Geisinger Raises Awareness with Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, which raises awareness of child abuse and neglect, staff members from the Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in Sunbury planted blue mylar pinwheels at the entrance of Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. The pinwheels represent playfulness, joy and a carefree childhood and serve as a reminder to protect and nurture our children. Pinwheels for Prevention is a national campaign for child abuse prevention. This year the CAC team wore special T-shirts to commemorate the awareness month. The shirts were created by Chelsea Whispell, the daughter of Trisha Whispell, social work educator at the CAC. Chelsea had the idea of creating and selling T-shirts to raise funds for the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance (PFSA). The fundraiser will help Chelsea earn her Silver Torch in working toward her Girl Scout Cadettes Award. “Chelsea set a goal of raising $1,000 for PFSA, which is equal to selling 200 shirts,” Trisha Whispell said. PFSA works with local community organizations around child abuse prevention efforts and has partnered with local schools and organizations on a statewide art project called Painting for Prevention. Artwork created for the project is displayed in many community organizations all month long, including Geisinger pediatric and family practice clinics. Many members of the CAC staff took part in the pinwheel planting on Monday, including (from left) Paul Bellino, M.D., clinical director of the Geisinger Division of Child Protection and Advocacy; Cameran Gardner, victim advocate; Alaina Johnson, licensed clinical social worker; Hailey Welker, forensic interviewer; Alexis Smith, CAC program manager with Ollie, CAC’s certified therapy dog; Chelsea Whispell, Girl Scout; Melissa Wagner, director of the Geisinger Division of Child Protection and Advocacy; Cheryl Moroz, forensic interviewer and Trisha Whispell, social worker educator.
NEPA Philharmonic Presents Carmina Burana at FM Kirby Center The instantly recognizable Carmina Burana – a mainstay of movies, television, and commercials – arrives at the FM Kirby Center! Wilkes-Barre-Scranton…The Thalenfeld Masterworks Series of The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic presents Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the FM Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. Philharmonic musicians and Music Director Mélisse Brunet will be joined by renowned vocal soloists Roderick George, Öznur Tülüoğlu, and Christopher Burchett, alongside the Marywood University Concert Choir led by Rick Hoffenberg. Also on the program will be Antonín Dvořák’s joyous and rousing “Carnival Overture”, and music pioneer Dolores White’s poignant “Give Birth to the Dream”. “O Fortuna”, the iconic opening movement of “Carmina Burana”, features accessible, highly melodic, repeated melodies and strong rhythms, making it a captivating experience for audiences. The lyrics, which complement the powerful music, deal with themes of life’s extremes like fortune, fate, and love. Concert tickets are priced from $42-$78 for adults, and college student tickets are $16. Students K-12 admitted at no charge by calling the box office. A pre-concert talk, with Maestra Melisse Brunet, will take place at 6:30 PM and all attendees are invited. Tickets may be purchased online at www.nepaphil.org, by calling 570.270.4444, or at the door on concert night. This concert is sponsored by the Thalenfeld Family Foundation, Christine and Harry Zike, Carol Nelson Dembert and F. Warren Breig, Jr, and Weber Gallagher Law Offices. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is a fully professional symphony orchestra performing mainstage and chamber concerts, and free Independence Day concerts in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. The Philharmonic’s educational programs include Young People’s Concerts, a juried mentoring program for talented high school students, and “Music in our Schools”, an in-school interactive program featuring brass, wind, string, or percussion ensembles. Our community engagement includes “Once Upon an Orchestra” in local libraries for children to age 5, and miniature concerts in senior living centers.
