Alan Peslak, Ph.D., assistant professor of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State University was recently elected to a two year term on the board of directors of the Educational Special Interest Group of the Association of Information Technology Professionals. His election took place at their annual meeting held recently in Dallas, Texas. 

Dr. Peslak has served as assistant professor at Penn State Worthington Scranton since fall of 2002. He is extensively published and conducts in-depth research in the areas of Information Economics, the Ethical and Societal Impact of Information Technology, Enterprise Resource Planning, and Information Technology Pedagogy.

Dr. Peslak’s extensive bibliography lists publications in scholarly journals such as: Communications of the ACM, Journal of Computer and Information Systems, Information Resources Management Journal, Information Systems Educational Journal, Journal of Information Technology Impact, Australasian Journal of Information Systems, Information Research, Issues in Information Systems and others. He was recently named to the editorial board of The Journal Of Information Systems Education (JISE). The Journal of Information Systems Education is the premier academic journal directed towards Information Systems (IS) Education.

He has presented academic papers and contributes to numerous conferences. Last fall Dr. Peslak served as Program Chair of the Information Systems Educators’ Conference (ISECON) held in last fall in Columbus, Ohio.

Dr. Peslak holds the Ph.D. in information systems and the Master of Science degree in management information systems from Nova Southeastern University at their Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences. He earned the MBA in finance and a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting with a minor in computer science from The University of Scranton.

He has held several key management positions at regional corporations including Saint-Gobain Corporation, First Security Investments, Certex, Inc., Akzo Nobel Salt, Inc. He resides in Peckville.

Presidents of three alumni organizations that support the Penn State Worthington Scranton service area addressed the campus’ Faculty Senate recently to provide information on the history, contributions and motivations of the groups. Rick Pambianco, president of the Penn State Worthington Scranton Alumni Society; Mike Rescigno, president of the Greater Scranton Chapter; and Marti Duffy, president of the Wayne-Pike Penn State Chapter each addressed the assembly. They were introduced by Deborah Brandt Johnson, interim assistant director of development & alumni relations.
 
The Penn State Worthington Scranton Alumni Society (established in 1987), the Greater Scranton Penn State Chapter (established in 1979) and the Wayne-Pike Penn State Chapter (established in 1994) have cumulatively provided Campus and University support in excess of a quarter of a million dollars, in addition to personal contributions and countless hours of volunteer service to the Campus, University and local community. Since their inception, each group has contributed to Penn State annually toward scholarships, academic and extracurricular programs, faculty research, athletics, renovations, facilities and other projects.The three groups were responsible for spearheading and funding the acquisition of a Nittany Lion Sculpture for the campus, which is now proudly displayed near the Penn State Worthington Scranton entrance.

In photo above, from left are: Dr. Janet Melnick, chairperson of the Penn State Worthington Scranton Faculty Senate; Mr. Michael Rescigno, president of the Greater Scranton Penn State Chapter; Ms. Marti Duffy, president of the Wayne-Pike Penn State Chapter; Mr. Rick Pambianco, president of the Penn State Worthington Scranton Alumni Society; and Dr. Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, chancellor of the Penn State Worthington Scranton. The three Penn State alumni organization chiefs sponsored a regular meeting of the Penn State Worthington Scranton Faculty Senate to update the campus on collective contributions and plans for the future.
 

Heading the women’s basketball program is Ms. Nanci Purcell, assistant basketball coach at Abington Heights, Clarks Summit, PA. Ms. Purcell player credentials include her playing Division III basketball for three years. She earned her bachelor of science degree in health administration from the University of Scranton in 1985. She is also employed at Abbott Laboratories Pharmaceuticals.

Ms. Purcell’s coaching credits include the junior high school Lady Comets of Abington Heights from 1997 to 2002. While there, she coached the seventh and eighth grades teams to three league championships. She developed drills, plays and presses and worked closely with the Abington Heights varsity coach, preparing her players for competition at a higher level. She served as assistant basketball coach from 1999 to 2006 at Abington Heights where she assisted the head coach with scouting, film screening and general administrative duties.

Ms. Purcell routinely attends coaching clinics at Moravian and Lycoming Colleges and serves as assistant coach at regional camps and clinics. She resides in Clarks Summit, PA.

Eileen Culkin will assist Ms. Purcell as assistant coach. She earned the bachelor of arts degree in sociology from Penn State University with a certificate in Law, Crime and Society. She serves at a caseworker with the Lackawanna County Children and Youth. She previously worked for J.C. Penney, Padgett Business Services, Keystone Community Resources and Lackawanna County Juvenile Probation Office.

Ms. Culkin played both varsity basketball and softball. She was camp coach at Keystone and she resides in Clarks Summit, PA.

Mr. Michael Fazzi will serve as assistant men’s basketball coach at Penn State Worthington Scranton. He holds the bachelor of science degree in kinesiology from Penn State University and is currently attending Wilkes College pursing a masters degree in special education.

Mr. Fazzi is assistant coach at Scranton High School for both varsity and junior varsity basketball. He was assistant coach at Riverside for the seventh and eighth grade teams. In 2005, Fazzi was Male Athlete of the Year at Penn State Worthington Scranton. He was all-conference for three years in basketball at Penn State Worthington Scranton and is active coaching regional basketball camps and clinics. Mr. Fazzi, a Scranton resident, is a volunteer basketball coach at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Beatriz Rivera-Barnes, Ph.D., assistant professor of Spanish at Penn State Worthington Scranton recently published Do Not Pass Go, an unconventional love story. The work, published by Arte Publico Press, University of Houston, is her fourth work of fiction, which includes a collection of short stories, and her third novel.

Dr. Rivera Barnes specializes in creating witty and capricious characters. She also authored Playing With Light, Midnight Sandwiches at the Mariposa Express and African Passions and Other Stories. Her Latinas deal with questions of identity and tradition in a startlingly funny yet thought-provoking way.

Dr. Rivera-Barnes earned her Ph.D. from the City University of New York Graduate Center. Her dissertation was entitled: Challenging the Canon: A History of Latina Literature Anthologies, 1980-2000.

She holds a pre-doctoral degree from the Universite’ de Paris III – Sorbonne Nouvelle, and a masters degree in philosophy, teaching license and bachelor’s degree from the University de Paris IV – Sorbonne.

Her current research deals with Afro-Hispanic studies and eco-criticism and ecofemimism. She has also researched Latino and women’s studies, minor literatures, literary theory and studying what she considers to be successful bilingual cultures in Quebec province. She also makes comparisons with bilingual and bicultural cities in the Unites States.

She has taught Spanish and French language, literature and culture for nearly 20 years in college and universities including Fordham University, Borough of Manhattan Community College and Dutchess Community College. Dr. Rivera Barnes, novelist, short story author and poet, has presented her work at community events and professional conferences throughout the United States and abroad.

Starting with Interdependence Day, Penn State Worthington Scranton embraced the civic spirit of the times and the needs of our community. Active participation and great leadership shown by Penn State Worthington Scranton faculty and students helped make Interdependence Day a notable civic event in our Valley.

Our student government made sure that the community, especially our own campus community, heard both candidates for the 10th Pennsylvania Congressional District. Penn State’s own Dr. Christopher Carney emerged the victor in that hard fought campaign.

Ken Smith, Advisory Board member and owner of Smith’s Restaurant in South Scranton, will now represent our 112 Legislative District in Harrisburg.

On the national scene, the brother of Advisory Board member Margaret Casey McGrath, Robert Casey Jr., defeated incumbent Senator Rick Santorum. We join the entire community and the Commonwealth in wishing Senator–elect Casey Jr. a stellar senatorial career. In years past, he addressed the entire state from this campus and we now add a strong measure of hope to that shared by everyone in this community as he goes forward to represent Pennsylvania in the US Senate.

Also active in our region’s political milieu, Advisory Board member Maryla Scranton’s husband William Scranton III, opted out of the State’s gubernatorial contest. We commend the wonderful civic contributions of the entire Scranton family, and acknowledge the tremendous debt owed them by this campus, named for Worthington Scranton.

Advisory Board member Cathy Hardaway, director of voter education in Lackawanna County had the daunting task of educating voters on the use of the new electronic voting machines. She succeeded, and was able to conduct some of her training right here on our campus.

And so it is at the end of this political season that we wish the victors well. It seems clear that such a robust response to the political questions of our day leave all of us winners.

I want to take this opportunity to thank this campus collectively for the parts played, in some cases in a very public way, and for the enthusiastic interplay and debate which wends us as a people, forward.

Dr. Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen

Dr. Philip Mosley, professor of English, Communications, and Comparative Literature at Penn State Worthington Scranton has published Anthracite! An Anthology of Pennsylvania Coal Region Plays. The book, which he edited and for which he wrote the introduction, was published this fall by The University of Scranton Press.

The six plays contained in Dr. Mosley’s anthology are: Nobody Hears a Broken Drum by Jason Miller; Patchworks by the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble; The Fire Down Below by Jack McDonough and Bob Shlesinger; Coaltown Breaker by Michael Cotter; Spirit of the Molly Maguires: A Carbon County Legend by Genia Miller; Molly Daughter by Deborah Lou Randall.

Dr. Mosley conceived the idea of an anthology after learning of a body of dramatic work written between 1970 and 2003 that celebrates and commemorates in various ways the history and daily lives of anthracite miners and their families. Most of the authors are natives of the region.

Dr. Mosley, a Fulbright Award Scholar, is a native of England. He earned his Ph.D. in comparative literature and master of arts in European literature from the University of East Anglia. He also holds a bachelor of arts degree in English from the University of Leeds.

In addition to his latest publishing effort, Dr. Mosley is the author of Ingmar Bergman: The Cinema as Mistress and Split Screen: Belgian Cinema and Cultural Identity. He also translated, October Long Sunday, a novel by Belgian author Guy Vaes, from the original French. He has also written numerous book reviews, articles and contributing chapters.

Dr. Mosley recently presented “Emile de Antonio and Cy Endfield: A Film Event Honoring Two Scranton-born Directors” in the Mellow Theater of Lackawanna College. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Greater Scranton Film Office.

Mosley has presented special film programs at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC and the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh. He is the recipient of a number of academic awards including grants for research and translation from the Belgian Ministry of the French Community.

For the preparation of a collection of critical essays on Belgian author Georges Rodenbach, he received a Penn State Institute for the Arts and Humanities Faculty Research Fellowship in 1991. He was also the recipient of the 1992 Worthington Scranton Campus Pharmakon Laboratories Award and the 1998 Worthington Scranton Matthews Award, both for excellence in research and scholarship.

Dr. Mosley has served at Penn State since 1988. He taught from 1981 to 1988 at Glasgow Caldedonian University, United Kingdom.  He was visiting professor of English and American Literature, Université de Toulouse, France. In the 2003-2004 academic year, Dr. Mosley held the Fulbright Chair in the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.

Dr. Mosley served as lecturer for the Pennsylvania Humanities Council Commonwealth Speakers Program and has led the Council’s “Read About It!” book discussion groups. He is a Film Festival discussion leader, Dietrich Theatre, Tunkhannock and has lectured for the Bradford County Regional Arts Council and the Hazleton Art League.

Dr. Mosley resides in Clifton, PA.

Within the framework of a modern Information Technology work team, what makes one person successful and another less so?  What components of that work team ensure the team’s success? These questions provided the impetus for a faculty/student research project at Penn State Worthington Scranton’s Information Science and Technology department. The project,  entitled “Information Technology Team Achievement: An Analysis of Success Factors and Development of a Team Success Model (TSM)” has been accepted as a peer-reviewed journal article in Team Performance Management, an International Emerald Journal, and a leading international business publication on teamwork and team processes.

 Dr. Alan Peslak, assistant professor of IST at Penn State with more than 25 years practical experience in manufacturing and service industries knows first-hand that the majority of Information Technology projects in the real-world are dealt with by teams. “The ability to function as an IST professional today,” said Dr. Peslak, “virtually mandates an understanding of how teams function, and, perhaps most importantly, the ability to place oneself within a working IST team and contribute in a positive way.”

