more than two decades ago after a 25-year career in the private sector, where he served as vice president of finance for Akzo Nobel. His research explores the societal and ethical implications of information technology, social media and artificial intelligence. He has authored 131 peer-reviewed publications, including 87 journal articles, with more than 2,200 citations and an i10-index of 50. His work has earned numerous honors, including the 2020 Ben Bauman Award for Excellence from IACIS and the 2012-13 Information Sciences and Technology Statewide Faculty Member of the Year award at Penn State, as well as being named a fellow by the International Educators Association: Information Systems & Computing Academic Professionals, a non-profit organization for academics in information systems and computing. In addition to his research and teaching, Peslak has also been a leader in global collaboration through the Experiential Digital Global Exchange (EDGE) program, partnering with institutions such as the University of Auckland in New Zealand and Seifullin Agrotech University in Kazakhstan to connect students globally via technology-driven learning. Peslak also contributes to the broader academic community through service on multiple editorial boards and as a reviewer for leading journals, including the Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Computer Information Systems and Communications of the ACM.
Treasurer Garrity Honors Veterans with Military Decoration Returns Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that 57 military decorations have been returned to Veterans and their families so far in 2025. Returns this year include two Purple Hearts, Treasury’s first-ever Gold Star Widows and Pilgrimage Medal and Civil War buttons and epaulettes. “As state treasurer, I’m tasked with safeguarding more than $180 billion in state assets, but one of my favorite parts of this job isn’t about the money at all, it’s honoring my fellow Veterans by returning the military decorations that find their way to Treasury’s vault in Harrisburg,” Treasurer Garrity said. Treasury has a dedicated database to help reunite military decorations with Veterans or their families. There are nearly 500 decorations, including medals, dog tags, pins, buttons and more remaining in Treasury’s care. They represent every branch of military service and nearly every major conflict. Anyone can review the available decorations online at patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/medals. “I urge the public to search our military decoration database to see if they have information to help us reunite the priceless decorations in our vault with the Veterans who earned them or their families,” Treasurer Garrity said. Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has returned 533 military decorations, including 13 Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars and one Gold Star Medal. “This year included incredibly moving in-person returns, including the return of two Purple Hearts, and the Gold Star Medal,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Meeting the families of the Veterans is impactful because they add so many details about the bravery, determination and good character of the Veteran who stood in the defense of our great nation.” In April, Treasurer Garrity returned a Gold Star Widows and Pilgrimage Medal to Christine Morrison, the great-niece of Private First-Class Joseph William Morrison. PFC Morrison was in the 554th Army Ambulance Service during World War I. He was killed in action on November 1, 1918, ten days before the end of the war. His bravery was also recognized by the French government, which awarded him the Croix de Guerre. The Gold Star Treasury returned had been presented to PFC Morrison’s mother, Agnes Morrison, when she visited the grave of her son in France in 1933. The full return ceremony can be seen here. On Purple Heart Day, Aug. 7, Treasurer Garrity returned a Purple Heart to James Morgan, the son of the late Ray Alvin Morgan, an Army Veteran who was wounded in the Vietnam War. Private First-Class Morgan served in Company A, 4th Supply and Support Battalion, 4th Infantry. He was presented with the Purple Heart at Valley Forge Hospital during his recovery. The Purple Heart return ceremony, which took place at Fort Indiantown Gap, can be seen here. “Each medal, pin or button that comes to Treasury is a piece of someone’s story and returning them is a way to honor a Veteran’s service and show our gratitude for their sacrifices. I extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation on this Veterans Day to all Veterans and their families for all they have done for every Pennsylvanian and every American.” Tangible unclaimed property, like military decorations, finds its way to Treasury most often as the contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes. State law requires unclaimed property to be reported to Treasury after three years of dormancy. There is also more than $5 billion in unclaimed property, including old bank accounts, checks, rebates, insurance policies and more available to claim. More than one in ten Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property, and the average value of a claim is more than $1,000. To search for unclaimed property, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. Images of military decorations can be found here.
Treasurer Garrity & Special Olympics PA Announce Expanded Partnership Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced an expanded partnership today between Pennsylvania Treasury’s PA Achieving a Better Life Experience Savings Program (PA ABLE) and Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) at Villanova University during SOPA’s Fall Festival. “With this new partnership, we are able to provide additional resource availability and better awareness of the real financial opportunities available for Pennsylvanians living with disabilities through PA ABLE,” Treasurer Garrity said. “We want to reach as many Pennsylvanians with disabilities and their families as possible, so they know about PA ABLE and have access to the tools and opportunities necessary to achieve success and independence.” SOPA provides year-round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. More than 1,700 athletes, coaches, and Unified Partners will compete in events like powerlifting, bocce, soccer, volleyball, flag football, and long-distance running/walking. “We believe in partnerships that go beyond the playing field. Our collaboration with PA ABLE reflects a shared commitment to empowering athletes and their families to build brighter, more secure futures,” said Matt Aaron, President & CEO of SOPA. “Together, we’re helping our community not only compete and achieve in sports but thrive in life.” Through this expanded partnership, Treasury and SOPA will work together on outreach and education efforts, ensuring more individuals and families across Pennsylvania learn about the benefits of a PA ABLE account. This partnership will grant Treasury access to SOPA events across the state and allow for PA ABLE branding at SOPA events. PA ABLE accounts allow Pennsylvanians with disabilities to save tax-free for expenses like housing, education, assistive technology, everyday needs and more – without impacting important benefits. Currently, to be eligible to save with an ABLE program, a person’s disability must be onset prior to their 26th birthday. Starting in Jan. 2026, ABLE eligibility will expand to include those whose disability is onset prior to age 46, which would include millions more Americans, including one million Veterans. “I encourage anyone with a disability or who has a family member or friend with a disability to learn more about what PA ABLE can do for them,” said Treasurer Garrity. Since taking office, Treasurer Garrity has reduced PA ABLE account fees six times for PA ABLE account owners. PA ABLE is the fifth largest ABLE program in the country. To learn more about program eligibility and how to start saving with PA ABLE, visit paable.gov, email info@paable.gov or call 855-529-2253.
CTC Program Welcomes Technology Donations The Smart Systems & Engineering Technology program at the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County is seeking technology donations from local businesses. The program is requesting computers, laptops, tablets, and other tech devices that companies may be cycling out of production or replacing. These donations will directly support hands-on learning experiences for students preparing for careers in IT, networking, and smart technology systems. Businesses with available equipment or those interested in learning more are encouraged to contact John Moran, Smart Systems & Engineering Technology Instructor, via email at jmoran@ctclc.edu.
PSBT Employees Unite To Support Breast Cancer Awareness More than 65 employees at People Security Bank & Trust united to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.Through donations, purchases, and proudly wearing pink attire, PSBT employees successfully raised over $400 to contribute to Paint The Planet Pink! 💗Together, everyone can make a difference and inspire others to join the fight against breast cancer.💗
SACF’s Laura Ducceschi Selected for National Leadership Cohort The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Laura Ducceschi, has been selected to participate in the 2025–26 cohort of the Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) for CEOs, a national program convened by CFLeads, the country’s premier network of community foundations. The Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) for CEOs is designed to strengthen the strategic leadership of community foundation executives nationwide. Participants engage in intensive peer learning, reflection, and collaboration to advance bold, equity-centered, and community-driven approaches to philanthropy. “It is an honor to be selected to join this distinguished cohort of leaders,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This program will provide invaluable opportunities to learn from peers nationwide, strengthen our leadership strategies, and deepen how we work with and for our community. I look forward to bringing these insights back to Northeastern Pennsylvania as we continue to advance equity, build connections, and drive lasting impact.” Through the program, Laura will join CEOs from community foundations across the United States to explore emerging challenges, share innovative practices, and strengthen the collective impact of philanthropy in local communities. “Laura’s selection for this national leadership program reflects both her dedication and the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s ongoing commitment to bold, impactful leadership,” said Ellen Burkey, Chair of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors. “We are proud to see Laura representing our region and bringing back strategies that will continue to benefit the communities we serve.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation has a 76-year history of serving Northeastern Pennsylvania through philanthropy, community leadership, and collaboration. Laura’s participation in CFLeads’ Executive Leadership Institute represents the Foundation’s continued investment in advancing equity, strengthening civic participation, and building resilient communities across the region. Click here to find more information about the Executive Leadership Institute for CEOs.