Keystone College Ranks Top Tier by “Best Colleges” For the 17th consecutive year, Keystone College has been ranked as one of the nation’s best colleges in U.S. News & World Report. Keystone finished 29th overall in the Regional Colleges/North category. In other key listings, Keystone was also ranked 9th in Social Mobility in the Regional Colleges/North category. Social mobility measures the extent that schools enroll and graduate low-income students as defined by students who receive federal Pell grants. Essentially, the ranking demonstrates that Keystone provides opportunity, support, and personal attention for all students to be successful, regardless of economic circumstances and background. “Keystone College is once again honored to be ranked in U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best colleges,” said Keystone College President John F. Pullo, Sr. “The ranking is a tribute to our dedicated faculty, staff, and especially our students, who strive to excel in the classroom and on campus each and every day. In addition, our excellent ranking for social mobility clearly demonstrates our ongoing commitment to students from a wide range of social and economic circumstances by providing the resources, individual attention, and guidance needed for a successful college career.” Recognized as one of the best educational values in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Keystone offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree options in liberal arts and science-based programs in business, communications, education, natural science, environmental science, and social sciences. Located on a beautiful 276-acre campus 15 minutes from Scranton, Pa. and two hours from New York City and Philadelphia, Keystone is known for small class sizes and individual attention focused on student success through internships, research, and community involvement.
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.
Clarks Summit University Serves in the Abingtons after Flash Flood More than 200 volunteers from Clarks Summit University took an opportunity to serve in the Abington area, which was overwhelmed by flash flooding during the weekend storm. University leaders canceled daytime classes on Tuesday, September 12, to encourage students to serve the community in clean-up efforts and show the love of Christ tangibly. On Saturday, September 9, a severe storm hit the Clarks Summit region, producing torrential downpours and flash flooding. The storm washed out roadways, inundated homes and tragically resulted in one fatality. Some Defender athletic teams waited out the storm for hours, unable to return to campus even from just a few miles away. The storm left significant and widespread damage. Days later, debris was still prevalent; some roads remained closed, and landscapes were re-shaped from erosion. With great need in the towns surrounding campus, CSU administration reached out to see how the university community could help. As soon as needs were identified, leaders canceled on-campus classes to give students and employees the time to serve. “We want our students to learn that an education at CSU is, at its heart, a means to serve others,” explained Dr. Jim Lytle, CSU’s president. “This was all volunteer work, and I am very grateful for our faculty and staff that joined our students moving mud and tree limbs for the sake of our community. South Abington Township, Clarks Summit and Clarks Green have been our home for 55 years, and we love this place. I’m glad we can show our love in this practical way.” Nearly 180 students and 25 employees set out to help. They dispersed to South Abington Park, Hillside Park, Abington Little Leagues’ Ackerly Field Complex, local businesses and even residential homes. CSU students repair grounds damaged by storm waters at Ackerly Field Complex, home to Abington Little League. Little League – Huge Effort With a tree washed up through the outfield, fences destroyed, and erosion significantly damaging the complex, the Abington Little League was forced to close some of the baseball fields, batting cages and playground area due to the significant damage at Ackerly Field Complex. League officials shared photos of the damage with CSU’s head men’s baseball coach Joshua Knight, but the images couldn’t compare to seeing the destruction firsthand. “Going to see it for ourselves, we knew it would take a lot of hands to get the work done,” said Knight. The nearby creek burst through its banks and ran straight through one field, flooding more fields behind it. Knight led the Defender baseball team, softball team and other students in removing the debris along the fence. The logs, sticks and earth climbed up to four feet along the fencing, revealing the depth of the floodwaters. With debris removed, the fence could be more easily repaired. The baseball team has partnered with the all-volunteer Abington Little League in the past, which made it even sweeter for the student-athletes and coaches to help with