Lackawanna College Pinky Swear PACK Honored for Fundraising Efforts

The Lackawanna College Pinky Swear Ambassadors on College Campuses to Help Kids with Cancer (PACK) were honored at a virtual event on May 26 by the Pinky Swear Foundation for raising $4,200, becoming the second top fundraising group in the foundation’s “It Takes Two” fundraiser out of 69 registered PACKs around the country.

“This award shows the dedication of our students in their mission to support children and their families who are living with pediatric cancer,” said Stephanie McDaniels, faculty advisor for Lackawanna College PACK. “We look forward to continuing our work with the Pinky Swear Foundation to spread awareness, fundraise, develop student leaders on our campus and make a difference.”

The Lackawanna College PACK raised the funds by hosting a basket raffle that included a large spring-inspired basket valued at over $400 including gift cards, chocolate, and surprises donated by Lackawanna College PACK students. The basket raffle pulled in a remarkable amount of donations from Lackawanna College students, faculty, staff, and the Scranton community. This was Lackawanna College PACK’s first fundraiser. “We are always amazed at the incredible passion and dedication of our Pinky Swear PACK members,” said Frankie Behr, Pinky Swear Foundation Student Leadership Manager. “The efforts seen from the Lackawanna PACK are incredibly creative and we are even more excited that every dollar they raised will actually be tripled thanks to our partners at KLN Family Brands and a generous family foundation. This support will help so many families when they need to most – right now.”

Learn more at www.lackawanna.edu.

Lackawanna College Signs Transfer Agreement with SUNY Orange

Orange County Community College (SUNY Orange) and Lackawanna College Lake Region Center have jointly approved a transfer agreement that provides a seamless and smooth pathway for SUNY Orange graduates to transfer to Lackawanna and remain on track to earn a bachelor’s degree in four years.

For qualifying SUNY Orange graduates who intend to transition immediately to Lackawanna College after earning their associate’s degree, Lackawanna will waive the transfer application fee, extend students a $1,250-per-year scholarship, consider them for tuition discounts if they are eligible, and provide access to Lackawanna advising while the students are still enrolled at SUNY Orange to facilitate an easy transfer process. For their part, SUNY Orange graduates must maintain at least a 2.8 grade point average and enroll full-time at Lackawanna in one of the College’s seven bachelor’s degree programs.

“I’d like to thank President Dr. Jill Murray and her team at Lackawanna for collaborating with our staff, led by Dr. Erika Hackman, vice president for academic affairs, to provide SUNY Orange graduates with a viable and a seamless pathway to a bachelor’s degree at an institution that is close by,” said Dr. Kristine Young, SUNY Orange president. “A handful of Lackawanna’s bachelor’s degree programs align perfectly with our degrees, specifically in the areas of accounting, business, criminal justice and human services, and I’m confident their RN-to-BSN program will be of interest to our nursing grads.”

“This agreement is a culmination of our efforts to partner with SUNY Orange to create streamlined pathways for students who desire to continue their education at Lackawanna College, where they will achieve bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields and make a difference in our communities,” said Jennifer Passenti, director of the Lackawanna College Lake Region Center.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Scranton, Lackawanna College remains one of the oldest educational institutions in the region. For more than 120 years, the College has been empowering students to become the next generation of leaders, and its roots in Scranton run deep. Since its formation in 1894, the College’s mission has always been to provide a quality education to all persons who seek to improve their lives and better their communities.

Presently, the College has five satellite centers in Hawley, Hazleton, Sunbury, Tunkhannock and Towanda, Pennsylvania; an Environmental Education Center in Covington Township; and a rapidly expanding main campus in Scranton. Lackawanna College is accredited by the Commission of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

The College prides itself on its focused class sizes, which allow for personalized attention from skilled and extremely passionate faculty; its progressive curriculum, innovative programs, and cutting-edge learning studios that better prepare students; and the unparalleled student support services and active student life community that deepens each student’s college experience. For more information, contact the SUNY Orange Academic Advising office at advising@sunyorange.edu or call (845) 341-4070. For additional information about Lackawanna College, contact Jennifer Passenti at passentij@lackawanna.edu or call (570) 226-4625.

Dr. Jill Murray Named an Editorial Board Member for Esports Journal

A recent press release announced on May 18, 2021, Lackawanna College President, Dr. Jill Murray has been named as an Editorial Board Member for the new journal for Esports, Annals of Esports Research (AER).

Read the Annals of Esports Research (AER) press release below.

We pleased to announce a new journal for Esports, Annals of Esports Research (AER).   AER is the first North American Esports journal and is an international, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to expanding the scientific basis and qualitative and quantitative knowledge of Esports by publishing quality articles concerning the field.

AER publishes innovative original research, opinion, and educational information related to Esports.   All disciplines and approaches to understanding Esports are encouraged with a special interest in the health, performance, and experience, and well-being of players, fans, and coaches and industry practices and outlooks and the teaching, management, and research of Esports. 

