Fall 2026

A Message from our President

 

Dear Friends,

To live Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam — “For the greater glory of God” — is to recognize that our gifts can become instruments of grace when placed in service to something larger than ourselves.

In this issue of The Scranton Journal, we see that spirit reflected in Royals who live out this calling by dedicating their lives to the common good. Students and faculty across disciplines volunteer to modify miniature cars for children with limited mobility through the University’s chapter of the national Go Baby Go program. This wonderful event is made possible year after year by the generosity of Edward ’68, H’01 and Patricia Leahy through a grant from The Edward R. Leahy Jr. Endowment. Stephanie DeNaples, OTD ’15, G’17 and other faculty, students and staff channel the Royal outpouring of talent and compassion to empower some of the youngest and most vulnerable in our community. Alumni, too, honor the gift of the Jesuit education entrusted to them as incoming first-year students.

Presidential Scholars from the past five decades offer their perspective with the hope of inspiring others to sustain the Scranton legacy of four-year, full-tuition scholarships for generations to come. This month marks the 25th President’s Medal gala in support of the Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund, and by the time you read this, we will have honored Robert S. ’68 and Marilyn A. Weiss with the President’s Medal.

The magazine also commemorates a milestone on a national scale: the 250th birthday of the United States. Kathryn Ott Lovell ’96,  James McKane ’20,  and the University team advancing the “Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story” project with community partners guide us in understanding our past and help us envision a future we can shape together.

In the pages ahead, determination, strengthened by a Scranton education, propels six outstanding Class of 2026 graduates whose hard work and dedication have earned them acceptance to some of the most competitive employment opportunities, doctoral programs, and residency programs.

And hope provides inner resolve for Rev. Michael Bartholomew ’03, who moved beyond setbacks early in life to become a champion master’s race walker and today answers God’s call to service as pastor of four churches on Long Island. Please continue to remember the University in your prayers and be assured of mine in return. God bless you and GO ROYALS!!

Yours Faithfully,

Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J.
President

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