Scranton Jazz Festival 20th Anniversary Show Tickets Now Available for Sale Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Scranton Jazz Festival, Tower of Power performs on the Main Stage this summer! Tickets on sale now for this special concert! Now in its 20th year, the Scranton Jazz Festival will celebrate a milestone in its history with three days of live jazz, blues and world beat music, August 1 to 3 in Downtown Scranton. Pennsylvania’s world class jazz festival will feature the iconic funk and soul band Tower of Power on the Main Stage at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple (SCC). Tickets for the performance are on sale now at www.scrantonjazzfestival.org. Tower of Power is an American R&B-based horn section and band, originating in Oakland, California. “East Bay Grease,”their debut album released in 1970,defined their sound and landed them with Warner Brothers. In 1972, their “Bump City” albumwas a hit on the Billboard 200 and the R&B Albums chart yielding some of their most famous hits, including “You’re Still A Young Man” and “Down to The Nightclub.” The band’s popularity continued to soar with the release of “Tower of Power” in 1973 featuring hits “So Very Hard to Go” and “What Is Hip?” Tower of Power will perform at the Scranton Jazz Festival as the Main Stage Act at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, on Saturday, August 2. Doors open at 7 p.m. with an 8 p.m. show time. Tickets start at $45.65. A limited VIP Sound Check Experience package is available for $178.80. The package includes access to Tower of Power’s sound check, a photo with the band, and a concert ticket. For tickets, visit www.scrantonjazzfestival.org. In addition to Tower of Power, the festival lineup includes the Emmy-nominated Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band in concert and performances by more than 80 national, regional and local swing, jazz, blues and world beat musicians. Reminiscent of a New Orleans style festival, the event takes place in more than 20 venues throughout Downtown Scranton, featuring a Jazz Walk on Friday and Saturday nights and Jazz Brunches on Sunday. More details will be released soon! The Scranton Jazz Festival is made possible through partnerships with Blu Elefante Events, PA Jazz Alliance Inc., Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau, First Friday Scranton, Lackawanna County, and Scranton Tomorrow, and with the generous support of sponsors and media partners. For tickets and more information, visit www.scrantonjazzfestival.org and follow Scranton Jazz Festival on Facebook and Instagram. History of the Scranton Jazz Festival The inaugural Scranton Jazz Festival (SJF) was held in 2005 at Hanlon’s Grove Amphitheatre in Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pennsylvania. After a major snowstorm damaged the facility in 2007, organizers moved the event to the historic Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in Downtown Scranton. The festival later expanded to include live music at the Radisson and in dozens of venues throughout the downtown. Presented in August, the 3-day festival features the finest international, national and regional jazz, blues and world beat artists. The event draws audiences from the entire Mid-Atlantic region, resulting in tremendous notoriety and exposure to the international jazz world. The SJF contributes to the region as a cultural epicenter, spreading the arts throughout the northeast much like festivals in other parts of the country do, such as Newport, Rhode Island; Saratoga Springs, Florida; and Monterey, California. SJF is an annual tribute to Scranton’s rich history in jazz, which dates back to the 1930s. Jazz legends Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey performed regularly with the famous Scranton Sirens Jazz Band. The greater Scranton area is also credited with hosting the first known recorded jazz festival, “The Cavalcade of Dixieland Jazz,” in 1951. Festival organizers aspire to carry on this rich tradition while the event becomes a recognized contributor to the world of jazz, blues and world beat music in its own right. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, SJF is made possible with support from sponsors and partners, and an outstanding staff of artisans, technicians, administrators and volunteers. As a result of their dedication, the festival has remained a high-quality musical event that entertains and inspires festival goers while supporting the region’s economy with a boost in tourism to the city. It is the hope and desire of everyone involved with the festival that it will continue for decades to come. To learn more, visit www.scrantonjazzfestival.org. Tower of Power For 57 years, Tower of Power has delivered the best in funk and soul music. “We were a Soul band called The Motowns,” recalls Emilio Castillo. “Rocco was the bass player, I was there, and my brother was the drummer. I met “Doc” Kupka back in 1968 and gave him an audition. He came in the band, and we eventually changed our name to the Tower of Power.” The reason for the band name change was that they had a specific goal in mind. East Bay Grease defined their sound and landed them with Warner Brothers. Bump City, their 1972 debut for the label, was a hit on both the Billboard 200 and the R&B Albums chart and netted them the hits “You’re Still A Young Man” and “Down to The Nightclub.” The 70s were a boom period with radio classics like “So Very Hard to Go” and “What Is Hip?,” and the band continued to tour and record over the years. Castillo says their love of the stage is the same today as it was back in 1968. Fifty years later, in 2018, they returned to Oakland to celebrate their landmark 50th anniversary. Tower’s window-rattling grooves and raucous party spirit has been a balm for the soul throughout their half-century existence, but the release of 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater couldn’t have arrived at a better time. The band has long since surpassed Castillo’s modest aspirations, traveling the world, enjoying hit singles on their own and backing legendary artists including Otis Redding, Elton John, Santana, the Grateful Dead, John Lee Hooker, Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, and countless others. In the process they’ve defined an “Oakland soul” sound as instantly recognizable as those from Castillo’s hometown, Detroit, as well as inspirations like Memphis and Philadelphia. The future of Tower of Power is set out to be vigorous and dynamic and will prove to be just that for fans around the world starved for the band’s groove just the way Tower of Power likes it! To learn more, visit towerofpower.com.
