Marywood University Alumni Award Winners Honored at Alumni & Family Weekend Marywood University welcomed alumni back to campus, along with families of current students, during its combined celebration of Alumni & Family Weekend, September 22-24. Alumni Award winners were honored at a dinner on Saturday, September 23. This year’s honorees included: Sister Katie Clauss IHM, M.A.’73 , Ph.D. ’82, who received the 2023 Sister M. Denis Donegan Award for Long Term Service to Marywood. Brooke S. Williams ’19, who received the 2023 Outstanding Recent Alumni Award for her accomplishments since graduation. Edward Phillip Syron, Ph.D. ’09, who received the 2023 Outstanding Recent Alumni Award for his numerous accomplishments. Patricia Campbell Comey, ’73, who received the 2023 Golden Marywoodian Award for considerable commitment of service in the community and to her alma mater, framed always by her deep respect for others. Mary Ellen McLane McDonough ’73, who received the 2023 Golden Marywoodian Award for her significant commitments to service in the community and to her alma mater, marked by excellence of character and faithfulness. Ann R. Henry, Ph.D. ’73, who received the 2023 Golden Marywoodian Award for her considerable commitment to service in the community, along with her exemplary professional career of excellence that has continued to empower others. Kathleen B. O’ Gorman, Ph.D. ’73, who received the 2023 Golden Marywoodian Award for her extraordinary commitment to service on national and international levels. Donna Marie Gatcha-Hines, M.P.A. ’01, who has received the 2023 Alumni Community Achievement Award for grateful appreciation for all she has done to lead by example and to embrace service to others through her humanitarian efforts. Joshua Slee ’07, M.S. ’08, Ph.D., who has received the 2023 distinguished Alumni Award for his leadership, service, and professional accomplishments, which embody the core values of Marywood University. Chris Mackey ’96, who has received the 2023 distinguished Alumni Award for his professional accomplishments and service to the Marywood community and beyond. Andrea M. Novak ’93, who has received the 2023 Faculty and Staff Alumni Impact Award for grateful appreciation for all she has done to lead by example in respect for and in service to others, both on campus and beyond.
Child Hunger Outreach Partners Hosts Faith & Family Night at WBS Penguins Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP) is excited to invite you to join us at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey game on Saturday, Nov. 11 for their annual Faith & Family Night! The evening will include music, fun, and hockey! Best of all YOU can make an impact while having a great time. For every ticket purchased, you will be providing 4 backpack program bags to children in our local community. You don’t want to miss out! The details and link are below! Game Day: Saturday, November 11 at 6:05 PM, Doors open at 5 PM Tickets are $19-$24, CHOP receives $4 from every ticket Devoted, Cedar Roots, and All That Glitter will be performing pregame, during the intermission, and post-game. Perks You Receive When You Purchase Tickets: The first 20 purchases will be invited to participate in the High Five Tunnel as the players enter the arena for the evening! The next 20 purchases will be given a FANboni ride during either the 1st or 2nd intermission. The first 50 purchases are entered into a raffle to perform the Puck Drop prior to the game. The first 150 tickets sold will receive a CHOP cup The first 200 purchases will be entered into a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins merch basket raffle Purchase Your and help us Chop Out Hunger!
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Raffle Supports Medical Student Scholarships Tickets for the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Super 50/50 Raffle are available now through Nov. 29 in support of medical student scholarships. The medical school’s Student Scholarship Fund helps recruit medical students with diverse backgrounds and financial means, so they can train to be the care providers of tomorrow. Raffle tickets cost $100 each, and only 1,000 will be sold. Multiple people can purchase one or more tickets and split the costs (and hopefully, the winnings). The drawing will take place on Nov. 29 at 1 p.m., and the winner does not have to be present. Tickets can be purchased in person using cash or check only at these locations: Geisinger Health Foundation offices, 529 Mill St., Danville, 3rd floor Executive suite at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 529 Pine St., Scranton In accordance with PA State Games of Chance regulations, no credit cards will be accepted. Tickets can also be purchased by visiting go.geisinger.org/gcsomraffle and following the mailing instructions at the top of the purchase form. SGOC License #202310 SGOC Permit #202328
Keystone College to Host Re-Imagining the Arts Celebration The arts at Keystone College. For so many years, that phrase has been synonymous with excellence – excellence in creativity and self-expression; excellence in art education; and excellence in bringing people together to appreciate beautiful and thought-provoking works of art in a host of mediums. Now, Keystone is renewing its commitment to the arts as it reimagines the meaning of art to the current generation of college students and to local communities. Keystone will focus on celebrating the college’s proud history and promising future in the arts with a “Re-IMAGINING the Arts Celebration” on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. in the Theatre in Brooks on campus. The event will honor the talented artists and educators who have dedicated their lives to making Keystone a recognized leader in the arts for decades and will also emphasize Keystone’s revitalized commitment through a more contemporary program that envisions an integrated environment for creative development and expression. “Keystone’s tradition of excellence in the arts is legendary, not only in education but also in promoting the work of faulty, students, alumni, and guest artists in