NAMI Collaborates with the University of Scranton’s OT Department Spring is a time of hope: the earth awakens with flowers, and we look toward a lighter, colorful season. Amid this time, we highlight professionals who, like flowers, offer a lift to make people’s lives better. Occupational Therapy Month highlights and celebrates the work done by occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and students, including work to enhance the lives of individuals living with mental illness. Dr. Carrie Griffiths, OTD, OTR/L, faculty specialist in the University of Scranton’s Occupational Therapy (OT) Department believes in empowering her students and preparing them with skills they need to work with people living with mental illness. Griffiths, who has spent years working as an OT in mental health settings, has integrated classes and trainings on mental illness for all OT students and forged a valuable partnership with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Northeast Region PA affiliate. Griffiths said, “Getting students to understand mental health conditions is key for them developing holistic and comprehensive treatment plans, which in turn is going to help the clients they eventually serve.” She added, “I hope their training helps to improve overall societal attitudes about mental health.” In addition to the mental health course that Griffiths teaches OT students, students have accessed Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid training as well as the ‘Hearing Distressing Voices Simulation’ program to better understand individuals who hear voices, and NAMI’s signature program ‘In Our Own Voice,’ through which trained individuals share the story of their own mental health journey. NAMI Northeast Region Executive Director Marie Onukiavage said, “What started as an inquiry from Dr. Griffiths about how to deliver Mental Health First Aid training to her students has blossomed into a collaboration that benefits both parties immensely: the students get access to valuable mental health information they will use in their professional and personal lives, and we benefit from a group of enthusiastic volunteers at the annual 5Kate run/walk, which is one of our most important events to raise awareness in the community.” Students understand the value of this community collaboration too. Kathleen O. Appau, a fifth year OT graduate student who has experienced many mental health trainings, including NAMI’s In Our Own Voice presentation, said, “The more opportunities we have, it will help us as future practitioners to ease our nerves to talk about (mental health) with anyone we think needs help and is open to it. I’m very big on ‘the more you practice, the easier it gets.” Appau said she also appreciated NAMI’s in Our Own Voice program. “It was so eye opening to be able to connect stories to real people. It was such a good experience.” Griffiths has ideas for expanding the mental health and OT connection and says she is encouraged by what her students have already learned through the collaboration with NAMI. She said, “Students are able to recognize mental health crises and provide support until the professional help arrives which is important because as occupational therapists they will work with individuals where they might be the first point of contact for someone who is in distress.” Onukiavage says the relationship with the University is important, as are all of the community partnerships NAMI has in place, adding, “We value all of the partnerships we have with our local education institutions from this one, to the ‘NAMI on Campus’ club at Marywood University, to the many campus fairs and activities that we participate in. They all give us an opportunity to connect with and educate our future care providers!”
Lackawanna Historical Society to Host Photo Scanning Do you have precious family photographs or crumbling documents you’d like to preserve? The Lackawanna Historical Society is partnering with “photo archaeologist” Cheryl Kaiser to host a special scanning day fundraiser on Saturday, May 3 from noon-3pm at the Society’s headquarters, the Catlin House, at 232 Monroe Avenue, Scranton. Join us for this opportunity to preserve your cherished family memories and support the work of the Lackawanna Historical Society! Register online at https://tinyurl.com/LHSScanDay to schedule your 15-minute appointment and purchase a $30 scanning day bundle. This will include your personal appointment with professional hi-resolution scans of up to 10 photos or documents with minor image adjustments to enhance clarity and quality. Your scans will be securely delivered into a private, complimentary Forever digital account, with a guide to get started organizing and maintaining your digital archive. If you have more than 10 photos, additional items can be scanned for $1 each. A portion of the fee for the bundle and additional items will be donated to the Society. If you’re busy, you can sign up for the “short on time” option to drop off items at the Catlin House and pick them up the following week. To register for Scanning Day, go to https://tinyurl/LHSScanDay. For more information, please call the Society at 570-344-3841 or email lackawannahhistory@gmail.com.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Supported by Wyoming Seminary Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School, together with the Smeraldi Family, hosted several colon cancer awareness fundraisers to support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute’s (NRCI) colon cancer educational and awareness campaign, CASUAL Day. Students and teachers participated in a dress-down day on March 27th in addition to purchasing NRCI’s specially designed awareness t-shirts. The Wyoming Seminary Rowing team hosted “A Row for Alessandro,” regatta event with several competitions to also support CASUAL Day. The school raised $2,297 through their efforts. Gail Smeraldi and her late husband Dr. Alessandro Smeraldi were the 2024-2025 CASUAL Day Co-Chairs. Their son, Caleb Smeraldi, is a student and member of the Wyoming Seminary rowing team. He helped to coordinate all three events. Proceeds from CASUAL Day benefit the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute efforts to raise colorectal cancer awareness and support colorectal cancer screenings for low income, un/underinsured individuals. From left to right: Gail Smeraldi, CASUAL Day Co-Chair, Caleb Smeraldi, Wyoming Seminary student, rowing team member and son to Gail and the late Dr. Alessandro Smeraldi, and Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.
