Lackawanna College Hosts Annual Golf Tournament for 2023 The Lackawanna College Athletics Department will have a golf tournament fundraiser to support student athletes through various athletic department programming. It will take place Monday, June 5, 2023 at 1:00 p.m at the Elmhurst Country Club in 319 Gardner Rd, Moscow, PA 18444. The tournament starts with registration and lunch at 11:30 a.m. in the club house, followed by a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. Hole sponsors, closest-to-the-pin contests, longest drive competitions, and more door prizes and raffles will be available for all attendees. At 6:00 p.m., dinner will be in the club house, with prizes awarded and raffle items drawn. The tournament is open to teams of four and individual golfers.
Lackawanna College Class of 2023 Graduates *In photo – Lackawanna College graduates Channel Evans Kearse, Scranton, Ashley Bruno, Wilkes Barre, Jessica Hinton, Blakely, Abigail Eileen Foley, Dunmore, Gustavo Weislher Andrade, Clarks Summit, Chelsea L Bush, Susquehanna, Tiffany Michelle Anello, Spring Brook Township and Makkah Madinah Watkins, Scranton celebrate outside Angeli Hall. Lackawanna College awarded 117 bachelor’s degrees along with more than 375 associate degrees and 19 certificates at the college’s 129th commencement. The ceremony honored the class of 2023 and Brianna McCarthy of Scranton presented the valedictory address. “Leave today with the knowledge to take on the world and meaningfully contribute to it,” McCarthy said. “Whether we land our dream career, go on to achieve our masters or more; we remember Lackawanna College as the place to fuel true ambition.” Jill Murray, Ph.D., and Erica Barone Pricci, Ph.D. addressed graduates at the ceremony, conferred degrees to candidates and presented degrees with Adrienne Asbury, dean of curriculum and faculty affairs, and Kelly Musti, associate vice president for academic affairs and dean of health sciences. “I am proud of what you all have accomplished and what you will accomplish as cherished alumni,” Dr. Murray said. “Your time at Lackawanna College has made you intellectually curious and prepared you to be responsible citizens of this planet. The work you do once you leave us, will help to evolve a better world.” Members from the Class of 2023 represented 15 states including Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maine, Colorado, Florida, Delaware, Maryland, Ohio, Georgia, Oklahoma, Connecticut and Virginia. Undergraduate degrees with the most graduates were bachelor’s Human Services, associate in Professional Studies, associate in Business Administration, associate in Business Studies and associate in Criminal Justice.
Lackawanna College’s Cybersecurity Lab Sponsored by Mcdonald’s The Lackawanna College Cybersecurity program received a sponsorship from McDonald’s for its lab in the upcoming Center for Technology Innovation (CTI). “It’s super empowering and exciting for the future home of our CTI building and this sponsorship is going to make a difference for us to give back to the students who will then give back to the community as whole,” Director of College Advancement Amber Riedinger said. “Everyone knows McDonald’s and having them come on as a sponsor to back our new facility is huge.” The payment made is $50,000 from the Mueller family, operators of McDonald’s restaurants in the local area. The sponsorship goes to the CTI’s capital campaign fund and will be paid over the course of five years. The lab will be located on the first floor of the CTI building. “We are investing in educating the future of our local community and helping people better themselves by following whatever dreams they have,” Christina Mueller said. “Cybersecurity is a growing industry and becoming more critical every day. We are extremely happy to partner with Lackawanna and make an impact.” The Mueller family franchise is locally owned and operated with 19 McDonald’s restaurants across northeastern Pennsylvania, including two in Allentown. Currently, Lackawanna College and the Mueller family have a partnership where employees who work in Mueller family McDonald’s can receive free tuition. Employees who work at least 16 hours a week and complete 90 days of employment, can earn a degree. Lackawanna College’s Cybersecurity Associate Degree will cover various computer science topics, allowing students to learn how to prevent major cyber security threats and attacks. Cybersecurity is a fast-paced field, and students receive an education preparing them to tackle the problems our online world faces every day. The program is currently accepting enrollment. *In Photo – Pictured left to right – Lackawanna College President and Chief Innovation Officer Jill Murray, Ph.D., Carol Mueller, Christina Mueller and Director of College Advancement Amber Riedinger.