the cleanup. “The team talked about it the day before and what it means for us and what it means to give back,” said Knight. “Christ sacrificed not only His time, but He gave His whole life to serve other people in situations which were not the greatest. We need to think about making that positive impact. Sure, we could be using this time for something related to baseball or academics, but we’re here to share the love of Christ.” Serving at the field was nostalgic for many players and coaches. Knight explained, “A lot of us, when we were younger, played Little League ourselves, so it was a positive experience to be back on a smaller field and to be reminded that we are helping a league that has 500 kids that need to play on these fields. It was good to give back to Little League and what it did for us when we were that age.” CSU students repair grounds damaged by storm waters at Ackerly Field Complex, home to Abington Little League. Community-Building Experience At South Abington Park, CSU volunteers raked and collected branches, trees, garbage—whatever the floodwaters brought in. They replaced mulch in the playground area and moved copious amounts of displaced soil. According to Marilyn Luster, director of student employment and career readiness, “Students really were willing to dig in the dirt and make the park look better than when we arrived.” Luster said the CSU community was equally encouraged by community members. “It was so sweet to see the response of the community. One woman dropped off donuts and told us she was grateful…Another woman mentioned how incredible it was that we came out to help…Community members were a huge encouragement to us!” Ryan Spinello, a sophomore Pre-Athletic Training major from Virginia, served at South Abington Park and Clarks Summit Elementary School. He said, “We want the Clarks Summit community to know that we care and more importantly that Christ cares for them…It was cool to see everyone rally around the cause; they jumped in and worked well together. It was a community-building experience for us too. It helped me get to know some people that I would not have known without this opportunity.” Light on the Hillside CSU students who reside in Loescher Hall have made it an annual tradition to help out at Hillside Park during the university’s Community Appreciation Day each fall. This time, the students went to the familiar place to see an unusual level of destruction. They focused their attention on the Dog Park area, shoveling gravel and debris away from the park and back into the parking areas. Loescher Hall Resident Director Holden Goehring also works on CSU’s facilities staff. As he served at Hillside, he realized what a tremendous physical undertaking the job required. “What we were able to do that morning would have been weeks worth trying to clean that mess up with a smaller staff. Having all of those hands really sped up the process for them to restore the grounds and driveway so people can use the dog park.” Goehring appreciated the opportunity for students to serve alongside staff and faculty members. “Students got to see the employees’ servants’ hearts and learn why this kind of impact is important. As a school, we teach them in classes: this is why and how you should serve. This was a unique opportunity to get to apply what they are learning in how to serve each other and the community. Some of the 200+ CSU volunteers gather at South Abington Park after cleaning up flood damage. More Opportunities on Mission CSU students helped residents rip carpet from flooded homes. One group shoveled mud and rock left behind by floodwaters in the parking lots of local businesses like Krispy Kreme and Armetta’s Restaurant and Pizzeria. “This is a rare occasion of a natural disaster that affected our Clarks Summit neighbors, and we have a resource of manpower that we could employ to help to serve our community,” said Dr. Bill Higley, vice president for academics. “It was an easy decision to send our students out to help where they could, and hopefully, to make a difference in people’s lives. That is who we are as Christ-followers, and it is certainly consistent with the mission of CSU.” The university’s goal is to prepare students to become Christ-centered, career-ready graduates. While some of that preparation takes place in the classroom, the faculty and staff are intentional about integrating that mission into every aspect of the student experience. The Christ-centered career preparation is also maximized in on campus employment, through NCAA DIII athletics and fine arts, within the residence halls—and, sometimes, through picking up branches and shoveling mud to be a light for Christ in their community. About Clarks Summit University Clarks Summit University offers Christ-centered academic distinction and practical, real-world experience in an exceptional mix of on-campus and online options for undergraduate, graduate and seminary students. To learn more, visit ClarksSummitU.edu or call 570.586.2400.
