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University of Scranton
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The University of Scranton is a private, co-educational Jesuit university, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in the northeast region of the state. The school was founded in 1888 by Most Rev. William O'Hara, the first Bishop of Scranton, as St. Thomas College. It was elevated to a university in 1938, taking the name the University of Scranton. The institution was operated by the Diocese, and later the Christian Brothers, from 1888 to 1942. In 1942, Bishop William Hafey invited the Society of Jesus to take charge of the university.
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Encyclopedia
The University of Scranton is a private, co-educational Jesuit university, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in the northeast region of the state. The school was founded in 1888 by Most Rev. William O'Hara, the first Bishop of Scranton, as St. Thomas College. It was elevated to a university in 1938, taking the name the University of Scranton. The institution was operated by the Diocese, and later the Christian Brothers, from 1888 to 1942. In 1942, Bishop William Hafey invited the Society of Jesus to take charge of the university. Today, the University of Scranton is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Around 30 Jesuits are normally in residence at Scranton.
The University is composed of four colleges: The College of Arts and Sciences, The Kania School of Management, The Panuska College of Professional Studies, and The College of Graduate and Continuing Education (a recent merger of the Graduate School and The Dexter Hanley College).
Areas of Academic Study
The University grants undergraduate degrees (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science) in 57 majors. Students may also utilize many pre-professional concentrations, such as pre-medical, pre-law, and pre-dental. The University also has an Honors Program, and the SJLA (Special Jesuit Liberal Arts) Program in which select students complete courses in moral philosophy, ethics, theology, and the humanities in addition to their normal course load.
The University also grants graduate degrees (Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Health Administration, Master of Occupational Therapy, Master of Science in Education) in 24 fields, among them Accounting, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Computing Sciences, Counseling and Human Services, Elementary and Special Education, Health Administration, Human Resources, History, Nursing, Software Engineering, and Theology. The University also offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
Curriculum
The University offers a comprehensive liberal arts program. Students are required to take the core courses in public speaking, computer literacy and composition. Students are also required to take two theology courses, two philosophy courses, as well as an elective in one of these two areas. Filling out the general education requirements are 6 credits in science courses, 6 credits in writing intensive courses, 6 credits in cultural diversity courses, 3 credits in a mathematics course, 12 credits in humanities courses and 3 credits in physical education.
National Recognition
The University has been recognized in several national publications including the Princeton Review, Kaplan's Publishing, U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek. For 14 consecutive years, beginning in 1994, the University of Scranton has been ranked in the top 10 schools in U.S. News & World Report's rankings of the Best Master's Universites-North. The school was also named as one of the top five universities in its category for the “Highest Graduation Rates” among its four year undergraduate students. The Princeton Review has named the University to its annual “The 366 Best Colleges," from 2002 to its most recent list in 2008. A combined 2008 Newsweek/Kaplan college guide also named the University of Scranton as one of the United States' “372 Most Interesting Schools” for the second straight year. The University of Scranton was in the top 50 of universities listed in Kiplinger’s “Best Values in Private Colleges.”
The University's acceptance rates for medical and law schools are well above the national averages. Over 120 of its students have been granted prestigious Fulbright Fellowships for graduate study abroad (including four in 2008) and Truman Scholarships, recognizing excellent leadership qualities.
Campus Buildings and Landmarks
Originally part of Linden Street and open to vehicle traffic, the Commons project was dedicated in 1979 and completed about a year later.
- Alumni Memorial Hall, formerly the university library, houses the psychology department as well as offices for the school's Technology Support Services, Institutional Research, and Royal Card offices. The Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicine is adjacent to Alumni Memorial Hall. A large statue of Dante stands near the entrance.
- Brennan Hall, completed in 2000, is named for John E. Brennan, a university alumnus of the Class of 1968 and a benefactor of the University. It boasts 71,000 square feet (7,000 m˛) of classroom and office space. Included is a 148-seat Pearn Auditorium and the McShane Executive Conference Center on the top floor, named in honor of former University President and current President of Fordham University, Joseph McShane, S.J. One of the newest academic buildings on campus, it is home to the Kania School of Management (KSOM). (Please see the picture below)
- Campion Hall provides housing for the Jesuit community. Campion Hall is named in honor of Saint Edmund Campion, S.J. Many of the Jesuits teach or hold administrative positions at the University of Scranton or nearby Scranton Preparatory School, a local Jesuit high school. Campion Hall was first opened in 1987 and stands next to the Alumni Green.