Dr. Peslak chose Marcy Stanton, a recent IST grad and former Northeast Woman, as a partner in the research project. “Ms. Stanton is an outstanding individual, a recent IST grad currently working in the field locally,” added Dr. Peslak. “She brought a great deal of insight and first-hand observation to the project.”

Ms. Stanton summarized the basic approach used by herself and Dr. Peslak. “Our approach was this,” she said: “based on a review of existing literature, and given the need to improve success of IT projects, we posed a general research question, ‘Can an overall team success model (TSM) be developed that includes the relationships between demographic variables, team and personal process factors, emotions, and overall team success?’ This question,” she explained, formed the void we wanted to fill.”

Dr. Peslak summed up the goals of the research. “We were looking for factors that both enhanced and served as obstacles to optimal IST team functions,” he said. “The goal was to create a model for team makeup.”

The Peslak/Stanton project looked at performance and group process analysis in addition to factors such as the emotional reactions of workers, individual psychology and even trust between members.

The pair studied 55 students grouped in 18 teams. The teams ranged from two to five “workers.” Team progress was measured at several stages in semester-long team projects. Forty-four separate questions were studied in each measurement stage.

Dr. Peslak summarized the research findings. “Our research develops and validates a series of factors that lead to IT team success,” he said. “These include emotion, personal processes, and team processes. Within these parameters we were able to quantify the significance of individual factors and the relationships between many of them. We also found that students’ grade point index (GPA) had a positive impact on team processes and that negative emotions showed a negative correlation with team processes. Team processes and trust had positive impacts on projects.

While the pair recognizes that they were dealing with a relatively small sample group, they also agree that implications for creating a model for success are clear. Stanton said, “the challenges for managing IST teams begins with an understanding of group dynamics extends to owning the responsibility for self management.” Peslak noted that once individuals own the responsibility for managing themselves within a group, they have laid critical groundwork toward becoming a professional.

“At Penn State,” said Peslak, “we really have a commitment to bringing students very close to real-life, practical IST situations. It isn’t all circuits and wiring. IST management is a very human enterprise and our students need to learn to operate in a world of people, solving IST challenges.”

Dr. Alan R. Peslak is an Assistant Professor of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State University. He received his Ph.D. in Information Systems from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His research areas include information technology social, ethical, and economic issues as well as information technology pedagogy. Publications include the Communications of the ACM, Information Resources Management Journal, Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Computer Information Systems, Journal of Information Systems Education, Team Performance Management, Information Research, and First Monday. He has over 25 years of diverse manufacturing and service industry experience.

Marcy L. Stanton is a recent Information Sciences and Technology graduate from Penn State University. She received numerous awards during her undergraduate career, including the President's Freshman Award, Outstanding Scholar Award, IST Academic Excellence Award, and the Christopher Sturchio Honor's Program Service Award. In addition, she was a three-time recipient of the Richard M. and Jean McNichols Walsh Scholarship, and was chosen as a Northeast Woman of the Week for the Scranton PA Sunday Times newspaper. She is currently employed as an IT helpdesk analyst for Siemen's, working at Met Life, Clark's Summit.

Education Technology Services at Penn State decided to partner with Information Technology Services departments in several campuses around the state last spring. The goal was to pilot Podcasting as a teaching tool. Marilee Mulvey, director of IT Services at Penn State Worthington Scranton floated the idea to faculty. “We received six great responses but were only able to fund three,” she said.

Three faculty members have teamed up with Mary Lynn Brannon, the campus instructional designer, and Ryan Moskalczak, Penn State Worthington Scranton’s information technology support specialist. Everyone, faculty members, instructional designer and IT support specialist are extremely engaged and generating lots of excitement.

Podcasting is more than simple audio on the internet. The technology, available for years, involves delivering information over specific channels to specific users. The technology uses what is know as Really Simple Syndication (RSS) channels. RSS contains a reference to an original audio file, in the case of Penn State faculty, a recorded lecture. These lectures are available to students, 24/7, who have previously subscribed.

 “RSS can deliver audio, video, and PDF files just to name a few,” explained Ms. Mulvey.

Mary Lynn Brannon is currently working with members of the Penn State Worthington Scranton faculty in the academic disciplines of Biology, German and Physics. “It is exciting to work with faculty in such divergent academic areas,” she said. “Each comes to Podcasting with their unique academic challenges and their own style and teaching experiences.”

Most college aged students have either used Podcasting or know of Podcasting in connection with music and video downloading on the internet. MP3 files routinely make up the bulk of space on many young people’s hard drives, and for some an actual CD library has become obsolete because of this technology.

As the work moves forward at Penn State Worthington Scranton, all seem to agree that Podcasting lectures for the traditional college-aged student are a great use of this technology.

The name “Podcast” evolved from the near ubiquitous ipod, developed by Apple Computer. However, podcasts can be accessed and stored on ipods, MP3 players, personal computers and any number of available storage devices. Users don’t need an ipod or MP3 player to access the lectures.

Right now the bulk of the work falls to the three Penn State professors to tailor course material to the new format.

Dr. Marlene P. Soulsby, associate professor of German and Comparative Literature, has been teaching at Penn State for 37 years. “I am always looking for authentic language material to use,” she said. “And I use all available formats including print, video, and audio. Now all of these are available on the internet. Podcasts offer even more possibilities for immersion in a foreign language: everything from slowly spoken news-broadcasts, to discussions of film and literature, to comedy shows.”

Soulsby has a different slant on language learning than most teachers. She does not see learning the language as an end to itself.

“Language is a door that offers access,” she said. “It is a means to do things rather than a goal in itself. Learning a language opens up possibilities to new experiences. Because of this view, I look for learning opportunities that are contemporary and real. That keeps the experience relevant for the student. Podcasting is simply a near perfect format for language acquisition, and I’m expecting great things from this technology.”

Dr.  Renée Bishop is an assistant professor of Biology. She is using podcasts to simulate the intellectual exchange that occurs at scientific meetings.  She has already received positive student feedback on a podcast that summarized laboratory experiments.  “Students told me that the podcast really clarified the experiment. They came away with a better understanding of the material,” she said.

Dr. Bishop knows that some of her courses are challenging and sees podcasting as a way to extend access for students. “Students today have increasing demands on their time,” she observed. “Podcasts help me and my students by allowing us more time for classroom interaction and exchange, while increasing their access to the information they need.”

“Because of the nature of the courses I teach,” said Dr. Bishop, “I look for ways to help students assimilate this information. I think Podcasting is a technology they can relate to, and which fits their increasingly busy lifestyles. It is available 24/7 in a format they know. I am personally very excited about this.”

Dr. Yvonne Glanville is new to Penn State. An assistant professor of Physics, Dr. Glanville has already completed three podcasted lectures. “My focus is to get my students past the numerical hurdles of a Physics problem so they can arrive at a real grasp of the concepts involved.”

Dr. Glanville likes the access that students have to her lectures, and the opportunity for them to continually review. She also appreciates the ability to illustrate, through podcasts, actual solutions to physics problems. “Once they see a problem solved, that makes it easier,” she observed. “With my podcasts, I can clearly articulate that I want them to move past the numerical challenges to the core idea illustrated by a specific problem. I can summarize key points and stress those areas where I want them to focus. Right now, I make use of the same numerical equation across several problems. This allows students to quickly master that equation then focus on the concepts and key points involved.”

Education is a two-way street and all three professors recognize the potential of student’s, both individually or in teams, developing projects and delivering those projects through podcasts. “Podcasts can become a new term-paper or class presentation model,” said Ms. Brannon. “All three professors recognize the potential here and are developing plans to use it within their classes this semester.”

As Podcasting evolves into the academic fabric of Penn State Worthington Scranton, the future may well involve coursework on honing one’s Podcasting skills. For professors and students alike, immersion in the technology is new and involves becoming familiar and comfortable with recording user friendly audio files. Further development will probably add video to the audio presentations and even allow presenters to incorporate data files and PowerPoint slides into a production.

Ms. Mulvey is optimistic about the future of the technology. “Penn State, because of its strong research traditions, has maintained a technological leadership position. We understand that the community expects that of us,” she said. “Even with that in mind, it is always heartening to see faculty step up to the inherent challenges that a new technology presents, embrace it, then use it to make Penn State an even better place for our students.”  

Dr. Parmar is a noted authority in the areas of early childhood development, education and parenting. Dr. Parmar earned her doctorate degree in child and adolescent development from the University of Connecticut. She received the master of science degree in child development from Punjab Agricultural University, (PAU), India, and a bachelor of science degree in home science from the Gobind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, India. She was awarded several assistantships at Penn State which involved research, teaching and undergraduate mentoring.

Dr. Parmar’s research interests include parenting practices, cross cultural parenting studies, and early childhood development and education. She has over 15 years of teaching, extension and research activities, including work as a research associate in the Family Nutrition Program at the University of Connecticut and graduate research assistant, International Study of Children, Parents, and Schools (The Netherlands, US, Australia, Spain, Italy, Poland and Sweden) through the Human Development and Family Studies Programs at Penn State. At PAU in India, she held the position of assistant professor, assistant extension specialist, and faculty in-charge of student affairs.

Dr. Parmar attends numerous conferences and seminars. She is a member of the International Maternal and Child Health Association of India; The Society for Research in Child Development; The International Society of Social and Behavioral Development; The Society for Cross-cultural Research and the Child Development Society, where she serves as secretary. She is also a member of the Indian Association for Preschool Education.

Dr. Parmar is extensively published and is a popular author in India on such diverse topics as Child Births In Water, The Take Off of Universal Immunization, Enuresis and the Philosophy of Early Childhood Education. She has delivered televised talks on Indian State television aimed at parents on topics such as childcare practices and child development.

She is an active international presenter and educator and has contributed information to conferences in Sweden, Australia, China, Switzerland as well India. Working with UNICEF, Dr. Parmar conducted a course entitled “Care and Development In Pregnancy” at a workshop on Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas at Ludhiana, India.

Dr. Parmar worked closely with poor rural women to educate them for uplifting standards of health and sanitation. She taught nutrition, gardening and healthy eating and also provided information about supplementing the family income through creating and marketing arts and crafts.

Parmar resides in Clarks Summit.

“Information Sciences and Technology provides students with a theoretical framework and skills needed to compete and contribute globally,” said Debra Smarkusky, Ph.D., IST Program Coordinator at Penn State Worthington Scranton. “We are very excited about IST Month. Our IST Faculty, the Admissions Team, together IST Club student leaders have put together an awesome month of events.”

This Monday, October 2nd, Mr. George Spanos, director of applications for The Hershey Company will talk with students, faculty and staff about the direction his life has taken given his choice of a career in Information Science. That event will take place in the K. Bruce Sherbine Lounge a 6:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, October 18th , the general public is invited to IST Awareness Night. The event will feature several Penn State IST Grads answering questions and talking about their experiences. The Penn State IST curriculum, job opportunities and salary ranges will be explored. Penn State Worthington Scranton’s IST Night will take place Wednesday, October 18th at 6:00 p.m. in the K. Bruce Sherbine Lounge.

Finally, gamers from far and wide will descend on Penn State Worthington Scranton’s Study Learning Center Café for an IST LAN Party. IST students and faculty, the IT Department and the entire campus are geared for this innovative event slated for Saturday, October 21st in the campus Café. Refreshments and giveaways will be part of this five hour high-tech party that starts at 3:00 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m.

Anyone wishing further information on Penn State Worthington Scranton IST Month should contact the Admissions Office at 963-2500 or visit the campus website at www.ws.psu.edu.

Dr. Peslak has served as assistant professor at Penn State Worthington Scranton since fall of 2002. He is extensively published and conducts in-depth research in the areas of Information Economics, the Ethical and Societal Impact of Information Technology, Enterprise Resource Planning, and Information Technology Pedagogy.

Dr. Peslak’s extensive bibliography lists publications in scholarly journals such as: Communications of the ACM, Journal of Computer and Information Systems, Information Resources Management Journal, Information Systems Educational Journal, Journal of Information Technology Impact, Australasian Journal of Information Systems, Information Research, Issues in Information Systems and others. He was recently named to the editorial board of The Journal Of Information Systems Education (JISE). The Journal of Information Systems Education is the premier academic journal directed towards Information Systems (IS) Education.