Friendship House Appoints Chris Howe to Vice President and Chief Operation Officer Friendship House President and Chief Executive Officer Alex J. Hazzouri has announced the appointment of Chris Howe as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Friendship House, a vital behavioral health and human services organization in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Howe has more than two decades of experience in healthcare leadership. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Health’s Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, where he led market-wide initiatives that resulted in significant improvements in clinical, operational, and financial performance. Mr. Howe has held leadership roles at Bon Secours Mercy Health in Springfield, Ohio, and Plateau Medical Center in Oak Hill, West Virginia. In these roles, he achieved double-digit growth in revenue and surgical volume, launched new service lines, and completed a $16 million operating room expansion project. He began his healthcare career as a registered nurse, a foundation that continues to shape his empathetic, mission-driven leadership style. Mr. Howe possesses a Master of Health Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina. He is a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional, a Fellow of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management, and an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He resides in the North Pocono area with his wife, Carline Archer Howe, and their daughter, Bonadia Marie Howe. He takes over from James R. Martin, retiring after serving as the VP/CEO of Friendship House during its growth and expansion over the past decade. Friendship House is dedicated to serving children, adolescents, and adults with developmental disabilities, emotional or behavioral difficulties, or those traumatized by loss, abuse, or neglect. In addition to many other services, they operate the Whole Person Care Center in downtown Scranton, which provides mental health services, primary care services, and substance use disorder services to all individuals and families, regardless of their ability to pay. They believe in identifying and providing the best treatment options for every individual with the help of a committed and supportive staff. Their dedication is evident in the individualized services they offer, which promote resilience in children and recovery in adults, maximizing the physical, emotional, behavioral, and social well-being of those they serve.
Tobyhanna Army Depot, Rolling Airframe Missile Launcher Workload Highlights Inter-Service Capability At the forefront of naval defense, the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Launcher stands ready. But behind this powerful weapon system is a crucial support network, anchored by the joint expertise of Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD), ensuring these rapid-response defense systems are ready, modern and prepared. TYAD is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) and is a known frontrunner in providing world-class logistics support for C5ISR systems across the Department of Defense (DoD). However, many may be unaware of the plethora of other work depot artisans perform in support of the other branches of our armed forces. Nearly 40% of the work performed daily at TYAD supports the Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and more. In the early 2010s, TYAD was contacted by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), which helps build and support America’s Fleet of ships and combat systems, about the depot’s corrosion prevention capabilities. What began as a trip to perform maintenance on three systems has grown into a successful and ever-growing partnership spanning over a decade as to this day, TYAD provides full life-cycle support for a variety of NAVSEA needs. The RAM Launcher is a ship-based defense system that helps ensure our American warriors and the nation’s most lethal fighting force remain ready, modern, and prepared. It provides rapid-response protection by intercepting and neutralizing threats like anti-ship missiles, drones, and aircrafts. By enabling swift, accurate engagement of hostile targets, the system ensures that our maritime assets can operate safely and effectively in complex environments. Early on, TYAD’s support of the RAM Launcher consisted of numerous Rapid Turnaround Program and Launcher Material Enhancement Program missions. These evolved into On-Ship Refurbishment Program missions in which depot artisans would travel to the weapon to perform quick maintenance on-site. As the relationship between the depot and NAVSEA deepened, RAM Launchers began being transported to so that more in-depth maintenance, such as working on electrical components, can be executed. TYAD has truly become a one-stop-shop for complete RAM Launcher overhaul. RAM Launcher workload at TYAD has grown so much that an entirely new blast booth was constructed on-post. The booth was co-located with the RAM Launcher assets so that they may be moved in and out of the booth with ease, saving the DoD time and money. Additionally, the booth improved the quality of the work being done as it was specially designed to offer capabilities needed to execute Navy asset refinishing, primarily its use of plastic blasting media versus the use of the rather abrasive aluminum zirconium media. The team supporting the RAM Launcher is busy, answering the call both within and outside of the continental United States to provide support to our nation’s warfighters. With just this workload alone, TYAD has a presence in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Korea in addition to the United States, ensuring that Navy Sailors across the globe