Marywood University Alumni Award Winners Honored at Alumni & Family Weekend Marywood University welcomed alumni back to campus, along with families of current students, during its combined celebration of Alumni & Family Weekend, September 22-24. Alumni Award winners were honored at a dinner on Saturday, September 23. This year’s honorees included: Sister Katie Clauss IHM, M.A.’73 , Ph.D. ’82, who received the 2023 Sister M. Denis Donegan Award for Long Term Service to Marywood. Brooke S. Williams ’19, who received the 2023 Outstanding Recent Alumni Award for her accomplishments since graduation. Edward Phillip Syron, Ph.D. ’09, who received the 2023 Outstanding Recent Alumni Award for his numerous accomplishments. Patricia Campbell Comey, ’73, who received the 2023 Golden Marywoodian Award for considerable commitment of service in the community and to her alma mater, framed always by her deep respect for others. Mary Ellen McLane McDonough ’73, who received the 2023 Golden Marywoodian Award for her significant commitments to service in the community and to her alma mater, marked by excellence of character and faithfulness. Ann R. Henry, Ph.D. ’73, who received the 2023 Golden Marywoodian Award for her considerable commitment to service in the community, along with her exemplary professional career of excellence that has continued to empower others. Kathleen B. O’ Gorman, Ph.D. ’73, who received the 2023 Golden Marywoodian Award for her extraordinary commitment to service on national and international levels. Donna Marie Gatcha-Hines, M.P.A. ’01, who has received the 2023 Alumni Community Achievement Award for grateful appreciation for all she has done to lead by example and to embrace service to others through her humanitarian efforts. Joshua Slee ’07, M.S. ’08, Ph.D., who has received the 2023 distinguished Alumni Award for his leadership, service, and professional accomplishments, which embody the core values of Marywood University. Chris Mackey ’96, who has received the 2023 distinguished Alumni Award for his professional accomplishments and service to the Marywood community and beyond. Andrea M. Novak ’93, who has received the 2023 Faculty and Staff Alumni Impact Award for grateful appreciation for all she has done to lead by example in respect for and in service to others, both on campus and beyond.
Marywood Offers Students Academic Program Exploration Days Marywood University is hosting upcoming on-campus experiences to help prospective students explore several academic program areas, set to take place throughout the fall semester. Programs holding special exploration days include: Dietitian Day, October 27: This is a great opportunity to allow students interested in the field to gain hands-on experience in several practice areas including sports, clinical and community nutrition, food science, and food service. Meet with admissions staff, faculty, current students, tour campus, and enjoy lunch prepared as part of one of the activities. Registration is limited. To register: https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/DietitianFall23 Criminal Justice Day, October 30: Students interested in the field of criminal justice can meet with current students, recent alumnus and guest speaker Master Trooper David Peters, and learn more about Marywood’s program. Event includes light breakfast and tours of campus. To register: https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/Fall23CJ Music, Theatre, and Dance Day, November 2: Interested students will meet with faculty and current students, and choose from sessions focusing on music therapy, music education, theatre, instrumental music, and vocal/choral music. Attendees also will learn more about the various student organizations available within the department. Optional campus tour. To register: https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/MTDFall23 Art Day, November 6: Marywood’s Art Department Visit Day offers the perfect blend for the student eager to learn more about everything Marywood has to offer. Attendees will get a closer look at the department’s programs, meet faculty and students, tour the facilities, and participate in activities. Space is limited. To register: https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/Fall23ArtDay Exercise Science Day, November 15: This is a day of immersive and hands-on learning in topic areas including sports performance and sports rehabilitation. The event also includes a program overview, meetings with faculty, a Q&A student panel, and breakout sessions. Breakfast and campus tour included. Registration closes on November 10. To register: https://admissions.marywood.edu/register/ExerciseScience23
Marywood University Master of Social Work Students Field Experience in South Korea Three Marywood University Master of Social Work (MSW) students, including Jade Shomper, Gabrielle Stauffer, and Kevin Conroy, along with Sister Angela Kim, IHM, professor in Marywood’s School of Social Work, recently returned from four weeks of international field education and scholarly experience in South Korea. Marywood MSW students, who recently had a month-long field experience in South Korea, are joined by students of WooSong University. The graduate social work students studied the differences in ideology and culture between Asian and Western cultures, developed a clear understanding of the global context of social work education and practice, witnessed the evidence-based social work education and practice in South Korea, and the importance of integrating the culture, values, and belief systems into service provision and community development. “This international field experience trip to South Korea was a transformative experience for the MSW students,” said Sister Angela. The group from Marywood presented a series of lectures to social work and early childhood students and faculty members of the WooSong University, with more than 200 in attendance. In addition, the MSW students and Sister Angela engaged with 14 different community social service agencies and the national health institution, talked to social service administrators and practitioners, government officials, and social work students and faculty members. This global social work education and international field experience was funded through the Antonia and Hans Schierling Grant and collaboration between Marywood University’s Office of Global Education, the MSW Program Field Education, and Social Work department of Woosong University in South Korea.
