Marywood University to Host Orchestra Benefit Concert Marywood University’s Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance will present an orchestra concert featuring “Romantic Classics” on Friday, December 8, 7:30 p.m., at the Munley Theatre in the Sette LaVerghetta Center. The performance will be conducted by John Masko, Marywood’s new Director of Orchestral Activities. Admission for the benefit concert is $10 for adults and $5 for students/children. Those with a valid Marywood ID and IHM Sisters will be admitted for free. Proceeds from the performance will be used exclusively to support Marywood students’ performances. The orchestra will perform three classics from the romantic period, including: Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet, Bizet’s Second L’Arlésienne Suite, and Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture. The Marywood Orchestra is a student orchestra that also includes some musicians from the greater Scranton community. For more information on Marywood’s Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance, or to view upcoming performances, go marywood.edu/mtd.
Marywood University to Celebrate the Season by “Making Spirits Bright” “Making Spirits Bright,” Marywood’s annual celebration of the holiday season through festive programming, community service, and spiritual opportunities, will begin this month and continue through New Year’s Eve. Service activities and a concert will begin this month, followed by signature events and programming occurring in December. FESTIVE PROGRAMMING The signature event of the Christmas season, Marywood’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, will take place in the Rotunda of the Liberal Arts Center on Wednesday, December 6, at 4 p.m. Seasonal music from student musicians will be featured. The event is free and open to the public. The public also may view the Marywood Christmas tree during the normal operating hours of the Liberal Arts Center, Monday through Friday, December 6-22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Marywood’s campus also will feature an outdoor Christmas display of the Nativity scene at the Memorial Arch on Adams Avenue. Sounds of the season will be broadcast by Marywood’s award-winning, student-run radio station, VMFM 91.7, which once again becomes Christmas 91.7 and continues its traditional community gift of broadcasting commercial-free Christmas music, 24/7. Christmas programming starts on Wednesday, December 6, following the Tree Lighting Ceremony, and continues through New Year’s Eve. Those outside of the station’s local broadcast range can stream it for free online or through the Tune-in app. The Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance is presenting several seasonal concerts, which are free and open to the public, including: Percussion Ensemble Concert, November 28, 5 p.m., Munley Theatre, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts – The concert will feature two works arranged by Clair O. Musser for the 1935 International Marimba Symphony Orchestra: Edward Elgar’s – “Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1,” and “Bolero,” by Eustasio Rosales. The concert will also feature works by composers Michael Udow, Nathan Daughtrey, and a novelty ragtime xylophone solo by Harry Breuer: “Back Talk,” with Benjamin Werle as xylophone soloist. There will also be a touch of Christmas Music! Guitar Ensemble Holiday Concert, December 9, 7:30 p.m., Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual Life – Join us for a program that includes music by Francisco Tárrega, the 19th-century Spanish virtuoso, combined with live Jazz improvisation! The program also includes a few Christmas classics, such as “Silent Night.” Chamber Singers Holiday Concert, December 10, 2 p.m., Marian Chapel, Swartz Center for Spiritual Life – The annual Christmas concert by the Marywood University Chamber Singers will feature sacred and secular music and carols by Pierre de Manchicourt, Richard Rodney Bennett, Abbie Betinis, Kevin Allen, John Milne, and John Orfe. Additionally, there will be a Marywood Wind Symphony Holiday Concert at Marywood Heights, December 6, 7 p.m. The Band does this event each year to bring joy to the residents/staff of Marywood Heights. They will perform many traditional holiday favorites including sing-a-longs for the residents. Attendance at this event is limited to residents and staff of Marywood Heights. COMMUNITY SERVICE An on-campus Giving Tree service project will run from November 13-December 8. Unwrapped gifts, valued at $15, for the Giving Tree are due on Friday, December 8, at the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life. In addition to unwrapped gifts, monetary donations, as well as gift cards to stores such as Target, will be acceptable. Donations