The University of Scranton Releases Open House Schedule

The University of Scranton, recently selected by multiple publications as one of the best colleges in the nation, will welcome hundreds of prospective students and their families to campus later this fall for a pair of Open House events.

  • The University will host its first Open House at 9 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 26.
  • A second Open House is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 9.
  • The events conclude at about 1 p.m.

            Both Open Houses will start at the John J. Long, S.J., Center before embarking on student-led tours across campus. There will be ample opportunities to interact with students, faculty, staff and administrators. Representatives of student organizations, athletic programs, arts groups and the University’s Honors Programs will be available to answer questions and provide a first-hand account of the Scranton experience.

            Attendees, who will be treated to a brunch and lunch, will learn more about the unique paths available to each student in the form of 70 majors and 47 minors, as well 100-plus clubs, hundreds of service opportunities, 24 NCAA programs, intramural sports leagues and a vibrant array of creative and cultural experiences.

            Click here for more information.

            The University of Scranton has recently received national recognition in several publications, including the Princeton Review, which ranked it as a top-25 college in the nation in the Most Engaged in Community Service and Best Science Lab Facilities categories. The Princeton Review also selected Scranton as one of the nation’s 391 Best Colleges and featured its Kania School of Management (KSOM) on its Best On-Campus MBA Program list.

            Forbes designated Scranton as one of America’s Top 500 Colleges, a ranking based on factors including outcomes for graduates. Scranton has been a top-10 Best Regional University in the North, per U.S. News, for 32 consecutive years.

            The Roche Family Center for Career Development’s First Destination Survey for the Class of 2024 reported a 99% success for bachelor’s degree and 100% for graduate degree recipients. Additionally, Niche recognized Scranton as one of 50 schools with the Best College Food in America.

The University of Scranton Shares Fall Semester Events

Sept. 2-Oct. 10    Art Exhibit: “Sampler: Fabric Installations by Kay Healy.” Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 3-5     8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. “Dancing at Lughnasa” presented by The University Players. Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu.

Oct. 8       8:30 a.m. 24th Annual U.S. Conference on DISABILITY “A.I.-Access-Action! A conference focused on Access, Advocacy and Employment in an Age of Artificial Intelligence.” McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Free. Call 570-941-4308 or visit www.scranton.edu/disabilityconference.

Oct. 8     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “General Recital” featuring University of Scranton Performance Music student musicians in solo, duo, trio, and small ensemble performances. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Oct. 20     11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “Around the World with A.G. Spalding: The Mystery of an 1888-89 Tourist’s Diary” presented by Tom Shieber, senior curator at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, NY. Rose Room. Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Oct. 20-Dec. 12     Art Exhibit: “The Anthracite Coal Industry of Northeastern Pennsylvania.” Selected paintings, sculptures, and works on papers from public and private collections: 1829-1959. Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free during gallery hours. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 21    7:30 p.m. Henry George Lecture: “Violent Saviors: Development Lessons from the History of Colonialism” presented by William Easterly, Ph.D., professor of economics, New York University. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Free. Call 570-941-4048 or email janice.mecadon@scranton.edu.

Oct. 23     5:30 p.m. Asian Studies and the Ethics Across the Curriculum Initiative Lecture: “Nature, Flourishing, and Disability in Aristotle and Mencius” presented by Richard Kim, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, Loyola University Chicago. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-7643 or email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu. 

Oct. 24     5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “The Anthracite Coal Industry of Northeastern Pennsylvania” presented by Richard Stanislaus, guest curator. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. A reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Oct. 24     6:30 p.m. Asia Club and Asian Studies present Diwali and Navratri, a celebration of two Indian festivals about the triumph of good over evil. Free food and dancing. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Call 570-941-7643 or email ann.pang-white@scranton.edu.

Oct. 25     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Jazz Band” with guest soloist Marion Felder, drums. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Oct. 26    9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu.

Oct. 30     11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “New Discoveries of the Penn Museum Excavations at Abydos, Egypt” presented by Josef Wegner, Ph.D., professor of Egyptian archaeology; chair, department of Middle Eastern languages and cultures; curator, Egyptian section, Penn Museum, University of Pennsylvania. Rose Room. Brennan Hall. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Oct. 31     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “Phantom of the Pipes” featuring organist Christopher Johnson. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Nov. 5-9     8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. “A Doll’s House, Part 2” presented by The University Players. Studio Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. Limited seating, reservations strongly suggested. Ticket prices vary. Call 570-941-4318 or email players@scranton.edu

Nov. 7     5 p.m. Art Gallery Lecture: “New Deal Post Office Murals in the Anthracite Regions of Northeastern Pennsylvania” presented by David Lembeck, independent scholar. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. A reception follows at the Hope Horn Gallery, Hyland Hall. The reception is part of Scranton’s First Friday event. Free. Call 570-941-4214 or email darlene.miller-lanning@scranton.edu.

Nov. 9    9 a.m. Open House for prospective students and their families. Various locations on campus. Registration required. Free. Call 888-SCRANTON or email admissions@scranton.edu.

Nov. 11     5 p.m. Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities and The Jesuit Center: “The Bible, Gender, and Sexuality: Historical Insights and Contemporary Relevance” presented by Amy-Jill Levine, Ph.D., Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace; university professor of New Testament and Jewish studies emerita, Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies emerita, professor of New Testament studies emerita, Vanderbilt University. Pearn Auditorium, Brennan Hall. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu. 

Nov. 13     8:30 a.m. Data Science Day features programming tutorial, a keynote speaker and a data science competition for high school students. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required at https://scrantondatacontest.netlify.app/. Call 570-941-6486 or email joseph.klobusicky@scranton.edu.

Nov. 13    5:30 p.m.Schemel Forum with the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Collaborative Program Lecture: “From Manuscript to Print: The Journey of Medieval Books” presented by Michael Knies, special collections librarian and university archivist, Weinberg Memorial Library, The University of Scranton. The Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Free. Exhibit and reception follow. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Nov. 14     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton String Orchestra.” Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Nov. 20     11:30 a.m. Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Series: “America is Ready for a Pro-Peace Foreign Policy. Is Washington?” presented by Matthew Duss, executive director, Center for International Policy, former visiting scholar, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. McIlhenny Ballroom, DeNaples Center. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Nov. 20    5:30 p.m. Ethics Across the Curriculum Lecture: “Spiritual Alienation and the Quest for God” presented by David McPherson, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, University of Florida’s Hamilton School for Classical and Civic Education. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu. 

Nov. 20-22     8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. “Legally Blonde – The Musical” presented by Liva Arts Company. The Royal Theater, McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts. $5. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.livaartscompany.ludus.com or email livaartscompany@gmail.com.

Nov. 22     7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “In Concert” featuring The University of Scranton Symphonic Band. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Dec. 4    5:30 p.m. Slattery Center for Ignatian Humanities Lecture: “Do the Brain and Behavioral Sciences Show That Free Will is an Illusion?” presented by Timothy O’Connor, Ph.D., Mahlon Powell Professor of Philosophy and Cognitive Science, Indiana University. PNC Auditorium, Loyola Science Center. Free. Call 570-941-4700 or email sarah.kenehan@scranton.edu. 

Dec. 6     8 p.m. Performance Music: “58th Annual Noel Night” featuring The University of Scranton Singers, String Orchestra and Chamber Ensembles with guest harpist Marg Davis and pianist Ron Stabinsky. Houlihan-McLean Center. Free. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Dec. 14    7:30 p.m. Performance Music: “The Scranton Brass Orchestra Empty Stocking Fund Benefit Concert.” Houlihan-McLean Center. Admission: one new unwrapped toy, new toiletry items or a cash donation. All proceeds will directly benefit local families in need. Call 570-941-7624 or email music@scranton.edu.

