BELMONT UNIVERSITY
Clarks Green student makes dean’s list
Belmont University released the Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester, with approximately 49% of the University’s 6,724 undergraduate students earning the academic recognition.
Siena Bossi of Clarks Green is among the dean’s list students.
Dean’s list eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.
CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY
Clarks Green resident named to spring dean’s list
Abigail Harshbarger of Clarks Green was named to the dean’s list at Cedarville University for spring 2026.
This recognition requires the student to obtain a 3.50 GPA or higher for the semester and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours.
Factoryville resident named to spring dean’s honor list
Mikayla Measley of Factoryville was named to the dean’s honor list at Cedarville University for spring 2026.
This recognition requires the student to obtain a 3.75 GPA or higher for the semester and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours.
COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS
Local students named to dean’s list
College of the Holy Cross congratulated the students named to the spring 2026 dean’s list for outstanding academic achievement.
The following local students made the list:
• Regan Allison, of South Abington Township, Class of 2029
• Emelia Jones, of Dalton, Class of 2028
• John Lenahan, of South Abington Township, Class of 2028
To qualify for the dean’s list, students must pass four or more letter-graded courses with no failing grades during the semester and earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
COLGATE UNIVERSITY
Dalton resident graduates
Coleman Wohlken of Dalton is a graduate of Colgate University in the Class of 2026.
Wohlken, a graduate of Lackawanna Trail High School, majored in Classics at Colgate.
Wohlken received a Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, at Colgate’s 205th Commencement on May 17.
COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Factoryville student inducted into FDIAE
Malana Nestor of Factoryville was inducted as a student scholar into Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg’s Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Excellence (FDIAE).
FDIAE is part of the PASSHE collaborative established to enhance the academic life of participating universities and to enrich their campus climate. It enables all members of the university community to identify with a man whose life and work embody American democratic ideals and educational excellence.
The institute develops and implements collaborative and interdisciplinary teaching projects that enrich our general education and enhance the quality of our culturally diverse courses.
Local university students named to dean’s list
More than 2,400 students were named to the spring 2026 dean’s list at Commonwealth University.
Among the honorees are:
• John Cole of Waverly Township — Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg
• Kaylyn Elliott of Clarks Summit — Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg
• Gabriella Gabrielov of Ransom Township — Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg
• Marissa Keyes of Factoryville — Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg
• Giovanni Mercuri of Waverly Township — Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg
• Kiara Nichols of Factoryville — Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg
• Courtney Price of South Abington Township — Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg
• Nicholas Roditski of Clarks Summit — Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg
• Macy Valentine of Factoryville — Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg
The dean’s list, prepared at the end of each semester, recognizes those students who have achieved academic distinction. To qualify, the student must have earned a GPA of at least 3.50, on a 4.0 scale, in 12 or more semester hours of letter grades.
Locals named to spring president’s list
800 students were named to the spring 2026 president’s list at Commonwealth University.
Among the students named were:
• Malana Nestor of Factoryville — Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg
• Erin Van Ness of Dalton — Commonwealth University-Lock Haven
The president’s list, prepared at the end of each semester, recognizes those students who have achieved academic distinction. To qualify, the student must have earned a GPA of 4.0 in 12 or more semester hours of letter grades.
Local residents graduate
Commonwealth University congratulated the more than 800 students who graduated during the spring 2026 semester.
Among the graduates were local residents:
• Gabriella Gabrielov of Ransom Township — Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg with a degree in Business Administration: Marketing
• Irene VanRiper of Clarks Summit — Commonwealth University-Lock Haven with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY
South Abington Twp. student earns degree
A total of 1,182 students received degrees from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania during three commencement exercises on May 8 and May 9.
Cassandra Ksiazek, of South Abingtn Township earned a M.Ed. in Reading.
GEISINGER COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Future doctors celebrate successful Match Day
On Friday, March 20, 111 soon-to-be graduates of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine learned their residency placements during the National Resident Matching Program’s “Match Day,” an event at which all fourth-year M.D. students around the country simultaneously open their envelopes to learn where they will spend the next three to seven years training in their chosen specialty.
