Lackawanna College Awarded Grant to Further Assist Parenting Students Lackawanna College received the Parent Pathways Grant for $98,602 from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education. The funds from this grant will expand existing resources for parenting students to directly impact the persistence of parenting students with tuition assistance, emergency funding, and support services. “This grant is a game-changer of our parenting students. It allows us to provide essential resources like childcare support, emergency funding, scholarships, and supplies to relieve one extra burden they may be experiencing. Ultimately, it’s about removing barriers so these students can thrive both as parents and students,” said Denise Larson, AVP Enrollment Management and Student Success at Lackawanna College. This is the second year Lackawanna College received the Parent Pathways Grant which aims to provide essential resources directly tailored to the needs of parenting students, ensuring their success in academic endeavors. Initiatives in the grant include tuition assistance, childcare costs, technology support services, and emergency funds for parenting students who require assistance with an academic or basic need affecting their education. These enhanced support services will benefit approximately 23% of Lackawanna’s parenting learners, providing them with the necessary assistance to navigate the demands of both parenthood and higher education.
Lackawanna College’s Spring Pop-up is Back Lackawanna College is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of its magical Spring pop-up dining experience, Wisteria, set to open in April 2025. This one-of-a-kind event transports guests to a whimsical, enchanting garden where they will be immersed in an atmosphere filled with celestial floating lights, a mystical wishing tree, and an unforgettable array of delicious food, beverages, and desserts.Guests will be able to experience the wonders of Wisteria on the following dates: April 9, 10, 16, 23, 24, and 30 May 1, 7, 8, and 14 Doors open at 5:00 PM, and the magic will continue until 10:00 PM each evening. What makes Wisteria truly special is its role as a live classroom, where students from Lackawanna College’s School of Hospitality and Marywood University’s School of Architecture collaborate to bring this magical experience to life. As a result, the pop-up not only delights visitors but also provides invaluable hands-on learning opportunities for students. “We’re incredibly proud of how our pop-up events, including Wisteria, have drawn thousands of visitors to Scranton and helped boost the local economy,” said Stephanie Decker, AVP of Advancement at Lackawanna College. “This initiative is an incredible way to showcase the talent of our students while supporting important programs on campus.”The funds raised from Wisteria directly support key initiatives at Lackawanna College, including: Providing loaner laptops to students in need to ensure they have the tools to succeed academically. Addressing food insecurity through the College’s on-campus food program, The Common Kitchen. Supporting leadership development by offering $3,000/semester scholarships to third and fourth-year students in leadership roles. Providing scholarships to students facing financial barriers to further their education. Lackawanna College is now seeking sponsors for the 2025 Wisteria season. Sponsors will play a vital role in supporting the College’s initiatives and the future workforce. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available, with benefits including exclusive event access, promotional visibility, and recognition on the College’s website and social media channels. For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to become a sponsor, please review the enclosed sponsorship materials or contact Stephanie Decker at (570) 241-6975 or deckers@lackawanna.edu.“Your support of Wisteria will have a lasting impact on our students and the greater Scranton community,” added Decker. “Together, we can continue to make a difference!” Sponsorship Opportunities: Granting Wishes Sponsor – $5,000 – Includes invitations to the opening night, complimentary drink passes, and extensive brand exposure. Magic Maker Sponsor – $2,500 – Includes invitations to the opening night, drink tokens, and brand recognition. Light Up a Life Sponsor – $1,500 – Includes invitations, company logo on menus, and event signage Workforce Sponsor – $500 – Includes website and social media recognition. Innovation Sponsor – $250 – Includes social media recognition. For more information, contact: Stephanie Decker AVP of Advancement, Lackawanna College Phone: (570) 241-6975 Email: deckers@lackawanna.edu
Lackawanna College Enters Agreement with Lower Dauphin School District Lower Dauphin School District Approves Pre-College Agreement with Lackawanna CollegeLower Dauphin School District, located near Harrisburg and Hershey, has approved a pre-college partnership with Lackawanna College, enabling Lower Dauphin School District students to earn college credits while still in high school. Finalized in December 2024, the agreement is new to the Lower Dauphin School District and will be offered online and concurrently through the high school. “Lower Dauphin is looking forward to our partnership with Lackawanna College. The agreement is another avenue for our students and families to evaluate and maximize to make the best possible decisions in assisting with transitioning after high school,” said Todd Neuhard, Assistant to the Superintendent: Secondary Education. The goal of this partnership aligns with Lackawanna College’s commitment to making college more accessible. Lackawanna College creates affordable career pathways, by helping high school students receive access to college level classes through dual enrollment. The college continues to strengthen community ties and prepare students for higher education, while also supporting both student achievement and workforce development. “We are excited to collaborate with the staff, students, and their families of the Lower Dauphin School District. This partnership opens doors for students to get a head start on their college journey, empowering them to earn valuable credits and build a strong foundation for future success, all while still in high school,” said Philip Campbell, Director of College Partnerships at Lackawanna College. Our program provides flexible learning options tailored to meet students’ needs: In-Person: Attend daytime or evening classes at any Lackawanna College location, offering a traditional classroom experience. Online: Utilize the convenience of our Learning Management System (Canvas) to complete courses online, allowing students to learn at their own pace. Concurrent Enrollment: Take college-level courses directly at your high school. We collaborate closely with schools to align our curriculum, including Advanced Placement (AP) and other qualifying courses, with their offerings. Through these options, Lackawanna College focuses on academic enrichment and college readiness, empowering students to take confident steps toward their educational goals. For more information or to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact our Director of College Partnerships, Philip Campbell, at campbellp@lackawanna.edu.
