The University of Scranton Receives $1 Million Donation

From left: Jacquelyn Dionne and John Dionne receive the President’s Medal at the President’s Business Council dinner in 2013.

The University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management announced a gift of $1 million from John D. Dionne ’86 and Jacquelyn Dionne ‘89. The generous donation will be used to name and support two Kania honors programs: the Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program; and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program. The fund will support the growing Study Abroad program and other activities for students in these two honors programs, as well as other students enrolled in the Kania School of Management.

The Frank P. Corcione Business Honors Program and the Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program are among the University’s five undergraduate programs of excellence. The Business Honors Program is a selective four-year program geared toward highly-motivated undergraduate students interested in pursuing academic excellence in business who will pursue honors studies in the areas of economics, entrepreneurship, operations management, accounting, finance, international business, marketing and management. The Business Leadership Honors Program is a highly-selective program students enter in their junior year. Participants explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy and analysis, in addition to field trips to learn from top executives and projects in leadership, service and mentoring.

For over twenty-five years, the Dionnes have been good friends and generous benefactors of The University of Scranton and the Kania School of Management. The Dionnes were co-recipients of the 2013 University President’s Medal and were the driving force behind creating the Kania School Business Leader Hall of Fame. The green located at the heart of the University’s campus is named in their honor.

“I can’t thank you enough for your generosity and steadfast support. You are an example to our students and your fellow graduates and an inspiration to me.” said Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, upon announcing the gift at his Inauguration as Scranton’s 29th president on Sept. 24.

A native of Scranton, Jackie Dionne is a registered nurse and received her bachelor’s degree in health administration from the University. She currently serves as an RN with elderly and Alzheimer’s patients. Jackie Dionne serves on the University’s Board of Trustees and previously served on its board from 2011 to 2017. She works with numerous charitable organizations, including the National Charity League, Horizons Organization of Bridgeport and Meals on Wheels.

A New Hampshire native, John Dionne graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics/finance and accounting from the University and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. A very successful business executive, he retired in 2013 as a senior managing director from the Blackstone Group. He currently serves as a senior advisor to Blackstone, is a senior lecturer at the Harvard Business School, and a director of Fortune 500 companies. A former chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, John Dionne, helped launch the President’s Business Council and the annual award dinner. A frequent speaker in the Kania School of Management’s Executive in Residence program and other leading universities, he was recently ranked among Harvard’s top 50 most prominent alumni.

“We are grateful to honor two of the long-time icons of the Kania School in current Professor Dr. Robert McKeage and the late Dr. Frank Corcione. They share a demanding Jesuit philosophical ideal, illustrated by the quote of St. Luke – ‘from whom much is given, much is expected,’” said John Dionne. “Dr. Corcione was demanding but cared, and motivated students to give it their all. Wall Street is awash with ‘Corcione products.’”

“Additionally, we are pleased to enhance the rapidly growing demand by students for semesters abroad by making them more affordable. We believe the program is a life-changing experience and an exciting complement to a University of Scranton Catholic and Jesuit education,” added Jackie Dionne. “Dr. McKeage is award-winning, dedicated faculty member, who always places student learning first.”

Penn East FCU Shredding Day: October 21

Penn East FCU will host a FREE on-site Shredding Day from 10am –2pm in the Scranton Office parking lot at 441 N. 7th Avenue. This is a great time of the year to get rid of tax documents, credit card and bank statements, and other items which could be used to commit identity theft.

Acceptable documents for shredding are limited to confidential and sensitive materials. Non-confidential materials such as books, magazines, newspapers, and other items should be recycled through your local municipal recycling program.

Scranton Fringe Casting Actors and Dancers for Special Winter Performance

Scranton Fringe, in tandem with Lackawanna County Arts & Culture Department, Lackawanna Markets, and numerous other community partners, is thrilled to announce an original, outdoor theatrical performance set to take place on the Lackawanna Courthouse Square in Downtown Scranton this winter!