United Way Announces New President Angela Bassani Steps into Role as President & CEO of United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike is proud to announce that Angela Bassani, Ed.D., CPA, has been appointed as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. A longtime advocate for the community and a dedicated leader, Bassani steps into the role following the distinguished tenure of Gary Drapek, who is retiring after 22 years of service. With this appointment, Bassani becomes the fifth President in the organization’s more than 100-year history—and the first woman to hold the position. Bassani brings a wealth of experience to United Way, having been deeply involved in financial management, community impact programs, and higher education. She has worked with United Way for over a decade, most notably leading the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where she has helped thousands of individuals access critical financial resources. Her leadership in this role has demonstrated her deep commitment to economic stability and empowerment for individuals and families throughout Northeast Pennsylvania. “I am incredibly honored to step into this role and continue the legacy that Gary Drapek has built,” said Bassani. “Gary has been a mentor and role model to me for years, and I have seen firsthand the incredible work United Way does to uplift our community. I am eager to work alongside our staff, volunteers, donors, and nonprofit partners to ensure that we continue to make a meaningful impact for those who need it most.” In addition to her nonprofit experience, Bassani holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management from Drexel University, a MBA and Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Scranton, and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Her expertise in financial oversight, grant management, and organizational strategy will be instrumental in leading United Way forward in an ever-changing nonprofit landscape. A long-time resident of the region, Bassani’s roots run deep in the communities United Way serves. Growing up on the border of Wayne and Pike Counties and making Lackawanna County her home since college, she has always been passionate about giving back to the people and organizations that shaped her. She has also served as an Assistant Teaching Professor of Accounting at Penn State Scranton, where she mentored students and integrated service-learning opportunities into education. Bassani has been involved with the United Way since she was a junior in college and officially assumed the role of President & CEO following Drapek’s retirement last month, ensuring a smooth transition in leadership. As she embarks on this new chapter, she remains committed to honoring the strong foundation built by her predecessor while also bringing fresh perspectives and strategic vision to United Way’s initiatives.
