Misericordia Appoints New Members To Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees of Misericordia University (MU) approved three new members at its annual meeting.

Joining the board are Mark Alles, Brennan O’Donnell, Ph.D., and David M. Payne, Jr. ’85.

“The Misericordia University Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome our three new members,” said Deborah Smith-Mileski, D.Ed., ’75, chair, Board of Trustees. “Their combined expertise in higher education, business development and finance are sure to add significant value to our board. I look forward to working with them to meet the challenges of modern higher education and to help Misericordia University continue to prosper.”

Mark Alles is an accomplished executive in the biopharmaceutical industry who built and led highly successful global oncology-focused organizations and cancer therapeutics over his more than three-decade career. He is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Celgene Corporation, a global biopharmaceutical company, with an outstanding record of driving growth and medical innovation throughout his 15-year tenure at the company. He optimized long-term shareholder value through the analysis, execution and completion of Bristol Myers Squibb’s $74B acquisition of Celgene Corporation in late 2019.

At Celgene, he consistently delivered industry-leading financial performance, led teams that completed several multibillion-dollar company and product acquisitions, built a diverse suite of globally marketed cancer medicines and a development pipeline of high-potential therapeutics for blood cancers, solid tumor cancers and serious inflammatory diseases. He led the expansion of Celgene from a US-based organization with 500 employees, to a global company with 8,800 employees serving patients in more than 50 countries.

He is a recognized industry leader with deep operational, financial, business development and commercial experience. Mark is a former Board member of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), Gilda’s Club NYC (non-profit helping families of people living with cancer), and a former member of the Trustees for the Healthcare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ). He is currently a member of the board of directors for Antengene Corporation Limited (HKSE listed: 6996.HK), BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. (Nasdaq listed: BMRN), Syros Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq listed: SYRS), and was chairman of the board for Turning Point Therapeutics (Nasdaq listed: TPTX), a precision oncology company expected to be acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb for $4.1B during mid-2022. Mark is consulting CEO and a member of the board for PIKSci, Inc – a private biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for hematologic malignancies, and a board member for TORL BioTherapeutics – a private biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel antibody drug conjugates for the treatment of solid tumor cancers. Mark is an advisor to the life sciences venture capital fund Eir Ventures and serves on the board of trustees for Misericordia University.

Before joining Celgene in 2004, Mark was vice president of the U.S. Oncology business unit at Aventis Pharmaceuticals and served in other senior management roles over an eleven-year period. He began his career in the biopharmaceutical industry at Bayer and worked at Centocor before its acquisition by Johnson & Johnson. Mark earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and served as a captain in the United States Marine Corps.

Brennan O’Donnell, Ph.D., is president emeritus and professor of English at Manhattan College, having served as president there from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2022. O’Donnell came to Manhattan after five years of service as the dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill, Fordham University. Before coming to New York, he spent 17 years at Loyola College in Maryland (now Loyola University Maryland), where he served as a professor of English and, from 1999-2004, director of the university-wide honors program. As a scholar and teacher, he has focused mainly on poetry, especially of the British Romantic period, and on religion and literature, particularly contemporary American Catholic writers. He has authored two books on the poetry of William Wordsworth and co-edited “The Work of Andre Dubus,” a collection of essays published as a double issue of “Religion and the Arts.” In 2014, he won the prestigious Robert Fitzgerald Prosody Award, which recognizes scholars whose work has “made a lasting contribution to the art and science of versification.” 

A frequent contributor to national and international conversations about the current state and future of Catholic higher education, O’Donnell served from 1994–2000 as editor of the national magazine “Conversations on Jesuit Higher Education,” and as a member of the National Seminar on Jesuit Higher Education from 1993–2000. He currently serves on the board of trustees of Lewis University.  In addition, he has served on the board of directors of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, and as a trustee of La Salle University, Philadelphia.  While at Loyola, he was on the board of the Lilly Fellows Program, and of Collegium, a consortium of Catholic universities that strives to strengthen faculty understanding of and participation in the mission of Catholic higher education.

A native of Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley, O’Donnell earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with highest distinction and honors in English at The Pennsylvania State University in 1981, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in English and American literature and language. He is married to poet, writer, and scholar Angela Alaimo O’Donnell, Ph.D., associate director of the Curran Center for American Catholic Studies at Fordham.  The couple has three sons (all educators) and four grandchildren.

