Fans from around the world joined the University in bidding farewell in grand style to the cast and producers of “The Office,” the NBC TV series set in Scranton that aired its final episode on May 16. Among the highlights of the May 4 “Wrap Party” was a parade featuring all of the beloved characters, including “Jim,” “Pam” and “Dwight,” which began in front of the new Loyola Science Center and ended on Courthouse Square. However, the biggest thrill was the surprise appearance by none other than “Michael Scott,” also known as Steve Carell, who showed up for an evening “Cast Q & A” at PNC Field, Moosic.
On campus, cast members signed autographs and posed for photos with fans including hundreds of University students. Student groups involved in the festivities included cheerleaders, student government officers, the University dance team, Urban Beats Crew, WUSR radio station, Royal Harmony and Men and Women for Octaves, an a cappella group that also performed a rendition of “The Office” theme song at
a VIP reception at the University on May 3.
At the VIP reception, University of Scranton President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., joined local community leaders, including U.S. Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr., to welcome the cast and producers to Scranton.
The University also hosted the Bloggers’ Breakfast and a “Behind the Scenes Q-&-A” with producer, Greg Daniels and the writers and coordinators of “The Office.”
Reporters representing local, regional and national outlets such as NBC News, Associated Press, Reuters, TV Guide Magazine, The Huffington Post and Entertainment Weekly covered the event and University communication majors got to interact with them as press liaisons.
Scranton alumnus Tim Holmes ’88, regional director of marketing and events for Times-Shamrock Communications, led the team organizing the Wrap Party. He assembled the same team for “The Office” Convention, which was held in Scranton in 2007.