Schemel Courses:

Tuesday: Oct. 7     6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “American Mothers: Society, Science, and Maternity after the Civil War” presented by Susan Poulson, Ph.D., professor, department of history, The University of Scranton. Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Mondays: Oct. 20, 27 and Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24            6 p.m. Schemel Forum Course: “Criminal Street Gangs: Causes, Consequences, and Controls” presented by Michael Jenkins, Ph.D., professor, department of criminal justice, chair of the department of criminal justice, cybersecurity, and sociology, The University of Scranton. Room 305, Weinberg Memorial Library. Registration required. Fees vary. Call 570-941-4740 or email schemelforum@scranton.edu.

Marywood University Proudly Presents Lenape/Delaware Leader Curtis Zunigha As Speaker

Event Is Being Co-sponsored by Marywood and the University of Scranton

Curtis Zunigha (Lenape/Delaware) will present “Remembrance & Continuance: The Spirit of Lenapehoking” on Monday, October 6, 2025, 6:30 p.m., in the Latour Room, Nazareth Student Center, on the campus of Marywood University. The program is free and open to the public and is being co-sponsored by Marywood University and the University of Scranton.

Zunigha is an enrolled member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians in Oklahoma, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He will discuss the return of the Lenape descendants to their original homeland, where he and other contemporary Lenape leaders from Delaware Tribal Nations are forming community partnerships that bring Indigenous knowledge to the area’s history and environmental advocacy.

Zunigha is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Lenape Center based in Manhattan, N.Y. The Lenape Center’s mission is continuing Lenapehoking, the original homeland, in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, through community, culture, and the arts. As Director of Agriculture for Lenape Center, Zunigha has initiated a Lenape Seed Garden Project in his home community in Oklahoma. The project will grow ancestral varieties of corn, beans, squash, sunflowers, gourds, and tobacco.

A specialist in Delaware/Lenape culture, language, and traditional practices, Zunigha has 35 years of experience in tribal government & administration, community development, telecommunications, and cultural preservation. He also has presented locally at the University of Scranton and at The Greenhouse Project in Nay Aug Park.

The University of Scranton Shines in U.S. News Rankings

The University of Scranton is a top 10 college in its region with nationally ranked academic programs and distinction for innovation and support for veterans, according to U.S. News and World Report.

            The publication’s 2026 Best Colleges report, published Tuesday, ranked The University of Scranton No. 8 in the Regional Universities (North) category. U.S. News has ranked Scranton in the top 10 in its category for an astounding 32 consecutive years.

            Two of Scranton’s academic programs ranked among the top 40 in the nation. Scranton placed No. 38 in “Best Undergraduate Programs in Analytics” and No. 40 in “Best Undergraduate Programs in Accounting.” The University also tied for 135th in “Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs,” tied for 162nd in “Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs” and tied for 254th in “Best Undergraduate Business Programs.” Scranton also tied for 410th in “Best Undergraduate Computer Science Programs.” National rankings reflect the results of peer surveys used to identify programs of high academic quality.

            The University achieved high marks in several regional categories, including No. 3 in “Best Colleges for Veterans,” a selection of schools recognized for making higher education more accessible and affordable for veterans and active-duty service members. Scranton ranks No. 9 in “Best Undergraduate Teaching,” which recognizes schools’ strong commitment to teaching undergraduates rather than conducting graduate-level research. Scranton tied for 13th in “Most Innovative Schools,” which identifies institutions making innovative improvements in curriculum, personnel, campus life, technology or facilities.

            The University placed 55th on U.S. News’ “Best Value Regional Universities (North).” Scranton also tied for 106th in “Top Performers on Social Mobility,” which examines the success of schools that enroll and graduate students who were awarded Pell Grants.

            U.S. News uses numerous data points to rank bachelor’s degree colleges in America, including graduation rate and graduation rate performance; retention rates; borrower debt; peer assessments; faculty salaries; student-faculty ratio; financial resources; standardized test performance; and Pell Grant student graduation rates and performance.

            U.S. News categorizes colleges for their rankings based on the official Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classification of universities.

            Earlier this year, U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings placed five University programs in the top 50 in the nation, and several programs ranked in the top 150 in the country, including business analytics, tied for 28th; finance, tied for 31st; accounting, tied for 39th; healthcare management, tied for 46th; rehabilitation counseling, tied for 49th; occupational therapy, tied for 79th; part-time MBA, tied for 80th; physical therapy tied for 105th; nursing-anesthesia, tied for 111th; doctor of nursing practice, tied for 127th.

            Scranton has recently appeared in other national rankings, as well, including being designated as one of the nation’s best colleges by Forbes and the Princeton Review.

Click here to find U.S. News and World Report – 2026 Best Colleges

PS Bank Hires New Commercial Loan Officer / Vice President

Anthony J. Gabello, President and Chief Executive Officer, is pleased to announce the hiring of Brian E. Burd as Commercial Loan Officer / Vice President.

With over 25 years of experience in commercial lending, Brian brings a wealth of expertise to the team. In this role, he will help grow PS Bank’s lending portfolio and extend its robust product line to new business customers.

“True community banks are becoming rare and I’m very fortunate to have found a great place in PS Bank to continue my banking career. I’m looking forward to connecting local businesses with their best banking option,” said Burd.

Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO of PS Bank, added, “As our bank continues to grow, our lending department is proud to add Brian to our commercial lending area. His experience and network provide growth opportunities in the Luzerne, Wyoming, and Lackawanna County markets.”

Brian holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton, and an MBA from Misericordia University. Brian currently serves as the treasurer of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce; board member of United Way Wyoming County; member of the finance and audit committee for GirlScouts in the Heart of PA, and is a member of Soo Bahk Do Martial Arts Federation.

He resides in South Abington Township with his wife, Cristan, with whom he shares three children.

University of Scranton to Host Cyber-AI Investigation Camp

The University of Scranton this summer will host a three-day Cyber-AI Investigation Camp, engaging participants in games, interactive lectures and hands-on exercises that explore and educate on the topic of cybersecurity.

Rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors are invited to attend the camp at the University’s O’Hara Hall. Sessions will be held July 8, 9 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost to attend the camp is $399. Additional services, including on-campus dormitories and meals, are available for an additional fee.

The need for trained law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges with the skills to understand and investigate cybercrime is higher than ever due to the rise in online data breaches, fraud and malicious software. Camp instructors will promote safe online behavior, teach cybersecurity essentials and will end the third day with a team investigation competition at the University’s Cyber-Forensics and Cybersecurity Lab. The topics of cybersecurity, robotic investigation and artificial intelligence (AI) will be discussed.

This is the fifth year in which the University’s Department of Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Sociology is offering this summer program. The University offers undergraduate programs in criminal justice and cybercrime and homeland security, as well as a graduate program in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity.

To register and for more information, please visit the registration page.

PS Bank Welcomes Karen Weller

Anthony J. Gabello, President and Chief Executive Officer, is pleased to announce the hiring of Karen Weller as Deposit Operations Manager / Vice President.   

With nearly 20 years of experience in banking and 13 years specializing in operations management, Karen brings a wealth of expertise to the team. In this role, she will oversee the key components of the deposit operations function.

“I’m excited to join the PS Bank team because of its outstanding reputation in the community. A strong reputation combined with the strength of its leadership team has PS Bank primed for success,” said Weller.

Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO of PS Bank, added, “Karen will play an important role in further developing and expanding our deposit operations department. As our bank continues to grow, her strong banking background and leadership skills will allow us to continue to scale up and meet the needs of our customers and communities.”

Karen holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Scranton, and she is a resident of Scranton.

University of Scranton With Widener University on New 3+3 Dual Admissions Agreement

The University of Scranton and Widener University Commonwealth Law School signed a new 3+3 dual admissions agreement, providing an expedited and cost-effective route for students to earn both their bachelor’s degree and juris doctor in just six years. This innovative program allows students to bypass the traditional seven-year timeline, cutting down on tuition expenses and speeding up their entry into the legal field.