He has presented academic papers and contributes to numerous conferences. Last fall Dr. Peslak served as Program Chair of the Information Systems Educators’ Conference (ISECON) held in last fall in Columbus, Ohio.

Dr. Peslak holds the Ph.D. in information systems and the Master of Science degree in management information systems from Nova Southeastern University at their Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences. He earned the MBA in finance and a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting with a minor in computer science from The University of Scranton.

He has held several key management positions at regional corporations including Saint-Gobain Corporation, First Security Investments, Certex, Inc., Akzo Nobel Salt, Inc. He resides in Peckville.

Penn State Worthington Scranton’s Assistant Director of Student Activities, Leon John explained that the day starts with a Powder Puff Football game and will include pick-up flag football, Frisbee and a potpourri of other activities. “We’ll have something for everyone,” he explained. That something includes barbequed bratwurst, hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, desserts and drinks served from 1:00 p.m. until kickoff.

Penn State attendees can settle in for the 3:30 p.m. kickoff and enjoy the game on a 10 foot screen television. The event is for alumni and members of the campus family and their immediate family members. No alcohol is allowed.

Sandra Feather, associate director of admissions at Penn State Worthington Scranton created a series of Information Nights for several degree programs available at the school. “Letters, Arts and Sciences at Penn State asks students to make a basic choice – either humanities or social sciences,” she said. “That choice opens pathways to a multitude of career options. Our students love it whether they are incoming freshman, adult students or students transferring from other schools,” she said.

At Penn State, Letters, Arts and Sciences combines liberal arts education with the flexibility to design a program based on career options. With the help of a faculty advisor, students can create an academic program within the chosen option of humanities or social sciences.

“Right now our LAS degree provides entrée into masters or doctoral level study. The degree program also provides excellent preparation to such fields as education, medicine, dentistry, law, business, journalism and many others,” explained Ms. Feather. “LAS is coordinated by two of the finest faculty available at Penn State, Professor John Dolis and Senior Instructor Paul Perrone. Both have an excellent appreciation of the multi-talented students attracted to this type of program, and the attention needed to help students make the right choices early in the process.”

Dr. John Dolis, Professor of English and American Studies, Coordinator of International Programs and Co-Coordinator of the LAS Program, received his B.A. from Saint Louis University, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Loyola University of Chicago.  His academic awards include NEH Summer Fellowships at the University of Arizona and Yale University, Fulbright Professorships in American Literature at the University of Turin, Italy, and the University of Bucharest, Romania, as well as a Visiting Professorship in American Literature at Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.  His publications include numerous articles in literary, philosophical, and psychoanalytic journals, two television scripts, two volumes of poetry, and two books of literary criticism—on Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry David Thoreau, respectively.  He presently serves on the editorial boards of the Arizona Quarterly, the Journal of American Culture, and the Nathaniel Hawthorne Review.  Internationally recognized as a scholar of nineteenth-century American literature, he has been called, by the editor of the Arizona Quarterly, “one of the three or four most important Hawthorne scholars in the world.”

Mr. Perrone, senior instructor of English, holds a B. S. and M.A. degrees in English from the University of Scranton. He holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (retired) with the United States Army, serving on active duty in the Federal Republic of Germany. His positions with the U.S. Army included troop commander, unit commander, adjutant, instructor and logistician.

Prior to his appointment at Penn State, Mr. Perrone was a teacher at the Scranton School District, Northern Burlington County, NJ Regional High School, Milton Eisner Yeshiva High School, and North Pocono High School.

Mr. Perrone is currently campus coordinator of the English department, chair of the University College committee on English and campus scholarship committee chair. He has received several awards for teaching and service to the University including the Campus Advisory Board Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Outstanding Teaching Award from the College of Liberal Arts.

Students interested in learning more or to register for the program at Penn State Worthington Scranton should call 963-2500, or visit www.ws.psu.edu.

Next week is Orientation Week at Penn State Worthington Scranton and the theme is “Penn State Real World Challenge.” Two separate events – one for adult and transfer students and another for new students - will take place.

The Adult and Transfer Student Orientation will happen Monday, August 28^th  at 6:00 p.m. in the K. Bruce Sherbine Lounge. Penn State Worthington Scranton Chancellor Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, Ph.D., will welcome students. Mr. Leon John, assistant director for Student Unions, Programs and Activities will offer an overview of Student Life Services. An extensive introduction to Penn State technology will take place as well as presentations on financial aid and course selection. Penn State Worthington Scranton Orientation Chairperson Danielle Cebulko will close the program. Throughout the evening, presenters will be available and Orientation Aids will be on hand to conduct campus tours.

On Thursday, August 31^st New Student Orientation and Convocation will take place throughout the day. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Dr. Krogh-Jespersen will welcome new students to campus at 9:00 a.m. followed by a faculty address by Mr. Ron Yevitz, business program chairman at Penn State Worthington Scranton. Students will then hear remarks from Student Government Association President Jonathan Bossick and Vice President Robert White. 

Hosted by Jack Chamber, a fun series of “Jack-Activities” will take place on the Campus Patio from 10:00 a.m. until Noon. Lunch will be served at Noon right on the Patio.

From 1:00 until 1:45 p.m., small groups will form for an in-depth look at First Year Experiences. These meetings will be facilitated by Orientation Advisors. Next, students will convene by Penn State College groupings from 1:45 until 2:30 p.m. These are mandatory meetings where such topics at Major Requirements, Location Changes, Career Outlooks and the general nature of a student’s individual college choices will be explored.

From 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. students will be given an overall look at technology at Penn State, a Big-10, research-oriented university. The formal components to the Day end at 3:00 p.m.

Students with interests in Penn State Athletics can attend an optional meeting at 3:00 p.m. Also, a Financial Aid Work Study and Job Fair will take place at 3:00 p.m. Any student with Financial Aid questions should attend.

Finally, students interested in Study Abroad during the Spring Semester of 2007 are encouraged to attend an information session with Dr. John Dolis, professor of English, who will coordinate a trip to Dublin, Ireland next spring. The trip will enable students to earn credit for Modern Irish Literature and Contemporary Irish Literature.

The Program begins at 6:00 PM with a Welcome from the Chancellor of Penn State Worthington Scranton, Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, Ph.D.
 
“Spend A Summer Evening” is for students just beginning their college searches,“ said Sandra Feather, MSPT, associate director of enrollment management at Penn State Worthington Scranton. “This is a fun invitation to students and families to visit the campus, introduce them to Penn State students, faculty and staff and get some preliminary questions answered. If students are undecided about what or where they want to study, this event is for them.”

Mrs. Feather added, “students will also hear about academic advising, career counseling, internship opportunities and they can get talk to current Penn State Worthington Scranton students leaders.”

“Spend A Summer Evening” will provide information on academic majors, student research, internship opportunities, honors programs, athletics, student clubs, financial aid, housing, student leadership, career services, advising, admissions criteria and more.
 
Campus representatives will be available to explain the application process and discuss ways to help make college more affordable through scholarships and other financial aid.

“Spend A Summer Evening” will provide information on starting the first two years of over 160 Penn State majors locally, or enrolling in Penn State bachelor’s degree programs which can be completed at Penn State Worthington Scranton. These programs include business, human development and family studies, information sciences and technology, American studies, letters, arts and sciences, nursing, and organizational leadership.

Students can also explore the new master’s degree in education.

Two-year associate degrees available at Penn State Worthington Scranton include architectural engineering technology, business, human development and family studies, information sciences and technology, letters arts and sciences, and nursing.
 
To register, go to www.sn.psu.edu/Admissions/admevents.htm?cn1125 or call us at 963-2500.  

Dr. Hollowell has extensive student mentoring experiences. He has serves as an Upward Bound Counselor, Inroad Faculty Liaison, Black Executive Exchange Speaker, SOAR mentor, FYS co-coordinator, and Wall Street Student Educational Opportunity, (SEO), summer orientation program leader.

Dr. Hollowell earned his doctorate degree in Finance and quantitative economics and statistics from Florida State University and successfully completed doctoral level studies in Quantitative Economics and Statistics also at Florida State University. He was voted the top graduating finance doctoral student by the faculty at Florida State University’s Department of Business and represented the university at a national symposium with over 100 other top doctoral students in Toronto, Canada.  He earned the bachelor in business administration degree from LeMoyne-Owen College, earning Faculty Assembly Service Award and graduating as Valedictorian with Highest Distinction.

Dr. Hollowell taught Finance at Florida State University and was assistant professor of finance at University of La Verne, Los Angeles, CA. He was business professor and MBA director at Mount Marty College.

Dr. Hollowell served as assistant controller at Guardian Bank, Boca Raton, FL and was an actuary with the American International Group in New York City. He also served at J.P. Morgan, Inc. where he focused on international mergers and acquisitions and as a Wall Street financial analyst.

Dr. Hollowell’s research interest lay in agency theory, banking efficiency, mergers and acquisitions, executive compensation, ethics, corporate control, initial public offerings, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

He has published research articles in the Journal of Bank, Accounting and Finance, Journal of Business and Economics, Teaching Excellence Journal, Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal and Contemporary Finance Digest. He recently published an article on mergers and acquisitions in International Finance Journal. He is also a prolific presenter and is available to discuss his recently published findings.

Dr. Hollowell’s academic service credentials are varied. These include service as the program committee chair for the Southern Finance Association, membership of the organizing committee for the International Financial Management Association, peer reviewer for six elite finance and economic journals, alumni activity for the KPMG sponsored PhD. Project, and membership of The Forum on Black Affairs at Penn State University, University Park.

Dr. Richard Barshinger, will be remembered at a Memorial Service held Thursday, September 28th at Noon in the Shernine Lounge. He pased away at home on Sunday, July 16th.

We have made the showcase on the first floor of Dawson available for mementos and notes for Dr. Barshinger.

Dr. Barshinger earned a bachelor of physics degree from Lebanon Valley College where he graduated summa cum laude. He received his master’s degree in mathematics from Penn State and a doctorate in mathematical sciences from the State University of New York, Binghamton.

An innovative teacher of mathematics, Dick was a pioneer in using microcomputers to teach matrix algebra. He joined the Penn State faculty in 1970 and developed several new courses. He was awarded grants for various projects from Computer Based Educational Laboratories and Penn State.

In 1985 he was elected to the New York Academy of Science and in 1990 he received the Pharmakon Laboratory Award for Excellence in Scholarship. He was also listed in Who’s Who in Frontiers of Science and Technology, second edition.

Dick regularly published in professional journals including SIAM, (Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics) Journal on Applied mathematics. He presented dozens of papers at major regional and national meetings.

He served Penn State in many capacities over 36 years and had been named Chairman of the Promotion and Tenure Committee for this coming year.

A well-known area organist and harpsichordist, Dick was a liaison to the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. He served as organist at the Church of the Epiphany, Glenburn.

He leaves behind two children, Adrien and Jim, a grandson, his companion Barb Castanzo and many dear friends and colleagues.

Peace,

Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen

“Earlier this spring we completed work on our baseball fields and they look great. When we looked at the age of our Cafeteria,” she noted,” it was obvious that a complete renovation was in order. Demolition is complete and so the rebuilding phase is underway.”

Gene Grogan, director of the business office at Penn State Worthington Scranton manages the physical plant at the school. “We began demolition in early May,” he said, “and right now the facility is completely gutted, down to the brick and concrete. Offices were temporarily relocated and entrances to the building have closed and opened at various times for safety,” he added. “We keep the campus community informed as work progresses. Construction will take place throughout the summer. At one point we will move the Campus Bookstore downstairs to the Sherbine Lounge. This will also be a temporary relocation. This keeps the facility accessible to students, faculty and staff throughout the project.”

Mr. Grogan noted that the project constitutes the largest renovation that the campus has ever experienced. “Certainly there will be inconveniences during the project,” he noted, “but the work is being phased in such a way as to keep those inconveniences to a minimum. Summer classes and our Nittany Camps will not be adversely affected by this project.”

Grogan noted that a major road replacement project is also underway throughout the campus. The lower campus road, leading from University Drive behind the Gallagher Conference Center, is receiving new curbs and resurfacing. This road runs behind the Library connecting the Nursing Department and the Multi-Purpose Building. Another road paving project will replace paving in front of the campus Maintenance Building.

