More than 850 degrees were conferred to students from 24 states and eight countries.  Social work, education, art, and business were the top degree granting programs.

Posthumous degrees were awarded to two students who died unexpectedly earlier this year. The family of Jill Rouse, social work graduate student who died unexpectedly in late April, and the parents of Emily Rechlicz, a senior physician assistant studies major, who died unexpectedly in February, accepted degrees on their behalf. Stacy Elias Davis, a doctoral candidate and Marywood admissions counselor who died July 2012, was also remembered during the ceremony.

Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. gave the commencement address to students receiving their degrees. Archbishop Tobin graduated from Holy Redeemer College and Mount St. Alphonsus Seminary in Esopus, N.Y.  The Archbishop was general consultor of the Redemptorist Congregation from 1991 to 1997 and served as its Superior General from 1997 to 2009.  He was appointed by the pope to be on an advisory body called, “The Synod of Bishops” in 1998, 1999, 2001, 2005 and 2008. 

The university’s president, Sister Anne Munley, I.H.M., Ph.D., awarded Archbishop Tobin an honorary doctorate during the ceremony.

Alyssa Heater, communication arts graduate, said she enjoyed this Tobin’s speech. “I loved his opening story … and his overall message about being an active member of our global community was perfect for the occasion,” said Heater.

Natalie Hoover, music therapy and psychology graduate, said she was anxiously anticipating this day.

“I was overwhelmed by the anticipation of taking the stage and receiving my degrees. It was amazing to celebrate such an amazing moment with fellow undergrads,” said, Hoover.

Complete List of Graduates:

Reap College Of Education And Human Development

Doctoral Degree

Marie S. Bonavoglia, Dunmore, PA; Lisa Ann Burns, Thompson, PA; Mary S. Feeney, Lake Ariel, PA; Gina Frances Vives, Milford, PA.

Master’s Degree

Savannah M. Armijo, Madison Twp, PA; Lindsay M. Baker, Olyphant, PA; Cheri L. Balmer, Dallas, PA; Jenna N. Beim, Suffern, NY; Erika A. Bolus, Scranton, PA; Cynthia L. Brez, Jefferson Twp., PA; Laura E. Capel, Williamsport, PA; Christopher R. Carl, Scranton, PA; Norine Elizabeth Carone Milewski, Scranton, PA; Kaitlyn M. Carr, Kingston, PA; Stacey M. Carroll, Dunmore, PA; Patrice A. Christensen, Berlin, NJ; Robert Elias Conde, Albrightsville, PA; Meghan G. Coyle, Endicott, NY; Laura L. Donath, Clarks Summit, PA; Tanisha R. Dorner, Hamilton Square, NJ; Erica Ashley Echeverria, Scranton, PA; Kari Ann Eiklor, Scranton, PA; Emily K. Fillman, Clarion, PA; Danielle G. Gerrato, Oakdale, NY; Jill A. Gianacopoulos, Scranton, PA; Jule A. Grant, Olyphant, PA; Amy Hinkle, Stroudsburg, PA; Katelyn A. Howland, Sayre, PA; Todd M. Johnson, Kingston, PA; Sarah Killian, Shavertown, PA; James Kuciemba, Scranton, PA; Cristina Lee, Miami, FL; Dawn M. Leibovitz, Scranton, PA; Matthew P. Lessack, Mountain Top, PA; Nadia Ann Lucas, Dunmore, PA; Kristyn Maikranz, Jermyn, PA; Celeste Maldonado, Stroudsburg, PA; Alisha F. Marmo, Old Forge, PA; Alicia Mattioli, West Pittston, PA; Teresia Mbugua, Scranton, PA; Heather L. McDonald, Wyoming, PA; Nicole S. Megahey, Monroe, NY; Allison Melvin, Clarks Green, PA; Christina M. Mennella, Matawan, NJ; Bridget K. Mileski, Archbald, PA; William J. Milz, Wilkes-Barre, PA; Courtney Marie Moniak, Old Forge, PA; Kelly A. Mullins, Peckville, PA; Gianna Muracco, Dickson City, PA; Celine Omolo, Scranton, PA; Caitlin Opshinsky, Scranton, PA; Marcie A. Paulhamus, Dover, DE; Nina M. Pero, Taylor, PA; Amanda Jean Petronio, Branchburg, NJ; Amy L. Rarrick, Clarks Summit, PA; Amanda L. Reese, Clarks Summit, PA; Joseph Franz Reichmann, Scranton, PA; James J. Ritts, Plains, PA; Heather A. Rogan, Carbondale, PA; Jennifer C. Rojek, Scranton, PA; Cassandra A. Rozell-Bartley, Scranton, PA; Jamee L. Ruddy, Simpson, PA; Lauren A. Rustad, West Chester, PA; Erin Elizabeth Saake, Peckville, PA; Christina M. Salvo, Staten Island, NY; Elizabeth A. Schneider, Port Jervis, NY; Amanda Therese Schott, Cresco, PA; Jennifer C. Scott, Scranton, PA; Rebecca J. Sesky, Clarks Summit, PA; Stephanie L. Shearer, Montoursville, PA; Heather M. Shotwell, Factoryville, PA; Sara J. Shutt, Lawrenceville, PA; Mara A. Silvestri, Scranton, PA; Elizabeth Singley, New Hope, PA; Heather J. Stanton, Dunmore, PA; Kari M. Statler, Belmont, WV; Eric S. Stone, Scranton, PA; Michelle Tantalla, Eynon, PA; Kelley Marie Teeple, Jermyn, PA; Lauren A. Tenbus, Honesdale, PA; Jason Tribbet, Exeter, PA; Jessica T. Vennero, Moosic, PA; Mary-Christi Vignola, New Market, MD; Benjamin F. Walsh, Scranton, PA; Tyler A. Ward, Scranton, PA; Clancey L. Watkins, Port Jervis, NY; Whitney A. White, Scranton, PA.

