PS Bank Ranked #36 Nationally on American Banker List PS Bank is pleased to announce it has been ranked as the #36 highest bank on American Banker’s list of the Top 100 Community Banks under $2 billion in the United States as published in its June 2024 edition of the magazine. The 2024 ranking marks the twelfth consecutive year that Peoples Ltd. (PPLL) was included among institutions that are ranked based on three-year average Return on Equity (ROAE). The 2024 ranking is an improvement of six spots from last year’s #42 ranking. With a three-year average ROAE of 16.15%, PS Bank continues to be a leading bank strongly serving customers throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania. Anthony J. Gabello, President & CEO, said “I am extremely proud of the hard work being done by our PS Bankers throughout the communities we serve. Our customers continue to value our services and support our bank, allowing us to improve each year. Being able to improve our ranking to #36 in a turbulent year for banking is a testament to the dedicated service we provide to our customers and to our strength as a community bank.”
Treasurer Stacy Garrity Visits Pocono Raceway to Return Unclaimed Property Treasurer Stacy Garrity and ABC News’ Good Morning America (GMA) teamed up to return more than $8,000 in unclaimed property to NASCAR fans at Pocono Raceway during NASCAR Race Weekend on Saturday, July 13. “What a tremendous event! Returning money to enthusiastic NASCAR fans at the iconic Pocono Raceway with Gio Benitez and the great team from GMA was a thrill,” Treasurer Garrity said. “We couldn’t ask for better partners – huge thanks to everyone at the Raceway and GMA. I encourage everyone to search for any unclaimed property that might be available to them. It’s so easy to do. Pennsylvanians can search online and find their unclaimed property in less time than it takes a NASCAR driver to finish a lap at the Tricky Triangle!” “It’s always a pleasure hosting Treasurer Garrity and her team at the raceway,” said Ben May, President of Pocono Raceway. “We’re thrilled for all the Pennsylvanians that were reunited with their property. This was a fun way to add some extra excitement to our NASCAR Race Weekend by surprising fans.” Treasurer Garrity, her staff and GMA co-anchor Gio Benitez were busy all afternoon, reuniting $8,086.29 worth of unclaimed property with more than 34 attendees. One woman visited the booth to see if her mother had any unclaimed property, but instead discovered more than $2,800 for herself. “That’s a great example of why it’s important to search our website,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I hear from people all the time who say they’re absolutely certain that they couldn’t possibly have any unclaimed property… and then they search, and they do!” At the July 13 event, Treasurer Garrity returned $2,607.17 to Pocono Raceway. Unclaimed property includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policies, contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes and more. State law requires businesses to report unclaimed property to Treasury after three years of dormancy. Treasury is working to return more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property to its rightful owners. More than one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, and the average claim is worth about $1,600. To learn more about unclaimed property and to search Treasury’s database, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.