The agreement will allow Scranton students who meet program requirements to be eligible for admission to the prestigious law school after three years. The accelerated academic program allows highly qualified and motivated students to earn both a bachelor’s degree from Scranton and juris doctor degree from Widener Law Commonwealth.

“The University of Scranton has long been a source of many of our most outstanding students – individuals who go on to lead impactful legal careers,” said andré douglas pond cummings, J.D., dean of Widener Law Commonwealth. “This 3+3 agreement formalizes that bond, allowing motivated Scranton students to begin their legal education in what would traditionally be their senior year of college. It saves time and resources while aligning beautifully with Scranton’s Jesuit mission of service – an ethos that mirrors our own commitment to access to justice and producing attorneys dedicated to serving the public good.”

“This 3+3 with Widener Commonwealth Law builds upon several existing such partnerships to provide our students with yet another excellent option. Our Scranton students can benefit from our strong liberal arts undergraduate education, which we know will serve them well to become ethical critical thinkers who can write and speak effectively. Then they take our transformative education as they study the law at Widener and in turn live out the Catholic, Jesuit mission in the promotion of social justice as an attorney,” said Carolyn McNamara Barry, Ph.D., dean of Scranton’s College of Arts and Sciences.

“The University of Scranton students are always impressive, and their contributions to the law school and the legal profession make a positive impact on their communities,” said Matthew Kerns, associate dean of admissions at Widener Law Commonwealth. “This agreement saves Scranton students valuable time and money when completing their degrees so that they can quickly progress into their professional careers.”

Located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Widener Law Commonwealth offers a unique advantage through its proximity to state government agencies, courts and a robust network of legal professionals. A strong focus on mentorship and applied learning prepares students for the rigors of legal practice in a dynamic and supportive environment.

“I was particularly impressed by Widener Law Commonwealth’s noteworthy track record in providing access to a wide range of students to pursue law school, as well as sending so many of their graduates onto successful careers as public servants in the state of Pennsylvania,” said Dean Barry.

To be eligible for the program, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA while at Scranton and must have completed at least 90 credits overall (a minimum of 63 at Scranton) before enrolling at Widener. The program is open to all Scranton students considering attending law school. Additional information can be found on Scranton’s pre-law webpage.

The agreement is effective beginning with students whose anticipated matriculation date to Widener Commonwealth is August 2026.

The University of Scranton and Widener University Commonwealth Law School have signed an admission agreement that will allow Scranton students who meet program requirements to be eligible to earn a bachelor’s degree from Scranton and a juris doctor (JD) degree from Widener Law School in six, rather than seven years. At the agreement signing are, seated from left: Matthew Kerns, J.D., associate dean of admissions, and andré douglas pond cummings, J.D., dean, Widener University Commonwealth Law School; and, Carolyn McNamara Barry, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Matthew Meyer, Ph.D., professor of philosophy and pre-law advisor, The University of Scranton.

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.

The University of Scranton Presents World Premieres Composition Series Concert

World-Class Musicians Wycliffe Gordon (L) and Jennifer Krupa (R) to Premiere Compositions Apr. 12

The University of Scranton will welcome two guest composers/conductors – trombone legends and internationally acclaimed musicians, composers and educators Wycliffe Gordon (H ’06) and Jennifer Krupa – at its 42nd annual World Premiere Composition Series Concert on Saturday, April 12. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free and seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis at the Houlihan-McLean Center on campus.

The concert will feature the University’s Concert Band and Concert Choir performing the world premieres of commissioned works by Gordon and Krupa, written specifically for the student ensembles. Gordon will compose and conduct compositions for the SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass) mixed choir and trombone soloist Krupa. Gordon and Krupa will reverse roles with Gordon as the soloist for the band piece she composed and will conduct.

