2014

Marywood University was awarded the 2013-2014 Spirit of Caring Chairman’s Award from the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.The Spirit of Caring Chairman's Award represents United Way's highest honor and is presented annually to organizations, individuals, or employee groups that exemplify the true spirit of the United Way movement—people helping people.

Raymond P. Heath, Ph.D., recently retired Vice President for Student Life, received the highest national honor granted by Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA)—the 2014 Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance as a Dean—in March 2014.

Marywood architecture students partnered with Indraloka Animal Sanctuary to design and build an eco-friendly building as part of a class called Farmitecture.In July 2014, the students built an aviary featuring a built-in water collection system and planters. The planters contained peas and herbs, not only to feed the birds, but to also repel insects that bother birds, among other attributes of the aviary.

Marywood held its 100th Opening Liturgy on September 3, 2014. Sister Anne Munley, IHM, President, also announced a Centennial Service Challenge to the members of the Marywood community to attain 100,000 volunteer service hours, beginning that day and continuing through the end of the Centennial year. 

Additionally, members of the Marywood Community were invited to sign a beam designated for installation in the Learning Commons. About a month later, on October 8, this topmost girder was placed onto the steel frame of the building during a special ceremony. 

The Veterans Resource Center was dedicated on Monday, September 15, 2014. Marywood University donated Bethany Hall to be the site of the new Veterans Resource Center (VRC). The space houses the Office of Military and Veteran Services and the R-VETS office on the first floor, along with a quiet study space and lounge. The second floor houses the Student Veteran Alliance (SVA) lounge and computer/study space.  

Marywood University’s Student Veteran Alliance (SVA) was recently awarded Chapter of the Year for 2014 at the Student Veterans of America’s 7th annual national conference, which took place in San Antonio, TX.

Marywood celebrated its first Philanthropy Day on Thursday, November 13, 2014. Buildings throughout campus were decorated with green bows, and students had an opportunity to thank all of those who have donated to Marywood.

2013

A Bold Heart: The Centennial Campaign for Marywood University kicked off with a fanfare celebration in the world-class Center for Architectural Studies on Thursday, October 17, 2013. This $75 million dollar endeavor celebrates and advances the indomitable vision of Marywood’s founders, the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.A special slideshow revealed artifacts from the cornerstone of the original Motherhouse, as well as items from a 1976 time capsule that was recently unearthed in preparation for the construction of the new Learning Commons.

On October 18, 2013, Marywood University broke ground for the Learning Commons, signifying the first phase that will bring the Commons from concept to reality by September 8, 2015.Students, alumni, friends, staff, trustees, and government officials gathered at the future site of the Learning Commons to celebrate. David G. Schappert, who was appointed as Library Director, is ready to steer the Library in a bold direction, as Marywood moves ahead with its plans for a new Learning Commons.

Marywood University has established a new School of Business and Global Innovation, which will provide a home within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for undergraduate and graduate business majors.The School plans to build upon the successful model of promoting collaborative entrepreneurial opportunities for students and seek new opportunities within existing programs.

Dr. Lisa Antoniacci is the first recipient of the Gerod Schierling Endowed Faculty Chair in the Department of Science. Her research identifies molecular mechanisms involved in several processes related to the contents of a cell’s nucleus.

Marywood University was awarded a bridge grant and two multi-year grants from the Conrad H. Hilton Foundation to further the work of the African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC). 

Marywood University and East Stroudsburg University signed an agreement on June 14, 2013, that allows Marywood to offer its Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree on East Stroudsburg’s campus.

A new slogan for the Marywood Alumni Association, “Forever Green,” was developed and introduced at various alumni events through the last half of the academic year and will continue through the Centennial. 

James G. Gavin, Scranton, PA, was elected to Marywood’s Board of Trustees. In addition, the new slate of officers elected for the 2013-2014 year included Marion Munley, Moosic, PA, Chair; Ann R. Henry, Ph.D., Flemington, N.J., Vice Chair; Antonia M. Schierling, Rockville, MD, Treasurer, and Michael E. Bugno, Roswell, GA, Secretary.

2012

Frances M. Zauhar, Ph.D. was named Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Marywood University in July 2012.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education's Bureau of Adult Basic Literacy Education awarded Marywood University nearly one million dollars over three years to deliver adult literacy services and GED preparation courses.

Paula Shields, Jacksonville, FL, was elected to Marywood’s Board of Trustees in 2012-2013. In addition, the slate of officers elected for the 2012-2013 year, included Marion Munley, Moosic, PA, Chair; Patricia Glinsky, Denver, CO, Vice Chair; Ann R. Henry, Ph.D., Flemington, N.J., Secretary, and Antonia M. Schierling, Rockville, MD, Treasurer. 