University of Scranton Small Business Center Development News Gretchen Kukuchka Honored as Pennsylvania’s State Star at SBDC Annual Conference Gretchen Kukuchka, Business Consultant, has been named the (Pennsylvania) State Star, an award celebrating outstanding performance and client satisfaction, and recently had the opportunity to celebrate the award at America’s SBDC 44th annual conference during the State Star Reception. The State Star Award is the highest honor that the PASBDC awards, celebrating one exceptional individual who has truly made a difference in their state network. Develop a Strong Business Idea in 8 Simple Steps Tuesday, 9/19/23 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Discover the essential steps to turn your business idea into a reality. This webinar will guide you through: Choosing your business idea: Learn how to select a viable business concept. Resource assessment: Understand the financial and time commitments required. Navigating industry regulations: Get insights on industry-specific rules. Target market definition: Identify your ideal customers. Competitive advantage: Determine what sets you apart from competitors. Business plan writing: Recognize the importance of a well-structured business plan. Register here. Applications Are Now Open for StartUP’s Fall Series StartUP is a six-week series where participants learn through live sessions on Zoom and meet weekly on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Sessions kick off on Tuesday, September 26. Topics covered include: Business start-up basics Legal and insurance considerations Marketing and social media essentials Business plan development Accounting and budget skills Financing options and requirements Goal setting and other essential skills… Apply here. Horizon Farm Credit Announces Third Annual ‘Farmers on the Rise’Award Competition Horizon Farm Credit is hosting the third annual Farmers on the Rise award competition this fall. Established in 2021, the Farmers on the Rise program was created to honor outstanding beginning farmers (three to ten years of experience) within the diverse agricultural community who excel in their field. This year’s program will award up to ten $10,000 awards. The application is now open and closes on October 6, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Visit the link below for additional details, including eligibility requirements. Learn more here. Creative Entrepreneurs: You May Be Eligible for Financial Support from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and Partner Organizations The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the PCA’s Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) partner organizations are pleased to make available the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program. This program is designed to pair access to existing small business consulting services with financial resources up to $2,000 for creative entrepreneurs who aspire to start their own for-profit business or who operate an existing for-profit micro business Learn more here. Master Online Marketing for Freewith this Webinar from the PennWest Clarion SBDC Tuesday, 9/19/23 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Getting your business online is one thing, making sure the content is engaging and actionable is another. Now, more than ever, businesses need to have a strong brand and web presence. Doing so can seem overwhelming, from a time and monetary perspective. This webinar will go over tips and tricks to marketing online that cost $0! We will go over no-cost solutions to help you create and diversify your marketing, such as Canva, Unsplash, Bit.ly, and a few other free programs. Register here.
PennDOT Urges Caution in Work Zones The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding motorists to drive safely in work zones after an incident on Newton Road in Scranton, in an active work zone following this weekend’s severe weather event. The employee suffered injuries requiring medical attention and transportation to a local hospital. “Work zones may be a temporary inconvenience, but these workers all deserve to get home safely,” said PennDOT Engineering District 4 Assistant District Executive of Maintenance, Jonathan Eboli, P.E. “Please slow down and never drive distracted, especially in work zones where employees are working in close proximity to traffic. Additionally, roadway conditions can change every day.” When approaching a work zone, motorists are reminded they cannot remove cones, and signage or proceed through the work zone. Roads throughout our District have been compromised and may collapse. Roads are closed for the safety of motorists and workers. Under Title 75, Section 3326, motorists caught by police driving 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit in an active work zone, or who are involved in a crash in an active work zone and are convicted for failing to drive at a safe speed, automatically lose their license for 15 days. Additionally, fines for certain traffic violations — including speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to obey traffic devices — are doubled for active work zones. The law also provides for up to five years of additional jail time for individuals convicted of homicide by vehicle for a crash that occurred in an active work zone. Posted Work Zones: All motorists are required to travel with their headlights turned on in all posted work zones, not just active work zones. It is necessary for drivers in vehicles with daytime running lights to turn on their headlights in order to activate their taillights. Safety Tips If you encounter our work zones, please keep the following tips in mind for your safety and the safety of highway workers. Drive the posted work zone speed limit. Stay alert and pay close attention to signs and flaggers. Turn on your headlights if signs instruct you to do so. Maintain a safe distance around vehicles. Don’t tailgate. Use four-way flashers when stopped or traveling slowly. Avoid distractions and give your full attention to the road. Always buckle up. Expect the unexpected. Be patient. Active Work Zones Please note: PennDOT manages two distinct programs relating to active work zones: Criminal Violations under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3326 (Duty of driver in construction and maintenance areas or on highway safety corridors) identifies fines and penalties when an officer pulls you over for a violation. Civil Violations under 75 Pa. C.S. § 3369 (Automated speed enforcement systems in active work zones) began in 2018. Section 3369 allows for a fine to be administered using calibrated and tested automated speed enforcement technology. Civil violations are only fines and don’t reflect any points or insurance ratings. Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District4.
