University of Scranton Names New Vice President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, announced that Lauren S. Rivera, J.D., M.Ed., has been named Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Scranton, effective May 1, 2023. Dean Rivera had been serving as interim vice president for student life and dean of students at Scranton. She will continue to serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet. “Since joining the University community in 2009, Lauren has made an impact across all areas of student life. Personally, I marvel at the depth of her commitment to cura personalis, always working to ensure the best possible experience for our students,” said Father Marina in the campus announcement about Dean Rivera’s new position. “Lauren has been instrumental in many successful Student Life programs and projects, including Resilient Royals, which supports first-year students in their transition to college, and the Fail Forward Panel, a program started in 2019, in which speakers share stories of resilience and navigating struggle. She has displayed a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice and strives to foster a campus community where students of all identities can thrive.” The Division of Student Life includes the Center for Career Development, the Center for Student Engagement, the Cultural Centers (Multicultural Center and Jane Kopas Women’s Center), the Center for Health Education and Wellness, the Counseling Center, Student Conduct and Assessment, Student Health Services, Student Government, Residence Life and University Police. Dean Rivera joined The University of Scranton community in 2009 as director of student conduct and assessment. In 2015, she was named assistant vice president for student formation and campus life (later student life) and dean of students. Under her leadership, the University expanded student support for issues such as wellness, grief, transition and social challenges. The University launched THR1VE, an initiative that supports first-generation students. In 2022, Scranton was named a First-Gen Forward institution. Colleges selected to the First-gen Forward program receive professional development, community-building experiences and have access to research and other resources.Dean Rivera also supported the development of ROCK (Royals of Color Kickoff) and shepherded the completion of the expanded Multicultural Center. Recently, she announced a reorganization in Student Life, to integrate better the various functions that support student health and wellness and to advance the University’s campus-wide plan for diversity, equity and inclusion. Dean Rivera is active in student life professional associations. She has presented at national conferences and authored a chapter in the 2019 book “Keep Calm and Call the Students: A Guide to Understanding the Many Faces of the Dean of Students’ Role.” Dean Rivera earned her bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University and helped to develop a joint-degree program in law and education at Pennsylvania State University, where she earned her master’s of education and juris doctorate degrees.
The Honesdale National Bank Makes Contribution to Susquehanna Community School District Pictured (L to R): Mr. Robert Goodrich, Michelle Kowalewski, Commercial Loan Officer, HNB; Skylar Groover, Hallstead Branch Supervisor, HNB along with students of the Susquehanna Community School District. The Honesdale National Bank has recently made a $5,000 contribution to the Susquehanna Community School District via Commonwealth Charitable Management, Inc. through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The funds will go towards financial education programs in the school district. HNB President & CEO, Thomas E. Sheridan Jr., stated, “We are happy to support this school as they enhance their educational curriculum.” He continued, “The best way to get children and young adults prepared for the next step in life, is providing access to critical financial lessons and resources.” The mission of the Susquehanna Community School District is to nurture an educational environment that will develop life-long learners who will be successful participants in an ever-changing world. Commonwealth Charitable Management, Inc. has been administering EITC since 2003. They have over a decade of experience and have provided millions of dollars in funding to support thousands of students. The Honesdale National Bank, established in 1836, holds the distinction of being the area’s oldest independent community bank headquartered in Northeastern PA, with offices in Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, Lackawanna, and Luzerne Counties. The Honesdale National Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth solutions. HNB is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender with NMLS ID # 446237.
Scranton Cultural Center to Host Wheel of Fortune LIVE! “Wheel of Fortune LIVE!,” a theatrical experience, will be coming to the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple on November 14 at 7:30 PM. The live stage show, produced by Right Angle Entertainment in collaboration with Sony Pictures Television and UTA, is the one-and-only way fans can experience America’s Game® in person outside of Sony Pictures Studios. Tickets run from $46.75 – $90.00 with VIP Experience packages available for an additional fee. A venue presale will take place for Scranton Cultural Center email subscribers from May 17 at 10:00 AM through May 18 at 11:59 PM. Tickets are available for purchase via Ticketmaster or in-person and by phone through the SCC’s Fidelity Bank Box Office. One of the greatest game shows of all time has been adapted into a stage show to give more fans access and more chances to win at “Wheel of Fortune LIVE!” Guests are randomly selected to go on stage and feel like they stepped into the game show itself. The live stage show is the only way you can have the chance to spin a full-sized replica of the iconic Wheel. At Wheel of Fortune LIVE!, contestants are selected from the audience to go on stage for the chance to call consonants, buy vowels, and maybe even solve puzzles to win fantastic prizes, including trips to destinations like Paris and Hawaii or up to $10,000 in cash. Everyone gets in on the fun and a chance to win at Wheel of Fortune LIVE! because there are audience games too! VIP Packages will also available, and they give fans early access, premiere seats, pre-show lounge access and photo opportunities to spin the wheel. For tickets and more information, visit www.WheelofFortuneLive.com. Pat and Vanna will not be on tour, and the hosts for this engagement will be announced later date. “Wheel of Fortune Live!” is a live touring production and is not for broadcast.