“Wycliffe Gordon has been an inspiration to me for decades – not just as a mentor, but as a dear friend,” Krupa said. “He introduced me to so many styles of music and pushed me to go beyond studying jazz history to develop my own voice. This concert band piece reflects just a few of the many ways he has influenced me, from introducing me to the worlds of Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton and gospel music, to encouraging me to write my own. The themes in this piece blend his influence with elements from my earliest compositions. I can’t wait to share the stage with Wycliffe and The University of Scranton Concert Band and Choir.”

Krupa’s “Cone Themes” for concert band and virtuosic trombonist will be premiered by the University’s Concert Band and soloist Gordon.

“There is no musician alive I am more in awe and amazement of than Wycliffe,” said Cheryl Y. Boga, conductor and director of Performance Music at the University.

Gordon’s three-piece choral cycle – “Blues Hymn,” “It is Spring” and “Ballad for Lena Mae” – will be premiered by the University’s Concert Choir, piano/bass/drums and soloist Krupa.

“Wycliffe and his music hold a very special place in the heart of the university and its students and alumni,” said Boga, who founded the World Premiere Composition Series in 1984. “Wycliffe’s impact musically and spiritually on every heart, ear and mind he touches is immeasurable. We are unbelievably fortunate to regularly benefit from his generosity and open-hearted and expressive musicality.”

Gordon is a regular guest at the University, where he was honored in 2006 with an honorary doctorate. An award-winning trombonist, composer, conductor, arranger and educator, Gordon has been a regular guest performer and teacher at the University for nearly 30 years. He has composed and premiered numerous compositions at Scranton through the University’s World Premiere Composition Series, as well as a piece composed and premiered for the celebration of the inauguration of University President Kevin Quinn, S.J. in 2016, and has performed as soloist with various student ensembles at Scranton.

Named the Jazz Journalists Association “Trombonist of the Year” for a record-breaking 15 times, Gordon has topped Downbeat Critics Poll for “Best Trombone” for an unprecedented six times (2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2013 and 2012). Recent awards include the “Louie Award,” the International Trombone Award and the Satchmo Award, among others. A prolific recording artist, Gordon can be heard on hundreds of recordings, soundtracks, live DVD’s and documentaries, and has an extensive catalog of original compositions that span the various timbres of jazz and chamber music.  His arrangement of the theme song to NPR’s “All Things Considered” is heard daily across the globe.  

Krupa is also a returning guest to the World Premiere and a regular guest artist at the University with student ensembles and her own quintet. An accomplished performer and educator, as well as a prolific arranger and composer who has contributed original works and arrangements to a wide variety of ensembles, Krupa’s extensive discography spans nearly 30 recordings with artists including Gordon. Renowned for her exceptional musicianship, transformative teaching, and dedicated service to the jazz community, her influence extends across generations of musicians and audiences worldwide.

Recently retired from a two-decade career with the United States Navy Jazz Commodores, where she served in a variety of roles, including lead trombonist and Music Director, Krupa is currently lead trombonist with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra. Krupa is also a faculty member at The Juilliard School. She has led guest clinics, masterclasses and adjudications nationwide, guest-conducted the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra, and presented at the Jazz Educators Network, Midwest Clinic and the International Trombone Festival.

“I am enjoying preparing the band for Jen’s arrival and am very much looking forward to meeting her, working with her, and hearing the piece come together with the band and Wycliffe under Jen’s direction,” said Janelle Decker, conductor and co-director of Performance Music.

Performance Music at The University of Scranton has now commissioned 100-plus musical works in the 42 years since the series was created. The primary focus of Performance Music at the University is its student choral and instrumental performing ensembles.

All University students (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible for membership in the University bands, choirs, string ensembles and steel drum band. Hundreds of students, spanning the curriculum and bonded by a love of music, participate each year in the ensembles.

For more information on the concert, call 570-941-7624, email music@scranton.edu or visit scranton.edu/music. Visit wycliffegordon.com for more information on Gordon and jenkrupa.com for more information on Krupa.