• Grace DiBileo of Clarks Summit matched into Transitional at MetroWest Medical Center, Framingham, Mass., followed by Lahey Clinic-Massachusetts for Radiology-Diagnostic.
• Emily Harasym of Factoryville matched into Obstetrics-Gynecology at Lehigh Valley Hospital.
• Raeva Mulloth of Waverly Township matched into Neurology at St Lukes Hosp Anderson.
• Jason Tinsley of Waverly Township matched into Psychiatry at Tower Health/Reading Hospital.
GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Clarks Green resident receives degree
Kevin Hu of Clarks Green earned a Master of Science in Analytics from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.
Hu was among approximately 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students to be presented Georgia Tech degrees during the Institute’s 269th Commencement exercises Dec. 11 – 13, 2025, at McCamish Pavilion (Ph.D. and bachelor’s) and Bobby Dodd Stadium (master’s).
HARTWICK COLLEGE
Hartwick College Athletics recognizes Clarks Summit student
Rooby Lucas, Class of ‘29, of Clarks Summit, received the Tim O’Brien Memorial Award for Outstanding Male Freshman Athlete during the Athletics Award Ceremony held on May 3.
A member of the men’s basketball team, Lucas was recognized as the most outstanding first-year student-athlete on a men’s team whose character and sportsmanship have had a positive contribution within the team, the College and the wider community.
Clarks Summit resident named to dean’s list
Lucas was also named to the college’s spring dean’s list.
Lucas is a business administration major with a minor in finance.
Making the dean’s list is an indication of excellence in academic work. To qualify, students must complete at least 12 academic credits during a term with a grade point average of at least 3.50 and no incompletes.
INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dalton resident named to dean’s list
Emily Rosemarie McCarthy, of Dalton, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, was named to the spring 2026 dean’s list at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Students achieve dean’s list status when they are full-time (12 or more credits) and have achieved a grade point average of 3.25 or higher.
KEAN UNIVERSITY
Waverly Township student named to dean’s list
Caroline Pease of Waverly Township was named to Kean University’s spring 2026 dean’s list.
The dean’s list honors undergraduate students who complete at least 12 credits and earn a semester grade-point average of 3.45 or higher.
Pease, a communication – public relations student at Kean, is among more than 4,500 students recognized for academic achievement, discipline, and dedication throughout the semester.
KEYSTONE COLLEGE
Abington-area students recognized
Vicki Stanavitch, Ph.D., vice president for academic and student affairs, announced the full-time undergraduate, degree-seeking students named to the Keystone College president’s, dean’s, and honors list for the spring 2026 semester.
Full-time undergraduate, degree-seeking students who complete 12 credits in unrepeated, non-pass/fail courses during the semester and achieve a grade point average of 4.00 are named to the president’s list. To qualify for the dean’s and honors list, students must complete 12 credits in unrepeated courses during the semester and achieve a grade point average of 3.70-3.99 and 3.50-3.69 respectively.
President’s list:
• Michael Breed, Factoryville
• Anna Flowers, Clarks Green
• Emma Hughes, Clarks Summit
Dean’s list:
• Della Lee Bobb, Dalton
• Boonyapa Chaihongsa, La Plume
• Alexis Riley McDonnell, South Abington Township
• Silvio Paul Schiavone, Clarks Summit
• Ian James Schmidt, Factoryville
• Ryan J. Semon, Factoryville
• Evania De La Torres, Clarks Summit
• Eric Michael Vanluvanee, Nicholson
Honors list:
• Alexander Vincent Castellano, Factoryville
• Kevin Reid, Chinchilla
• Mason Philip Shay, Dalton
• Ezra L. Torres, Clarks Summit
KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Area residents named to spring dean’s list
2,098 students were named to the spring 2026 dean’s list at Kutztown University. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, an undergraduate student must be registered for at least 12 credits and have a minimum grade point average of 3.60.