Lackawanna Historical Society’s Local History Game Show Returns this Spring The Lackawanna Historical Society’s local history game show will return on Saturday, May 3 at 6 pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm) at the Art Haus, 301 Lackawanna Avenue in Scranton. The public is invited to play along with the contestants to answer fast-paced Jeopardy-styled questions about Lackawanna County History and cheer on our teams as they compete to be the 2025 “Local History Legends of Lore”! This is the 16th year that the Lackawanna Historical Society has worked with students from Valley View and Riverside high schools to research county history, create local trivia questions, and design game boards for this program. The students also act as the gameshow hosts. Our goal is to offer a program that both entertains and educates. It’s entertaining in that we present a program each spring where individuals compete before a live audience. Its educational on a few levels: first in that we work directly with the students during the school year to teach them about our county’s past and encourage them to read local history publications, tour local museums, visit county libraries and browse online resources; then we invite 16 individuals from throughout the county to brush up on their local history knowledge in order to compete as contestants, the audience also learns as the play along. This year’s contestants include defending champions from Fancy Parsley architectural firm Mike Muller and Chris Chilek; the 2022 & 2023 champions Owen Worozbyt, Director of Operations for LHVA and Gerard Hetman, Community Development Specialist at NeighborWorks; Riverside Elementary East Principal Dave Walsh and former Riverside High Principal Joe Moceyunas; Taylor Borough Mayor Loni Kavulich and her gameshow bestie Sara Walsh; Judge Margie Moyle and State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski; Lackawanna Historical Society Trustee Jack Shean and his dad,Tim; and gameshow favorites realtor Mike Taluto, and artist Denis Yanashot. This program is supported in part through funding from the Lackawanna County Arts and Culture Department. Tickets for the games show are $10 ($5 for students) and can be purchased at: https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/lackawanna-historical-society/you-live-here-you-should-know-this-game-show For more information, please contact the Society.
Scranton Area Community Foundation to Host Ribbon-Cutting at New Home The Scranton Area Community Foundation is thrilled to announce a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House to celebrate its new permanent home at the historic Century Club of Scranton. The event will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the Foundation’s history and its continued commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event will honor and acknowledge the generous donors, community partners, and supporters who played a pivotal role in making this move possible. Their contributions have ensured the preservation and renovation of the iconic Century Club building, which now stands as a pillar of community philanthropy and collaboration. This new location will enable the Foundation to enhance its philanthropic services, increase its on-site services for nonprofits, host community events, and convene stakeholders to address critical regional issues. Event Details: Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Time: Beginning at 4:00 p.m., with remarks and ceremony beginning at 6:00 p.m. Location: Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club of Scranton, 612 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA. Activities: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, Open House Tours, Legacy Wall Unveiling, Refreshments, and Acknowledgements “This new space represents more than just a building. It is a historic landmark that will forever serve as the heart of philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It is part of our commitment to serving the community, fostering collaboration, and supporting local nonprofit organizations. It also reinforces our role as a charitable resource for philanthropically minded individuals, families, and businesses who are dedicated to making a meaningful impact.” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This ribbon-cutting event is a celebration of community and the power of collaboration. Reflecting on the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s 70-year history, we see this milestone as an opportunity to open doors to new possibilities for philanthropy in Northeastern PA. We are deeply grateful to all the donors and supporters who made this vision a reality. As we enter our 71st year, we invite continued support to fully realize this legacy,” stated Dr. Joseph P. Bannon, Board Governor and Platinum Pledge Campaign Chair. Ellen Burkey, Chair of the Board of Governors added, “We are grateful for the generous gift of the Century Club. Thanks to a $2 million investment in renovations through our Platinum Pledge campaign, we have preserved its rich history while ensuring it meets the needs of our community for generations to come. This project reflects our commitment to honoring the past while building for the future.” Donations to the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Century Club campaign can be made online at 70.safdn.org. Naming opportunities are available, offering a unique way to leave a legacy and honor loved ones. Photo: The Century Club of Scranton building located at 615 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, is now the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s permanent home. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house will take place on Thursday, May 18, 2025. The Scranton Area Community Foundation invites community members, nonprofit leaders, donors, and supporters to attend this special event. It is an opportunity to tour the newly renovated space, learn about the Foundation’s mission, and celebrate the individuals and organizations that made this transformative move possible. The Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House is a free event open to the community. RSVP online by visiting www.safdn.org. Photo: A glimpse inside the newly renovated historic Century Club of Scranton building at 615 Jefferson Avenue, now the permanent home of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Join the ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Thursday, May 18, 2025. Photo credit: Fancy Parsley
NEPA Philharmonic Presents Carmina Burana at FM Kirby Center The instantly recognizable Carmina Burana – a mainstay of movies, television, and commercials – arrives at the FM Kirby Center! Wilkes-Barre-Scranton…The Thalenfeld Masterworks Series of The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic presents Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the FM Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. Philharmonic musicians and Music Director Mélisse Brunet will be joined by renowned vocal soloists Roderick George, Öznur Tülüoğlu, and Christopher Burchett, alongside the Marywood University Concert Choir led by Rick Hoffenberg. Also on the program will be Antonín Dvořák’s joyous and rousing “Carnival Overture”, and music pioneer Dolores White’s poignant “Give Birth to the Dream”. “O Fortuna”, the iconic opening movement of “Carmina Burana”, features accessible, highly melodic, repeated melodies and strong rhythms, making it a captivating experience for audiences. The lyrics, which complement the powerful music, deal with themes of life’s extremes like fortune, fate, and love. Concert tickets are priced from $42-$78 for adults, and college student tickets are $16. Students K-12 admitted at no charge by calling the box office. A pre-concert talk, with Maestra Melisse Brunet, will take place at 6:30 PM and all attendees are invited. Tickets may be purchased online at www.nepaphil.org, by calling 570.270.4444, or at the door on concert night. This concert is sponsored by the Thalenfeld Family Foundation, Christine and Harry Zike, Carol Nelson Dembert and F. Warren Breig, Jr, and Weber Gallagher Law Offices. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic is a fully professional symphony orchestra performing mainstage and chamber concerts, and free Independence Day concerts in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. The Philharmonic’s educational programs include Young People’s Concerts, a juried mentoring program for talented high school students, and “Music in our Schools”, an in-school interactive program featuring brass, wind, string, or percussion ensembles. Our community engagement includes “Once Upon an Orchestra” in local libraries for children to age 5, and miniature concerts in senior living centers.
Scranton Jazz Festival 20th Anniversary Show Tickets Now Available for Sale Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Scranton Jazz Festival, Tower of Power performs on the Main Stage this summer! Tickets on sale now for this special concert! Now in its 20th year, the Scranton Jazz Festival will celebrate a milestone in its history with three days of live jazz, blues and world beat music, August 1 to 3 in Downtown Scranton. Pennsylvania’s world class jazz festival will feature the iconic funk and soul band Tower of Power on the Main Stage at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple (SCC). Tickets for the performance are on sale now at www.scrantonjazzfestival.org. Tower of Power is an American R&B-based horn section and band, originating in Oakland, California. “East Bay Grease,”their debut album released in 1970,defined their sound and landed them with Warner Brothers. In 1972, their “Bump City” albumwas a hit on the Billboard 200 and the R&B Albums chart yielding some of their most famous hits, including “You’re Still A Young Man” and “Down to The Nightclub.” The band’s popularity continued to soar with the release of “Tower of Power” in 1973 featuring hits “So Very Hard to Go” and “What Is Hip?” Tower of Power will perform at the Scranton Jazz Festival as the Main Stage Act at the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple, 420 N. Washington Avenue, Scranton, on Saturday, August 2. Doors open at 7 p.m. with an 8 p.m. show time. Tickets start at $45.65. A limited VIP Sound Check Experience package is available for $178.80. The package includes access to Tower of Power’s sound check, a photo with the band, and a concert ticket. For tickets, visit www.scrantonjazzfestival.org. In addition to Tower of Power, the festival lineup includes the Emmy-nominated Scranton Jazz Festival Big Band in concert and performances by more than 80 national, regional and local swing, jazz, blues and world beat musicians. Reminiscent of a New Orleans style festival, the event takes place in more than 20 venues throughout Downtown Scranton, featuring a Jazz Walk on Friday and Saturday nights and Jazz Brunches on Sunday. More details will be released soon! The Scranton Jazz Festival is made possible through partnerships with Blu Elefante Events, PA Jazz Alliance Inc., Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau, First Friday Scranton, Lackawanna County, and Scranton Tomorrow, and with the generous support of sponsors and media partners. For tickets and more information, visit www.scrantonjazzfestival.org and follow Scranton Jazz Festival on Facebook and Instagram. History of the Scranton Jazz Festival The inaugural Scranton Jazz Festival (SJF) was held in 2005 at Hanlon’s Grove Amphitheatre in Nay Aug Park, Scranton, Pennsylvania. After a major snowstorm damaged the facility in 2007, organizers moved the event to the historic Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in Downtown Scranton. The festival later expanded to include live music at the Radisson and in dozens of venues throughout the downtown. Presented in August, the 3-day festival features the finest international, national and regional jazz, blues and world beat artists. The event draws audiences from the entire Mid-Atlantic region, resulting in tremendous notoriety and exposure to the international jazz world. The SJF contributes to the region as a cultural epicenter, spreading the arts throughout the northeast much like festivals in other parts of the country do, such as Newport, Rhode Island; Saratoga Springs, Florida; and Monterey, California. SJF is an annual tribute to Scranton’s rich history in jazz, which dates back to the 1930s. Jazz legends Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey performed regularly with the famous Scranton Sirens Jazz Band. The greater Scranton area is also credited with hosting the first known recorded jazz festival, “The Cavalcade of Dixieland Jazz,” in 1951. Festival organizers aspire to carry on this rich tradition while the event becomes a recognized contributor to the world of jazz, blues and world beat music in its own right. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, SJF is made possible with support from sponsors and partners, and an outstanding staff of artisans, technicians, administrators and volunteers. As a result of their dedication, the festival has remained a high-quality musical event that entertains and inspires festival goers while supporting the region’s economy with a boost in tourism to the city. It is the hope and desire of everyone involved with the festival that it will continue for decades to come. To learn more, visit www.scrantonjazzfestival.org. Tower of Power For 57 years, Tower of Power has delivered the best in funk and soul music. “We were a Soul band called The Motowns,” recalls Emilio Castillo. “Rocco was the bass player, I was there, and my brother was the drummer. I met “Doc” Kupka back in 1968 and gave him an audition. He came in the band, and we eventually changed our name to the Tower of Power.” The reason for the band name change was that they had a specific goal in mind. East Bay Grease defined their sound and landed them with Warner Brothers. Bump City, their 1972 debut for the label, was a hit on both the Billboard 200 and the R&B Albums chart and netted them the hits “You’re Still A Young Man” and “Down to The Nightclub.” The 70s were a boom period with radio classics like “So Very Hard to Go” and “What Is Hip?,” and the band continued to tour and record over the years. Castillo says their love of the stage is the same today as it was back in 1968. Fifty years later, in 2018, they returned to Oakland to celebrate their landmark 50th anniversary. Tower’s window-rattling grooves and raucous party spirit has been a balm for the soul throughout their half-century existence, but the release of 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater couldn’t have arrived at a better time. The band has long since surpassed Castillo’s modest aspirations, traveling the world, enjoying hit singles on their own and backing legendary artists including Otis Redding, Elton John, Santana, the Grateful Dead, John Lee Hooker, Aerosmith, Bonnie Raitt, and countless others. In the process they’ve defined an “Oakland soul” sound as instantly recognizable as those from Castillo’s hometown, Detroit, as well as inspirations like Memphis and Philadelphia. The future of Tower of Power is set out to be vigorous and dynamic and will prove to be just that for fans around the world starved for the band’s groove just the way Tower of Power likes it! To learn more, visit towerofpower.com.