*Martyrs Grove, a stone memorial to victims of a massacre that took place on November 16 1989, at the University of Central America in San Salvador, El Salvador stands near the entrance to Campion Hall. Just behind Martyrs Grove stands another memorial depicting Christ's crucifixion, which is a tribute to all deceased alumni of the University of Scranton. Martyrs Grove was formerly dedicated on November 16 2000, according to the plaque. The memorial remembers the murder of six Jesuit priests, their housekeeper and her daughter. The inscription on the memorial plaque reads, "What does it mean to be a Jesuit today? To commit yourself under the standard of the Cross to the crucial struggle of our time, the struggle for faith and the struggle for justice which that same faith demands. G.C. 32" The names of those killed by Salvadoran soldiers are listed:
- Juan Ramon Moreno Pardo, S.J.
- Ignacio Ellacuria, S.J.
- Joaquin Lopez y Lopez, S.J.
- Amando Lopez Quintana, S.J.
- Ignacio Martin-Baro, S.J.
- Segundo Montes Mozo, S.J.
- Elba Julia Ramos
- Celina Maricet Ramos
- The Christ The Teacher sculpture stands at the foot of the Commons, near the corner of Linden Street and Monroe Avenue. The statue, depicting Jesus and Mary, was formally dedicated in 1998. It was designed and sculpted by San Francisco based artist, Trevor Southey. This is not Southey's only contribution to the campus. He is also responsible for thirty-nine panel paintings in the Weinberg Memorial Library's Heritage Room, on the top floor. Christ The Teacher is popular place for students to meet. However, this did not stop the sculpture from being vandalized in 2005 when the Jesus statue was toppled off its base. The sculpture has since been repaired.
- Ciszek Hall, formerly known as The Center For Eastern Christian Studies was founded and built to promote the study and understanding of Eastern Christianity, specifically the various Orthodox, Byzantine and Coptic Churches. The building, located next to the Wellness Center on Mulberry Street, contains a library with over 15,000 books and a Byzantine Rite chapel. Ciszek Hall also currently houses the Office of Career Services.
- The Estate, the former home of the William Scranton family designed by noted architect Russell Sturgis is currently undergoing renovations, and will become the new home of the Office of Admissions and the Admissions Visitors Center in January 2009. The building originally served the University as residence for the Jesuit community, and later as office space and formal dining areas.
- The Patrick and Margaret DeNaples Center is the University's Campus Center. It features several eating options, including Aramark's first Fresh Food Company in the northeast and retail-style dining with Chic-fil-a, Starbucks Coffee, and Quizno's. The Student Affairs and University Ministries offices are located off the second floor fireplace lounge, and several other offices, including Windhover (yearbook), Aquinas (newspaper), The Jane Kopas Women's Center, The University of Scranton Programming Board, Student Government, The Center for Health Education and Wellness (C.H.E.W.), Community Outreach, and Orientation, are located in the Student Forum. The university Bookstore is located on the first floor. On the fourth floor are an auditorium, ballroom, and conference rooms. The building was formally dedicated on February 29 2008, just after two months after first opening. It was named to honor local business owner Louis DeNaples, who asked that it be named for his parents.
 - The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Memorial Library was built and completed in 1992. It currently houses 473,830 volumes, over 15,500 electronic journals, 562,368 microform pieces and 1,709 periodical subscriptions, both current and archived. It is also home to the University Archives and Special Collections, which features many rare books, as well as University records. On the first floor is the Pro Deo et Universitate Room, a 24-hour study area with a Java City coffee bar. The library has wireless and wired Internet access throughout the entire building.
- The Houlihan-McLean Center houses the Performance Music Department, with rehearsal space, practice rooms, and offices on the ground floor. Built in 1909, the building originally housed the Immanuel Baptist Church. When the University acquired the building in 1986, it was named in honor of Atty. Daniel J. Houlihan and Prof. John McLean, distinguished professors of Accounting in the School of Management. Formally dedicated in December 1987, it boasts a magnificently restored concert hall (the Aula) and historic 1910 Austin symphonic pipe organ. Along with regular performances by the University's music ensembles, the building also hosts prominent musicians from all over the world through the University's Performing Arts Series, as well as many guest speakers and special events.
- Hyland Hall, built in 1988, houses classes for the Departments of Political Science, Sociology, Criminal Justice, and World Languages and Cultures, most frequently. The Hope Horn Art Gallery, which often showcases local artists, is located on the first floor. The Hyland Cafe, the Lynett Auditorium, as well as newly-renovated offices are located on the ground floor. Located on the corner of Linden Street and Jefferson Avenue it housed the University Bookstore prior to the erection of the DeNaples Center in 2008.
