WILKES UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT’S REPORT
ACADEMIC YEAR 2018 - 2019 ACADEMIC YEAR 2018 - 2019 PRESIDENT’S REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS
President’s Message...... 05
Feature Stories...... 07
Evolving to Excellence...... 09
Acclaimed Speakers, Diverse Perspectives...... 13
Turning Information into Insight...... 17
Exceptional Students, Exceptional Opportunities. 21
Wilkes Capital Campaign...... 25
Research, Scholarship, ...... 29 & Entrepreneurship
Campus Enhancements...... 35
News at Wilkes...... 41
Fundraising...... 47
Community Impact...... 53
By the Numbers...... 57
University Leadership...... 60 DEAR FRIENDS:
Each year, the President’s Report provides me with an opportunity to reflect on the highlights and accomplishments of the past 12 months at Wilkes University. In this issue, my final as President of Wilkes, I am proud to share with you a snapshot of the 2018-2019 academic year.
As you will see, we have made significant investments in academics, research, and the campus, all in an effort to achieve a goal outlined in the University’s strategic plan – to become one of the finest small universities in the nation. When we developed this vision for Wilkes in 2012, we were intentional about placing equal emphasis on small and university, rather than viewing the descriptors as mutually exclusive. You see, at Wilkes, we offer a unique experience that celebrates the integration of the words small and university – one that blends a close-knit, mentoring culture with academic opportunities often found at much larger institutions. Our undergraduate honors program, featured on page 21, is just one example of this combination.
In addition, Wilkes is encouraging more discovery than ever before. Faculty members are engaged in scholarly research that tackles the most pressing issues of our day, including cancer detection, reducing infant mortality in Third World countries, and the opioid crisis. Furthermore, the entrepreneurial spirit is strong both on campus and in our community, resulting in the University’s first 11 patent applications. In many cases, our faculty members work alongside undergraduate students in these endeavors, providing excellent opportunities for hands-on learning and experimentation. Read more about these efforts on page 29.
Unprecedented investments totaling a remarkable $100 million have transformed our campus. The beauty of Wilkes has never been more apparent, and improvements in labs and classrooms have enhanced the learning environment. As you will see on page 35, we celebrated the completion of the Mark Engineering Center and the Campus Gateway Project last fall and work on Bruggeworth Field at the Ralston Athletic Complex is well underway.
In January, these efforts culminated in a milestone achievement for Wilkes University – earning doctoral university status from the Carnegie Classifications. Wilkes is now part of a list of the finest universities in the country, and we are one of the smallest on that list. I invite you to read about this accomplishment on page 9.
Over the past seven years, it has been a privilege to play a small role in the evolution of this incredible institution and I am confident that the best days at Wilkes lie ahead.
Sincerely, Dr. Patrick F. Leahy President ACADEMIC YEAR 2018 - 2019 FEATURE STORIES FEATURE ONE EVOLVING TO EXCELLENCE
08 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 FEATURE ONE: EVOLVING TO EXCELLENCE 09 Achieving Doctoral University Status
From its founding in 1933 as a two-year junior col- The new status reflects a growing population of lege, to its designation as a doctoral university in 2019, doctoral students and an increased focus on research and Wilkes University has taken its place among the most scholarship. Wilkes has strategically grown its master’s prestigious institutions in the country. and doctoral programs in recent years, launching the University’s first Ph.D. program in 2017. Wilkes now The final year of Patrick F. Leahy’s presidency also offers four doctoral degrees and nearly two-dozen marked one of the most notable: Wilkes University was master’s-degree programs in fields like education, categorized as a doctoral university in the revised Carn- nursing and pharmacy. Most programs are offered in egie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, online and low-residency formats, attracting a national the highest classification for institutions in the country. audience. 80 PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS Of approximately 80 private institutions in Pennsylva- in Pennsylvania nia, Wilkes is now one of just 14 with this designation. Impactful research has also occurred in the last seven years, resulting in the University’s first 11 patents. A This puts Wilkes in the same category of excellence $1 million fund supports the scholarly work of faculty as institutions like Carnegie Mellon University, Drexel members, who work hand-in-hand with students in 14 IN THE DOCTORAL/ University, Duquesne University, Villanova University pursuit of solutions to the most pressing questions of PROFESSIONAL and the University of Pennsylvania, without sacrificing the day. university category a commitment to access. Wilkes is also serving more students than ever before. “The change in classification places Wilkes University in In the 2018-19 academic year, the University conferred the company of some of the finest universities in the nation, 1,600 degrees, including 160 doctoral degrees. This is One leading in access and excellence: completing our evolution from a two-year junior college to nearly three times the doctoral degrees of any other a national doctoral university,” said University President institution in northeast Pennsylvania. WILKES Leahy. “Our unique mix of academic programs and robust degree conferrals across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels Yet this growth has not changed the University’s UNIVERSITY sets us apart from other private institutions, both regionally commitment to its founding values: more than 50 and nationally, while continuing to serve a large population of percent of students are the first in their family to earn first-generation students.” a degree. Combined with a 96 percent job-placement rate, it is clear: Wilkes is a doctoral university leading in access and excellence.
10 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 FEATURE ONE: EVOLVING TO EXCELLENCE 11 FEATURE TWO ACCLAIMED SPEAKERS, DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES
12 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 FEATURE TWO: ACCLAIMED SPEAKERS, DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES 13 University Speaker Series
Wilkes University brings visionary leaders to cam- DAVE EGGERS, bestselling author and founder of pus, continuing a decades-long tradition of presenting the independent publishing company McSweeney’s, groundbreaking viewpoints. opened the Allan Hamilton Dickson Spring Writers Series, sponsored by the English Department. Eggers Annual speakers’ series, such as the Max Rosenn Lec- is the author of ten books, including A Hologram for the ture in Law and Humanities and the Allan P. Kirby King, which was a finalist for the 2012 National Book Lecture in Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, bring Award and A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, iconic figures to campus representing fields as diverse which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. He also is as athletics, social activism, law, politics, literature and the co-founder of 826 National, a network of seven film. Their presence enriches the academic experience tutoring centers and writing labs around the country. for students and contributes to cultural offerings in the MORE THAN 2,000 CAMPUS community. BRYAN STEVENSON, attorney, human rights activist, executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, and AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS Lectures, offered free to audiences on- and off-campus, author of Just Mercy, delivered the Max Rosenn Lecture attended free lectures at historically have spotlighted the leading social, artistic in Law and Humanities on April 14. He spoke about, Wilkes University in 2018-2019. and political leaders of the day. During the 2018-2019 “American Injustice: Mercy, Humanity and Making a academic year, speakers represented diverse viewpoints Difference.” Stevenson is one of the most acclaimed and fields, including: and respected lawyers in the nation. Stevenson, a Every lecture offers opportunities for students to interact directly with speakers. Lawyer and activist Brian Stevenson participated in MacArthur Genius Grant winner, started the Equal a private question-and-answer session with criminology majors and KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR, Basketball Hall of Fame Justice Initiative, a law practice dedicated to defending members of the Honors Program. Author Dave Eggers presented center, author and activist, was interviewed by Wilkes some of America’s most rejected and marginalized a special session for Wilkes education students. He also met in a President Patrick F. Leahy for the Max Rosenn Lecture people. workshop with English students, who had a chance to share their in Law and Humanities. The conversation between writing and receive feedback. Leahy and Abdul-Jabbar encompassed key highlights JIM WHITAKER, Hollywood producer and filmmaker, Other endowed speakers’ series, such as the Catherine Bone Lecture from the athlete’s life. They included reflections on delivered the Allan P. Kirby Lecture in Free Enterprise in the Chemistry Department and the Kimball Lecture in biology, growing up in Harlem, his time playing at UCLA and Entrepreneurship. “The Business of Film: A bring some of the country’s most distinguished scientists to campus. with legendary coach John Wooden and his eventual Conversation with Hollywood Producer and Filmmaker transition from being the NBA’s highest scorer to his Jim Whitaker” featured Wilkes President Patrick F. current role as writer and humanitarian. The event was Leahy interviewing the 25-year veteran of the motion attended by more than 800 people, one of the highest picture industry. Whitaker is president of Whitaker for an on-campus lecture in recent University history. Entertainment and previously served as president of motion pictures for Imagine Entertainment. He has JAKE WOOD, co-founder of Team Rubicon, delivered been lead producer on films including A Wrinkle in the Allan P. Kirby Lecture in Free Enterprise and Time, Cinderella Man, Friday Night Lights and 8 Mile, Entrepreneurship. Wood, a former Marine scout sniper among others. He was producer and director of the and University of Wisconsin football player, spoke Peabody Award-winning documentary filmRebirth , about “The One and the Nine: Building Teams and chronicling the physical and emotional rebuilding after Organizations That Win.” Wood applied those lessons the attacks on the World Trade Center. in the formation of Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization that has responded to more than 250 disasters and has more than 80,000 volunteers. Wood received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2018 ESPY Awards.
