The Legacy Families of the Class of 2026, Then and Now
Way back in 2022, a group of starry-eyed legacy students gathered with their families and Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, as they prepared to embrace all the University had to offer. On Commencement Weekend, that same group gathered with their families, Father Marina and Alumni Society Advisory Board Chair Chris Neumann, Esq. ’87, P’24, P’27, as they prepared to “go forth and set the world on fire.”
Honoring Excellence: The 2026 Frank J. O'Hara Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients
On Friday, June 5, The Alumni Society and The University of Scranton honored Christine Blazynski, Ph.D. ’76, senior vice president and Chief Science Officer, Informa PLC (retired); Justin B. Murphy ’76, senior law enforcement advisor to the Deputy Assistant Attorney General, United States Department of Justice (retired); Dcn. James J. Knipper ’81, author and publisher, Clear Faith Publishing LLC; Lawrence R. Lynch ’81, H’22, partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers (retired); Patricia A. Clarke ’86, P’17, ’19, founder, Clarke Coaching & Consulting; James M. Slattery ’86, H’23, co-founder and head of North America, Rosebank Industries PLC; Elizabeth Madden ’96, founder and managing member, Compass Advisors and Coaching; and Thomas J. Gibbons ’96, G’99 (in memoriam), Dean of Students, Xavier High School, with the Frank J. O’Hara Distinguished Alumni Award, the
highest recognition they jointly bestow.
Named in honor of Frank J. O’Hara of the Class of 1925, H’56, an administrator who served the University for more than 53 years, the award is presented to select alumni who have achieved distinction in their professional or personal endeavors.
New Jersey Presidential Reception
In January, alumni, parents and friends of the University enjoyed a cocktail reception with Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, at Basking Ridge Country Club.
Royals 2 Royals
In February, scores of alumni returned to campus to network with current students at Royals 2 Royals.
Day of Service
On April 25, University alumni, parents and friends in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., served their communities by participating in the 2026 University of Scranton Day of Service.
Shamrockin’ Eve
In March, more than 450 recent grads returned to campus to celebrate the 16th Annual Shamrockin’ Eve with more than 500 members of the Class of 2026.
Royals Unite in Purple and White for 5.06.26
On May 6, 2,548 alumni, parents and friends of the University celebrated 5.06.26, Scranton’s 12th annual Day of Giving, by raising $579,005 for a wide variety of campus causes, including scholarships, athletics, service programs and student organizations.
Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University president, stands in front of a chorus line of students led by Iggy in a scene from the 5.06.26 kickoff video.