Lackawanna College Hosts Nunsense Play The smash-hit musical comedy Nunsense returns to Scranton at the People’s Security Theater on the campus of Lackawanna College. Our Cabaret Productions is partnering with Lackawanna in this professional theater fundraising event to support higher education in the region. The music and antics of the Little Sisters of Hoboken will entertain audiences on Saturday, March 22 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35. Patrons can also enjoy pre-show dinner or brunch from St. Julia’s Kitchen before each show at 409 on Adams, the college’s student-run restaurant. Advanced reservations are required, $40 per person. “This is an extraordinary opportunity for our cast and crew as we celebrate our company’s twentieth anniversary,” said John Baldino, general manager of Our Cabaret Productions and an assistant professor at Lackawanna. “The People’s Security Theater at Lackawanna College is a special gem in a city so rich in theater history and Nunsense is a gem of a show in the musical theater world. Bringing them together will be a tremendous experience for faculty, students, staff, supporter of the college, and theater-goers all over northeastern Pennsylvania. I’m also eager for my students and colleagues to meet Sr. Hubert.” The show will star Rob Misko as Rev. Mother and John Baldino as Sr. Mary Hubert with Laura Lockwood as Sr. Mary Leo, Christine McGeachie as Sr. Mary Amnesia, and Courtney Rosenkrans as Sr. Robert Anne. Nunsense is produced by Baldino and directed by Misko with tap choreography by Ballroom ONE Dance Company, Eynon. “I have had a love affair with Nunsense since I first saw the off-Broadway production in 1985,” said Misko, who directed the first non-Equity production of Nunsense in Carbondale and has performed as Rev. Mother more than 150 times. “And it’s always special to direct and perform in the show. To mount a Nunsense production alongside my closest friends in a space like the People’s Security Theater is a dream come true.” Book, music, and lyrics of Nunsense are written by Dan Goggin. The show is produced through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, New York, New York. Tickets for the show, brunch, dinner, and a VIP meet-the-cast reception following the March 22 performance are on sale now at ourcabaret.com. About Nunsense Nunsense begins when the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia, Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials. The sisters decide that the best way to raise the money is to put on a variety show, so they take over the school auditorium, which is currently set up for the eighth-grade production of Grease. About Our Cabaret Productions Our Cabaret Productions is an ASCAP-licensed, non-Equity, professional theatrical production company based in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. In operation since 2005, the company produces several incarnations of Dan Goggin’s Nunsense series as fundraising events and offers professional Christmas caroling for private parties, community festivals, and corporate events during the winter holiday season
Lackawanna College Sonography Program Secures $35,000 Grant The Lackawanna College Sonography program is excited to announce it has received a grant award of $35,000 from the Robert Y. Moffat Family Charitable Trust to purchase state-of-the-art equipment. The grant will fund the purchase of one Mindray sonography machine, providing students hands-on training with cutting-edge technology. The sonography program is currently seeking to purchase a total of five new sonography machines to meet the demand of its recently expanded cohort sizes and to replace older equipment. The grant award will help achieve this goal with the purchase of one new Mindray machine. “Securing new equipment for the program is as essential as having current books for the classroom, without the machines for our students to learn on were missing one half of the picture,” said Mary Kay DelRosso, Assistant Director of Sonography at Lackawanna College. “We can teach them the mechanical and informational aspects of sonography but until they apply it to the scan, it’s of no value to them.” The college’s sonography program has grown rapidly over the past several years. Between 2022 to 2024 the sonography program as whole has experienced a six-fold increase in its enrollment in both Cardiac and Vascular Sonography programs, along with the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program tripling its enrollment. “We’ve seen about an 80% increase in enrollment this semester over our previous semester and had to increase our max capacity of students in the program to 30,” said DelRosso. “This grant is also helping increase the number of machines we have and allows our increased number of students to spend time on these machines. We need to make sure they receive practical and efficient experience on the machines. In order for that to happen we need to have more machines in the room to meet the demands of all the new students.” The Sonography Program at Lackawanna College serves both its learners and the wider local community of patients by readying qualified healthcare professionals to fill these in-demand, frontline positions in the medical field. The purchase of new equipment through the grant is part of a greater expansion in the program to train students into workforce ready graduates. The Lackawanna College Sonography program was notified of this grant award on November 15, 2024 and the program will likely purchase the new equipment in early 2025. “I know I speak for everyone in the department, including the students, that we are very grateful for these kind of donations. Being able to put the students on new machines and make them well-prepared after graduation is the core of our program,” said DelRosso.
