Photographer Michelle Leonard of Pikes Creek will transition from the Widmann Gallery art curator to featured artist during the final art exhibition of the academic year at King’s College. Leonard will display a collection of photographs in an exhibition titled, “A Few of My Favorite Things,” in the Widmann Gallery from Monday, May 20, through Friday, Aug. 2.

Leonard will display approximately 50 color and black-and-white pieces, ranging from flowers and architecture to motorcycles and people. “Photography is a passion of mine,” said Leonard. “Whether a unique cloud formation, a child’s expression, or that perfect flower in bloom, I try to capture an image that will put a smile on the viewer’s face.”

Leonard has served as the coordinator of King’s Widmann Gallery since 2004. The upcoming exhibit will be Leonard’s first solo gallery showing. She has displayed her photography in several group shows, including the Shulman Gallery at Luzerne County Community College (LCCC). She has won awards for her photography, which is on display at LCCC and in private collections.

Leonard earned a bachelor’s degree from Misericordia University and several graphic associate degrees in design from LCCC, where she serves as an adjunct instructor in the Communications Art Department.

Leonard will discuss her craft during a meet-the-artists reception from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, June 21, in the Widmann Gallery, Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center, located between North Franklin and North Main streets.

The exhibition is free and open to the public. Gallery hours: Mon. through Fri., 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., as arranged. The Gallery is closed on national holidays and during scheduled breaks throughout the academic year. For more information, contact Michelle Leonard, at (570) 208-5900, ext. 5328.

King’s College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

“Farmhouse on Route 100,” photograph by Michelle Leonard will be on display in the Widmann Gallery at King’s College.

The King’s College Board of Directors approved a balanced budget and a strategic plan for the next five years at their May 3-4 meeting, which culminated with the annual President’s Dinner.

The Board approved a balanced $55 million budget for fiscal year 2014, which will begin July 1.

“The College has performed remarkably well since the May 2012 meetings, when King’s was facing a significant projected budget deficit,” said Father John J. Ryan, C.S.C., Ph.D.college president.  “This time last year, we quickly identified fiscal and other challenges, potential solutions to those challenges, and we acted accordingly.  We experienced tremendous support from our Board of Directors, and their effort and commitment were instrumental in improving and stabilizing our financial position.  Despite some difficult choices and actions over the past year, King’s has regained its historically strong financial position.”

In addition, a refinancing initiative for $45 million was approved by the Board that will reduce borrowing cost, fund the gym expansion, and provide resources that can be used to pursue strategic capital initiatives.

The Board also approved the College’s Strategic Plan for 2013-2018: “Engaged Minds. Inspired Hearts.  Purposeful Lives”.  “The plan contains several challenging and exciting initiatives that will enhance King’s hallmark strength of preparing students professionally on a strong liberal arts foundation, with an emphasis on the development of the whole person,” said Ryan.  The plan takes effect with the new fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2013.

The weekend was capped off with the 41^st Annual President’s Dinner, during which King’s thanked its many committed benefactors for their generosity and showcased exceptional members of the Class of 2013.  This year, five students – Katheryn Avila, Ryan Cordingly, Molly Dahl, Christina Marvin, and Anthony Scaccia – were highlighted.  Each student’s family, along with a King’s person who each student indicated had a profound effect on their life, attended the black-tie affair.

“We are here because of our students and for our students.  The life-changing work that happens at King’s can only happen with the help of our benefactors,” Fr. Ryan said.  “The President’s Dinner is a special opportunity to express our gratitude for their support and demonstrate to them first-hand the fruits of their investment in our people.”

A Catholic College Sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

King’s College is offering an opportunity for struggling elementary school learners to interact in small group and one-on-one literacy interventions on June 24-27 during a Reading Specialist graduate class.

Twenty four students who are entering second through fourth grade in the fall will be accepted for the study on a first-come, first serve basis.  Students for the study should have been diagnosed as reading at least two grade levels below the class they are entering.

The students will meet with graduate students from the class on the King’s campus Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. through 11:30 a.m.  Daily sessions will include a whole group motivational activity, small group and individually guided writing, vocabulary development, and diagnostic data collection related to reading fluency and comprehension.  On Friday, the graduate students, under the supervision of full-time faculty members of the King’s education department, will schedule 20-minute conferences with parents of the students involved in the class.  The meetings will be held between 8:30 a.m. and noon.

Graduate students working with the students are completing their field experience requirement for their advanced degree.

The fee for the reading clinic is $50, which includes a daily snack and t-shirt.  Additional information about the class can be obtained by contacting Jill Yurko, director of graduate programs in reading at King’s, at 208-5900, x. 5685 or at jillyurko@kings.edu.  Deadline for registration is June 3.

A Catholic College Sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

May 9, 2013 - The 2012-13 King’s College Annual Fund campaign recently culminated with an on-campus victory luncheon and volunteer recognition event.  Contributions and pledges to the Annual Fund totaled more than $1.31 million. Funds raised during the campaign will help King’s College students with scholarship support, provide funds for faculty development, and enhance campus improvements.

A Catholic College Sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Pictured seated, from left is Rose Marie Panzitta, Team Captain; Jim Gorman, Team Captain; Rev. John J. Ryan, C.S.C., president of King’s; Eileen R. Melone, Chair of the Community Campaign; Tom Semanek, Jr., Team Captain; and Kimberly K. Cardone, King’s Institutional Advancement staff.

Pictured standing, from left is Cheryl Nardone, King’s Institutional Advancement staff; Freddie Pettit, Esq., vice president for Institutional Advancement; Karen Collins, Team Captain; Cathy Beretski, Team Captain; Rose Gryskevicz, King’s Institutional Advancement; Patrice Persico, King’s Institutional Advancement; Todd Serafin, Team Captain; and Brian Vinsko, Esq., Team Captain.

Absent from photo was Msgr. Joseph Rauscher, Chair of the Clergy Campaign and Kevin and Sue Lange, Co-Chairs of the Parents’ Campaign.

The National French Contest, sponsored by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF), produced 45 chapter and 30 national winners from a pool of 448 elementary through high school student entrants from public and private schools in the Wyoming Valley, Milford, Scranton, Pocono, and South Williamsport areas.

The National French contest award recipients from Crestwood High School were national and chapter winner Paige Allen, and chapter winners Gavin Lewis and Joseph Quinn.

The late Dr. Margaret Corgan created the program at King’s in 1969. Since its inception, more than 24,000 students have registered for the test at the College. Corgan, who retired as a member of the King’s faculty in 2012 and passed away in March, was former chairperson of the department of foreign languages at King’s and past president of the local chapter.

Continuing a tradition that began in 1977, King’s College hosted a dinner for area national and chapter French contest winners and guests in the Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center.

King's College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Crestwood High School French contest winners who attended the awards dinner at King’s College are, from left: Joseph Quinn; Renee Schwartz, AATF chapter president and French teacher at Crestwood; and Gavin Lewis. Absent from photo was Paige Allen.

The National French Contest, sponsored by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF), produced 45 chapter and 30 national winners from a pool of 448 elementary through high school student entrants from public and private schools in the Wyoming Valley, Milford, Scranton, Pocono, and South Williamsport areas.

The National French contest award recipients from the Scranton-area include national and chapter winners Rebecca Warholic of Elk Lake High School, and Chiara Caporale of Dunmore High School. Scranton Preparatory School national winners are Curran Hennigan and Mary Lundin. Alexandre Legrand-Wittich of Scranton Preparatory School was achapter winner.

The late Dr. Margaret Corgan created the program at King’s in 1969. Since its inception, more than 24,000 students have registered for the test at the College. Corgan, who retired as a member of the King’s faculty in 2012 and passed away in March, was former chairperson of the department of foreign languages at King’s and past president of the local chapter.

Continuing a tradition that began in 1977, King’s College hosted a dinner for area national and chapter French contest winners and guests in the Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center.

King's College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Scranton-area high school French contest winners who attended the awards dinner at King’s College are, from left: Barbara Alfano, French contest administrator; Rebecca Warholic, Elk Lake; Chiara Caporale, Dunmore; and Renee Schwartz, AATF chapter president.  Absent from photo are: Curran Hennigan, Alexandre Legrand-Wittich, and Mary Lundin.

The National French Contest, sponsored by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF), produced 45 chapter and 30 national winners from a pool of 448 elementary through high school student entrants from public and private schools in the Wyoming Valley, Milford, Scranton, Pocono, and South Williamsport areas.

The late Dr. Margaret Corgan created the program at King’s in 1969. Since its inception, more than 24,000 students have registered for the test at the College. Corgan, who retired as a member of the King’s faculty in 2012 and passed away in March, was former chairperson of the department of foreign languages at King’s and past president of the local chapter.