Dr. Krogh-Jespersen noted that the scope of the project reflects Penn State Worthington Scranton’s commitment to the future and the overall vitality of the institution. “We are all very excited about enhancing our campus. The work underway in our Cafeteria replaces a facility that was well planned and very well used,” she said. “Penn State Worthington Scranton’s new Cafeteria was designed by the architectural firm of Highland Associates of Clarks Summit. The project will nearly double the student service and food preparation areas. Included in the project is a 60-seat conference and dining area. This project will totally rebuild the Student Activities Office, Student Government Association offices, the office space for Cub’s Roar, our student newspaper and will refurbish the Bookstore. Of course the entire facility is wireless accessible throughout for internet access,” added Dr. Krogh-Jespersen.

The Penn State Worthington Scranton project is scheduled for completion well before the start of the fall semester.

Academic Excellence Awards were given to students demonstrating outstanding achievement in the individual disciplines. The disciplines and recipients are as follows: Biological Sciences, Anjolii Diaz, Milford; Business, Christine Neumann, Dunmore; Creative Writing, Vanessa Caparo, Moscow; Education, Laura Perry, Scranton; Engineering, Jeromy Petch, Jermyn; Engineering Technology, Raymond Ubaldi, Jr., Hawley; English Composition, Laura Gilpin, Scranton; Human Development and Family Studies, Jeanette Borosky, Exeter; Humanities, Kate Pidgeon, Jermyn; IST, Marcy Stanton, Throop; Mathematics, Matthew Merkel, Olyphant; Music and Visual Arts, Peter Robinson, Greentown; Nursing, Kimberly Muchal, Jessup; Physical Sciences, Jeromy Petch, Jermyn; Social Sciences, Frank Shaffer, Lake Ariel; Spanish, Sara Sledzinski, Lake Ariel; Speech Communication, Afghani Roshan, Scranton; and Statistics, Kim Briskie, Moosic.

Outstanding Scholars Awards were presented to students achieving the highest grade point average in the associate and baccalaureate curricula. The award is sponsored by the Penn State Worthington Scranton Alumni Society. Receiving awards were first-year students: Nicholas Nauroth, Factoryville; Sara Sledzinski, Lake Ariel; and David Stefanski, Dunmore; second-year students: Olga Gutenko, Hawley; Joseph Ranner, Honesdale; and Frank Shaffer, Lake Ariel; third-year student Afghani Roshan, Scranton; and fourth-year student Laura Gilpin, Scranton.

Receiving the Alumni Association Lifetime Membership Award was Laura Gilpin, Scranton.

The Honors Program Christopher Sturchio Service Award for outstanding service on behalf of the program was presented to Marcy Stanton, Throop. 

The Wall Street Journal Award for the outstanding associate degree graduate in the business administration curriculum was given to Laura Gilpin, Scranton.

The Richard and Lois Ostroski Family Award for Adult Learners was presented to the adult student with the highest grade point average upon completion of his or her freshman year. This year’s recipient was David Stefanski, Dunmore.

Receiving the Patrick J. and Mary Jane Sheridan Award for Excellence in Financial Services for the outstanding student in the bachelor of science degree in business, financial services option, was Afghani Roshan, Scranton.

The Walter Weber Memorial Award in Theatre and Speech Communications was presented to Daniel Tatulli, Gouldsboro.

The following students who participated in the Penn State Worthington Scranton Honors Program were awarded certificates:

First year students – John Anyang, Scranton; Randy Coulthard, Archbald; Allasondra Evans, Falls; William Freeman, Ransom; Olga Gutenko, Hawley; Tiffany Inman, Courtdale; Samuel Mazzatta, Throop; Matthew Merkel, Olyphant; Ketrin Nashi, Scranton; Nicholas Nauroth, Factoryville; Sandra Postrion, Lake Ariel; Afghani Roshan, Scranton; Frank Shaffer, Lake Ariel; Sarah Sparrow, Carbondale; and Dennis Volkland, Taylor.

Second year – Amy Armstrong, Throop; Vanessa Caparo, Moscow; Carli Shields, Honesdale; Melinda Skutnick, Scranton; Dina Sorensen, Lake Ariel; and Marcy Stanton, Throop.  

Faculty and staff awards were also included in the program.

Janet Ann Melnick, Ph.D., Clarks Summit, instructor/field coordinator in human development and family studies, received the Gertrude Hawk Chocolates Award. The Dr. Richard and Sally Matthews Award for Scholarly Activity was presented to Patricia H. Hinchey, Ph.D., associate professor of education.

Recipient of the newly established K. Bruce Sherbine Penn State Proud Award was Richard F. Dempsey, Dunmore, assistant professor in information sciences and technology.

Parminder Parmar, Ph.D., Clarks Summit, assistant professor of human development and family studies, was the recipient of the Advisory Board Award for Teaching. The David and Joyce Mack Tressler Fund for Professional Development was presented to Deborah Brandt Johnson, Jermyn, alumni and development specialist.

The recipients of the Award for Excellence in Administrative Service were Terri Nealon Caputo, Moscow, admissions counselor, and Leon S. John, Jr., Dunmore, assistant director of programs, unions and student activities. Receiving the Award for Excellence in Support Services was Wayne Reesey, Dunmore, campus technical services.

Penn State Worthington Scranton has the third largest enrollment among the former Penn State Commonwealth College campuses and the second largest business program. However, it has the lowest ratio of assigned square footage to full time students and an acute need for more faculty office space.

Dr. Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, chancellor of Penn State Worthington Scranton, noted that the growing need for business education in our region spurs the project. “There is a dire need to include space for interactive learning that will engage this community in business related partnerships,” she said. “Conferences, lectures and an expanding assortment of business related ventures mandate that Penn State Worthington Scranton take a bold step now to insure our future and address the needs of students.”

The most recent expansion at the campus was the James D. Gallagher Conference Center which opened fall semester 1998. The building provided much needed space and now with the onset of additional bachelor’s degree programs, the need exists for additional square footage to accommodate the focus on a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, the keystone program to be housed in the proposed facility.

Throughout Penn State Worthington Scranton classrooms have been retrofitted to include computerized interactive learning systems. The proposed building will be fully fitted with state-of-the-art interactive technology and be available to the public. Interactive systems will include video conferencing, multimedia and student response systems. The building will also go far to alleviate the acute shortage of faculty assigned office space.

The Penn State Worthington Scranton facility will also consolidate business oriented academic activity into one facility. Similar consolidation was accomplished recently with the school’s Nursing Education renovations.

Dr. Krogh-Jespersen outlined five major issues prompting the facility.  “Penn State Worthington Scranton needs to meet and exceed the expectations of students, alumni, corporate clients and other professionals,” she said. “Secondly, we must address the fact that with the third largest enrollment statewide, and the second largest business program enrollment, we must expand access for all constituencies. Third,” she added, “is our need to stay current and truly reflect the realities and expectations of modern business life. Fourth, northeastern Pennsylvania corporations look to us for workforce development expertise and support. This facility is a tool to fulfill that role. Finally,” added Dr. Krogh-Jespersen, “Penn State Worthington Scranton will meet the needs of our faculty’s professional development and the accreditation mandates for top-notch business programs. We believe that kind of attention to excellence ensures the highest degree of quality of which we are capable as business educators.”

The planned Penn State Worthington Scranton facility may comprise a minimum of 10,000 square feet up to 15,000 square feet, depending on the level of private support secured. The proposed site is near the southeast corner of the campus, directly accessible from the O’Neill Highway. Planners have allocated nearly a third of the square footage for a corporate community center with a tiered lecture facility. Plans also include a lounge and reception area, technology classroom, board room and pantry.

An additional goal is to create two E-learning classrooms and five breakout classrooms in the building. Fifteen faculty offices, a securities trading room and a cyber café are also planned.

Over $700,000 has been raised toward the $1.2 million goal through the “Investing In People” Campaign. This fund raising effort, launched in March, is being led by Campus Advisory Board member and Wayne County Commissioner, Donald E. Olsommer and his son, Keith C. Olsommer, former Penn State football standout. 

Patrick J. Sheridan, CPA, chairman of the Penn State Worthington Scranton Advisory Board, noted that the Board recognizes enormous value in the business building. “This project is needed on so many levels,” said Mr. Sheridan. “By investing in this business building, contributors are giving back to the community and to our people right here at home. The focus of our business program is to provide students with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions, recognize potential, and succeed as qualified professionals. These same students will graduate and make important contributions to this community.”

Immediate past chair of the Penn State Worthington Scranton Advisory Board, Richard M. Walsh, noted a common misconception about Penn State. “I think many people still have the misconception that Penn State gets all of its funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Until I became involved at the campus, I thought so too.”

Unlike many counterparts in the public sector of higher education, Penn State is not state owned and operated. It is separately incorporated with an independent Board of Trustees and is designated as a “state related” university. Walsh added. “Currently tuition represents two thirds of Penn State’s income. Only ten percent of Penn State’s total operating budget comes from State funding.”

Mrs. Maria Russoniello, director of institutional advancement at Penn State Worthington Scranton, acknowledged the work of the “Investing In People” Committee. “While there is obviously much work to be accomplished,” she said, the local community and Penn State family continue to respond.  We are optimistic that we will secure the entire $1.2 million. In just a few months, we have surpassed the half way mark.  We are on a “fast track” to raise these funds and our intent is to reach goal by early fall. “

Mrs. Russoniello stressed that the campus has received some generous gifts and some spaces of the facility have been designated for naming opportunities.  Additional areas of the facility remain to be named such as the Lecture Hall, the E-Learning Classroom, the Cyber Café and others. “There is interest in these areas of the building and the Committee continues to discuss philanthropic support with individuals and corporations throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

“In the coming weeks, we expect to announce several large gifts in support of this project,” she added. “I believe that the business community and our neighboring corporations recognize that support of this project is a solid investment in the future of Penn State Worthington Scranton and that investment has always paid enormous dividends for the community. Everyone associated with the project is extremely excited.”

In an announcement last spring the campus announced that Penn State Worthington Scranton had contributed $67.3 million to the state’s economy and $37.5 million to Lackawanna County’s economy in 2003.

The Penn State Worthington Scranton “Investing In People” Committee includes: former Lackawanna County Commissioner Ray Alberigi; Joseph Alu, CPA; Dante Cancelli, Esq.; Gavin Cerco; Ann Hawk; Matthew Mackie, Jr.; Sally O’Brien, Esq.; David Sanders; Maryla Scranton, Patrick J. Sheridan, CPA, David Tressler and Richard M. Walsh.

Sixty nine percent of Penn State Worthington Scranton’s students are first generation college students. Seventy-five percent receive some form of financial aid. Most Penn State Worthington Scranton students reside primarily in Lackawanna County, and other counties in our service area to include Wayne, Pike, Susquehanna, and parts of Luzerne, Monroe, and Wyoming counties.

Tom Bradley, in his 26th season with the Nittany Lions and his fifth supervising defense, works with the cornerbacks, and is entering his ninth year after coaching the outside linebackers and defensive ends (1988-95). The Nittany Lion defense allowed 21 points or less seven times in 2003 and in 2002 forced 31 turnovers, including 20 interceptions. They ranked 11th nationally in scoring defense.

Bradley, who has played a large role in the success of the defense and recruiting efforts during his tenure, helped develop three All-Americans in the secondary - James Boyd, David Macklin and Kim Herring - the past eight years.

Bradley graduated from Penn State in 1979, after winning football letters in 1977-78, and served as a graduate assistant that fall. He became a full-time staff member in 1980.

In addition to the defensive backs, Bradley also has coached five other positions, coordinated the special teams and served as recruiting coordinator, bringing numerous prep standouts to Penn Staters throughout his tenure. Shane Conlan, O.J. McDuffie, Bryan Scott and Michael Timpson are among the PSU standouts he has coached. Bradley was football and basketball captain at Bishop McCort High School in Johnstown, Pa.

Bradley was joined by Roger Williams, executive director of the Alumni Association, and Joe Battista (JoeBa), the new executive director of the Nittany Lion Club.