The performance is an original work, created and produced by Scranton Fringe. Colorful performances, a large outdoor set, and a tiny bit of winter-themed magic will bring this unique production to life.

All dialogue, underscoring, and sound effects will be professionally pre-recorded. All performers will lipsynch this outdoor performance to ensure proper sound levels and smooth technical operations. All types of actors/performers and dancers, with a variety of skillsets and creative backgrounds, are encouraged to apply! Please note you do not have to be both an actor and dancer to apply.

REHEARSALS:
The first few rehearsals/production meetings will be held over Zoom for additional COVID safety and to minimize the time required by the performers. Rehearsals will begin in November and will be set as best as possible by group consensus and availability. Applicants should not be actively involved in another production at this time without letting Fringe know during the submission process.

Tech & dress rehearsals will occur on-site in downtown Scranton Monday, November 29th thru Thursday, December 2nd.

PERFORMANCE DATES/TIMES:
Friday, December 3rd, 6:30 pm & 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 4th, 5 pm & 6 pm
Each performance is approx. 15 minutes in length and call time for both performance dates are 1 hour before the first show.

SUBMISSION PROCESS & PAYMENT:

Actors of all types and dancers/movement artists are strongly encouraged to apply by emailing their headshot, resume, and any links to past work to info@scrantonfringe.org. Links to work that includes the actor’s voice are encouraged though not required.

We expect to have our full casting announced by/around the week of October 22nd, 2021.

Actors aged 16-17 may submit only if they have / can present parents permission.

Each hired performer will receive a $325 stipend (paid approx. 2 weeks following the last performance).

All performers for this special project will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 and periodic testing may be required to ensure as safe a work environment as possible. We will notify all who apply if they have been offered a role or not.

Griffin Pond Animal Shelter Wag-O-Ween Postponed

Griffin Pond Animal Shelter has made the difficult decision to cancel its inaugural Wag-O-Ween 5K and Pet Costume Parade which was scheduled to take place Saturday, Oct. 16, at McDade Park, Scranton. 

Despite positive public reception of the event, advance race and pet costume registrations were not high enough to make the events engaging and competitive for participants. Seeing a pattern in lower turnout amongst other local races, shelter officials believe concerns about COVID-19 and the highly transmissible delta variant may have impacted event registration. 

While shelter officials are disappointed they needed to cancel this year’s event, they are planning to have the event next fall.

For more information, please contact Jackie Galvin, M.S., development and communications director, at 570-586-3700, ext. 522 or jackie@griffinpondas.com.

Lackawanna College President Named to Ben Franklin Technology Partners Board

Lackawanna College President Dr. Jill Murray has been selected as a member of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/NEP) Board of Directors. BFTP/NEP has led tech-based economic growth in the region for more than 35 years.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Ben Franklin Technology Partners Board of Directors,” said Dr. Murray. “The appointment is an honor and I look forward to collaborating with this innovative organization to support our local economy and encourage the growth of new businesses within our region.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jill Murray to our board,” said Angelo J. Valletta, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. “Her deep experience and thoughtful perspectives will be a great asset to our organization.”

Dr. Jill Murray became the ninth and first female president of Lackawanna College on July 1, 2020. Prior to serving as president, Dr. Murray served as the College’s executive vice president and chief innovation officer from 2012 to July 1, 2020. From 2008-2012, she operated as the College’s vice president of academic affairs, where she was responsible for developing and overseeing all of Lackawanna College’s academic curricula.

During her time at Lackawanna, Dr. Murray has helped double the student population, increased student retention and graduation rates, expanded online learning options, and lead the creation of academic programming and support services. She also implemented a strategic planning process at the College.

Dr. Murray is the catalyst behind Lackawanna College’s successful esports program, one of NEPA’s first programs of its kind. Dr. Murray also assisted with the formation of the award-winning Level Up program, which allows high school students to affordably begin their college education and potentially complete an associate degree by high school graduation. Due to the success of the Level Up program, Lackawanna College was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2021 by Fast Company.

Geisinger Opens Kidney Care Clinic in Northeast PA

  • Atul Bali, M.D.
  • Manoj Das, M.D.

