NASA Astronaut to Speak at Misericordia The Murgas Amateur Radio Club and the Misericordia University College of Arts and Sciences will host NASA Astronaut Colonel Douglas H. Wheelock, U.S. Army Retired, on Wednesday, April 6 in the Henry Science Center Room HEN 210/212 on the Misericordia University Campus. The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. Colonel Wheelock will discuss his experiences as an astronaut, including his time on the International Space Station. The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Registration is required at https://www.misericordia.edu/colonel-wheelock-speaking-engagement Colonel Wheelock was selected by NASA in 1998. He was assigned to the Astronaut Office International Space Station (ISS) Operations Branch as a Russian liaison, participating in the testing and integration of Russian hardware and software products developed for the ISS. He worked extensively with the Energia Aerospace Company in Moscow, Russia, and has led joint U.S./Russian teams to oversee bench reviews, inventory, loading and launch of the first four unmanned ISS resupply capsules. The retired Colonel has accumulated more than 178 days in space and has conducted six spacewalks totaling more than 43 hours. Wheelock flew on STS-120 in 2007 and in 2010 he served as a flight engineer for Expedition 24 and commander for Expedition 25, where he conducted three unplanned spacewalks to replace a faulty ammonia pump module. The native of New York holds a bachelor’s degree in applied science and engineering from the United States Military Academy West Point and a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from Georgia Tech in Atlanta, GA.
Misericordia Players Will Present Tony Award Winning Musical “Once” Actors in the play Once practice a scene from ‘The Apartment’ for the upcoming show. The Misericordia Players will present the musical “Once” April 7-10 at the Lemmond Theater on the Misericordia University Campus. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with a Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. The production is directed by Scott Woolnough from the Student Success Center, and musically directed and conducted by Kimberly Johnson. Dr. Rebecca Steinberger, English Department faculty member, is the producer. What starts as a typical “guy meets girl” tale quickly evolves into a love story about two very different cultures told through song. Written by Edna Walsh with music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, “Once” won eight Tony Awards in 2012 including Best Musical and is based on the 2007 film by the same name written and directed by John Carney. Set in Ireland, the show explores aspects of all types of relationships from family, lovers, unrequited love, platonic love, and adds the complication of cultural differences. “Once” features Misericordia students Elizabeth Cote, Cody Palubinski, Logan Padden, Sierra Ward, Megan Guziewicz, Olivia Fiocco, and Jacob Scherr in addition to Gabriel Gillespie, Rob Padden, and Matt Sarnovsky. It also features a live orchestra of seven musicians. For more information or to reserve tickets in advance, contact the Misericordia University Box office, 570-674-3069. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $7 for students with a valid ID. The wearing of masks is pending university policy on the days of the show.
Misericordia University to Display a Selection of the Harriet and Harmon Kelley Collection Misericordia University will present a selection of works from the Harmon and Kelley Collection of San Antonio, Texas, one of the country’s major collections of African American art. The exhibition will be on display until Sunday, April 10. The forty works on paper in this exhibition date from the early 1900s to 2002 and feature works by such noted artists as Romare Bearden, Elizabeth Catlett, Aaron Douglas, Henry Ossawa Tanner, William Henry Johnson, and Alma Woodsey Thomas. The Kelleys personally selected each drawing, print, or painting for its ability to share African American history and creativity with viewers. Being able to present this exhibition has special meaning for Mrs. Harriet O’Banion Kelley, whose nephew Charles Louis O’Banion, who passed away in 2019, graduated from Misericordia University in 2006. This touring exhibition was organized by Landau Traveling Exhibitions of Los Angeles, California. Presenting this exhibition at Misericordia University was made possible in part by the Sandra Dyczewski Maffei Endowment Fund for the Modern Visual Arts. A free public reception with has been scheduled for Saturday, March 19, from 2-5pm. Kas Williams, Misericordia University Assistant Vice President for Mission Integration and Institutional Diversity, will give the University Welcome. Live music will feature vocalists Wendy Hinton and LaToya Martin, accompanied by Patrick Temple, Misericordia University Adjunct Professor of Guitar. Space is limited. RSVP required by contacting Alexandra Svab Isaac at (570) 674-8422 or aisaac@misericordia.edu. Regular gallery hours are 12-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday or by appointment. Admission is always free. Masks are required indoors on campus regardless or vaccination status. Please refer to the Pauly Friedman Art Gallery website www.misericordia.edu/art for any changes in protocols, and art gallery event and calendar updates. Free tours led by Gallery Director Lalaine Little are available on request. To schedule a tour or private appointment, or for more information, please contact Alexandra Svab Isaac at aisaac@misericordia.edu or (570) 674-8422.
New Leader of Diversity and Inclusion Program at Misericordia University Kas Williams has been named Misericordia University’s Associate Vice President for Mission Integration and Institutional Diversity, announced Amy Lahart, Vice President for Mission Integration and Student Life. Williams joined the Misericordia University community in September following seven years at South Dakota State University, where she recently held the position of Chief Diversity Officer. Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration from South Dakota State University. “This position is critical to advance Misericordia University’s desire to live out its mission through vision and strategy implementation of significant diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Ms. Williams will collaborate with division directors, campus leaders, students, faculty, staff, and external constituencies to embed the critical concerns into all campus operations and provide leadership to cultivate pride in our Mercy heritage as a Mercy institution of higher education,” said Lahart. “To me, this role looks at the quality of life that people have in and around the campus community. We can tell people all the time that we’re diverse but are we inclusive? This isn’t my quote, but I say it all the time: ‘diversity is inviting people to the dance, but inclusion is inviting people to dance’,” said Williams. “I’ve told the folks here that they are all passionate about diversity and inclusion because they love the institution. There’s great energy around here and I’m excited to be here. It’s a great place and eight years from now I’ll be saying the same thing: the values of this institution are what keeps people here. That’s the energy that folks have. They love the hospitality. They love the social justice. They work towards that every day,” she continued. Williams has spent her first month on campus getting to know the campus community, speaking with individual students, student groups, under-represented student groups, as well as staff and faculty. She’s delved into the most recent campus climate survey. “I read every word and every line of the campus survey. Lots of folks here are doing great work in diversity, but the work isn’t always connected. Their hearts are in the right place; they see the gaps and they want to do the work. I want to really change the conversation and make sure we are all speaking the same language of diversity and inclusion on this campus,” said Williams. Williams looks at diversity, inclusion, and access through what she calls an equity lens. She encourages each department to look at their policies and procedures at least every six months using that equity lens. “Are some policies inadvertently affecting some communities or populations? I tell people, don’t change your policies now, just think about it. What happens is, once they start thinking about it, that becomes an everyday practice and becomes natural. Equity and inclusion doesn’t take anything away; they add to who and what we are as an institution,” she said.
Misericordia to Offer New Pandemic Opportunity Tuition Discounts in Spring ‘22 Misericordia University announced today a special, a one-time pandemic relief discount for new students enrolling in the Spring 2022 academic semester. The university is keenly aware of the financial and life challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and wants to assist both full-time and part-time students who may have postponed their higher education plans. New and former students not currently enrolled in Fall 2021 will be eligible for this university-supported program. New part-time students who enroll in undergraduate or graduate classes for the Spring 2022 semester will receive a 25 percent discount on Misericordia’s per-credit tuition rates for the spring. Students who transfer to Misericordia on a full-time basis to begin classes in January 2022 would receive a one-time $5,000 award from the university for the spring semester in addition to other aid. Misericordia University President Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D., explains, “The pandemic and other disruptions have clearly impacted the higher education opportunities for many degree seekers. Through this program, we hope to reignite the desire of those seeking to advance their education and their career prospects. Many people are in need of additional credentials to compete in the modern workforce, and we know we can provide high quality educational opportunities to them.” In addition to part-time students receiving a discount this spring, Dr. Myers further expands on the opportunities for full-time study. “We believe that Misericordia is an excellent destination for transfer students who have completed one- or two years’ worth of study and either need a change of venue or have temporarily stopped their studies and would like to enroll full-time again. Students who postponed college and are just starting their first semester in January would also be eligible for this one-time, pandemic relief incentive,” says Myers.