Lackawanna College Receives $963,000 from NIST Grant Lackawanna College is proud to announce it has been awarded a $963,000 grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The grant will support a new partnership between the college and Vytal Plant Science Research (VPSR), a non-profit, Hazleton-based biotechnology company dedicated to driving innovation and economic growth in agriculture and plant derived bio-manufacturing industries in Pennsylvania. The funding was secured by former U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-08), former ranking member of the House Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees NIST’s annual budget, as part of his Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project Funding requests. “This federal investment will boost an industry that was once a staple of Pennsylvania’s economy and today presents further opportunities for new businesses, farm income, good-paying jobs, and environmentally sound products,” said Congressman Cartwright. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact Lackawanna College will have on driving scientific innovation, advancing skilled labor training, and revitalizing local manufacturing in our region.” The funding will allow VPSR to conduct genetic research and develop various strains of industrial hemp. This research will explore gene editing and metabolic engineering of hemp to create at least three new hemp seed varieties that will support the manufacture and deployment of innovative, bio-based products for application in green building construction, packaging, fabrics, renewable energy and land remediation. Alongside this research, Lackawanna College will launch a 15-week certificate program focused on preparing individuals interested in the hemp industry. The program, created in collaboration with VPSR and other leading manufacturing partners, will focus on providing skills needed to work with hemp including horticulture, agriculture, the role of global climate change and artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML). “Our 15-week certificate program is more than just education—it’s a gateway to meaningful careers in a rapidly evolving sector,” said Dr. Jill Murray, President and Chief Innovation Officer at Lackawanna College. “By collaborating with VPSR and leading manufacturing partners, we’ve developed a robust curriculum that will give students hands-on experience with the very latest advancements in hemp technology, ensuring they’re ready to contribute to this expanding industry. We’re not just training for today’s jobs, we’re equipping a workforce that can thrive as industries increasingly turn to sustainable solutions like hemp for the future.” In addition to the certificate program, the NIST funding will also help develop new sustainable agriculture facility at Lackawanna College’s Hazleton Center. Students (K-16), teachers and farmers are welcome to participate in hands-on workshops at the facility dedicated to instructing tissue culture, cloning, gene editing, growing and the cultivation process. These workshops are designed to educate and prepare the next generation of the workforce for opportunities in the hemp industry. “Advancing STEM education programs at two-year colleges is vital for creating pathways and opportunities that enable more talented individuals from diverse regions across the country to enter STEM fields,” said Dr. Shobha Rudrabhatla, Chief Scientific Officer at Vytal Plant Science Research. “Lackawanna College plays a key role in this effort, serving a large community of underrepresented minorities.”