A special highlight of Penn State Night was the naming of Mr. Al Magnotta as 2006 Alunus of the Year. Albert J. Magnotta, P.E., P.L.S., serves as President and Principal Professional of CECO Associates, Inc.  Mr. Magnotta is a 1964 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sanitary Engineering.

His professional career began with Bellante, Clauss, Miller, and Nolan where he served as a Project Manager on the Clarks Summit-South Abington Joint Sewer Authority Treatment Plan and Interceptor Project and the Lackawanna River Basin Sewer Authority Treatment Plants and Interceptor Sewer Project.  In 1970, Mr. Magnotta was appointed as the Engineer for the City of Scranton, in 1971 was appointed General Manager of the Sewer Authority of the City of Scranton, and in 1974 joined the Mele Construction Company, a highway, site and utility contractor as Construction Manager.

In 1978, Mr. Magnotta assumed the responsibility as Vice President of CECO Associates, Inc., the firm he co-founded in 1973.  As Principal Professional for technical services, Mr. Magnotta was responsible for management, design, and construction observation on a multitude of major civil works projects including Keystone Sanitary Landfill, Wildcat Creek Flood Control Project, PG Energy Land Use Analysis, PEI Power Park, and the modernization of the Sewer Authority of the City of Scranton's Wastewater Treatment, Conveyance, and Collection Facilities.

Mr. Magnotta is a member of numerous professional associations including the Northeast Chapter of the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society of Highway Engineers, and the Water Environment Federation. He is a Registered Professional Engineer, a Registered Land Surveyor, and a Certified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Magnotta is a member of the Worthington Scranton Advisory Board and serves on the boards of Lackawanna College, St. Joseph’s Home; The Elmhurst Country Club and UNICO national Society.

During the night several items were auctioned including six tickets to the September 9th Penn State Notre Dame game at South Bend. 

For more information about the Greater Scranton Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association visit their website at  www.psualum.com/chapter/scranton. 

Results were:

First flight winners
        1st place: (61) Al Magnotta, Vince Magnotta, Robert Pettinato, Nick Scandale
        2nd place: (63) Pat Rose, Tim Rose, George Reihner, Bill Pabst
Second flight winners
        1st place: (68) Tom Skibinski, Karl Pfeiffenberger, Andy Scrip, Paul Gaulderi
        2nd place: (69) Kathy Oven, Dot Mackie, Pat Atkins, Samantha Weaver

Congratulations to all participants and volunteers. Everybody came away a winner.

Penn State Worthington Scranton granted baccalaureate degree in business, human development and family studies; information sciences and technology; and nursing. Associate degree were awarded in architectural engineering technology; business administration; human development and family studies; information science and technology; letters, arts and sciences; and nursing.

“One hundred and seven Penn State Worthington Scranton students fulfilled their degree requirements during the spring semester,” said Dr. Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen. “And it is with great pride that we acknowledge their accomplishments and wish them well in pursuing their future career and academic goals.” She added, “these campus graduates join a powerful alumni network of hundreds of thousands of Penn Staters across the United State and around the world.”

Graduates were introduced by Dr. Michael Mahalik, director of academic affairs at Penn State Worthington Scranton. John J. Baildon, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics served as faculty marshal.

Introducing Commencement Speaker Ann Hawk, was Advisory Board Chairman Patrick J. Sheridan, C.P.A.  Mr. Rick Pambianco, campus alumni society president offered the charge to the new group of Penn State Worthington Scranton alumni.

Graduating with Distinction were: Kimberly M. Jeryga, Jessup, Human Development and Family Studies; Kathleen M. Parlanti, Clarks Summit, Nursing; Michelle Szymanski, Throop, Nursing; Rebecca A. Topa, Moscow, Nursing; and Dina M. Sorensen, Lake Ariel, Nursing.
The following students graduated with the highest grade point average in respective majors earning associates degrees include: Dana Grinzi, Scranton, Business Administration; Trudy A. Nelson, Clarks Summit, Letters, Arts and Sciences; Andrew P. Folkes, Scranton, Architectural Engineering Technology; Kathleen M. Parlanti, Clarks Summit, Nursing; and William Bobar, Jr., Olyphant, Information Sciences and Technology. Students with the highest grade point average in their major receiving bachelors degrees were Afghani Roshan, Scranton, Business; Kimberly M. Jeryga, Jessup, Human Development and Family Studies; Dina M. Sorensen, Lake Ariel, Nursing; and James F. Kanavy, II, Scranton, Information Sciences and Technology.

The following graduates received the associate in science degree in business Administration: Kristin L. Carpenter, Greentown;  Keith J. Donnelly, Hawley;  Joann H. Fanning, Dunmore; John J. Gentile, Madison Township; Dana L. Grinzi, Scranton; Kyle Kovaleski, Browndale; Dione L. White, New Milford; and Brian J. Youshock, Dickson City.

The following Penn State grads received the bachelor of science in business: Michael A. Amadoro, Archbald; Stephen M. Armstrong, Dickson City; Joann T. Blackledge, Blakley; Michael D. Borick, Throop; Ronald J. Chrzan Jr., Archbald; Thomas W. Glynn II, Lake Ariel; Dawn E. Harris, Scranton; Keith M. Kleback, Taylor; Joseph X. Kohut, Carbondale; Sara M. Krenitsky, Dunmore; Anthony N. Marino, Jessup; Dominic L. Mazza, Archbald; Jason J. Palonis, Clarks Summit; Alyson L. Pauselli, Lake Ariel; Corey T. Robinson, Dunmore; Afghani Roshan, Scranton; Matthew E. Sandherr, Factoryville; Jeffrey D. Schlittler, Moscow; Benjamin A. Schuit, Lake Ariel; Martin J. Simyan, Moscow; Kevin J. Stanford, Waymart; Vladimir Visotsky, Scranton; and Jonathan Von Ahnen, Dickson City.

The following Penn State Worthington Scranton graduates earned the bachelor of science degree in Human Develoment and Family Studies:  Kimberly M. Jeryga, Jessup;  Megan Kosik, Scranton; Kristen A. Loff, Jermyn; Lori M. McCracken, Clarks Summit; Kristin E. Schick, Blakely; and Stephanie Skeras, Scranton.

Graduates who received the Associate in Arts, Letters and Sciences included:  Aimee M. Jenkins, Clarks Summit; and Trudy A. Nelson, Clarks Summit.

In the Penn State College of Engineering, the following graduates earned the Associate in Engineering Technology, Architectural Engineering Technology:  Andrew P. Folkes, Scranton; Joshua J. Galaydick, Dickson City; Britton A. Reider, Fleetwood; and Ryan C. Smyth, Lakeville.

From the Penn State College of Health and Human Development, the following graduates earned the  associate in science in nursing:  Tammy M. Arcieri, Scranton;  Esther L. Axtell, Olyphant; Sherri L. Barrett, Greentown; Susan S. Bartholomew, Scranton; Robert C. Bresser Jr., Moscow; John A. Caporelli, Scranton; Gregory Evanina, Olyphant; Joseph N. Fazio III, Clarks Summit; Jessica D. Filipski, Dunmore; Heather A. Frushon, Olyphant; Leslie A. Gilgallon, Dickson City; Linda A. Giumento, Archbald; Elizabeth A. Hoban, Moosic; Jennifer M. Hoover, Moscow; Christopher M. Hreha, Archbald; Christine A. Hubert, Scranton; Jamie E. Hunt, Dalton; Theresa A. Kearney, Archbald; Jane M. Kuchinski, Moosic; Michel Lipperini, Scranton; Cari A. Mancini, Madisonville; Jeanette McCormack, Dunmore; Amy M. McDermott, Dupont; Megan J. McLaughlin, Scranton; Lori A. Nolan, Scranton; Brendan T. Noto, Clark Summit; Jennifer Ogden, Scranton; Julie R. Olver, Honesdale; Kathleen M. Parlanti, Clarks Summit; Brad L. Passino, Scranton; Violeta Pena, Scranton; Sharon J. Phillips, Clarks Green; Webster L. Roberts, New Milford; Holly R. Romancho, Throop; Michele A. Scavo, Old Forge; Mary Sciartilli, Clarks Summit; Kimberly E. Simmel, Clarks Summit; Susan E. Stanco, Clarks Summit; Patricia H. Stewart, Thompson; Kristen J. Sweeney, Hawley; Michelle Szymanski, Throop; Rebecca A. Topa, Moscow; and Theresa A. Zdaniewicz, Falls;

Graduates who earned the Penn State Bachelor of Science in Nursing include: Laura A. Anelli, Dunmore; Danielle J. Calabrisotto, Thornhurst; Holly A. Jenkins, Norristown; Kathylee Johnson, Scranton; Marie A. May, Clarks Summit; Marie C. Sakowski, Nanticoke; Larissa A. Skula, Old Forge; Dina M. Sorensen, Lake Ariel; and Susan M. Tomaine, Archbald;

The following Penn State Worthington Scranton graduates received the associate in Science Degree in Information Sciences and Technology:  William Bobar Jr., Olyphant;  Gerald Geary, Scranton; Thomas J. Katchur, Jessup; and James Mancuso, Greenfield Township;

Earning the Bachelor of Science degree in Information Sciences and Technology are:  Brenda L. Bader, Scranton; Nicholas K. Jury, Waverly; James F. Kanavy II, Scranton; Joseph M. Keating, Tafton; Jesse J. Kuha, Peckville; and Mark P. Savignano, Tunkhannock.

The following Penn State baccalaureate degree recipients reside in the Greater Scranton area and chose to participate in Commencement at Penn State Worthington Scranton.

From the Penn State College of Communications, receiving the Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications is Jessica M. Domenick of Archbald.

From the Penn State Eberly College of Science, receiving the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics is Damian J. Chipriano of Dunmore.

Mrs. Hawk's affiliation with Penn State is nearly life-long. She and her husband, David Hawk, first met in the Library as students at Penn State Worthington Scranton.

The legacy of the Hawk family begins with Elmer and Louise Hawk, who together have created a history of commitment, service, and generosity to Penn State Worthington Scranton. Ann Hawk continues to be a vital part of the life of Penn State Worthington Scranton. She joined the school's Advisory Board on January 1, 1998.  

A native of the Greater Scranton area, Mrs. Hawk earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development at Penn State University. She received her Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Marywood University.

Ann Hawk is a certified Rosen Method Bodywork practitioner with an office in Dunmore. She is training to be a Rosen Method Movement teacher. Rosen Method practitioners use their hands to “listen” to patients’ rather than manipulate, focusing on chronic muscle tension. As relaxation occurs, unconscious feelings, attitudes, and memories sometimes emerge.

Ann Hawk is a member of the board of the United Way of Lackawanna County and Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen. She formerly served the Saint Joseph Foundation Board, Mercy Hospice Bunny Brunch, The Lackawanna College board and that of Telespond.

She and her husband, David, are members of the Penn State University Mount Nittany Society. Their generosity has benefited various campus endeavors, including the school's scholarship program, service awards, and forthcoming business building.

The Hawks operate Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, a family owned and operated concern, now in its third generation. David is Chairman of the Board and Director of Research and Development. Gertrude Hawk Chocolates produces 24 million pounds of chocolates annually, and employs over 1000 people in their manufacturing plant and 74 retail outlets.

The Hawk's have four children, Jennifer, 29; Carolyn, 27; Paul, 25: and Patrick,22. They also have two grandchildren, Austin Tarrach, three and Zoe Tarrach, six months.  

Ann and David Hawk reside in Dunmore.

“Students often come to quantitative classes, like investments, with a built in math aversion,” he said. “This approach utilizes an investment simulation that endows each student with $500,000 to invest in stocks, bonds, futures and options with a real brokerage account.  Students are allowed 120 trades throughout the semester and they can phone, fax or execute their trades online.

“What makes the Worthington Scranton approach unique is that the $500,000 investment portfolio project is integrated into every aspect of the course. This is accomplished by implementing a graduate level, project-based learning (PBL) pedagogy used by many top MBA programs.  Under this teaching methodology,” says Dr. Hollowell, “there is no lecturing, memorizing facts, or exams.  However,” he cautions, “students are challenged to read, synergize, and create investment knowledge at a rapid pace, because the semester project is alive and seems to take on a life of its own from one day to the next.”