Local honorees are:
• Maggie Elizabeth Coleman of Clarks Summit
• Ava L Davis of South Abington Township
• Sabrina Lisa Dearie of Clarks Summit
• Robert Earl-Delucy of Clarks Summit
• Ty D Kaeb of North Abington Township
• Imani E Mcdonnell of Clarks Summit
• Liv Kenehan Thompson of Clarks Green
• Evelyn Margaret Walters of South Abington Township
• Lily Victoria Whetsell of South Abington Township
Clarks Summit student named 2026 PSAC Scholar-Athlete
Kutztown University set a new record with 255 student-athletes earning Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Scholar-Athlete status for the 2025-26 academic year, including Maggie Coleman of Clarks Summit.
KU’s 255 honorees this year edged the former record of 252 set back in 2020-21. As a department, 58.6% of 435 eligible Golden Bear student-athletes were named PSAC Scholar-Athletes, a 4.6% improvement over 2024-25. It’s also the seventh consecutive year that Kutztown has featured 200+ PSAC Scholar-Athletes.
Student-athletes must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 and compete in a PSAC-sponsored sport to be eligible for PSAC Scholar-Athlete recognition. Kutztown sponsors two sports that do not compete in the PSAC, acrobatics and tumbling and women’s bowling. Student-athletes from those two sports are eligible for academic recognition through their affiliate conferences or national coaches organizations.
The PSAC saw an uptick in overall numbers, too, honoring 4,135 student-athletes and 56% of the total conference student-athlete population.
Local residents among spring 2026 degree recipients
Kutztown University conferred degrees for more than 1,200 students for the 2026 spring semester.
Kutztown University announces degree conferment twice a year, once in the winter and once in the summer. Commencement exercises are held in May and December; however, students finish the requirements for graduation throughout the entire year.
The cumulative grade point average necessary for honors distinction is: with honor (cum laude) 3.40; with high honor (magna cum laude) 3.60 and with highest honor (summa cum laude) 3.80.
Students who have requested privacy (FERPA) are not listed publicly.
Local graduates are:
• Michaela Livingston of South Abington Township — Bachelor of Science, art education
• Lily Victoria Whetsell of South Abington Township — Bachelor of Science, biology – organismal ecology
LEBANON VALLEY COLLEGE
Dalton student presents at Inquiry Symposium
Ashley Darrow of Dalton presented scholarly or creative work at Lebanon Valley College’s annual Inquiry symposium. Darrow presented Religious and Secular Predictors of Science Denial at the event.
Darrow received a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience at The Valley. Darrow is a graduate of Tunkhannock Area High School.
More than 140 undergraduates representing academic departments across campus displayed their work to an audience of faculty, peers, trustees, and administrators during the symposium. Student work included original research, scholarship, and creative efforts.
Learn more about Inquiry at www.lvc.edu/inquiry.
Clarks Summit student named to dean’s list at Lebanon Valley College
Mary Melnikoff of Clarks Summit is one of more than 850 Lebanon Valley College students named to the dean’s list for the spring semester. Dean’s list students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.4 out of 4.0.
Melnikoff is pursuing a bachelor of arts in history at The Valley and is a graduate of Holy Cross High School.
LUZERNE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Local residents graduate
Luzerne County Community College celebrated its 58th Commencement Ceremony on Thursday evening, May 28, at Mohegan Arena.
The ceremony recognized 548 unduplicated graduates and 558 total credentials awarded, representing students across health sciences, social sciences, technology, business, and skilled and technical trades. Graduates ranged in age from 17 to 64, reflecting the college’s diverse and non-traditional student population.
Abington-area graduates are:
• Monica Callacki, Dalton
• George Cottell, Clarks Summit
• Raven Griffiths, Clarks Summit
• Michelle Mohyla, Factoryville
• Suzanne Zick, Factoryville
Local students earn spring academic honors
Luzerne County Community College announced the following local students earned academic honors for the spring 2026 semester.
• Brooke Beemer of Dalton was named to the dean’s list.
• George Cottell of Clarks Summit was named to the dean’s list.
• Samantha Dempsey of Waverly Township was named to the president’s list.
To qualify, students must meet the following criteria:
President’s List: 4.0 semester grade point average
Dean’s List: 3.50 – 3.99 semester grade point average
All honored students must complete at least 75% of their attempted coursework for the semester, earn grades of “C” or higher in all courses, and have no incomplete or missing grades. Students must also remain within institutional credit completion guidelines.
MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY
Abington-area students named to spring dean’s list
Marywood University announced the area students named to the spring 2026 dean’s list from each of its colleges, including the College of Health Sciences and the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies.
Undergraduate students who earn a semester GPA of 3.50-4.00 on 12 or more graded credits merit this academic honor. Students who believe they may have been omitted from this list in error should contact the appropriate Special Assistant to the Dean in each Dean’s office.
Students named to the dean’s list from the College of Health Sciences as declared by Academic Vice President and Dean Shelby W. Yeager, Ph.D., include:
• Hanna Adonizio, South Abington Township
• Brynn Carey, Ransom Township
• William DiNoia, Clarks Green
• Joseph Dougherty, Clarks Green
• Rylea Griffiths, Clarks Summit
• Paige Mandarano, Clarks Summit
• Chloe Mendicino, South Abingtn Township
• Rachel Musyoka, Waverly Township
• Gabrielle Ponce, Dalton
• Julia Riviello, Dalton
• Alyson Schirg, South Abington Township
• Nevaeh Sorensen, Clarks Summit
• Amanda Suraci, South Abington Township
Students named to the dean’s list from the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies as declared by Academic Vice President and Dean James Eckler, M.ARCH, MSAS, include:
• Casey Ames, Clarks Summit
• Isabella Coleman, Factoryville
• Brennan Connor, Dalton
• Elizabeth Cowgill, Waverly Township
• Avery Fiorillo, Clarks Summit
• Ethan Frutchey, Clarks Summit
• Charles Hamm, Waverly Township
• Hunter Hildebrand, Waverly Township
• Carolyn Hopkins, Clarks Summit
• Bo Judson, South Abington Township
• Delaney Kaeb, North Abingtn Township
• Esther Korkuti, Clarks Summit
• Ella Kulenich, South Abington Township
• Alivia Lawless, South Abington Township
• Daren Le, Dalton
• Tyler Liput, Clarks Green
• Mercedes McAvoy, South Abington Township
• Owen Morgan, South Abington Township
• Kailey Rillstone, Ransom Township
• Jenna Robertson, Clarks Summit
• Emilee Robinson, South Abington Township
• Marley Sarafinko, South Abington Township
• Santo Schiavone, Clarks Summit
• Savannah Staples, South Abington Township
• Bryn Stiles, South Abington Township
• Jacob Sukel, Waverly Township
• Ashley Toth, South Abington Township
• John Walsh, Clarks Green
• Gracie Young, Clarks Summit
• Graceanna Bonnice, Dalton
• David Lafata, Dalton
• Samantha Thomas, Factoryville
MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
South Abington Twp. student named to dean’s list
Millersville University announced Ayla Holgate of South Abington Township was named to the dean’s list for the spring 2026 semester. Holgate is a Class of 2028 music education major.
Students are eligible for the dean’s list if they earn a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher.
MUHLENBERG COLLEGE
Factoryville resident earns degree
Maria Elizabeth Wetzel of Factoryville earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, from Muhlenberg College in May. A member of the Class of 2026, Wetzel majored in Psychology and Dance.
Commencement was held on Sunday, May 17, in the PPL Center, Allentown.
Local students earn dean’s list honors
To be eligible for the dean’s list, Muhlenberg College students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or better while taking three or more course units during a semester. Local spring 2026 dean’s list honorees include:
• Maria Wetzel of Factoryville
• Isabelle Wilmot of Clarks Summit
PENNWEST UNIVERSITY
Local student graduates
PennWest University honored its fall 2025 graduates during commencement ceremonies held Saturday, Dec. 13, at the California, Clarion and Edinboro campuses.
Julia Lucius of South Abingtn Township earned a Speech Language Pathology Certificate. Lucius studied at PennWest’s Global Online campus.
PennWest conferred undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees upon nearly 900 graduates during the ceremonies.
POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
North Abington Twp. student named dean’s list
Aylah Hildebrand of North Abington Township was named to Point Park University’s spring 2026 dean’s list.
To be named to the dean’s list, a student must have a 3.5 GPA.
SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY
Local students named to spring dean’s list
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) announced the following students were named to the spring dean’s list.
• Nicole Hoban of Factoryville
• Ineisha Purnell of South Abington Township
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the dean’s list. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Local students named to spring president’s list
Southern New Hampshire University announced the following local students were named to the spring president’s list.
• Francis Lawrence of Factoryville
• Eileen Molina of Factoryville
• Carli Gilbride of North Abington Township
• Cynthia Figueroa of Clarks Summit
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE
Local student makes dean’s list
Springfield College named Madisyn Wilson of West Abington Township to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2026 spring semester.
Wilson has a primary major of Health Science/Pre-OT.
The criteria for selection to the dean’s list are as follows: The student must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded coursework for the term, exclusive of “P” grades. The student must not have any incompletes or missing grades in the designated term. The student must have a minimum semester grade average of 3.500 for the term. The student must not have been barred from the dean’s list due to disciplinary action.
THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
South Abington Twp. student named to president’s list
Tamir Jafar of South Abington Township was named to the president’s list for the spring semester at The University of Alabama. To qualify, students must earn an academic record of 4.0 (all A’s).
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
Clarks Summit resident awarded degree
Kelsey O’Donnell of Clarks Summit was among more than 1,800 students who received degrees from the University of Arkansas in December. O’Donnell graduated from College of Education and Health Professions with a PMC – Post Master’s Certificate.
UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD
South Abington Twp. student named to dean’s, president’s lists
The University of Hartford announced Joey Acla of South Abington Township was named to the dean’s list and president’s list for the spring 2026 semester.
The Dean’s List recognizes students achieving superior academic standing. The requirement, with some exceptions, is a grade point average of at least 3.0 and no grade below C. The President’s List recognizes a select group of students reaching the highest level of academic standing. To be placed on the President’s List, students must maintain a GPA of at least a 3.75 and receive grades of C or better.
In all, 2,332 students were named to the lists for the spring semester.
South Abington Twp. resident graduates
The University of Hartford announced Howard Acla of South Abington Township was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media and Journalism from the College of Arts and Sciences.
1,093 UHart students were awarded graduate and undergraduate degrees this spring as part of the Class of 2026.
THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON
Local residents participate in study abroad programs
Local residents were among the 153 University of Scranton students who studied abroad through travel courses and service trips during the Intersession 2026 semester.
• Luciano Medico, of South Abington Township, majoring in health administration, participated in the university travel course, South America Health Systems in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
• Maura Pivirotto, of South Abington Township, majoring in neuroscience, participated in the university travel course, Environmental Ecology and Human Health in Various Cities: Uganda, Uganda.
Local residents were also among the 28 University of Scranton students who studied abroad during the Spring 2026 semester.
• Brooke Beemer, of South Abington Township, a kinesiology major, studied at Gonzaga-in-Florence in Florence, Italy.
• Isabel Ewing, of Clarks Summit, a political science major, participated in the Council on International Education Exchange Global Institute Summer Language and Culture in Rabat, Morocco.
• Mariella McCue, of Dalton, a finance major, participated in the Council on International Education Exchange Business and Culture Program in Toulouse, France.
Clarks Green student presents research at conference
Leah K Nealon of Clarks Green was among the 12 University of Scranton undergraduate students, one recent graduate and five professors who were recognized for their research that was presented at the 2026 Eastern Psychological Association Conference. The event was held Feb. 27-28 in Boston.
In total, six research posters were presented by the group of Scranton students and professors. Founded in 1896, the Eastern Psychological Association is the oldest of the regional Psychological Associations in the U.S.
Nealon, a psychology major, presented research titled “Phineas Gage Case Study: A Hyperbolic Depiction Across Introductory Textbooks” with Patrick Orr, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology.
Abington-area residents among U of S Graduate Class of 2026
The following local residents were among the more than 450 students receiving master’s and doctoral degrees at the university’s graduate commencement ceremony for the Class of 2026. Graduates received their diplomas on Sunday, May 24, at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre Township. Graduates must have completed their academic requirements between August 2025 and May 2026.
• George Kwiecinski of Dalton earned a Master of Accountancy degree in accountancy.