Friendship House Appoints Chris Howe to Vice President and Chief Operation Officer Friendship House President and Chief Executive Officer Alex J. Hazzouri has announced the appointment of Chris Howe as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Friendship House, a vital behavioral health and human services organization in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Mr. Howe has more than two decades of experience in healthcare leadership. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Commonwealth Health’s Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, where he led market-wide initiatives that resulted in significant improvements in clinical, operational, and financial performance. Mr. Howe has held leadership roles at Bon Secours Mercy Health in Springfield, Ohio, and Plateau Medical Center in Oak Hill, West Virginia. In these roles, he achieved double-digit growth in revenue and surgical volume, launched new service lines, and completed a $16 million operating room expansion project. He began his healthcare career as a registered nurse, a foundation that continues to shape his empathetic, mission-driven leadership style. Mr. Howe possesses a Master of Health Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina. He is a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional, a Fellow of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management, and an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He resides in the North Pocono area with his wife, Carline Archer Howe, and their daughter, Bonadia Marie Howe. He takes over from James R. Martin, retiring after serving as the VP/CEO of Friendship House during its growth and expansion over the past decade. Friendship House is dedicated to serving children, adolescents, and adults with developmental disabilities, emotional or behavioral difficulties, or those traumatized by loss, abuse, or neglect. In addition to many other services, they operate the Whole Person Care Center in downtown Scranton, which provides mental health services, primary care services, and substance use disorder services to all individuals and families, regardless of their ability to pay. They believe in identifying and providing the best treatment options for every individual with the help of a committed and supportive staff. Their dedication is evident in the individualized services they offer, which promote resilience in children and recovery in adults, maximizing the physical, emotional, behavioral, and social well-being of those they serve.
The University of Scranton’s Commencement to Feature Senior Producer of “60 Minutes” Nicole Young ’00, H’20, 16-time Emmy Award-winning senior producer for “60 Minutes,” will be the principal speaker at The University of Scranton’s 2025 undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 18. 60 Minutes Producer, Nicole Young. Photo: CBS News ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. “We are honored to have the senior producer of America’s most-watched news program return to her alma matter to share her vast knowledge and insights with our graduating class,” said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton. “Few television producers have achieved as much as Nicole Young. She has channeled her innate interest and skill of storytelling into compelling and acclaimed journalism with humanitarianism at its heart. Her concern for justice and passion for Jesuit education shine through in all that she does.” Growing up in Hoptacong, New Jersey, Young was impacted by news stories of famine in Ethiopia. News from across the globe, combined with an interest in international events gleaned from summers spent in Jamaica with family, led Young to pursue a career in journalism as a way to effect positive change by creating awareness of the wrongs in the world. After graduating from The University of Scranton in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in communication, Young earned a master’s degree in international journalism from City University of London. She began her career at CBS News as an intern at 19, working in Washington, D.C., London, and New York. She joined “60 Minutes” in 2004 as an assistant to correspondent Scott Pelley and became his producer a few years later. Over the years, Young has been the producer behind many of the major segments of the broadcast, which is now in its 57th season. She has earned 16 News and Documentary Emmy Awards, three Alfred I. DuPont-Columbia Awards, eight Writers Guild Awards, five Edward R. Murrow Awards, two Gerald Loeb Awards, two Sigma Delta Chi Awards, six National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Salute to Excellence Awards, a George Foster Peabody Award, a George Polk Award, an Investigative Reporters & Editors Award, a Gracie Award, a Media for Liberty Award, and a Wilbur Award. Young’s most recent “60 Minutes” assignments have taken her to cover critical global events, such as the war in Ukraine, the fall of Syria’s dictator, the devastating earthquakes in Turkey, the deadly tornadoes in Kentucky, and the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also covered social injustice, President Donald Trump, and high-profile interviews with celebrities, including Cillian Murphy. She has produced in-depth stories on Syria’s front lines, the famines in South Sudan and Yemen, and toxic electronic waste in China. Her fearless reporting includes investigations on civilian deaths due to airstrikes in Afghanistan, the gold mining conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and being on the ground after the tsunami in Japan. However, some of her most pivotal stories have focused on issues closer to home, such as job loss, poverty, homelessness and child hunger in the United States. In addition to producing stories for “60 Minutes,” Young leads special projects for the newsmagazine, including the development of the broadcast’s first free streaming channel. She also held a senior producer position at CBS Evening News, covering such major events as the Fiftieth Anniversary of the March on Washington and the historic election choice of Pope Francis in Rome. Young is a member of the University’s Board of Trustees and was awarded an honorary degree from Scranton in 2020. She resides in the New York area with her family. The University’s 2025 undergraduate commencement ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on May 18 at the Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre.