Lackawanna College Student-Run Restaurant Hosts BBQ Event Lackawanna College’s student-run restaurant, 409 on Adams, will host a BBQ on the patio event with live music, lawn games and cocktails on Thursday May 4, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Lackawanna College School of Hospitality students will team up with Greenley’s BBQ of Tunkhannock, to make an array of smoked summer foods such as brisket, pork and chicken. Also featured are a variety of salads, and desserts made by Lackawanna College’s Baking and Pastry students. “Instead of just learning about how to plan and manage events, students are actually executing leadership, organization and collaboration skills in a real-world setting, giving them a leg up when moving out into their careers,” Director of Lackawanna College’s Kiesendahl School of Hospitality Kristen McNally said. The proceeds of the BBQ support Lackawanna’s Gratuity Scholarship, used to directly support School of Hospitality students. “While the BBQ is a first-time event, we have done many themed events for our guests. Some objectives of the courses students take during their fourth semester are learning techniques of a volume kitchen and display proficiency in platter production for larger events,” McNally said. “These themed events support those objectives as well as give the students a fun immersive way to learn.” The BBQ on the patio is open to the public and located at 409 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509. Tickets are $40 per person and include admission, food, 1 drink token (21+, ID required) and all non-alcoholic beverages. Proof of digital confirmation is required for the event. Guests interested in joining the event can click this link to sign up.
Lackawanna College Hazleton Center Awarded Grant from Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry HAZLETON, PA – Lackawanna College received $377,097.61 from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry as part of the PAsmart Building, Supporting and Expanding Registered Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs in the Building and Construction Trades Grant. The funding will be used to establish the Lackawanna College Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program at the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center. “We are thrilled to receive this grant for the new Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program here at the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center,” Director of the Lackawanna College Hazleton Center April Harris-Snyder said. “This program will not only help the Hazleton Center expand its educational catalog but give back to the community with dedicated graduates.” The Lackawanna College Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a 16-week semester of college level coursework having students complete six credit-bearing courses, obtaining 11 certifications and earning 16.5 college credits. The goal of the program is to prepare students for a variety of entry-level jobs in the construction industry such as carpenters, construction laborers, electricians, HVAC workers and plumbers. Included in the program is an eight-week ESL course for students who may require a basic English education. The program will seek to serve individuals in the Hazleton area and provide training options for those unable to attend a career technology center. April Harris-Snyder, director of the Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program, has experience establishing workforce training programs with ESL students in the Hazleton community. The program she helped organize has partnerships with Associated Builders and Contractions, Inc. (ABC) Eastern PA Chapter and Hayden Power Group. Graduates of the program will become a member of ABC and will take part in a career fair hosted by ABC. The program is set to launch in July 2023. The Lackawanna College Hazleton Center will host a grand opening of the Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Certification on Wednesday April 12, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Media are requested to RSVP prior to the event. On April 15 Lackawanna College Hazleton will host an Open House for high school students interested in attending Lackawanna College. Students can learn about the programs at Lackawanna college and take a personalized tour of the Hazleton Center. Media are requested to RSVP prior to attending.
Lackawanna College Robotics Program Partners with Leading Worldwide Robot Manufacturer SCRANTON – Lackawanna College will partner with ABB Robotics for its Center for Technology Innovation’s (CTI) Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program. The partnership will allow the CTI’s Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program students to receive hands-on experience with ABB equipment and train ABB robot owners and operators in the classroom. Lackawanna College is one of seven facilities nationwide to train students on ABB robots and the only facility in the northeast to be an ABB robot owner and operator training facility. “We are going to provide students with an understanding of the real workings of a robot, including programming, electrical and technology skills, then utilizing those skills in many different types of industrial/manufacturing and distribution facilities and environments,” Robotics & Integrated Technologies Program Director, Rob Crane said. “This partnership presents a career pathway to our students to pursue technical jobs in the field of robotics, such as programmers, technicians and integrators.” The partnership will allow Lackawanna College to deliver two training models, one for students pursuing an associate of science degree and the other for existing ABB robot owners and operators. The Robotics & Integrated Technology students will learn the same training materials and concepts as professional ABB robot owners and operators. Students will also receive a certificate from ABB upon completing the program. ABB robot owners and operators will register online for professional education via ABB’s website to receive training from Lackawanna College certified instructors on campus. ABB Robotics is one of the world’s leading robotics and machine automation suppliers being the only company with a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and machine automation solutions. Lackawanna College’s partnership with ABB Robotics will align with the CTI’s vision to ensure the college’s role as an economic, social and community development leader that supports the future industrial ecosystem. “This partnership is a huge opportunity and differentiator over any other higher ed institution in the northeast in terms of robotics,” CTI Executive Director and Cybersecurity Program Director Marc Gonzalez said. “ABB Robotics will provide longevity to our program keeping it innovative and relevant.” About Lackawanna College Founded in 1894, Lackawanna College is a private, accredited college serving the people of northeastern Pennsylvania. With the main campus situated in downtown Scranton, Lackawanna’s expanding footprint also includes satellite centers in Hawley, Hazleton, Sunbury, Towanda, Tunkhannock and the Environmental Education Center in Covington Township. Learn more at www.lackawanna.edu. Local. Affordable. Career-Focused.