14 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 FEATURE TWO: ACCLAIMED SPEAKERS, DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES 15 FEATURE THREE TURNING INFORMATION INTO INSIGHT
16 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 FEATURE THREE: TURNING INFORMATION INTO INSIGHT 17 The Institute at Wilkes
The Institute for Public Policy and Economic Studies conducted by The Institute have been the basis Development at Wilkes University provides research for initiatives with significant long-term impact on the that drives the creation of new jobs, new initiatives community. Examples include: and new legislation that enhances the quality of life in northeast Pennsylvania and beyond. Data from its • A regional community health needs assessment myriad of research studies spur economic development, showed that a lack of transportation significantly providing ways for the University to expand its mission impacted patients’ ability to access health-care of being a private university with a public purpose. services. The information led the Geisinger Health System to launch a pilot program providing patients Founded in 2004, The Institute is a partnership of 13 with rides to appointments, the pharmacy and even colleges and universities in the Wilkes-Barre, Scranton the grocery store. and Hazleton metropolitan area. It has been led since its inception by executive director Teri Ooms. Wilkes • An Institute study that revealed that childhood played a leadership role in its founding. The impetus for poverty is a significant issue in the region led the The Institute’s formation began with a grant secured United Way of the Wyoming Valley to develop its by former Wilkes president Joseph “Tim” Gilmour. Poverty to Possibility focus, which concentrates the Fifteen years later, Wilkes continues as its managing organization’s investments on programs impacting partner and its offices are housed on campus. In 2018- education, health care and financial stability. 2019, University President Patrick F. Leahy served as Since its formation, 272 students from chairman of its advisory board. • A transportation research study commissioned by member colleges and universities have been the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia is driving trained and mentored at the Institute through Volunteer task forces in seven areas, including the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s internships and graduate assistantships. education and workforce development, housing and NEPA Moves initiative to develop more equitable health care, help to identify topics for community- transportation options for citizens. based research that ultimately helps to improve the THE INSTITUTE COMPLETED region. Task force volunteers include representatives • A 12-county housing study conducted in 2011 from business, government, non-profits, economic included a recommendation to establish land bank RESEARCH PROJECTS FOR development and institutions. Although its primary legislation in Pennsylvania. Land banks enable 28 CLIENTS IN 2018 focus remains community-based research, businesses communities to convert vacant, abandoned, and and organizations also can contract with The Institute tax delinquent properties into productive use. The to conduct research studies on a fee-for-service basis. legislation was enacted in 2012. Subsequently, a land The Institute created the concept for Wilkes-Barre Connect, an bank was established in Lackawanna County in 2015 economic development effort aimed at promoting entrepreneurship Types of research include market and feasibility and in Luzerne County in 2017. and business development, launched with the Greater Wilkes-Barre analyses, site selection research, program and grant Chamber of Business and Industry. It brings together the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center, Wilkes’ Allan P. evaluation, community health needs assessment, arts, • Recommendations in the 2017 Health and Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, the Family culture and tourism studies and more. The annual Healthcare Task Force report on “Oral Health Business Alliance of Wilkes University and Penn State Scranton, the Economic Indicators event provides valuable insights Challenges in the Region” led to the creation of Diamond City Partnership and Ben Franklin Technology Partners to community leaders and business owners about a regional dental council focused on fluoridation of Northeast Pennsylvania. economic trends in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. efforts and providing education and dental care for The quarterly Economic Tracker newsletter shares the uninsured and underinsured. information throughout the year.
18 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 FEATURE THREE: TURNING INFORMATION INTO INSIGHT 19 FEATURE FOUR EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS, EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
20 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 FEATURE FOUR: EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS, EXPCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES 21 Wilkes Honors Program
Four years after its founding, Wilkes University’s Reflecting on his time in the program, senior electrical Honors Program is achieving its goal of offering an engineering major Michael Vanchieri noted, “I definitely exceptional academic experience for highly motivat- enjoyed the more rigorous classes…. The honors professors ed and talented students. The program includes honors really cared about their content.” classes and extracurricular and co-curricular activities that provide unparalleled academic opportunities. Students especially praised the growth they found in ABOUT 200 STUDENTS FROM research, internship and study abroad experiences. In At the heart of the Wilkes honors experience is a the most recent academic year, honors enhancement FRESHMEN THROUGH SENIORS residential component in which students are housed grants funded internships at organizations as diverse as representing all academic majors were together in a living-learning community during the United Nations and Live Nation, the international enrolled in the honors program during their first year. Wilkes honors students also receive entertainment company. Research into rock structure, the 2018-2019 academic year. enhancement grants, unique in higher education, microbiology, geochemical analysis and paleo- which students can use to help fund study-related environmental change also received funding. The grants experiences such as study abroad or research. Students also paid for students to travel and study abroad in 11 in the program also are invited to meet with renowned foreign countries. HONORS PROGRAM lecturers visiting campus, to take special field trips and ENHANCEMENT GRANTS to engage in service learning projects with others in Christine Walsh, a senior marketing major in the Sidhu the program. School of Business and Leadership, recalled attending FUNDED 73 STUDENT CO- the 2017 University Scholars Leadership Symposium CURRICULAR EXPERIENCES, The 2018-2019 academic year saw the addition of in Bangkok, Thailand, as a valuable opportunity funded the program’s first permanent director, Christine by a grant. “My favorite memory from being in the program including internships, research, Muller. Previously Muller was dean for one of Yale was that I got to travel to Bangkok, Thailand, and meet 900 attendance at conferences and University’s residential colleges, and was an student delegates from all over the world. We got to collaborate study abroad. administrator in the Honors Program at Villanova on how we would work together as future leaders and make University. At Wilkes, Muller works with an Honors this earth a better place. It’s an experience that I’ll never Program Advisory Council made up of representatives forget,” Walsh said. Incoming first-year students are invited to apply for admission to the of the University’s schools and colleges, and administers Honors Program if they meet a minimum grade-point average of program operations ranging from curricular With the graduation of Walsh, Vanchieri and their 3.0 and an SAT score of 1190 or 26 on the ACT. Students complete planning to grant funding for students’ co-curricular peers in the first honors class in May 2019, the a separate application process to enter the program, which includes opportunities to community events. program has reached a milestone but not an end. Its an essay and submitting a portfolio. core values of leadership, integrity, self-awareness and Academic rigor is stressed. Students enrolled in academic excellence are ready to help shape the Wilkes the Honors Program take a special honors section experience for a new first-year honors class each fall. of First-Year Foundations, complete a one-credit interdisciplinary senior research seminar and are required to take 18 honors credits, six of which must be in a course at the more advanced 300 level. Honors classes carry more challenging course requirements which may include research projects or scholarly analysis. It’s a requirement welcomed by the honors students.