The O’Donnells have strong family ties to Misericordia. Both were awarded honorary doctorates from Misericordia in 2019.  Brennan O’Donnell’s mother, Mary Brennan O’Donnell, was a 1939 graduate of College Misericordia. His aunt, Miriam Ruth Brennan, RSM, was a 1950 graduate of College Misericordia and a Sister of Mercy.

David M. Payne, Jr., ’85, Dallas, is managing director of PNC Capital Markets LLC, which provides investment banking and bond underwriting services as part of the PNC Public Finance Group. Payne began his association with PNC Capital Markets LLC in 2006 and is directly responsible for the development and structuring of bond financings for governments, agencies, and authorities located primarily in Pennsylvania. Payne holds the Series 7, Series 53, and Series 63 FINRA securities licenses. Payne joined PNC Bank in December of 2004 after 20 years of service with Citizens Bank, with experience in many areas of bank sales and management.  Payne is a graduate of Misericordia University and holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of Scranton. He also holds a Graduate Banking Degree from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Delaware. In August of 2006, Payne received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree from Misericordia University in recognition of his many years of service to various economic development and non-profit organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania as well as his continued service to his Alma Mater, Misericordia University. 

He has been serving as a consultant member of the Investment Committee of the MU Board of Trustees. Payne is an active member of the Wyoming Valley community, assuming leadership roles over the years in many organizations including serving as Chairman of the Board of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, and board member of Volunteers of America PA, Leadership Wilkes-Barre, the Penn State University Wilkes-Barre campus, the Ethics Institute of NEPA, The Wilkes-Barre Fine Arts Fiesta, and a volunteer with the North Branch Land Trust. Payne was also past chair of the Pastoral Council of St. Theresa’s Church, Shavertown.

Payne and his family have made significant and lasting contributions to Misericordia University. He is a former member of the Alumni Board, former class agent, a 2006 Convocation speaker, honorary degree recipient, Legacy member, scholarship benefactor and a member of the university’s Ethics Institute. His late father David Sr., served as a faculty member and administrator for over 38 years, and in 2004 was bestowed the title Professor Emeritus by the board of trustees.  Payne’s mother, Andrea, was the university’s first recipient of the Honorary Alumni award for her many years of service to the university and the Sisters of Mercy. 

Payne’s sister, Dr. Ellen McLaughlin, is an Occupational Therapy professor and Doctoral Program Director at Misericordia University. Payne is a graduate of the university along with his four sisters, Allison Payne, Dr. Ellen McLaughlin, Katie Payne and Susan Ferentino, daughter Sarah Payne and niece Brianna McLaughlin. 

Payne and his wife of 35 years, Darlene, reside in Dallas, and are the proud parents of triplets Sarah, David III and Jillian Payne.

Christelle Hoffman ’13 has joined the Board of Trustees as an ex-officio member upon assuming the role of president of the MU Alumni Association. She has been an active member of the Alumni Association since 2015 and previously served as its president-elect.

Two members have left the board. Mary Helen Nugent, R.S.M. has served as a Board of Trustees member since 2013. Adam Grzech ’13, ’17, previous Alumni Association Board president, served as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees during his tenure with the Alumni Association.

“We, as members of the Board of Trustees, extend our most sincere gratitude for the significant service and we extend our best wishes for success and happiness in the future to Sister Mary Helen and Adam Grzech,” said Smith-Mileski. “We know they will continue to remain involved with Misericordia.”

Daniel J. Myers, Ph.D., president of Misericordia University, also thanked the outgoing Board members for their service to the university. “I want to thank Sister Mary Helen and Adam for their support during my first year as president. The university has faced many challenges over the last several years. The input and guidance from our board members has been instrumental to the success of the university.”

WVIA Announces Original Documentary Film Chronicling the 2022 Southern Columbia Area High School Football Tigers

WVIA has announced its next original documentary film will chronicle the 2022 Southern Columbia Area High School Football Tigers as they chase a PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc.)   record sixth consecutive state championship.

Award-winning WVIA filmmaker Alexander Monelli will tell the story of their season from the locker room to practices to the sidelines of the games, giving viewers an up close and never-before-seen look at of one of the top high school football programs in the state. Located in rural Catawissa, Pennsylvania (near the world-renowned Knoebels Amusement Resort), the film aims to discover what makes the small-town team so successful year after year while simultaneously chronicling its great history. The documentary will also delve into some of the history of high school football in northeastern and central Pennsylvania, exploring programs like George Curry’s old Berwick Bulldogs and comparing them to Southern Columbia.