Lackawanna College will Host Spring Bazaar Open House On Saturday April 15, 2023 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m Lackawanna College will host a Spring Bazaar open house for local high school students interested in attending Lackawanna College. Students can take an immersive tour of our campuses, meet with faculty from Lackawanna’s 60 plus academic programs, receive personalized financial aid assistance and take part in a block party celebration on Vine street outside Angeli Hall at Lackawanna College’s Scranton Campus. Local high school students interested in attending Lackawanna College and faculty from Lackawanna College providing information from our various programs. Lackawanna College Scranton – 501 Vine Street Scranton, PA 18509 Lackawanna College Hazleton – 2 East Broad Street Hazleton, PA 18201 Lackawanna Towanda – 1024 South Main Street Towanda, PA 18848 Lackawanna College Tunkhannock – 420 Tioga West Plaza Tunkhannock, PA 18657 Lackawanna College Sunbury – 1145 N. 4th Street Sunbury, PA 17801 Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center – 93 MacKenzie Rd. Covington Twp., PA 18444
Lackawanna College Offers Early Explorers Program The Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center invites children ages three to six years old and their guardians to attend Early Explorers, a program aimed at providing children with a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world. Classes will be held every Thursday from April 20 to May 25, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center (LCEEC) located 93 MacKenzie Road, Covington Township, PA 18444. Early Explorers is a program series that offers discovery-based learning that changes with each season. Using the natural world as a catalyst for growth and development, children will explore natural sciences, gain sensory awareness, creatively express themselves, and practice using large and fine motor skills while developing critical social skills. During each class, children will have the opportunity to hike and explore the various habitats on the 211-acre property, which includes a forest, meadow, open field, and a stream. Children will also gain first-hand experiences with plants and animals. Each week will feature a different nature-related topic including Super Seeds, Awakening Amphibians, For the Birds, Animal Mothers, Spring Winds and Little Sprouts. Enrollment is now open. The cost is $40 for the series of six classes. Registration is limited, and pre-registration is required. This is an outdoor program, so please dress for the weather. For more information or to register, contact Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center at (570) 842-1506 or email yaniks@lackawanna.edu.
Lackawanna College Hosts Exploration Day Lackawanna College will host a STEM Career Exploration Day, a fair for local high school students interested in STEM to see all the upcoming programs the Center for Technology Innovation (CTI) has to offer. The event will take place on Thursday, March 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m at Lackawanna College Student Union Gymnasium 500 Jefferson Ave, Scranton, PA 18510. Invited are High school students in grades 10-12 interested in making college/career preparations and taking science, technology, engineering and math. Those attending will view firsthand the new equipment and presentations for each of the CTI’s areas of study including cybersecurity, robotics & integrated technologies and electric vehicles & advanced automotive technologies. Coordinated by Lackawanna College’s Business Division, Career Services and Pre-College Departments, this event will increase student financial literacy and career awareness through a hands-on, immersive experience. Students will balance a monthly budget, compare careers and salaries and “try out” some of our programs from the perspective of a Lackawanna College student.Lackawanna College’s vision for the CTI is to expand the College’s role as an economic, social and community development leader that supports the future industrial ecosystem. The CTI will offer undergraduate degree programs, corporate training, as well as short term, stackable certificates, to prepare individuals for the jobs of tomorrow and is now accepting enrollment.
Lackawanna College’s President Recognized Lackawanna College’s President and Chief Innovation Officer, Jill Murray, Ph.D., ranked 37 in City & State Pennsylvania’s 2023 Higher Education Power 100. Dr. Murray became Lackawanna College’s first female president, previously serving as its executive vice president from 2012 to 2020. Under her leadership, Lackawanna College was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company Magazine for its Level Up program, which compresses the bachelor’s degree timeline. Dr. Murray’s professional training initiatives include the Center for Technology Innovation, offering STEM degree programs such as Robotics & Integrated Technologies, Cybersecurity, Electric Vehicle & Advanced Automotive Technologies and corporate training coming fall 2023. She also collaborated with Dallas Shaw to bring Blitzen to the Scranton area, a holiday pop-up bar in the on-campus student-run restaurant that provided culinary students with real-world experience. “We are so proud to have Jill be recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s educational leaders,” Chairperson of the Lackawanna College Board of Trustees, Joyce Van Schooneveld said. “Jill has helped grow Lackawanna College into a great place to receive an education and having her be recognized for her hard work is inspiring.” The City & State’s Higher Education Power 100 recognizes Pennsylvania’s most influential academic leaders focusing on making a difference on and off campus. Through their experience and innovative programs, the leaders recognized in this list demonstrate why Pennsylvania continues to be a national focal point in higher education. Dr. Murray ranked with other local leaders in our area including Reverend Joseph Marina of the University of Scranton, Reverend Thomas Looney of Kings College, Dr. Jonathan Green of Susquehanna University and Sister Mary Persico of Marywood University.