- Joseph A. Rock, S.J., Hall previously served as the home of the Reformed Episcopalian Assembly of God Church. It was acquired by the University of Scranton in 1983 and was renovated in 1984. It was officially rededicated with a Mass on October 10 1984. It contains the University's main chapel, the Madonna della Strada Chapel, translated "Our Lady of the Way," which seats about 300. Student Masses and Masses are held in the Madonna Della Strada Chapel on Sundays.
- Leahy Hall, is home to the Jefferson Auditorium as well as classroom space for the Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy departments. Originally known as Jefferson Hall, it was rededicated in 1995.
- Loyola Hall of Science was built in 1956 during the major campus building expansion of the late 1950s and early 1960s. It underwent a renovation and expansion in June 1986, as part of a $4.7 million dollar construction project that included the building of nearby Campion Hall. It includes state-of-the-art science laboratories. A new science building is slated to begin construction in spring 2009 (initial soil tests have already begun). There will be a connector through the central part of St. Thomas linking the center of campus to the new science building. The Catlin House will remain in its present location. Loyola Hall will be torn down to make room for green space.
- The McDade Center for Literary and Performing Arts includes the theatre and English departments, as well as a 300-seat Royal Theater with a modified thrust stage and "black box" studio theatre.
- McGurrin Hall is located at the edge of the University on Jefferson Avenue next to Leahy Hall. Construction on McGurrin Hall began in the summer of 1997. The building was opened and dedicated on Sepetmber 11, 1998. McGurrin Hall houses classrooms, laboratories and offices for the counseling and human services, health administration, education, human resources and nursing departments, which form the Panuska College of Professional Studies.
- O'Hara Hall is named for Dr. Frank O'Hara, who was often referred to as "Mr. University." Dr. O'Hara was a longtime administrator, serving as director of alumni relations and registrar, and briefly in 1942 as Acting President. The building houses the offices for the College of Graduate and Continuing Education as well as other university administrative offices, including Public Relations, Development, Institutional Advancement, and Alumni Relations. Some programs for the College of Arts and Science are also based in O'Hara Hall, including the Department of Political Science, World Languages and Cultures, Sociology, and Criminal Justice as well as the Language Learning Center. The building underwent major renovations in 2000 and 2001.
- The Rupert Mayer House was built in 1928 and was once used as a squash court by the Scranton family. Today, the building serves as the University Visitors' Center. The Quain Memorial Conservatory Greenhouse is located nearby. Also next to the Rupert Mayer House is the Alumni Memorial Rose Garden.
- St. Thomas Hall was built in 1962 and dedicated on September 16 1962. Its architect was Robert P. Moran of the class of 1925. The building houses many major administrative offices, such as Admissions, Financial Aid, the Bursar and the Registrar. It is also home to the College of Arts and Sciences and its Advising Center, and many departments have offices and classes in St. Thomas, including Communications, Physics, Theology, Philosophy, Mathematics, Computer Science, and History. St. Thomas Hall is also home to the St. Ignatius chapel, the site of daily Masses. Two wings have been added in recent years: the Harper-McGuiness Wing, location of many administrative offices, and the Communications wing, home to the Communications Department and facilities for the University's radio and television productions. St. Thomas is slated for major renovations as part of the construction of the new science building.
- Scranton Hall currently houses the Office of the President. When the Scranton family occupied the Estate, the building served as a stable or carriage house.
- The Smurfit Arts Center is located one block away from the main campus, on the corner of Vine Street and Madison Avenue. Smurfit was built in 1897 as a church and was formerly home to John Raymond Memorial Church. The building was purchased by the University in 1987 for $125,000 after the church's congregation had shrunk to approximately ten members. It is currently used by the Art and Music History program for studio art classes as well as offices for the University of Scranton Press.
- The Roche Wellness Center stands at the corner of Mulberry Street and Webster Ave. It is a . facility used as a student health clinic with four medical exam rooms and a reception area. The building, which is actually the former Hazzouri Pharmacy building, was purchased by the University at a government auction in December 1992. The Wellness Center officially opened for student use in March 1996 after extensive renovations.
Retreat Center at Chapman Lake
The site originally had one old retreat house. The old house featured several bedrooms upstairs, each with bunkbeds, used by students on retreats. There was a small chapel on the second floor. There was a main room with a fireplace, a kitchen, and dining area featuring some very large, comfortable old couches downstairs. The original building was eventually closed in 2004 because of safety concerns.