22 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 FEATURE FOUR: EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS, EXPCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES 23 FEATURE FIVE BUILDING THE GATEWAY TO THE FUTURE
24 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 FEATURE FIVE: BUILDING THE GATEWAY TO THE FUTURE 25 Gateway to the Future Capital Campaign
Taking its cue from the strategic plan of the same name • Grow the endowment to strengthen the University that mapped institutional priorities since 2014, the financially for years to come. $20 million of the Gateway to the Future Campaign is the most ambitious campaign total supports this goal. The endowment and comprehensive fundraising initiative in Wilkes supports scholarship and research, including history. endowed faculty positions and research funds. It also provides tuition assistance to serve Wilkes students. The campaign’s public phase launched in October Among the programs supported by the endowment MORE THAN $2.9 MILLION IN 2018 at a special event during homecoming week- are the Honors Program, the First Generation ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS end. At the kickoff, Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy Scholarship Fund, endowed scholarships and more. AND PROGRAMS WERE announced that the campaign goal was increased to $55 million – reflecting the early, positive response to • Raise significant support for the annual fund, ESTABLISHED IN 2018-2019 fundraising efforts. which provides unrestricted resources supporting to support students and myriad initiatives across campus. These initiatives academic initiatives. In announcing the new campaign goal, President may include academic departments, athletic teams, Leahy recalled the words of American architect Daniel student clubs and arts programs. Annual support Hudson Burnham – words that had also inspired him gives the University flexibility to respond to in charting an ambitious course for the University’s changing needs. The campaign is raising $10 million The dedication of spaces named in honor of donors has reflected future: “Make no little plans, for they have no power to stir in support of the annual fund. the realization of the campaign goal to fund campus enhancements. the soul…Make big plans; aim high in hope and work.” Spaces named in recognition of generous donors have included Bruggeworth Field at the Ralston Athletic Complex, the Mark Engineering Center, the Cardell Financial Center in the Sidhu As Wilkes steps into its new position as a doctoral School of Business, the Miller Office Suite and the Melberger university, the Gateway to the Future Campaign is Courtyard in the Stark Learning Center. providing the resources necessary for the University to reach the next phase in its remarkable evolution. WE ARE BUILDING THE GATEWAY TO THE FUTURE The goals of the campaign are: BRICK BY BRICK, • Fuel ambitious capital improvements that will OPPORTUNITY BY transform campus – and, in the process, downtown OPPORTUNITY, Wilkes-Barre – into a vibrant living and learning STUDENT BY STUDENT. community. $25 million of the total campaign goal supports capital improvements. Many have already been completed or are launched including the Mark Engineering Center, the Campus Gateway Project, Ralston Athletic Complex and more.
26 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 FEATURE FIVE: BUILDING THE GATEWAY TO THE FUTURE 27 ACADEMIC YEAR 2018 - 2019 RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP & ENTREPRENEURSHIP NEW TECHONOLOGY FOR MEDICAL DEGREES and costs associated with slope failures, maps that describe the THE FINAL WORD ON HEALTH AND WELLNESS AS relative likelihood of slope failures – known as susceptibility A HOLISTIC PROCESS Abas Sabouni, associate professor of maps – are useful tools. In northeastern Pennsylvania, they electrical engineering, is directing research were able to identify over 1,300 mass movements. They
projects using microwave technology developed a predictive model by comparing the distribution Members of the campus community attending the O’Hop Final Word Lecture found an unexpected gift on their chairs: that could revolutionize the diagnosis of slope failures to other factors such as slope angles, geologic colorful plastic eggs. Dana Manning, associate professor of pharmacy practice, used the eggs to engage attendees in her of three different health conditions. bedrock and other information. Bobak and his team found presentation “Beyond Medication: Health and Wellness as a Holistic Concept.” The lecture concluded the University’s Sabouni, who already has developed a that factors thought to be strongly linked to slope failures third annual Research and Scholarship Symposium, held from April 1-4. technique for diagnosing breast cancer were not as influential as previously thought. Funded by a using microwave tomography, is working on a project that Provost’s Research and Scholarship Grant, he and his students Inside the eggs, audience members found descriptions of recent wellness trends – from the outrageous to the impractical. would use the technology for diagnosing melanoma. Assisted are expanding their work to the rest of the state and are The examples, Manning told her audience, illustrate exactly how far the health and wellness industry will go to take by bioengineering graduate student Vince Patriarco, he is experimenting with more advanced and informed models of advantage of people who are desperately seeking a source of wellness in their lives. The result is a global wellness developing a pen-like device that assesses the difference between slope failure prediction. the density of healthy and cancerous tissue. In a second study economy valued at $4.2 trillion in 2017. with bioengineering graduate student Kyle Stanek, microwave technology would be used to measure the severity of skin Manning, who has been a dietitian for 20 years and a pharmacist for 10 years, says that the myriad of products and studies INTERDISCIPLINARY ART ON AN ulcerations and bed sores. It uses a hand-held device to assess INTERNATIONAL STAGE that attempt to answer the question of what constitutes wellness falls short. Many approaches, even those followed by damaged tissue by measuring the contrast between inflamed trained health-care professionals, fail to treat patients as persons and don’t take into account the personal, social and and normal tissue. In a third study, Sabouni is working with Heather Sincavage, director of the cultural influences on health. electrical engineering undergraduate Kristopher Smetana to Sordoni Art Gallery and assistant develop a method that would use microwave technology to professor of art, was one of seven artists In her lecture, Manning stressed that there are social and physical determinants of health that must be seen, discussed measure bone density. and artistic organizations in the United and valued. It is a lesson that she shares with her current student pharmacists at Wilkes. Those determinants include States recognized for artistic achievement socioeconomic status, social support, education, culture, community design, personal beliefs, genetics and more. All must with a grant from the Tanne Foundation. be considered when addressing health and wellness issues. STUDYING ATHLETE ACTIVISM IN THE LGBTQ Sincavage used her award to perform a COMMUNITY piece entitled “The Burden of This” in London. Sincavage is an interdisciplinary artist. Through process, performance and Manning said that taking pharmacy students to practice Samuel Schmidt, assistant professor in the installation, she uses the body as a tool of measurement from health care in Uganda in the last several years has Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, which to consider questions of being, exploring the nuanced dramatically changed her philosophy. There, under what studied how athlete activists and the social facets of raw emotion and how they evolve as we experience health care professionals in the United States might call movement organization Athlete Ally them. During the 2018-2019 academic year, Sincavage substandard conditions, she saw an approach that stressed supported each other in reaching the goal presented nine performances of her work in the United a strong relationship with, and understanding of, the of ending homophobia and transphobia States, the United Kingdom and Sweden. They included individual patient. It was an approach grounded in the in sport. Using qualitative interviews performances at the Queens Museum in New York and patient’s community and beliefs. with members of Athlete Ally and athletes, Schmidt assessed Tempting Failure in London, a biennial event for experimental how the two groups shared moral, social-organizational and sound and performance art that accepts only 15 percent of material resources. He found that athletes provide Athlete Manning said, “We need to recognize that we have failed our artists worldwide. Ally with human resources, while Athlete Ally provides the patients if we do not understand the wholeness of their needs.” athletes with cultural resources. Those resources ranged from She concluded her lecture by summarizing ways she will things like providing legitimacy to engage in activism and a ASSESSING REVEGETATION NEAR NATURAL help to bring health and wellness practices to her work at safe space for activism to more tangible support in the form of GAS PIPELINES Wilkes – from offering a cross-disciplinary nutrition class fundraising and t-shirts and merchandise. for students to leading more student pharmacists on trips Kenneth Klemow, professor of biology, to other countries. and his student research team studied PREDICTING SLOPE FAILURES IN PENNSYLVANIA the impact of a natural gas pipeline on The late Paul O’Hop established the Final Word Lecture to foster the exchange of ideas and dialogue among Wilkes faculty, native plant species. Using a site where Bobak Karimi, assistant professor of staff and administrators and to showcase the talents and scholarly abilities at the University. O’Hop retired from Wilkes in the Williams Transco Pipeline traverses environmental engineering and earth 2001 after serving 16 years as vice president of business affairs and auxiliary enterprises. property owned by Wilkes, student teams science, jokes that his research might monitored plant growth over a four-year be summed up with the word “failure.” period. Using a one-foot-by-one-foot frame, the students Karimi studies mass movements of earth viewed plants in 120 plots, monitoring them three or four – also known as slope failures – that cost times a week from May to August. Klemow and his students the United States over $3 billion and cause – juniors Jillian Weston, Scott Heffelfinger, Amber Gruhosky between 25 and 50 deaths annually. To mitigate the loss of lives and Casssidy Hyde – presented a poster on their findings at