Bachelor’s Degree

Victoria R. Acampora, Brooklyn, NY; Rebecca H. Anderson, Milford, PA; Natalie M. Bakunas, Scranton, PA; Sarah B. Bauer, Rockaway, NJ; Ashley D. Bellington, Archbald, PA; Carly D. Bergstrom, Raritan, NJ; Lauren N. Bertucci, Greentown, PA; Leah M. Bielski, Scranton, PA; Mary Alice Boyce, Malvern, PA; Morgan C. Brady, Archbald, PA; Elizabeth A. Bruno, Monroe, NY; Christina L. Brush, New Milford, PA; Maggie L. Bryan, Scranton, PA; Brooke I. Burdick, Clifford Twp, PA; Ashley Marie Burke, Carbondale, PA; Nicole Busch, Luzerne, PA; Ross V. Capoccia, Dunmore, PA; Carissa N. Carpenter, Susquehanna, PA; Breanne E. Cole, Olyphant, PA; Alyssa T. Davis, Ogdensburg, NJ; Jennifer L. Decker, Sandyston, NJ; Danielle R. Dinkelacker, Huguenot, NY; Amber E. Dollar, Scranton, PA; Nicole Draghi, Massapequa, NY; Lauren M. Fersch, Netcong, NJ; Crystal Mae Giannini, Milford, PA; Chelsea K. Hall, Montrose, PA; Kara Marie Hoff, Montoursville, PA; Arielle F. Keating, Jefferson Twp, PA; Ashley M. Klim, Honesdale, PA; Melissa N. Leslie, Sayreville, NJ; Shanna M. Lizardi, Scranton, PA; Kristen Majdic, Vandling, PA; Riley Marcks, Scranton, PA; Jessica T. Martin, Honesdale, PA; Jessica L. McCauley, Gouldsboro, PA; Elizabeth C. McClachrie, Highland Lakes, NJ; Matthew J. McGrady, Mountain Top, PA; Christina Mendicino, Moscow, PA; Marissa C. Miller, Jim Thorpe, PA; Alyssa N. Motter, Moscow, PA; Sunshine L. Overturf, Hawley, PA; Erika Lei Pavlowski, Blakely, PA; Erica Pizur, Scranton, PA; Amanda M. Rebecchi, Staten Island, NY; Kelsey Renninger, Milford, PA; Faith Rivera, Cresco, PA; Krysten Schab, Taylor, PA; Owen K. Simring, Tenafly, NJ; Drisana J. Sophie, Milford, PA; Brenda Staerker-Lewis, Scranton, PA; Elizabeth A. Sullivan, Johnson City, NY; Crystal A. Tucker, Olyphant, PA; James Valvano, Dunmore, PA; Kathryn Theresa Varunok, Scranton, PA; Kaitlyn T. Wheeler, Duboistown, PA; Dana Whitman, Peckville, PA; Sarah P. Wright, Milford, PA; Jared A. Yanniello, Old Forge, PA.

Insalaco College Of Creative And Performing Arts

Master’s Degree

Ryan D. Beardsley, Scranton, PA; Lori Ann Brunetti, Archbald, PA; Lisa M. Caruso, Macungie, PA; Ehrin R. Faulborn, Belvidere, NJ; Frank C. Florence, Scranton, PA; Jennifer L. Hoff, Germantown, WI; David S. Jackman, Honesdale, PA; Arielle F. Kovalich, Factoryville, PA; Shane Kupsky, Berwick, PA; Scarlett J. LeVan, Slatington, PA; Katherine J. Luvender, Tunkhannock, PA; Mary T. Mazur, Old Forge, PA; Caitlin Selitto, Morristown, NJ; Kaitlin E. Staples, Dunmore, PA; Sara Tompkins, Hallstead, PA.