The film will feature interviews with the 2022 Southern Columbia football team and its coaches alongside interviews with former NFL players Henry Hynoski (Southern Columbia, New York Giants) and Bo Orlando (Berwick, Houston Oilers), as well as former WNEP sports director Jim Coles, who covered Southern Columbia and regional high school football for 33 years.

“We have this incredible story right in our own backyard. The Southern Columbia football program was almost shut down in 1980 because of a 26-game losing streak and poor player turnout. It is now the perennial state champion with the winningest high school football coach in Pennsylvania history,” said filmmaker Alexander Monelli. “Everyone has their theory (good and bad) about how Southern is so dominant every year. I’m looking to answer that question with this film. And the real answer might just surprise you.”

“What I hope people will say after this documentary is ‘they do things the right way,” said head coach Jim Roth. “As far as the way we work, the way we treat players, the way we interact, and then the rest takes care of itself and translates into wins.” “Southern Columbia High School football is a unique story, and we are excited to give our viewers an up-close and personal view of this team,” said Ben Payavis II, WVIA Chief Content Officer. “WVIA takes pride in shining a light on the stories of our region and giving them a platform to be shared with the world.”

The Lodge at Woodloch Announces New Partnership With Lackawanna College

The Lodge at Woodloch is thrilled to announce their partnership with the Massage Therapy Certificate Program at Lackawanna College’s Lake Region Center. This strategic partnership will gather the knowledge and expertise of a world-renowned destination spa resort along with the well-rounded education at Lackawanna College to create a-certificate program with a true “hands-on” opportunity for an enriched educational experience.

The Lodge at Woodloch has recruited a new Program Director, Donna Schriver, an avid Lodge at Woodloch guest, advocate, and Massage Therapy Instructor. Donna comes to The Lodge at Woodloch with over 15 years’ experience in training future therapists in a variety of specialized techniques. Additionally, Treatments Manager Amanda Clabaugh will take an active role in teaching classes and leading cohorts through experiential education at The Lodge at Woodloch. The award-winning destination spa is located within seven miles of the campus and allows for students to get an in-depth look at a fulfilling career in the spa industry.

The curriculum will instruct students on topics such as anatomy, physiology, massage theory & research, kinesiology, and more. The program will prepare each participant to take the MBLEx (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam) offered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Board (FSMTB). The non­ credit program is compliant with Pennsylvania state guidelines.

The wellness industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. More specifically, employment opportunities for massage therapists are estimated to grow by 32 percent from 2020-2030, well above average. The U.S. spa industry revenues grew from $12.1 billion in 2020 to $18.1 billion in 2021, an increase of more than 49 percent, and the rapid growth is expected to continue.

The ability to get exposure to an award-winning destination spa in the course of one’s training is truly unique. The exposure to rigid training techniques, high­ level service, and a luxurious setting is a great benefit to one’s resume while starting out. “The partnership with The Lodge at Woodloch ensures our students receive supervised, hands-on training while studying at Lackawanna College,” said Lackawanna College President Dr. Jill Murray. “This gives students an insight into the massage therapy career field and better prepares them to enter the workforce. We are grateful to The Lodge at Woodloch for providing our students with the opportunity to learn at a destination spa in the Poconos, which attracts tourists from around the country and the world”

Johnson College’s Inaugural Fall Fest

Johnson College announces PNC Bank as the presenting sponsor of its inaugural Fall Fest. This free-admission community event will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the College’s campus in Scranton, PA.

The event will feature a variety of activities for all ages. Families can enjoy live music, games, pumpkin decorating, and face painting, and browse an array of items from over 25 local artisan, craft, and food vendors. There will also be an all-ages scavenger hunt and program displays for attendees to learn more about what the College has to offer.

Johnson College alumni can catch up with each other in the alumni tent, which will feature special giveaways.

The Fall Fest will also feature the College’s first-ever Cornhole Tournament, sponsored by NET Credit Union and in partnership with NEPA Cornhole. The tournament will feature both Social ($20/team) and Competitive ($40/team) divisions with double elimination. A team will consist of two players, and anyone from beginners to pros can play. Prizes for the Social division will include: 1st place, $100 cash; 2nd place, $50 in gift cards. Prizes for the Competitive division will include: 1st place, $300 cash; 2nd place, $150 cash. There will be food and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Teams can pre-register online at https://johnson.edu/cornhole-registration-form/ or register at the door from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Additional sponsors for Fall Fest include Lamar Advertising, Sweda Advertising, Fastenal, Commonwealth Charter Academy, Highmark, L.R. Costanzo Co, Inc., NRG Controls North, Inc., Onvo, Troy Mechanical, Gibbons Ford, Mesko Glass & Mirror, Shea Industries, ShopRite, Lace Works Tap & Grill, Walmart Dickson City, Carpenter’s Local Union 445, Citizens Savings Bank, FNCB Bank, IBEW Local Union #81, and Topp Business Solutions.

More details can be found at johnson.edu/FallFest. Proceeds from Fall Fest, presented by PNC Bank, will benefit the Johnson College Annual Fund, which helps to maintain important scholarships, programs, and facilities to continue providing hands-on learning to Johnson College students.

DMVA To Host Virtual Town Hall on Veteran Transportation Issues, Says Boback

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) will host the fourth in a five-part series of virtual town hall meetings for veterans on Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 6-7:30 p.m., according to Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming). The discussion will focus on resources to assist veterans facing transportation issues.

One of the presenters will be Brig. Gen. (PA) Maureen Weigl, DMVA deputy adjutant general for veterans affairs.

“Older veterans and those with a disability often face the challenge of access to health care because of not having proper transportation available to them,” said Weigl. “We want veterans to know that help is available. There are community organizations ready and able to provide veterans with transportation to and from the federal VA and other health care providers.”

Veterans can participate by using a Microsoft Teams link available on the DMVA’s website at www.dmva.pa.gov. They will have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters live during the program through the chat feature.

The Greater Scranton YMCA Childhood Obesity Awareness

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and as children and families start their new school-year routines, it’s a perfect time to reflect and refresh your family’s healthy habits. Many families, though, need support changing their habits together in order to help children who are overweight or obese reach and maintain a healthy weight. That’s why the Greater Scranton YMCA — a leading community-based organization dedicated to improving health — wants to help families through improved eating habits and increased physical activity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity affects about 14.7 million, or one in five U.S. children and adolescents. Obesity can increase risk for health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and some cancers. Here in Pennsylvania, 15.1 % of all youth ages 0-17 have obesity, according to https://stateofchildhoodobesity.org/states/pa/.

“Experts are more aware than ever that families need support to change their eating and physical activity habits,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “At the Y, we’re happy to partner with families and offer support as they work to incorporate changes to help kids grow up at a healthy weight.”

The Y also encourages families to talk with their health care providers about their children’s health. “You cannot determine whether a child is at a healthy weight simply by looking at them,” explains Fisher. “Working with a health care provider ensures that families receive the proper guidance when it comes to health and their children.”

The Greater Scranton YMCA is helping families improve their health and help youth grow up at a healthy weight through youth sports programs and incorporating daily physical activity into early childhood education programs, like before and after school care, summer camp, daycare and preschool.

While outside support is key, developing healthy habits begins at home. The following tips are some great ways to incorporate healthier eating habits and more physical activity and into your daily family routine:

• Eat & Drink Healthy: Make water the drink of choice and encourage everyone to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three colorful options at every meal. As a family choose a new fruit and veggie every week to taste together. Place a full pitcher of water on the table during meals and allow children to pour their own water. Keep full water bottles available in the car and back packs.

• Play Every Day/Go Outside: Children should have at least an hour a day of unstructured play outside (when possible) and break a sweat at least three times a week by getting 20 minutes or more of vigorous physical activity. Join your children in games that get your hearts pumping and bodies moving.

• Get Together: Eat as a family as frequently as possible. Involve kids in meal planning, preparation and clean up. In addition, adults should take a break from electronics and spend one-to-one time each day with their kids, enjoying one another’s company.

• Reduce Recreational Screen Time: Time spent in front of a television, computer, tablet, cell phone or video games should be limited to two hours or less per day. Make a family plan to reduce screen time at home (i.e. turn off screens during meals, charge electronics/screens in the kitchen overnight, go for a walk after a meal, set a timer to remind you to power down the screen).

• Sleep Well: Kids and adults need to keep a regular sleep schedule; unwind together in the evenings by reading a book or listening to soft music to ensure the body is preparing for sleep. Kids are growing and need 10-12 hours of healthy sleep per night and seven to eight hours for adults.

To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s youth sports and healthy living programs, please contact Brandon Whipple, Wellness Director, at (570) 828-3116 or bwhipple@greaterscrantonymca.org.

The Scranton Cultural Center Announces “A Night of Comedy With Samantha Ruddy & Friends”

The Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple is pleased to announce “A Night of Comedy with Samantha Ruddy and Friends” on October 21 at 8 PM.  Fresh off her appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” NEPA native Samantha Ruddy will headline the night.  She’ll be joined by Martin Urbano (“The Tonight Show”) and more friends along the way!  The show is set to take place in Shopland Hall.

Samantha Ruddy tells jokes, writes funny stuff, and weasels her way into your heart with her gay girl-next-door charm. She is currently a Digital Producer at “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,” in addition to being a warmup comic back when crowds gathering was a thing. Samantha’s work at “Full Frontal” has included writing straight to camera monologues for Sam to deliver, managing the content on the show’s social media accounts, and contributing to web series including the Emmy and Webby Award nominated “Beeing At Home.”  In addition to her recent appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” Samantha has performed on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” headlined Carolines on Broadway, been heard on NPR, and appeared in videos for Comedy Central and Marvel. She has performed at comedy festivals like New York Comedy Festival, San Francisco Sketchfest, and Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Her debut comedy album, “Logging Out,” was named one of the best comedy albums of 2020 by NPR.

Brooklyn Magazine has called Samantha one of Brooklyn’s 50 Funniest People, BUST says she’s a comic “you should be obsessed with,” and Vulture featured her for “Follow Friday.” Samantha is a skilled joke writer and her comedy is clever, disarming, and sly. Her writing can be found on Collegehumor, The Cut, and Reductress. She’s been nominated for both Shorty and Queerty awards for her online presence. Follow her on Twitter @Samlymatters.

Samantha will be joined by Martin Urbano, an NYC-based comedian/satirist who has appeared on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” The CW (Howie Mandel’s Comedy Gala), and Comedy Central.  He’s currently a writer and performer on “The Tonight Show.”

The show will take place in Shopland Hall on the fourth floor 8:00 p.m. with the doors opening at 7:00 p.m.  A cash bar will be available for patrons 21 and over and concessions will also be available for purchase.  Tickets $25.75 in advance and $30.75 day of show (includes fees).  They can be purchased at the Fidelity Bank Box Office at the SCC in person or by calling (570) 344-1111, or via Ticketmaster.  For additional information and a full schedule of events, visit SCCMT.org.

Marywood University New Faculty Members for 2022-2023 Academic Year Announced

Marywood University deans, Shelby W. Yeager, MEd, LAT, ATC, CSCS, interim dean for the College of Health and Human Services; Jeffrey Johnson, D.M.A., dean for the Insalaco College of Arts and Sciences; and James J. Sullivan, M.Arch, RA, AIA, dean for the Reap College of Professional Studies, recently announced nine new faculty members for the 2022-2023 academic year.

In the College of Health and Human Services:

Kaitlyn A. Clarke, M.S., CCC-SLP/L., assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders, earned her master of science in speech language pathology from Misericordia University, Dallas, Pa., where she also earned her undergraduate degree, a bachelor of science in health science. Additionally, she holds a post-graduate certification in criminal justice with specialization in applied behavior analysis from St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, Pa. Ms. Clarke is a current doctoral candidate University in the communication sciences and disorders at the Pennsylvania State department. She works primarily with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and those with complex communication needs. She has a passion for alternative and augmentative communication systems and is interested in the integration of multiple modes of sensory input in individuals with autism. She served as a Clinical Research Speech Pathologist at Geisinger’s Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute and participated in research in the areas of genetics, ASD, and developmental delays. Additionally, Ms. Clarke has done research in voice disorders and treatment, as well as in treatment for stuttering.

Jessica R. Eberle, MPAS, PAC, assistant professor of practice in physician assistant studies, holds her master of science in physician assistant studies from Marywood University, where she also received her bachelor of science degree in pre-physician assistant studies. She has served as a suturing lab instructor and exam proctor at Marywood, where she guest lectured on the topic of abdominal pain in the emergency department. Additionally, Ms. Eberly presented a guest lecture on thyroid disorders at Misericordia University. Her clinical experience includes serving as lead advanced practice clinician at Lake Scranton Urgent Care, where she also is the clinical preceptor for PA students and an urgent care physician assistant. She served previously in these clinician and preceptor roles at ApolloMD, Moses Taylor Hospital ER, where she worked as an emergency medicine physician assistant.

