Marywood University Receives the Robert H. Spitz Foundation 2021 Grant

Marywood University received a 2021 Robert H. Spitz Foundation Grant. The $12,000 grant was awarded to the S.T.A.R.S. (Students Together Achieving Remarkable Success) program, an after-school mentoring program. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation has made a positive impact on Scranton’s Latinx population through its grant support of the University’s S.T.A.R.S. program.

Pictured from left to right are: Frank Caputo, Grants and Communications Coordinator, Scranton Area Foundation; Cathy Fitzpatrick, Grants and Scholarship Manager, Scranton Area Foundation; Patricia Rosetti, Leadership Annual Giving Officer, Marywood University, and Jenny Gonzalez, S.T.A.R.S. Program Director, Marywood University.

Marywood University is the recent recipient of a 2021 Robert H. Spitz Foundation Grant. The $12,000 grant was awarded to the S.T.A.R.S. (Students Together Achieving Remarkable Success) program, an after-school mentoring program. The Robert H. Spitz Foundation has made a positive impact on Scranton’s Latinx population through its grant support of the University’s S.T.A.R.S. program.

Established in 2018, S.T.A.R.S. has provided weekly academic tutoring and mentoring to 20-25 middle and high school Latinx students. Marywood students serve as tutors and mentors to the youth. In addition to academic assistance, the students participate in career exploration activities and workshops related to secondary and post-secondary academic options. Monthly workshops, in English and Spanish, provide families with similar information about potential opportunities for their children.

Additionally, Marywood University academic departments host students on campus 4-5 times a year, providing information and experiential activities that are focused on various majors. This includes small-group and individual mentorship for students using a career and college readiness curriculum, as well as individual tutoring sessions via zoom or in-person with a Marywood student. Student and family workshops are also provided.

Marywood University Ranks as Best Value Among Northeast PA Colleges in Ranking

Marywood University offers the “Best Value” among Northeast Pennsylvania Universities, according to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges ranking. Marywood was also the highest ranked of only two local institutions included in U.S. News “Best Colleges for Veterans” category and the highest-ranked local institution for the “Top Performers in Social Media” category.

At #25 of the regional universities (North) ranked for “Best Value,” Marywood ranked the highest of the three local four-year private colleges included in this category. According to U.S. News, the “Best Value” ranking considers a school’s academic quality. The higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal. Only schools ranked in or near the top half of their categories are included, because U.S. News considers the most significant values to be among colleges that are above average academically.

Marywood University, which ranked #44 overall on the “Best Regional Universities North” list, also was the highest-ranked local university in the “Top Performers in Social Media” category at #72.

Additionally, at #39, Marywood was the highest ranked of only two local universities on the “Best Colleges for Veterans” (Regional Universities North). According to U.S. News, these are the top-ranked schools in the 2022 Best Colleges rankings that participate in federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay for their degrees.

For additional information about Marywood University, please visit www.marywood.edu, or call the Office of Admissions, at (570) 348-6234. For additional information about Marywood’s rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, please visit www.usnews.com/best-colleges/marywood-university-3296.

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center Adds to its Team of Experts

To better assist manufacturers in capitalizing on growth opportunities, addressing workforce challenges and implementing new technologies, NEPIRC continues to add to its team of experts. 


Steven Goul recently joined the firm as a Mechanical Engineer. Mr. Goul brings with him an impressive resume, which includes ownership of two patents and more than 20 years of engineering experience with companies like Sanofi Pasteur, Honeywell Aerospace and Lockheed Martin. Within those companies, and through ongoing professional education, Mr. Goul received Six Sigma Black Belt, ISO9001, AS9100 and Lean Manufacturing designations and certificates. Additionally, Steve has been an active member of the U.S. Navy for 31 years, including deployment to Afghanistan. Mr. Goul still proudly serves one weekend a month at the U.S. Navy Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center in Norfolk, VA. Mr. Goul’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Penn State University and a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Wisconsin, where his thesis focused on teamwork and conflict resolution.


In addition, NEPIRC added Brandon Henrie as the organization’s newest Business Advisor. Mr. Henrie possesses 14 years’ experience in the medical sales industry. Throughout that tenure, Mr. Henrie obtained numerous recognition awards for exceptional client service and territory development. Brandon holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Kutztown University. Through continuing education and personal development, Mr. Henrie was a contributing author to “Job’s Analysis of the Range of the ‘Dalton Syringe Rocket.,’” which appeared in the Journal of Chemical Education, and obtained his Lean Specialist certification. Brandon is also an accomplished Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner and teaches evening and weekend youth classes at Phoenix Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Nescopeck. In his role at NEPIRC, Brandon will maintain and cultivate valued client relationships throughout Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties.