University of Scranton Online Programs Ranked Among Nation’s Best

U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 “Best Online Graduate Programs” ranked The University of Scranton’s online master’s degree programs in business (excluding MBA) at No. 52 and its online MBA program at No. 120 in the nation.

This is the 13th consecutive year that U.S. News ranked the University’s online programs among the best in the nation. The methodology used by U.S. News to determine the ranking has changed several times throughout the years.

For the 2024 Best Online Programs ranking, which published Feb. 7, U.S. News reviewed statistical information submitted by schools. The ranking criteria differed by category. The criteria used by U.S. News to rank online business and MBA programs included student engagement (30 percent), which looked at graduation rates, class size, one-year retention rates, and best practices such as accreditation by AACSB International, among other factors. The ranking criteria also included peer reputation score (25 percent); faculty credentials and training (15 percent); student excellence (15 percent); and student services and technology (15 percent).

Scranton offers online MBA degrees in accounting, business analytics, enterprise resource planning, finance, healthcare management, human resources management, international business and operations management; master’s degrees in accountancy, applied behavior analysis, business analytics, cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity, finance, health administration, health informatics, human resources management,  dual MBA/MHA degree and speech-language pathology, in addition to graduate certificates. For technology, recruitment and marketing support, the University partners with Wiley for some of the online programs.

In other U.S. News publications, Scranton has been ranked among the top 10 “Best Regional Universities in the North” for 30 consecutive years. U.S. News ranked Scranton No. 5 among regional universities in the north in its 2024 guidebook and No. 8 for “Best Undergraduate Teaching,” a selection of the top colleges in the nation that express a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.

Student Powers Up Wright Center’s Energy-saving Efforts

Rachel Huxhold arrived at The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre Practice in early 2024 for a checkup of sorts, but her interest wasn’t in seeing a doctor.

Instead, she wanted to peer into the building’s maintenance closets and closed-door spaces where water heaters, heating/cooling units, and other devices work to keep the clinic functioning and comfortable – and consume energy.

Her aim: Uncover waste and promote conservation.

Huxhold, 30, is a student at the Harvard Extension School, pursuing a master’s degree in sustainability. She chose The Wright Center as the focus of her capstone project, offering to serve for free as a student consultant and develop a sustainability action plan that she intends to give to the nonprofit’s leadership team in April.

The plan, which she describes as “a road map or reference guide,” will recommend energy-saving strategies that can be implemented immediately, Huxhold said. The plan also will identify future opportunities for The Wright Center’s team to consider as it “thinks through how to operate more sustainably” and possibly looks to renewable energy alternatives.

“Energy usage is the main area we’re tackling,” explained Huxhold. “But I’m also looking at waste and water activity, how folks are using the building – really, a myriad of ways to be more environmentally conscious.”

The Wright Center demonstrated its growing commitment to sustainability in early 2023 when it hired Covington Township resident John Slater as its first environmental, social, and governance (ESG) specialist.

“The sustainability plan that Rachel prepares for us will have a tailored set of recommendations,” said Slater, who noted the project’s timing is ideal. Not only is it expected to be completed just as The Wright Center compiles its top ESG priorities (and metrics by which to measure them), but it also is unfolding as the government offers incentives to nonprofits through the Inflation Reduction Act and other legislation to make the transition to clean energy.

“The plan will be actionable for us because there are so many energy-conserving things out there to do,” Slater said.

The Wright Center’s leaders will be able to review the report’s suggestions this spring, then potentially make changes and start saving money that can be reinvested in patient care and services. But beyond lowering utility bills, there are likely to be other benefits. Chief among them is the ability of the health center to withstand severe weather events so that it can fulfill its role as an essential community provider and serve low-income patients of all ages even in challenging circumstances.

“It’s about resiliency,” said Huxhold. “As climate change progresses and we have stronger heat waves, more severe storms, things like that, there are definitely benefits to making sure the facilities are able to perform the functions that they need to in all kinds of more extreme conditions.”

For The Wright Center, there also can be a reputational benefit to being a sustainability leader among community health centers. As word spreads, its emphasis on conservation and climate awareness could serve as a drawing card for job seekers who prefer “green” organizations over those that seemingly remain ambivalent about the planet’s problems.

‘The perfect marriage’

To perform an energy audit of The Wright Center’s facilities, Huxhold first looked at the paper records, including utility bills and written descriptions of its building management systems. Then, she followed up with fieldwork.

