Johnson College faculty members receive Andrew Zwanch Excellence in Teaching Award Johnson College faculty members Rick Fornes and Mathew Cirba have received the Andrew Zwanch Excellence in Teaching Award for their commitment to teaching excellence, inspiring students, and fostering a positive, dynamic hands-on learning environment. Fornes, ’94, division chair, Electronic & Industrial, and program director of Electronic Engineering Technology, received the award in fall 2025. Cirba, ’09, program director and instructor of Computer Information Technology, received the award in fall 2026. As part of the recognition, award recipients serve as grand marshal of the College’s commencement ceremony, leading the processional into the ceremony and the recessional at its conclusion. Fornes served as grand marshal for Johnson College’s 107th Annual Commencement Ceremony in 2026. Cirba will serve as grand marshal for the College’s 108th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 12, 2027. The award honors Andrew Zwanch, a 1982 Johnson College graduate who dedicated 37 years to the College as an employee, beginning in 1988. Zwanch retired in 2025. During his career at Johnson College, Zwanch taught students preparing for careers in manufacturing and machining and played an integral role in shaping the College’s hands-on approach to technical education. He also served as an academic adviser for a period. The Andrew Zwanch Excellence in Teaching Award is presented annually to a member of the Johnson College faculty who demonstrates a commitment to excellence in teaching, inspires students, and fosters a positive, dynamic learning environment.
Misericordia University to host open houses on October 24 & November 14 The college search comes with plenty of questions, but visiting campus can help students and families begin to find the answers. This fall, Misericordia University will host Open Houses on October 24 and November 14, providing prospective students and their families with an opportunity to experience campus firsthand. Open House offers more than a campus tour. Attendees can walk the campus, meet professors, speak with current students, explore academic spaces, and learn more about scholarships and financial aid while getting answers to questions that matter most during the college search. Whether students already have Misericordia University on their list or are still exploring their options, the Open House provides an opportunity to experience the campus and envision what life at MU could look like. Families and prospective students are encouraged to attend with questions and curiosity and discover whether Misericordia University could be the right fit for their college experience.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Celebrated Employees on National Tradesman Day Skilled tradespeople are an essential part of Tobyhanna Army Depot’s (TYAD) operations, using their expertise and craftsmanship to keep the installation running and support warfighter readiness. In recognition of National Tradesman Day, TYAD is highlighting the civilian professionals whose work supports missions across the depot. The Mobile Equipment Branch maintains and repairs a wide range of equipment, including law enforcement vehicles, construction equipment, forklifts, roads and grounds equipment, and the General Services Administration fleet. Mobile Equipment Branch Chief Paul DePrimo said the team’s expertise is critical to the installation. “The Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic team is the operational backbone of this installation. Managing an inventory that spans from zero-emission electric vehicles to heavy-diesel material handlers means mastering hundreds of complex systems across dozens of different types of manufactured equipment,” said DePrimo. “There is simply no repair beyond this team’s technical reach. Their skill, dedication, and adaptability ensure our installation and tenant missions stay mobile, fully mission-capable, and ready for any operational challenge.” Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic Kyle Emerson said the team takes pride in its work. “my teammates and I arrive to work each day motivated to keep the mission going. We all take a lot of pride in our work.” The Equipage and Composite Branch also provides specialized support across TYAD, working with materials including fabric, rubber, foam, carbon fiber, glass and Kevlar. The branch supports programs ranging from the M136 Volcano to Nett Warrior, the Rolling Airframe Missile Launcher and various radar systems. “The Equipage and Composite Branch currently supports multiple high visibility Volcano programs,” said Michael Wartella, a logistics management specialist in the Production Management Directorate. “The team has provided enthusiastic, exceptional support on several different types of requirements for this important program.” For employees such as Eunice Hartranft, the work requires specialized skills developed through years of experience. “What we do here is not hobby sewing,” she emphasized. “It is a highly complex process to create something from start to finish through measurement, design, prototyping, etc. There is a difference between knowing how to operate a machine and knowing how to sew,” adding that her skills were honed over many years. The dedication of these tradespeople has a direct impact on the depot’s mission and the warfighters it supports. “What we do is gratifying because it helps our warfighters,” said Fabric Worker Kimberly McNaughton. “It is nice to leave here every day knowing I accomplished something important.” TYAD’s skilled workforce supports its role as the Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, electronics, avionics, and missile guidance and control. Through their expertise, tradespeople across the depot help maintain critical equipment, support emerging technologies and strengthen readiness for joint and allied forces around the world.