Greater Scranton YMCA To Hold Safe Around Water Campaign The Greater Scranton YMCA is offering two, one-week swim lesson sessions at a reduced rate this June The Greater Scranton YMCA will once again host its Annual Safe Around Water Campaign this June. This year’s campaign will be held Monday through Thursday from June 19-June 22 and June 26-June 29. The Safe Around Water Campaign is open to Y members and non-members and costs $10 per week. Children can register for one week or two. The Annual Safe Around Water Campaign gives children the opportunity to learn new swimming skills designed to help keep them safe in and around the water. These concentrated lessons will incorporate safety around water skills so needed by all of the children in our community. “Here at the Y, we believe all children should learn how to swim,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “For so many, though, the financial resources are not available to afford swim lessons. Through our Annual Safe Around Water Campaign, it is our goal to offer swim lessons to children from our community who may otherwise not have access.” The Safe Around Water Campaign is generously supported by the Kiwanis Club of Scranton. Lessons are first come, first served. To view the schedule and register, visit the Greater Scranton YMCA online. For questions, contact Leslie Kopa, Aquatics Director, at lkopa@gsymca.org. About the YDriven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide.www.greaterscrantonymca.org
Lackawanna College Class of 2023 Graduates *In photo – Lackawanna College graduates Channel Evans Kearse, Scranton, Ashley Bruno, Wilkes Barre, Jessica Hinton, Blakely, Abigail Eileen Foley, Dunmore, Gustavo Weislher Andrade, Clarks Summit, Chelsea L Bush, Susquehanna, Tiffany Michelle Anello, Spring Brook Township and Makkah Madinah Watkins, Scranton celebrate outside Angeli Hall. Lackawanna College awarded 117 bachelor’s degrees along with more than 375 associate degrees and 19 certificates at the college’s 129th commencement. The ceremony honored the class of 2023 and Brianna McCarthy of Scranton presented the valedictory address. “Leave today with the knowledge to take on the world and meaningfully contribute to it,” McCarthy said. “Whether we land our dream career, go on to achieve our masters or more; we remember Lackawanna College as the place to fuel true ambition.” Jill Murray, Ph.D., and Erica Barone Pricci, Ph.D. addressed graduates at the ceremony, conferred degrees to candidates and presented degrees with Adrienne Asbury, dean of curriculum and faculty affairs, and Kelly Musti, associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of health sciences. “I am proud of what you all have accomplished and what you will accomplish as cherished alumni,” Dr. Murray said. “Your time at Lackawanna College has made you intellectually curious and prepared you to be responsible citizens of this planet. The work you do once you leave us, will help to evolve a better world.” Members from the Class of 2023 represented 15 states including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maine, Colorado, Florida, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Georgia, Oklahoma, Connecticut and Virginia. Undergraduate degrees with the most graduates were bachelor’s Human Services, associate in Professional Studies, associate in Business Administration, associate in Business Studies and associate in Criminal Justice.
The Dime Bank Supports Delaware Valley School District Students Pictured left to right: Arielle Wilkes (teacher), Nat Carso (student), Josephine LordI (student), Donna Dale (actor), Jeffrey Stocker (director), Charles Terrat (actor) and Jackie Weston (teacher). The Dime Bank is in the business to enrich DV students’ lives. The Dime Bank donated $15,000.00 cumulatively to the two organizations through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program. The ART program brought the historical understanding of the Holocaust through “The Diary of Anne Frank” to DVSD middle school students with an interactive format including professional actors performing a dramatic reading, music exploration, and journal writing. Jackie Weston, DVSD English Department Chairperson enthused “Thank you so much for supporting this project and our DVSD children. We are so appreciative of this great opportunity.” The GPCF program focused on STEM literacy for DVSD middle school students to prepare for high school. The MakerSpace lab and Lego Coding Club were expanded, and two new programs were introduced: Drone Certification and an Aquaponics Lab for elementary school students. About The Dime Bank Since 1905, The Dime Bank, Member FDIC, has been making a difference in the lives of those they touch by helping generations of customers realize their goals and dreams. With nine branches in Wayne, Pike, and Lackawanna Counties, The Dime Bank offers you better banking, in person and online. Community banking yields community benefits. For more information on The Dime Bank, visit www.thedimebank.com, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn.