People in northeastern Pennsylvania can get kidney care closer to home with the opening of Geisinger Nephrology Wilkes-Barre. Atul Bali, M.D., and Manoj Das, M.D., are now providing nephrology services at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center near Wilkes-Barre.

With the new Geisinger Nephrology Wilkes-Barre facility nearby, NEPA residents no longer need to travel to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville for their care. Drs. Bali and Das provide a wide range of kidney care services to adults, including inpatient and outpatient consultations, diagnosis and treatment of kidney disorders. They monitor patients with advanced-stage kidney disease and provide consultation, care and management for conditions including chronic kidney disease, renal diseases and more.

To schedule an appointment at Geisinger Nephrology Wilkes-Barre, call 570-808-4047 or visit geisinger.org/KidneyCare.

The University of Scranton Celebrates Inauguration of 29th President

“A Fire That Kindles Other Fires,” the theme chosen for the Inauguration of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., as the 29th president of The University of Scranton, was evident throughout the address given by the new president at the ceremony. In his Inaugural Address, Father Marina referred to remarks of former Scranton presidents, words of Jesuit superior generals, the life of St. Ignatius and the accomplishments of students, faculty, staff, alumni and others, to illustrate the influence one person can have on others.

“In his first inaugural address, Father Pilarz referred to our University as a miracle in the mountains. And that’s exactly what it is. But it didn’t take long for me to notice that Scranton is also a vineyard in the valley, a place where hard work, dedication, and an authentic commitment to the ideals and characteristics of Catholic and Jesuit higher education converge for the benefit of the students we serve,” said Father Marina. “This vineyard produces sweet and abundant grapes and our harvest is a harvest to be envied. … The credit goes to our wonderful students, our amazing faculty and staff, loyal trustees, alumni and benefactors who, year after year, have cultivated the soil of this vineyard to make it rich and nurturing.”

Father Marina said the term “a fire that kindles other fires,” from the second decree of the 35th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus, “is a metaphor that every Jesuit work, and every member of that work, can take on in a personal and apostolic way. The University of Scranton is, without a doubt, a fire that kindles other fires – one that illuminates and warms rather than burns and destroys.”

Father Marina referred to the University’s sense of community as its greatest asset.

“The community that is Scranton is authentic, and you can feel it almost immediately when stepping onto our beautiful campus. We are a family,” said Father Marina. “Our community is not an insulated one. It is grounded in God’s love. Our university exists because of Jesus Christ. And our future will be stoked by the fire of the Holy Spirit for decades to come. This triune reality makes our community open to all, not despite their differences, but precisely because of them. We are made stronger by our diversity and by our love for one another.”

Father Marina closed his remarks citing advice he received from Scranton’s 23rd president, Rev. Joseph McShane, S.J., currently the president of Fordham University: “If you love The University of Scranton, if you truly love it, then marvelous things are bound to happen.” 

Father Marina said that is “exactly” what he intends to do, and asked others to “please join me as we carry our mission forward, or, more rightly, may I join you? So that, together, we can cultivate this wonderful vineyard in the valley and be that fire that kindles other fires.”

The Inauguration occurred during the Ignatian Year, the 500th anniversary of the conversion of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus.

Nearly 1,500 members of the University community and invited guests attended the Inauguration, including representatives from more than 45 colleges and universities; Rev. Joseph M. O’Keefe, S.J., provincial of the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus, who presented the Missioning of the President at the ceremony; Scranton’s Mayor Paige Cognetti, who provided greetings from the city; and Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, who provided the Invocation, among others. Recorded greetings were given by U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright and U.S. Senator Bob Casey, a Scranton native. The Inauguration also featured the performance of an original work composed for the Inauguration by David Lantz III, titled “To the Ends of the Earth.”

A recording of the ceremony is available for viewing. Photos from the event can be seen on the University’s Inauguration Flickr album.