Dr. Hollowell adds that no one can predict from day to day where the market is going to be or what economic news will shock students’ portfolios. “So we have to cover investment topics that are relevant for that day,” he says, “in a “just-in-time” format.

“Many of their issues can not be solved by reading a book or by reviewing a PowerPoint slide,” says Dr. Hollowell. “New knowledge and investment strategies have to be created on the spot because book theory doesn’t always actually work in real life.  Every day before class, I eat a few Maalox since classes are so unpredictable and challenging for the student and for me,” he adds.

Dr. Hollowell’s students work on a $500,000 retirement portfolio. “They take this very seriously. We found,” he says, “that the cumulative and consistent nature of the semester project serves as an excellent vehicle for them to master course learning objectives. Further,” he adds, “the nature of the simulation drives them beyond the course work into a zone where they forget about grades. This type of experiential learning encourages our students to utilize higher learning domains.”

Dr. Hollowell’s finance students at Penn State Worthington Scranton are exceeding his expectations. He cites, “whereas 90 percent of the students had no investing experience before working on the project, now over sixty percent of the students are beating national market benchmarks. Further, 25 percent of the students are beating the professionals on Wall Street.”

Dr. Hollowell will present his innovative teaching method at University Park on April 8th   at the Penn State Symposium for Teaching and Learning with Technology: A Symposium of Faculty Excellence. He will offer his remarks in a specific forum called “New Educational Technologies That Enhance the Classroom Experience.”   

Dr. Hollowell’s presentation will demonstrate how using a cumulative investment simulation helps to generate student motivation and efficacy. An emphasis is placed on integrating the $500,000 investment simulation throughout all lectures, in-class finance labs, group work, study assignments, and semester projects.

Hollowell noted that the investment simulation fosters friendly competition, since students can track their progress relative to peers within their own classroom and across 200 investment classes from around the country.

He found that the simulation technology has been especially effective in helping break down existing barriers to entry for under-represented groups in finance like women, minorities, and first-generation college students.

Dr. Hollowell joined the faculty of Penn State Worthington Scranton in fall of 2005. His research interests focuses on the areas of agency theory, banking efficiency, mergers and acquisitions, executive compensation, ethics, corporate control, initial public offerings, the scholarship of teaching and learning and adult learning theory.

While in industry, Dr. Hollowell served as assistant controller at Guardian Bank, Boca Raton, FL and was an actuary with the American International Group in New York City. He also served at J.P. Morgan, Inc. where he focused on international mergers and acquisitions as a Wall Street financial analyst.

Dr. Hollowell’s academic service credentials are varied and active and include his service as co-president of the Los Angeles Investment Banking Board. He resides in Clarks Summit, PA.

Dr. Parmar will chair Panel 3 of the Conference entitled “(Un) Modeling Indianess: Diaspora Cultures and the Acquisitions of Cultural Identity.”

Dr. Parmar is a noted authority in the areas of early childhood development, education and parenting. Dr. Parmar earned her doctorate degree in child and adolescent development from the University of Connecticut. She received the master of science degree in child development from Punjab Agricultural University, (PAU), India, and a bachelor of science degree in home science from the Gobind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, India. She was awarded several assistantships at Penn State which involved research, teaching and undergraduate mentoring.

Dr. Parmar’s research interests include parenting practices, cross cultural parenting studies, and early childhood development and education. She has over 15 years of teaching, extension and research activities, including work as a research associate in the Family Nutrition Program at the University of Connecticut and graduate research assistant, International Study of Children, Parents, and Schools (The Netherlands, US, Australia, Spain, Italy, Poland and Sweden) through the Human Development and Family Studies Programs at Penn State. At PAU in India, she held the position of assistant professor, assistant extension specialist, and faculty in-charge of student affairs.

Dr. Parmar attends numerous conferences and seminars. She is a member of the International Maternal and Child Health Association of India; The Society for Research in Child Development; The International Society of Social and Behavioral Development; The Society for Cross-cultural Research and the Child Development Society, where she serves as secretary. She is also a member of the Indian Association for Preschool Education.

Dr. Parmar is extensively published and is a popular author in India on such diverse topics as Child Births In Water, The Take Off of Universal Immunization, Enuresis and the Philosophy of Early Childhood Education. She has delivered televised talks on Indian State television aimed at parents on topics such as childcare practices and child development.

She is an active international presenter and educator and has contributed information to conferences in Sweden, Australia, China, Switzerland as well India. Working with UNICEF, Dr. Parmar conducted a course entitled “Care and Development In Pregnancy” at a workshop on Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas at Ludhiana, India. 

Dr. Parmar worked closely with poor rural women to educate them for uplifting standards of health and sanitation. She taught nutrition, gardening and healthy eating and also provided information about supplementing the family income through creating and marketing arts and crafts.

Parmar resides in Clarks Summit.

Achievement Night – A Penn State Worthington Scranton celebration of our students' outstanding research, projects and other creative works.

This spectacular event will be held this Friday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Gallagher Conference Center.  Nearly 50 students will be showcasing contributions in the areas of science, persuasive speeches, German poetry, original poetry, business, independent research, computer programming and much, much ,more.

We are inviting students, faculty, friends and family to see the excellent work our students accomplish right here at Penn State Worthington Scranton.

For more information or to participate, contact Renee Bishop at 963-2585.

Skywarn spotters are weather enthusiasts trained to report potentially life threatening weather and storm damage to both the National Weather Service and the news and weather team at WYOU.  Skywarn spotters are an essential cog in the whole forecast process, providing real-time, on the ground reporting.   The class is free and open to the public.

To register, visit WYOU online at www.wyou.com and click on the Skywarn logo. Call 823-2828, ext. 7021 for additional information.

Co-chair Emeritus of the California Committee of Human Rights Watch, Mike Farrell is also the spokesperson for CONCERN/America, an international aid and development organization. He has been President of the Board of Directors of Death Penalty Focus for the past 10 years, and a Good Will Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Know to millions of world viewers for his M.A.S.H. character B.J. Hunnicutt and later from NBC’s Providence, Farrell was also the producer of Universal Pictures hit “Patch Adams.” Farrell was vice president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) for three years and is now completing a three year term as a member of SAG’s board of directors.

A refugee aid and human rights activists for over 20 years, Farrell first traveled to CONCERN sites on the Thai/Cambodian border in 1980. Throughout the following decade he took part in multiple aid missions and human rights delegations to El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras. After one such occasion Farrell represented the delegation in testimony before the US Congress. During those same years, participation in such delegations took him to the former Soviet Union, Paraguay and Chile.

In 1988, Farrell traveled to Egypt, Jordon, Syria and Israel exploring opportunities for peace in the Middle East. After returning to the region in 1990, he went directly to Prague to be part of a team of international election observers for the first free post-war elections in Czechoslovakia. A third trip to the Middle East in 1992 focused on medical programs for children. Later that same year, on behalf of the UNHCR, Farrell went to Somalia, then to Bosnia. In 1995, again with the UNHCR, Farrell returned to Africa, this time to Rwanda, Zaire and Tanzania.

In the late 1990’s, Farrell went on a mission to the US/Mexican border areas of California and Arizona accompanying Human Rights Watch (HRW) investigators. They were looking into claims of abuse against the undocumented by US border patrol agents. In 1999, again with an HRW investigator, Farrell toured and interviewed prisoners at McAlexster State Prison in Oklahoma focusing on the notorious segregation of its H-Unit.

Farrell is a known opponent to the death penalty and an advocate of prison reform. He has visited prisons throughout the United States and has been involved in death penalty cases across the country and abroad. Farrell’s time is shared between humanitarian efforts and a busy film schedule. His discussion at Penn State Worthington Scranton will take place in the campus’ Multi-Purpose Building at 7:30 p.m. For additional information call the Student Activity Office at Penn State Worthington Scranton at 963-2700.

The program will take place at Keystone Consulting & Associates, 34 Brown Street, Honesdale on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Mr. Gary Burcher of Keystone Consulting will lead the discussion on “Career Opportunities in Architecture, Architectural Engineering Technology and the Building Construction Industry.” He will also conduct a tour of the Keystone facility.

Keystone Consulting, a leading northeastern Pennsylvania Architectural and Engineering firm, is working on construction projects locally and nationally. A major project is an indoor soccer dome in Williamsport, PA which, when completed, will be the largest such facility in the United States. Other projects locations include Mountaintop, PA and Florida.

For additional information or to make reservations, contact Ms. Tina Merli, P.E, Architectural Engineering Technology Program Coordinator at Penn State Worthington Scranton at 963-2574. Ms. Merli can be contacted via email at tmm8@psu.edu. Reservations can also be made by contacting Scott Douglas Allen, AIA, AET instructor at Penn State Worthington Scranton at 963-2575. Mr. Allen can be emailed at sda15@psu.edu.

John Campbell, president of the Penn State Worthington Scranton Veterans Club noted that attendees will be welcomed by Dr. Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, chancellor, colors will then be posted.

Chaplain Dale Pepper will say the Invocation which will be followed by the National Anthem. 

Mr. Paul J. Perrone, senior instructor of English at Penn State Worthington Scranton will introduce guest speaker Captain Clyde Brown.

Club President Campbell will introduce attending veterans and units. Prior to the retiring of colors there will be a moment of silence to commemorate the fallen.

Sponsored by Prudential Financial, Penn State Worthington Scranton will hold a Professional Protocol & Business Etiquette Program on Friday, April 7th . Ms. Brannon notes that Penn State Worthington Scranton is serious about giving their students a competitive edge. They invited Jane G. Goodrich, MBA, an instructor of Management and Marketing, Black School of Business at Penn State Erie, and The Behrend College to present a three and half hour course.

Ms. Goodrich is director of The Business Bridge, an educational initiative for second year business students. She has presented sessions for several hundred students in communication and self-presentation skills, and presents by invitation at conferences sponsored by The Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business.

Ms. Goodrich has completed extensive research on etiquette and protocol. She has authored “Proposal for an Advanced Level College Course in Executive Etiquette and Professional Protocol.” The paper continues to draw the attention of both regional and national business leaders. Ms. Goodrich established a consulting firm, Executive Education Services, specializing in enhancing the communications, self-presentation, and managerial skills of business professionals.

Mary Lynn Brannon summed up the rational behind the Penn State Worthington Scranton effort. “In today’s competitive job market, exemplary dress, behavior, and observation of proper protocol convey credibility and competence,” she said. “We want Penn State graduates to continue to stand out and this is a great hands-on way to offer instruction.”
 

The Professional Protocol & Business Etiquette Program will also include sessions on self-presentation and interviewing skills. The Dining Etiquette Luncheon Workshop takes place from 11:30 a.m. until 1:20 p.m. in the Gallagher Conference Center.

The concert will be held in the K. Bruce Sherbine Lounge. There is no charge for the concert and the public is warmly invited to attend.

The Penn State Worthington Scranton Jazz Band is made up both students and faculty playing trumpets, saxophones, flutes, low brass, guitars, keyboard, and drums. Several former Penn State Worthington Scranton Jazz Band members will be returning to perform for this performance.

The Chorale is a mixed group of voices also consisting of Penn State Worthington Scranton students with many faculty and staff.

ISECON is an international conference which brings together information systems educators from around the world. ISECON, which has been held annually since 1982, is the largest, continuously running conference for Information Systems Education.

ISECON is managed by the Education Special Interest Group and sponsored by the Foundation for Information Technology Education and the Association of Information Technology Professionals. The Conference typically addresses issues of Accreditation, Capstone Experience, Distance Learning Challenges and Solutions, Ethics, IS Education Best Practices, Service Learning, Staying Abreast of Technology, Model Curriculum, both graduate and undergraduate, Doctoral Student Papers, Pedagogy, Project Management and Security and other pertinent topics.
 
Dr. Peslak has served as assistant professor at Penn State Worthington Scranton since fall of 2002. He is extensively published and conducts in-depth research in the areas of Information Economics, the Ethical and Societal Impact of Information Technology, Enterprise Resource Planning, and Information Technology Pedagogy.