Bachelor’s Degree

Katherina M. Allen, Sayre, PA; Lani Almodoval, Avoca, PA; Melissa Bellantone, Warwick, NY; Emilee M. Bertrand, Coudersport, PA; Ky C. Betts, Scranton, PA; Collin Bigart, Binghamton, NY; Hillary B. Bird, Nicholson, PA; Jessica L. Brookes, Apalachin, NY; Amanda R. Brown, Oxford, NY; Richard Alan Bullock, Carbondale, PA; Caroline Casey, Scranton, PA; Kristen Nicole Cericola, Warrington, PA; Soli Choi, Scranton, PA; Amber R. Cipriani, Drums, PA; Maggie M. Clauss, Lake Ariel, PA; Eve L. Collins, Equinunk, PA; Stephanie Coppola, Dingmans Ferry, PA; Patricia M. Corbo, North Haledon, NJ; Nicholas A. Cornella, Wantagh, NY; Gabriella Antonia D’Amato, Madison, NJ; Therese Dechent, Hackettstown, NJ; Megan M. Dewing, Walton, NY; Dalia A. Elsayed, Stroudsburg, PA; Casie L. Esposito, Dingmans Ferry, PA; Samantha L. Eyler, Frederick, MD; Keaton Fedak, Carbondale, PA; Anthony J. Fortuna, Scranton, PA; Chelsea Marie Franklin, Lake Ariel, PA; Andrea L. Fritchey, Northampton, PA; Robert E. Hannon, Scranton, PA; Claire M. Hanrahan, Poolesville, MD; Jessica M. Harlin, Windber, PA; Joseph A. Heckel, Endwell, NY; Emily J. Heller, Bushkill, PA; Shane T. Hirschler, Factoryville, PA; Annmarie E. Holler, Brick, NJ; Natalie Hoover, Owego, NY; Ryan E. Jones, Holland, PA; Cynthia F. Jones, Clayton, NC; Brittany L. Kiefer, Bangor, PA; Kaylin E. Kirk, Mechanicsburg, PA; Melinda A. Korte, Chemy Hill, NJ; Stephanie L. Kotansky, Hazleton, PA; Dominique M. Kozuch, Jermyn, PA; Rachel M. Lawrick, Hamburg, NJ; Monika I. Loefflad, Jermyn, PA; Isela Lopez, Woodland Park, NJ; Jessica A. Manning, Slate Hill, NY; Christina Masur, Oradell, NJ; Amber R. Matillano, Clarks Summit, PA; Heather a. McGinley, Dingmans Ferry, PA; James D. McLaughlin, Pittston, PA; Erin E. McMahon, Mount Vernon, NY; Ariane M. Medero, E Stroudsburg, PA; Amber L. Mohrmann, Prompton, PA; Amy L. Myers, Blairsville, PA; Samantha L. Nardelli, Olyphant, PA; Michael Paul O’Malley, Scranton, PA; Daniel B. Pfafman, Stratford, NJ; Victoria L. Porter, Hallstead, PA; Anna Theresa Rennekamp, Lake Ariel, PA; Kelly A. Rickert, Bethany, PA; Amy Lee Robinson, Rockaway, NJ; Kiara Rodriguez, Scranton, PA; Justin M. Roote, Edwardsville, PA; Samantha N. Rueter, Thompson Ridge, NY; Kaeleigh J. Schaepe, Dickson City, PA; Ashley M. Shamro, Union Dale, PA; Emily R. Simpson, Hillsborough, NJ; Brent I. Smith, Northumberland, PA; Ilze Spilde, Mohnton, PA; James P. Stolfi, Chatham, NJ; Hillary G. Stoltz, Vernon, NY; Joanna M. Strefeler, Quakertown, PA; Claire E. Teator, Stroudsburg, PA; Stephanie A. Tierney, Yonkers, NY; Megan M. Tucker, Bangor, PA; Lisa Verbickas, Dunmore, PA; Danielle M. Vielee, Clarks Summit, PA; Tyler J. Williamson, Mashpee, MA; Sarah L. Woods, Sussex, NJ; Alicia Ann Zappala, Milford, PA; Chelsey A. Zimmerman, New Milford, CT.

College Of Health And Human Services

Master’s Degree

Kathryn A. Abrahamsen, Scranton, PA; Ohud K. Alkrithy, Scranton, PA; Alishia M. Allegrucci, Scott Township, PA; Georgia T. Archer, Analomink, PA; Arielle L. Bair, Northampton, PA; Ryan Baran, Kingston, PA; Cassandra Bednarchik, Wilkes-Barre, PA; Ashley M. Bellis, Branchville, NJ; Trudy Bennett, Danville, PA; Jennifer Bergstresser, Nazareth, PA; Matthew R. Breiner, Easton, PA; Rebekah E. Carver, Allentown, PA; Katelyn R. Clare, Windsor, NY; Devan Cole, Williamsport, PA; Shannon Collins, Scranton, PA; Pamela R. Cosper, Catawissa, PA; Kelly A. Costello, Scranton, PA; Sarah DeKay, Sayre, PA; Melissa D. Delp, Berwick, PA; Blair R. Desmarteau, Roaring Brk Twp, PA; Dawn Desorcie, Johnson City, NY; Kristin M. Devries, Scranton, PA; Rebecca L. DiSarro, Reading, PA; Jennifer B. Durn, Macungie, PA; Jeanne M. Elberfeld, Orwigsburg, PA; Ivy M. Eldred, Williamsport, PA; David Roy Elliott, Scranton, PA; Patricia Erikson, Stewartsville, NJ; Benjamin F. Esgro, Archbald, PA; Stefanie M. Evanko, Dunmore, PA; Jillian T. Flanagan, Monroe, NY; Nancy Fonseca, Reading, PA; Ashley N. Fox, Milton, PA; Danyla L. Frazier, Union, NJ; Hannah M. Freeman, Lock Haven, PA; Victoria M. Frosini, Dalton, PA; Sarah J. Furman, Owego, NY; Ashley M. Garbarino, Peckville, PA; Kathleen A. Garrity, Harveys Lake, PA; Cynthia Geist, Bath, PA; Kelly L. Goff, Williamsport, PA; Katherine N. Gonzalez, Scranton, PA; Colleen M. Griffin, Forest City, PA; Matthew Groff, Watsontown, PA; Courtney Grzech, Clarks Summit, PA; Tamara Guttenplan, Reading, PA; Nicole Hartung, Bethany, PA; Jamie L. Hasiak, Kingston, PA; Andrea J. Henry, Sinking Spring, PA; Meranda L. Hess, Lansford, PA; William P. Hoban, Scranton, PA; Yumiko Hoshitsuki, Wyomissing, PA; Timothy Kennedy, Quakertown, PA; Jessica M. King, Richland, PA; Rachel Kulsa, Hazleton, PA; Kaleen M. Lavin, Dunmore, PA; Pi-I Lu, South Abington, PA; Ruowen Ma, Issaquah, WA; Erica Danielle Mallery, Apalachin, NY; Jennifer A. Marzzacco, Dunmore, PA; Andrea Merrick, Mohnton, PA; Laronda Moorefield, East Stroudsbur, PA; Cindy L. Moyer, Northumberland, PA; Holly A. Mullen, Mertztown, PA; Kathleen Maria Nese-Mc Glynn, Wilkes Barre, PA; Meagan M. Olson, Bellefonte, PA; Tammy L. Patterson, Slatington, PA; Lisa M. Penberthy, Glen Spry, NY; Leslie A. Perryman, Sciota, PA; Jessica A. Pollas, Easton, PA; Lynette V. Reed, Riegelsville, PA; Fanny E. Reinoso, Easton, PA; Nicole Richmond, Dunmore, PA; Rebecca Romanic, Kulpmont, PA; David E. Rosenberg, Scranton, PA; Jill S. Rouse, Sunbury, PA; Jenna M. Sawicki, Scotrun, PA; Sarah L. Scott, Washington, NJ; Jennifer Shadle, Tremont, PA; Richard A. Shaw, Cortland, NY; Megan Sporer, Duryea, PA; Michelle Stchur, Pittston, PA; Allison M. Straub, St. Marys, PA; Tonya L. Stubits, Slatington, PA; Jenna M. Sweitzer, Wyomissing, PA; Gracie C. Terrell, Reading, PA; Katherine J. Thomas, Williamsport, PA; Amy E. Tomasko, Houtzdale, PA; Kelly Tomko Baldycheva, Wilmington, DE; Danielle Victoria Ulbrich, Milford, PA; Robin L. Vandervort, Binghamton, NY; Erin Visalli, Scranton, PA; Alisha R. Walker, Waverly, NY; Kristi L. Wallick, Endicott, NY; Amanda J. Warner, Quakertown, PA; Jason J. Warner, Clarks Summit, PA; Crystal L. Weiss, Mifflinville, PA; Andrea D. Wicher, Northumberland, PA; Lacey E. Yzeik, Waymart, PA; Vanessa E. Zellers, Palmerton, PA.