Norwood Financial Corp Announces Second Quarter Earnings Subsidiary Wayne Bank announced James O. Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwood Financial Corp (Nasdaq Global Market-NWFL) announced earnings for the three months ended June 30, 2024 of $4,213,000, which was $2,290,000 lower than the same three-month period of last year. The decrease includes a $717,000 decrease in net interest income, a $424,000 increase in total other income, a $506,000 increase in total other expense, and a $2,097,000 increase in the provision for credit losses. Earnings per share (fully diluted) were $0.52 in the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $0.81 in the same period of last year. The annualized return on average assets for the three months ended June 30, 2024, was 0.75%, while the annualized return on average tangible equity was 11.26%. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was $8,646,000, which is $3,639,000 lower than the same six-month period of 2023, due to a decrease in net interest income an increase in the provision for credit losses and an increase in operating expenses, partially offset by an increase in total other income. Earnings per share (fully diluted) for the six months ended June 30, 2024, were $1.07, compared to $1.51 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The annualized return on average assets for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was 0.78%. The annualized return on average tangible equity for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was 11.46%. Total assets as of June 30, 2024 were $2.235 billion, compared to $2.142 billion at June 30, 2023. At June 30, 2024, loans receivable were $1.623 billion, total deposits were $1.811 billion and stockholders’ equity was $182.2 million. For the three months ended June 30, 2024, net interest income, on a fullytaxable equivalent basis (fte), totaled $15,124,000, a decrease of $705,000 compared to the same period in 2023. A $150.8 million increase in average time deposits, combined with a 126 basis points increase in the cost of time deposits, contributed to the decreased net interest income. Borrowing costs also increased, offsetting a $4,447,000 increase in total interest income. Net interest margin (fte) for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was 2.79%, compared to 3.09% in the same period of 2023. The tax-equivalent yield on interest-earning assets increased 57 basis points to 5.14% during the three months ended June 30, 2024, compared to the same prior year period, while the cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 108 basis points to 3.09%. Net interest income (fte) for the six months ended June 30, 2024 totaled$30,029,000, which was $2,075,000 lower than the same period in 2023, due primarily to a $11,762,000 increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The net interest margin (fte) was 2.79% for the six months ended June 30, 2024, as compared to 3.17% for the six months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease in the net interest margin (fte) was due to a 127 basis points increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, which offset the 64 basis points increase in the yield on interest earning assets. Other income for the three months ended June 30, 2024, totaled $2,207,000,compared to $1,783,000 for the same period in 2023. The increase is due primarily to a $151,000 increase in service charges on deposit accounts, and a $212,000 loss on the sale of investment securities in 2023. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, other income totaled $4,213,000, compared to $3,695,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, other expenses totaled $23,175,000, compared to $21,374,000 for the same period in 2023, due primarily to an increase in professional fees, data processing costs and FDIC insurance. Mr. Donnelly stated, “Our second quarter income decreased from the 2023 level due to a release of provision for credit losses in the three months ended June 30, 2023 and the rising cost of deposits and borrowed funds. These decreases were partially offset by a $424,000 increase in non-interest income. On a linked quarterbasis loan growth was an annualized 4.9%. Total deposits decreased $28 million compared to the first quarter of 2024. This was due to a seasonal outflow of municipal deposits of $53 million offset by inflows of $25 million of other customer funds, a 7.3% annualized increase. The net interest margin was stable at 2.79% for the first and second quarter. Our core operating expenses remain well-controlled at 2% of average assets during the quarter. Our capital base remains above “Well Capitalized” targets. Additionally, our credit quality metrics remained strong during the second quarter, which we believe should benefit future performance. We appreciate the opportunity to serve our Wayne Bank customers and our customers at the Bank of the Finger Lakes and Bank of Cooperstown locations. We continue to look for opportunities available to us as we service our growing base of stockholders and customers.” Norwood Financial Corp is the parent company of Wayne Bank, whichoperates from fourteen offices throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and fifteen offices in 4 Delaware, Sullivan, Ontario, Otsego and Yates Counties, New York. The Company’s stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “NWFL.”