• Ashleigh M. Clarke of Factoryville earned a Master of Health Administration degree in health administration.
• Rachel Clark of Factoryville earned a Master of Science degree in clinical mental health counseling.
• Bethany Earley of Clarks Green earned a Master of Science degree in school counseling.
• Amelia J. Farry of South Abington Township earned a Master of Science degree in cybercrime investigation and cybersecurity.
• Michael B. Foder of South Abington Township earned a Master of Science degree in school counseling.
• Grace L. Gonzalez of Dalton earned a Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology and healthcare.
• Samantha A. Horrocks of Clarks Summit earned a Master of Science degree in human resources management.
• Conor J. Jordan of Factoryville earned a Master of Science degree in biochemistry.
• Shervin Mokhtari of Clarks Summit earned a Master of Science degree in clinical chemistry.
• Cassidy A. Bartkowski of Clarks Summit earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree in family nurse practitioner.
Abington-area residents among U of S Undergraduate Class of 2026
The following local residents were among the more than 900 members of the Class of 2026. The newest Scranton alumni received their bachelor’s degrees on Sunday, May 24, at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township. Graduates must have completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2025, as well as January and May of 2026.
• Lucy Abdalla of South Abington Township earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising/public relations.
• Carson Kelleher of Clarks Summit earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business communication.
• Isabelle Kostiak of Ransom Township earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising/public relations and sociology.
• Evan Musgrave of Clarks Summit earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business communication.
• Allen Stankiewicz of South Abington Township earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
• Jacob Basile of Factoryville earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science.
• Nicholas Carr of Clarks Summit earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience.
• Alina Chopko of Dalton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
• Paul Cutrufello of South Abington Township earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience.
• Elina Joshi of Clarks Summit earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
• Helena Mokhtari of Clarks Summit earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience.
• Katherine O’Brien of Clarks Green earned a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science.
• Yogi Patel of Clarks Summit earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.
• James Strain of Clarks Summit earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice.
• Jared White of Clarks Summit earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and philosophy.
• Roman Cutrufello of South Abington Township earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology.
• Jewel Mitchell of South Abington Township earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology.
• Marc Pacyna of South Abington Township earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health administration.
• Charlotte Haggerty of South Abington Township earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in nursing.
• Jamison Bessoir of Clarks Summit earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management and philosophy.
• Matthew Cobb of South Abington Township earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance.
• Ayushi Das of South Abington Township earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business. analytics.
• Molly Gaffney of South Abington Township earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing.
• Cinthia Garcia of Clarks Summit earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.
• Phoebe Glidewell of Clarks Summit earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.
• James Healey of South Abington Township earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.
• Colin Moran of South Abington Township earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing.
• Nicholas Tomaszewski of Waverly Township earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration.
Local residents receive Outstanding Graduate Awards
Local residents were among The University of Scranton 34 outstanding master’s and doctoral degree graduates recognized at its graduate commencement events the weekend of May 22-24, including at the graduate commencement ceremony at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township.
The following graduate students were honored for achievement in their academic area:
• Cassidy A. Bartkowski of Clarks Summit received the Outstanding Student Award for Family Nurse Practitioner.
• Bethany Earley of Clarks Green received the Outstanding Student Award for School Counseling.
• Amelia J. Farry of South Abington Township received the Outstanding Student Award for Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity.
Clarks Summit resident graduates from Business Leadership Honors Program
Phoebe A. Glidewell of Clarks Summit was among the 18 members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2026, who graduated from its Robert L. McKeage Business Leadership Honors Program, which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence.
Students in this highly-selective program explore the basic theories and concepts of leadership through special seminars and courses in management, ethics, strategy, and analysis, in addition to field trips to learn from top executives and projects in leadership, service, and mentoring.
Glidewell graduated, summa cum laude, as an accounting major.
Clarks Summit resident graduates from University Honors Program
Jared P. White of Clarks Summit was among the 31 members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2026 who graduated from the University Honors Program, which is one of the Jesuit university’s programs of excellence.