Bachelor’s Degree

Maryrose L. Ammirati, North Babylon, NY; Lindsey Andrews, Archbald, PA; Audrey A. Arel, Hebron, CT; Jessica Bezdziecki, Pittston, PA; Shana Marie Blaney, Salisbury, MA; Mary C. Browne, Scranton, PA; Alyssa Cappolla, River Edge, NJ; Jessica L. Cosentino, Port Jefferson, NY; Valerie Darrow, Tunkhannock, PA; Brandon P. Decker, Milford, PA; Marissa Nicole DeLeo, Pocono Summit, PA; Tabitha Phyllis Donato, Oakdale, NY; Amanda M. Ettinger, Scranton, PA; Stefanie Farnack, Pen Argyl, PA; Edward A. Ferkel, Swoyersville, PA; Emily Fila, Madison Twp, PA; Elizabeth Rose George, Hackettstown, NJ; Damon A. Giambrone, New Hope, PA; Trevor Grady, Scranton, PA; Patricia T. Grieco, Dingmans Ferry, PA; Jamie L. Hricay, Woodbridge, NJ; Kevin Allan Iboy Rivera, Astoria, NY; Sarah V. Jastrzembski, Colonia, NJ; Alyssa M. Keefe, Binghamton, NY; Rachel E. Kochuba, Mountain Top, PA; Kelly L. Kryspin, Hopatcong, NJ; Molly R. Lascoskie, Reading, PA; James P. Lavan, Plains Township, PA; Amanda Richelle Leach, Lenoxville, PA; Amanda S. Lippincott, Doylestown, PA; Danyelle Lee Lishon, Chester Springs, PA; Kimberly Lope, Woodland Park, NJ; Nicole M. Macedonio, Factoryville, PA; Elizabeth E. Maguire, Perkasie, PA; Hannah L. Martin, Eynon, PA; Mallory S. Matylewicz, Scranton, PA; Ariel E. McKennas, Laceyville, PA; Melissa A. Misencik, Avoca, PA; Fiona M. Molloy, Hawthorne, NY; Aaron C. Mulusky, Jermyn, PA; Kenneth E. Nagle, Laurel Run, PA; Erin Oakley, Greenfield Twp, PA; Taylor J. Occhipinti, Scranton, PA; Micheline Orlowsky, Duryea, PA; Emily C. Panick, Hellertown, PA; Katherine Sharon Pardee, Redding, CT; Heather A. Pekol, Bear Creek Twp, PA; Cory N. Phillips, Scott Township, PA; Chelsea L. Pixley, Sidney, NY; Carlin Shea, Scranton, PA; Mary A. Sheerin, Scranton, PA; Alexander J. Spott, Scranton, PA; Sara M. Teeple, Jermyn, PA; Eric M. Tomkins, Blairstown, NJ; Morgan R. Walsh, Leesport, PA; Meagan E. Walters, Washingtonville, NY; Emily Wargo, Bethlehem, PA; Jonathan R. Woytach, Duryea, PA; Christopher M. Zelno, Archbald, PA; Zhiling Zhai, Brooklyn, NY.

College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences

Master’s Degree

Nathan M. Anderson, Smithmill, PA; Edward J. Boyarsky, Scott Township, PA; Kaitlyn E. Brennan, Taylor, PA; Anthony Joseph Carra, Dunmore, PA; James J. Cimakasky, Dupont, PA; Evelyn Claudio, Dunmore, PA; Leanne P. Farinella, Dallas, PA; Alison R. McHale, Dunmore, PA; Josh Mera, Nanticoke, PA; Bryan F. Riviello, Old Forge, PA; Richard Satyavrata, Bangor, PA; Mitchell J. Smith, Taylor, PA; Bianca L. Verrastro, Dunmore, PA.