Northeast Title and Tag to Host Peeling Plate Rally Northeast Title & Tag, in cooperation with State Representative Bridget Kosierowski, is pleased to announce the Peeling Plate Rally, an initiative aimed at streamlining the replacement process for illegible, peeling license plates within our community. Our proactive approach involves assisting individuals in completing the necessary paperwork more efficiently than if done independently and mailing the forms to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).In support of the Pennsylvania State Police, there will be an officer on-site to inspect peeling plates and sign off on the required forms, certifying the plate as illegible. The forms will be provided on-site to individuals seeking to replace their peeling plates. Additional Details Required from Participants:– Copy of valid vehicle registration card and Driver’s License/Photo ID– Both owners must be present with valid ID if two individuals are listed as vehicle owners– For vehicles registered in a company’s name, an authorization letter allowing the present individual to sign on behalf of the company is required, along with the aforementioned documentation. Once all necessary information is collected and confirmed, Northeast Title & Tag will handle the paperwork and messenger it to PennDOT for processing. Once processed, the new plates will be sent back to Northeast Title & Tag’s office for customer retrieval at their convenience. During the Peeling Plate Rally, Northeast Title & Tag is waiving ALL SERVICE FEES associated with this type of transaction. It is important to note that PennDOT will replace the plates free of charge, resulting in no cost whatsoever for customers. For further information, please contact:Joseph Grassocompliance@netitle.org570-895-1000 Ext. 2001
Tobyhanna Army Depot Recognizes Interns on National Intern Day Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD), in recognition of National Intern Day, an observance created to celebrate future leaders, highlighted depot employees who joined Team Tobyhanna through internship programs on July 25. TYAD’s Pathways Program offers federal employment opportunities for students nearing graduation or who have recently graduated. Current students can participate in the internship program for temporary summer jobs while recent graduates can apply for permanent jobs at Tobyhanna. Amira Chhaiouine, Florence Annor, and Samantha Suarez each come to TYAD through a relationship with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Tobyhanna’s 12 yearlong collaboration has allowed students to seize the opportunity to get hands-on experience in a work environment during a summer program with TYAD. The internship provides undergraduates the opportunity to learn the processes and operations the depot performs on a daily basis to meet the needs of America’s warfighters. Chhaiouine majors in Cyber Security at RIT. A native of Bel Air, Maryland, her interest in working with technical systems drew her to the program. She found her way to TYAD after talking with a depot attendee at a university career fair. Having completed previous internships in the private sector, she viewed this as a great opportunity to see what life is like working for the federal government. Chhaiouine has been working as a member of the Information Management Division’s Cyber Security Branch where she has been learning the many process that go into keeping TYAD secure. Part of her internship has also included the opportunity to developmentally spend two weeks in the depot’s Network Operations Branch, another area in which she said she has some knowledge and interest in. Chhaiouine said it has been encouraging to see that she’s been able to apply much of what she’s learned at RIT to the work she performs at TYAD. “I have been able to use a lot of the skills that I’ve learned at my school which is great and also learn other things that I had never heard of,” said Chhaiouine. “It has been great for me to compare the class experiences and the real-world experiences, especially on the federal side of things.” Chhaiouine lauded the team she has had the opportunity to work with, saying they’ve been very welcoming, helpful, and informative. “I have been shadowing what everybody is doing almost every day. If they work on something specific, they will just add me their communication channels and will also provide me with helpful examples. It is a great opportunity to learn more,” said Chhaiouine. “The people are very good. I really like my team.” Cyber Security Enterprise Branch Chief Sean Hannan said Chhaiouine has been a tremendous value to the team during her time at TYAD so far. “Amira has been an invaluable asset to the cyber operations team during her time at Tobyhanna as an intern. Her incredible intelligence along with a fresh and innovative outlook has greatly assisted the team in completing and improving a number of systems and mission requirements,” said Hannan. “With a friendly, outgoing personality, she has been a welcome addition to our team.” Chhaiouine said that although she intends to keep her options open, her experiences at TYAD have opened her eyes to new possibilities and will consider returning to federal service upon graduation. Annor, a Business major at RIT, spends her days at TYAD supporting the Field Logistics Support (FLS) directorate. Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, she also found her way to TYAD through a conversation she had at the university career fair. Annor’s father, who works as a truck driver, encouraged her become independent at a young age and introduced her to the business side of his operations, which inspired her to grow up and pursue her field of study. With other future aspirations in mind, such as becoming a working mother and maintaining a healthy work life balance, she said she felt the business world would be perfect for her. At RIT, Annor worked for a program called “Veterans Upward Bound,” which assists veterans and military service members with enrolling in school. Outside of school, she’s also had friends and family alike enlist in the Armed Forces. She credited these experiences with helping her connect with TYAD’s mission. “The fact that when you make that oath and you sign your name on the line, you’re giving up your family, you’re giving up your friends, you’re giving up seeing your children grow, you’re giving up all of these different things to go and serve the country,” said Annor. “It is an honorable thing. I see the noble cause that is happening and I want to support that.” That connection makes supporting depot operations and our Nation’s warfighters impactful for Annor. “My favorite thing about working at Tobyhanna is understanding and seeing the impact of what I’m doing,” said Annor. “Even if it may seem small, it really plays into the entire operation of depot functions.” Annor has been assisting the FLS directorate with data work, such as data maintenance and data calls, and administrative work when needed. Being that much of her directorate performs their work outside the continental United States, she said she finds the work to be unique and interesting. Tessa Zantowsky serves as a Management Analyst within the FLS directorate. She said Annor has already helped improve processes in her short time assisting the team. “Florence has been instrumental in assisting us with maintaining high quality internal workforce data as well as furthering the way we view and use that data to make better business decisions,” said Zantowsky. “She has also assisted in the creation and fine tuning of the standard operating procedures used by our directorate administrative staff.” Annor she said she really appreciates the hands-on nature of the internship. “Yes, you can sit in a classroom and gain much information. The classroom has helped me understand many concepts, but ultimately it is the hands-on work that has really helped me understand what I’m doing,” said Annor. “I feel like I’ve learned something here.” Michael Monroe serves as Chief of the Regional Support Center Management Division within the FLS directorate. He first met Annor at the NTID career fair and said he feels lucky to work with her at TYAD. “I was fortunate last fall, as a Tobyhanna representative visiting the NTID, to have the honor of meeting with and interviewing Florence. Her professional and academic qualities were immediately evident, and it was clear that she was someone that we wanted to intern with our team,” said Monroe. “Having recently been reassigned within the FLS directorate, I was very pleased to learn that I now have the opportunity to work with her directly. It is clear from her reputation, that she has been making a significant and positive impact within our organization.” Joseph Fantanarosa serves the Director of the FLS directorate. He said Annor’s ability to learn quickly has made her an asset to the team and hopes to see her at TYAD in summers to come. “It was a pleasure having Florence here in FLS this summer. She is extremely intelligent and quick to learn,” said Fantanarosa. “We can only hope she is able to come back next summer!” Annor said upon obtaining her degree, she intends to enter the workforce and venture into supply chain management, another influence she credited to her father. She added that she too will keep the federal government in mind when considering employment and is grateful for how working at TYAD taught her to be a true professional. Suarez currently studies Civil Engineering at RIT and is spending her summer supporting the Site Preparation & Baseband Engineering Branch within TYAD’s Production Engineering directorate. Originally from Florida, she relocated to Plano, Texas before enrolling at the university in upstate New York. Suarez said that since she was young, she has always been fascinated by how things work. She said that taking things apart and piecing them back together brings her a lot of satisfaction and joy. When it came time to decide what she wanted to study, engineering felt like a no brainer. After earning an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Aided Drafting, she felt confident in her engineering abilities. This led her to search for opportunities that would provide her with real world, hands-on experience. Although not initially aware of career options within the federal government, a conversation at a career fair changed all of that. Suarez said that her time working at TYAD has left a positive mark on her professional aspirations. “Tobyhanna has made a huge impact on me. There have been so many opportunities and you can learn anything here in a safe environment,” said Suarez. “I’ve been shown many new things and have had things explained to me. “I don’t want to leave working. I will love to continue work at Tobyhanna.” Suarez said Tobyhanna has exposed her to a new side of engineering. One day she may be working on a radar, the next inside a radome, and the next supporting digging operations at various