University News

University Confers Record Number of Degrees Commencement Weekend

The University of Scranton conferred more than 1,700 degrees at two commencement ceremonies Memorial Day weekend representing the largest graduating class in the 123-year history of the Jesuit university.  University of Scranton President Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., who will begin service as president of Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wis., this summer, served as principal speaker at both the graduate and undergraduate ceremonies.  In his remarks to the undergraduates, Father Pilarz said, "My friends in the Class of 2011, your education here at Scranton introduced you to high ideals and aspirations.  Yours is a formation that elicits great desires - desires that direct your days and works to the glory of God and the well-being of humankind."  Read more

Service Spotlight

Service Rewards University Students, Scranton Residents and Children at Bancroft Elementary School 

Enriching your community has its rewards. University of Scranton volunteers count smiling students, stronger seniors and cherished birthday memories among theirs. Six University of Scranton students have been recognized as AmeriCorps Scholars in Service to Pennsylvania for 2010-2011. The award honors students who have committed to complete 300 hours of individual service in the community during the academic year. The six scholars recently put the finishing touches on their 300 hours - literally. In April, the scholars finished a 6-foot by 50-foot mural that now brightens the cafeteria at Bancroft Elementary School on Albright Avenue. Read more

University-Community Partnerships

University Students Create Ad Campaigns for Scranton Organizations 

A class of communication students branched out of the classroom and into the community this semester, offering their brightest ideas for success in advertising campaigns designed for a local organization.  Five groups in Advertising Decision Making worked side-by-side with the East Scranton Business Association (ESBA) throughout the course of the semester to model a campaign aimed at increasing awareness for the organization and its business membership. In the past, Advertising Decision Making classes have partnered with The Colonnade, Scranton Tomorrow's Main Street Project and The University of Scranton's Earth Day Committee.  Read More

Downtown Connections

University and Downtown Businesses Explore New Tools For Cooperation

On May 20, the Office of Community Relations convened a meeting with downtown businesses to explore new tools for University-downtown cooperation.  The meeting was co-hosted with the University's Small Business Development Center and the Kania School of Management, in partnership with Scranton Tomorrow and the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.   The meeting explored how new technologies, such as Foursquare - a social media location based platform - and the University's Mobile App for smartphones can be utilized to encourage students to explore downtown Scranton.  The Office of Community Relations also offered new promotional opportunities for businesses as well as special events and initiatives, including a Downtown Scavenger Hunt for Freshmen and a downtown tour and dining experience for new Residence Life staff.  Read more

Campus & Neighborhood

Construction Project Update 

Unified Science Center

In May of 2009, the University broke ground on the first phase of the unified science center, the largest and most ambitious capital project in our history.  The building is expected to be substantially complete in August. Phase two will include renovations in the Harper-McGinnis Wing of St. Thomas Hall. In June, work began to create a new entrance to the unified science center in the area opposite the Dionne Campus Green on the Commons.

Apartment and Fitness Complex on Mulberry Street

Construction of the 196,722-square-foot apartment and fitness complex on Mulberry Street is moving forward as planned.  Our partners in Sordoni Construction and Hemmler Camayd are confident that the apartments will be ready for the August return of students. As expected, the buildings were very popular in the student housing lottery and will be fully occupied next year. The dining and fitness components of the project are expected to be completed by late October.

Mulberry Street Improvement Project

The first phase of the Mulberry Street Improvement Project was completed at the end of May. New period-style signals are now active at Jefferson and Madison avenues.

Upcoming Events

June 21: Foursquare Training for Downtown Scranton Businesses, 8:30 a.m.  

The University's Small Business Development Center is offering a training on Foursquare, a social media location-based platform, Free, registration required, email sbdc@scranton.edu or download flyer.  

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