Dr. Peslak’s extensive bibliography lists publications in scholarly journals such as: Communications of the ACM, Journal of Computer and Information Systems, Information Resources Management Journal, Information Systems Educational Journal, Journal of Information Technology Impact, Australasian Journal of Information Systems, Information Research, Issues in Information Systems and others. He was recently named to the editorial board of The Journal Of Information Systems Education (JISE). The Journal of Information Systems Education is the premier academic journal directed towards Information Systems (IS) Education.

He has presented academic papers and contributes to numerous conferences. 

Dr. Peslak holds the Ph.D. in information systems and the Master of Science degree in management information systems from Nova Southeastern University at their Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences. He earned the MBA in finance and a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting with a minor in computer science from The University of Scranton.

He has held several key management positions at regional corporations including Saint-Gobain Corporation, First Security Investments, Certex, Inc., Akzo Nobel Salt, Inc. He resides in Peckville.

Representatives from Penn State’s academic colleges including: Agricultural Sciences, Arts and Architecture, Business, Communications, Division of Undergraduate Studies, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Education, Engineering, Health and Human Development, Information Sciences and Technology, Liberal Arts and Sciences will be on hand.

Students and parents will meet with Penn State staff from Admissions, Athletics, Career Services, Continuing Education, Financial Aid, The Penn State Honors Program, Information Technology, Student Activities, Health Services and the Penn State Travel Abroad Program.
 
Dr. Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, chancellor of Penn State Worthington Scranton will welcome prospective students, their parents and families.  A recent Penn State grad will offer an Alumni Perspective on life at Penn State Worthington Scranton. Ms. Terri Caputo, admissions counselor at Penn State Worthington Scranton will give an overview of life at Penn State and introduce the services offered.

Prospective students attending the Information Night will get first-hand information about life at Penn State Worthington Scranton directly from current student leaders. 

Attending parents can talk to parents of current students at Penn State Worthington Scranton and learn about what mom’s and dad’s can expect when a son or daughter becomes a Penn State student.

Ms. Bonnie Urzen, admissions counselor at Penn State will take attendees through the admissions process and answer any questions. Mr. Gary Edstrom, financial aid coordinator will present a comprehensive overview financing a college education.

Attendees will also be able to take a comprehensive campus tour and get an incredible view of the Lackawanna Valley.

For additional information about Penn State Worthington Scranton Fall Open House, contact the Admissions Office at 570-963-2500.

Dr. Hollowell earned the doctorate degree in Finance with support studies in quantitative economics and statistics from Florida State University. He earned the bachelor in business administration degree from LeMoyne-Owen College, receiving the Faculty Assembly Service Award and graduating as Valedictorian with Highest Distinction.

While in industry, Dr. Hollowell served as assistant controller at Guardian Bank, Boca Raton, FL and was an actuary with the American International Group in New York City. He also served at J.P. Morgan, Inc. where he focused on international mergers and acquisitions as a Wall Street financial analyst.

Dr. Hollowell’s academic service credentials are varied and active and include his service as co-president of the Los Angeles Investment Banking Board. He resides in Clarks Summit, PA.

The Fijian Dance Exhibition will include battle dances, a slap dance, and social dances. The experience includes Fijian drumming. There will also be discourse and insights regarding Fijian life with general information about the Island of Fiji and information concerning service as missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
 
Performers are all volunteers and include Elder Taito and Elder Pead.

Elder Taito from Suva, Fiji is the grandson of the Provincial chief of the Island of Arutuma, Chief Tinvao Taito.  As a member of the well known and respected 12 member all male dance group Tevaka, from the Church College of Latter-Day Saints in Fiji; Elder Taito has performed for numerous events including the Fiji South Pacific Games.  In addition, he is a member of the prestigious Latter-Day Saint School Choir which has placed first in the national Choral Competition in Fiji for three years in a row.  Elder Taito’s musical talents include drums, guitar, music composition, dancing and singing.  Elder Taito’s other interests include aquatic sports, climbing, football and rugby.  Currently completing a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as part of the Pennsylvania Harrisburg Mission, his future plans include performing at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii while attending college to study Engineering.
 
Elder Pead of Orem, Utah will also be participating in the program.  Elder Pead was a member of the elite A cappella Choir at Timpanogos High School.  He won the State award in drama for Contemporary Scene, the Outstanding Performance Award at Regional competition and performed leading roles for several musicals and plays presented by the Productions Company, the Scera Shell Theatre Company and the Hale Center Theater Company.  Currently completing a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as part of the Pennsylvania Harrisburg Mission, his future plans include college with an emphasis in Theatre arts. 
 
Also assisting in the Fijian Dance Exhibition will be Laura Stuart, elementary music teacher for the Lakeland School District, and Linda Stuart of Glenburn. They will work with arrangements, costume and technical support.

Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development Sandi Vito To Deliver Keynote

Penn State Worthington Scranton’s Continuing Education Department will conduct a workplace development seminar entitled: “How To Stay Competitive - Creating Workforce Development Opportunities in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” The seminar will take place Wednesday, March 22nd in the Gallagher Conference Center. The event will start at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at 10:20 a.m. There will be a continental breakfast. A fee of $15 is required.

Sue Fitch, area representative in the Continuing Education Department at Penn State Worthington Scranton noted that the seminar is designed to give managers the tools they need to develop and finance employee training programs. “High performing businesses embrace the notion that employee training is not optional activity,” she said. “However, they may not know that resources are available to make great training happen for them right now. This seminar will tell them where those resources are, and how to get their hands on them fast.” Fitch added, “we’ve put together a panel of speakers who are experts on this topic, including the Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development and the director of the State’s Workforce Investment board. We’re offering a distilled power shot of great information.”

Penn State Worthington Scranton Chancellor Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, Ph.D., will discuss “The Importance of Education and Workforce Development,” to open the seminar. Sue Fitch will discuss “Creating Opportunities with Penn State Worthington Scranton.”

The second half of the morning seminar will focus on Creating Workforce Department Opportunities in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Terri Kaufman, deputy director of Pennsylvania’s Workforce Investment Board will discuss “Pennsylvania’s Incumbent Worker Grants.”

Susan Shaffer, workforce development manager for NEPA Alliance will address “Economic Development and Education in Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

“The Benefits of Cluster and Consortia,” will be the subject of remarks by Eric Joseph Esoda, CPA, director of operations with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resources Center.

Mr. Gerald Ephault, regional manager with Ben Franklin Technology Partners will discuss “Creating A Knowledge Worker Economy.”

Associate Dean of Luzerne County Community College Sue Spry, will address “WEDnet Funding Programs.”

Keynote speaker of the seminar will be Sandi Vito, deputy secretary for Workforce Development for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Deputy Secretary Vito will address “Workforce Development Funding Opportunities in Pennsylvania.”

Remarks by Kim Vangarelli, director of continuing education at Penn State Worthington Scranton will conclude the seminar.

For additional information or to register for the seminar contact Sue Fitch at Penn State Worthington Scranton Continuing Education Department at 570-963-2600. 

Previous alumni of the year include Joseph Alu, Kathleen Bird, Elizabeth Milder Beh, Dr. Peter Bordi, Violet Byron, Attorney Dante Cancelli, John Cappelloni, Dr. Darlene Dunay, Dr. Kenneth Gentilezza, David Hawk, Thomas May, Ann McDonough, Tina Merli, Patrick Sheridan, Thomas Skibinski and Suzanne Thomas.

Mr. Leonard is a 1978 graduate of Penn State, attending both the University Park campus and Penn State Worthington Scranton. He earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He graduated from the Army Management Staff College at Fort Belvoir, VA in 1993 and was an honors graduate from Pocono Central Catholic School in 1974.

Mr. Leonard’s professional civil engineering career began in 1978 when he worked for consulting engineering firms, at M & M Engineering, Inc., Easton, PA and then VEP Associates, Inc, Mount Pocono, PA.   He joined the Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Production Engineering Division in 1982 and in October 1987, he transferred to the Engineering and Housing Division at the depot. He was promoted to Chief of the Engineering Branch in March of 1990, and again promoted to the Tobyhanna Army Depot Facilities Engineer in January 1994.  He served briefly on the Commanding General’s staff at US Army Communications Electronics Command at Fort Monmouth, NJ in 2000 as the Leader of the Facilities Engineering, Housing and Environment Team.  

He began his career with the National Park Service at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Bushkill, PA in December of 2001, as the Park Engineer.  He was named Acting Chief of Maintenance and Construction Management there in January of this year.

The Penn State Worthington Scranton Alum of the Year has numerous continuing education credits earned in courses throughout the United States.  He published an article entitled “Renovations Provide Handicapped Accessibility” in Public Works Digest, US Army Center for Public Works, Alexandria, VA, January 1996.

Mr. Leonard has the distinction of being named the National Park Service -Northeast Region Facility Management –Facility Maintenance Employee of the Year in 2005.  He received a National Park Service Performance Award in November 2003 at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.  He is the recipient of numerous citations in his civilian Army career including the 2001 White House “Closing the Circle Award” for Tobyhanna Army Depot, presented by White House Chief of Staff in June 2001 and he represented Tobyhanna Army Depot as part of the Department of the Army team at the Presidential Award for Federal Energy Management Success on October 2000.  The 1999 Army Materiel Command Department of Public Works Engineering Plans and Services, Executive of the Year was awarded to Mr. Leonard, as well as the U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command Top Ten Outstanding Personnel of the Year in 1999.

He is a member of the Penn State Alumni Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, and Pocono Heritage Land Trust Board of Directors, serving as past president of that organization. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsman’s Clubs, having served on the state board of directors of that organization and is past president of the Northeast Division Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsman’s Clubs.
Mr. Leonard served as past president and is currently secretary of both the Tobyhanna Conservation Association and the Monroe County Federation of Sportsman’s Clubs.  He belongs to Ducks Unlimited, The Ruffed Grouse Society, National Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm Association.

Mr. Leonard is a life-long resident of Tobyhanna, PA and resides there with his wife, Diane, and two dogs, Brandy and Teddy. For information about the Penn State Worthington Scranton Alumni Society meetings and activities call 570-963-2537.

K.J. James is one of the country’s most celebrated bluesman and one of the most beloved campus entertainers in the nation today. His credits include five consecutive NACA Campus Entertainer-Of-The-Year nominations and national acclaim for his contribution to the internationally recognized "Salt City Blues" project.

Mr. James’ career highlights include main stage appearances at Woodstock ’99, the New York Blues Festival and Jazz Fest 2000 in Tampa, Florida.

With a repertoire of over five hundred songs, K.J. James is one of the most engaging and dynamic performers on the blues scene today. The sophistication of his harmony, dexterity and genuine sense of humor is recognized and respected by such blues greats as John Jackson and John Hammond.

For information about this concert contact Mr. Leon John, Jr. Assistant Director of Student Activities, Unions and Programs at 963-2700.

Registration begins at 1:00 p.m. and attendees will get a 30-minute overview of life at Penn State Worthington Scranton. Representatives from Penn State’s academic colleges including: Agricultural Sciences, Arts and Architecture, Business, Communications, Division of Undergraduate Studies, Earth and Mineral Sciences, Education, Engineering, Health and Human Development, Information Sciences and Technology, Liberal Arts and Sciences will be on hand.

Students and parents will also get a chance to meet with Penn State staff from Admissions, Athletics, Career Services, Continuing Education, Financial Aid, The Penn State Honors Program, Information Technology, Student Activities, Health Services and the Penn State Travel Abroad Program.
 
Dr. Mary-Beth Krogh-Jespersen, chancellor of Penn State Worthington Scranton will welcome prospective students, their parents and families to Spring 2006 Open House. Mr.  Robert J. Watts, a 2001 Penn State grad, currently employed at Sanofi Aventis Pharmaceuticals will offer an Alumni Perspective on life at Penn State Worthington Scranton. Ms. Terri Caputo, admissions counselor at Penn State Worthington Scranton will give an overview of life at Penn State and introduce the services offered.

Prospective students attending the Open House will then get to hear first-hand about life at Penn State Worthington Scranton directly from current student leaders. That part of the Open House will take place in the K. Bruce Sherbine Lounge o the Study Learning Center.

Attending parents can talk to parents of current students at Penn State Worthington Scranton and learn about what mom’s and dad’s can expect when a son or daughter becomes a Penn State student.