30 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP 31 the Ecological Society of America’s August 2018 conference in DEVELOPING THE WORLD’S FIRST evaporation and combustion as well as New Orleans. Their poster, “Natural Revegetation on natural UN-STRIPPABLE SCREW shorter ignition delay. Faster combustion THE FUTURE OF gas pipelines in NEPA (Surprise: Natives Win!),” explained that could result in building smaller and lighter ROBOTICS although the understory – a layer of vegetation beneath the NevRStrip Screws, a client company of the Allan P. Kirby engines eventually leading to a reduction canopy of the forest – was destroyed, alien species did not take Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, has developed in fuel consumption. Shorter ignition over. Instead, native species took the place of plants that were the world’s first un-strippable screw. Machine screws come delay can also help in alleviating engine removed. in all shapes, sizes and materials, from micro screws in small knock and reduce harmful emission. Yong Zhu, assistant professor of electronics to high-quality precision screws for aerospace or Ghamari and his team try to characterize these effects through mechanical engineering, opened medical use. The one thing common to all screws in all uses is measuring nanofuels’ thermo-physical properties such as the 2019 Research and Scholarship IMPROVING SURVIVIAL RATES FOR TANZANIAN the need for them not to strip during installation or extraction. thermal conductivity, surface tension and viscosity as well as Symposium with the lecture “The NEWBORNS Company owner William Norton has developed a patent- their evaporation and burning rates. Future of Robotics: Fantasy, Reality and pending driver and screw that will not strip. The product has Ethics.” His presentation provided an Linda Winkler, professor of anthropology, applications in multiple industries, from construction and do- overview of the ways that robotics are reduced infant mortality rates at it-yourself users to automotive, aviation and the medical field. TREATING THE OPIOD EPIDEMIC used in a variety of fields and explored the ethical concerns Nyakahanga District Hospital in rural The specially designed screw and driver requires little to no about the use of robotics and artificial intelligence. Questions Tanzania through the introduction of pressure to install. Eugene Lucas, assistant professor in the graduate nursing about how well humans are in control of the technology were kangaroo mother care. The practice is a programs in the Passan School of Nursing, presented an also addressed. World Health Organization-endorsed overview of the opioid epidemic in the method of caring for low birth weight and STUDYING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN state of Pennsylvania in a presentation The lecture reviewed the ways robotics is used in fields as diverse premature babies. Winkler was part of a team that introduced FEMINISM AND ACTIVISM at the 2019 Research and Scholarship as manufacturing, health care, defense and space exploration. the practice at the hospital in summer 2015. It was found Symposium. Lucas noted that overdose Stressing the ways that robotics improves productivity and the that infants whose mothers used kangaroo mother care had Associate professors of psychology Jennifer deaths in the state from opiates increased quality of life, he shared examples of how the technology is a 70 percent survival rate. After the first 24 hours, when most Thomas and Ellen Newell continued their 44 percent from 2015 to 2016, surpassing used in a variety of settings. Examples included use of robotics neonatal deaths occur, the survival rate was 92 percent. An ongoing research examining whether deaths from motor vehicle accidents as the in manufacturing, the DaVinci robotic surgery system article outlining the success of the project is being published in identifying as a feminist can spur activism cause of death among 26- to 64-year-olds. His presentation used in more than 1,700 health-care facilities worldwide, the journal African Health Sciences. Wilkes nursing graduate or collective action among young women. reflected his clinical practice in addictions treatment at and the unmanned systems used in defense operations and Shana Noon ’17, who worked with Winkler on the project, In one study, “From Education to Action: Huntington Creek Recovery Center in Shickshinny, Pa. Lucas space exploration. Rapidly emerging technologies such as is one of the article’s co-authors. Winkler is launching a What Motivates Young Women to Fight also supervises students in the Passan School’s psychiatric/ drones and self-driving vehicles were also explored. Zhu’s new study in summer 2019 that aims to improve survival Sexism?,” the two faculty considered mental health nurse practitioner program who complete presentation outlined the positives of robotics – including rates among newborns in Tanzania by introducing the use whether education and critical reflection clinical requirements at the site. A nurse practitioner who saving lives and reducing accidents. But he concluded that of Vitamin K for newborns to promote clotting and reduce can lead to activism among young women has specialized in addictions treatment, Lucas is licensed to robotic technologies that allow artificial intelligence to make neonatal hemorrhaging. who strongly endorsed a feminist identity prescribe suboxone, a drug used to help people reduce or quit decisions related to such things as medical complications or and had greater internal gender efficacy. their use of heroin or other opiates, such as pain relievers like sparing civilian lives will call for regulations and ways to keep They concluded that educating young morphine. Special training is required to be a prescriber and technological aspirations in check. STUDYING THE ROLE OF STROMAL CELLS IN women to recognize and think critically Lucas is one of a select group of health-care clinicians in the CANCER about sexism and encouraging them to embrace a feminist United States authorized for its use. A prolific researcher, Zhu also presented a session at the identity may be effective strategies to empower them to work symposium on a project to develop an intuitive robot control Linda Gutierrez, associate professor of toward social change and reduce sexist-based oppression. A strategy using vision. Zhu’s other research projects include biology, and Valerie Kalter, associate second study, “Anger and Collective Action Among Feminist STUDYING CANCER PREVENTIVE PROPERTIES developing a heart-monitoring system for early detection of professor of biology, are collaborating on Women,” provided further insight about role of anger and OF PLANT-DERIVED MATERIALS potential atrial fibrillation in real time and developing a device research studying the role that stromal activism sparked by inequality. They examined whether activism to assess ankle stiffness in patients with diabetes. cells play in colorectal cancer and Crohn’s and anger stemming from perceived sexism would help protect Ajay Bommareddy, associate professor of pharmaceutical disease. The research focuses on the ways well-being among feminists. They found that only among self- sciences, is continuing his research on the cancer preventative in which stromal cells may promote or identified feminist women will anger and subsequent activism and anti-tumor properties of alpha-santalol, a derivative inhibit tumor growth. Fibroblasts are cells located in the stroma. improve or protect their sense of well-being. of sandalwood oil. Initial studies support that the natural These cells are able to modify the stroma favoring the invasion compound may be effective in protecting against the of cancerous cells. They also produce a variety of growth factors, development of prostate cancer by significantly reducing which may promote tumor growth and metastasis. However, TESTING A NEW CLASS OF AUTOMOBILE FUEL the growth of cancer cell lines. Pharmacy students John fibroblasts could also restrain tumors by encapsulating the Oberlin, Kaitlyn Blankenhorn, Erica Mabry, Sarah Hughes lesions, as happens in benign tumors. Fibroblasts were isolated Mohsen Ghamari, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and Aaron Knopp and biology student Isaiah Pinkerton assisted from intestinal cancers developed in mice. The researchers conducts research on thermal properties of nanofuels. Nanofuel Bommareddy. Additional pre-clinical and clinical studies will characterized the mutational and metabolic profiles of these is a new class of fuel that is produced by adding nanoparticles continue on this promising research. cells and their derived tumors. These studies might lead to to traditional liquid fuel. Nanoparticles bring enhanced optical more effective therapies for preventing and treating cancers. and thermal properties to the fuel which translates into faster
32 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP 33 ACADEMIC YEAR 2018 - 2019 CAMPUS ENHANCEMENTS CAMPUS GATEWAY TRANSFORMS WILKES
A $100 million campus enhancement plan continued to transform Wilkes during the 2018-2019 academic year, helping the University to achieve a decades-long dream of building a traditional, residential campus fully integrated into the City of Wilkes-Barre. In November 2018, the campus celebrated the completion of the Campus Gateway Project, a system of pathways and gathering areas that extend from the Henry Student Center to the heart of the Fenner Quadrangle, to the East Campus Gateway, unifying campus. 36 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 CAMPUS ENHANCEMENTS 37 VETERANS MEMORIAL COURT
MARK The 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy in World War II provided the perfect occasion for Wilkes to dedicate Veterans Memorial Court. The court, honoring those who have served our nation in the military, is located ENGINEERING CENTER near the flagpoles on the Campus Gateway in the Fenner Quadrangle. Flags of the United States, Pennsylvania and the University overlook memorial plaques and benches that create a contemplative space in the heart of campus. Speakers at the dedication included Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy, Jonathan Kuiken, assistant professor of global cultures, and The Mark Engineering Center officially opened with a dedication ceremony Kelly Egan, a 2019 Wilkes graduate and Army veteran. The Air Force ROTC color guard presented the colors. in September 2018. The dedication culminated a 16-month, $8 million renovation to the engineering facilities in Stark Learning Center, creating flexible lab and learning space in disciplines that include nanotechnology, additive manufacturing and bioengineering. The center equips Wilkes engineering students with the skills relevant in the 21st century and allows faculty to incorporate the fundamentals of leading-edge research into undergraduate courses. The center is named in honor of Randy ’81 and Robin Mark, who made a leadership gift to support the project. Randy Mark is the owner and president of Pulverman, a global manufacturer of precision metal components located in Dallas, Pa. He has served on the university’s board of trustees since 2013.