Outreach Center for Community Resources 2021 Mighty Oak Awards – Gerrity’s Supermarkets and the Scranton Primary Health Care Center

Outreach invites the community to attend the 2021 Mighty Oak Awards on October 6, 2021, as we honor service-minded pillars that have provided essential services to the region since the beginning of the pandemic. The Mighty Oak Awards will be honoring Gerrity’s Supermarkets and Scranton Primary Health Care Center. These organizations support the community and provide vital services.

Scranton Primary Health Care Center opened its doors in 1978 as a Federally Qualified Health Center to provide care to the uninsured and under-insured. Scranton Primary provides care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Scranton Primary continues to serve that mission by offering pediatrics, family & internal medicine, women’s health & gynecology, perinatal care, infectious disease care, behavioral health and general dentistry, as well as helping people navigate the insurance marketplace. Scranton Primary has been offering COVID-19 rapid testing and vaccinations as soon as they became available. Last year, Scranton Primary treated almost 12,000 patients, resulting in nearly 42,000 visits to their three offices.

Over a century ago, in 1895, William Gerrity founded a small meat shop named Gerrity’s Market at 345 Railroad Avenue in Scranton. Though the business has been in the Fasula family for over 40 years, the 126-year-old Gerrity name has remained. From the flagship store in West Scranton, which opened in 1980, to the eight additional locations, Gerrity’s Supermarket stands today as one of the oldest and most well-known local businesses. Today, Gerrity’s is run by Joyce “Mom” Fasula and her son Joe Fasula. The Fasula family attributes their success to the vision of their father, Neal Fasula, and Joseph Gerrity (son of William) and his family. Most of all, however, they credit the hard work and dedication of their 1,100 team members. They are very grateful for the loyalty and support of their customers in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. Gerrity’s continues to serve their customers and protect the health of all those who enter their stores, maintaining operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outreach invites the community to attend the Mighty Oak Awards and honor these community pillars in a beautiful outdoor venue at the Glenmaura National Golf Club starting at 5:30 pm. The Mighty Oak Award is the signature event for Outreach and highlights the agency’s acclaimed work with residents of Lackawanna County and the surrounding counties in our region. Outreach is grateful to M&T Bank, Gerrity’s Supermarkets, and TOPP Business Solutions for their sponsorship of the Mighty Oak Awards. For additional information and to purchase tickets, please contact Outreach at 570-558-7565.

Johnson College Receives Grant to Support Veterinary Animal Care Clinic

Johnson College has been awarded a $7,500 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, managed by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. This grant will support the College’s Animal Care Clinic and pet owners in our community.  

Johnson College will purchase medical equipment that will help enhance the safety and comfort of patients receiving surgical care. The grant will give Johnson College Veterinary Nursing Program students valuable clinical experience preparing them to enter into the workforce or advance their careers.  

As many people struggle to feed their families every week, family pets, while loved dearly, are not always updated on vaccines and spay/neuter procedures until finances are available. This grant will help these families take proper care of and responsibility for their pets by providing up to 20 reduced-cost spay/neuter surgeries for qualifying low-income families. The grant will also provide low-cost rabies vaccines.

Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing Program prepares students to join an animal care team as entry-level technicians. Their tasks can include collecting samples, performing lab tests, taking radiographs, preparing the surgical suite, assisting in surgery, monitoring anesthesia, and providing general nursing care to patients. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredits the program. Students become Certified Veterinary Technicians upon passing the Veterinary Technician National Exam.  

“Through this grant, we are excited to give low-income pet-owning families peace of mind that their pet is cared for without incurring financial hardships,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College. “Equipment purchased will help our Veterinary Nursing Program students with the hands-on training they need to pass their national exams and enter the workforce.”

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s premier technical college, offering 16 associate degree and 3 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-teacher ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on instruction. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, 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. 

Pictured left to right: Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO, Johnson College, Karen Baker, Sr. Director of College Advancement, Johnson College, Cathy Fitzpatrick, Grants and Scholarships Manager, The Scranton Area Foundation, and Jack Nogi, Trustee, Robert H. Spitz Foundation.