Lackawanna College and Police Academy Extend Support to Wounded Detective Lackawanna College and the Lackawanna College Police Academy extends our unwavering supportand prayers to Detective Kyle Gilmartin, his family, friends, and all of the brave men and womenwho make up the Scranton Police Department. Detective Kyle Gilmartin was shot and seriously wounded while honorably performing his duties onJanuary 11, 2024. This tragic act of violence services as a stark reminder of the dangers our local lawenforcement officers face on a daily basis while serving and protecting our communities. Lackawanna College has a longstanding and meaningful relationship with the Scranton PoliceDepartment, and Detective Kyle Gilmartin was a distinguished graduate of our Police Academy in 2010. His resilience, integrity, heroism, and unwavering dedication to duty serve as a shiningexample of the highest standards in law enforcement. We extend our heartfelt wishes for a swift and complete recovery for Detective Kyle Gilmartin. Ourthoughts and support are with him and all those who uphold the noble cause of ensuring the safetyand well-being of our society.
Lackawanna College Occupational Therapy Program Hosts Assistive Technology Event On Thursday, Nov. 30, the Lackawanna College Occupational Therapy Assistant program hosted an Assistive Technology Fair in the OTA lab on campus, open to the public. In addition to Occupational Therapy Assistant program staff and students, the event was attended by area occupational therapy students, practitioners, and other Lackawanna College employees. The spacious area housing the OTA program was an excellent fit for area vendors to display their unique and specialized equipment and services. The fair included familiar and cutting-edge assistive technology and services that enable individuals to live more independently, safely, and vibrantly. These devices and services create a context that better engages and supports the individual’s level of function. Vendors at the fair provide services across an age span from early childhood through adult rehabilitation to aging. Students and the public participated in live demonstrations and learned how to assess the need for, document reimbursement for, and access alternative funding solutions for assistive devices and services. PM Medical, Hanover Township, provided familiar low-tech assistive technology, durable medical equipment, with a unique opportunity for students to learn from the provider about the specific and critical documentation needed for reimbursement requirements. PaTTAN, PA Training and Assistive Technology Network, presented their full-service provisions of education, consultation, and technology to support the needs of students in the classroom, including a discussion of the inter-professional teams and roles they support. United Cerebral Palsy’s Assistive Technology Resources Center presented their services and lending library of low- and high-tech devices, creating an excellent alternative access option for individuals unable to afford purchases of this nature. Additionally, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation taught fair-goers about their unique programs for not only assessing needs for assistive technology but also providing a variety of funding options for access to high-end technology. Penumbra was present, providing opportunities for attendees to experience virtual reality devices, the REAL system, for therapeutic recovery and skill development, as well as pain management and wellness. As these cutting-edge, research-based therapeutic interventions begin to become standard within the profession, it is critical that occupational therapy assistant students have access and experience to enter the profession in a knowledgeable and prepared manner. Those looking for a safer option for aging in place in NEPA were represented by NeighborWorks NEPA. One of the many vibrant services that this critical program offers is to provide education for and install assistive technology, as well as home repairs, enabling a person to age in their home environment and community for longer. Together, this group of vendors represents a segment of human services that partners with occupational therapy to support an individual’s ability to engage in the things that matter—the things they want to “occupy” their time. The Lackawanna College Occupational Therapy Assistant program desires this annual Assistive Technology Fair to be a resource not only for area occupational therapy students and practitioners but also for members of the public seeking information and the ability to experience the technology.
Lackawanna College Receives Donation from People’s Security Bank & Trust Lackawanna College received a donation of $45,000 from Peoples Security Bank & Trust. This generous contribution will support the Dual Enrollment Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, which allows high school students to enroll in college-level courses and earn credits while still attending high school. “We are deeply grateful to Peoples Security Bank & Trust for their support of our mission to enhance educational opportunities for high school students,” Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray said. “This donation will directly impact the Dual Enrollment Program, opening doors for students to engage in advanced coursework and gain valuable college experience before graduation.” The Peoples Security Bank & Trust’s donation shows their commitment to education, aligning with Lackawanna College’s mission to provide accessible and affordable education for the communities it supports.