the local community,” said Keystone President John F. Pullo, Sr. “Now, we intend to expand upon that tradition and renew our commitment to the arts and all that it can bring to Northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond.” During the Nov. 4 event, Keystone will celebrate retired members of its art faculty who played such major roles in developing the college’s excellent reputation for art education in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event will honor Professor Emeritus Karl Neuroth. A well-known and successful artist in his own right, Mr. Neuroth began his career at Keystone in 1970 and is widely credited, along with his colleagues, for propelling the college’s art program to distinctive levels. He was awarded the prestigious Chamberlin Chair for Distinguished Service in 1980 and has also served as Coordinator of Exhibits, Dean of Enrollment Services, and Chair of the Division of Fine Arts. He retired in 2005 after 40 years of proud service to Keystone. In addition to Mr. Neuroth, Keystone Professor Emeritus William Tersteeg, and Professor Emeritus Cliff Prokop will also be recognized for their longtime achievements as artists and art educators. Mr. Tersteeg was hired as an instructor in 1971 and granted tenure in 1978. He was promoted to associate professor in 1983 and professor in 1987, and became senior half-time professor in 2005 before retiring in 2011 after 40 years at Keystone. He received the Chamberlain Chair for Distinguished Service in 1990. Mr. Prokop joined the Keystone faculty in 1973 and was granted tenure in 1980. He was promoted to associated professor in 1983 and professor in 2002 and was awarded the Chamberlain Chair for Distinguished Service in 2002. He was awarded the Chamberlin Chair for Distinguished Service in 2002. Currently retired, he received the Life Time Service Award in 2018 for 45 years of service to Keystone. Re-IMAGINING the Arts will not only focus on the past but will celebrate Keystone’s present and, more importantly, its future. For example, Keystone’s renowned glass program and its Mobile Glass Studio are widely recognized for bringing the art of glass blowing to Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Keystone College Glass Studio is the only program of its kind in the region. Thanks to partnerships with organizations such as the Dorflinger Glass Museum, Nivert Metal Supply and many others, the glass program continues to thrive at Keystone and in the local community. Similarly, Keystone’s programs in areas such as studio art, sculpture, ceramics, graphic design, digital media, 3D printing, and photography continue to provide students with strong foundational skills and opportunities which are essential to a successful career in the arts. Additional programs will be offered to focus on integrating skills and entrepreneurship in the arts. While the Keystone’s past successes in the arts are renowned, the future is even brighter as the college reimagines the arts for the future. For more information, reservations, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.keystone.edu/ReimaginingtheArts. Recognized as one of the best educational values in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Keystone offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree options in liberal arts and science-based programs in business, communications, education, natural science, environmental science, and social sciences. Located on a beautiful 276-acre campus 15 minutes from Scranton, Pa. and two hours from New York City and Philadelphia, Keystone is known for small class sizes and individual attention focused on student success through internships, research, and community involvement.
United Neighborhood Centers and The Original Coney Island Celebrate 100 Years United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) and The Original Coney Island of Scranton met on Friday, October 13, 2023, to commemorate their Centennial with a picture. Both institutions are celebrating 100 Years of Service to the Community. UNC is one of the largest, and longest operating, nonprofit organizations in the region and The Original Coney Island of Scranton is the oldest cultural institution in the county, both are committed to the social, cultural, and economic development of NEPA. For the history of United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, please visit uncnepa.org/about For the history of The Original Coney Island of Scranton, please visit coneyislandofscranton.com/our-history.html Attached picture includes, front row: Rachel Millan, The Original Coney Island of Scranton Staff; Kendra Hanor, UNC Staff Accountant, Danielle Pietrucha, UNC Director of Human Resources; Lisa Durkin, UNC President and CEO; Martin Fotta, UNC Chief Operating Officer; Kelly Langan, UNC Director of Children & Teens; Patrice Sottung, UNC Staff Accountant. Back row: Jermey Palochko, The Original Coney Island of Scranton Staff; Brendan Bell, The Original Coney Island of Scranton Owner; Holly Yorkonis, UNC Assistant Director of Community Revitalization; Kathleen Hoban, UNC Chief Financial Officer; and Joy Hubshman, Director of Community Housing
Commonwealth Health Physician Expands Urology Services in Scranton Board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist, Jason Wynberg, M.D., has joined the Commonwealth Health Physician Network and is a member of the medical staff at Regional Hospital of Scranton. Prior to joining Commonwealth Health, Dr. Wynberg was in private practice in New Jersey and most recently served as the Director of Endourology for NYU Langone Hospital, Brooklyn. Dr. Wynberg treats a range of health issues from overactive bladder, incontinence, urinary tract infection to male infertility. He has a special interest in complex kidney stone disease and performs minimally invasive procedures for kidney stones such as ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, or PCNL. His office is located at 743 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton. Most major insurance plans are accepted, including Geisinger Health Plan. To schedule an appointment, call 570-491-8141.
FNCB Bank Provide Funds to School in Scranton FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, has announced a $20,000 Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to the NativityMiguel School of Scranton. The donation will provide direct scholarship support for students in need. NativityMiguel of Scranton is a tuition-free/all-scholarship middle school serving ethnically and religiously diverse students of greater economic need in grades 5-8. Historically, their students have come from Lackawanna and Luzerne counties and greater Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed $3,000,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative. The support of the NativityMiguel School of Scranton is part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations, and outreach programs. FNCB Bank presents a $20,000 Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) donation to the NativityMiguel School of Scranton to fund student scholarships at the tuition-free school. Since 2010, FNCB has contributed $3,000,000 to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative. From left: Michael Cummings, FNCB Bank Senior Vice President, Marketing Manager and Ron Prislupski, President, NativityMiguel School of Scranton.
Wright Center Resident Earns 2023 PA-ACP Eastern Regional Professionalism Award Dr. Richard Bronnenkant, a resident physician in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency Program, was honored with the 2023 Pennsylvania American College of Physicians (PA-ACP) Eastern Regional Professionalism Award at a ceremony in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 21. Dr. Ivan Cvorvic, a faculty member in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency Program and a primary care provider for The Wright Center for Community Health, presented Dr. Bronnenkant with the award. Dr. Bronnenkant, a Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine graduate, was selected for the honor because of his exemplary professionalism and compassion, as well as his commitment to teamwork and passion for whole-person care. “Richard has been an exemplary resident physician who is kind, caring, compassionate, and patient-centered,” said Dr. Timothy Burke, program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program. “The ACP Professionalism Award recognizes a resident or fellow member of the American College of Physicians who has demonstrated qualities that exemplify the college’s mission to enhance the quality and effectiveness of health care by fostering excellence and professionalism in the practice of medicine.” Among his peers, Dr. Bronnenkant is known as a leader at The Wright Center, according to Dr. Burke. In June 2023, Dr. Bronnenkant received the Sandy Furey, M.D., FACP, Golden Stethoscope Award after his fellow medical residents selected him as the graduating medical resident who made the most significant contribution to their training. In addition, he joined several other resident and fellow physicians at The Wright Center in interacting with local legislators to advocate for various health care topics at the PA-ACP’s Advocacy Day in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and at the American College of Physicians Leadership Day in Washington, D.C. He’s also led or participated in several research projects as a resident physician, including a review of outpatients with heart failure and Type 2 diabetes mellitus at The Wright Center for Community Health and the contribution of energy drinks to myocarditis/Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a young, healthy male. Dr. Bronnenkant completed his Internal Medicine residency in October and then began a Cardiovascular Disease fellowship at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. The PA-ACP has identified the importance of recognizing the hard work of residents in not only their research endeavors but also in their outstanding commitment to professionalism on a daily basis. Each year, one resident from each internal medicine training program is selected for the PA-ACP Resident Professionalism Award. ACP is the nation’s largest medical specialty organization, with 159,000 internal medicine physicians and medical students as members. Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, is the governor for PA-ACP’s Eastern Region. For more information about The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Jewish Family Services Hires New Social Worker Jewish Family Services is excited to announce the hiring of Kimberly Stout-Kramer, LSW to help support the growing need for mental health counseling in our area. Kim brings with her an approach to social work that is rooted in empathy, respect, and empowerment. She has experience working with various social issues such as intimate partner violence, substance abuse, homelessness, complex trauma, grief, and mental health concerns. Kim has a particular interest in empowering transgender and gender-diverse children, teens, young adults, and their families by creating a supportive, affirmative environment where they can feel safe exploring their choices and building community connections and support. Using different evidence-based interventions and community resources, Kim provides an eclectic therapeutic approach tailored to her client’s unique needs. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Child Maltreatment and Advocacy from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Social Work degree from Marywood University.