have the support they need to remain ready, modern, and prepared. Whether an asset is worked on at the depot or offsite typically depends on the ships’ availability and the condition of the asset itself. Stacy Costanzo is a Lead Project Manager within TYAD’s Production Management Directorate. She lauded the Mobile Depot Maintenance (MDM) teams for their consistent quality and efficiency in the work they provide. “The MDM team’s excellent work, both on ship and in-house, has increased our workload and opportunities, positioning TYAD for continued success. Their dedication to the fleet is deeply appreciated,” said Costanzo. “The team possesses a comprehensive understanding of not just overhaul tasks, but also the essential logistical operations that are crucial to success. I’m incredibly proud to work with such a skilled and dedicated team. They are excellent representatives of our organization.” Michael McDermott is a General Equipment Mechanic Leader within TYAD’s Mission Execution Directorate. It is his role to recondition and repair RAM Launchers on ships and to remove and install on the ships as they become available within ports. He also oversees the overhaul work done on-post whilst not on travel. He said being involved in the entire sustainment lifecycle of a RAM Launcher is very fulfilling. “The most rewarding aspect of this program for me is being on the program from the beginning and seeing how the scope of work evolves,” said McDermott. “From reconditioning on the ship, to complete removals and depot level overhaul and reinstalling myself. Being a part of the whole process from cradle to grave is very gratifying.” The RAM Launcher team doesn’t do it alone, however. The workload truly is a cross-functional one as TYAD’s Quality Management directorate ensures the work is being executed to meet the Navy’s expectations, and other support shops, such as the Fabrication & Component Refinishing Division, provide their expertise on an as-needed basis. Charles Bartleson is a Logistics Management Specialist within TYAD’s Production Management Directorate. He praised the team working on RAM Launcher, citing their sense of unity and shared purpose as a key driver of success. “The RAM MDM Leads have a lot of experience and are very knowledgeable. It is very apparent when you ask them any questions about the launchers, components or how the launchers work with the ship’s systems. I feel the entire team shares the common goal of ensuring the safety of our Navy sailors and ships,” said Bartleson. “I take great pride in being part of the RAM program and look forward to the future and what that means for the program.” On top of the 13 RAM Launcher missions already scheduled for 2025, it is not uncommon for emergency missions to arise. Even on short notice, the committed workforce at TYAD rises to the occasion and will either travel to the location of the system or have it transported to the depot’s C4ISR Finishing Center so that all major assets and components may go through the refinishing process. With work being done both on-post at Tobyhanna and on the road, leadership must perform a careful balancing act to ensure all work is getting done in accordance with customer expectations. As depot artisans travel and hold a presence in shipyards across the globe, word of their quality of work has spread. The workmanship began speaking for itself and before long, TYAD began to take on the Navy’s Sea Sparrow, a ship-borne anti-missile weapon system, as well. On a Navy ship, the Sea Sparrow acts as a first line of defense, constantly scanning for incoming fire and reacting accordingly. The RAM Launcher acts as a second line of defense, and then finally, what is known as a Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) stands ready for nearby threats. Looking into the future, TYAD hopes to be able to provide support to the entire breadth of defense options found about Navy ships. Bartleson added that even in adverse conditions, the dedication of the teams ensures each mission is a success. “The RAM MDM teams contribute to the sustainment and growth of the RAM program by traveling around the United States and [the world,] working in varying conditions such as rain, snow, cold, and heat,” said Bartleson. “They keep the mission moving forward.” Stacey Taylor is a Supervisory Production Controller within TYAD’s Production Management Directorate. She said the depot’s interservice capabilities, benefit not just Tobyhanna, but our nation’s warfighters. “The Navy’s RAM workload plays a vital role in shipboard air defense, safeguarding surface warships against a range of threats such as aircraft, missiles, and small vessels. Over the past 3 years, the demand for this capability has significantly increased, making it essential to deliver these assets promptly and as scheduled,” said Taylor. “This is particularly crucial for ensuring the readiness of our warfighters now more than ever. Tobyhanna Army Depot takes immense pride in its operations and is committed to fostering strong relationships with our Navy customers.” TYAD is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the armed forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters. About 3,300 personnel are employed by Tobyhanna. While the organization’s headquarters is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, Tobyhanna’s worldwide workforce includes employees in 43 fixed locations across the globe. Tobyhanna Army Depot is part of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. Headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the command’s mission is to deliver integrated C5ISR weapon systems, business systems, and medical sustainment to enable full spectrum combat operations at the point of need.