 Our goal is to advance academic and industry discussions and research in Esports.  We welcome empirical, conceptual, and qualitative research and industry-driven manuscripts.  As Annals, we are interdisciplinary and cross the barriers between industry, the academy, and medicine. 

AER is a gold-standard open access journal published through Harrisburg University.  It is a no-fee journal and all published articles will be freely accessible. We are an Emerging Sources Citation Index Journal.  

The journal welcomes submissions from international contributors and researchers of all specialties.

Our Editorial Board includes academic and industry partners.

  • Eric Darr, Ph.D. – President, Harrisburg University
  • Mark Candella – Director of Student and Education Programs, Twitch
  • Joey Gawrysiak, Ph.D.  – Program Director, Associate Professor of Esports, Shenandoah University
  • Wayne Kimmel – Chairman of the Board, Managing Partner, SeventySix Capital
  • Lindsey Migliore D.O.  – Esports Physician, Founder, GamerDoc, Faculty associate for NYIT Center for Sports Medicine.
  • Glenn Mitchell, M.D., MPH  – Professor of Healthcare Informatics, Vice Provost for Institutional Effectiveness,  Harrisburg University
  • Jill Murray, Ph.D. – President, Lackawanna University
  • Charles Palmer – Associate Professor of Esports, Director C.A.R.E, Harrisburg University
  • Wim Stocks – EVP Partnerships & Commercial, Belong Gaming & Vindex
     

Categories of Interests:  Clinical Topics, Esports and Medicine, Esports and Health, Analytics/Modeling, Bio-Medical, Business, Marketing, Economics, Esports Management, AR/VR, AI, Finance, Education/Pedagogy, and Esports, Sociology, Psychology, Communications, Media, Cultural Studies, Statistics, Prose and Other.

Please visit our website: Annals of Esports Research (harrisburgu.edu)

To submit a manuscript to AER, please visit:  https://harrisburguniversity.submittable.com/submit Please direct manuscript inquiries and general journal questions to Jennifer L. Metz, Ph.D., at  AnnalsofEsports@harrisburgu.edu or jmetz@harrisburgu.edu

LCEEC Announces Expansion of Conservation & Natural Resource Certificate Program

The Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center (LCEEC) has announced the expansion of its popular Conservation and Natural Resource (CNR) certificate program. Now, students can take the program at their Environmental Education Center in Covington Township or at their Towanda or Sunbury locations. The program is currently accepting applications for the fall semester and is set to begin in August 2021.

During this 15-week accelerated program, students will complete five undergraduate-level field biology courses at the LCEEC located on 211-acres of diverse habitat in Covington Township, Pa.

The curriculum focuses on the conservation and interpretation of our natural environment. The program includes instruction in environmental interpretation, wildlife management, freshwater ecosystems, dendrology, and ornithology.  Students will also experience both classroom and hands-on field training throughout the program.

The CNR certificate is appropriate for anyone seeking a career as a park ranger or in a related field. Students may also take individual courses. Courses are transferable into two or four-year degree programs. Upon graduation, students will receive a CNR certificate and transcripts of their undergraduate coursework.

Applications are currently being accepted for the Fall 2021 semester and financial aid is available. The CNR program is also approved for WIOA funding for displaced workers or individuals with high financial need. Please call PA Career Link for Lackawanna County to verify WIOA funding eligibility.

For more information about the program, please visit lackawanna.edu or contact Sharon Yanik-Craig at yaniks@lackawanna.edu or call (570) 842-1506.

Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center Summer Day Camp Registration Open

This summer, local youths ranging from ages five through 13 will have the opportunity to participate in summer day camps, which are focused on connecting children to nature. They will take place at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center, 93 MacKenzie Rd., Covington Township, Pa.

Each weeklong camp takes place at LCEEC’s beautiful 211-acre property and LEED Gold Certified facility.  The property is home to native plants and wild animals, forested areas, a stream, a marsh, meadows, instructional gardens and both indoor and outdoor classroom space. Campers will spend time exploring natural habitats and playing summer games while the experienced staff guides campers through innovative experiential activities including hiking, stream and forest ecology, environmental activities, nature-based art projects and much more.

Focusing on discovery and teamwork, children gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all life while daily interactions with one another helps develop cooperation skills and encourage friendships. A low camper-to-counselor ratio ensures children are safe, supervised and engaged in activities that keep their minds and bodies healthy. 

Camp themes change weekly and include Honey Bee Conservation, Wilderness Survival, Backyard Habitats, Closer Look, Eco Explorers and Eco Quest.  Camps will follow COVID 19 Safety Guidelines recommended by the CDC and ACA.  For more information or to register contact the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center at (570) 842-1506 or email yaniks@lackawanna.edu.