Bachelor’s Degree

Antonino V. Altadonna, Binghamton, NY; Chelsea A. Armbruster, Scranton, PA; Lindsay R. Baker, Cicero, NY; Keri S. Bensley, Matamoras, PA; Siobhan Blancaflor, Haddam, CT; Kyle A. Boyd, Scranton, PA; Molly A. Boylan, Scranton, PA; Alexandra R. Burge, Old Forge, PA; Sean K. Canavan, West Hazleton, PA; Thomas J. Chairge, Scranton, PA; Ramon A. Claudio, Dunmore, PA; Robert Anthony Coccio, New Ringgold, PA; Nina R. Colianni, Dunmore, PA; Maura M. Comerford, Dunmore, PA; Kara L. Cordaro, Throop, PA; Brittany J. Corrigan, Archbald, PA; Brandon M. Cortazar, Peckville, PA; Elizabeth P. Cosgrove, Morrisville, VT; Sarah E. Cruz, Scranton, PA; Todd Doran, South Windsor, CT; Ryan J. Dougherty, Throop, PA; Jessica M. Dunn, Andover, NJ; Frank J. Dushok, Avoca, PA; Angeline A. Dwidinata, Scranton, PA; Nicole A. Feeney, Hauppauge, NY; Corey T. Foote, Mayfield, PA; Dante J. Frederico, Woolwich Twp, NJ; Rebecca A. Friemann, Sciota, PA; Chad A. Friend, Nazareth, PA; Alexa R. Gall, Clarks Green, PA; Victoria R. Garafola, Scranton, PA; Heather Gensiak, Archbald, PA; Sarah Jane Gibbons, Wayne, PA; Kristen L. Glodzik, Old Forge, PA; Alana M. Goldstein, Scranton, PA; Aurielle A. Graziano, Scranton, PA; Jessie L. Green, Dunmore, PA; Kori C. Grogan, Scranton, PA; Daniel W. Hannon, Scranton, PA; Jessica Harhut, Dunmore, PA; Alyssa A. Hartranft, Mountain Top, PA; Kelsey E. Healey, Clarks Summit, PA; Joseph A. Heisler, Blakeslee, PA; Robert J. Herie, Scranton, PA; Lindsay M. Hughes, Ashley, PA; Shaun M. Hynes, Newton, NJ; Kayla E. Janis, Northampton, PA; Katherine Johnson, Jermyn, PA; Arianna E. Jones, Scranton, PA; Paul Kania, Moosic, PA; Katrina L. Kincel, Jefferson Twp, PA; Noelle Marie Kozak, Pittston, PA; Mary Katheri Kubick, Port Carbon, PA; Brendan D. Lafrance, Canton, MA; Tessa E. Lavelle, Carbondale, PA; Elliot G. Lavelle, Archbald, PA; John M. Little, Dingmans Ferry, PA; Christopher R. Loman, Dalton, PA; David James Maione, Endwell, NY; Matthew J. Maldonato, Dunmore, PA; Jeffrey A. Marmo, Old Forge, PA; Jose Marti, Scranton, PA; Nicole C. Matthews, Scranton, PA; Nicholas J. Mazzella, Warwick, NY; Sean P. McNamara, Pine Island, NY; Ariella B. Mease, Easton, PA; Joshua D. Mecca, Peckville, PA; Kyle D. Moritzkat, Throop, PA; Lauren C. Mroz, Milton, DE; Christine M. Mushal, Hunlock Creek, PA; Kayla M. Nagy, Moscow, PA; Anthony W. Naro, Scranton, PA; Gregory D. Nester, Morgantown, PA; Frank B. Nicolosi, Peckville, PA; Jessica R. Norris, Pittston, PA; Joseph O’Malley, Dickson City, PA; Cathrine Owens, Clarks Summit, PA; Amanda M. Pabst, Montrose, PA; Louis T. Pasqualicchio, Dunmore, PA; Nicholas A. Pesarcik, Whitehall, PA; Ian Patrick Poshka, Farmingville, NY; Benjamin D. Raines, Scranton, PA; Anthony Rainey, Clarks Summit, PA; Laura E. Reichle, Jessup, PA; Jessica R. Reviello, Clarks Summit, PA; Brandon G. Ritter, Wantage, NJ; Meghan Marie Ritter, King of Prussia, PA; Zachary Robert Roever, Bow, NH; Steven J. Rogalski, Phillipsburg, NJ; Matthew A. Roman, Williamsport, PA; Lauren E. Rotunda, Danbury, CT; Emily M. Russen, Scott Township, PA; Megan A. Schilling, Ringtown, PA; Candice R. Sefchik, Blakely, PA; Sumil N. Shah, Scranton, PA; Jennifer Shebby, Tunkhannock, PA; Brittany C. Sheehan, Olyphant, PA; Katherine M. Shope, Danville, PA; Jessica A. Sliker, Marathon, NY; Geri L. Smith, Nanticoke, PA; Eric Sprenkle, York, PA; Ryan Stevens, Franklin Park, NJ; Matthew L. Stolten, Scranton, PA; Robert E. Swab, Bloomfield, NJ; Jonathan A. Tejada, Stamford, CT; Lauren A. Thorne, Moscow, PA; George M. Trinovitch, Jefferson Twp, PA; Katherine R. Valerio, Scranton, PA; Rachel R. Vauter, Clifford Twp, PA; Traci L. Warholic, Lake Ariel, PA; Amberly L. Warner, Tobyhanna, PA; Jamie L. Woehrle, Moscow, PA; Sarah A. Yeust, Tunkhannock, PA; Maria L. Zeron, Scranton, PA; Kathryn E. Zurinski, Scranton, PA.

School Of Architecture

Master’s Degree

Kimberly J. Becker, West Pittston, PA; Lea Elizabeth Berta, Peckville, PA; Krystal D. Chubirka, Union Dale, PA; Kristi L. Milligan-Yoh, Dallas, PA.

Bachelor’s Degree

Christopher T. Altonjy, Andover, NJ; Amanda J. Archibald, Philadelphia, PA; Nicole A. Botsko, Plaines, PA; Amanda Boyance, Staten Island, NY; Alec Jennings Brown, Sykesville, MD; John A. Casey, Buffalo, NY; Brittany M. Cavallotti, Scranton, PA; Katelyn M. Conklin, Boiling Springs, PA; Elana Krysteen Daniels, Tunkhannock, PA; Marissa M. Ferraro, Stanhope, NJ; Colleen T. Grogan, Scranton, PA; Kaitlin Marie Harkins, Gardner, MA; Asia Huertas, Bethlehem, PA; Megan L. Knapp, Princeton, NJ; Abigail M. Pfirman, S Williamsport, PA; Linda M. Schartzer, West Pittston, PA; Jillian M. Soprano, Dallas, PA; Jessicalynne M. Swida, Wilkes-Bre Twp, PA; Lindsay M. Sykes, Dunmore, PA; Nicholas J. Tomasetti, Old Forge, PA.

“After thoughtful consideration, the Marywood University Board of Trustees made the decision this past Saturday at their spring meeting to rename the university’s athletic center. The Center originally named for Senator Robert J. Mellow will for the foreseeable future be referred to as the Marywood University Center for Athletics and Wellness,” said Juneann Greco, communications director.

Marywood announced its decision on the same day that two other higher education institutions, Lackawanna College and Keystone College, announced the removal of Mellow’s name from their campus facilities.

Mellow is currently serving a 16-month federal prison sentence for tax evasion and mail fraud. Last month he was indicted in a pay-to-play scheme involving the PA Turnpike with charges including corrupt organizations, bribery, bid-rigging, and conspiracy.

The dedication plaque and portrait of the former state legislator was taken down from the center foyer on Thursday afternoon following the announcement. The directional sign in front of the facility as well as the name from the university website have also been removed.

All that remains is the sign on the front of the building. Greco said that Wendy Yankelitis, assistant vice president for buildings and grounds,  “is in the process of making arrangements to have the signage removed. [This] will require the use of outside contractors.” No definite date for their removal has been determined.

The programs for the Hooding and Honors Ceremony and graduation will reflect the Trustees’ decision.

“The university, in keeping with the decision of the Board of Trustees, has removed the usage of the name ‘Mellow Center’ from all printed Commencement materials,” said John Coval, director of conference & event services. “We’ve applied that philosophy to the history of the university and the conferring of past honorary degrees.”

Sheryl Lynn Sochoka, publications director, said that informational materials such as campus maps, view books, and brochures with the new name of the facility would be printed “as soon as possible.”

She added that to do so immediately would be “cost prohibitive” for the university, since a large number of them are already in distribution. However, the materials for Reunion Weekend and Summer Orientation will state the new name, she said.

“The main purpose of this group is to network and to share personal, artistic, educational, and professional growth opportunities. This group strives to promote art therapy as a means of life improvement,” said Kaitlin Staples, a second-year graduate student and MUSATA president.

MUSATA seeks volunteer opportunities so that its members can gain experience with a variety of populations while lending a helping hand in accordance with Marywood’s curricular goal of service learning.

MUSATA members organize a variety of events that they facilitate and/or participate in. Some of their club-facilitated events include Creative Café, Cupcakes and Questions, MUSATA Community Mural Project, MUSATA First Friday Annual Art Exhibition, and Geisinger Adult Day Program Art Days.

MUSATA aims to use art as a healing mechanism for its members, as well as the campus and local communities.

Art therapy is split into two key theories: art psychotherapy and art as therapy. Art psychotherapy focuses on psychodynamic approaches to art therapy and it is mainly used in clinical settings.

Art as therapy is the act of making art and receiving therapeutic benefits solely from the process of creating.

“We strive to help our members and the communities that we are a part of to understand the benefits of art as therapy and how they can personally create art to reduce stress, improve their quality of life, and connect with others,” said Staples.

“For me, the best part about being involved with MUSATA is connecting with a variety of individuals,” said Staples. “Connection is really important to me. It is how we relate to others and our surroundings and it is the foundation for leading a full life.”

Staples has been a member of MUSATA since 2008. Since then, she has spent one term as MUSATA secretary, and two terms as MUSATA president.

“I have learned so much about leadership, creating connections, and compassion for others, as well as how great it feels to give of yourself and be a part of something bigger than you. I will be graduating in May with my Master of Arts in Art Therapy, and I am very thankful for all that MUSATA has provided me with, and I will truly miss it,” said Staples.

Opinion Co-Editor

Most people don’t think about the person sitting next to them on an airplane. Maybe they’re half your size, or double your size, yet all pay the same price for an airline ticket.

Thinking logically, people go to the post office and mail letters and packages based on their net weight, so doesn’t it seem “fit” that people should pay to fly on an airplane based on their weight? Well, this is exactly what Samoa Air was thinking on April 3 when they changed over to “weigh as you go” seating.

According to the airline’s new policy, each person will enter their weight when they go to purchase a ticket, then their weight will be calculated in kilograms to come up with a final airfare.

But, not so fast. I bet you’re thinking people can just lie about their weight, and say they’re the weight of a 10-year-old to get a cheaper flight. Wrong! While going through airport security, security will not only check passengers’ bags, but there will also be a scale to confirm the weight documented on the passengers’ air flight information.

It’s no question that this is controversial and what some might consider a discriminatory way of treating passengers, but when it comes down to the facts, it makes sense. Heavier people cost the air company more to fly than, say, a four-year-old.
Think of a 185 pound male vs. a 45 pound four-year-old: it doesn’t make sense for the significantly lighter four-year-old to pay the same as the 185 pound male.

Personally, I think this is a great idea and perhaps could even motivate passengers to be a little more conscious about their weight before they take their next trip. Although I don’t see major airlines like Delta or American Airlines switching over to this new “fat tax” anytime soon, I think it is something to think about for the future of the airplane industry.

Kelly Rickert

Opinion Co-Editor

On April 3, Samoa Air adopted a new policy. Ticket prices for airplane seats would now be based on the passengers’ weight. To call this discrimination is an understatement.

For a person who is overweight, this is humiliating and dehumanizing. Everyone on the plane is sitting in the same types of seats, so charging different prices for people of different weights is unfair and it is certainly a poor practice in customer service.

The discrimination against overweight people, especially in the U.S., is intense. According to a study in the Journal of Obesity, bias against the overweight in the U.S. has increased by 66 percent over the last 10 years, and according to researcher Rebecca M. Puhl, it is “comparable to rates of racial discrimination, especially among women.”