Continuing a tradition that began in 1977, King’s College hosted a dinner for area national and chapter French contest winners and guests in the Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center.

Local national winners are: Crestwood: Paige Allen; Holy Redeemer: Ennio Mancuso and Briana Scorey; Wyoming Seminary Lower School: Maxim Crispin, Dominick D’Alessandro, Naomi Dressler, Jasmine Hancock, Andrew Kim, Michael Kim, Meghna Melkote, and Gabrielle Snyder; Wyoming Seminary: Rebecca Barnes, Sara Edgar, Maygen Kerner, Eric Massie, Stefan Olsen, Gabriel Pascal, Samuel Perreault, Yale Rosin, Cole Rosner, Sukanya Roy, Alec Samuels, Isaac Sours, Allyson Talarico, and Dominic Wright.

National winners who also received chapter awards are: Paige Allen, Rebecca Barnes, Maxim Crispin, Naomi Dressler, Sara Edgar, Jasmine Hancock, Andrew Kim, Michael Kim, Eric Massie, Meghna Melkote, Samuel Perreault, Stefan Olsen, Yale Rosin, Cole Rosner, Sukanya Roy, Alec Samuels, Briana Scorey, Gabrielle Snyder, and Isaac Sours.

Local chapter winners are: Crestwood: Gavin Lewis and Joseph Quinn; Holy Redeemer: Patrick Loftus and Sarah Williams; Wyoming Seminary Lower School: Beyza Akinci, Madeline Arthur, Kathryn Barilla, Parker Callahan, Kyle Hromisin, Jessica Kilyanek, Duncan Lumia, Ethan Meuser, Olivia Meuser, Olivia Ostrowski, Jonah Pascal, and Vivian Wright; Wyoming Seminary: Jeanne Gensel, Meera Patel, Sarah Scott, Mairead Tuttle, and Jin Xing.

King's College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Wyoming Seminary Lower School winners who attended the awards dinner at King’s College are, seated from left: Vivian Wright, Kyle Hromisin, Jonah Pascal, Ethan Meuser, Kathryn Barilla, Duncan Lumia, Dominick D’Alessandro, Michael Kim, and Andrew Kim.

Standing: Renee Schwartz, AATF chapter president; Sally Sprankle, French teacher, Wyoming Seminary; Meghna Melkote, Gabrielle Snyder, Olivia Meuser, Naomi Dressler, Olivia Ostrowski, Madeline Arthur, Jasmine Hancock, Beyza Akinci, Jessica Kilyanek, Parker Callahan, Maxim Crispin; Emily Bross, French teacher, Wyoming Seminary; and, Barbara Alfano, French contest administrator. 

Local high school French contest winners who attended the awards dinner at King’s College are, seated from left: Patrick Loftus, Holy Redeemer; and Wyoming Seminary students Allyson Talarico, Mairead Tuttle, Yale Rosin, Isaac Sours, Meera Patel, and Jeanne Gensel.

Standing: Barbara Alfano, French contest administrator; Holy Redeemer students Sarah Williams, Ennio Mancuso and Briana Scorey; Crestwood students Gavin Lewis and Joseph Quinn; Wyoming Seminary students Rebecca Barnes, Jin Xing, Maygen Kerner, and Sarah Scott; and Renee Schwartz, AATF chapter president.

Jeff Selingo, editor-at-large for “The Chronicle of Higher Education” and local native, will discuss his new book, “College (Un)Bound: The Future of Higher Education and What it Means for Students” at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 30, in the Burke Auditorium of the McGowan School of Business at King’s College.  A signing will follow the discussion.

In the book, Selingo critically examines the current American higher education system and offers suggestions for its improvement.  The book was released on May 7 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.  Excerpts of the book were recently printed in both “The New York Times” and “The Wall Street Journal.”

Selingo has worked at “The Chronicle of Higher Education” for 15 years and served as its editor from 2007-2011.  In addition to his current “Chronicle” duties, Selingo is also a senior fellow at Education Sector, an independent education policy think tank based in Washington, D.C.

He has been a featured speaker before dozens of national higher-education groups and appears regularly on regional and national radio and television programs, including NPR, ABC, and CBS. His writing has also appeared in “The Washington Post,” “The Huffington Post,” and he is part of the inaugural class of thought leaders writing for LinkedIn Today.