Geisinger Joins Hospitals in Donate Life Campaign to Promote Organ Donation Each year, Geisinger Health and other hospitals across Pennsylvania participate in the Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania’s (HAP) Donate Life Hospital Campaign. This statewide initiative aims to raise awareness about the critical need for organ, tissue, and cornea donations, educating both hospital employees and the community on how they can make a life-saving difference. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration, the campaign seeks to improve organ donation practices and outcomes by encouraging individuals to register as donors. It also builds on existing partnerships between organizations, businesses, and hospitals to educate employees and the general public about the importance of donation. With thousands of people waiting for organ transplants, and 17 individuals dying each day due to the lack of available organs, the need for donors has never been greater. By participating in this campaign, we can help reduce the waiting list and provide hope for those in need of a life-saving transplant. “We are proud to partner with the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania in this vital campaign,” said [Insert Name], [Insert Title] at Geisinger. “We encourage everyone to learn more about our transplant program and consider registering as an organ, tissue, and cornea donor. Every action counts, and together we can make a significant impact.” Geisinger encourages all members of the community to visit Geisinger.org/donors to learn more about the transplant program and take the life-changing step of becoming a registered donor.
The University of Scranton’s Commencement to Feature Senior Producer of “60 Minutes” Nicole Young ’00, H’20, 16-time Emmy Award-winning senior producer for “60 Minutes,” will be the principal speaker at The University of Scranton’s 2025 undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 18. 60 Minutes Producer, Nicole Young. Photo: CBS News ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. “We are honored to have the senior producer of America’s most-watched news program return to her alma matter to share her vast knowledge and insights with our graduating class,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton. “Few television producers have achieved as much as Nicole Young. She has channeled her innate interest and skill of storytelling into compelling and acclaimed journalism with humanitarianism at its heart. Her concern for justice and passion for Jesuit education shine through in all that she does.” Growing up in Hoptacong, New Jersey, Young was impacted by news stories of famine in Ethiopia. News from across the globe, combined with an interest in international events gleaned from summers spent in Jamaica with family, led Young to pursue a career in journalism as a way to effect positive change by creating awareness of the wrongs in the world. After graduating from The University of Scranton in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in communication, Young earned a master’s degree in international journalism from City University of London. She began her career at CBS News as an intern at 19, working in Washington, D.C., London, and New York. She joined “60 Minutes” in 2004 as an assistant to correspondent Scott Pelley and became his producer a few years later. Over the years, Young has been the producer behind many of the major segments of the broadcast, which is now in its 57th season. She has earned 16 News and Documentary Emmy Awards, three Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia Awards, eight Writers Guild Awards, five Edward R. Murrow Awards, two Gerald Loeb Awards, two Sigma Delta Chi Awards, six National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Salute to Excellence Awards, a George Foster Peabody Award, a George Polk Award, an Investigative Reporters & Editors Award, a Gracie Award, a Media for Liberty Award, and a Wilbur Award. Young’s most recent “60 Minutes” assignments have taken her to cover critical global events, such as the war in Ukraine, the fall of Syria’s dictator, the devastating earthquakes in Turkey, the deadly tornadoes in Kentucky, and the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also covered social injustice, President Donald Trump, and high-profile interviews with celebrities, including Cillian Murphy. She has produced in-depth stories on Syria’s front lines, the famines in South Sudan and Yemen, and toxic electronic waste in China. Her fearless reporting includes investigations on civilian deaths due to airstrikes in Afghanistan, the gold mining conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and being on the ground after the tsunami in Japan. However, some of her most pivotal stories have focused on issues closer to home, such as job loss, poverty, homelessness and child hunger in the United States. In addition to producing stories for “60 Minutes,” Young leads special projects for the newsmagazine, including the development of the broadcast’s first free streaming channel. She also held a senior producer position at CBS Evening News, covering such major events as the Fiftieth Anniversary of the March on Washington and the historic election choice of Pope Francis in Rome. Young is a member of the University’s Board of Trustees and was awarded an honorary degree from Scranton in 2020. She resides in the New York area with her family. The University’s 2025 undergraduate commencement ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on May 18 at the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.