Stars of the Screen highlight Scranton/Wilkes-Barre summer appearances RailRiders add three appearances to 2023 promotional schedule that are sure to delight. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders are thrilled to add three special guest appearances to the 2023 promotional schedule. Stars of the screen will help capture the fun of three select promotional nights during the summer months at PNC Field.Spider-Man will swing by Marvel’s Defenders of the Diamond Night on June 9 as the RailRiders take on the Norfolk Tides. The festivities already include custom jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit Ronald McDonald House, and now everyone’s favorite, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man will be on the scene for photos and fun.June 24 is the RailRiders Open featuring a golf towel giveaway, presented by Fox 56, and what better way to navigate PNC Field but with the help of Bushwood Country Club’s best caddy, Michael O’Keefe, on hand for autographs and photos. O’Keefe starred in the 1980 classic Caddyshack as Danny Noonan. Surely he will help the RailRiders “Be the Ball” and na na na na na na na their way to a win over the Buffalo Bisons.Our Office Olympics on August 12 needs an expert, so Kate Flannery is coming back to NEPA to get back to work! Flannery starred as Meredith Palmer in the hit NBC show The Office and she returns to her old Dunder Mifflin roots right by the Electric City. The first 2,500 fans that night will get the Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera dual bobblehead giveaway, courtesy of Geisinger, and more antics are sure to ensue as the RailRiders host the Syracuse Mets, including sending the night out with a bang. Yep… post game fireworks! That’s what we said. One of the best ways to see some of these great appearances is with the Sunsational Summer Six Pack ticket plan. Fans can get Field Reserved, Lawn or Bleacher seats for our best promotional nights of the season. The Sunsational Summer Six Pack includes June 24, our double fireworks show on July 4, Retro Video Game Night with the Anthony Volpe Bobblehead Giveaway on July 22, Margaritaville Night featuring a custom SWB Hawaiian Shirt Giveaway on August 5, August 12 and 90s Night with a custom SWB Bucket Hat Giveaway on August 26!Pricing for the Sunsational Summer Six Pack tickets is based on seat location. To purchase a plan or for additional promotional information, visit www.swbrailriders.com.
Johnson College Spring 2023 Semester President’s List Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the 2023 Spring Semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher. Laura Alleva-Cox, Automotive Technology, Archbald, PA Jacob Banta, Automotive Technology, Trucksville, PA Richard Christianson, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Susquehanna, PA Alyssa Crawford, Electrical Construction Technology, Jermyn, PA Briana Curtis, Electrical Engineering Technology, Blakely, PA Hezekiah Deitz, Electrical Construction Technology, Hamlin, PA Brandon Grandinetti, Computer Information Technology, Olyphant, PA Jared Hodorawis, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Honesdale, PA Thomas Huffsmith, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Factoryville, PA Sean Hughes, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Moscow, PA Anthony Kutchmanich, Physical Therapist Assistant, Greenfield Twp., PA Samantha Leeuwen, Radiologic Technology, Springbrook Twp., PA Jeremy Lewis, Radiologic Technology, Bear Creek, PA Dustin McAllister, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Scranton, PA Jessica McKee, Radiologic Technology, Thornhurst, PA Chase Notz, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA Alexandra Nowicky, Radiologic Technology, Drums, PA Christian Overholtz, Automotive Technology, Scranton, PA John Ozark Jr., Diesel Truck Technology, Pittston Twp., PA Evan Smith, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Tunkhannock, PA Matthew Spiccioli, Electrical Construction Technology, Kingston, PA Kamron VanWert, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Peckville, PA Devin Walsh, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Olyphant, PA Kevin Williams, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Eynon, PA About Johnson College Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their in-demand careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 18 associate degrees, four academic certificates, and over 30 continuing education programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus with a satellite campus serving the greater Hazleton area, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu.
PennDOT Invites Students to Participate in Paint the Plow Program Deadline for submissions is June 15, 2023 The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is inviting high school students in the northeast region to participate in the annual Paint the Plow program. The program challenges youth to incorporate a statewide theme and incorporate it into an original mural that they paint on one of PennDOT’s snowplow blades to promote winter driving safety and foster appreciation for school art programs and student creativity. The 2023 theme, “Seat belts are always in season,” was chosen to remind motorists that seat belts save lives and should be worn year-round. Paint the Plow was piloted in Cambria County in 2015 and later expanded to several surrounding counties and across the state. In the northeast region last year, students in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties participated. Students in public and private schools are eligible to participate, though school officials must make the arrangements. Plow delivery and pick-up dates vary by county. PennDOT may modify program categories based on participation numbers. Additional information on the program, including the guidelines for participation, can be found online at www.penndot.pa.gov or obtained from Elizabeth Fabri at efabri@pa.gov or 570-963-3502 or Jessica Ruddy at jeruddy@Pa.gov or 570.963.4044. PennDOT cannot provide financial support for supplies or travel expenses connected with this program but does make every effort to publicize the contributions of the schools and the students. This will include, but is not limited to, social media postings, postings on the PennDOT website, media press releases, and public displays at a local PennDOT facility. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4. Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D4Results. Follow local PennDOT news on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
Pocono Raceway Discount for Chamber Members The Pocono Raceway offers Chamber members discounted tickets to the following events: NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday, July 23The Great Pocono Raceway Airshow on Saturday, May 27The Great Pocono Raceway Airshow on Sunday, May 28 Chamber members can use code SCRANTON during checkout or use this link (using the link shows prices at the discounted rate) to purchase tickets.