Selingo’s work has been honored with awards from the Education Writers Association, Society of Professional Journalists, and the Associated Press, and he was a finalist for the Livingston Award for Young Journalists.

Selingo is a graduate of Wyoming Valley West, earned a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and a master’s degree from The Johns Hopkins University.

A Catholic College Sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Jeff Selingo

Nicole Lawler of Orefield earned an award for outstanding position paper at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference recently held in New York City. She is a sophomore majoring in psychology, political science, theology, and economics at King’s College.

Lawler’s paper represented the political position of the Dominican Republic on a range of women’s issues for the Commission on the Status of Women. This is the second consecutive year a King's student has been recognized with an outstanding position paper; junior Sean Ziller earned an award last year for his paper representing the political position of Uganda on the Human Rights Council.

Lawler is a member of several honor societies, including Pi Sigma Alpha, political science; Psi Chi, psychology; and Delta Epsilon Sigma, the national scholastic honor society for colleges and universities with a Catholic tradition.

She is president of the Class of 2015 for student government, and treasurer of the Columbiettes, a charitable division of the Knights of Columbus. She is a member of the College’s Honors Program, Pre-Law Society, and Student Advisory Board. She also serves as a resident assistant, campus activities leader, and Monarch Ambassador for admissions events.

She volunteers for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, serves as a mentor for non-violent youth offenders in the College’s Juvenile Justice College Mentoring Program, and participated in a SERVE (Students Engaged in Reflective Volunteer Experiences) service trip to Pittsburgh, working with the Change a Heart Franciscan Volunteer Program run by the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Neumann Communities.

Lawler recently completed a study abroad experience to India, which included learning components in Agartala, Bangalore, and Delhi. She is participating in a summer internship at the Community Corrections Center. She is a member of King’s Scholars in Service Program and participates in various community service projects throughout the academic year.

More than 2,000 students from around the world competed in the 2013 NMUN competition.  Each student writes a position paper prior to the conference to stake out the position of the delegation on each of three global issues that will be addressed in committees. The NMUN organization is designed to advance an understanding of the United Nations and contemporary international issues.

She is the daughter of Sean and Carol Lawler.

King’s College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Nicole Lawler

Rev. Alfred F. D’Alonzo, C.S.C., has been a Holy Cross Priest for 60 years. From his early days as Prefect of Discipline at Father Baker Victory High School in New York to working with student athletes at the University of Notre Dame, Fr. Al’s life and ministry have given daily testimony to Holy Cross’ mission as “educators in the faith.”

As a counselor in the Office of Academic Services for Student Athletes, Fr. Al worked with various Notre Dame athletic teams, including fencing, softball, lacrosse, hockey, baseball and football. In addition to helping students with study skills and academic planning, Fr. Al monitored their academic progress and assisted them in making the most out of their Notre Dame experience.

Although he does not talk about it much, Fr. Al’s work with student athletes was not his only connection to the famed Fighting Irish athletic program. Back in 1944, a young Alfred D’Alonzo, then an All-State New Jersey football player, accepted a scholarship to play football at Notre Dame.

To leave high school a half year before graduation in order to enter college was rare indeed! But Hugh Devore, a good coach and even greater person, wanted Al for spring football at Notre Dame. Fr. Al enrolled at Notre Dame, completing his high school English and civics requirements in South Bend and his Notre Dame life began! Fr. Al made the varsity squad his sophomore year. Against Dartmouth, he recovered a fumble that led to a winning touchdown.

But when a big Army team (WW II) rolled into town, Fr. Al “sat on the bench,” as the Cadets “gave us a licking,” he said. Fr. Al also entered the Navy Training Program on campus and trained in amphibious landings, but after the 1946 football season, the war was over and Fr. Al decided to turn down his commission and instead entered the Holy Cross Novitiate at North Dartmouth, Mass.

After the novitiate year, Fr. Al made his profession and pronounced his religious vows before Rev. Richard Sullivan, C.S.C., Novice Master. Al then returned to the University of Notre Dame to complete his undergraduate studies. The professed seminarians lived at Moreau Seminary, “The Old Venerable One.” He graduated in 1949 with a B.A. in philosophy.

On June 12, 1953, Fr. Al, along with Revs. Frank Hurley, Joseph Lorusso and Peter Royal, were ordained in Fall River, Mass., by Bishop Connolly.