of gift wrap that can be shared with families are also welcome. Co-sponsors of this service effort are MUSE Education Club and the Maxis-Gillet Student Ambassadors for Service, Faith, and Justice. The gifts are being given to children, senior citizens, and men and women in the Scranton area who are experiencing homelessness. Contact communityservice@m.marywood.edu with any questions. Marywood students will spread holiday cheer to the retired IHM Sisters at Our Lady of Peace Residence, located on campus, with two afternoons of Christmas caroling on Tuesday, November 28, and on Monday, December 11, at 2:30 p.m. on both dates. SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITIESMass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, patronal feast of the IHM Sisters and the United States, will be celebrated on Friday, December 8, at Noon in the Marian Chapel. An Advent Prayer Service is taking place on December 13, 2023, 6:30 p.m., at the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes in the IHM Center adjacent to Marywood’s campus (1512 University Avenue). This bilingual prayer service is being coordinated by IHM Associates Alejandra Marroquin and Rufino Cano. STUDENT AND ALUMNI EVENTS An office decorating contest, sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA), will allow students to vote for their favorite décor. A $250 donation will be given to the winning office’s favorite charity, and the winner will be announced at the tree lighting ceremony. Additionally, the SGA is sponsoring a “Letters from Santa” project for members of the Marywood community (including alumni) and their families, who request letters for the children in their lives. The deadline for requests is December 4. For more information, contact marywoodclubs@marywood.edu. Marywood will offer its traditional Breakfast with Santa event, hosted by the NEPA Marywood Alumni Chapter in conjunction with the Office of Alumni Engagement. The event is set for Sunday, December 3, from 9 a.m. – Noon, in the Latour Room, Nazareth Student Center. Seating is limited, and preference is given to Marywood alumni. Advanced registration is required; once the event capacity is reached, registration will be closed. For details, go to: marywood.edu/alumni/events. For information on Marywood’s Christmas events and related resources, visit marywood.edu/makingspiritsbright.
Marywood University Presidential Society Dinner Recognizes Benefactors At its recent Presidential Society Dinner, Marywood University recognized its major benefactors for their support and commitment. As part of this evening of recognition, Virginia Collins Shields, Jacksonville, Fla., an alumna and trustee emerita of Marywood University, was announced as the Presidential Mission Medal recipient. Mission medal recipients are servant leaders who embrace a commitment to Marywood’s core values of Catholic identity, respect, empowerment, service, and excellence. They inspire others to serve and advance Marywood’s commitment to excellence and empowerment through education. Shields, a member of Marywood’s Class of 1948, has been an integral part of Marywood’s life and longevity, with a remarkable record of extraordinary service that began as a campus leader during her student years and continued throughout her professional career—first as a teacher, then as a research analyst, and, finally, as a highly successful business partner to her late husband, Paul. To her Marywood baccalaureate degree, she added graduate study at Alfred University. For many decades, Mrs. Shields has given of her time, energy, and resources through vital capital gifts, numerous alumni activities, and notable service on the Marywood Board of Trustees. Her tenure on the board—from 1993 through 2002—occurred during a time of extensive growth. Serving as board chairperson, she was the first Marywood alumna named to this crucial role. When she retired from the Board, Marywood recognized her accomplished leadership by naming her a Trustee Emerita, a distinguished honor bestowed upon those whose impact on Marywood and its students has been transformational. Her abundant generosity and far-reaching vision can be seen in the Shields Center for Visual Arts, which demonstrates her enduring support of the arts. Mrs. Shields has been recognized by Marywood University with the Presidential Medal, the Centennial Medal, and, along with her class, the Sister Denis Donegan Award for Long Term Service to Marywood. Additionally, Mrs. Shields is a member of the St. Alphonsus Society, which honors the University’s most faithful benefactors. This year, Olin and Rhoda Hamill Cramer ’47 andthe Sordoni Family Foundation also were inducted into the Saint Alphonsus Society, which honors benefactors whose lifetime commitments to Marywood have reached or exceeded $500,000.