Allison Fruehan, Ed.S., pro-rata instructor in psychology/counseling, earned her educational specialist degree and endorsement in autism spectrum disorders from Marywood University. She also holds a master of arts in psychology and a bachelor of science in general psychology from Marywood and is expected to earn her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction – special education from Liberty University in August 2022. Ms. Fruehan serves as a school psychologist for the Pocono Mountain School District. She previously served as a school psychologist at the Arts Academy Elementary Charter School in Allentown, Pa., and did her school psychology internship in the Anchorage School District, Anchorage, Alaska. Ms. Fruehan’s graduate research focused on “Virtual Reality Social Skills and Job Interview Training,” and her graduate professional contribution was titled “Culturally Responsive Suicide Prevention and Intervention: A Guide for Secondary Educators and Administrators.” Additionally, her undergraduate honors thesis was “A Preliminary Examination of Stereotype Lift of Language Arts Skills in an Undergraduate Population of Women.”

In the Insalaco College of Arts and Sciences:
Conor J. Flynn, laboratory instructor of chemistry, holds a master of science in chemistry from Bucknell University. He has a bachelor of science in chemistry, as well as a bachelor of arts in music, liberal arts/euphonium from Bloomsburg University. Additionally, he holds an American Chemical Society Certification. Mr. Flynn has done doctoral level work at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied physics, along with additional doctoral work at Brown University, where he studied chemistry. He has previously taught chemistry on the university level at Bucknell University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Wilkes University. Additionally, he has taught middle and high school classes at Lakeland Jr.-Sr. High School as a substitute teacher. Mr. Flynn’s research experience at Bloomsburg University includes the synthesis of silicone copolymers and development of analytical methods to measure effectiveness of flame-retardants in thermoplastic materials, as well as the study of catalytic properties of pentafluorophenylcyclopentadienyl cobalt dicarbonyl in the synthesis of heterocycles, and, at Bucknell University, he worked on the measurement of vibrational relaxation rate of collisionally coupled carbon dioxide molecules by transient laser absorption spectroscopy. While at Bucknell, he also presented “Carbon dioxide self-quenching rates measured by a quantum cascade laser” at the Summer 2015 American Chemical Society National Meeting.

Benjamin Hole, Ph.D., assistant professor of philosophy, earned his doctoral degree in philosophy from the University of Washington, Seattle, Wash., where he also earned his master of arts in philosophy. On the undergraduate level, he received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy, with honors, along with minors in classical studies and English, from Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Ore. He has served as a visiting assistant professor at Pacific University, Forest Grove, Ore., and also has taught at Seattle University, Northeastern University (NU Global), Bellevue College, and the University of Washington. He has presented and published on topics such as animal activism, climate action, civic engagement, and sustainable development, among others, earning professional distinctions and awards for his work and teaching.

Anna Adams Petrin, Ph.D., assistant professor of religious studies, earned her doctoral degree in theology (liturgical studies) from the University of Notre Dame, where she also earned a master of theological studies degree. Additional, Dr. Petrin holds a master of divinity degree from Duke Divinity School, and two undergraduate degrees, a bachelor of arts in history and a bachelor of arts in religious studies, both from North Carolina State University. She received online/hybrid training from Wesley Theological Seminary. Dr. Petrin previous taught at Marywood as an adjunct faculty member. She also has taught at Wesley Theological Seminary and the University of Notre Dame. She has published and presented on various topics, ranging from Wesleyan theology and the sacraments to the Egyptian elements the liturgy of Jerusalem and pastoral education. Dr. Petrin’s research languages include Greek, Latin, French, German, and Italian.

In the Reap College of Professional Studies:

Kimberly Hagan, instructor of architecture, earned both her master of interior architecture and bachelor of architecture degrees from Marywood University. While an architecture student at Marywood, she also studied abroad at the International Studies Institute in Florence, Italy. Additionally, she holds a certificate in healthier materials and sustainable building. Ms. Hagan previously taught at Marywood as an architecture lecturer. She interned with Richard Pedranti Architect (RPA) and has international and national conference publication on topics such as sustainable solutions to hazardous materials, repurposing demolished building materials, and design-build leadership. Her conference presentations have focused on digital models, sustainable solutions to hazardous materials, community design build outreach, integrative design, and design-build leadership.