WVIA Wins Two Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards for Regional Storytelling WVIA received two Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmy Awards Saturday night in Philadelphia, recognizing the station’s work to preserve and share the stories and history of Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania. WVIA won in the Historical/Cultural – Short Form Content category for two separate VIA Short Takes episodes: The Day Carbondale Stood Still, directed by Alexander Monelli with reporting by Kat Bolus, and The Lattimer Massacre, produced and directed by Timothy Novotney. The awards recognize WVIA’s continued commitment to exploring the people, places and events that have shaped the region and bringing those stories to audiences through compelling, locally produced programming. “We’re incredibly proud to have two very different stories about our region recognized in the same category,” said Carla McCabe, President & CEO of WVIA. “These projects reflect what WVIA does best, taking the time to uncover the stories behind the places and events that have shaped our communities and sharing them with the people who call this region home.” The Day Carbondale Stood Still explores the Carbondale UFO incident of November 9, 1974, that remains one of PA’s most debated mysteries, while The Lattimer Massacre examines the tragic 1897 confrontation between striking immigrant miners and a sheriff’s posse in Lattimer, Pennsylvania. Both productions bring important pieces of regional history to life through WVIA’s short-form storytelling series. The Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards recognize excellence in television production across the Mid-Atlantic region and celebrate the producers, directors, reporters, editors and other professionals responsible for creating outstanding television content. The two Emmy wins add to WVIA’s growing recognition for original programming that documents the history, culture and experiences of the communities it serves. 2026 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award Wins for WVIA Historical/Cultural – Short Form Content VIA Short Takes: The Day Carbondale – WVIA-TV Alexander Monelli, Director Kat Bolus, Reporter VIA Short Takes: The Lattimer Massacre – WVIA-TV Timothy Novotney, Producer/Director
University of Scranton, Historic 25th U.S. Conference on Disability Set for October 7 The University of Scranton’s U.S. Conference on Disability will celebrate a major milestone on Wednesday, Oct. 7, commemorating a quarter-century of advocacy, education and leadership dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. This year’s conference theme, “25 Years of Progress: Honoring the Legacy of Edward R. Leahy, Jr.,” will focus on disability inclusion and careers, as well as transforming barriers into opportunities. Founded through the generosity and vision of Edward and Patricia Leahy and inspired by their son, Edward R. Leahy, Jr., the conference has become one of the nation’s longest-running university-based forums on disability issues. The conference has created a space where educators, health care professionals, policymakers, students, families and advocates can share ideas and research to better the lives of individuals with disabilities. Among those who will speak at the event, hosted on campus at the DeNaples Center, are: 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. — Former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, who currently serves The University of Scranton as its Leahy Distinguished Fellow in Public Service. 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. — Mason Ameri, Ph.D., professor of professional practice at Rutgers University. 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. — Kerry Magro, Ed.D., best-selling author and speaker. 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Kathy West-Evans and John Evans, founders of Abilities United Consulting. 3 to 4:30 p.m. — Rebecca Alexander, award-winning author and disability rights advocate. The daylong event begins with registration and a continental breakfast from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. and concludes at about 4:30 p.m. It is presented by The University of Scranton, the Leahy College of Health Sciences and the Edward R. Leahy, Jr., Endowment. For more information, visit the conference’s webpage.
Chase Bank hosting free workshop about credit Chase Bank is hosting a free workshop about the basics of credit and credit scores called Smart Credit Habits: Practical Tools to Grow on October 20 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. The workshop will be at the Chase Scranton Branch at 203 North Washington Avenue in Scranton. It is open to everyone. Attendees will learn what credit is and why it matters, how to check their credit score and reports, how to get started building credit and how to protect their credit. Those who can’t attend in person will be able to join via Zoom by clicking here. The Zoom webinar ID is 91941756415, and the webinar passcode is 640867. You can RSVP for the in-person event by clicking here.
Mohegan Sun Arena, Tom Segura Announces 2027 Stand-Up Comedy Tour Today actor, comedian, writer, entrepreneur and one of the biggest names in the comedy business, Tom Segura, announced the first leg of his new stand-up comedy tour Tom Segura: Preposterous. Following his 2024-2025 global tour Come Together, Segura announced 30 new cities to start his 2027 tour and is coming to Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday, April 30th, 2027! Tickets will be available on presale starting Wednesday, September 30th at 10:00am before the general on sale Friday, October 2nd. Tickets and all tour dates can be found at tomsegura.com/tour. Before Tom kicks off his 2027 tour, he’ll be headlining the first ever Fastball Comedy Festival in Mesa, AZ at Sloan Park. The two-day comedy event features Bill Burr, Tom Segura and special guest Rachel Feinstein on October 17th and on the following night, October 18th, Dave Chapelle with Andrew Santino. Single and two day passes on sale now at fastballcomedy.com.