Fr. Al’s first assignment was at Father Baker Victory High School, Lackawanna, N.Y. He was a teacher of math, mechanic drawing, history and religion and Prefect of Discipline. At Notre Dame High School in Bridgeport, Conn., his next assignment was at a co-institutional high school. Fr. Al served as Assistant Principal.

In 1960, Fr. Al completed his master’s degree in Educational Administration/Sociology. He later began his course work for his Ph.D. at Fordham University (1963-1965) while on assignment as a school counselor at Mt. Carmel School, Bronx, N.Y.

In 1965, Fr. Al was appointed Head Master and Religious Superior of a new high school for the fishermen of Gloucester, Mass. During the next six years, Fr. Al became immersed in all religious, academic and community responsibilities.

Starting in 1971, Fr. Al was selected to become Dean of Student Affairs at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. In June 1972, Hurricane Agnes hit the Valley and wreaked havoc at King’s and the city of Wilkes-Barre. Fr. Al, along with many faculty and friends, combined efforts to re-open King’s College for the opening day in September.

Along with his other duties, Fr. Al completed his doctoral dissertation in 1978 and was awarded the Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Psychology from the University of Ottawa.

In the fall of 1981, Fr. Al returned to Moreau Seminary at the University of Notre Dame and for the next eight years, was a staff member. As a part of the formation team, he worked with the young seminarians from Old College and was assigned in 1986-1989 as a member of the professed formation team.

Fr. Al began his service to Campus Ministry at Notre Dame in 1982. Assigned initially to assist at the Married Student’s Village, he was appointed in 1986 to serve as Director of the Campus Bible Study. Fr. Al also served on the parochial team helping in local parishes as an auxiliary priest, particularly at St. Peter’s Parish in La Porte, Ind.

Assistant Rector in two resident halls — Pangborn from 1989-1992 and Carroll from 1992- 1994 — and ending as Counselor in Residence at Carroll Hall, Fr. Al then moved back to Moreau Seminary. In 2008, Fr. Al moved to Holy Cross House, where he currently resides.

In the spring of 1995, Fr. Al was awarded the Distinguished American Award. The National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame bestow this award to former players who have carried the lessons learned on the football field into a life of service to the community.

Fr. Al has had one remarkable journey and continues to serve the Lord. As Fr. Al would say, “Praise the Lord!”

Rev. Alfred F. D’Alonzo, C.S.C.

Dr. Valerie Kepner of Nanticoke was recently granted tenure and promoted to associate professor of economics by the King’s College Board of Directors.

Kepner earned a bachelor’s degree in management and economics from the University of Minnesota, master’s degree in economics from Iowa State University, and a doctorate in economics from Colorado State University.

She has published her work in several academic publications, including “Proceedings of the 10th National Conference on Undergraduate Research,” “Ethics and Critical Thinking Journal,” and “Toward a Good Society in the Twenty-first Century: Principles and Policies.”

A professor at King’s since 2007, Kepner teaches a variety of courses, including principles of micro-and macroeconomics, money, banking, and financial institutions, as well as introduction to women’s studies.

The King’s College Board of Directors also announced six faculty members earned promotions. Dr. Jennifer McClinton-Temple of the English Department was promoted to full professor and Amy Brzoska, athletic training education program, was promoted to Clinical Professor. Promoted to Associate Clinical Professor were David Marchetti, athletic training education program, and William Reynolds, physician assistant studies. Karen Mercincavage, mass communication, was promoted to associate technical professor.

King's College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Dr. Valerie Kepner

King’s College Office Career Planning recently held an orientation session for students who registered for summer internships. Thirty-eight junior, senior, and graduate level King’s College students registered for summer semester internships at 38 sponsoring organizations.

The following are the names and hometowns of students who attended the summer orientation session, seated row 1, from left: Tyler Tynes, Philadelphia, “Philadelphia Inquirer”; Stacey Wasmanski, Plains, Choices; Lisa Mustillo, Branchburg, N.J., Somerset County Police Department; Catherine Gayewski, Ashley, Wilkes-Barre Police Department; Courtney Jones, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County Adult Probation; Kayleigh DeMace, Dupont, Pepperjam; and Christopher DiMino, Annandale, N.J., Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office.