RALSTON ATHLETIC COMPLEX
Wilkes University is investing nearly $8 million in new athletic fields at the Ralston Athletic Complex. The project includes a multi-purpose turf field that will be used for men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s lacrosse and women’s field hockey. It also includes a new turf baseball field. Due to a leadership gift from Wilkes alumnus Robert Bruggeworth ’83, the new fields will be named Bruggeworth Field at Ralston Athletic Complex. The project will enhance the complex for student athletes and improve the fan experience. Additions include two press boxes, two spectator areas and a scoreboard. In the future, new lighting, expanded parking and enhanced pedestrian walkways will complete the multi-year initiative.
38 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 CAMPUS ENHANCEMENTS 39 ACADEMIC YEAR 2018 - 2019 NEWS AT WILKES SIDHU SCHOOL STUDENTS PLACE THIRD IN Pryle is an English teacher at Abington Heights PARTNERSHIP WITH MILTON HERSHEY NATIONAL CQA INVESTMENT CHALLENGE High School in Clarks Summit, Pa. She can also be found SCHOOL ENHANCES COMMITMENT TO FIRST- teaching English at the Lackawanna Children’s Library in Students in the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership Scranton, Pa. She started an English Conversation Group two placed third in the fifth annual Chicago Quantitative Alliance years ago for refugees from Congo and Uganda. GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS (CQA) Investment Challenge. The Wilkes team, called Wilkes
Gold, competed against 50 teams, beating students from The Wilkes University expanded its commitment to educate first-generation college students in a new partnership with Pryle has shared her passion for teaching by authoring seven University of Chicago, CalTech, Carnegie Mellon MBA, books, six of which are with Scholastic, Inc. Academic writing Milton Hershey School. Under the agreement, the two institutions are partnering to improve retention and graduation Duke University, Cornell University, University of Michigan, isn’t her only forte, as she was also named the Mulberry Poets rates among low-income, first-generation college students. Qualified students from Milton Hershey School are Washington University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. and Writers Association Annual Poetry Contest Winner in guaranteed a spot in the University’s Educational Gateway to Excellence program, WilkesEDGE, which aids students in The Wilkes team received $1,000 for their third-place finish. both 2004 and 2005. their transition from high school to college. The state Department of Education and the state chapter of Anne Skleder, Wilkes provost and senior vice president, and Tanya Baynham, Milton Hershey School vice president the National State Teacher of the Year sponsor the Teacher of of graduate programs for success, signed the agreement on Oct. 3, 2018, at Milton Hershey School. It formalizes the the Year program. The program honors kindergarten through relationship between the institutions, streamlining the admission process for any interested students, including those 12th-grade teachers in public education who have made qualified for the Wilkes honors program. outstanding academic contributions.
“Wilkes University has a long history of educating students from Milton Hershey School. It is the success of these students that inspired a more formalized partnership that honors our tradition of supporting first-generation college students,” said Skleder. WILKES UNIVERSITY RECOGNIZES FACULTY AND STAFF WITH 2018 PRESIDENT’S AWARDS
® FOR EXCELLENCE Milton Hershey School is one of the world’s best private schools, offering a top-notch education and positive home life to children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade from families of lower income at no charge. Five Wilkes University faculty and staff members were honored The challenge is an equity portfolio management challenge with the 2018 President’s Awards for Excellence. The awards, As part of the agreement, Wilkes will reserve a that offers students the opportunity to learn and apply stock which were presented by Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy at minimum of 10 spots in WilkesEDGE for students selection and portfolio management skills in a simulated, real- the University’s fall convocation, recognize individuals who from Milton Hershey School. Introduced in 2017, life hedge fund experience. The challenge ran from the end of reflect excellence in their work based on the University’s five WilkesEDGE supports the transition from high school October 2018 through the end of March 2019. core values. This is the third year for the awards program. to college. Students in the program take fewer courses The Wilkes team consisted of Sidhu School senior students The 2018 recipients and their areas of excellence were: during the first semester. Combined with increased Kyle Gattuso, Sam Eyler, Nicole Harmer, Noah Durnin, advisement and support services, it creates a pathway Austin Hackenberg, Jorge Gonzalez, Brady Wing and Michael Scholarship: Zbigniew J. Witczak, professor and chair of to a bachelor’s degree. Program mentors and academic Hauck. Team leader Kyle Gattuso attended the CQA Institute’s pharmaceutical sciences, for advancing knowledge through advisors work with qualified students on their class Advanced Investment Management Course. The institute, held discovery and research to better educate Wilkes constituents. schedule, dedicated study time and specific support at Wilkes in May, is a two-week course for undergraduates services including personal financial aid counseling that is taught by the experienced professionals who are CQA Innovation: Kathleen Hirthler, associate professor and chair of and campus employment, which is proven to help the members. graduate nursing programs in the Passan School of Nursing, for transition to campus life. promoting programs, ideas and sustainable practices.
Support services continue into the second semester, when a personalized learning plan is designed to accommodate each ED.D. STUDENT IS PENNSYLVANIA TEACHER Community: Melissa Howells, director of student development, student’s academic progress as their course load grows. Personnel from Milton Hershey School’s Graduate Programs for OF THE YEAR for her efforts in collaborating with others on campus with mutual respect to foster a sense of belonging. Success Division also support students once at Wilkes. The division provides Milton Hershey students and alumni with A dedication to education in a multi-tiered system of support that addresses their individual needs while fostering independence. Dedicated career both traditional and community Mentoring: Deborah Tindell, professor of psychology, for her counselors, teachers and transition specialists support students and alumni of all ages beginning in middle school and settings earned Wilkes University efforts in nurturing individuals to understand and act on their continuing to their time in college, technical programs, the workforce or the military. doctor of education student abilities while challenging them to achieve great things. Marilyn Pryle the 2019 Teacher of the Year achievement. Pryle Diversity: Evene Estwick, associate professor of communication was honored during the Pennsylvania Department of studies, for her efforts in embracing difference in uniqueness Education’s annual professional development conference in through sincerity, awareness, inclusion and sensitivity. Hershey. Now she’s in the running for the national teacher of the year which will be announced in April 2020.