sites. Additionally, she has spent time shadowing some mechanical engineering processes to broaden her skillset. She credited the team she works with for making the experience as informative and educational as it has been. “It doesn’t matter if I’m deaf or not. The team is just so nice and happy and willing to communicate with me. I feel like they treat me as a human and that makes me feel great,” said Suarez. “We just get together, communicate with each other, and get the work done. It gives me the motivation to want to learn more and get more from them.” Christopher Sheerer serves as Chief of the Site Preparation & Baseband Engineering Branch. He said that from day one Suarez has been enthusiastic about her work, which she performs with much pride. “Samantha shows a level of intensity that I haven’t seen in an intern in many years. She eagerly and fearlessly—but not recklessly—gets involved in the heavy construction projects that the team is involved in,” said Sheerer. “She is always asking great questions and confidently offers suggestions when she recognizes the possibility of alternate means of doing the work.” Suarez said that she’s overcome many hurdles in life and the drive to keep going is born out of strong will and determination. “Don’t fear,” said Suarez. “At least you try.” Following graduation, Suarez said she plans to continue with graduate studies and will certainly keep the federal government in mind when it comes time for her to consider employment opportunities.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Hosts Collaborative Summit Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) gathered data experts from across the country on July 23-25 where they explored how data can enhance the readiness and efficiency of the warfighter at the Army Materiel Command Data and Analytics Summit. The summit provided a platform for knowledge sharing, skill development and forward planning. Over 40 presenters covered key topics like artificial intelligence, governance, dashboard development, human capital, data architecture and application development. There were over 160 in-person attendees and another 150 attendees who joined remotely, according to Dr. Matthew Raup of TYAD’s Business Intelligence Team. “The event was a great way to network with experts across the organization and to build relationships that will promote future collaboration within the rapidly changing data and analytics environment,” said Raup. Lt. Gen. Christopher Mohan, AMC deputy commanding general and acting commander, offered remarks virtually on the summit’s first day, challenging the audience to “think outside the box” as they develop solutions that will have lasting impacts on the Army. “It is the dawn of a new era. We need to think differently about the way we utilize data,” Mohan emphasized. “Opportunity is knocking for AMC.” AMC is at the forefront of utilizing data analytics to enhance operational readiness for the military and has a comprehensive data and analytics plan; its foundation is the embedding of data in workplace cultures across the entire command. AMC’s Chief Data and Analytics Officer Dr. Christopher Hill responded to Mohan’s call to action saying, “I guarantee that the AMC enterprise will be well postured to meet this intent.” The event offered two paths for attendees. The leadership track focused on governance of data analytics, implementation and developing standards for data maturity. The technical track provided insight on an array of related topics including data security, dashboard and app development and business analytics. Samantha Hill Tyler works at Headquarters AMC and reports on data initiatives across the command. She attended the event to experience AMC’s data-driven culture firsthand and felt the trip was more than worthwhile. “The summit was an excellent opportunity to collaborate and see innovations from across the AMC enterprise,” she said. A highly anticipated component of the summit was the dashboard and application showcase and contest. This dynamic session allowed contributors to demonstrate tools they have developed and their real-world impact. Participants voted for their favorite presentations in each category. Sydney Nwakanma and Todd Diskey of Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command won the Dashboard Innovation Award (non-Power BI). Their team uses Tableau to create dashboards at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, that allow senior leaders to compare a variety of real-time data simultaneously. “The team we work with is only about a year old,” said Nwakanma. “I am hoping to get some inspiration from the showcase entries and see how others are utilizing tools and products.” Depot leadership acknowledges the value of effective use of data analytics for efficient resource management and making data-driven decisions. TYAD’s business intelligence personnel led recent efforts to roll out easy-to-understand dashboards throughout the depot, enabling the identification of challenges in real time and the opportunity to quickly to resolve them. In his remarks on the final day of the summit, TYAD Commander Col. James L. Crocker noted that data is the cornerstone of the depot. “Leveraging the power of data allows us to make informed decisions and maintain our competitive edge,” Crocker added. “Tobyhanna looks forward to continued partnership with colleagues across the enterprise as AMC continues to lead the way in data analytics and improving readiness across the DOD.”