Since the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, Marywood has sent 200 volunteers to flooded areas, with 13 trips to Brooklyn, Staten Island, Little Ferry, NJ, and Rockaway Park, NY, to assist with relief efforts. In addition, members of the Marywood community have donated 1,695 items of food, clothing, toiletries, household and cleaning supplies to victims of the storm.

A new Organic Chemistry Laboratory in the Center for Natural and Health Sciences was constructed. The new laboratory allows the University to expand its instrumentation and further its research efforts.The lab is environmentally friendly, with such features as ductless hoods that don’t vent out into the surrounding area, special filters that absorb chemicals, and procedures that cut down the amount of chemicals students use.

Lori E. Swanchak, Ph.D., PA-C, Director of the Physician Assistant Program, received national recognition for her work and writing in the field of physician assistant education and was awarded the Physician Assistant Education Association's (PAEA) Article of the Year Award.

Andrew Dattel, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology and Director of the Aviation Program at Marywood University, was awarded the 2011–2012 Murray Award for Research and Development. 

Edward O’Brien, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of Psychology and Counseling at Marywood University, was the 2012 recipient of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association’s “Award for Distinguished Contributions to the Science and/or Profession of Psychology.”

Ann O'Brien, Assistant Director of Service-Learning and Community Service, accompanied nine undergraduate students and two additional Marywood staff members to Guatemala in May.

2011

Pennsylvania's Office of Child Development and Early Learning awarded the Fricchione Day Care Center at Marywood University a four-star accredited quality rating—the highest accreditation rating in the state.

Sister Anne Munley, IHM, President of Marywood University, was awarded the "Woman of Excellence" award at the 2011 Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence, or SAGE Awards. 

Mark E. Rodgers, D.S.W. became the new dean of the College of Health and Human Services. 

Five new trustees were elected to Marywood’s Board of Trustees in 2011-2012. They included Mary Ann Conaboy Abrahamsen, J.D.; Tracey Diskin Doherty, J.D.; Patrick J. Fricchione, M.D.; Ann R. Henry, Ph.D.; and John T. Tighe, III, M.B.A.

The Lackawanna Bar Association presented the Michael J. Eagan award to Marywood University for its contributions to the community, with special recognition for Marywood’s significant role in the education of environmentally-aware and responsible individuals.

David Palmiter, Ph.D., full professor of psychology at Marywood University, was recently named president of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. Dr. Palmiter, who has taught at Marywood University since 1998, is the first resident of Lackawanna County to hold this position.

With more people accessing the internet from mobile devices—smartphones, iPads and tablets—demanding internet access on the go, Marywood created a mobile site that went live in November 2011.

The Ethics Institute of Northeastern Pennsylvania at Misericordia University recognized Sister Margaret Gannon, IHM, Ph.D., Professor of History and Chair of the Department of Social Sciences at Marywood University, for her “grassroots ethical leadership.”

2010

A grant from the Overlook Estate Foundation supported efforts to create and sustain a 26-plot Community Garden for the Marywood Community on the reclaimed brownfield site on campus during the summer of 2010.

A forum, “Marcellus Shale: Opportunities and Challenges,” was presented on August 19, 2010, at Marywood University. The event featured a panel of university professors, industry executives, and local and state officials, as well as U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. More than 300 citizens filled the large room, and a web chat line was also utilized. The discussion focused on the rewards and dangers, as well as the pros and cons, surrounding the Marcellus Shale issue. 

Marywood University and WeCar by Enterprise Rent-A-Car partnered to provide a cost-effective and convenient car-sharing solution for Marywood students, faculty, and staff. This new, environmentally friendly transportation solution, which helps remove vehicles from the road to reduce emissions and traffic, was available around-the clock. 

New road signs were installed around campus, and each name has a specific tie to the history of Marywood or the IHM Congregation. While celebrating the institution’s cherished history, the names of the campus roads also recognize those who provided the strong foundation that still supports our progress today.

Marywood University’s School of Social Work was awarded the Catholic Charities USA Centennial Medal in the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. The award recognized Marywood’s contributions to the reduction of poverty in the United States and its commitment to the principles of Catholic Charities USA. 

Presidential Medals were awarded to community leaders who have made a positive difference on local, national, and international levels. In 2010, these medals were awarded to members of the Fricchione Family (local); sanofi Pasteur US (national); and, posthumously, to Laurie Mezzalingua (international).