Huxhold, a resident of Boston, Massachusetts, visited Northeast Pennsylvania in mid-January, touring the Mid Valley Practice in Jermyn and the Wilkes-Barre Practice. The two buildings are owned, not leased, by the organization, potentially allowing for recommended energy-conserving steps to be followed more easily and quickly.

Dennis Hand, director of facilities management, Michael Sobolewski, maintenance worker, and Slater accompanied the student consultant as she eyeballed the buildings’ heating/cooling systems, water heaters, and other equipment.

She peered over IT gadgets and looked at light fixtures. She checked for drafty doors and windows. She noted facility conditions (later commending The Wright Center for its upkeep) and asked plenty of questions of employees who use the buildings.

“We got a lot of positive feedback just walking around and telling folks what we were looking for,” said Huxhold, who is credentialed as a certified energy manager and a LEED green associate. “It felt as if everyone really saw the value and was excited about this type of work.”

At the outset of her capstone project, Huxhold had contacted the National Association of Community Health Centers in Bethesda, Maryland, asking for its guidance on narrowing the choices of potential project partners.

“The Wright Center was the first group they mentioned,” she said. “They explained that ESG work was an emergent priority for The Wright Center, and it wants to be a leader in the health care space for climate action. It seemed like the perfect marriage.”

Feeling the heat

Federal officials urge health care organizations to connect the dots between the environment and health. In 2021, the Biden administration established the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity to examine how the environment impacts Americans’ health and to ramp up protection for people, “especially those experiencing a higher share of exposures and impacts,” according to the newly established office.

As part of the initiative, health centers, hospitals, and related groups nationwide are signing on to the Health Sector Climate Pledge, a voluntary commitment to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The Wright Center will likely have a major opportunity to weave energy efficiency into its operations as it works to complete Phase III of the repurposing of its Wilkes-Barre site. Slater believes the health center will increasingly be able to highlight its actions, serving as an example and sharing lessons with patients and the broader community about conservation and the connection between climate and public health.

“A lot of people don’t think Pennsylvania is being impacted because they’re not seeing the large-scale weather disasters locally, all the damage,” Slater said.

But he frequently reminds people to think about the state’s recent string of relatively mild winters, last year’s wildfire-induced smoky air, and an increasing number of high heat index days (above 90 degrees) each summer. “Even though we’re not in an area that is feeling the impact excessively, like a New Orleans or a Miami,” said Slater, “it’s still something that is slowly showing its stripes.”

Marywood University Announces Area Students Named to Fall 2023 Dean’s List

Marywood University announces the area students named to the Fall 2023 Dean’s List from each of its colleges, including the College of Health, Human Services, and the Sciences and the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies.

Undergraduate students who earn a semester GPA of 3.50-4.00 on 12 or more graded credits merit this academic honor. Students who believe they may have been omitted from this list in error should contact the Dean of their respective college.

Area students named to the Dean’s List from the College of Health, Human Services, and the Sciences as declared by Dean Shelby W. Yeager, M.Ed., LAT, ATC, CSCS, include:

Joanna Aguirre, Wilkes Barre; Katelyn Ainey, Jessup; Kathryn Albitz, Tobyhanna; Julia Allabaugh, Bear Crk Twp; Reese Allen, New Milford; Michael Antoniacci, Moosic; Paul Appolt, Scranton; Cassidy Asinski, Waymart; Ava Aulisio, Old Forge; Rachel Beidler, Scranton; Madison Bialy, Dickson City; Megan Bidwell, Honesdale; Seth Blakiewicz, S Abingtn Twp; Alyssa Bollard, Kingsley; Vanessa Bompane, E Stroudsburg; Karli Boyer, Pine Grove; Margaret Breznay, Pittston Township; Bridgette Brown, Moosic; Halle Bryk, Pittston; Emma Budnovitch, Roaring Brook Twp; Noah Budnovitch, Roaring Brook Twp; Branielle Butwin, Harding; Juan Cardenas, Jessup; Joseph Cardillo, Dunmore; Allyson Carpenter, Scranton; Jessica Carpenter, Scranton; Mackenzie Carr, Greentown; Emily Ceccacci, Madison Twp; Izabella Chmil, Scott Twp; Samantha Christian, Pittston; Corey Cicci, Scranton; Bailey Cinamella, Covington Twp; Jonah Cogliette, Dunmore; Ryan Coleman, Archbald; Jenna Collins, Duryea; Laci Connor, Archbald; Lily Connor, Roaring Bk Tp; Michael Cost, Scranton; Seth Croll, Milford; Francheliz De Jesus Correa, Carbondale; Skylar Dearie, Carbondale; Morgan Decker, Avoca; Makayla Decker, Avoca; Nichol Denison, Clarks Summit; Molly Devine, Scranton; Katelyn Diaz, Montrose; Talia Donati, Wyoming; Todd Dotter, Thornhurst; Madison Doyle, Throop; Gabrielle Eldridge, Nanticoke; Eduardo Escobar, Harding; Myia Evans, Elmhurst Twp; Destiny Farmer, Blakely; Mackenzie Ferry, Pocono Pines; Noah Fontanella, Archbald; Chloe Fosko, Tunkhannock; Madelyn Franceski, Vandling; Brandon Freedman, Fleetwood; Skylar Gagnon, E Stroudsburg; Josie Galella, Tunkhannock; Amber- Ann Garcia, Scranton; Page Gittens, Tamaqua; Gianna Giumento, Throop; Ryan Glatzel, New Milford; Autumn Goonan, Dickson City; Emma Graham, Bethany; Priscilla Grill, Scranton; Sadie Grochal, Shavertown; Amanda Gross, Moscow; Zohal Gul Mohammad, Scranton; Haley Hallman, Blandon; Mara Hamm, S. Abington Township; Courtney Hammond, Birdsboro; Natasya Handijaya, Scranton; Kortney Harry, Noxen; Shawna Hauck, Hamburg; Caleah Hawley, Eynon; Lauren Hegedus, Scranton; Michaela Henderson, Olyphant; Stephanie Hicks, Throop; Sierra Holbert, Stroudsburg; Marilyn Hoskins, Moosic; Anna Howey, Jessup; Ashley Hrywnak, Spring Brook; Kaylee Hysock, Shenandoah; Katelyn Ingrassia, Mount Pocono; Abbey Jackson, Olyphant; Aiyanna Jean, Cresco; Kylee Jezorwski, Dunmore; Justice Johnson, Laceyville; Dariane Jones, Factoryville; Sarah Kagan, Hanover Twp; Tristen Kalt, Jermyn; Daelyn Karboski, Olyphant; Emma Kobylanski, Olyphant; Carissa Kopenis, Hanover Twp; Noel Korkuti, Clarks Summit; Morgan Koutch, Ashland; Kayla Kristopaitis, New Boston; Matthew Laboranti, Peckville; Jeffrey Lake, Clarks Summit; Morgan Langan, Clarks Summit; Athena Legates, Thompson; Grace Lehman, White Haven; Kristen Lello, Avoca; Kaylyn Lewis, Hallstead; Natalia Lic, E Stroudsburg; Anna Liuzzo, Mayfield; Emmanuel Lomax, Bushkill; Jasmine Loury, Scranton; Brian Lynott, Clarks Summit; Kathleen Magda, Wilkes Barre; Nicholas Mancuso, Old Forge; Alyssa Marion, Peckville; Juliauna Mason, Mountain Top; Elizabeth Mathias, Wyoming; Morgan Mayne, Eynon; Digne Mbinga, Scranton; Sara McCormack, Scranton; Wriley McDonald, S Abingtn Twp; Willow McDonald, S Abingtn Twp; Grace McDonald, Avoca; Jordyn McDonough, Spring Brook Township; Abby Megotz, Scranton; Mason Mendygral, Kingston; Brett Miller, Scranton; Madison Miller, Clifford Township; Alayna Miller, Shavertown; Skylar Milovcevich, Dingmans Fry; Samantha Mitchell, Lakeville; Lizbeth Moctezuma, Scranton; Emily Mondak, Peckville; Christina Monroe, Olyphant; Journey Moran, Kingston; Matthew Morgan, Archbald; Madison Mower, Roaring Brook Twp; Alyvia Mroczka, Mayfield; Grace Murtagh, Olyphant; Fajrun Najih, Scranton; Rebecca Navin, Kingston; Bethany Newell, Mountain Top; Kaitlynn Nichols, Scott Twp; Nicholas Notari, S Abingtn Twp; Lauryn Notari, S Abingtn Twp; Abbie O’Brien, Scranton; Celeste Orchard, Lake Ariel; Kateri Ostraszewski, Wapwallopen; Rebecca Ottensman, Nanticoke; Alexis Overholtz, Dunmore; Nadia Palevac, Peckville; Victoria Para, Pittston; Isabella Parise, Jessup; Megha Patel, Dunmore; Sarah Pavlovicz, Scranton; Allison Pavlowski, Dickson City; Nicole Piccoletti, Pittston Twp; Caitlyn Posdon, Hawley; Jack Rafferty, Scranton; Jessica Raharjo, Scranton; Connor Rasimovich, Scranton; Brandon Reed, Taylor; Matthew Richards, Dallas; Camille Rillstone, Ransom Twp; Emily Rinaldi, Duryea; Natalie Rinaldi, Tobyhanna; Kasondra Robinson, Tobyhanna; Bernard Roedel, Lake Ariel; Tatiana Roldan, Milford; Aaliyah Rosado, Scranton; Jordan Rosenberg, Gilbert; Samuel Rosetti, Archbald; Nikki Rosiak, Taylor; Nicholas Ruiz, Wyomissing; Breanna Sanon, Cresco; Gracie Secor, Avoca; Olivia Sellers, Wyoming; Taylor Seprosky, Archbald; Kelsey Sholtis, Larksville; Carl Shygelski, Taylor; Mary Siracuse, Jessup; Bennett Sisto, Peckville; Riley Skelton, Honesdale; Gianna Snell, Jermyn; Thomas Spall, Greenfild Twp; Lillie Spencer, Hunlock Creek; Abigail Stalter, Jermyn; Merison Stecik, Taylor; Megan Stledger, Jessup; Kacie Szczech, Dickson City; Oliwia Szumniak, Pocono Manor; Cataldo Talutto, Scranton; Vicky Tang, Scranton; Danyelle Tech, Dunmore; George Thompson, Montrose; Alyssa Tkacz, South Abington Township; Jaeanna Topa, Scranton; Courtney Toroni, Peckville; Marie Traverse, Milford; Alexis Turner, Clifford Twp; Emily Umlah, Hanover Twp; Delaney Valinski, Waymart; Meghan Van Wert, S Abingtn Twp; Jasmin Veloz, Bushkill; Anthony Viscomi, Scranton; Katie Ward, Glen Lyon; Rebecca Webb, Shoemakersvle; Khya Webb, Scranton; Cian Wescott, Scranton; Bailey White, S Abingtn Twp; Shaskia Wibowo, Scranton; Samantha Wilson, Dickson City; Madeline Wittig, Frackville; Chloe Wolfe, Prompton; Lauren Youngken, E Stroudsburg; Katelyn Yurkavage, Old Forge; Aleena Zahradnik, Archbald; Leah Zambetti, Yatesville; and Michael Zuzzio, Archbald. 