Marywood University Art Galleries Announce Exhibits Three Marywood art galleries will feature new exhibits, beginning Sat., Nov. 11. The exhibits, opening receptions, and gallery talks are free and open to the public. All galleries are located in the Shields Center for Visual Arts on Marywood’s campus. Mahady Gallery: Senior Exhibit – December Graduates 2023, Sat., Nov.11 – Fri., Dec. 15Senior Exhibit December Graduates, an exhibition by Marywood Art Department graduates, showcases a diverse range of styles, mediums, and techniques. The opening reception is set for Sat., Nov. 11, from 2-5 p.m. A gallery talk will take place on Sat., Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. Graduating students include: Caitlyn M. Brown ( BA Art Therapy), Bernadette Fertal ( BA Art Therapy), Maeve K. Flick ( BA Art Therapy), Richele Gallagher,( BA Art Therapy), Ava Jones ( BA Art Therapy), Julianne Marchione (BA Art Therapy), Maxwell Christian (BFA 2D), and Shannon Sohl (BFA Graphic Design). Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art: Land Use[d] in the Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art, Sat., Nov. 11 – Fri., Dec. 15Land Use[d] is an exhibition featuring a selection of Maslow Collection artists, who employ photography, serigraphy, painting, sculpture, text, architecture, and the body to generate commentary and reflection on the use of land and human relationships to the planet. The opening reception is set for Sat. Nov. 11, from 2-5 p.m. A gallery talk will take place on Sat., Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. Much of the work displays an overarching concern for the longevity and preservation of natural ecosystems and resources. Artists include Robert Barry, Bernd and Hilla Becher, Ant Farm, Hamish Fulton, Patricia Johnson, Scott Kelley, Steve Poleskie, Robert Smithson, and Andy Warhol. Suraci Gallery: Matt Catanzaro: Face Reality, Sat., Nov 11- Fri., Dec. 15 Matt Catanzaro: Face Reality features gestural and vivid portraiture paintings reflecting Matt Catanzaro’s mixed use of Expressionism, Cubism and Surrealism.The opening reception is set for Sat., Nov. 11, from 2-5 p.m. A gallery talk will take place Sat., Nov. 11, at 2 p.m. Also featured are Catanzaro’s complete Grotesque Holiday Portrait Series, consisting of 18 large-scale holiday-themed acrylic and marker paintings. Matt Catanzaro earned his BFA in Design, along with minors in art history, illustration, and philosophy, from Marywood University.
Marywood University Announces New Faculty Members Marywood University deans, Shelby W. Yeager, M.Ed., LAT, ATC, CSCS and James J. Sullivan, M.Arch, RA, AIA, recently announced new faculty members for the 2023-2024 academic year. By program, new faculty include: Art Christina Taylor, assistant professor of practice and director of the art therapy program. She earned her bachelor of science degree in elementary and art education from Sam Houston University, Huntsville, Texas. She holds a master’s degree in art therapy from The College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, N.Y. Ms. Taylor has also completed a post-master’s certification through Sandplay Therapists of America and is currently in the process of becoming a Registered Sandplay Therapist. Communication Sciences and Disorders Jenny A. Havlovick, Ph.D., tenure-track assistant professor. Dr. Havlovick earned a Ph.D. in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio; a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and a bachelor of science degree in communicative disorders from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Stevens Point, Wisc. Matthew Devivo, instructor of practice. Mr. Devivo earned a master’s degree in speech-language pathology and a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and disorders from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, and Healthcare Administration Nadine Burton, instructor of practice. Ms. Burton earned her master of science degree in nursing education from the State University of New York at Delhi in Delhi, N.Y., and her bachelor of science in nursing degree from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. Nutrition and Dietetics Stephanie Bender, instructor of practice. Ms. Bender is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in leadership and administrative studies at Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. She also earned her graduate and undergraduate degrees in nutrition and dietetics from Marywood. Physician Assistant Lindsey Cohen-Whitaker, assistant professor of practice. Ms. Cohen-Whitaker earned her master of science in physician assistant studies from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Early and Primary Teacher Education, summa cum laude, from the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pa. Psychology and Counseling Cheryl Banull, Ph.D., per annum instructor (half-time). Dr. Banull earned her Ph.D. in school psychology and her master’s degree in educational psychology from Loyola University-Chicago in Chicago, Ill. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the Pennsylvania State University and is a certified school psychologist in Pennsylvania. Gail Clark, M.A., per annum instructor. Ms. Clark earned her master of arts degree in psychology and bachelor of science degree in psychology, summa cum laude, at Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. Leah Popple, Psy.D., assistant professor of practice. Dr. Popple earned her Psy.D. and master’s degree in clinical psychology from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa., and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pa. Jeff Rutter, Psy.D., professor and director of clinical training. Dr. Rutter earned his Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, his M.T.S. in Theology from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., and his B.A. in psychology/religious studies from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn. Jenny Wildrick, Ph.D., assistant professor of practice. Dr. Wildrick earned a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from Capella University, in Minneapolis, Minn.; a master of science degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pa.; and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Keystone College in La Plume, Pa. School of Architecture Arturo Pavani, Ph.D., assistant professor. Dr. Pavani earned his Ph.D. Stipendiary Fellowship, M.Arch scholarship, and B.ArchSc at Politecnico di Torino (Polytechnic University of Turin). Ryan Scavnicky, M.S., assistant professor. Mr. Scavnicky earned a master of science degree in design theory