Lackawanna College Partners with MMI for Pre-College Program MMI Preparatory School, located in Freeland near Hazleton, has approved a pre-college agreement with Lackawanna College, enabling MMI students to earn college credits while still in high school. This agreement, finalized in October 2024, follows an extensive evaluation process in which MMI reviewed area colleges and selected Lackawanna College to partner with for Pre-College programs. “Jennifer Novotney (Director of Curriculum and Instruction at MMI) and I met with approximately a dozen colleges and universities this summer, and very quickly Lackawanna College rose to the top, not only for the college’s experience with Pre-College programs but the ability to work together and move quickly,” said Dr. Tammy M. Chrin, Ed.D., Director of College Counseling at MMI Preparatory School. Currently, 40 eligible MMI students are set to benefit from the initiative, with the program already in place and being collaboratively administered by MMI and Lackawanna College staff. “I am excited to be working with MMI, their staff, faculty, and students. This partnership will help students earn college credits before graduating from high school and save their families thousands of dollars in the process. We are proud to be a part of this process for the families of MMI,” said Phillip Campbell, Director of College Partnerships at Lackawanna College. MMI students have the flexibility to take classes online, attend courses at the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center, or participate in concurrent classes held at MMI Preparatory School. “Our students are really excited about the concurrent enrollment opportunities that are available. We currently have 29 credits available over junior and senior year that students can earn college credit for,” said Dr. Chrin. “I’ve introduced associate degree options to our students through the Level Up program and we have a number of students, especially our sophomore class, who are considering earning an associate degree before they would earn their high school diploma.” Lackawanna College promotes the following goals through its partnership with MMI Preparatory School: Enable high school students to earn college credits, saving time and money toward their higher education goals. Provide exposure to college-level coursework, easing the transition from high school to higher education. Offer pathways to career-focused programs. Help students explore fields of study before committing to a major. “This is something we’ve been looking at for quite some time here at MMI, a partnership that give us the opportunity to offer our students both concurrent and dual enrollment classes,” said Marci Hosier Assistant Head of School at MMI. “We know this is something that is extremely timely and relevant for our students and their families, and our staff has done a fantastic job working with Lackawanna College in getting this up and off the ground.” About MMI Preparatory School For 145 years, MMI Preparatory School has been providing dedicated area students with a comprehensive and inspiring 6th through 12th grade college preparatory program that maximizes each individual’s academic, social, and character potential in preparation for success in college and beyond. The school is jointly accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). MMI is a school where every student can reach their full potential: academically, ethically, and socially. For more information about MMI Preparatory School, visit www.mmiprep.org or call 570-636-1108. About Lackawanna College’s Pre-College Program Lackawanna College’s Pre-College Programs provide high school students with the opportunity to jump-start their college journey by earning credits while still in high school. These programs offer flexibility, allowing students to take college-level courses online, on-campus, or directly within their high schools. By participating, students can save on tuition costs, explore various academic disciplines, and gain valuable experience that prepares them for the transition to higher education. With a focus on academic enrichment and college readiness, Lackawanna College empowers students to take the first step toward achieving their educational goals.
Maternal and Family Health Services Awards Scholarships to Lackawanna College Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) is proud to announce that two participants in the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program have received scholarships to attend Lackawanna College. Beginning in 2018, Lackawanna College has provided full-tuition scholarships for clients from MFHS who are enrolled in the NFP program in an effort to continue to provide affordable, high quality educational opportunities to the residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania. “We are thrilled to see our Nurse-Family Partnership participants taking the next step in their educational journeys,” said Maria Montoro Edwards, President and CEO of MFHS “This scholarship program provides an incredible opportunity for these women to build a strong foundation for their futures, which will benefit not only them but also their children and the broader community.” This initiative aims to support NFP mothers in their educational and career aspirations, empowering them to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. This is a significant step forward in ensuring that NFP mothers have access to higher education, which is key to fostering economic stability and improving overall family health. The Nurse-Family Partnership is a renowned program that pairs mothers with registered nurses who provide guidance and support through pregnancy and the first two years of the child’s life. The program has been proven to improve maternal and child health, increase economic self-sufficiency, and foster long-term positive outcomes for families. “At Lackawanna College, we believe in the transformative power of education to create brighter futures for individuals, families, and communities. As a former board president of MFHS, I am especially proud to see this partnership continue its legacy of offering scholarships to students participating in the Nurse-Family Partnership. This initiative not only supports the professional growth of these students, but also our shared commitment to improving healthcare and fostering success for families in our community” said Dr. Jill Murray, President of Lackawanna College. For more information about Maternal and Family Health Services and the Nurse-Family Partnership program, please visit https://mfhs.org/services/nurse-family-partnership Photo L to R: Denise Larson, AVP Enrollment Management and Student Success, Lackawanna College Maria Montoro Edwards, PhD, President and CEO, Maternal and Family Health Services Stephanie Cox, Scholarship Recipient Maria Stefano, Scholarship Recipient Cheryl Kramer, MS, RN, NFP Nurse Home Visitor, Maternal and Family Health Services AnnMarie Jennings, BSN, RN, Nurse Supervisor NFP, Maternal and Family Health Services Ann Jones, BSN,RN, Director of NFP, Maternal and family Health Services
