Providence Engineering’s Jonathan U. Dougherty, Ph.D., Honored with Outstanding Engineering Alumni Award Providence Engineering is proud to announce that Jonathan U. Dougherty, Ph.D., Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and affectionately known as Dr. J., has been recognized by the Penn State College of Engineering with the Outstanding Engineering Alumni Award—the highest honor bestowed by the College. A Celebrated Career in Engineering and Education Dr. J. earned his Bachelor of Architectural Engineering in 1999 and his Ph.D. in Architectural Engineering in 2006 from Penn State. With a career spanning more than two decades, he has made significant contributions to the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry through his leadership and dedication to education. At Providence Engineering, he leads workforce development, marketing, learning and development, and chairs the Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) Committee. Dana Ziegler, PE, President of Providence Engineering, shared, “Dr. J. brings passion and purpose to everything he does—whether it’s advancing our company’s internal culture, championing future engineers, or supporting the Penn State community. We are thrilled to see his contributions recognized with this prestigious award.” His impact also extends to the classroom. Dr. J. has taught at both Penn State and Virginia Tech and continues to serve as a mentor and advocate for engineering students and young professionals across the AEC industry. A Penn Stater Through and Through Dr. J. has a long-standing commitment to the Penn State community. He currently serves as President of the Penn State Engineering Alumni Society, board member of the Fox Graduate School Alumni Society, and board member emeritus of the Penn State Wilkes-Barre Advisory Board. Dr. J. is also past president of the Penn State Alumni Society of Architectural Engineers and. His volunteer efforts have earned him recognition as Penn State’s Volunteer of the Year, and his professional leadership was acknowledged by Engineering News-Record in its 2013 “Top 20 Under 40”. In addition to his numerous volunteer leadership roles, Dr. J. is known by most Penn Staters as “The Button Man,” for his tradition of wearing a coat covered in over 1,000 Penn State football buttons at Homecoming and other university events. This spirited display has been featured by media outlets and the College of Engineering, reflecting his deep pride in the University and its community. “We are proud of Jonathan’s accomplishments, both in industry and as president of the Penn State Engineering Alumni Society,” said Tonya L. Peeples, Harold and Inge Marcus Dean of Engineering. “The recipients of the Outstanding Engineering Alumni Award embody what makes the Penn State alumni network so powerful: innovation that solves real-world problems, leadership that inspires others and a commitment to excellence and to the University that spans entire careers.”
NET CREDIT UNION AWARDS $10,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2025 Scranton, PA Thursday, May 15th, 2025 – NET Credit Union awarded $10,000 in scholarships to two local recipients at our Annual Meeting. Each recipient won a $5,000 scholarship. Each applicant must be a NET Credit Union member, have proof of a B average or better, proof of attendance, and must submit a 1,000 word essay with a cover page answering the scholarship question. This year’s scholarship question included: Banking is easier, faster and more convenient with NET. What makes NET Future Ready Now? How can we continue to move forward in the banking industry? Pictured from left to right: Clarence Baltrusaitis, President/CEO; Olivia Morgan, our college/trade school scholarship recipient from Pace University; Raina Nemitz, our high school scholarship recipient from North Pocono High School; Janelle Kaczmarek, Chief of Risk Management
Hospice of the Sacred Heart Receives Proceeds From Local Fundraiser Sherry Cross and Ann Rish delivered a $3,756 check to the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit in Dunmore May 15th. The check represents proceeds from the 3rd annual “Night to Remember” fundraiser in memory of Tracy Gototweski. The event was held at the Back Mountain Brewery in Dallas. There were basket raffles, a 50/50 drawing, great food and drinks. “Hospice of the Sacred Heart is a wonderful organization that helps so many people through their most difficult days and we are forever grateful for your support. Please accept this donation of $3,756 in Tracy’s memory. It is an honor to be able to give back each year and keep Tracy’s memory alive. We hope that our efforts will support patients and their families throughout their journey,” said Sherry Cross. Pictured left to right: Ellen St. Ledger, RN, Sherry Cross, Ann Rish, Diane Baldi, CEO of Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Lisa Kramer, Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit Social Worker and Michael Catalano, Director of the Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit
Allied Services Hospice Honors Geisinger’s School of Medicine with Star Volunteer Award Medical students’ No One Dies Alone chapter ‘sits vigil’ with hospice patients Allied Services Hospice recognized Geisinger School of Medicine with its Star Volunteer Award on April 22. The medical school’s chapter of No One Dies Alone (NODA) was honored for its dedication and compassion “sitting vigil” with actively dying patients, offering a comforting presence in the room. The volunteers’ presence provides solace, so that no one faces their final moments in solitude. The program started modestly with just three students, but every September, new volunteers were recruited, expanding the reach and impact of NODA. “With the help of Dr. (Lauren) Nicholls, assistant professor, who is also the Palliative Care Interest Group’s facilitator, we partnered with Allied Health Services and their hospice in Scranton,” said club founder SooYoung VanDeMark, MD ’25. “If students can provide companionship so that patients feel less alone, that’s such a straightforward way for a medical student to make a profound impact. I also find that hospice volunteering helps keep the pressures, demands and rigor of medical school in perspective.” Student volunteer Katelyn Whetstone, MD ’28, agreed that the hospice experience has helped her confront her own ideas about mortality. “I joined the NODA club to confront the aspect of medicine that intimidated me most: death,” she said. “And I have no regrets. Through this experience, I gained a profound understanding that medicine is not solely about healing, but also about providing comfort and presence in life’s final moments.” The program has grown significantly, with 15 student volunteers from Geisinger School of Nursing and a total of 82 volunteers participating in various activities. Laurie Fleming, volunteer coordinator at Allied Services Hospice and Palliative Care Programs, coordinates the schedules, sending out text messages to find available volunteers. She is mindful of their academic commitments, allowing them to bring their studies while sitting with non-responsive patients. Volunteers introduce themselves to the patients, reminding them of their presence throughout their shift, and gently touch the patients before leaving. In addition to personal growth, Ms. Fleming said, students gain a professional sense of hospice and learn how it takes a team to deliver optimum care. “I’m proud to see them learn what hospice is and is not,” she said. “Hospice is for the living. Our student volunteers learn this. It also teaches them bedside manner and how to deal with other staff, nurses and family members.” Aubrey McGovern, MD ’27, is now president of the NODA club and was present to accept the Star Volunteer Award on behalf of the club. “It has been such a privilege to lead this group and continue the NODA program with my classmates, especially with such an incredible hospice center and all the amazing staff at Allied,” she said. “It’s about more than just being there physically for individuals in the process of passing on — it’s about respect and providing comfort and support to their loved ones. We are so honored to carry on this partnership with Allied Services Hospice.” Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students accept their Star Award from Allied Services Hospice. Seen from left are Laurie Fleming, volunteer coordinator at Allied Services Hospice and Palliative Care Programs; Tommy Ahlin, MD ’28, of Pittsburgh; Aubrey McGovern, MD ’28, of Carbondale; and Kelly Langan, RN, BSN, CHPN, director of inpatient hospice servicesfor Allied Services Hospice.
The Waverly Community House Appoints Interim Executive Director The Board of Trustees of the Waverly Community House is pleased to announce the appointment of Gia Tugend as Interim Executive Director, following the departure of Michelle Hamilton. Ms. Hamilton, who was appointed Executive Director in June 2023, has concluded her tenure with the organization. The Board extends its sincere gratitude to her for her service and leadership. Ms. Tugend brings extensive experience and deep institutional knowledge to the role, having served the Waverly Community House since 2012 in a variety of capacities. Most recently, she held the position of Director of Institutional Advancement and Digital Social Media. “We are confident in Gia’s leadership and we’re fortunate to have a seasoned, capable team in place,” said Betsy Curtin, President of the Board of Trustees. “They know The Comm inside and out – its deep traditions, its importance to the community, and the high standard of service it represents. Programs and services will continue without interruption. The Comm is strong, and it’s in excellent hands.” The Board will soon establish a search committee to identify and appoint a permanent Executive Director. In the meantime, Ms. Tugend will ensure continued momentum and a smooth transition.
Allied Services Physician Receives Certification in Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist Allied Services is proud to announce that Stacey Williams, DPT, PT, C/NDT, has earned certification as a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist (CSRS) following her successful completion of an intensive training course held May 2–4, 2025, at Johnson College in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The CSRS credential is a nationally recognized, evidence-based certification that acknowledges advanced clinical expertise in stroke recovery and rehabilitation. The course equips therapists with the latest research-backed strategies to improve outcomes for individuals recovering from stroke—a leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. Stacey brings over 20 years of experience to her dual role as a clinician and manager at Allied Services, specializing in the treatment of individuals with neurological disorders, including stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury. She holds certifications in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) of the adult and is a PWR!Moves Certified Therapist, using specialized techniques in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. In addition to her leadership and clinical work, Stacey serves as an assistant adjunct professor in the Physical Therapy Department at the University of Scranton, where she mentors aspiring rehabilitation professionals. She also contributes to the local community as a certified PIAA official, demonstrating her commitment to both health and sportsmanship. “Stacey exemplifies our mission at Allied Services through her dedication to clinical excellence, patient care, and professional development,” said Bob Cole, Senior Vice President at Allied Services. “Her newly earned CSRS credential enhances our capacity to deliver top-tier, specialized stroke care to the communities we serve.” Allied Services congratulates Stacey on this milestone and celebrates her continued impact on patients, students, and the broader community.
WVIA, Wilkes-Barre Challenger Team Live at Little League World Series For the 14th consecutive year, WVIA will bring the spirit of inclusion and community to audiences nationwide by broadcasting and streaming the 2025 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game, presented by Eggland’s Best. The game will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. ET, at the iconic Volunteer Stadium in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. A Local Connection: This year’s game holds special significance for WVIA and the communities it serves, as the local Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball Little League team from Wilkes-Barre will take the field in Williamsport. Over the past six years, the Wyoming Valley program has experienced an extraordinary resurgence. Once facing challenges like a lack of a home field, dwindling player numbers, and limited funding, the league turned its fortunes around after the City of Wilkes-Barre offered a 25-year lease on a field for just $1 per year. This act of generosity sparked a wave of local support and donations, allowing the league to grow into a thriving program serving 130 players across Districts 16 and 31. “The community came together in a remarkable way to lift up this program and its players,” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President & CEO. “We’re honored to help showcase the spirit and determination of the Wyoming Valley Challenger team—and all Challenger players across the country—on a national stage.” The Most Heartwarming Game of the Year: The Challenger Exhibition Game has been a beloved tradition since 2001, giving children with physical and intellectual challenges the chance to enjoy the game of baseball at the iconic Little League World Series. This year’s event will also highlight the achievements of the Woburn Little League Challenger Division of Woburn, Massachusetts, which is proudly celebrating its 30th anniversary. With nearly 50 players and an active group of “Buddies” from across the community, Woburn’s Challenger Division plays weekly games at Weafer Park and ends its season with a championship celebration and cookout for families and friends. Ways to Watch: WVIA will produce a full television broadcast of the game and stream it live on WVIA-TV, on wvia.org and on the WVIA PBS app. The broadcast will also be available on-demand for viewers to enjoy after the live event and will be made available to PBS stations across the country. Contact your local PBS Station regarding carriage in your area. The game will also be available on the ESPN app under the “watch” option. For more information about the Challenger Division and this year’s participants, visit LittleLeague.org.
Wayne Bank Promotes Corissa O’Malley Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Corissa O’Malley to Vice President and Loan Documentation Manager. “I’m thrilled to announce Corissa’s well-deserved promotion. In her 14 years with us, Corissa has gone above and beyond to prove her dedication and loyalty to Wayne Bank. I’m confident in her continued leadership as she manages the residential loan documentation and processing department and am excited to see what her new role brings,” said Donnelly. In her new role, Corissa will lead the New York and Pennsylvania retail loan processing and documentation teams. Corissa joined the Bank in 2011, and has held several positions during her tenure, including Floating Teller, Administrative Specialist, Residential Mortgage Processor and Loan Documentation Officer. With her vast experience within the banking industry, Corissa plays a critical role in ensuring operations run smoothly and loans are properly maintained. Corissa resides in South Canaan, PA, with her husband, Eugene, and their two children.
Wayne Bank Promotes Lianne Waller Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Lianne Waller to Assistant Vice President and Trust Custody Officer. “I am very excited to announce Lianne’s promotion. Her accounting experience and deep understanding of client assets position her as a dependable leader and fantastic example for her teammates. I am confident that she will be a positive force within our trust and custody department,” said Donnelly. In her new role, Lianne will be responsible for overseeing the safekeeping and administration of client assets, and for maintaining custody operations. Lianne joined the bank in May of 2015 as a Teller in the Main Street Office and transferred into an Administrative Assistant role in the Wealth Management Department. She received a Degree in Business Management from Lackawanna College.