In 1999 a second retreat and conference center was completed at Chapman Lake. It was designed by Fr. Thomas "Bat" Masterson, S.J. The new building featured a large dining room, a meeting room nicknamed the Lake Room and five or six "small group rooms" to be used on some of the University's popular retreat programs. There are several floors of shared bedrooms upstairs with private bathrooms.
A groundbreaking ceremony for an addition to the 1999 building was held in the fall of 2005. The addition includes bedrooms, meeting rooms and a chapel. It was completed in the fall of 2006.
Retreats offered at Chapman Lake are usually offered and run by staff and students from the University of Scranton's Office of University Ministries. They are very popular with the student body and are usually held several times a year, with around 40 students participating at a time. The Freshman Retreat and the Search Retreats are among the most popular and are held multiple times each semester. The Senior Retreat is usually held once a year during the Spring Semester for graduating seniors.
Student Housing
The University has 13 traditional residences, housing mostly for freshmen. Christopher and Margaret Condron Hall (2008), Francis E. Redington Hall, and John R. Gavigan Hall provide housing for upperclassmen students. The University owns over 20 additional houses and apartment buildings in the areas surrounding the campus, offering over 30 housing options for students, including Mulberry Plaza and Madison Square, two townhouse-style complexes featuring air conditioning, full kitchens, living areas and bedrooms.
Lower Quad
Freshman housing only
- McCourt Hall - Freshman co-ed, Home of the Cura Personalis program
- Fitch Hall - Freshman co-ed
- Martin Hall - Freshman male
- Casey Hall - Freshman co-ed
Upper Quad
Freshman housing only
- Hafey Hall - Freshman male
- Denis Edward Hall - Freshman female
- Lynett Hall - Freshman male
- Hannan Hall - Freshman co-ed. Home of the Wellness floors
Lavis Hall, Gannon Hall, McCormick Hall
Freshmen Housing Only
Linden Street Apartments (Linden Plaza)
3 dormitory buildings with Linden Plaza. They were purchased from Lackawanna Junior College in 1999.
- Dorothy Day House
- Elizabeth Ann Seton House
- Katharine Drexel House
Mulberry Plaza Apartments
Opened in the Fall of 2000 - Mulberry Plaza is located in the center,
- Mulberry A
- Keating House
- Timlin House
- Mulberry D
Madison Square Apartments
- Opened in Fall 2004
- Architecturally very similar to the Mulberry Street Apartments across the street.
Other Residence Halls
- Driscoll Hall - Freshman
- Nevils Hall - Freshman
- Gavigan Hall - Sophomore
- Redington Hall - Sophomore and Junior
- Condron Hall - Sophomore. This seven-story building provides sophomore housing for approximately 386 students in of space and was opened in the Fall of 2008.
- Herold Apartments - Graduate housing
The University Houses
- Blair House
- Cambria House
- Fayette House
- Gonzaga House
- Hopkins House
- Liva House
- Luzerne House
- McGowan House
- McKenna House
- Montgomery House
- Wayne House
Scranton Athletics
Scranton athletes compete at the NCAA Division III. In 2007, Scranton joined the newly formed Landmark Conference, which ended a long history with the Middle Atlantic/Freedom Conference.
The school offers 19 varsity sports and has won national championships in men's basketball in 1976 and 1983 and women's basketball in 1985.
Student Life
The University of Scranton Alma Mater
The hours too quickly slip away
And mingle into years
But memories of our Scranton days will last
Whatever next appears.
The legacy from those before
Is briefly ours to hold,
We leave the best behind for others
As the coming years unfold.
With faith in lives that touch us here
And paths that ours have crossed
We know that reaching for the rising sun
Is surely worth the cost.
May God be ever at our side,
May goodness fill our days.
We hail as loving sons and daughters
Alma mater ours always.
Office of Student Activities and Orientation
The mission of Student Activities and Orientation is to strive to be a center of excellence in providing experiential opportunities for students to learn and develop through leadership and event planning programs. Keeping the care of the whole person and the magis at the forefront, Student Activities and Orientation is a resource that emphasizes a welcoming environment to support a free flow of ideas to empower and challenge students and support their development while continuing the tradition of “men and women for others”.
The University of Scranton Student Government
History of the Student Senate
The Student Senate came about in the spring semester of 2002 with the ratification of its Constitution. On May 3 2002 the first Student Senate meeting was held in the Office of Student Activities. Today, the Student Senate assembles for regular sessions on a biweekly basis and for emergency sessions as necessary.