and pedagogy from the Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles, Calif., as well as master of architecture and bachelor of science in architecture degrees from the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio. School of Business and Global Innovation Loreen Powell, Ph.D., professor. Dr. Powell earned a Ph.D. in information systems and a master of science degree in management information systems (MIS) from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as well as a bachelor of science in management with a concentration in accounting from East Stroudsburg University in East Stroudsburg, Pa. School of Education Suzanne Galella, Ed.D., associate professor and director of the School of Education. Dr. Galella earned her doctorate in educational leadership in higher education from Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. She earned a master’s degree from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa., and a bachelor’s degree in English/criminal justice from the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pa. School of Social Work Kaitlin Anderle, M.S.W., assistant professor of practice and director of the BSW Program. Ms. Anderle earned her master of social work and bachelor of social work degrees from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. Michelle Ostroski, M.S.W., assistant professor of practice. Dr. Ostroski earned a doctor of education in education and leadership in healthcare from Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha, Neb.; a master of social work degree with a specialization in behavioral health from Marywood University in Scranton Pa.; and a bachelor of science degree in education, secondary education, and English from Temple University in Philadelphia Pa. Susan Lettera, M.S.W., instructor of practice and MSW Lehigh Valley Program Coordinator. Ms. Lettera earned a master of social work degree from Widener University in Chester, Pa., and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Marywood University in Scranton, Pa. Science, Math, and Computer Science Kimberly Stanek, Ph.D., per annum instructor. Dr. Stanek earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., and her bachelor of science degree in biochemistry and bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, N.Y.
Marywood University to Hold Wind Symphony Concert on Nov. 12 Marywood University’s music, theatre, and dance (MTD) department recently announced that the University’s Wind Symphony will present English Folks Songs, on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 4 p.m., in the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts. The concert will feature: “Army of The Nile” by Kenneth Alford; “Lincolnshire Posy” by Percy Aldridge Grainger; “Fantasy on English Folk Songs” by Gene F. Milford; “Three Studies in English Folk Song” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and “Children’s March” by Percy Aldridge Grainger. The wind ensemble will be conducted by Fred David Romines, D.M.A., director of bands and co-chair of the Music, Theatre, and Dance Department at Marywood University. During a 43-year professional career, Dr. Romines has directed bands from public and private schools, community groups, collegiate ensembles, military, and professional organizations. The Wind Symphony Concert is free and open to the public. For more information and to learn about other Marywood University MTD events, go to marywood.edu/mtd and scroll to the bottom of the page to view upcoming performances.
Marywood University to Hold Transfer Tuesdays Program Marywood University has set several dates in the fall and winter for its Transfer Tuesdays program. Transfer Tuesday events are for current or former college students, at all stages of their college journey, who are considering transferring to Marywood University. Transfer Tuesdays opportunities will take place on the following Tuesdays: November 28, 2023 and December 12, 2023, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and on January 9, 2024, from 1-6 p.m. Those interested in the fall/winter Transfer Tuesdays events can schedule an appointment every half hour during the time frames established for each date, and optional tours will be offered at select times. Registered visitors can discuss financial aid and scholarship options, transfer credits, take a tour of campus, review credits for transfer eligibility, and complete an application for admission. Marywood University’s spring semester begins on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. For additional information about transferring to Marywood, or to register for the Transfer Tuesdays program, please visit marywood.edu/transfer or call Marywood University’s Office of University Admissions, at (570) 348-6234 or email YourFuture@marywood.edu.
Marywood University Sets November Admissions Events Marywood University will hold several admissions events in November for prospective graduate and undergraduate students, including: GRADUATE: Graduate Open House: Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m.-Noon, Nazareth Student Center Prospective graduate students can attend a Graduate Open House on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 10 a.m., with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m., at Nazareth Student Center. The event includes an overview of Marywood, a financial aid and scholarship session, and meetings with faculty. Optional tours of campus also are available. The Open House is being held on site at Marywood’s Scranton Campus; there are no virtual options for this event. PLAN YOUR PATH: Plan Your Path Tuesday, November 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Nazareth Student Center The Graduate Admissions fair will host Plan Your Path on Tuesday November 7, 2023, to allow students to explore Marywood’s 30+ graduation programs. Students will also have the opportunity to speak with faculty and learn more about the administration process. Pre registration is not required for this event. UNDERGRADUATE: Undergraduate Open House: Saturday, November 11, 9 a.m. An Undergraduate Open House is scheduled on Saturday, November 11, 2023, for prospective undergraduate students. Registration begins at 9 a.m. in the Fireplace Lounge at the Nazareth Student Center. Prospective students can meet with current Marywood students, faculty, and coaches. There will be opportunities to explore academic departments, learn more about the admissions process, and tour campus. Information sessions with admissions and financial aid counselors also will be available. The event includes a continental breakfast and a complimentary lunch.