Weight discrimination affects people not only in how others view them, but also can affect their salaries and even their chances of employment. With all of this already going against them, do overweight people really need to be singled out when purchasing an airplane ticket? It is embarrassing and demeaning for them to be marginalized in such a way.

Along with being hurtful to people who are overweight, it is also a bad customer service practice for airlines that adopt these types of “weigh as you go” policies. If someone is forced to pay more at an airline because of their weight, their overall satisfaction with the company will surely decline. Those people will take their business elsewhere, hurting the ticket sales for those airlines.

This new policy from Samoa Air is discriminatory and a poor business practice. Any customers who are insulted or embarrassed by these policies will certainly take their business elsewhere, as will their friends and families. Ultimately, this will hurt business for the airlines that put weight-pricing ticket sales into place.

Tweet responsibly: Free speech isn’t always free Wood Word Editorial Board

On April 9, The Wood Word reported on two new Twitter accounts causing a stir on the Marywood campus. “Wood Crushes” allows anyone to anonymously submit the names of people they have a crush on with a message about the person. “Marywood Underground” allowed anyone to anonymously submit “the latest gossip secrets and inside info around campus.” (As of April 21, the “Underground” page was no longer active.) Administrators of the accounts post the messages on behalf of those submitting the comments, allowing the administrators and commenters to remain completely anonymous in the process.Free speech is important for a strong democracy. People must be allowed to speak out and blow the whistle on wrongdoing; anonymity often plays an important role in protecting individuals in such circumstances. But, there are often costs associated with free speech. Sticks and stones may  break bones but words can also be hurtful.

The internet has created a platform where people seem to believe they can say whatever they want without consequence. Often times, people say things that they would not say to one another if face to face.  Many tweets on the “Wood Crushes” page are objectifying and degrading in nature. Many tweets on the “Marywood Underground” page were purely rumor and little attempt is made to verify the information posted in a transparent way.These Twitter accounts go against the university’s core values and mission statement, both which promote ethical behavior and respect for each person. The comments on these pages represent an irresponsible use of the right to free speech.Students submitting tweets should think critically about their messages and the consequences their words may have on others. Students should continue exercising their right to free speech, but do so in a responsible manner.

Need a new pair of spectacles? Google has consumers covered with their “Project Glass.” Okay, they’re not really glasses. Instead of lenses, there is a single glass block on the right side of the frame that acts as a kind of display. Inside the frame are a tiny computer, microphone, speaker, and a camera.

According to Google, with this device, the wearer can take a picture, video, and search for info all with their voice. The results, including pictures, videos, maps, and info are then displayed on that little glass block in front of the eye. The tech-enthusiast site, The Verge, confirmed with Google that “Glass” is going to hit the market before the end of this year for “under $1,500.” And I thought Oakleys were expensive.

Not to be outdone, word through the grapevine is that Apple is developing a watch-like gadget. In February, two Apple insiders leaked to Bloomberg that Apple has “about 100 product designers working on a wristwatch-like device that may perform some of the tasks now handled by the iPhone and iPad.”

Details are scarce but another anonymous source inside Apple leaked to the New York Times that it will run the iOS software on the iPhone and iPad and be made of a flexible glass that wraps around the wrist.

Similar gadgets are available right now. Crowd-source funded “Pebble” is an LCD watch that can communicate with, and download apps from, an iPhone or Android phone. Nike also has a wrist-worn device called the FuelBand that can measure the wearer’s level of physical activity.

So, is wearable tech the future? In short, yes. The “smart” age is here. There are smartphones and smart TVs, so it’s only natural that other  devices get smart too. Personally, I’m waiting for my smart toaster that texts me when my bagel is done.

In addition to spending her career at the university, Fedrick was thrice a Marywood student. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Latin Secondary Education, a Master of Science in Library Science, and a Master of Arts in Counseling. She later went on to pursue a doctorate in higher education at Penn State University.

Though Fedrick was a work-study student during her undergraduate years, she began her first professional employment at the university in June of 1971. When reflecting on her time at the university, Fedrick said she can look at her experiences from the perspectives of the many different roles she played. She has held various positions including: library faculty member, director of the Learning Resources Center, interim director of undergraduate admissions, assistant vice president of academic affairs and associate vice president of academic affairs for enrollment management.

Though Marywood has gone through tremendous changes since her start in 1971, she said what makes it great has remained largely unchanged.

“The essence of Marywood, the mission and the core values, through all those changes have not ever wavered or fluctuated. The place that I was in the 1960s as a student, and the place that I’m at now in the 2010s as an administrator, is at heart the same place with the same values,” said Fedrick.

As for her retirement, Fedrick said though she knows the time is right, leaving won’t be easy.

“There are mixed emotions and a little ambivalence about that, but it feels right,” said Fedrick.

Fedrick is looking forward to spending time with her 96-year-old mother and her immediate family. She would also like the time to travel more.

“My first plan is to sit and stare at the wall a little bit and then I could start reclaiming my house,” she said.

Fedrick’s administrative secretary, Rima Anescavage, said the past six years working with Fedrick have been the best years she has had while working at Marywood.

“All the deans look up to her. So do all the faculty, new and old. She’s very dear to me and I will miss her greatly,” she said.

The university is currently looking for an experienced individual to take over the position of dean of the Reap College of Education and Human Development.

Fedrick’s advice to the new dean?

“Take the time to understand, appreciate, and integrate the Marywood mission and core values and culture. Trust in the competence and skill of the people you work with so that you can help them, but they will also help you. Get involved with the other colleges and just enjoy the job,” she said.