42 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 NEWS AT WILKES 43 PASSAN SCHOOL OF NURSING PASS RATES The season was marked with honors and recognitions for and launch their careers. Services include internship and career WILKES TEAM EARNS SECOND PLACE AT STATE EXCEED NATIONAL AND STATE AVERAGES Riley and his players. Riley was named the UCHC Coach of fairs, career coaching, resume assistance, practice, interviews, “DRAW THE LINES” COMPETITION the Year on Feb. 27. First-year student and computer science career development workshops and networking opportunities. Recent graduates from the University’s Passan School of major Donald Flynn was named the United Collegiate Hockey A Wilkes University student team in the political science Nursing accelerated baccalaureate nursing program achieved Conference Rookie of the Week four times. Wilkes won the department earned second place in Pennsylvania’s Draw the a pass rate that exceeds the national and state averages on Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Offensive Player of the Lines competition. The competition tasked teams to remake the National Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses Week award seven times with five different players this season. the map of the state’s legislative districts. The students earned (NCLEX-RN). Accelerated program nursing graduates who Flynn earned the award twice. Colonels also were recognized a prize of $250 for second place in the regional category and completed the exam in the fall 2018 semester achieved a 100 as the MAC Defensive Player of the Week six times. $2,500 for second place statewide in the higher education percent pass rate. This exceeds the 2018 national average of division. 73.11percent and the Pennsylvania average of 92.84 percent. WILKES AMONG TOP PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOLS “Team Wilkes” included sophomores Gregory Chang and This also marks the highest pass rate of bachelor’s-degree FOR GRADUATE EARNINGS The Center offers a Career Gateway Program with a different William Billingsley and senior Geraldine Ojukwu, who drew granting nursing programs in Luzerne and Lackawanna emphasis each year as students advance in their education. their redistricting inspiration after reviewing the infamous counties. The accelerated bachelor’s degree in nursing program Wilkes University is among the top colleges in Pennsylvania The program offers career counseling, experiential learning Pennsylvania gerrymander, “Goofy kicking Donald.” The team requires one year of intensive study, leaving students prepared whose graduates have the highest income 10 years after and networking opportunities that promote self-discovery and was one of 318 map submissions for the competition. to take the licensure exam and become a registered nurse. enrolling. Wilkes was ranked number 30 on the list, published connections to potential employers. Programs and resources by Lehigh Valley Live, using data from U.S. Department of include career coaching/mentoring, workshops, site visits to The Passan School of Nursing graduates in the traditional Education’s College Scorecard. The list looks at the 213 colleges regional employers, networking events, competitive internships PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT TRANSITIONS TO four-year format also achieved a pass rate that exceeds the in Pennsylvania, highlighting the top 50 whose students go on and career conversations with industry experts. PRIVATE CAMPUS POLICE national and state averages. Wilkes bachelor of science in to earn the most. Wilkes transitioned its public safety operation to a private nursing graduates taking the test between October 2017 and A Career and Internship Fair brought more than 100 campus police department. The Wilkes University Police September 2018 achieved a 95.12 percent pass rate. On average, Wilkes graduates earn $50,300 annually 10 years employers to campus for students seeking job and internship Department will serve as the primary law enforcement after beginning their college careers. The dollar amount reflects opportunities. The center also launched two speakers series to authority at the University. Officers have full law enforcement the median salary of former students who received federal expand students’ career awareness. The Career Café brought powers, including the authority to make arrests for criminal MEN’S ICE HOCKEY SCORES SUCCESSFUL financial aid. to campus speakers from a variety of fields for informal violations. In addition to arrest powers, the creation of a INAUGURAL SEASON conversations offering career insights, networking and advice. campus police department allows the University access to a When considering the average annual cost to attend, Wilkes Career Conversation, offered in the Henry Student Center, Wilkes’ men’s ice hockey team scored a successful inaugural variety of databases, grants, and training typically restricted to is 10th on the list for affordability – at just $22,975 per year brought alumni to campus to discuss their career paths. season, ending regular season play firmly in a top-six playoff – making it the most affordable school in the region included sworn agencies. position coming in fourth with an 11-5-2 record and 37 in the top 50. conference points. Head coach Brett Riley led the team to “The safety of our students is our highest priority. Introducing a WILKES UNIVERSITY’S SIDHU SCHOOL OF an outstanding season as the Colonels finished 16-8-2 overall. campus police department will enhance our already safe campus with “This report illustrates that a college education is the best investment BUSINESS PARTICIPATES IN BARRON’S increased security,” said University President Patrick F. Leahy. one can make,” said Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy. “It also UNIVERSITY PROGRAM The men’s ice hockey team was picked to finish fourth in the addresses what makes Wilkes so unique: we are a private school with conference but completed the season with a 6-2 record to place a public purpose, offering an affordable education to all who show Wilkes University’s Sidhu School of Business and Leadership The private police second in the conference. Wilkes received national recognition potential, and our graduates, many of whom are the first in their students have more opportunities to heighten their financial department is led by on Feb. 4 as the Colonels earned votes in the D3hockey.com families to attend college, thrive in rewarding and well-paying careers.” literacy skills through participation in the prestigious Barron’s Chief Christopher Men’s Top 15 poll. University Program. The program provides students and Jagoe. Jagoe first faculty in the business school with free access to Barron’s joined Wilkes in 2014 CENTER FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND online content and with activities designed to ensure that as director of public INTERNSHIPS SUPPORTS STUDENTS future business leaders are equipped with financial literacy safety after 30 years PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT skills. Barron’s is a leading weekly newspaper and online news of service at the University of Maryland Police Department site covering financial news and market developments. The where he supervised over 100 sworn officers. Wilkes students are receiving a more comprehensive approach Sidhu School’s participation in the program is made possible by to career development and internship experiences with a sponsorship provided by Michael Hirthler, founder, president Since 2005, the percentage of public and private colleges using the opening of the Center for Career Development and and chief executive officer of Jacobi Capital Management. armed officers nationwide has increased from 68 percent to Internships. The Internship/Co-op Program, formerly housed 75 percent. In 2014, Wilkes University armed its officers in in the Henry Student Center, and Career Services, formerly in Experiential learning activities provided in the Barron’s in response to a recommendation included in a comprehensive Conyngham Hall, combined to form a single location offering Education program include opportunities to visit the Dow campus safety study conducted by Margolis Healy, a nationally services to support students’ professional career development. Jones headquarters in New York City, tour the newsrooms recognized consulting service firm specializing in campus The center aims to help students clarify goals, assess skills and of Barron’s, The Wall Street Journal and MarketWatch and safety, security and regulatory compliance for higher education. find the internship experiences that will build their resume participate in webinars with Barron’s representatives and experts from Jacobi Capital Management.