Condron Sweda Advertising Announces Two Non-Profits to Share Space Condron Sweda Advertising announces the sponsoring organization of Friends of the Poor; The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the sponsors of The Catherine McAuley Center; The Sisters of Mercy, announce that both Catholic agencies will now share administrative space located at the current Catherine McAuley Center (430 Pittston Avenue, Scranton, PA 18505) as of August first. The sponsoring organizations identified that Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center are both strong with similarities in their religious based mission, values, and complimentary services. They recognized that a collaboration between the two can significantly increase the delivery of services to those most vulnerable in our community. “Both Catherine McAuley Center and Friends of the Poor will retain their separate identities and missions,” explained Krista S. Murray, the McAuley Executive Director and CEO. “Friends of the Poor will move their administration functions to our building at 430 Pittston Avenue in Scranton,” she continued. Meghan Loftus, President and CEO of Friends of the Poor, related, “While we will be sharing office space, both organizations will continue current collaborations to meet the needs of the marginalized in our community. We will also examine if our programs including shelter, clothing, food, furniture, and other family-sustaining services can be combined to expand outreach, while each agency retains its identity.” The mission of the Catherine McAuley Center is to serve those experiencing homelessness in NEPA through housing programs, case management and supportive services. Their programs include Family Support, Emergency Shelter, Housing, Women’s Housing, Women’s Re-Entry Housing, and Food Pantry. The mission of Friends of the Poor is to bring together in friendship those who have the desire to give with those who are in need of assistance, in order to ease the burden of living in poverty and enhance the quality of life for all. Their programs include Food Pantries, Family to Family Food Basket, Utility Assistance, Donated Furniture, Household Assistance, Clothesline for Men, Children and Adult Programs.
Tobyhanna Army Depot Acknowledges Contributions of Veteran Workforce According to Tobyhanna Army Depot and the Department of Labor, an estimated 200,000 military members retire or separate from the U.S. Armed Forces every year. Their transition into civilian life can be daunting, especially regarding employment. In 2017, Marine Corps veteran Dan Caporale established National Hire a Veteran Day. Observed annually on July 25, this day serves as a call to action for employers to recruit and hire veterans. Tobyhanna Army Depot (TYAD) proudly employs hundreds of veterans from all branches of service. The depot’s veteran population comprises nearly a quarter of its workforce. National Hire a Vet Day is an opportunity to highlight the unique skillsets that veterans bring to the workplace. U.S. Army veteran Paul DePrimo currently serves as a Lead Training Administrator at TYAD. Inspired by his father, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, DePrimo enlisted in the Army Reserves at age 17 for six years. After a brief break in service, he reenlisted into the Pennsylvania National Guard and later deployed to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. DePrimo retired from the guard in 2013 with 22 years of service. “The military influences discipline, dedication, and drive like no other. The training and experiences you endure while serving shape you into a dependable, hardworking, punctual, and enthusiastic leader,” he added. DePrimo recalls that the experiences he had overseas were some of the best and worst times of his life. “Our unit was task organized under the 1st Calvary Division for the first two months and then we were reassigned into the 89th Military Police Brigade for the remaining 12 months. Prior to Iraq, we transitioned from tankers into a military police company. Stationed at a base known as Camp Slayer, we worked out of what was known as Sector Control Point-Baghdad and worked directly for the Iraq Survey Group. As a senior NCO, I filled the role of a battle captain for the duration of the tour. Our mission was searching for weapons of mass destruction,” he said. After many years in the private sector, DePrimo decided to pursue a career at TYAD because he missed being a part of an Army team. He has continued to thrive at the depot. Within the first six months of his employment, he was promoted to a supervisory position. His leadership style is rooted in the core values of the Army: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. “I love the Army and working here as a civilian gives me a great sense of pride,” he added. “As a past warfighter, my main focus is to take care of our current warfighters and the Department of the Army Civilians who supports them.” U.S. Navy veteran Jennifer Caldero serves as a Logistics Management Specialist in TYAD’s Strategic