Standing, row 1: Siddhraj Patel, Basking Ridge, N.J., Sommerville Police Department; Melanie Mizenko, Hanover Twp., Boscovs; Natanya Anty, Mine Hill, N.J., Office of Atty. Victor A. Amada; Patrick Caffrey, Hanover Twp., Entercom; Carl Kruse, Glenside, Upper Dublin Police Department; Thomas Armellino, Allentown, Easton Police Department; Ryan Boyle, Massapequa Park, N.Y., Office of Congressman Peter T. King and Fox News; and, Kelly Lettieri, assistant director for internships.

Standing, row 2: Arturo Mejia, Avoca, PricewaterhouseCoopers; Thomas Ferrante, Cherry Hill, N.J., New Jersey Department of Homeland Security; Claire Parolski, East Windsor, N.J., New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice; and Michael Poon, Sparta, N.J., Parsipany Police Department.

King’s College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Six King’s College faculty members recently received teaching awards or were named to established professorships.

Dr. Thomas Drazdowski of Mountain Top, professor of education, was named the John H.A. Whitman Distinguished Service Professor.

Dr. Marc Marchese, Kingston, was named to the John S. Davis Distinguished Service Professor. He is professor of human resources management.

Dr. Laurie Sterling, Shavertown, professor of English, was named the Manus Cooney Distinguished Service Professor.

Distinguished Service Professorships honor faculty who, because of their dedication to teaching and commitment to learning, serve as exemplary professors to their students.

Atty. Joseph Falchek, Mountain Top, professor of business administration, was selected to receive the Hon. Max and Tillie Rosenn Award for Faculty Excellence.  The award is presented annually to an outstanding member of the faculty from among nominations by students and alumni.

Paul Lindenmuth, Back Mountain, associate technical professor of criminal justice and sociology, was named the recipient of the Rev. Donald Grimes, C.S.C., Annual Award for Service-Learning Teaching Excellence.

Dr. Birute Williams of Kingston received the Adjunct Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award at King’s College. The award recognizes a part-time instructor whose presence is important in fulfilling King’s mission and in exhibiting excellence in the classroom. Williams teaches in the chemistry department.

King’s College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Dr. Thomas Drazdowski

Atty. Joseph Falchek

Paul Lindenmuth

Dr. Marc Marchese

Dr. Laurie Sterling

Dr. Birute Williams

June 5, 2013 - Sixteen Luzerne County residents received academic awards during the 64^th Commencement exercises of King’s College.                                                                                                                                                                                                

Pictured seated, from left, is Christina Marvin, Kingston, the Susquehanna Valley Section, American Chemical Society Award and the Dr. Paul Lawrence and Attorney Marian Buccafurni Best in Science Award; Nicole Pierson, Pittston, the Vincent D. Garvey, Jr., Award for Political Science; Christopher Sedon, Plains, the Father Murgas Memorial Award for Communications; Laura Panzitta, Dallas, the John F. Curley, CPA, Award for Accounting Achievement; and Amanda Frey, Kingston, the S. Idris Ley Memorial Award for the Highest Academic Average and the Highest Academic Achievement Presented to An Adult Student in Continuing Higher Education.

Pictured standing, from left, is David Traill, Forty Fort, the Award for Computers and Information Systems; John Prater, Dallas, the S. Idris Ley Memorial Award for the Highest Academic Average and the Regina Award for Biology; Judie Howe, Wilkes-Barre, the Christ the King Award for Theology; and Eric Kotch, Pittston, The Lee Swienberg, Jr., Memorial Award for Computer Science.

Absent from photo are Mary Jo Mellas, Mountain Top, the S. Idris Ley Memorial Award for the Highest Academic Average and the Highest Academic Achievement Presented to An Adult Student in Continuing Higher Education, and the 2013 Outstanding Adult Learner Award; Kristen Pstrak, Hanover Township, the Dr. Adam Drayer Award for Demonstrated Excellence in the Teacher Education Program; Alexandra Mazaleski, West Pittston, The William G. McGowan School of Business Achievement Award for International Business; Shaliyah Jones, Kingston, the Grace Coakley Brooks Award for Excellence in Psychology; Mara Olenick, Shickshinny, the Rev. James J. Sheehan Memorial Award in Chemistry; Cory Ruda, Hanover Township, The W.A. Kilburn Memorial Award for Philosophy; and Samantha Smith, Larksville, the Distinguished Achievement Award in Human Resources Mangagement.

A Catholic College Sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Twelve King's College students will study or intern in foreign countries for academic credit during the summer.