44 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 NEWS AT WILKES 45 ACADEMIC YEAR 2018 - 2019 FUNDRAISING $1 MILLION GIFT WILL ESTABLISH ETHICS PROGRAM IN SIDHU SCHOOL
An anonymous donor has contributed $1 million to establish an ethics engagement program in the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership. The program will be taught in a developmental series, beginning during a business student’s first year and will continue throughout the Sidhu undergraduate and graduate curriculum. The program is expected to FOUNDERS GALA 2019 RAISES start in the 2020-2021 academic year. $750,000 FOR FIRST-GENERATION Under the new program, ethics will be incorporated into courses for all undergraduate students during their first and second years in the SCHOLARSHIPS Sidhu School. As students transition to upper-level courses, they will complete an ethical leadership certification created by the Student Center for Public Trust (NASBA). As students complete the program, Wilkes’ Founders Gala 2019 supporting the First Generation Scholarship Fund raised $750,000 they will form business ethics case teams that will debate real ethical to provide scholarships for students who are the first in their family to attend a four-year dilemma cases in presentations to the University campus. Winners of the campus debates may be eligible to compete in national business ethics college. That total brings the amount raised since the event’s inception to more than $3 million. competitions. Held for the sixth time at the Westmoreland Club, the event drew 400 alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University. Students in the Master of Business Administration program will enroll in an ethics seminar at the start of their program. The ethics engagement Eugene Roth ’57 was presented with the President’s Medal at the event. The honor is given program meets the ethics, social responsibility and environmental to an individual whose personal and professional life reflect the highest aspirations of Wilkes sustainability objectives of the Wilkes MBA program. The ethical University. Roth is an attorney at Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald, LLP, in Wilkes-Barre, where leadership certificate program modules will be incorporated into the he has the distinction of being the longest-serving attorney at the firm, rising through the core curriculum at the MBA level, specifically in the leadership and ranks from law clerk to partner during his 60-year tenure. At Wilkes, Roth served under each ethics course areas. of the University’s six presidents during an association that began when he was a student. He first served as vice president of his undergraduate class, then as president of the alumni JOHN B. GUERRA ’51 LEAVES $1.3 MILLION BEQUEST association and eventually as a member of the University’s board of trustees, a role in which he continues to serve. He was the chairman of the board from 1993 to 1998, helping to establish A generous $1.3 million bequest from John B. Guerra ’51 will establish the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. an endowed scholarship and benefit academic programs in business and digital design and media arts. About $900,000 of the gift will be used to Roth’s philanthropic support is apparent across campus, especially in Lawrence W. Roth Hall, establish an endowed scholarship named for Guerra. The digital design a standout residence for first-year students, and the Max Roth Center, home to the Center and media arts program will receive $200,000 from the bequest for for Global Education and Diversity. In memory of their son, Roth and his wife, Connie, programmatic support. In addition, the Sidhu School of Business and established the Lawrence W. Roth Memorial Scholarship. It is granted annually to a deserving Leadership will receive $200,000 to support accreditation efforts. Wilkes student with an interest in the law, politics or community service.
BESLER SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORTS SUMMER RESEARCH The event marked University President Patrick F. Leahy’s last Founders Gala. It was announced at the event that a First Generation Endowed Scholarship has been established in honor of Alumni Carolann (Gusgekofski) Besler ’76 and Philip A. Besler ’76 him and his wife, Amy. More than $125,000 has been raised for the scholarship. President have established a scholarship to support students conducting scholarly Leahy established the Founders Gala in 2014 as the University’s premier fundraising event. He summer research projects. Overseen by a faculty member, each student envisioned an event that would raise money for the first-generation college students who are will be supported with a $3,000 summer stipend. Students from an integral part of the institution’s history. Raising money for those students has resonated with any discipline may apply. Students engaged in summer research under many constituents, contributing to the event’s success. the tutelage of faculty is a unique part of the Wilkes experience. These opportunities are funded by the University in the form of free housing and other support and by private gifts such as the one provided by the Beslers.
48 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 FUNDRAISING 49 SHINE PROGRAM RECEIVES $2 MILLION FROM • The John S. ’72 And Renate Dargel ’72 Kerr Scholarship PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION is awarded to a first-generation college student who is an active participant in campus activities or clubs. The Luzerne County SHINE Program at Wilkes University has received $2 million from the Pennsylvania Department of • William And Donna Schwab Endowed Scholarship. Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant program for 2019-2024. The grant will allow the program to • Charles A. And Linda E. Sorber Scholarship In continue to provide quality STEM-based after-school services Engineering was established in 2018 by Linda E. Sorber, at SHINE’s existing sites. It will also allow the program to Esq., to be awarded to students majoring in environmental expand services to two new sites: Kistler Elementary Center in engineering. the Wilkes-Barre School District and an elementary program at Pittston Area School District. • The Frank And Geraldine Witt Endowed Scholarship For Veterans is awarded to a student attending Wilkes CARDELL FINANCIAL CENTER MILLER OFFICE SUITE SHINE, which stands for Schools and Homes in Education, University on the GI Bill, with preference given to served students in seven centers in the 2018-2019 school year. Pennsylvania residents. The Cardell Financial Center on the first floor of the The office suite in the lobby of the Sordoni Art Gallery was Wilkes is the higher education partner for the program which University Center on Main was dedicated in recognition of named in recognition of Bill Miller ’81 and his 30-plus years was brought to Luzerne County by state Sen. John Yudichak Dan Cardell ’79’s generosity and years of service to Wilkes of service to his alma mater. Miller joined the University’s and former Congressman Lou Barletta. School districts served University. Cardell has been a member of the board of trustees board of trustees in 1999 and currently serves as the board’s by the program are Hanover Area, Greater Nanticoke Area, since 2008 and currently serves as its chair. vice chair. He was instrumental in the recent reinvigoration of Wilkes-Barre Area and Wyoming Valley West. the Sordoni Art Gallery and provides leadership as a member Pictured at the dedication, from left, are Fred Herrmann ’79, of the gallery’s advisory commission. Brigette (McDonald) Herrmann ’78, Dan Cardell ’79, Anne ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS CREATE NEW Marie “Puddy” (Booth) Cardell ’79 OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
More than $1.9 million in new endowed scholarships established by generous donors in the 2018-2019 academic year will support educational opportunities for Wilkes students. New endowed scholarships include:
• The Jane Carpenter Borr Scholarship is awarded annually THE BORZELL CLASSROOM to a graduate of the Wilkes-Barre Area School District majoring in education with a preference for elementary President Patrick F. Leahy and Jack Borzell, Mary Claire education majors. Borzell, Julianna Borzell and Prahlad Murthy, interim dean of the College of Science and Engineering, dedicated the Borzell • The Cynthia A. (Lenahan) Bradbury Scholarship is Classroom located in Stark Learning Center, room 259. The awarded annually to a female student pursuing a degree in room is dedicated in memory of John Anthony “Beno” Borzell a STEM-based major. The student should have a 3.0 GPA who graduated in 2011 with a degree in environmental minimum, reside in Luzerne or Lackawanna County, and science. During the ceremony, the Borzell family presented CROMWELL THOMAS COLLABORATION LAB THE MELBERGER COURTYARD demonstrate financial need. Wilkes with a check for $10,000 which supports an endowed scholarship in John Anthony “Beno” Borzell’s memory. The industry collaboration lab in the Mark Engineering The courtyard at the center of the Stark Learning Center • The Emilie Roat Gino Scholarship awarded annually to Each year, the Borzell family hosts a golf tournament which Center was dedicated in memory of Professor Cromwell was dedicated in honor of Clifford and Ruth ’62 Melberger a first-generation college student majoring in education provides the scholarships to students at Wilkes and at Wyoming Thomas, a longtime member of the department of engineering in recognition of their many contributions to Wilkes. Their preferably with a concentration or minor in the sciences. Area High School. and physics at Wilkes. The recognition was made possible philanthropy includes The Ruth Boroom Melberger ‘62 through the generosity of John ’70 and Jane Thomas Cefaly. Scholarship, an endowed scholarship that has supported many • The John and Ethel Kashulon Foundation Scholarship Jane Cefaly is the niece of Professor Thomas. The lab features Wilkes students in their educational journeys. created by a gift to the University from the John and Ethel impressive views of the newly renovated Campus Gateway Kashulon Foundation, is awarded to a sophomore or junior and provides students with the opportunity to engage in majoring in business administration or a business-related collaborative projects. field. Pictured at the dedication, from left, are President Patrick F. Leahy, Jane Thomas Cefaly, John Cefaly ’70 and Mike Wood, assistant to the president for external affairs.