Marywood University Sets Fall Admissions Events Prospective undergraduate and graduate students can attend designated Open Houses at Marywood University this fall to learn more about specific programs and educational opportunities. For additional details, go to marywood.edu/visit, or call the Office of Admissions at (570) 348-6234. Additionally, prospective undergraduate students can email YourFuture@marywood.edu and prospective graduate students can email GoGrad@marywood.edu for more information. Undergraduate Open Houses: Saturday, October 28, and Saturday, November 11, 9 a.m. Two Undergraduate Open Houses are scheduled, including Saturday, October 28, 2023, and Saturday, November 11, 2023, for prospective undergraduate students. Registration for both events begins at 9 a.m. in the Fireplace Lounge at the Nazareth Student Center on the University’s campus. 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. Graduate Open House: Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m.-Noon 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.
Marywood University to Host Forum Addressing Violence with Bestselling Author The Defenders of Democracy, a nonpartisan grassroots advocacy organization currently focused on a collaborative community approach to violence prevention, will host a forum in response to the growing epidemic of violence in our country. The forum, “A Community Confronts Violence: A New Vision,” will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Nazareth Hall, Marywood University. The event is free to attend and is open to the public. Michael Fanone, the former District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Officer who nearly died on January 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., will be the keynote speaker. Officer Fanone will discuss his bestselling book, Hold the Line, which addresses many of today’s most critical issues and how they impact our lives. Joining Officer Fanone will be Dr. Matthew Schaffer, the Director of Psychological Services at Marywood University and an expert in threat assessment, who will lead an interactive discussion about creating a community initiative to prevent violence in our region. The event’s goal is to bring together the various governmental, public, and private entities working on violence prevention and to explore models that have been effective in other communities and countries. The Defenders of Democracy was established and is administered through the Scranton Area Community Foundation to foster issues in civic engagement. “The Scranton Area Community Foundation supports events that bring the community together to work on solutions that enhance the quality of life for all people in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This event aims to convene the community to work on solutions that address violence within our communities. It is an important topic that has come up more and more frequently in community conversations, both locally and nationwide.” Copies of Officer Fanone’s Hold the Line book will be available for sale. Officer Fanone will stay to autograph copies following the event. Munley Law is the presenting sponsor. While the event is free and open to the public, registration is required. Register at https://www.campusce.net/marywood/course/course.aspx?catId=62.
Marywood University Celebrated EMPOWER Campaign at Launch Event On Friday, at an outdoor celebratory launch event, Marywood University announced the public phase of its comprehensive campaign, EMPOWER: The Campaign for Marywood. The event, which featured the popular local band, The Chatter, kicked off the campaign as well as Marywood’s Alumni and Family Weekend. Alumni, students and their families, faculty, staff, and members of the greater community attended the announcement and the celebration that followed. EMPOWER is a multi-year effort to raise $30 million with three priority areas: to create access to education through scholarships for students with financial need, to reimagine campus through the construction, renovation, and renewal of buildings and spaces to support growing programs and next-gen learning, and to enhance the student experience through annual and endowed philanthropic support. To date, Marywood has raised $24 million from alumni, parents, and friends of the University during the quiet phase of the campaign. During the event, Marywood University President Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D. introduced the official campaign video, and followed its presentation by stating, “Through the EMPOWER campaign, we are embarking on a journey that transcends the boundaries of our campus. The impact of this campaign will ripple far beyond these walls, reaching into the very heart of our local community and contributing to the development of the region.” She continued, “By empowering our students, by fostering innovation and learning, we are sparking a chain reaction that will uplift our local communities, stimulate economic growth, grow the workforce, and inspire a brighter future for all.” Campaign co-chairs, Marywood Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Lori, Esq. and Marywood Trustee Robert Tamburro, followed Sister Mary, with Atty. Lori noting, “Marywood’s commitment to education has always been steadfast, empowering students to believe in themselves and serve their communities…Together, we will create, reimagine, and enhance the future of Marywood University.”
Marywood University Offers Depression and Mood Disorder Screening Program According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2014), depression is the most common mental health issue among adults. The World Health Organization (2016) estimates that 350 million people of all ages suffer from depression worldwide. Screening for depression and other mood disorders provides individuals and families with the opportunity to identify warning signs early and to connect with appropriate treatment. It is important to note that symptoms can look different across and within cultures. Marywood’s Psychological Services Center Depression Screening Day, set for October 5, 2023, serves as a supportive community initiative to connect the public with mental health resources. Through this program, free depression screenings are offered at Marywood’s Psychological Services Center, located in the McGowan Center on the university’s campus. The screenings will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each screening lasts for approximately 15 minutes. Early recognition and treatment of depression provide the best opportunity for recovery. The screenings offered at Marywood University’s Psychological Services Center are free, confidential, brief, and require no appointment or commitment. Although the screenings are not diagnostic, they do provide valuable insight. Additionally, screenings can help to identify symptoms associated with depression or other mood disorders and clarify if help may be needed. For questions about depression screenings or other mental health concerns, please contact Marywood’s Psychological Services Center at (570) 348-6269. Written by: Harry Ossolinski, M.S. (Psy.D. Candidate) and Emily Banfield, M.A. (Psy.D. Candidate), who are students in Marywood University’s Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program.