Pheasant grew up on a dairy farm in Blair County, Pa. He received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Juniata College, where he later became the director of alumni relations and annual giving and the vice president of advancement. He earned a master’s of divinity and a doctorate in ministry from Bethany Theological Seminary, in Holbrook, Il. During his time at the seminary, he served as an outreach worker with the YMCA ministering to troubled youth.

Peter Kilcullen, assistant vice president of marketing and communications, has worked for Pheasant for more than ten years within the university advancement division. He said he believes that Pheasant has been a major force in transforming what was a relatively small college into the continually expanding university that it is today by making connections with individuals and inviting them to contribute and to become a part of the Marywood community.

“He has really tried to emphasize relationships with people who are looking to be philanthropic and who can identify with the mission and the education that we have here and can connect the two energies,” he stated.

Kilcullen also said that Pheasant was instrumental in the evolution of the office of marketing and communications, which now works with other areas of the university including admissions, orientation, and the various academic departments.

“He and I both saw the need to raise the profile of marketing beyond development, and I worked with his encouragement to develop that,” he said.

Patricia Munley-Cerda, executive secretary to the vice president of university advancement, began working for Pheasant three days after he started at Marywood. She reflected on his contributions to the university including the close to 30 new and updated buildings on or near campus.

“When I look at all these new buildings, he comes to my mind immediately because he was at the helm of the fundraising for all of [them],” she stated.

While Pheasant was a major contributing factor to Marywood’s evolution and expansion, he emphasized that it wasn’t just him; it was a collaborative effort.

“I’m pleased to have been a part of the growth and development of Marywood University. We have been fortunate to have the president, the vice presidents, and the trustees all working together. We’ve always had a good team,” he said.

As he moves into the next stage of his life, Pheasant sees his lasting impact at Marywood not just in the new facilities or the tremendous generosity of donors, but in the people who will carry the university into the future.

“I hope that my legacy would be the fact that I’m a team player and that we have put together an organization, that team in advancement that’s positioned to continue to help move Marywood forward,” he said.

Pheasant plans to live in Huntingdon County, to spend more time with his family, and to work part-time as a consultant for non-profit organizations.

Flapjack Fest – On Tuesday, April 30, faculty and staff will serve breakfast to students on the the eve of final exams from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. All-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, sausage, and other breakfast fare will be served and is free to all students. For more information, contact Callie Frieler, interim director of student activities and leadership development: frieler@marywood.edu.

Final Exams - Final examinations begin Tuesday, April 30 and end Saturday, May 4. The final exam schedule can be found online at www.marywood.edu/registrar.
Commencement Weekend Schedule
Saturday, May 11
1 p.m.: Graduate Hooding and Honors Ceremony, Mellow Center for Athletics and Wellness
3:15 p.m.: Undergraduate Hooding and Honors Ceremony, Mellow Center for Athletics and Wellness 
5 p.m.: Celebration of the Eucharist, Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts
6:30 p.m.: Reception, Nazareth Student Center

Sunday, May 12
1 p.m.: Commencement, Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

According to the NLNAC Accreditation Manual, a nursing program that has been issued a warning status or conditions is denied continuing accreditation when it is “found to be in continued non-compliance with any Accreditation Standard.” The decision was made based on a follow-up report the university submitted last fall.

A memo President Sr. Anne Munley, IHM, sent to members of the Marywood community stated that the NLNAC cited the program for failing to comply with certain “Faculty and Staff” and “Outcomes” standards. These include “minimal credentialing of all Nursing faculty,” “assessment and evaluation of the student learning outcomes, program outcomes and NLNAC Standards,” “the use of aggregated evaluation findings to inform program decision and to maintain and improve student learning outcomes” and “licensure examination pass-rates meeting or exceeding the national mean.”

On Wednesday, April 10, the university held a meeting for the program’s 117 students and their parents explaining the institution’s plans for the program’s future. Sr. Anne, accompanied by university administration and nursing department faculty, said that the university disputes the NLNAC’s findings and is simultaneously appealing its decision and reapplying for its accreditation.

Marywood is also applying for accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing in Education (CCNE) a branch of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

According to the official press release issued by Sr. Anne on the same day as the meeting, the nursing program will remain open.

“We are very proud of our long history of a quality nursing program, exceptional facilities, outstanding relationships with clinical partners in our community, and our professional faculty,” she stated.

Sr. Anne also stated that colleges and universities voluntarily undergo accreditation procedures in order for an independent professional association to recognize that an academic program meets established standards.

Despite the university’s attempts to reassure students and their loved ones of a positive outcome, some remained skeptical.

“They’re giving us empty hope,” stated Julie Graziano, junior. She and other students are concerned that nursing jobs and graduate schools may require candidates to have graduated from an accredited nursing program.

Graziano also said that even though the university informed the nursing students of the accreditation loss on April 9, some students knew earlier from doing their clinical work at area medical facilities.

“We heard from staff members last month in the hospital [...] When we brought that concern [to the nursing professors] they squashed it and said it was only a rumor,” she stated.

This is not the first time the nursing program has encountered difficulties. On November 13, 2011, Dr. Mary Alice McCormick, chair of the department, sent a letter to students informing them that the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing had downgraded the program’s standing from full to provisional approval status.

According to the letter, the program’s NCLEX pass rate of 72.73 percent fell below the state’s 80 percent pass rate standard.  The NCLEX is the national nursing licensing exam that students take after graduation. The program’s most recent pass rate is 77.78 percent.

Many students said they are, or are considering, transferring even though other schools may not take their nursing credits.

“We want our money back for our classes because we can’t transfer them,” said Virginia Sharff, junior. According to the meeting’s attendees, Sr. Anne stated that the university was not ready to discuss any financial reimbursement. Some students have already retained legal counsel.

While the majority of attendees were upset and worried, some were optimistic. “I feel pretty confident in them that they will get [their accreditation back],” said Jocelyn Rutter, freshman.

The university expects to learn of the appeal decision in late summer or fall.