Undergraduate students in the Honors Program pursue a rigorous education that stresses independent work through close engagement with professors and other honors students, including the preparation, presentation and defense of a research or creative project during their senior year.
White graduated, summa cum laude, as a political science and philosophy double major.
White worked with faculty advisor Joyanna S. Hopper, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, on a thesis project titled “Trust in the Digital Age: Podcasts, Alternative Media, and the Reconfiguration of Institutional legitimacy.”
Local residents graduate from Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program
Local residents were among the 34 members of The University of Scranton’s class of 2026 who graduated from its Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program (SJLA), which is one of Scranton’s programs of excellence. Students in SJLA pursue a rigorous education designed to develop enhanced writing, oral and critical-thinking skills through specially designed courses in philosophy, theology and literature.
• Jamison C. Bessoir of Clarks Summit graduated, magna cum laude, as a management and philosophy double major.
• Buse Z. Onat of South Abington Township graduated, cum laude, as a cybercrime and homeland security, criminal justice and philosophy triple major.
Dalton student added to fall 2025 dean’s list
Stephen J. Reppa of Dalton was among the students added to The University of Scranton dean’s list for the fall 2025 semester after publication of the list in February.
The Dean’s List recognizes students for academic excellence during the 2025 fall semester. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, the Kania School of Management and the Leahy College of Health Sciences.
Reppa is a freshman major at the Jesuit university.
Abington-area residents named to spring dean’s list
Local residents were among nearly 1,900 students named to The University of Scranton’s dean’s list for the 2026 spring semester.
The dean’s list recognizes students for academic excellence. A student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better with a minimum number of credit hours during the semester to make the Dean’s List. The list includes students from the Jesuit university’s College of Arts and Sciences, Kania School of Management and the Leahy College of Health Sciences.
Local honorees include:
• Marai S. Castellanos of Waverly, a freshman psychology major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Sadie E. Gilbert of Waverly, a freshman early and primary teacher education major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Matthew M. Dodge of Clarks Summit, a sophomore biology major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Jamile C. Durante of Ransom Township, a sophomore neuroscience major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Nico Francesca Maletta of Clarks Summit, a sophomore media production and journalism major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Marcello T. Medico of South Abington Township, a sophomore physiology major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Serena Mokhtari of Clarks Summit, a sophomore political science major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Cadence E. Moore of Clarks Summit, a sophomore biochemistry, cell, molecular biology major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Maura C. Pivirotto of South Abington Township, a sophomore neuroscience major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Zoe J. Powers of Factoryville, a sophomore communication major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Isabella G. Sanchez of Clarks Summit, a sophomore biology major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Nooran Abughnia of South Abington Township, a junior neuroscience major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Noe Biteau of Clarks Summit, a junior environmental science major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Brayden C. Clarke of Factoryville, a junior mechanical engineering major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Gerald J. Donahue of Clarks Summit, a junior neuroscience major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Andrew F. Foley of South Abington Township, a junior cybercrime and homeland security major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Rita E. Gowarty of South Abington Township, a junior early and primary teacher education major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Alexander M. Keris of South Abington Township, a junior history major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• James C. Munley of Waverly Township, a junior chemistry major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Leah K Nealon of Clarks Green, a junior psychology major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Lucy E. Abdalla of South Abington Township, a senior advertising/public relations major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Damien E. Blasko of Clarks Green, a senior mathematical sciences major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Nicholas L Carr of Clarks Summit, a senior neuroscience major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Alina Chopko of Dalton, a senior biology major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Jack W. Cowgill of Waverly Township, a senior history major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Gavin J. Grogan of Clarks Summit, a senior biology major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Elina Joshi of Clarks Summit, a senior biology major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Isabelle L. Kostiak of Ransom Township, a senior advertising/public relations major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Katherine W. O’Brien of Clarks Green, a senior environmental science major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Matthew W. Rakauskas of Factoryville, a senior computer science major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Allen T. Stankiewicz of South Abington Township, a senior English major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• James P. Strain of Clarks Summit, a senior criminal justice major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Jared P. White of Clarks Summit, a senior political science major in the University’s College of Arts and Sciences