Exhibitors Featured at Marywood’s Maslow Study Gallery The Marywood University Art Department will unveil “The Maslow Study Gallery Featuring Jasper Johns & Robert Rauschenberg,” an exhibit running from September 16 – October 28, 2023, during an opening reception on September 16, from 2-5 p.m., in conjunction with “The Russell Collection” in Mahady Gallery and “The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Stephen Garrison” in Suraci Gallery. This event will be held in the Maslow Study Gallery for Contemporary Art in the Shields Center for Visual Arts at Marywood University. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. This exhibition features ten important works by Jasper Johns (b. 1930) and Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008) from The Maslow Collection. In showcasing two giants of 20th and 21st century American Art, the exhibition offers an examination of the artists’ fluid use of imagery, language, technique, scale, and material. It also allows for conversation around the generational impact of the artists’ work. Gallery hours for The Maslow Study Gallery are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information on The Maslow Study gallery, go to: marywood.edu/community/galleries/maslow-study-gallery-for-contemporary-art. For additional information about Marywood University’s art galleries, visit marywood.edu/community/galleries or call (570) 348-6278.
Marywood University Recognized by “Best Colleges” Marywood University continues to offer the “Best Value” among Northeast Pennsylvania Universities, according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges ranking. Moving up one place from last year to #22 on the regional universities (North) ranked for “Best Value,” Marywood continues to demonstrate its affordability as the only local four-year private university included in this category. According to U.S. News, the “Best Value” ranking considers a school’s academic quality—the higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal. Only schools ranked in or near the top half of their categories are included, because U.S. News considers the most significant values to be among colleges that are above average academically. Ranking #30 on the “Undergraduate Teaching” (Regional Universities North) list, Marywood is one of only two local universities to earn this distinction. This category, which covers nine states plus the District of Columbia, calls on top academics in the region to select and recognize institutions whose faculty and administrators are committed to teaching undergraduate students in a high-quality manner. Marywood University maintained its solid position on the “Best Regional Universities North” list, which includes institutions from seven states, ranking #50 overall. Marywood is one of only two local universities to attain placement on this list, demonstrating its enduring quality as a higher education provider in the region. For additional information about Marywood University, please visit marywood.edu. For additional information about Marywood’s rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, please visit usnews.com/best-colleges/marywood-university-3296/overall-rankings.
Marywood Announces Fall Art Galleries Marywood’s Art Galleries have announced exhibits for the first half of the fall semester, running from September 16 through October 21, in the Mahady and Suraci Galleries. All gallery exhibits, receptions, and talks are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are currently Mondays, 12- 4 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.; Wednesdays, 12-4 p.m.; Thursdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. Mahady Gallery: The Russell Collection [Various Artists; Collection of Jeff and Liz Russell] Exhibition dates: September 16-October 21, 2023 Opening Reception: Saturday, September 16 • 2–5 p.m. Gallery Talk: Saturday, September 16, 2023 • 2 p.m. Jeff and Liz Russell have collected art for the last 40 years. The collection is somewhat eclectic, although most of the works are by American artists. From a small work by Robert Natkin to a large work by Robert Rauschenberg, the collection consists of mostly known artists. There are 51 works on display including paintings, prints, and photographs. The art movements of Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Pop Art, Photorealism, Neo-expressionism, the Rhino Horn Group and the Transcendental Group are represented. Most of the works were collected while the couple was in New York City, where they spent their careers, and in Northeast Pennsylvania, where they now reside. Prominent Pennsylvanian artists in the collection include Herb Simon, Karl Neuroth, Clifton Prokop, Richard Cramer, and William Baziotes, most of whom are friends. Suraci Gallery: The Stories We Tell Ourselves [Stephen Garrison, Artist] Exhibition dates: September 16-October 21, 2023 Opening Reception: Saturday, September 16 • 2–5 p.m. Gallery Talk: Monday, October 2, 2023 • 2 p.m. The Stories We Tell Ourselves is a series of mixed media works and drawings looking at anthropomorphic characters found throughout world religion, mythology, and contemporary fiction. The characters represented come from stories or histories in which they embody human personality traits, both positive and negative. The paintings themselves develop as layers which mask or reveal the drawing underneath. There are no physically mixed colors; each hue is the result of the layering of thin glazes of pure color. Each mixed media piece, with paper affixed to wood panel with multiple glazes of paint applied to it, acts as a series of masks. Each viewer may actually perceive them slightly differently, depending on their color sensitivities.