John Bubul will participate in a faculty-led program through the University of Iowa, titled “London Performance Study,” which provides students with an intensive introduction to theatre in London, England. He is a senior majoring in theatre.

Ruthly Cadestin will study at Webster University in Cha-am/Hua Hin, Thailand.  A senior majoring in international business, Cadestin has been awarded a travel grant by Webster University.

Emily Foley will study at the Universidad de Alicante in Alicante, Spain, through the Council on International Educational Exchange. She is a junior majoring in physician assistant studies.

Krystal Godowski will study in the rainforests of northern New Zealand and Far North Queensland, Australia, through The School for Field Studies. She is a senior majoring in criminal justice and environmental studies.

Gregory Groblewski will participate in an internship in Sydney, Australia, through GlobaLinks. He is a senior majoring in accounting and marketing.

Kyle Haduck will study at the University of Melbourne in Melbourne, Australia, through GlobaLinks. He is a senior majoring in accounting.

Angela Lopez will study at Regent’s College in London, England, through Webster University. A senior majoring in professional writing, Lopez has been awarded a travel grant by Webster University. She has also been awarded the King’s College James LeBaron Boyle Scholarship for Study Abroad.

Marissa Mutzek will study at Humboldt-Universitat in Berlin, Germany, through Academic Programs International (API).  Mutzek, a junior majoring in physician assistant studies, has been awarded an affiliate scholarship by API.

Daniel Sheridan will participate in the Summer Internship Programme through the Quinn School of Business, University College Dublin in Ireland. He is a senior majoring in management.

Suzana Silva will study at the Universidad Nacional de Cordoba in Cordoba, Argentina, through Spanish Studies Abroad. A junior majoring in physician assistant studies and Spanish, Silva has been awarded the King’s College Marjorie Neusch-Massey Scholarship for Study Abroad.

Christina and Francesca Varvaglione will study at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. Christina is a junior majoring in international business, and Francesca is majoring in management and marketing.

To learn more about King’s students study abroad experiences, visit the Study Abroad Blog at http://kingsstudyabroad.wordpress.com. For more information on the Study Abroad Program, contact Mollie Farmer, director, at 208-5986.

King’s College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

King’s students studying this summer under the King’s College Study Abroad program are, seated from left: Marissa Mutzek, Kyle Haduck, Emily Foley, and Suzana Silva. Standing: Mollie Farmer, director of the study abroad program; Angela Lopez; Dan Sheridan, Francesca Varvaglione, Ruthly Cadestin, John Bubul, and Christina Varvaglione. Absent from photo: Krystal Godowski and Gregory Groblewski.

A book by Dr. Ray Gamache, assistant professor of journalism in the Mass Communication Department at King’s College, titled “Gareth Jones: Eyewitness to the Holodomor,” is being published by the Welsh Academic Press. The book will be available in the U.S. in August.

The book provides insight on Gareth Jones, now recognized as one of the first journalists to reveal the horror of the Holodomor, the Soviet government-induced famine in the early 1930s, which killed millions of Ukrainians.

Gamache will begin a European book launch at several June events, including the Arts Centre Cinema on the campus of the University of Wales, the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay, and the Shevchenko Library and Archive in London.

A noted historian on Jones, Gamache will be featured in an upcoming Welsh documentary about the journalist’s life as part of a series on Welsh journalists, which will be broadcast by the BBC in Wales.

Gamache received his doctorate from the University of Maryland-College Park, and his bachelor’s and master’s degree in English from West Virginia University. Prior to coming to King’s, he taught at liberal arts colleges in Minnesota and New Hampshire for more than 20 years. He began working in journalism for his hometown newspaper, the “Nashua Telegraph,” while in high school.

Gamache is the author of “A History of Sports Highlights: Replayed Plays from Edison to ESPN,” and “The Water Is Wide: Notre Dame College’s Journey, 1976-2000.” He also edited “Under the Bridge: Stories and Poems by Manchester’s Homeless” and “The Living Fire: Selected Poetry of Leo E. O’Neil, 1973-1997.”

He has published journal articles in “American Journalism,” the “Journal of Sports Media,” “Studies in Symbolic Interaction” and “West Virginia Philological Papers.” He is a member of the American Journalism Historians Association and the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication.

King’s College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Dr. Ray Gamache

Four King’s College students are currently participating in a three-week study abroad experience to Canto Grande, Peru. The trip includes excursions to Lima, Paracas, and Machu Picchu.