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.
Outreach Hosts Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast to Celebrate National Volunteer Month April is National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate and honor those who give back to their community. Volunteers are at the center of Outreach—Center for Community Resources‘ work. To show this appreciation, Outreach hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, April 4th, at the Seventh Avenue Center in Scranton. The breakfast invited those who give their valuable time and resources to the organization throughout the year to come together and be honored for their efforts. Volunteers are crucial to the success of Outreach’s programming. Volunteering opportunities include tutoring GED participants, becoming a youth mentor as part of the Skyview STEM after-school programming, sorting and wrapping gifts for Outreach’s Toyland Workshop, helping clean the grounds of the Center, and so many more opportunities and events throughout the year. If you are interested in learning more, contact Julie Chowanec at 570-558-7569 or email outreachworks@outreachworks.org Since 1988, Outreach – Center for Community Resources has served individuals and families in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The mission of Outreach is to help individuals and families attain economic self-sufficiency and family stability through evidence-based programming. Outreach has served over 30,000 individuals throughout the region in 35 years, including many living at or below the poverty line. Outreach is committed to helping move families forward towards brighter tomorrows.
Marywood Alumnus and Trustee Michael E. Bugno to Chair “Celebrate Marywood” Fundraiser Michael E. Bugno, a Marywood University alumnus and trustee, will chair Marywood University’s flagship annual fundraising event, Celebrate Marywood, on Thursday, May 1, 2025, 5:30 p.m. This vibrant event will take place outdoors in the stunning Motherhouse and Seminary Morgan Memorial Garden for a unique experience in a distinctly Marywood way. The celebration will honor Marywood former trustee Richard Kane and his wife, Erin. Dedicated community advocates, the Kanes have made remarkable contributions to Marywood and various organizations across Northeast Pennsylvania. Mr. Bugno, formerly of Clarks Summit, is an accomplished experiential marketing and strategic global events leader, with more than 20 years of planning and executing successful corporate trade shows and events for mid-sized and Fortune 150 companies. Presently, he is the Vice President, Enterprise Experiential Marketing, for Fiserv, based in New York, N.Y. Prior to Fiserv, Mr. Bugno held a number of leadership positions at Lectra, Food Network, and Comedy Central. He began his career at Walt Disney World, where he was involved in College & International Marketing and Recruiting. Mr. Bugno graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in theatre arts administration in 1998, and he has had a longstanding relationship with the university ever since. He received the Marywood Alumni Association Recent Graduate Award in 2004 and served as a Marywood University trustee from 2006-2015. In 2019, he again joined Marywood’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Bugno has co-chaired and/or worked on sponsorships for the Annual Community Leadership Celebration, now reimagined as Celebrate Marywood, since its inception in 2014. Celebrate Marywood is the University’s signature fundraiser, providing special support to Marywood students and honoring individuals in the community who exemplify Marywood’s core values in leadership and service to others. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit needed campus improvements. To join Marywood University in honoring Richard and Erin Kane, at Celebrate Marywood on May 1, please visit marywood.edu/celebratemarywood for ticket and sponsorship information, or call (570) 348-6238.