50 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 FUNDRAISING 51 ACADEMIC YEAR 2018 - 2019 COMMUNITY IMPACT COMMITTED TO BEING A COMMUNITY SERVICE AND SUPPORT FAMILY BUSINESS ALLIANCE PRIVATE UNIVERSITY WITH County and city governments are supported with over The Family Business Alliance supported 39 member businesses A PUBLIC PURPOSE $155,000 in direct contributions from the University. this year in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties.
Wilkes faculty, staff and students provided122,581 hours of • The alliance held several programs geared to unique A commitment to the community has been a part of Wilkes University’s service last year. The organization Independent Sector, which family business issues. Mitzi Perdue from Sheraton mission and values since its founding. Today Wilkes is a positive force for advocates nonprofit organizations in the United States, values Hotels and Perdue Chicken Farms presented on this time spent in service at $3,117,235. “How to Make Your Family Business Last.” Gerard economic, social and cultural development through initiatives that support Donnellan of Boston College was the keynote and grow the regional economy, enhance educational opportunity and 5,600+ elementary and high school students in the region speaker addressing attendees at a half-day program provide hands-on community service by students, faculty and staff. Wilkes’ benefit from programs sponsored by Wilkes including Science examining “Improving Family Business Communication.” substantial, positive impact in 2018-2019 programs provided both financial in Motion, Women Empowered by Science, Adventures in and in-kind support. Science, Earth and Environmental Science Day and art and • The Alliance’s educational programs for family businesses reading camps. are open to Wilkes students, affording them the opportunity to hear and learn about issues facing businesses today and to network with area business owners. SCIENCE IN MOTION • Alliance members receive reduced tuition for business Wilkes is part of a consortium of 10 colleges and universities owners, their family members and all employees. in Pennsylvania that brings the Science in Motion program to school districts. The program provides middle- and high- school students with access to advanced science experiments, ALLAN P. KIRBY CENTER FOR FREE equipment, and instruction for enhanced STEM learning – ENTERPRISE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP all at no cost to schools. Mobile educators bring all supplies needed for a variety of science experiments. The program is The Center supported 47 client businesses – 27 run by Wilkes funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. students, faculty and staff and 20 led by community clients.
In 2018-2019, Wilkes Science in Motion mobile educators in • 11 U.S. patents and one trade secret have been issued to biology and chemistry reached 4,839 students in 35 schools in clients of the center. 24 school districts in nine counties in northeast Pennsylvania. SHINE TRANSFORMS CHILDREN’S LIVES • $15,820 in pro bono services from professionals such as attorneys and insurance specialists was provided to clients. UPWARD BOUND AT WILKES UNIVERSITY Wilkes University serves as the higher education partner for SHINE of Luzerne County. Since its inception, • $755,000 was obtained via grant and other funding in SHINE in partnership with Wilkes plays a role in transforming the lives of more than 500 elementary and middle Upward Bound complements Wilkes University’s commitment support of the Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise school students from six school districts. to educate first-generation college students. The U.S. Depart- and Entrepreneurship and its clients’ businesses. This ment of Education-funded program supports low-income included a $5,000 grant from Ben Franklin Technology The after-school program embraces the “third learning space,” the valuable time that falls between the end of students and those in their family who may be the first to Partners for the Center and $750,000 in capitalization the traditional school day and before students return home to their families. Using a STEAM-based curriculum, attend college. investment by clients. focusing on science, technology, engineering, the arts and math, experiences provided by SHINE foster the de- velopment of 21st century skills. Those skills – communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity – • 129 students from 14 Luzerne County high schools prepare students for success in school and later in the workforce. participated in the program in 2018-2019. SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
In addition to providing in-kind administrative support year-round for the program, Wilkes hosts an annual • 39 students graduated from the program in 2019, with The Small Business Development Center assisted clients in College for a Day program for SHINE each summer where elementary and middle-school students sample higher 38 entering college and one joining the military securing $18,298,701 in financing. It is the highest amount education first-hand. achieved by the center since its formation in 1980.
The following numbers convey SHINE’s impact during the 2018-2019 academic year: • The Center helped 36 clients start or purchase a business.
• 501 students participated in SHINE at seven after-school centers. • The Center held 14 training programs drawing 279 • 620 family members attended monthly Family Nights. attendees in the five counties that it serves. In addition, • 36,180 meals were served. Center staff provided 3,026 hours of one-on-one • 940 home visits were conducted for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students. consulting to business owners. • 455 hours of homework help was provided among SHINE’s seven centers.
54 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 COMMUNITY IMPACT 55 ACADEMIC YEAR 2018 - 2019 BY THE NUMBERS $100M 96%
IN CAMPUS ENHANCEMENTS OF WILKES UNDERGRADUATE ARE TRANSFORMING WILKES STUDENTS ARE PLACED IN JOB OR INTO A TRADITIONAL GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL RESIDENTIAL CAMPUS. DEGREE PROGRAMS. $3M+ 1,600
RAISED FOR THE BACHELOR’S, MASTER’S FIRST GENERATION AND DOCTORAL DEGREES WERE SCHOLARSHIP FUND. CONFERRED IN 2018-2019. $2.9M 51%
RAISED IN ENDOWED OF STUDENTS ARE THE PROGRAMS AND SCHOLARSHIPS FIRST IN THEIR FAMILIES TO EARN PROVIDING NEW OPPORTUNITIES A FOUR-YEAR DEGREE. FOR WILKES STUDENTS. PRESIDENT’S CABINET BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Anne Skleder Daniel Cardell ’79, Chair Senior Vice President/Provost William R. Miller ’81, Vice Chair Dr. Daniel Klem Jr. ’68, Secretary/Assistant Treasurer Dr. Paul S. Adams ’77, M’82 Laura B. Cardinale ’72, Treasurer/Assistant Secretary Vice President for Student Affairs Carolann Besler ’76 Milan S. Kirby Dr. Abel Adekola Rev. Michael Brewster Dr. Patrick F. Leahy Dean of the Jay S. Sidhu Business School Terrence Casey ’81 Gregory MacLean ’78 Dr. Cynthia Charnetski ’97 Randall Mark ’81 Dr. Jonathan D. Ference Pharm.D. ’03 Charles F. Cohen George J. Matz ’71 Associate Provost for Student Success Jeff Davidowitz Gerard McHale Jr. ’67 Joseph Housenick Raymond Dombroski ’78 George Pawlush ’69, M’76 Assistant Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Randa Fahmy ’86 Thomas Ralston ’80 William Grant M’86 Hedy Rittenmeyer ’72 Bridget Giunta Husted ’05 Jason Griggs ’90 Eugene Roth ’57 Executive Assistant to the President Ellen Stamer Hall ’71 Steven Roth ’84 Seymour Holtzman ’57 Dr. Elizabeth A. Slaughter ’68 Dr. Prahlad Murthy Melanie Maslow Kern Matthew Sordoni Interim Dean of the College of Science and Engineering John Kerr ’72
Janet M. Kobylski Assistant Vice President of Finance and Treasurer FACULTY AFFAIRS COUNCIL Loren D. Prescott Jr. Vice President of Finance and General Counsel Dr. Andrew P. Miller, Chairperson Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Rhonda Rabbitt Dean of the School of Education
Dr. Paul Riggs UNIVERSITY STAFF Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences ADVISORY COUNCIL
John C. Stachacz Jacqueline Lukas ’11, Chairperson Dean of the Library and Information Technology Manager of Alumni Relations and Advancement Special Projects Margaret Steele Chief Development Officer
Dr. Scott K. Stolte STUDENT GOVERNMENT Dean of the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy Hunter Hughes Dr. Terese M. Wignot Student Government President Associate Provost for Enrollment
Michael J. Wood Assistant to the President for External Affairs
Dr. Deborah A. Zbegner Dean of the Passan School of Nursing
60 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019 84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766 | wilkes.edu
62 Wilkes University President’s Report | Academic Year 2018 - 2019