Rally for Restaurants $10,000 Cash Prize for #RallyFinale

After raising nearly $50,000 for restaurants and over $12,000 for student scholarships, Lackawanna College Rally for Restaurants and Metz Culinary Management have committed to raising up to $10,000 to award to one local restaurant in need.

“Rally for Restaurants exemplifies the College’s commitment to bettering the communities we serve, namely in this case, our restaurant community,” said Stephanie Decker, Lackawanna College Associate VP of Social and Economic Impact. “Thanks to the generosity of Metz Culinary Management and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, our #RallyFinale event will deliver on that promise in a big way.”

Rally for Restaurants at 409 on Adams will feature Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, a franchise operated by Metz, for their final dinner service on May 6 at their #RallyFinale event. Metz Culinary Management will award all proceeds from the event to Lackawanna College who will run a community-driven contest to award the full amount raised to a local eatery.

“As a partner with Lackawanna College since 2015 as their onsite foodservice provider, Metz Culinary Management is thrilled to work in conjunction with their local Ruth’s Chris Steak House to support Rally for Restaurants,” said Jeff Metz, President and CEO of Metz Culinary Management. “Our commitment to raising money for those in need locally is part of who we are as an organization and we are proud to support this worthy cause.”

Restaurants can participate in the Lackawanna College Rally for Restaurant’s #RallyFinale contest by submitting a 60-second video on how the funds will be used to help their restaurant at www.lackawanna.edu/rally by Friday, April 30. Lackawanna College will announce the finalists on May 3 and open the vote to the public. The contest winner will be announced at the #RallyFinale event with Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse on May 6.

For more information, reservations or to donate to Rally for Restaurants, visit www.lackawanna.edu/rally.

Lackawanna College to Help Local Hospitality and Leisure Industry

A new partnership between Lackawanna College Lake Region Center and the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance aims to help local hospitality and leisure businesses grow their staff and train their existing workforce.

“The well-rounded training courses that we are offering will be crucial to helping our hospitality and leisure businesses start to rebuild their workforce that was drastically affected by the pandemic,” said Jennifer Passenti, Lackawanna College Lake Region Center Director “We are proud to work with the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance to help this industry survive and continue to grow.”

USDA Rural Development awarded a grant to the Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance to provide internships and online training programs through the Lackawanna College Lake Region Center’s Continuing Education Department. Training courses include marketing and communications, design, Microsoft Office programs, skilled labor, and more.

“Workforce Alliance is offering paid internships and free training to qualified businesses in Wayne & Pike Counties,” said Lucyann Vierling, Workforce Alliance Executive Director. “Assisting our local businesses by providing much-needed resources to upskill existing or future staff, will not only assist individuals to retain or gain the skills that can lead to career advancement within the organization, but it also helps support the recovery efforts of the many businesses impacted by the pandemic.”

To get connected to the right training program, employers can complete the Train to Retain Form or call 570-390-7613 Ext. 702 for more information.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Lackawanna College Plans for Return to In-Person Instruction for Fall 2021

After a year of adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic through virtual and hybrid courses, Lackawanna College is planning a return to normal, in-person classes for the Fall 2021 semester.

“We are deciding to return to normal operations as soon as possible, based on the advice of state medical and public health experts, along with Lackawanna’s internal COVID-19 taskforce and with the support of our Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College President. “We are grateful to all of our students, faculty and staff who have worked together to ensure safety on our main campus and at all of our satellite centers.”

During the 2020–2021 academic year, Lackawanna College implemented policies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at all College locations. Ongoing mitigation efforts include daily self-assessments, contact tracing, masking requirements and the installation of air filtration systems and cleaning measures.

Lackawanna College’s COVID-19 taskforce will continue to monitor the pandemic and maintain all existing health and safety precautions. Any future changes to the fall return plan will be dependent on the pandemic, vaccination distribution and state and local guideline recommendation changes.

Learn more at www.lackawanna.edu.

Lackawanna College and Johnson College Sign Articulation Agreement

Recently Lackawanna College and Johnson College signed an articulation agreement that gives Johnson College students the opportunity to transfer credits to Lackawanna College’s Bachelor of Science in Business program.

“Johnson College students already built a strong foundation through their learning experiences and will now be able to easily transfer into Lackawanna College’s Bachelor’s program to complete their degree,” said Dr. Jill A. Murray, Lackawanna College President. “Our business bachelor’s program allows students to stay local and earn their degree in a flexible and challenging program that will prepare them for careers.”

The bachelor’s degree in business at Lackawanna College prepares students for success in the business world with a diverse curriculum and a well-rounded education that produces career-ready graduates. Students can choose a marketing concentration or a lean entrepreneurship concentration to better hone their skills.

“Establishing this articulation agreement with Lackawanna College creates an opportunity for our students to build on the hands-on education they’ve already received and stack their credentials even more with a bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College. “This agreement strengthens the relationship between our two institutions and creates a more experienced workforce in our community.”