• Isabelle M. Durkin of Waverly Township, a sophomore kinesiology major in the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences
• Calvin A. Platt of Clarks Summit, a sophomore nursing major in the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences
• Abigail T Deak of North Abington Township, a junior counseling and human services major in the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences
• Gianna B. Familetti of Dalton, a junior communication sciences and disorders major in the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences
• Gianna I. Julian of South Abington Township, a junior nursing major in the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences
• Rusty O. Morgan of South Abington Township, a junior counseling and human services major in the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences
• Roman Marco Cutrufello of South Abington Township, a senior kinesiology major in the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences
• Charlotte Haggerty of South Abington Township, a senior nursing major in the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences
• Jewel E. Mitchell of South Abington Township, a senior kinesiology major in the University’s Leahy College of Health Sciences
• Connor J. Beck of Clarks Summit, a freshman finance major in the University’s Kania School of Management
• Reagan C. Kotchick of Clarks Green, a freshman marketing major in the University’s Kania School of Management
• Thomas C. LaCoe of Ransom Township, a freshman finance major in the University’s Kania School of Management
• Adam Dempsey of Dalton, a sophomore business administration major in the University’s Kania School of Management
• Will H. Marion of South Abington Township, a sophomore finance major in the University’s Kania School of Management
• Giavanna E. Matrone of Waverly Township, a sophomore undeclared major in the University’s Kania School of Management
• Jonathan T. Dickson of Waverly Township, a junior accounting major in the University’s Kania School of Management
• Brayden J. Reiner of South Abington Township, a junior finance major in the University’s Kania School of Management
• Matthew J. Young of South Abington Township, a junior accounting major in the University’s Kania School of Management
• Jamison C. Bessoir of Clarks Summit, a senior management major in the University’s Kania School of Management
• Ayushi Das of South Abington Township, a senior business analytics major in the University’s Kania School of Management
• Molly Frances Gaffney of South Abington Township, a senior marketing major in the University’s Kania School of Management
• James J. Healey of South Abington Township, a senior accounting major in the University’s Kania School of Management
• Colin M. Moran of South Abington Township, a senior marketing major in the University’s Kania School of Management
• Nicholas Tomaszewski of Waverly Township, a senior business administration major in the University’s Kania School of Management
UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA
Local students honored on dean’s list
University of Tampa honored the following local students who were named to the dean’s list for the spring 2026 semester:
• Maeve Ludka of South Abingtn Township, a member of the Class of 2028 majoring in finance.
• Katherine Scoblick of Waverly Township, a member of the Class of 2027 majoring in international business and accounting.
Students must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher to be eligible for the dean’s list.
WILKES UNIVERSITY
Abington-area residents awarded degrees
Wilkes University celebrated the accomplishments of 800 students at its 79th spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16.
Local students who earned degrees include:
• Steven Millan of Clarks Summit — Bachelor of Business Administration in Management
• Sheri Brown of Clarks Summit — Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership PA w/Certification
• Brigid Reese of Clarks Summit — Master of Arts in Creative Writing
• Lindsay Palmer of Clarks Summit — Master of Science in Education
• Caroleena Cole of Clarks Summit — Master of Science in Education
• Lauren Lefchak of South Abington Township — Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Ross Cianflone of South Abington Township — Master of Business Administration
• Samantha Dempsey of Waverly Township — Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Local students named to dean’s list
Wilkes University Chief Operating Officer and Provost David M. Ward announced the dean’s list for the spring 2026 semester.
Local honorees are:
• Alyssa Sekelsky of Factoryville
• Matthew Show of South Abington Township
• Audrey Cornell of Clarks Summit
• Capri Pettinato of Clarks Summit
• Hamza Mirza of Waverly Township
• Brynn Torrence of South Abington Township
• Angela Natale of Clarks Summit
• Kylie Patrick of Clarks Summit
• Aidan Price of Clarks Summit
• Kenneth James of Dalton
• Madelyn Pardue of Dalton
• Samantha Dempsey of Waverly Township
To be named to the dean’s list, students must obtain a minimum 3.5 grade point average and carry at least 12 credits.