Peoples Security Bank & Trust Supports Marywood Athletics as Ignite the Light Scoreboard Sponsor Marywood University has received a generous contribution from Peoples Security Bank & Trust as the official scoreboard sponsor of its Ignite the Light for Athletics campaign. The gift supports an improved home field experience for Marywood’s more than 500 student-athletes and the families, alumni and fans who cheer them on. The new scoreboard brings an integrated game clock, shot clocks and penalty indicators to Marywood’s multipurpose turf field. It is part of a broader transformation of the complex that includes a new press box, expanded bleachers and an upgraded sound system. “Every one of our student-athletes deserves a place to compete that reflects the dedication they bring to Marywood,” said Lisa A. Lori, J.D., Marywood’s President. “Peoples Security Bank & Trust’s generous investment helps us build that experience. When our Pacers take the field, they will see a community that believes in them and is proud to stand behind them.” “At Peoples Security Bank & Trust, we believe strong communities are built through opportunities that inspire teamwork, achievement, and pride,” said Gerard A. Champi, President & CEO of Peoples Security Bank & Trust. “We are pleased to support Marywood University’s Ignite the Light for Athletics campaign and help create an enhanced experience for student-athletes and everyone who comes together to celebrate their accomplishments. This project reflects our shared commitment to investing in the future of our region.” The turf field is home to men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey and women’s flag football, plus numerous intramural and recreation programs that benefit all students at Marywood. Together, the improvements made through Ignite the Light for Athletics strengthen the experience for those teams and make game days more welcoming for the entire Marywood community.
Johnson College Honors Industry Leaders at 2026 Celebration of Industry Johnson College celebrated three industry leaders whose businesses and community involvement have made a lasting impact across northeastern Pennsylvania, particularly in Wayne and Pike counties, during its 2026 Celebration of Industry on Thursday, Sept. 24, at Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale. The College honored the Genzlinger Family, Marshall Machinery Inc., and Rob Grimm with the President’s Spirit of Giving Award. More than 200 business and community leaders attended the event, which supports Johnson College’s academic programs, student resources and facilities. “Tonight is about celebrating the partnerships that make Johnson College, our students and our entire region stronger,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, president and CEO of Johnson College. “Our honorees have invested in people, created opportunities, and given back to their communities. Their support makes a real difference for our students and the future of our region.” The Genzlinger Family, represented by Grant, Jeanne, and Justin Genzlinger, was recognized for its leadership in hospitality, historic preservation, and regional economic development through Settlers Hospitality. The family has invested in its employees and community while supporting workforce development through employee training, hiring Johnson College graduates, and helping connect the College with opportunities to provide training and employment resources to individuals at the Wayne County Correctional Facility. Marshall Machinery Inc., led by President Earl Marshall, was honored for its longstanding contributions to agriculture, equipment, and workforce development throughout the region. The company has supported Johnson College and its students through equipment donations, youth agriculture initiatives, internships, career fairs and training opportunities. Marshall Machinery also established a fund through the Wayne County Community Foundation to support agriculture and heavy equipment mechanic training, as well as agriculture-related grants. Rob Grimm, vice president of Grimm Construction Inc., was recognized for his leadership in the construction industry and his longtime commitment to the communities the company serves. Grimm Construction has supported workforce development by hiring Johnson College graduates, participating in Building Trades program advisory committees, and helping prepare students for careers in the industry. The company has served Wayne County and surrounding communities for more than 50 years. Each honoree received the President’s Spirit of Giving Award, a steel sculpture designed and created in 2023 by members of Johnson College’s Welding Technology program. The award represents the connection between students, industry and community. “Partnerships like these help our students discover what they’re capable of, build confidence and prepare for meaningful careers,” Pittelli said. “We’re grateful to the Genzlinger Family, Marshall Machinery and Rob Grimm for believing in our students and investing in the future of our region.”
Marywood to Showcase Work of Alumna Barbara Sowinski Marywood University will present Barbara Sowinski: Over the River and Through the Years, an exhibition featuring the work of artist and Marywood alumna Barbara Sowinski. The exhibition will open with a reception on Friday, October 30, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the Mahady Gallery, now located on the first floor of the Insalaco Center for Studio Arts. The exhibit will be on display in the gallery from October 30 through December 12. Forty years ago, Sowinski retired to a 65-acre farm overlooking the Susquehanna River, beginning a new chapter that allowed her to pursue her passion for art. Prior to retirement, she had lived and worked in many U.S. cities and traveled extensively. “I began to see the world differently. The river was always there, moving through the landscape as I moved through my art journey,” says Sowinski. She went on to study at the Art Students League of New York, the New York Studio School, and the Vermont Studio Center, and earned a Master of Arts in Art from Marywood University. Inspired by people, places and landscapes, Sowinski’s work has been exhibited nationally. The collection featured in her exhibit, Over the River and Through the Years, celebrates her artistic journey and the experiences and landscapes that have shaped her work throughout the years. This painting by Barbara Sowinski, “Over the River and Through the Woods,” displays an old fishing relic she discovered on her property along the Susquehanna River. It is among the featured works in her exhibit, Over the River and Through the Years, featured at Marywood University’s Mahady Gallery, Insalaco Center for Studio Arts, from October 30-December 12.
