1966
Rev. Bernard R. McIlhenny, S.J. H’98, dean of admissions emeritus, arrived in Scranton in 1958 to serve as headmaster of Scranton Preparatory School, which was owned by the University at the time. He was appointed dean of admissions at the University in 1966 and admitted more than two-thirds of Scranton’s living alumni over the next 31 years.
Fr. McIlhenny, shown in 1975, introduced the Presidential Scholarship concept.
“As dean of admissions, I was looking for new ways to attract good students,” said Fr. McIlhenny. “Back in those days, I would call personally to congratulate those who received the full-tuition scholarships.”
1971
Rev. Dexter Hanley, S.J. H’75, then- University president, presents five incoming first-year students with full-tuition, four-year scholarships. Shown from left are Charles X. Gormally, Esq. ’75, Rumson, New Jersey; John Burke ’75, Drexel Hill; Vincent P. Niedzielski ’75, Scranton; Fr. Hanley (with his dog, “Prince Hoya”); Mark E. Chopko, Esq. ’74, Kingston; and Michael C. Schlussel ’75, Southampton.
1973
Shown with Rev. Dexter L. Hanley, S.J. H’75, then-University of Scranton president, are, from left: Michael J. Glazer, Camp Springs, Maryland; Hugh M. Carlin, M.D. ’76, Levittown; Joan A. Materna-Solera ’77, Scranton; and George R. Coar, M.D. ’77, Scranton. Absent from photo: Mary L. Boegel, M.D. ’77, Bayport, New York.
1985
Six students are awarded Presidential Scholarships, which cover full tuition cost for four years of study. Rahat Quli ’91, G’06 of Mountain Top, one of five local scholarship recipients, is shown with her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Syed Quli, and then-University President Rev. J. A. Panuska, S.J. H’74.
2002
First presentation of the President’s Medal that supports the Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund. Shown, The Scranton Record reports on the inaugural President’s Medal dinner hosted at The Pierre in New York City in 2002.
2016
The University honors Rev. Bernard R. McIlhenny, S.J. H’98, dean of admissions emeritus, shown with the President’s Medal in 2016.
2024
Event rebranded as The President’s Medal Gala and hosted for the first time at Pier Sixty in New York City. Shown, Class of 2025 Presidential Scholars at the event, and below, in 2021 as incoming first-years with Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J., University President.
2025
The President’s Medal Gala at Pier Sixty includes a guest reception with cast members from NBC’s “The Office.” Shown with Iggy at the event are, from left: Andy Buckley, Kate Flannery and Brian Baumgartner.
2026
The most recent Presidential Scholars from the Class of 2026 are shown at the May 24 Commencement ceremony at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Twp.