Area students named to the Dean’s List from the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies as declared by Dean James J. Sullivan, M.ARCH, RA, AIA, include:

Emma Adamchak, Swoyersville; Elizabeth Adams, Brackney; Madeline Adams, Brackney; Annabel Adams, Brackney; Mariah Addis, Peckville; Hanna Adonizio, S Abington Twp; Rye Ahronson, Scranton; Kaelin Alicea, Saylorsburg; Tatiana Amaral, Roaring Brook Township; Alex Amorine, Lake Ariel; Adam Anderson, Berwick; Lucia Anewalt, Bernville; Olivia Arcuri, S Abington Twp; Nathaniel Armstrong, Clarks Summit; Andrew Babinski, Scranton; Zoe Badner, Greentown; Danielle Banfield, Pocono Lake; Matthew Barletta, Scranton; Colton Barrett, Dunmore; Jake Barrett, Peckville; Gavin Beck, Moosic; Daniel Becker, Honesdale; Bria Beggin, Jessup; Allison Beidler, Scranton; Chase Benjamin, Archbald; William Berlew, Courtdale; Jaelynn Berry, Blakely; Mia Blume, Dunmore; Marlena Bompane, E Stroudsburg; Mia Bonavoglia, Scranton; Vincent Bonavoglia, Scranton; Abigail Bonczek, Clarks Summit; Logan Bowling, Luzerne; Esmeralda Brito Romero, West Hazleton; Jocelyn Brotzman, White Haven; Joseph Brown, Dunmore; Julie Bryan, Lake Ariel; Caitlyn Burdick, Waymart; Brennan Burnside, Scranton; Joel Cali, Old Forge; Bryan Cano, Scranton; Ashley Capone, Scranton; Lucca Cerminaro, Fell Township; Carter Cerretani, Clarks Summit; Emily Chamberlain, Luzerne; Sephora Charlot, Scranton; Phoebe Cheesman, Dalton; Alex Chickson, West Pittston; Beatrice Chindemi, Archbald; Maya Chorba, Peckville; Maxwell Christian, Scranton; Thomas Ciccotti, Scranton; Maria Cicerini, Jefferson Twp; Vito Ciullo, Scranton; Olivia Ciullo, Dunmore; Lauren Clancy, Clifford Twp; Jade Clarke, Scranton; Caroline Coar, Dunmore; Anna Coar, Honesdale; Isabella Coleman, Factoryville; Brianna Conniff, Archbald; Gavin Connor, Carbondale; McKenzie Connor, Childs; Courtney Connors, Old Forge; Christopher Conserette, Peckville; Chloe Conway, S Abingtn Twp; Makyla Cordaro, Scranton; Ariel Corrigan-Mills, Scranton; Daniele Cragle, Old Forge; Leah Crawley, Gouldsboro; Shannon Croll, Milford; Nickolas Curtis, Waymart; Francesco Danza, Nanticoke; Mardan Daurilas, East Stroudsburg; Matthew Davis, Saylorsburg; Thomas Day, Moosic; Joel Decarli, Archbald; Delayne Depietro, Archbald; Tehya Dietrich, Carbondale; Jacob Dolinish, Scranton; Macrina Dolinish, Old Forge; Cali Domin, Jefferson Twp; Collin Dougherty, Shavertown; Kyle Driscoll, Roaring Bk Tp; Molly Driscoll, Roaring Bk Tp; Emily Duris, Monroe Twp; Ryan Evans, Dalton; Kayleigh Evans, Taylor; Jayden Evans, Olyphant; Madison Evans, Cressona; Emma Eynon, Dunmore; Ellen Fago, Hawley; Emily Fairchild, Wyoming; Jaden Fedorchak, Carbondale; Zander Feist, Nescopeck; Elaine Felipe Olivares, Scranton; Rhonda Fenkner, Moscow; Dominique Ferraro, Jessup; Alyssa Ferrence, West Pittston; Avery Fiorillo, Clarks Summit; Bridgette Flannery, Lake Ariel; Alison Fortuner, Carbondale; Jolie Fraggetta, Milford; Carleigh Galliford, Lake Ariel; Estrella Galvan, Scranton; Abagaile Gerba, Scotrun; Elizabeth Gething, Old Forge; Riley Gibbons, Eynon; Kaitlyn Gingerlowski, Scranton; Maxim Gingo, Shavertown; David Girman, Dupont; Josh