Misericordia University Dedicates New Science Center Dignitaries, donors, faculty, staff, and students attended the dedication of the new $38.5 million Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center at Misericordia University this morning. Two and a half years after the groundbreaking ceremony in April 2019, the largest academic building on the 126-acre campus was dedicated in honor of the people whose generosity to the university made the construction possible. The project also includes the renovation of the newly named Marianne Baloga Hall. The comprehensive Henry Science Center features a deliberate mix of classroom space, technology, and teaching and research laboratories. Its concept began in 2016 when the Misericordia University Board of Trustees committed to the multi-year project to expand learning and research opportunities for students and faculty. Built in 1957 and renovated in 1988, the previous science building was designed to accommodate 800 students on a campus now serving close to 2,300 students. “The support we’ve received for our NOW FOR TOMORROW: The Campaign for Misericordia University, an unprecedented, bold effort to bring our science facilities into the 21st century, increase our endowment, and buoy our scholarship program to help us attract and support the best students, has been nothing short of overwhelming,” said Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D., the 15th president of Misericordia University, in his opening remarks. “As we stand here today, in front of the majestic Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center, we are ever appreciative of the lead gift given so generously by the late Frank M. Henry, whose commitment to this project led the way. Frank’s legacy as a business leader is second to none, and as a philanthropist, his support of his community is legendary.” President Myers recognized the leadership and input of biology professor Dr. Anthony Serino, Ph.D., and the science faculty and staff who made this project their mission for more than a decade. “Nobody knows more about every nook and cranny of this fantastic building than Tony. We know that you and the other faculty members are enjoying the fruits of that labor.” Trustee Mary Erwine, a member of Misericordia’s classes of 1990 and ’92, and the Now for Tomorrow Campaign co-chair, sees from her perspective as a nursing student the importance of this dream coming to fruition at her alma mater. “As a trustee, I have witnessed a great number of improvements made to the Misericordia landscape over the past 30 years. Yet, it is my memories of being a nursing student here in the 1980s, and the many days I spent in labs and classes in the original Science Center, that fueled my passion for this project. Built in 1957, the science center was showing wear and tear even back then,” said Erwine. “That is why one of my proudest moments happened 29 months ago, when many of us who are here today gathered with shovels in hand, to ceremoniously break ground on a dream – the dream of a science center for teaching and research exploration and discovery that would carry Misericordia students beyond their expectations and into the 21st century,” she continued. “As you look behind me today, that dream is real, with teaching and research underway in what is the largest academic building on this gorgeous campus.” Erwine concluded by recognizing the community’s efforts in the fundraising campaign for this project. “Being a part of the Now for Tomorrow Campaign leadership was something I had to do. And when we asked the community for support, you responded with unparalleled interest and generosity. I know I am speaking for campaign co-chair Sandy Insalaco, Sr. when I say what an honor it is to be involved in such a worthy, and above all, necessary project. One that we know will further the education of students in the health and natural sciences for years to come.” Local business leader, campaign co-chair and trustee emeritus, Sandy Insalaco, Sr., reflected on what this building means before introducing trustee Marjorie Henry, whose parents’ gift made this building possible. “The fantastic building that stands behind us, and the significant investments in the Misericordia Fund and endowment for scholarship made during the campaign, would not have been possible without my friend, the late Frank Henry. His foresight and the benevolence of his lead gift provided winning momentum to our campaign. It makes me so happy to have his daughter and fellow trustee Marjorie Henry Marquart with us today, as well as some of Frank and Dottie’s nieces and nephews, so we can say thank you for your family’s generosity and exceptional philanthropy here at Misericordia that is widely recognized throughout the region,” said Insalaco. Rich in technology, the 85,900-square-foot Henry Science center offers 15 new teaching labs in biology, chemistry, and physics. In addition, there are eight dedicated laboratories and workspaces for student-faculty research, including an electronics/computer build lab and a chemistry instrumentation suite. The center also includes a laboratory dedicated to the 300MHz nuclear magnetic resonance instrument, also known as an NMR. In addition, the building is home to a cold room that enables advanced molecular experiments, a research-grade greenhouse, animal vivarium, and a cadaver suite with a virtual dissection table that offers expanded learning opportunities for students in the health and medical sciences programs. Heidi L.K. Manning, Ph.D., Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, spoke about the unique features of the new center designed to inspire collaboration within its walls. “When people think of a scientist working, they frequently envision a lone person in a laboratory, but that is not how science is actually done. Science is a collaborative endeavor, and the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center is specifically designed to facilitate those collaborations,” said Manning. “The building provides spaces for three types of collaboration to occur: student-to-student collaborations – studying and learning from one another in and out of classroom; student-to-faculty collaborations, the thing MU is best known for – our faculty that work so closely with the students throughout their education; and faculty-to-faculty collaborations – promoting interdisciplinary endeavors. These collaborations occur in the classrooms, the laboratories, and the informal learning spaces purposefully located throughout this building,” Manning added. “This Henry Science Center is built for all of Misericordia not just the science students and faculty. Since every student has to take at least two science classes as part of a Misericordia education, all students will experience this fantastic facility.” The Misericordia University student body was represented by Caitlyn Henry, Class of 2023, a biology major with minors in chemistry and medical and health humanities. She spoke about the impact a building like the Henry Center will have on her education and her future. “To all the donors, faculty, staff, and most importantly, to the late Frank M. and Dorothea Henry – who made this state-of-the-art science facility possible – I think I speak for all of the students at Misericordia when I say you have truly changed our education for the better,” said Henry. “When I look behind me, I see more than a state-of-the-art facility with top-notch equipment and breathtaking labs and research spaces. I see passion, collaboration, scholarship. I see a warm, welcoming environment that cultivates growth and development, where everyone is enthusiastic to learn and shares the same desire to succeed. I see valuable research being done on cancer, nerve injuries, even research being done on how we can improve first-year science courses – research that will be taken to national conferences and hopefully research that will one day change the world. I see extraordinary faculty members working one-on-one with students, shaping them into the incredible scientists, healthcare professionals, educators, and more, that they will one day become.” Trustee Marjorie Henry Marquart ’85, daughter of Frank M. and Dorothea Henry, spoke about the passion her parents had for the university and what this new center will mean for current and future students for many years to come. “It’s an honor to have my parents’ names on this building. I’m sure they are very pleased that Misericordia, Dallas, and the Wyoming Valley has a state-of-the-art science building,” said Marquart. “My charge to Misericordia is to offer programs that inspire and move our students forward. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for the honor. But the honor is for the students of Misericordia. They are the ones who will benefit. We are lucky to have the name, but it is all about what happens inside.” Deborah Smith-Mileski, ’75, D.Ed., chairperson of the Board of Trustees, had the honor of officially dedicating the new building. “Marjorie, on this special day, we thank you for your engagement, your commitment of time and talent, and your dedicated service to the Board of Trustees,” she began. “In addition, we honor your mother for her dedicated time on our Board of Trustees and recognize the selfless generosity of your father to Misericordia University, its students, faculty, alumni, and the community-at-large. His commitment and foresight enabled Misericordia University to construct the largest academic building on campus. The result is the exceptional facility in front of which we now stand. Therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Board of Trustees, it is a great honor for me to dedicate this structure the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Science Center today, October 22, 2021.”
Misericordia University Club Sends Thank-You Cards to Healthcare Workers A group of local university students recently expressed their gratitude to healthcare workers at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre for their work during the pandemic. Members of the Sign Language Club at Misericordia University recently organized a service project to make thank-you cards for the nurses and doctors at the two hospitals. The project, organized by club president, Jenna-Leigh Marrone, sent more than 70 thank you cards to hospital staff members. Marrone created a template for the card and asked the club members to add their own words of appreciation to the hospital staff. “The club members were excited to write cards to give back in some way to the healthcare workers. The other officers of the club and I were amazed at how many cards we received,” Marrone saide. “We all felt that words and cards do not reflect to all the caring and selfless work that the hospital staff has been doing, but it was something we wanted to do to remind them that we are appreciative and forever grateful for them.” The Misercordia Sign Language Club was created two years ago by Marrone, a speech-language pathology major at the school, whose older sister is deaf. The club has 110 members from all different majors but with the majority in nursing and education. Marrone, club member Julianna Simunek and club treasurer Faith Foster recently delivered the cards along with thank-you balloons. “This was a way to thank the hospital staff for making our community a safer and healthier place,” Marrone added.