Ms. Bonnie Urzen, admissions counselor at Penn State will take attendees through the admissions process and answer any questions. Mr. Gary Edstrom, financial aid coordinator will present a comprehensive overview financing a college education.

Attendees will also be able to take a comprehensive campus tour and get an incredible view of the Lackawanna Valley.

For additional information about Penn State Worthington Scranton Fall Open House, contact the Admissions Office at 570-963-2500 or visit the campus web site at www.sn.psu.edu.

Dr. Peslak has served as assistant professor at Penn State Worthington Scranton since fall of 2002. He is extensively published and conducts in-depth research in the areas of Information Economics, the Ethical and Societal Impact of Information Technology, and Information Technology Pedagogy.

Dr. Peslak’s extensive bibliography lists publications in scholarly journals such as: Communications of the ACM, Journal of Computer and Information Systems, Information Resources Management Journal, Information Systems Educational Journal, Journal of Information Technology Impact, Australasian Journal of Information Systems, Information Research, Issues in Information Systems and others.

He has presented and contributed to numerous conferences and recently served as Program Chair for the Information Systems Education Conference (ISECON) 2005, held in Columbus, Ohio last October. ISECON is an international conference which brings together information systems educators from around the world. ISECON, which has been held annually since 1982, is the largest, continuously running conference for IS Education.

Dr. Peslak holds the Ph.D. in information systems and the master of science degree in management information systems from Nova Southeastern University at their Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences. He earned the MBA in finance and a bachelor of science degree in accounting with a minor in computer science from The University of Scranton.

He has held several key management positions at regional corporations including Saint-Gobain Corporation, First Security Investments, Certex, Inc., Akzo Nobel Salt, Inc. He resides in Peckville.

Phil Grosz is owner and editor of Blue and White Illustrated, the leading recruitment magazine for Penn State Football. The Phil Grosz Annual Football Chat provides local Penn State Football enthusiasts an opportunity to get the inside story on Penn State Football prospects for 2006. It also offers a great vantage on Penn State football – who’s new, what worked last year and what is expected to change.

Alumni, students, friends, fans and even regional sports writers are welcomed to attend. Admission is free for Chapter members. Membership is available at the door for $10. General admission is $6.

Anyone needing additional information should call the Penn State Worthington Scranton Athletics Office at 963-2617, or Chapter President Michael Rescigno at 383-0786. The Chapter’s website is located at http://www.PSUalum.com/chapter/scranton.

Penn State Worthington Scranton’s Mentor Program 2006 links campus honor students with Penn State alumni and friends throughout our community who are working in the students’ respective fields of interest.  This spring Penn State Worthington Scranton students will be learning about information technology, marketing, civil engineering, biochemistry, English, psychology, social services, nursing, teaching and philosophy.

“Prudential employees have served as mentors for several years now,” said Gavin Cerco, Prudential Financial vice president for client services. “We are excited about the Penn State Mentor Program and are honored to support it again this year. We believe it’s vital that students have the opportunity to explore career options while still in college. This great program is an ideal way for Prudential Financial to support our entire community through this innovative Penn State Worthington Scranton effort.”

Several Penn State locations across the state have used the Penn State Worthington Scranton Mentor Program as a model for similar efforts. The Penn State Alumni Association has recognized it for excellence. Since its inception nearly 350 students have taken the opportunity to explore careers with the assistance of local professionals.

Penn State Worthington Scranton’s Mentor Program 2006 includes honors students Lawrence Gaik, Clifton; Steven Chimel, Clarks Summit; Olga Guentko, Hawley; Marc Onder, Lake Ariel; Brent Hoban, Lake Ariel; Jennie Havenstrite, Gouldsboro; Stephen Koytek,  Moosic; Julia Hawley, Nicholson; Vanessa Caparo, Moscow; Kathleen Parlanti, Clarks Summit; Allasondra Evans, Falls; Kimberly Jones, Old Forge; Sasha Holgate, Scranton and Andrew Xanthis, Scranton.

Community  mentors for 2006 include: Gregg Loboda, vice president for information systems, Prudential Financial; Michael Hanlon, director of information systems, Prudential Financial; Don French, vice president of marketing, Paper Magic; David Osborne, vice president of CECO Associates; John Havenstrite, mechanical designer, Greenman-Pedersen, Inc.; Peter Pettinato, DVM, veterinarian, Finch Hill Veterinary Clinic; Keith Williams, assistant district traffic manager, PennDOT; Jan Cheripko, author and teacher, The Family Foundation School; Marilyn Deutsch, Ph.D., clinical psychologist; Jennifer Janezic, quality control technician, Sanofi Pasteur; Joseph Daley, superintendent, Valley View High School; Wendy Simons, program manager, Kids Peace; Sara Camaerei, Psy. D., psychologist; and Todd Adams, associate professor of Philosophy, Penn State Worthington Scranton.

Sandra Feather, associate director of admissions at Penn State Worthington Scranton noted that the series is part an outreach effort of the college aimed at answering commonly asked questions. “Virtually every parent and college seeking student are looking for ways to pay for school,” she said. “They also want to know admissions requirements, expectations and the impact of college life on the family. Additionally, there are adult learners looking for resources and needing answers to questions about plugging back into college to complete a certificate course for career development, finish a degree, or start from scratch.
 
“This series of programs brings aspects of the Penn State Worthington Scranton Admissions, Career Counseling and Financial Aid offices right to the community through our local community libraries,” she said.
 
Ms. Feather noted that the programs were tailor-made for face-to-face delivery and that the availability of the Lackawanna County Library system really connects Penn State to the community through a great resource. “Those close to the Lackawanna County Library System understand the incredible value of this resource,” she added. “We are grateful to be able to partner with these community libraries for this program.”
 
Two remaining programs are scheduled. They are:

• “Never Too Late To Get Started” for Adult Learners – Wednesday April 5th, 6:30 p.m., Abington Community Library.

• “Cutting The Strings: Getting Your Child Ready for Freshman Year of College” – Wednesday, June 21st, 6:30 p.m., Abington Community Library.

For additional information about these or any issues relating to college admissions, contact the Penn State Worthington Scranton Admissions office at 570-963-2500.

In addition to offering the first two years of numerous Penn State programs, students can complete a variety of baccalaureate and associate degrees at Penn State Worthington Scranton. Said Dr. Krogh-Jespersen, ”It is with pride that we acknowledge the accomplishments of our campus graduates and wish them well in pursuing their careers and academic goals.”

Penn State Worthington Scranton grants baccalaureate degrees in American Studies, Business, Human Development and Family Studies; Information Sciences and Technology; Letters, Arts and Sciences; and Nursing. Associate degrees are awarded in Architectural Engineering Technology; Business Administration; Human Development and Family Studies; Information Sciences and Technology; Letters, arts and Sciences; and Nursing.

Students who attended Penn State Worthington Scranton, then completed their degree at another Penn State campus, are eligible to participate in commencement at Penn State Worthington Scranton. The College holds commencement ceremonies in December and May.

The Commencement Address was delivered by Parminder Parmar, Ph.D., assistant professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State Worthington Scranton. Chancellor Krogh-Jespersen welcomed the graduates and their guests. Advisory Board Chairman Patrick J. Sheridan introduced commencement speaker, Dr. Parmar.

Introducing Business graduates was Mr. Ronald J. Yevitz, MS, instructor and program coordinator of Business Administration. H. Durell Johnson, Ph.D., associate professor of Human Development and Family Studies introduced graduates in that program. Mr. Paul Perrone, MS, senior instructor of English introduced Letters, Arts and Science graduates. Information Science and Technology grads were introduced by Mr. Richard F. Dempsey, MS, assistant professor and division head, Information Sciences and Technology. Nursing program graduates were introduced by Michael Mahalik, Ph.D., director of academic affairs representing the College of Health and Human Development, Eberly College of Science and the College of Arts and Science. Dr. Mahalik also presented diplomas, with Dr. Krogh-Jespersen conferring.

Mr. Richard Pambianco, BS, president of the Penn State Worthington Scranton Alumni Society delivered the Charge to New Alumni address.

Music for Commencement included “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar, “Embrace The Music” by Greg Gilpin,  “Alma Mater” by Fred Lewis Pattee and “Procession of the Nobles” by Rimsky Korsakov. Musical selections were presented by Sharon Ann Toman, MM, band director, with the Concert Band and Chorale performing.

The following individuals completed their degree requirements in either the summer or fall of 2005. Graduates and their degrees are:

Bachelor of Science in Business: Heather L. Abromavage; Gouldsboro; Nunzio L. Allegrucci Jr., Jermyn; Paul J. Blazek, Scranton; Jamie M. Burrier, Taylor; Armand J. Cencetti III, Old Forge; Robert D. Cicci, Eynon; James D. Cimino, Scranton; Monique R. Cobb, Carbondale; Yolanda M. Davis, Tobyhanna; Christopher J. Di Pietro, Lake Ariel; Kelly A. Evanko, Dunmore; Jonathan M. Evans, Old Forge; Bobbi Jo Faraday, Jermyn; Patrick B. Fisk, Clarks Summit; Matthew J. Gregori, Dickson City; Lisa A. Klein, Chambersburg; Sara M. Krenitsky, Dunmore; Lisa M. Lavelle, Avoca; Ryan P. Loftus, Carbondale; Sean P. Mc Andrew, Scranton; Elizabeth R. McLaine, Elmhurst; Tom Muranyi, Bartonsville; Christina C. Padula, Dunmore; Adam J. Pfeiffer, Gouldsboro; Michael S. Salt II, Lake Ariel; Nicole A. Siemion, Scranton; Rebekah J. Snyder, Scranton; Harry T. Von Oehsen, Hamlin; Paul W. Winger, Dalton; and Matthew J. Zimmerman, Olyphant.

Bachelor of  Science in Human Development and Family Studies: Melissa A. Barako, Scranton; Jeanette M. Borosky, Exeter (graduates with distinction); Kathleen J. Cadden, Scranton; Jaclyn A. Cerco, Clarks Summit; Wilhelmenia F. Coleman, Scranton; Shauna L. Deeter, Ashland; Jacqueline M. Faillace, Hunlock Creek; Ashley A. Fedele, Moscow; Robert F. Fox III, Moosic (graduates with distinction); Gregory P. Germano, Archbald; Kristen M. Herie, Lake Ariel; Heather J. Kulick, Scranton; Emily A. Macneal-McDonald, Scranton; Tonya R. McNair, Susquehanna (graduates with distinction); and Frances M. Mullen, Browndale.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing:  Linda Chorba, Throop (graduates with high distinction); Angela Derby, Larksville; and Mary C. Rovinsky, Archbald.

Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Science and Technology: William Bobar Jr.,  Olyphant; Ryan M. Bockelkamp, Clarks Summit; Gregory C. Drumsta, Scranton; Thomas J. Katchur, Jessup; Keith McCann, Scranton; Dylan J. Smith, Old Forge; and Marcy L. Stanton, Throop (graduates with high distincton).

Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health: Pamela L. Kulp, Clarks Summit.

Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor's Degree in Art: Karen A. Glinsky, Lake Ariel.

Associate in Science in Business Administration: Amanda Belles, Scranton; Jill P. Brennan, Carbondale; Teresa L. Brown, Lords Valley; and Ariana L. Murphy, Lake Ariel.

Associate in Science in Human Development and Family Studies:  Michelle E. Carlucci, Dunmore; Doris M. Hines, Olyphant; Rebekah S. Litwin, Nicholson; and Jennifer E. Zeller, Scranton.

Associate in Arts in Letters, Arts and Sciences: Leslie A. Bacinelli, Madison Township: Mark Farrell, Carbondale; and Mary Jo Paladino, Hazleton.

Associate in Engineering Technology in Architectural Engineering Technology: Anthony C. DeNaples, Dunmore; and Nicole Vest, Olyphant.

Associate in Science in Nursing: Debra L. Desanto, Dunmore; Stephanie A. Evans, Jessup; Debra L. Glavich, Moscow; and Kevin M. McHale, Lake Ariel.

Associate Degree in Information Science and Technology: Stephen R. Cory, Hawley (graduates with distinction); and Greg J. Snyder, Moscow (graduates with distinction).