Godlewski, Taylor; Frank Golden, Dunmore; Daniel Gomez, Scranton; Dominique Gomez Juarez, Scranton; Nicholas Gowarty, Scranton; Angelina Goyne, Shavertown; Alyssa Green, Nescopeck; Kelsey Green, Nescopeck; Quintin Grosvenor, Kingsley; Marissa Gubitoso, Pittston; Madison Guelho, Stroudsburg; Mason Gumble, Tafton; Destiny Hallock, Throop; Charles Hamm, Waverly Twp; Shawna Heckman, Old Forge; Shannon Henry, Lake Ariel; Hunter Hildebrand, Waverly Twp; Jocelyn Hittle, Morgantown; Zachary Houston, Exeter; Ava Howells, Douglassville; Samantha Howey, Honesdale; Colby Hughes, Scranton; Corey Iyoob, Jessup; Emily James, Hanover Twp; Joseph Jara, Lake Ariel; Lindsey Jason, Olyphant; Gabriel Jenceleski, Nanticoke; Kyle Jenkins, Scranton; Matthew Jesse, Dallas; Cameron Johnson, Newfoundland; Alice Jones, Olyphant; Bo Judson, S Abingtn Twp; Delaney Kaeb, N Abingtn Twp; Olivia Kaschak, Archbald; Cole Kauffman, W Abingtn Twp; Aiden Kelly, Fell Township; Megan Kielar, Carbondale; Danielle Kintzer, Mohnton; Karyn Klocko, Honesdale; Eleanor Kloss, Sprng Brk Twp; Michael Kobierecki, Dickson City; Jennifer Kobylanski, Dickson City; Brianna Kohut, Jessup; Esther Korkuti, Clarks Summit; Owen Kotchessa, Lake Ariel; Elsa Kovatch, Archbald; Rachel Kranick, Scranton; Diane Kraus, Covington Twp; Kaylee Kresge, Clarks Summit; Matthew Kubasti, Hunlock Creek; Sara Labar, Scranton; Cydney Lahr, Herndon; Connor Laity, Lake Ariel; Alivia Lawless, S Abingtn Twp; Madelyn Lee, Douglassville; Thomas Lee, Scranton; Mercedes Lee, Noxen; Giorgena Lema Sumba, Scranton; Sage Lesh, Scranton; Jodi Lowthert, Long Pond; James Lucia, Covington Twp; Tristan Luczak, Hanover Twp; Isabella Luongo, Old Forge; Kathleen Lynott, N Scranton; Kamdin Maby, Susquehanna; Connor Madsen, Matamoras; Jaylene Maisonet, Tobyhanna; Vanessa Mancuso, Olyphant; Aubrey Mangan, Scranton; Marissa Manza, E Stroudsburg; Lydia Marotti, West Pittston; James Marsh, Duryea; Nelly Martinez, Scranton; Jade Marzolino, Scranton; Jayden Matute, Scranton; Alexandra Matyjevich, Sprng Brk Twp; Noah Mauro, Carbondale; Danielle May, Madison Twp; Jack McCabe, Old Forge; Coleman McCain, Great Bend; Michael McCann, Dallas; Allison McDermott, Lake Ariel; Danilo McDonough, Scranton; Ann Marie McGrogan, Hazleton; Nathan McLane, Scranton; Emma McNally, Olyphant; Isaiah Meals, Fleetwood; Nicholas Mecca, Dunmore; Kirsten Melton, Scranton; Giavana Mercatili, Archbald; Jennifer Mercereau, Greentown; Marina Miesko, Sprng Brk Twp; Mary Miles, Carbondale; Thomas Milewski, Jefferson Twp; Jillian Mooney, Dunmore; Kevin Morales, Scranton; Nolla Morawiec, E Stroudsburg; Macey Morcom, Moscow; Paige Morgan, Olyphant; Owen Morgan, Jermyn; Riley Mulherin, S Abingtn Twp; Connor Mulhern, Duryea; Lily Mulligan, Scranton; Alexandra Murphy, Orwigsburg; Jacob Muth, E Stroudsburg; Yamile Nader, Beaver Mdws; Maggie Nagle, Forest City; Donia Nazmy, Wilkes Barre; Joshua Neary, E Stroudsburg; Maurice Nicholas, Scranton; Rebecca Nieto, Hawley; Marissa Nowak, Exeter; Jessica Nowakowski, Duryea; Lauren O’Brien, Pittston; Alexandria O’Halloran, Jessup; Thomas O’Keefe, Milford; Emily Orlando, Scranton; Nick Oruska, Montrose; Cecelia