Lackawanna College to Bring Back Blitzen for the Holiday Season Lackawanna College is thrilled to announce a partnership with Dallas Shaw to bring back the unique and creative space known as Blitzen this holiday season! Best of all? This is happening right in downtown Scranton at 409 on Adams, the student-run restaurant at Lackawanna College! Last season over 5,000 guests were welconed, but more help is still needed to expand the space so even more guests can be welcomed! What is Blitzen you may ask? It is where the famed and mysterious reindeer spends his off-season. Guests are invited into his dimly lit home for a cocktail surrounded by his collection of antiques and clues about his life tucked into every corner of his den. Everything tells a story, from his paintings to his book collection and all allude to the feelings he carries about the other reindeer. How does Blitzen really feel about leading the pack from the back this whole time? Look around and learn a little more upon every visit. Our student bartenders and chefs create magic and guests tend to break out in song around a charmingly untuned piano. Let the reindeer games begin! When you show support for Blitzen, you are not just supporting Lackawanna College, you are giving back to our students. The College uses proceeds from Blitzen and other projects to do things like: Increase mental health support for students including the addition of a therapy dog on campus in Fall of 2023. Address food insecurity among the student body through on campus food banks with a program called The Common Kitchen which utilizes culinary kitchens outside of classroom hours and gives resident and commuter students basic staples and lessons to prepare meals for themselves to eat at home or bring back to their dorms. Increase fellowship opportunities: the appointment of third and fourth-year students to roles in key College offices whereby they receive a $3,000/semester scholarship and receive real-world workforce training and professional and leadership development.
Lackawanna College Police Academy Director Appointed Commissioner for CLEAR Commission Lackawanna College Police Academy Director Kevin Mahoney has been appointed as one of the 11 Commissioners for the Citizens Law Enforcement Advisory and Review (CLEAR) Commission. This comes after Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2023-21, establishing the CLEAR Commission to ensure transparency and accountability within state law enforcement agencies. The CLEAR Commission brings together law enforcement experts and criminal justice reform advocates from across Pennsylvania to collaboratively address public safety concerns and enhance accountability measures. Mahoney’s appointment as commissioner recognizes his experience in the field and dedication to continuing responsible law enforcement practices. With over 25 years of service in the Pennsylvania State Police, Mahoney held various supervisory positions, including roles as a criminal investigation unit supervisor, station commander for Troop R Gibson and commander of internal affairs, eastern division, for the Bureau of Integrity and Professional Standards. Governor Shapiro’s selection of Mahoney is reflected in his earlier nomination to serve on the Municipal Police Officers’ Training Commission (MPOETC). The nomination was approved unanimously by the Pennsylvania Senate on June 21, 2023.
Lackawanna College Center for Technology Innovation Receives Donation from Coterra Energy Lackawanna College and Coterra Energy have partnered again on a new initiative to help expand workforce opportunities in northeast Pennsylvania. Through the Pennsylvania Neighborhood Assistance Program/Special Program Priorities (NAP/SPP), Coterra has donated $1 million to Lackawanna College to assist with the implementation of its new Center for Technology Innovation (CTI) to be launched in 2024 at their Scranton Campus. The collaboration between Lackawanna College and Coterra Energy is driven by a shared commitment to fostering innovation, technology, and workforce growth in the region. The CTI will serve as an education and corporate training space for both new students and existing professionals in the industrial technology workforce. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the modern workforce. The Center for Technology Innovation will be a catalyst for innovation, creating a bridge between education and industry to drive economic growth in our community,” President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray said. Coterra Energy’s donation reflects their commitment to supporting local communities and investing in the future of the workforce. This collaboration builds on the success of previous partnerships between Lackawanna College and Coterra Energy, underscoring the ongoing dedication of both organizations to the prosperity of northeast Pennsylvania. “Coterra has a history of investing in education locally, and Lackawanna College has been a great partner. From the School of Petroleum and Natural Gas in Tunkhannock, we have seen local students transition into solid careers with family sustaining wages,” Coterra Director of External Affairs George Stark said. “We expect the CTI to have the same impact here in Scranton. We are proud to call NEPA home and are excited to foster growth in new technologies and careers.” The CTI offers undergraduate degree programs, corporate training, as well as short term, stackable certificates, to prepare individuals for the jobs of tomorrow in areas such as robotics, electric vehicles/advanced automotive, cybersecurity, and communications technology. The CTI is now accepting enrollment in programs that will lead to careers in industries such as transportation and logistics, warehousing and distribution, industrial automation, and technology and communication. Lackawanna College’s vision for the CTI is to ensure the College’s role as an economic, social, and community development leader that supports the future industrial ecosystem.
