The University dedicated Edward R. Leahy Jr. Hall, its new, state-of-the-art, eight-story building on Linden Street and Jefferson Avenue, at a ceremony on Sept. 18. The building, the new home of the Panuska College of Professional Studies (PCPS) departments of physical therapy, occupational therapy and exercise science, is named in honor of the late son of long-time University benefactors Patricia and Edward Leahy ’68, H’01.
“The spirit of Edward Jr., for whom this building is dedicated, will inspire students at The University of Scranton to demonstrate such compassion,” said University of Scranton President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J. “Let us pray that the many lives Edward Jr. touched in his life will remind us of our responsibility to have a positive impact on others.”
Edward Leahy said that he and Patricia (pictured at left with Fr. Quinn) were deeply honored that some of the good work that would be done in the building would be in memory of their son.
“In the memory of a child, who was set in the midst of us, we are dedicating this magnificent building, not for its brick and mortar, but as a new center for the physically disabled, the accident victim, someone who suffered a stoke, someone needing occupational therapy or counseling, who are poor and underserved, who can be helped by the students and professionals in the health sciences here at The University of Scranton,” he said.
“This facility exemplifies our Catholic and Jesuit identity and mission,” said Larry Lynch ‘81 (pictured at right, below), chair of the Board of Trustees. “We are teaching students to help people in the most critical and challenging days of their lives. That’s powerful.”
The dedication officially began a yearlong series of events, titled “Embracing the Call to Care,” to give the Scranton community an opportunity to experience firsthand the facility and programs offered through PCPS.
According to Debra A. Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of PCPS, “Embracing the Call to Care” is designed to “perfect our quest to be a model for the helping professions.” She noted it “recognizes the need to act on continuous improvement, implement diverse opportunities for students to be engaged in transformative and reflective experiences and provide substance to our University’s strategic mission and values through a continuous assessment plan.”
Get quick facts here and read more about the dedication here.
Watch the dedication below.
Architects of Leahy Hall 2015 Business Partner of the Year
The University of Scranton recognized Hemmler + Camayd Architects, Scranton, as its 2015 Business Partner of the Year. The award, presented at a dinner held recently on campus, recognizes an organization for contributing outstanding service and value to the University’s Jesuit mission.
Hemmler + Camayd, along with Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, assisted by Higher Education Research Associates, were the architects of Leahy Hall. Hemmler + Camayd also designed Pilarz and Montrone Halls, the University’s upperclassmen residence halls that include apartment-style rooms, a convenience store and fitness center, as well as Redington Hall, one of the University’s sophomore residence halls.
Heard at the Dedication
“Patricia and Ed, we are grateful for your many contributions to the University, but most importantly, we are grateful for your incredible compassion for those confronted with physical challenges. The spirit of Edward Jr., for whom this building is dedicated, will inspire students at The University of Scranton to demonstrate such compassion. Let us pray that the many lives Edward Jr. touched in his life will remind us of our responsibility to have a positive impact on others.” -- University of Scranton President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J.
“Edward R. Leahy Jr. Hall will provide our students with the opportunity to learn in a state-of-the-art facility, which is among the finest of its type in the country. This marvelous structure reflects our commitment to research and teaching excellence with an Ignatian spirit. It is a place where our students, faculty and staff will work, learn and grow together. Our students will become highly educated allied-health professionals and will leave the University as engaged, ethical and compassionate ‘men and women for and with others.’” -- Debra Pellegrino, Ph.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies
“I can no longer subdue the passion that has overtaken my imagination as I watch this building and these programs unfold before my eyes. We are at the precipice of embracing our call to care, and I cannot thank Scranton enough for helping me cultivate my innermost gift of helping others.” --Shannon Gilman, a 2014 graduate of The University of Scranton and current student in the University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
“As a member of the Class of 1981, I think I can speak for the more than 40,000 graduates of the University about the enormous sense of pride I feel when I look at this facility. Leahy Hall stands as a symbol of the qualities that have guided the University throughout its 127-year history – perseverance, generosity, dedication, compassion and vision. Leahy Hall also represents our future. As we move ahead as a University, we will work vigorously to preserve our history while responding to the challenges of an ever-changing world.” -- Lawrence R. Lynch ’81, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees.
Most Rev. Joseph Bambera, D.D., bishop of the Diocese of Scranton, blessed the building at the dedication. Also speaking at the dedication were Edward Steinmetz, senior vice president for finance and administration; Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Judee Bavaria, member of the University’s Board of Trustees, and Edward and Patricia Leahy.