Otis, Olyphant; Caitlin Pagnotti, Scranton; Jake Pajalich, Avoca; Karen Pan, Stroudsburg; Polina Pastushenko, Scranton; Manshi Patel, Scranton; Megan Pavlowski, Dunmore; Casey Penzone, Jermyn; Chloe Perko, Bear Creek; Ava Perrins, Throop; Kailee Perry, Carbondale; Julia Pesotine, Hughestown; Kinsey Petcavage, Dalton; Logan Pfaff, Scranton; Matthew Pfohl, Scranton; Thi Ai Lien Phung, Scranton; Derek Plata, Scranton; Angel Popko, Dickson City; Victoria Potoski, Throop; Chloe Pugh, Mountain Top; Malori Rachko, Jefferson Twp; Emily Raffaele, E Stroudsburg; Joshua Ramos, Mahanoy City; Ashley Reddock, Eynon; Elyse Rehder, Clarks Summit; Robert Reilley, Wilkes-Barre; Fiona Reinhard, Kunkletown; Elizabeth Rembecki, South Abington Township; Anna Rinehimer, Nescopeck; Ayana Rivera, S Abingtn Twp; Emilee Paige Robinson, S Abingtn Twp; Brittnie Rodriguez, Scranton; Madelynn Ross, Wyoming; Elizabeth Rothwell, Factoryville; Emily Rowe, Forty Fort; Ashley Rusinko, Tunkhannock; Ashley Rusinko, Tunkhannock; John Russo, Milford; Joseph Sanfilippo, Wyoming; Abigail Sankus, Wilkes Barre; Sarah Sassi, Newfoundland; Autumn Savitski, Shavertown; Daniel Sayre, Tunkhannock; Brielle Scheland, Old Forge; Santo Schiavone, Clarks Summit; Marissa Schuler, Harveys Lake; Aleah Schulte, Dunmore; Lia Schwenk, Dunmore; Savannah Shannon, Gilbert; Daniel Shannon, Tunkhannock; Alexander Shields, Scott Twp; Jada Siino, Newfoundland; Haylee Sileo, Dunmore; Gradon Silva, Sprng Brk Twp; Nadia Slish, Lake Ariel; Kevin Slywka, Moscow; Andrew Smith, Archbald; Matthew Smith, Old Forge; Olivia Smith, Archbald; Gabrielle Snee, Olyphant; Todd Snyder, Meshoppen; Alexandra Solimine, Lake Ariel; Nevaeh Sorensen, Scott Township; Grace Spisso, Taylor; Eric Spivak, Scranton; Ashley Stefanac, Dunmore; Kailey Stevenson, Montrose; Italia Storey, Scranton; Andrew Straka, Peckville; Jakub Stromko, Tobyhanna; Ryan Strony, Dickson City; Ruiwen Su, Dunmore; Antonia Summa, Dunmore; Jessica Sunar, Scranton; Natalie Sweeney, Jessup; Jonelle Symonies, Carbondale; Alexandra Taffera, Moscow; Kevin Talley, Lake Ariel; Carissa Tallo, Dunmore; Emily Tansley, Scranton; Trevor Thomas, S Abingtn Twp; Hunter Thomas, New Milford; Samantha Thomas, Factoryville; Caryn Thompson, Scranton; Gabrielle Troch, Newfoundland; Brianna Trutt, Lake Ariel; Kaylee Urso, Old Forge; Robert Van Brunt, Covington Twp; Nicola Veniamin, Waverly Township; Levi Vick, Wapwallopen; Nick Vilogi-Slayton, Jessup; Elizabeth Vito, Dupont; Lilly Vito, Dupont; Jillian Vito, Dupont; Larissa Waite, Henryville; Julia Walsh, Scranton; John Walsh, Clarks Green; Mira Walsh, Scranton; Lauren Walsh, Jessup; Justine Walters, Roaring Bk Tp; Natasha Walton, Moscow; Kenneth Ward, Scranton; Brendan Weber, Shillington; Victoria Weber, S Sterling; Benjamin Werle, Meshoppen; Emma Wesley, Wilkes Barre; Kevin Whitaker, S Abingtn Twp; Colby White, Jermyn; Benjamin Williams, Honesdale; Abigail Wilson, Scranton; Zachary Witte, Lakeville; Sean Wolfe, Nanticoke; Claire Wood, Montrose; Molly Yatchyshyn, Bernville; Kyra Yergey, Fleetwood; Maggie Yerkes, Milanville; Julia Zadzura, Archbald; Rachel Zarubski, Dunmore; Jenna Zerilli, Effort; and Anna Zuby, Peckville.

