A transfer to the University more than 30 years ago led then sophomore Michael Bertrand to where he felt he “needed to be.” Life-affirming experiences followed, including a #ScrantonLoveStory, a Royal legacy and a notable career in New York City with the FBI. Today, Michael and Mary Alice Bertrand and their three daughters discuss cherished aspects of campus and the Scranton connections that have guided their path.
What first drew you to Scranton?
Michael ’92: I started my college journey at another university. One of my best friends had chosen The University of Scranton and spoke so highly of the school. I visited him one weekend, and knew this was a special place, and where I needed to be. I transferred to Scranton my sophomore year.
What major did you choose?
Michael ’92: criminal justice
Mary Alice ’92: computer information systems
Megan ’22: English and philosophy
Katie ’24: entrepreneurship
Mallory ’28: communication sciences and disorders
Did you meet at Scranton? Please share a few details about your #ScrantonLoveStory?
Mary Alice ’92: We started dating our junior year after being introduced by a mutual friend. Some of our favorite memories were getting to know each other while enjoying that time in our lives. We especially loved our senior formal, celebrating with all our friends before graduating.
Would you recommend Scranton to a high school student? If yes, how did Scranton impact your career journey?
Michael ’92: Absolutely. I recommended Scranton to three high school students (my own kids!). I was a criminal justice major at Scranton, attended law school and went on to become an FBI Agent. I had a great career, specializing in international counterterrorism investigations, all while working in New York for 23 years.
Mary Alice ’92: I was so happy our girls all chose Scranton, and I tell everyone who is on a college search with their children to look at the University. It is still the special place that it was all those years ago. After graduation, I was actually recruited to my first job by an alum who had graduated two years earlier.
Megan ’22: I definitely would. All the people at Scranton are amazing and the school set me up to succeed in law school. The small class sizes meant we all got to know each other very well, and the clear writing and logical reasoning I learned about at Scranton are skills I use every day.
Katie ’24: Yes, I loved my time at Scranton. The small class sizes allowed me to connect with my professors and classmates easily. This made networking for internships and jobs easier as we all wanted to help each other succeed.
Mallory ’28: Yes, I’ve been here a few months, and the Scranton community has been very welcoming.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
Michael ’92: Scranton has changed so much since I have been there, but The Commons has remained the same. I make sure I walk through the center of campus to take in the atmosphere every time I visit. I love it most in the fall with the
leaves changing colors, and the Scranton flags flying.
Mary Alice ’92: I love to visit the DeNaples Center and Dionne Green. There are always so many smiling faces greeting each other and so much activity all around. It reminds me of our time with friends at our student center, the Gunster Center, and sitting on Nevil’s Beach those first beautiful days of spring.
Megan ’22: Second floor of the DeNaples Center is a great place to sit in between classes and talk with friends.
Katie ’24: Going to the volleyball court in front of Condron Hall to play with friends.
Mallory ’28: Loyola Science Center study room.
Who was/is your favorite professor and/or class?
Michael ’92: I still remember taking a class with some of my friends (and future wife) on the Russian Revolution. Dr. Earl (the late John L. Earl III, Ph.D.) was so passionate about the topic and every lecture was entertaining and informative.
Did you/do you have a favorite Jesuit?
Michael ’92: Father “Papa Bear” Panuska (the late Rev. J.A. Panuska, S.J. H’74) has a special place in my heart. He had a big presence on campus, participated in campus functions and never missed an opportunity to speak with students.
Which on-campus tradition would you like to revisit?
Michael ’92: No doubt, orientation weekend. Those two days were such an exciting time on campus. I loved the experience so much as a transfer student that I became an orientation aide. The large orientation team organized sessions during the summer and then, in our purple shirts, welcomed the freshman class with two days of activities, including a talent show.
What did/do you enjoy most as a Scranton student?
Michael ’92: I loved the people. The Scranton community was welcoming to me as a transfer student and I developed great friendships that I still have today.
Mary Alice ’92: The University community is what I enjoyed most as a student. The faculty and staff created an environment for you to succeed academically, and grow personally and spiritually, preparing you well for your next journey. I made so many lifelong friendships while at the University. Of course, one of my favorite memories is meeting my husband.
Megan ’22: The long-term friendships I developed over the years.
Katie ’24: Sitting on the first floor of the DeNaples Center with friends, pretending to do homework.
Mallory ’28: Meeting new people and trying new things.
I was so happy our girls all chose Scranton, and I tell everyone who is on a college search with their children to look at the University. It is still the special place that it was all those years ago.” — Mary Alice Bertrand ’92
What advice would you offer a Royal undergraduate student to help them make the most of their time at Scranton?
Michael ’92: Get involved, get involved and get involved. Scranton has a great academic reputation, but most of my favorite memories came from outside the classroom. I played lacrosse, was an Orientation aide, did Search and went to
London. Four years go by very fast. Take advantage of every opportunity you can.
What inspired you to join the Alumni Society Advisory Board? What have you found most fulfilling?
Michael ’92: After my first daughter decided to go to Scranton, I began to travel more frequently to the University to visit her. I began to speak at networking and career fairs and loved talking with the students. I decided to join the alumni board as a way to continue contributing to the school.
Michael ’92, Mary Alice ’92, Megan ’22, Katie ’24 and Mallory Bertrand ’28 reside in East Windsor, New Jersey.