Johnson College Hosts Celebration of Industry to Honor Industry Champion and Support Students Johnson College hosted its inaugural Celebration of Industry at its Scranton campus on Thursday, September 7, to celebrate the unique relationship between the College and its industry partners. Proceeds from the signature fundraising event exceeded $100,000 and will benefit the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign to improve programs and facilities for student success. The College honored David F. Boniello ’84, president of Simplex Industries, during the event for his leadership and contributions to, and on behalf of, Johnson College and the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. He was awarded the President’s Spirit of Giving award by Dr. Katie Leonard, President & CEO of Johnson College. This award is an artistic representation of industry, community, and education made of steel and welded together in a flowing design. It was created by the College’s Welding Technology Program Director, Tony DeLucca, and welding instructors, Ben Lipperini and Josh Perniciaro. The event featured cocktails and dinner before beginning the award segment of the evening where members of Johnson College and Simplex Industries communities introduced Mr. Boniello including Dr. Leonard, J. Patrick Dietz, Senior Vice President of People’s Security Bank and Trust and Chairperson of Johnson College’s Board of Directors, and Pat Fricchione Jr., CEO and General Partner of Simplex Homes. “When you work alongside Dave in any way, you have a friend for life. Someone who will cheerlead, advocate, and be brutally honest as needed,” said Dr. Leonard. More than 240 industry leaders, government officials, industry and community partners, and supporters of Johnson College joined the College in celebration as Dr. Leonard proudly bestowed the award on Mr. Boniello. “As we think of Dave, he embodies all that this award represents – he gives so generously of his time, talent, and treasure,” she said. After graduating from Johnson College’s Building Construction Technology program in 1984, Mr. Boniello became an active member of the College. He participated in Program Advisory Committees, became the first alum to be named Chair of the Board of Directors in 2016, and is now serving as Chair of the College’s Innovation at Work Capital Campaign In addition to his commitment to the College, Boniello has served Simplex Industries for over 30 years, climbing the ranks to his current role as President. He was an instrumental part of the company’s efforts to launch its own retail division for home sales called Cornerstone Building Solutions Inc. of which he also serves as President. Mr. Boniello is also a former board member of the Lackawanna Home Builders Association and Home Builders Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania, along with the Women’s Resource Center Golf Tournament Committee. “I am truly honored and humbled at being selected with this honor by the College,” said Mr. Boniello. “It has been very rewarding to me personally and professionally to be able to work with the College and help support the programs and efforts given by everyone.” Simplex Industries has been an industry partner with Johnson College for over 25 years. The relationship between these organizations continues to thrive with support from Mr. Boniello while it benefits both organizations and most importantly, the local community.
Treasurer Stacy Garrity Celebrates One Million Withdrawals from PA 529 Accounts September is College Savings Month and Treasurer Stacy Garrity celebrated today by announcing that more than one million withdrawals have been made from PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts. Since the program was created more than 30 years ago, account holders have used more than $5.6 billion to help pay for education expenses. “The fact that families have made more than a million withdrawals from PA 529 accounts is a dramatic demonstration of the impact this incredible program is having for Pennsylvania families,” Garrity said. “PA 529 has been helping Pennsylvania families save for education since it was enacted as the Tuition Account Program in 1992. The career landscape continues to change, but the dependability and flexibility of PA 529 remains the same – helping families save and pay for education expenses no matter what type of training or education their child seeks.” PA 529 accounts are designed to help Pennsylvania families steadily and strategically save for a wide variety of qualifying educational expenses, including apprenticeships, technical schools, colleges and universities, and even some K-12 expenses. There are two PA 529 plans to choose from, the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) and the PA 529 Investment Plan (IP). There are currently more than 287,000 PA 529 accounts, more than at any time in the program’s history, including more than 110,000 PA 529 GSP accounts and more than 176,000 PA 529 IP accounts. Families have nearly $6.8 billion saved for future education expenses. The PA 529 GSP allows families to save at today’s tuition rates to meet tomorrow’s tuition costs. Account earnings are based on college tuition inflation rates. Families can choose the tuition credit rate they wish to save at from community colleges to Ivy League universities. The PA 529 IP offers a variety of investment options, including target enrollment portfolios that automatically reallocate assets as a child approaches postsecondary education enrollment. The PA 529 IP has received three consecutive Morningstar Silver ratings – establishing it as a best-in-class 529 plan