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Fights Local Hunger With Fundraiser The Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with the City of Scranton and the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties, is proud to announce the return of The Heart of Scranton: A Virtual Fundraiser to Help Our Neighbors, taking place now through November 30, 2025. The Heart of Scranton campaign brings together generous donors, caring neighbors, and trusted local nonprofits to address a growing and urgent need: food insecurity. As the cost of living continues to rise and families face the impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown and the potential lapse of food assistance benefits, thousands of residents in Lackawanna County are struggling to put food on the table. According to Feeding America, nearly 33,000 county residents, including many children, are considered food insecure. Donors may choose to support any of the participating organizations individually, or they may make a single gift to the Foundation’s general Heart of Scranton Fund, with all proceeds evenly distributed among the participating organizations. “At the Scranton Area Community Foundation, we see every day how generosity strengthens and sustains our community,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through the Heart of Scranton Virtual Fundraiser, we’re turning that generosity into real results—fueling local organizations on the front lines of hunger to ensure our neighbors have access to food and essential resources. This partnership with the City of Scranton and the United Way reflects what we do best: bringing people and resources together to build a stronger, more resilient community.” One hundred percent of all donations (minus standard credit card processing fees) will go directly to support these organizations, which are doing mission-critical work to combat hunger in the Scranton area. This year’s effort builds on the success of the original Heart of Scranton campaign in 2020, which raised over $180,000 in under 48 hours to provide emergency food assistance during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also continues the Foundation’s ongoing partnership with the City of Scranton to address hunger, including a joint $10,000 investment in 2024 to establish the Lackawanna Food Policy Council Fund, strengthening coordination among local food-access agencies. “Earlier this year, our Hunger Task Force raised the alarm about food security issues in Scranton getting increasingly worse. When times are tough, we know Scranton residents band together to help their neighbors, showing the true heart of this community,” Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti said. “The need for this fundraiser right now isn’t just a reminder of food insecurity during the winter or the holidays. It will also support those around us who may be affected by the pending lapse in food assistance benefits caused by the federal government shutdown.” Click here to find more information.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Money Match Letters Sent Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that more than 107,000 letters will be arriving in mailboxes to inform individuals of unclaimed property headed their way through the Pennsylvania Money Match program. “This is the best kind of mail to send, and I’m thrilled to let Pennsylvanians know that money is coming their way – these letters are real and the checks that will follow are real,” Treasurer Garrity said. “We’re well on our way to returning more than $40 million with Money Match during this first year of the program because this money doesn’t belong to the state, it belongs back in the hands of rightful owners, and Treasury is working nonstop to get the job done.” Checks will follow this batch of letters and will be mailed to owners in mid-December. Pennsylvania Money Match, which passed the House and Senate unanimously and was signed into law as Act 81 of 2024, authorizes Treasury to return certain single-owner properties valued up to $500 automatically. Claims valued at more than $500, that have multiple owners, or other complexities will still need to search, file a claim and provide required supporting documentation. More than one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed some of the $5 billion in unclaimed property being safeguarded by Treasury. The average value of a claim is more than $1,000. Unclaimed property includes things such as dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, forgotten stocks, insurance policies, tangible property like the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes, and more. To search for unclaimed property visit, patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. If anyone believes they have received a Money Match letter in error, they can contact Treasury at MoneyMatch@patreasury.gov.
Johnson College Acquires New Facility in Scranton Johnson College, the only two-year technical college in northeastern Pennsylvania, announced it has officially purchased an 8,700-square-foot building at 814 Wyoming Ave. in Scranton. The newly acquired facility will become the future home of the college’s one-year Diesel Preventative Maintenance Technician certificate program, the two-year Diesel Truck Technology associate degree program, and portions of the two-year Automotive Technology associate degree program. The new space will provide enhanced hands-on learning areas for students pursuing careers as transportation technicians. Classes at the facility are expected to begin in spring 2026. “This purchase marks an exciting new chapter for Johnson College,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “Once updates are complete, the Wyoming Avenue facility will offer enhanced, hands-on learning spaces designed to support student success. We’re proud to continue investing in resources that prepare students for today’s workforce.” The move will also create opportunities on the Scranton campus, located on North Main Avenue, to expand existing programs or introduce new ones that respond to emerging industry trends. Located in a Scranton neighborhood historically connected to the automotive industry, the Wyoming Avenue site will continue that legacy by preparing the next generation of transportation professionals. The new property joins Johnson College’s growing network of educational facilities, which includes its satellite campus at the CAN DO Training Center in Hazle Township and specialized labs at Simplex Homes and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport.