Johnson College to Host Boy Scouts’ 25th Annual Merit Badge College

Johnson College announced it will host over 150 Scouts during the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council, Boy Scouts of America 25th annual Merit Badge College on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on its Scranton campus.

Merit Badge College is a special advancement program available to all Northeastern Pennsylvania Scouts holding a rank of 1st class or above. Through the pre-registration process, scouts enrolled in one to four courses from a slate of over 30 different Merit Badge offerings, such as Automotive Maintenance, Electronics, Chemistry, Welding, Digital Technology, Woodwork, Citizenship, Business, Metalwork, and many more. The classes vary from 1 to 6 hours in length. They are facilitated by volunteers from Johnson College’s faculty, staff, and Boy Scout Leaders selected based on being accomplished professionals or experts in the specific field.  

Merit Badges are earned by Scouts only through the completion of designated prerequisites, active participation, and demonstrated knowledge of the specific material. This event helps Scouts gain understanding and make progress in their Scouting advancement. It also affords opportunities to meet other Scouts and adults throughout the area and get a real taste of a collegiate atmosphere.    

The Dime Bank Promotes Stacy Gager

The Dime Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich announced the promotion of Stacy Gager to Vice President, Deposit Operations Manager.

Stacy Gager joined The Dime Bank in 2006. During her 18-year career at The Dime Bank, she advanced through the deposit operations department. She began her career as a customer information file clerk and progressed to deposit operations specialist and then to the supervisor of the department. In 2019, Gager was promoted to Assistant Vice President, Deposit Operations Supervisor. With this latest promotion to Vice President, Gager is responsible for managing the deposit operations department.

Stacy Gager is a current board member of the Wayne County Public Library in Honesdale. Throughout her career, Gager has continued her education graduating with several banking diplomas and certificates in her field.

