Virtual Computing Sciences Spring Social Event
On April 22, nearly 50 alumni, students and faculty members continued the yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Computing Sciences Department at Scranton with a Zoom social. The discussion and camaraderie lasted more than two hours as alumni fielded industry and career questions from students, and faculty and alumni reminisced about campus and curriculum changes over the past 50 years. Department chair Richard Plishka ’75, along with six fellow faculty members who were also present, look forward to continuing alumni engagement efforts beyond the 50th year.
Virtual Pre-Law Banquet and Council of Alumni Lawyers Event
On May 3, members of the Council of Alumni Lawyers joined students via Zoom for the virtual Pre-Law Society Banquet, an annual celebration of the University’s Pre-Law Society and Mock Trial team.
This year’s event featured a keynote address delivered by Melinda Ghilardi, Esq. ’80 and Kathleen Santora, Esq. ’80, H’17 alumnae attorneys who both formerly served on the University’s Board of Trustees. Also, the society presented the 2020 Outstanding Service Award to Victoria Mastrofilippo ’20 and the 2021 Outstanding Service Award to Victoria Sansone ’21.
Rainbow Royals Inaugural Meet and Greet
Rainbow Royals, the University’s LGBTQIA+ and ally network, held its first virtual Meet and Greet on May 12. The gathering featured an update on LGBTQIA+ life on campus delivered by Maria Marinucci, director of the Cross Cultural Center at the University, and Tara Fay, biology faculty specialist and moderator of S.A.F.E. (Scranton Alliance For Equity) Space, the campus LGBTQIA+ club. Run by students, S.A.F.E. Space provides a space for current students to be themselves. The event also featured a question-and-answer session moderated by John Gownley ’06, founding member of Rainbow Royals and assistant director of Campus Ministry for Church Operations and Special Events at Fordham University.
To get involved with Rainbow Royals and make your gift to S.A.F.E. Space in support of the campus LGBTQIA+ community, visit scranton.edu/RainbowRoyals.
Women’s Alliance
On May 18, over 100 alumnae signed up to view a virtual panel hosted by the University’s Women’s Alliance. Moderated by senior business major and president of the Kania Women in Business Club Alexandra Wanas ’21, the discussion explored the topic, “One Year later: What We’ve Learned.” Panelists reflected upon an incredibly challenging year in each of their industries and shared the takeaways that have made them stronger leaders.
Day of Service
On April 24, small groups of alumni celebrated this year’s Day of Service safely in their hometowns by volunteering and/or dropping off essential food items and supplies at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, City Harvest New York City, the Central PA Food Bank, the Greater Boston Food Bank, Cooking for Long Island Veterans and the University’s We Care Wednesdays.
See more photos, here.

5.06.21: Don’t Waste Love
More than 3,300 members of the University community joined together to contribute a total of $689,763 to various scholarships and causes for Scranton’s seventh annual Day of Giving on May 6. This year’s campaign shattered all previous 5.06 records and surpassed the initial goal of 2,427 donors, which was chosen to honor the memory of the late Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. H’15, Scranton’s 24th and 27th president.
“Spend your love lavishly on the friends you have made at Scranton. Love all that you have learned here. Love the University that is now yours.”
- Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
The celebration included a Virtual 5.06K, a competitive Athletics Team Challenge, and a generous Trustee Scholarship Match that doubled all gifts to scholarships up to a total of $265,506. Alumni and friends of Fr. Pilarz honored him on 5.06 by submitting videos and photos, joining Team Pilarz in the Virtual 5.06K, contributing to The Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., Scholarship.
Welcome Home!
First-year students and their alumni family members gathered with University President Joseph G. Marina, S.J., during Welcome Weekend to capture the beginning of their Scranton journeys. The Class of 2025 includes a total of 64 legacy students whose parents are University of Scranton alumni.