Summer 2005 Volume XVII Number 7 Jesuit Ideals Celebrated at Commencement During the University’s 105th Commencement, 1,140 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree recipients were reminded of the centuries-old legacy of St. Ignatius Loyola, and how his ideals have influenced education and society. “I would say that this is what an education, especially a Jesuit one, is about: developing the mind and spirit, and learning how to take the world, how to understand it, and – when necessary – stand against it,” said Commencement speaker Jay Parini, Ph.D., an award-win- ning poet, biographer, fiction writer and educator. Dr. Parini went on to invite the graduating class to take the challenge of the “Prince of Peace.” “I’m inviting you to take the chal- lenge of that banner seriously, and to The University awarded 1,140 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees during its 105th Commencement. The ceremony think hard about what it would mean to was held at the Wachovia Arena, Wilkes-Barre Township. act as Jesus Himself acted. And I will not pretend that any of this will be easy,” Dr. ships forged during their years at the and emotionally,” Ms. Reil said on behalf for; something that energizes you, enthuses Parini told the graduating class, which rep- University and noted that, “Your time at of the graduating class. you, enables you to keep moving ahead. I resents 21 states and 13 countries, as well Scranton has prepared you well for pur- Recalling remarks made by Fr. Phil can’t tell you what it might be, that’s for as the first doctoral degree recipients in the poseful lives pointing toward fulfillment.” Florio, Director of Campus Ministries, you to find, to choose, to love . I can just University’s 117-history. Kristin Reil, President of the Class of at the Senior Mass, Ms. Reil quoted the encourage you to start looking, and support During Commencement, the 2005, noted how the University’s faculty late Sister Ita Ford, who was murdered in you in the search.” University presented Honorary Degrees of and staff live the legacy of St. Ignatius 1980 for her defense of the poor. In a let- In concluding, Ms. Reil said, “Class Humane Letters to Dr. Parini; Sr. Patricia Loyola. ter to her niece, Sr. Ita said: of 2005, may you live a life full of mean- Talone, R.S.M., Ph.D., Vice President “Faculty and staff, you are a living “I hope you come to find that which ing; may you pursue your dreams, live of Mission Services, Catholic Health example of the Jesuit ideal cura personalis gives life a deep meaning for you Something the life that you’ve imagined, and live life Association of the United States; Harry M. by caring for us intellectually, spiritually, worth living for, maybe even worth dying with passion.” Jansen Kraemer Jr., Executive Partner of Madison Dearborn, based in Chicago, Ill.; and Louis DeNaples, banker, businessman Two Students Win Prestigious Fulbright Fellowships and former Chair of the University’s Board Two members of the of Trustees. University of Scranton’s remarkable tradi- University’s class of 2005 In his remarks, University President tion of achieving Fulbright Fellowships.” have been awarded Fulbright Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., told the class of The Fulbright Program, sponsored Fellowships. Over the last 2005 that, “Today you join generations of by the United States Department of 34 years, 113 University women and men stretching back to 1540 State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural of Scranton students have formed in the Jesuit tradition of educa- Affairs, was established in 1946 by received grants in the com- tion. Today we entrust that tradition to Congress to increase mutual understand- petitions administered by you, and we do so with high hopes and ing between the people of the United the Institute of International great confidence that in the words of States and people of other countries. Education (Fulbright) and sacred scripture the good work begun in In addition to teaching English, as a International Rotary. you here will come to completion.” Fulbright fellow Ms. Hundersmarck will Maria Hundersmarck, an Fr. Pilarz also encouraged the gradu- conduct independent research regarding English and philosophy dou- ates to continue to cultivate the friend- attitudes concerning female soccer players ble major from Dover Plains, Two members of the Class of 2005 have been in South Korea. A four-year varsity soccer N.Y., has won a Fulbright awarded Fulbright Fellowships. From left: Rev. player, she was a member of two teams Teaching Assistantship in Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., University President; Fulbright that made it to the elite eight of NCAA In this Issue English to South Korea. Advisor Susan Trussler, Ph.D.; and Fulbright Division III national championships. McShane Boardroom George Griffin, a German fellows George Griffin and Maria Hundersmarck. As a Fulbright fellow, Mr. Griffin Dedicated . pg. 2 major from Ridgefield Park, “Fulbright fellowships are widely will gather information concerning the Homeland Security Institute N.J., has been awarded a Fulbright/ regarded as the U.S. Government’s views of Germans living in border areas Launched . pg. 3 Padagogischer Austauschdienst Teaching premier scholarship program for over- regarding the European Union enlarge- Assistantship in English to Germany. ment and the Schengen agreements. Mr. Graduation List . pgs. 5-7 seas graduate study and research,” said Both will teach English as a second lan- Susan Trussler, Ph.D., Fulbright Advisor Griffin plans to pursue a doctorate in Dean’s List . pgs. 7-9 guage while pursing independent research and Associate Professor of Economics/ German language and literature and ulti- Sports . pg. 10 projects. Finance. “We are pleased to continue The mately teach at a university level. Page 2 The Scranton Record, Summer 2005 Center for Social Action Iordanis Petsas, Ph.D., Assistant and Service Initiatives McShane Executive Center Dedicated Professor, Economics/Finance, has accepted the position of Visiting Scholar in the Receives Award Finance and Economics Division at the The Center for Social Action and Graduate School of Business at Columbia Service Initiatives at The University of University for summer 2005. In this posi- Scranton has been named Organization tion, he will engage in research and produce of the Year by the Scranton-Lackawanna research papers to be published in profes- Human Development Agency, Inc.’s sional journals in his field. Head Start program. The following faculty members have The award is given annually to an received grants for summer 2005: organization that has participated in the • Maria Poggi Johnson, Ph.D., Head Start program. More than 100 stu- Associate Professor, Theology/Religious dents from The University of Scranton’s Studies, will research, “Us and Them.” Center for Social Action and Service • Lee M. Penyak, Ph.D., Assistant Initiatives have volunteered for Head Professor, History, will research, “The Start in 2005 alone. On May 11, the University dedi- September 2000, the University has Wealthy Zapatista: Manuel Asunsolo in the Through the University’s Center cated the Executive Center of Brennan hosted more than 4,700 events for Mexican Revolution.” for Social Action and Service Initiatives, • Robert J. Smith, Ph.D., Assistant Hall in honor of Rev. Joseph M. 83 organizations and groups in the more than 2,700 students volunteer more McShane, S.J., President of Fordham Center. Professor, Biology, will research “Arrival than 162,000 hours annually. Recently, Timing, Parasite Load and Immune University and former President of Attending the dedication cer- the value of a volunteer’s time has been The University of Scranton. The emony of the Executive Center of Function in Gray Catbirds (Dumetella caro- assessed by the Independent Sector, a linensis) Terminating Migration at Breeding Joseph M. McShane, S.J. Executive Brennan Hall, from left: Rev. Scott coalition of nonprofits, foundations Grounds in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” Center occupies the 5th floor of R. Pilarz, S.J., University President; and corporations, at $17.55 per hour • Daniel J. West, Ph.D., Chair and Brennan Hall, a 71,000 square-foot Most Reverend James C. Timlin, for 2004. Using this figure, University Professor, Health Administration and Human building that was built during Fr. D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Scranton; Resources, will research “Development of of Scranton students have contributed McShane’s tenure as President of the Chris Doherty, Mayor of Scranton; an International MHA Graduate Certificate services worth at least $2,843,100 to the University. The center provides tech- Ellen Casey, former First Lady Program Between Trnava University and The local community and beyond. nologically advanced conference space of Pennsylvania; Rev. Joseph M. University of Scranton.” The Organization of the Year Award for the University, and businesses and McShane, S.J., President of Fordham New Staff was presented on June 3 at a luncheon organizations throughout northeastern University and former President of the The following is a list of full-time staff honoring Head Start staff and volunteers. Pennsylvania. Since its opening in University; and Rev. J. A. Panuska, S.J., hired at the University in April and May: Kara M. Dale, Secretary, Dexter Hanley College Sherry L. Edwards, Custodian Students Plant Community Garden as Part of Sustainability Program William J. Moran, Public Safety Officer Mary L. O’Malley, Custodian University students began Ronald P. Pavlick, Custodian cultivating plots this spring at the Lorraine C. Rought, Custodian site of the “Scranton Area Garden Earl R. Rynearson, Caretaker, Exchange (SAGE): University of Conference & Retreat Center Scranton Community Garden.” The organic foods grown in the garden, located in the 300 block of North Irving Avenue, will be supplied to local food banks. The students are assisted in their work by Michael Cann, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry, THE SCRANTON RECORD and Elizabeth Randol, Ph.D., is published by Director of the Jane Kopas Women’s The University of Scranton Center, as part of the University’s sustainability initiatives.