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.
Misericordia Players To Present Play, Boeing Boeing Misericordia University’s Misericordia Players will present Boeing Boeing, a play written by Marc Camoletti, in the Lemmond Theater on the Misericordia University campus in Dallas, PA. This production is part of the university’s fall theater season and is open to the community. Tickets are available at the door, and seating is general admission. Showtimes:• Thursday, November 20 – 7:30 PM• Friday, November 21 – 7:30 PM• Saturday, November 22 – 7:30 PM• Sunday, November 23 – 2:00 PM Click here for more details about the production or additional arts events.
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.💗
Luyster Serves on Occupational Advisory Committee for Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County The OAC Committee is the Occupational Advisory Committee for the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County (CTCLC). Its purpose is to provide expert advice and feedback to the school to ensure its career and technical education programs are up-to-date and relevant to the needs of local businesses and industries. The OAC helps by reviewing and recommending curriculum, training, equipment, and helps with job placement and other student opportunities. Amy Luyster, vice president of business and workforce development, is proud to serve on the Occupational Advisory Committee at the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County. Together with local educators and industry partners, we’re helping to align classroom learning with workforce needs and prepare students for successful careers.