Marywood University Sets Programming for Sexual Assualt Awareness Through DOJ Grant Marywood University, the first institution in the region to receive a three-year $300,000 grant from the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women on Campus, has set programing for the initiative’s final year. The Project SHARE (Sexual Assault and Harassment Awareness Response Education) grant, originally awarded in October 2021 and which runs through September 2024, aims to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking within the confines of a college campus. The grant established a Coordinated Community Response Team, the implementation of preventive measures, and the provision of victim services. The stakeholders on campus include: The Dean of Students, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Housing and Residence Life, the Counseling and Student Development Center, Campus Safety, Career Services, Retention and Advising, the Athletics and Campus Ministry, as well as committed faculty from the Social Work, the Physician Assistant Program, Education, and others. Ross Novak, Dean of Students, says the grant is a boon for the community as well as for students. “The grant has allowed us the opportunity to assess and improve our operations and outreach efforts regarding issues of sexual assault, dating, domestic violence, and stalking, to ensure that they are effective and inclusive”, Novak said. “Beyond campus, the grant has provided opportunities for company partnerships, particularly with the Women’s Resource Center, which ultimately assists us in better serving our students.’ The grant also supports advocacy events to inform students about a different topic each month. Several events are already set for the Spring 2024 semester, including a presentation on “Stalking in the Media” (January 23); Women’s Resource Center presentation/training regarding dating violence and sexual assault (January 25); Date Safe Online event (April 10); Bystander Engagement Event (April 16); Take Back the Night collaborative event with the University of Scranton (April 25), International Denim Day to Support Awareness (April 26), and other related events.
Marywood University Partnership Boosts Animal Sanctuary’s Facilities Marywood University’s School of Architecture (MUSOA) is partnering with Arthur’s Acres Animal Sanctuary and the University Gear Shop (UGS) in a groundbreaking initiative to enhance the sanctuary’s facilities by increasing capacity for the rescue, creating an all-season center for animal rehabilitation, and creating a multi-purpose space for education. The partnership with Marywood allows interior architecture students to play a pivotal role in helping Arthur’s Acres renovate the farm, while expanding their education. Third-year interior architecture students will be embarking on a semester-long project to help with renovations and expansion to Arthur’s Acres. At the end of the semester, 32 students will deliver a comprehensive, multi-phase plan to enhance the existing facilities and create a state-of-the-art barn tailored to animals with special needs. Students will not only gain real world experience, but learn about the importance of choosing cruelty-free and environmentally friendly options that will hopefully impact decisions they will make throughout their careers. “Students strive to enrich lives and to inspire constructive change in the world. Their dedication for compassionate architecture serves as an influence for good in the lives of others and the world we inhabit, and this aligns perfectly with the vision of Arthur’s Acres to serve and educate,” stated Maria MacDonald, MUSOA founding faculty member. Arthur’s Acres is dedicated to rescuing animals that have been abused, exploited, or discarded. “We rehabilitate the animals we care for through patience, love, and respect,” noted Todd Friedman, executive director and founder of the Parksville, N.Y.-based animal sanctuary. The three partners will embark on this journey of transformation in the coming months, sharing their progress on social media. “Our goal is to leverage our expertise in marketing, social media, and technology to share the compelling story of Arthur’s Acres and MUSOA’s campaign,” said William Boney, UGS executive vice president. Follow this journey through a young pig named Mikey, who is symbolically “going to college” to provide a pig’s perspective to the MUSOA students, as they design the Arthur’s Acres Barn. To learn more about the work being done at Arthur’s Acres Animal Sanctuary, visit arthursacresanimalsanctuary.org or follow their social media channels at @arthursacres on Facebook and Instagram, as well as their YouTube channel (@arthursacres).