Arian Korkuti, Ph.D., assistant professor of architecture, earned his doctorate in architecture and design research from Virginia Tech, where he also received his master of science in architecture and master of architecture degrees. He holds a bachelor of fine arts in interior design from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Korkuti has been a visiting assistant professor and instructor at Virginia Tech. Additionally, he has taught at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Korkuti’s dissertation was titled, “Ratiocinium in the Architectural Practice of Giuseppe Terragini and its role in the relationship between architecture and the city during the modern movements in Italy.” His peer-reviewed conference and lecture presentations have focused on building as service, the typology of the tower-house in the Albanian Alps, and architecture in times of crisis, among others.

Frances A. Loughney, M.S., instructor of education, earned a special education administration and supervision certification, a master of science degree in special education, an elementary education certification (K-6), and a bachelor of arts degree in special education, all from Marywood University. On the university level, she has taught at the University of Scranton, Wilkes University, and Marywood. Ms. Loughney held several special education positions in the Dunmore School District for many years prior to her retirement, initially serving as a learning support teacher and transition coordinator and eventually becoming the district’s special education director. Ms. Loughney also has served the director for transition for Northeast Center for Independent Living.

Marywood University Art Galleries Announce Exhibits

Two Marywood art galleries will feature new exhibits, beginning Sat., Sept. 10. The exhibits, opening receptions, and gallery talks are free and open to the public.

Mahady Gallery – Art Faculty Biennial 2022, Sat., Sept. 10 – Sat., Oct. 15

The Mahady Gallery, located on the first floor of the Shields Center for Visual Arts at Marywood University, is hosting Art Faculty Biennial 2022, an exhibition by Marywood Art Department faculty that showcases a diverse range of styles, mediums, and techniques. The opening reception is set for Sat., Sept. 10, from 3-5 p.m. A gallery talk is scheduled for Wed., Sept. 28, at 3 p.m.

Suraci Gallery – P.W. Costello: From Breaker Boy to Master Engrosser, Sat., Sept. 10 – Sat., Dec. 3

The Suraci Gallery, located on the second floor of the Shields Center for Visual Arts at Marywood University, is hosting P.W. Costello: From Breaker Boy to Master Engrosser. The opening reception is set for Sat., Sept. 10, from 3-5 p.m. A gallery talk is scheduled for Mon., Oct. 3, at 1 p.m.

P. W. Costello was a designer, engrosser, illuminator and illustrator. As a breaker boy, he sketched drawings on slabs of slate that he found near the mine. At home, during that same time, he diligently practiced his penmanship. With formal art training out of reach, he relied on his own motivation and creativity to develop foundational skills in design, lettering and illustration. For 45 years, he worked from a studio in downtown Scranton, engrossing elaborately-lettered and decorated documents for U.S. presidents, foreign heads of state, and Scranton’s leaders in industry, manufacturing, business, politics, education, religion and sports. In 2016, the City of Scranton celebrated its Sesquicentennial (1866-2016) by naming 150 people, including, P.W. Costello, “who made Scranton great.”

Fall 2022 hours for the Mahady and Suraci Galleries are: Mon., Noon-4 p.m.; Tue., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wed., Noon-4 p.m.; Thurs., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sat., 1-4 p.m. For more information on Marywood’s Art Galleries, visit marywood.edu/community/galleries.

Waverly Community House Fall Programs


Floral Workshop
What: Fall centerpiece make & take! Join farmer-florists Jenny and Ashlee on Saturday October 1st @ 10AM to create a fun fall inspired floral pumpkin centerpiece!
 
What to expect: 
Meet and greet with your local flower farmers
 Light refreshments
 Design Demo
Hands on experience arranging your own centerpiece

You’ll get exclusive access to fresh Autumn flowers from our gardens to create your pumpkin centerpiece that will WOW all of your guests this Fall!

Where: Waverly Community House Scout Room, 1115 N. Abington Road, Waverly 
When: Saturday, October 1 at 10:00 am 
Fee: $75 
Reserve your spot today at www.eastviewgardenspa.com/events

Destination Freedom Walking Tour
Tours begin at The Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Road, Waverly. To register for a tour, guests can call the Comm at 570-586-8191 or email our Destination Freedom Tour Guide at ejmurphy@waverlycomm.org

Stop by The Comm Library
Enjoy our lending library.
We have an updated assortment of adult and children’s books.

Visit “The Upstairs Thrift”!
Our upscale thrift shop featuring women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing and housewares.
Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 10am-4pm; Saturdays 10am-1pm