Lackawanna College Culinary Students Open “MISFITS” Lackawanna College is thrilled to announce the return of its holiday pop-up event, Misfits, a festive and inclusive experience set to open in downtown Scranton at 409 on Adams, the College’s student-run restaurant. This event will run from November 13th through December 21st, and invites guests to embrace the holiday spirit in an unconventional way – where everyone is welcome and being different is celebrated. Following the success of last year’s inaugural season, which saw over 7,000 guests, Misfits is set to be bigger and better in 2024. The theme of the event is inspired by the heartwarming story of Charlie, a kindhearted but misunderstood soul who inherits an old boarding house. Inside, the rooms are filled with unique characters and festive tales that bring a fresh perspective to the holiday season. Attendees are encouraged to come, find their tribe, and celebrate the holidays with a twist. “Misfits is about creating a space where everyone can come as they are and be part of something special,” said [Name], [Title] at Lackawanna College. “It’s a unique celebration that brings together our community, our students, and everyone who supports the College and its mission. Last year was a huge success, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests in 2024.” A Meaningful ImpactBeyond being a fun and festive experience, Misfits plays a vital role in supporting the mission of Lackawanna College and empowering its students. All proceeds from the event help fund initiatives that provide tangible support for the College’s diverse student body, including: Loaner Laptops for Students – Providing 130 students with the necessary tools to succeed in their education by loaning out laptops to help bridge the digital divide. Fighting Food Insecurity – Through programs like The Common Kitchen, Lackawanna College combats food insecurity among students by offering nutritious food staples, culinary training, and access to a community-driven food bank. Student Leadership Opportunities – Scholarships and workforce training opportunities are provided to upperclassmen who take on leadership roles within the College, preparing them for real-world success. Nourishing Neighbors – In partnership with the Scranton Counseling Center, Lackawanna College has provided over 2,300 meals to local families in need, supported by over 100 hours of student and faculty volunteer time. “We’re not just celebrating the season – we’re supporting our students and our community,” added [Name]. “By attending Misfits, you are helping to make these programs possible, and together, we can continue to create opportunities for those who need it most.” Become a SponsorLackawanna College is actively seeking sponsors for the 2024 Misfits season. Sponsorships not only provide visibility and recognition within the community but also directly support the College’s mission to empower students and give back to the Scranton area. For more information about becoming a sponsor, or to inquire about event details, please contact [Name] at (570) 504-7945 or via email at deckers@lackawanna.edu.
Lackawanna College Recognized as a “2024 Great College to Work For” Lackawanna College Joins the Ranks of the Nation’s Top Institutions For the second year in a row, Lackawanna College is recognized as one of the nation’s top workplaces in higher education by the 2024 Great Colleges to Work For® program. The results, released today in a special edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education, are derived from a comprehensive survey encompassing 216 colleges and universities nationwide. Of those, only 75 institutions achieved the distinction of being named a “Great College to Work For,” based on their practices and policies. Results are reported by institution size, and Lackawanna College was recognized in the small college category, which includes schools with enrollments between 500 and 2,999 students. This year, Lackawanna College won honors in two recognition categories: Job Satisfaction & Support: Recognizes institutions where employees have high job satisfaction, feel supported and have the resources to succeed. Mission & Pride: Highlights institutions where employees understand the mission, take pride in their work and recommend the college as a great place to work. “Receiving recognition once again as a ‘Great College to Work For’ is a profound honor and a reflection of our collective efforts to build an exceptional workplace. This recognition highlights the dedication, passion, and enthusiasm that each team member brings to our organization. It is not just a reflection of our workplace culture but a celebration of the values we uphold and the commitment we share to support and inspire our students, and each other, every day.” Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray, Ph.D., said. The rankings are the result of a two-part assessment process: an institutional questionnaire that gathers detailed information on employment data and workplace policies, and a survey distributed to faculty, administrators and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback. “Earning this distinction once again is a powerful affirmation of the dedication our employees demonstrate each day in embodying our mission. We are committed to providing high quality education to our students and working to improve our surrounding communities. This honor is a direct result of their hard work and their commitment to making our mission a reality, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together,” Vice President for Human Resources Renee Mundy, Esq., SPHR, SHRM-SCP said. About the Great Colleges to Work For® Program The Great Colleges to Work For® program is one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in the country. For more information and to view all current and previous recognized institutions, visit the Great Colleges program website at GreatCollegesProgram.com and GreatCollegesList.com. ModernThink, a strategic human capital consulting firm, administered the survey and analyzed the results.