Lackawanna College Named a “2023 Great College to Work For” This honor places Lackawanna College as an elite company. Lackawanna College is one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For® program. The results, released today in a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education, are based on a survey of 194 colleges and universities. In all, 72 of those institutions achieved “Great College to Work For” recognition for specific best practices and policies. Results are reported for small, medium, and large institutions, with Lackawanna College included among the small universities with 500 to 2,999 students. Lackawanna College won honors in the following categories this year: Professional Development Mission & Pride Supervisor/Department Chair Effectiveness Faculty & Staff Well-being Faculty Experience Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Lackawanna College was also named to the Great Colleges Honor Roll, a status granted to only 42 colleges each year who are highlighted most across the recognition categories. “This is a very proud moment for Lackawanna College. Our employees are changing lives every day and having a positive social and economic impact in our communities. In return, we strive to provide a supportive and collaborative work culture, that values their contributions and prioritizes their well-being. Our growth and successes have been a direct result of employee input, hard work and commitment. Thank you to everyone at Lackawanna College who help to make this a great place to work,” Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray said. The survey results are based on a two-part assessment process: an institution questionnaire that captures employment data and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff. The primary factor in deciding whether an institution received recognition was the employee feedback. “This year we had our highest employee survey participation rate and knowing that makes this recognition even more rewarding,” said Renee Mundy, Esq., SPHR, SHRM-SCP. “Our employees live our mission every day and are committed to improving the lives of our students and our surrounding communities. It takes a special group of individuals to do that, and we are thankful for their dedication and grateful they have chosen to be part of our team. They are the reason we are a Great College to Work For.” 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.
Lackawanna College Receives $5,000 Grant The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded Lackawanna College a $5,000 grant to support adult literacy. This local grant is a part of the Foundation’s largest, one-day literacy donation of more than $13 million throughout the 47 states in which Dollar General operates to support adult, family and summer literacy programs. “This program has been really effective for building a bridge to college and career education for underserved populations. It is an opportunity I’m grateful to be a part of it,” Manager of the Lackawanna Language Academy (LLA) at the Hazleton Center Casey Weisbeck said. The Lackawanna Language Academy (LLA) will provide free ESL classes to benefit the residents of Hazleton, PA. The LLA will serve 48 individuals by offering two, 10-week ESL classes that will occur in Summer and Fall 2023. In-person instruction of literacy skills and take-home lessons will assist Spanish-speaking individuals with limited English proficiency to improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills by at least 2 proficiency levels to attain Adult Basic English proficiency. Experienced ESL Instructors will provide responsive, individualized instruction using a variety of teaching methods and assessment tools. If a student desires to continue their studies upon completion of the course, LC offers Continuing Education Certifications for the Workforce and an English Proficiency college certificate in an 18-credit program that advances English learning and prepares learners for college-level work. “It is a joy to celebrate this historic grant announcement during our 30th anniversary year,” shared Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. “For three decades, DGLF’s investment in community programs has created meaningful access to literacy skills for adults, children and families alike and exemplified Dollar General’s mission of Serving Others. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity and access to a quality education, and we look forward to seeing these literacy grants inspire reading and build brighter futures.” The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations that increase access to educational programming, stimulate and enable innovation in the delivery of educational instruction and inspire a love of reading. Each year, DGLF awards funds to nonprofit organizations, schools, and libraries within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. The Foundation also offers a student referral program for individuals interested in learning how to read, speak English, or prepare for the high school equivalency exam. Referrals to a local organization that provides free literacy services are available online here or through referral cards found in the Learn to Read brochures that are available at the cash register of every Dollar General store.
Lackawanna College Police Academy Cadets Graduate The Lackawanna College Police Academy graduated the part-time Class 258 of Scranton and full-time Class 259 of Hazleton during the ceremony. The graduating classes includes 36 total cadets, who will begin their careers in law enforcement. Director of Police Academy Operations Kevin Mahoney welcomed those attending and presented certifications to the cadets during the ceremony. This graduation comes after Governor Shapiro’s visit to the Lackawanna College Police Academy in March to discuss a police recruitment proposal via a $2,500 tax credit yearly for the next three years.
Lackawanna College CNR Certificate Program Now Accepting Applications The Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center (LCEEC) is accepting applications for their Conservation and Natural Resource (CNR) certificate program. The program is set to begin August 28, 2023, and ends December 15, 2023. During this 16-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 2023 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.