The Student Senate is the main avenue of governance for the students. The Student Senate deals with pertinent issues that affect the day-to-day lives of students at the University of Scranton. The Senate is chaired by the Vice-President of Student Government who votes only in the case of a tie. The other Executive members of Student Government are the President, a nonvoting member with veto authority, as well as the Secretary and Treasurer, both non-voting members. The body of the Student Senate is made up of four equal representatives from each class, two commuter representatives, two off-campus representatives, and two resident representatives for a total of 26 members, 22 of which have voting rights.
There are five standing committees formed out of the Senate: Ignatian Awareness, Safety and Crime Prevention, Student Life and Dining Services, Academic Affairs, and Appropriations. Proposed legislation is sent to the appropriate committee for research and development at the discretion of the Chair. The Executive Treasurer advises the Appropriations Committee; a Senator appointed by the Executive Council chairs each of the committees.
Future of the University
On June 6 2007, University President Fr. Pilarz announced that the Board of Trustees had approved the construction of a new sophomore residence hall in the 300 block of North Webster Avenue. Construction began in the Fall of 2007 and was completed by the Fall of 2008. This allowed the University to free up upperclass houses for use by juniors and seniors exclusively, addressing a growing lack of housing as the University expands and will allow for the phasing out of older residential options. At the September 6 2007 groundbreaking, it was announced that the new building would be named Condron Hall, after Christopher "Kip" and Margaret Condron, Ph.D.
On April 26, 2008, the University held a public launch its new fundraising campaign. The campaign includes the DeNaples Center, Condron Hall, renovations to the Estate as a new home for admissions and the development of a new science facility. The building is in the planning stages with a tentative construction start date in Spring 2009 (according to October 2007 Provost's Report). Other campaign priorities include building endowment for financial aid, scholarships and faculty development and growing support in annual giving.
University of Scranton Presidents
List of Presidents since elevation to University status in 1938:
- Br. Denis Edward, F.S.C. - 1931 - 1940
- Br. Eliseus Leonard, F.S.C. - 1940 - 1942
- Dr. Frank J. O'Hara, LL.D. (acting) - 1942
- Very Rev. W. Coleman Nevils, S.J. - 1942 - 1947
- Rev. J. Eugene Gallery, S.J. - 1947 - 1953
- Very Rev. John J. Long, S.J. - 1953 - 1963
- Rev. Edward J. Sponga, S.J. - 1963 - 1965
- Rev. Aloysius C. Galvin, S.J. - 1965 - 1970
- Rev. Joseph A. Rock, S.J. (acting) - 1970
- Rev. Dexter L. Hanley, S.J. - 1970 - 1975
- Rev. Edwin A. Quain, S.J. (acting) - 1975
- Rev. William J. Byron, S.J. - 1975 - 1982
- Rev. Joseph Allen (J.A.) Panuska, S.J. - July 1982 - 1998
- Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J. - 1998 - 2003
- Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. - July 1 2003 - Present
Notable University of Scranton Alumni
Notable University of Scranton faculty
- James A. Martin, S.J. - former chairperson of the Department of Theology (1946 - 1949); world's oldest Jesuit until his death in 2007 at the age of 105.
Notable Honorary Degree Recipients
- William W. Scranton, former Governor of the Commonwealth.
- Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews.
- Tim Russert, former anchor of NBC's Meet the Press.
- Avery Dulles, theologian.
- John Cardinal O'Connor, former Archbishop of New York.
- Paul Sorvino, film director.
- Mother Teresa, founder of Little Sisters of Mercy and Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
- Bob Hope, actor and comedian.
- Wynton Marsalis, trumpet player.
- Mary Higgins Clark, author.
- Joseph Biden, Former Democratic Senator from Delaware and current Vice President of the United States.
- J. William Fulbright, senator and founder of Fulbright Fellowship Program.
- Richard Harris, British actor.
- Oscar Arias Sanchez, President of Costa Rica.
- Helmut Schmidt, former Chancellor of West Germany.
- Dick Thornburgh, former Pennsylvania governor and United States Attorney General
University of Scranton Press
The University of Scranton Press is a university press that is part of the University of Scranton. Its publications include books on religious and philosophical issues and local (Northeastern Pennsylvania) history, including coal mining.
External links
- The University's Radio Station
- University of Scranton's User Email and Database Home
- University of Scranton Athletics
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