Peter Bochnovich stated, “Please join me in congratulating Stacy on being promoted to Vice President of Deposit Operations. Stacy was a member of the first Emerging Leaders program here at The Dime Bank and is an honors graduate of the Pennsylvania Bankers’ School of Banking. She is known for her intelligence, dedication, and valuable contributions to The Dime Bank’s management team. As she takes on her new role, we are certain that we will see nothing but achievements and positive contributions to the bank in the days ahead.”

America250PA Announces Semiquincentennial Bell at the Hawley Silk Mill

The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA), in partnership with Settlers Hospitality, announced today that it will place a bronze, permanent Semiquincentennial Bell at the Hawley Silk Mill later in the Fall of 2024, in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

America250PA staff; Settlers Hospitality founders, the Genzlinger family; and special guests, including Congressman Matt Cartwright, Drew Popish from the Office of Governor Josh Shapiro, PA State Senator Lisa Baker, PA State Representative Joseph Adams, and Wayne County Commissioner James Shook, attended the announcement today in celebration of the upcoming bell installation later this year.

“The America250PA Semiquincentennial Bells will lift up the stories of communities that have been untold or not widely known yet shaped the history here in the Commonwealth,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. “America250PA is so excited to be dedicating its second Semiquincentennial Bell at the Hawley Silk Mill this fall to highlight the remarkable work of the individuals—immigrants, primarily women—who helped forge this great nation during the Industrial Revolution right here in Pennsylvania.”

Justin Genzlinger, CEO/Owner of Settlers Hospitality—the presenting sponsor of the Semiquincentennial Bell—shared his thoughts on the importance of the bell: “The Semiquincentennial Bell at the site of the Hawley Silk Mill will herald the story of immigrant labor that helped fuel the Industrial Revolution,” he said. “We’re proud to honor their place in history and preserve that legacy for their descendants who continue to call this community home. We look forward to this becoming another important destination along Pennsylvania’s Route 6 that will enrich the cultural experience for residents and visitors to the Pocono Mountains Lake Region.”

The Semiquincentennial Bell will include an inscription reading, “In the fabric of the 19th century, immigrant women and children were essential threads to the industrial economy as they worked in silk mills and factories like this one. Their descendants remain here.”

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hawley Silk Mill, located in the scenic Pocono Mountains, has been a vital part of the region since 1880. Originally known as the Bellemonte Silk Mill, this beautiful landmark is still preserved today through the generous support of The Settlers Hospitality Group and includes two additional properties, the Cocoon Coffeehouse and Bakery, originally constructed for silk storage, and the J.S. O’Connor American Rich Cut Glassware Factory (now Ledges Hotel), a technological marvel of its time as one of the first in the nation to be powered by water and lit by electricity generated from its own electrical plant. Both are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Hawley Silk Mill is architecturally as impressive today as it was in 1880, constructed by hand with primarily immigrant labor in the High Victorian Gothic style, and believed to be the largest Bluestone building in the world. It also remains a symbol of the entrepreneurial spirit, grit and determination of the early settlers and immigrants, primarily young women, whose hard work ushered in the Industrial Revolution. This region is well known as the beginning of the labor movement, which included championing safer working conditions, child labor laws, and mandatory public education. The young female immigrants employed at the Hawley Silk Mill played a significant role in shaping the workplace safety and benefits that we all enjoy today.

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson will design the Semiquincentennial Bell site at the Hawley Silk Mill campus. The Wilkes-Barre, PA, based firm was the architect for the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia and designed the plan to repurpose the Hawley Silk Mill into the vibrant lifestyle center that it is today.

For more information about America250PA and the Semiquincentennial Bell project, visit: https://america250pa.org/.

For more information about the Settlers Hospitality, visit: https://settlershospitality.com/.

For more information about the Hawley Silk Mill, visit: https://hawleysilkmill.com/.

Alumnus and Trustee to Chair Marywood’s Community Leadership Celebration

Michael E. Bugno, a Marywood University alumnus and trustee, will chair Marywood University’s 11th Annual Community Leadership Celebration on Thursday, May 2, 2024, 5:30 p.m., at the Center for Athletics and Wellness on the University’s campus. The event will honor community leader and Marywood alumna Mary Ellen McDonough, with a special spotlight on retiring Marywood president, Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D.

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, at 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 (CLC) since its inception in 2014.

The CLC is Marywood’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 campus improvements as part of the EMPOWER Campaign.

To join Marywood University in honoring Mary Ellen McDonough and in recognizing Sister Mary Persico, IHM, at the 11th Annual Community Leadership Celebration on May 2, please visit marywood.edu/clc for ticket and sponsorship information, or call (570) 348-6238.