nationwide. “Since becoming Treasurer, I’ve taken big steps to make sure the PA 529 program is as affordable and accessible for any Pennsylvanian who wants to save for education,” Garrity said. “We’ve reduced fees for the PA 529 IP several times – including twice this year! And we’ve waived PA 529 GSP fees for two consecutive years. In total, these changes are saving account owners more than $11 million.” Both PA 529 plans have significant state and federal tax advantages, including tax-free growth and no taxes owed on qualified withdrawals. PA 529 accounts are not subject to state inheritance tax and do not affect eligibility for state financial aid. The PA 529 College & Career Savings Program was created by Act 11 of 1992, when Senate Bill 2, sponsored by Senator Robert Jubelirer, was signed into law by Governor Robert P. Casey, Sr. The bill passed both chambers of the General Assembly unanimously. “Senator Jubelirer, his colleagues in the General Assembly and former Governor Casey all deserve a great deal of credit for their foresight,” Garrity said. “Their bipartisan work to help families save for education continues to pay off more than three decades later.” Keystone Scholars, a more recent legislative initiative, provides children born in 2019 and after, with an automatic $100 to start education savings. The $100 will grow through investments made by Treasury and be ready to use for education expenses when the child turns 18. Families are encouraged to open their own PA 529 account and link it to their child’s Keystone Scholars account to see their total savings. Keystone Scholars uses no taxpayer dollars. Pennsylvanians with PA 529 accounts linked to their child’s Keystone Scholars accounts have already saved more than $65 million for future education expenses. To learn more about saving with PA 529 or Keystone Scholars, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000.
Johnson College Celebrates NEPA RISE Program Readiness In Skilled Employment has accepted its largest class size to date. Twenty-three individuals began classes last week as part of NEPA RISE Cohort 3 at Johnson College’s campus in Scranton, a class size that has nearly tripled since the program’s launch in January of 2022. NEPA RISE is a pilot program that integrates sector-based occupational skills training with executive skills coaching and support services. The program model integrates demand-driven training with courses and coaching designed to support the development of executive function (self-regulating) skills. We strive to lift participants out of poverty and into sustainable, living-wage jobs with benefits. “This program gives me and my kids a future,” shared a recent NEPA RISE graduate. The program supports participants with a variety of supports to ensure their unique success and help them reach both short terms, such as completing an academic course, and long term goals, such as building a career that offers a sustainable quality of life. “When you are living paycheck to paycheck, it’s hard to step out of your comfort zone and try to build yourself something new. NEPA RISE surrounds our students with the support to make the transition to a new career attainable,” shared Liz Finley, Program Director for NEPA RISE. Throughout the program, participants will have access and funded a variety of supports, such as transportation, childcare, technology, supplemental tutoring, referrals for health services, assistance maintaining or obtaining suitable housing, among others.
Urban Co-Works Progresses in Construction of Scranton Site Urban Co-works hopes you are doing well and thriving in your work endeavors. Urban Co-works is thrilled to share some exciting updates about their new Scranton, PA location! Walls are being built! Their 19,000 + square foot space has been completely cleared out. The floors, the walls and drop ceilings are all gone! Check out their new, huge space. In a few weeks, Urban Co-works location will look like this. Urban Co-Works is the premier office environment for entrepreneurs, startups, non-profits, consultants and business professionals. Located in the heart of downtown Schenectady, NY, we are steps away from some of the best cafe’s, restaurants and entertainment in the Capital Region. We are excited to announce our newest location in Scranton PA, opening later this year. At Urban Co-Works, members make valuable connections and stretch their dollars in an all-inclusive office setting. Our flexible options include free WiFi, utilities, conference rooms, printing and a host of other amenities. Spacious workspaces and private offices are available.
Johnson College Now Enrolling Students in Driver Training Course Johnson College in partnership with Ancora Education is now enrolling students in its Class A CDL Driver Training course that begins on August 21, 2023, at the College’s new satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, in Hazle Township. To learn more or to enroll in the Class A CDL Driver Training course, visit johnson.edu/hazleton-cdl or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu Students will learn to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis is placed on vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380 -397 and a certificate for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handling, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention. Participants in this 160-hour program can obtain their CDL in as little as four weeks. The course complies with the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules established by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), which went into effect in February 2022.