Student participants are Steven Hippeli and Connor Murphy, Mountain Top; Julia Mackinnon, Boston, Mass.; and Bennett Williams, Kingston.

Students will travel to the Peyton Center, a facility operated by the Congregation of the Holy Cross, located near Lima, Peru. The program, titled “Conversing Across Cultures,” features a number of activities, including language and culture classes and interactive sessions with native speakers, a community service initiative at a local school, visits to cultural sites, and lectures at the prestigious Ponificia Universidad Católica de Lima.

This program is designed to broaden students’ cultural perspectives, offer comparisons between U.S. and Peruvian cultures, and provide real-world opportunities for using Spanish.

King’s foreign languages professors Dr. Anne Massey and Dr. Rafael Osuna-Montanez are program directors. Megan Borsuk, coordinator of short-term faculty-led programs abroad, assisted in developing the program.

King’s College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of the Holy Cross.

King’s students and faculty participating in the short-term study abroad experience to Peru are, from left: Connor Murphy; Steven Hippeli; Bennet Williams; Julia Mackinnon; Dr. Anne Massey, associate professor of Spanish; and Dr. Rafael Osuna-Montanez, assistant professor of Spanish.

Dr. Daniel Clasby, assistant professor of history, and Rev. Anthony Grasso, C.S.C., professor of English, were awarded Innovation in Teaching Grants by The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching at King’s College.

Clasby will use the funding to design and building a high-impact teaching-learning website with social media and digital storytelling components for the Spain-Morocco 'Geographies of Europe' short-term study abroad program.

Father Grasso will use the grant to develop teaching strategies, through the use of in-class performance and other means, to increase student engagement in introduction to literature courses. He will also develop other strategies of engagement for students in other Core classes.

The Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching serves as a catalyst to stimulate innovations in teaching and learning and to support King's commitment to teaching excellence and to the scholarship of teaching and learning.

King’s College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Rev. Anthony Grasso, C.S.C.

Dr. Daniel Clasby

Eleven King’s College students are currently participating in a faculty-led study abroad experience to Eastern Europe as part of the King’s College Geographies Series. The trip includes excursions to the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia.

Student participants are Rosemaureen Bulger, Jamie Costello, Alysha Emelett, Kamila Hacia, John Hudicka, Rachel Jonas, Carisa Panzetta, John Poma, Tiffani Prescott, Lauren Sucheki, and Stephanie Widdoes.

As part of the program, titled “Identity and Place in Slavic Cultures,” students will travel to numerous cultural sites, including the Auschwitz concentration camp located outside Krakow, the Devin Castle on the Danube in Slovakia, and the Jewish Quarter in Prague.

This program is designed for students to develop a growing awareness of the complex identities of the people of Eastern Europe, including their religious, ethnic, linguistic, and social understandings through a historical exploration.

King’s faculty members Dr. Beth Admiraal, political science, and Renata Evans, foreign languages, are program directors. Megan Borsuk, coordinator of short-term faculty led programs abroad, assisted in developing the program.

King’s College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of the Holy Cross.

King’s students and faculty participating in the short-term study abroad experience to Europe are, seated from left: John Hudicka, Carisa Panzetta, Lauren Sucheki, and Tiffani Prescott. Standing: Faculty coordinator Renata Evans, John Poma, Rosemaureen Bulger, Stephanie Widdoes, Rachel Jonas, Jamie Costello, Alysha Emelett, Dr. Beth Admiraal, faculty coordinator. Absent from photo was Kamila Hacia.

Eleven King’s College students completed the Senior Seminar in Political Science by presenting their research to fellow students, King’s faculty, and invited guests shortly before the completion of the spring semester.

The course was the final requirement for political science majors.  The students spent the spring semester researching a topic related to this year’s capstone theme, the Constitution of the United States.

King’s College is a Catholic College sponsored by the Congregation of the Holy Cross.

Pictured seated, from left, are course participants Stephen Romanic, Jacqueline Treboschi, Jenny Gonzalez, Cassandra Turczyn, and Matthew Bagley.

Pictured standing, from left, are students Dexter Mickens, Jonathan Gilmore, Ian Oakley, Ryan Querci, and Stephen Parsons.  Pictured at far right is Joseph Rish, associate professor and chair of the King’s College political science department.

Absent from photo was student Jessica Spino.