Initiatives Office. Caldero enlisted after completing the Navy ROTC program in high school. She saw this as an opportunity to travel the world and focus on professional development. “I grew up in Oklahoma, so I wanted to see the ocean,” she joked. “I traveled via Navy ship to eight different countries. I’ve been all around the world and to multiple places in the United States.” Caldero served for a total of eight years – six active duty and two as a reservist. She then utilized the GI Bill to obtain her bachelor’s degree before continuing to complete her MBA in 2023, noting that TYAD’s flexible and consistent schedule helped her manage her educational pursuits. “Veterans often bring with them a sense of duty, integrity, and respect for others,” added Caldero. “These values can help shape a positive and ethical corporate culture, reinforcing the importance of integrity, teamwork, and respect within the organization.” A positive, healthy culture is a priority at TYAD. The depot’s Employee Wellness Center (EWC) offers programs intended to foster employees’ growth and well-being. The EWC recently implemented the Veterans Peer Support Group, which meets weekly to provide a space where veterans can discuss their challenges in a confidential environment. “When discussing how to improve our culture, we heard a common theme that our veteran population felt disconnected and disengaged. We want veterans to build connections and feel the same unity they felt while serving,” said EWC Chief Ricardo Horn. Patrick Hart, a painter in the Systems Integration and Support Directorate and veteran, says the weekly group is beneficial. “A Veterans Peer Support Group is a much-needed program. Having other veterans around and knowing who they are helps us transition from military life to civilian,” he said. Veterans interested in future career opportunities with Team Tobyhanna can apply through USAJobs at www.usajobs.gov.
Marywood University Designated Teach-Out Partner for University of the Arts Marywood University has been designated by the Middle State Commission on Higher Education as an official teach-out partner for the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, which announced its decision to close in early June. Program equivalencies in art, music, and multimedia communication have been arranged under the teach-out agreement. Marywood has a long history of strong creative programs in fine arts, music, and the humanities, in addition to renowned professional programs architecture and multimedia communication. University of the Arts students interested in attending Marywood University under this agreement will find: A Seamless Admissions Process: UArts students will not have any admission application fees or enrollment fees. Academic Opportunities—and More: In addition to programs listed in the UArts/Marywood teach-out agreement, Marywood also offers a wide array of new academic programs and career opportunities for students to consider. Even if Marywood does not explicitly have an exact UArts program, the university’s extensive degree offerings provide wonderful opportunities for prospective students to explore. Easy Credit Transfer: Marywood University will accept all earned credit of UArts students in good academic standing. Details of the transfer may differ on a student-by-student basis. Out-of-pocket Tuition Cost Match: Marywood University is offering a unique opportunity to match UArts students’ out-of-pocket tuition costs. To avail themselves of this offer, students will need to complete and submit a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with no substantial changes in their family’s financial circumstances. Any additional steps required to secure state and federal aid and maintain a similar full-time, part-time, or resident status, like they had at UArts, would also need to be fulfilled. Housing Options: Marywood has several housing options, subject to availability. Each individual will be provided with support and flexibility to accommodate their needs. Additionally, Marywood University will suspend its residency requirement for UArts students transferring under the teach-out agreement, if desired. Athletics Opportunities: UArts student-athletes are urged to reach out to Marywood coaches regarding their interest in playing the Marywood Athletic programs. Tryouts will be held for interested students, and, while there is no guarantee of placement on a team, Marywood can guarantee an opportunity for a seamless academic transition. “Marywood University offers excellent academic programs in music, art, the humanities, and other creative professional fields. In addition, our small class sizes, supportive campus environment, and student life opportunities are a strong match for what University of the Arts students are seeking,” said Lisa A. Lori, J.D., Marywood President. “We are fully committed to supporting their needs and goals by making their transition to Marywood as seamless as possible.” For more details FAQS, and important information, go to marywood.edu/uarts-students.
