We know that our neighbors and friends are interested in what’s physically happening on campus. Through this page we will share news of new construction and building improvements as well as the major dates that bring visitors to campus and the Greater Scranton area.

Current Updates & Campus Happenings
Improvements & Construction
Major Dates for the University: Community Relations Calendar

Mulberry Street Improvement Project Reaches Final Stage

The Mulberry Street Improvement Project will be complete in early 2013.  The final phase of the project has included pedestrian safety measures in cooperation with PennDOT and new street signs along Mulberry Street in response to a request from the City of Scranton.  Read more about project

Loyola Science Center Wins Chamber of Commerce SAGE Award 

 During the November 12 Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Gala, where businesses were presented with Scranton Awards for Growth and Excellence (SAGE), The University of Scranton, together with Quandel Construction Group received two high honors for the Loyola Science Center. 

The new $85 million science facility, completed in two phases in 2011 and 2012 was recognized in the "Pride & Progress: New Construction" and "Pride & Progress: Project of the Year" categories.

To read the full Times-Tribune article, click here.  To read the Chamber of Commerce press release, click here.   

Landscape Improvement Projects: Before & After Photos  

The University has compiled a group of before and after photos of campus landscape improvement projects that have been undertaken over the past 5 years. Photos include the extension of the Commons, Condron Hall landscaping, Mahon Court reconstruction, Royal Way reconstruction, and the Mulberry Street Improvement Project, which has beautified sidewalks and streetscape on a main city gateway.  view photos

In August, 2012 the University completed phase two of the Loyola Science Center and on Sept. 28, 2012 the University dedicated what is one of the most innovative science buildings in the country.  The $85 million, nearly 200,000 square-foot Science Center is the largest capital project in the history of the Jesuit university and the culmination of more than 15 years of planning and preparation.  View photos of the dedication. 

The Loyola Science Center is the new home for all the natural sciences research and instruction at The University of Scranton. While its primary purpose is to house the existing Biology, Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics/EE departments and programs currently associated with these departments, it is designed to serve as a center for collaborative learning for all members of the campus and community.  It is our goal to make science accessible and welcome to all, and to highlight science as a human endeavor.  The first thing visitors notice upon entering the expansive, newly constructed portion of Loyola Science Center is what isn’t there – walls. Glass from floor to ceiling throughout phase one of the center exposes science being taught and learned at The University of Scranton.  

Loyola Science Center Celebration Overview Page
Building Wins Chamber SAGE Award
Science Center Dedication and Upcoming Events
Naming Announcement Press Release
Quick Facts
Design Overview
USC in the News: New university center to enhance science education (Times Tribune, February 20, 2011)

The University's 196,722 sq. ft. apartment and fitness complex on Mulberry Street is now complete.  The West Building, dedicated as Pilarz Hall on November 18, 2011 in honor of the University's 24th president, Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.,includes a state-of-the-art fitness center that opened to students in September. The East building, dedicated on Dec. 1 as Montrone Hall in honor of Sandra H'03 and Paul Montrone '62, H'86, includes a convenience store and food court that is open to the public. Both buildings house apartment facilities that were immensely popular in the 2011-2012 housing lottery and were fully occupied by juniors and seniors in August. 

View story on the University Breaking Ground for the Complex.
View Quick Facts on Apartments, Fitness Complex and Dining Area 
Take a virtual tour. 

  The Mulberry Street Improvement Project will be complete in early 2013.  The final phase of the project has included pedestrian safety measures in cooperation with PennDOT and new street signs along Mulberry Street in response to a request from the City of Scranton. 

The purpose of the project is to improve the Mulberry Street Corridor, a main gateway to the City and University.  It aims to encourage foot traffic and improve pedestrian safety by creating wider walking paths that incorporate bluestone sidewalks, scored concrete crosswalks, cobblestone lined tree lawns, benches and vintage light fixtures. The project also includes new period street lights and signals, landscaping to screen parking lots and intermittent, low, limestone seating walls.

The Mulberry Street Improvement Project was first launched in 2007 in collaboration with Scranton's Mayor and City Council.  It was expanded through a plan developed in 2010 in cooperation with Ayers Saint Gross, a nationally respected architectural firm in Baltimore, Md, and Burkavage Design Associates, a local architectural firm. The first phase of the project concentrated on Mulberry Street between Jefferson and Madison avenues and was completed in 2011. This phase included the large limestone, wrought iron and cast stone sign on the northeast corner of Jefferson Avenue and Mulberry Street that welcomes passers by to The University of Scranton campus and the historic Hill Section of Scranton. It also included the enlarged pedestrian crosswalk area immediately in front of the sign. The last phase will encompass Mulberry Street from Madison to North Webster avenues.  In total, the University has committed $3.16 million to this neighborhood beautification project.  

Want to know what's happening on campus?  Wondering why traffic is slowing around the University?   The Community Relations’ University Calendar will help you keep track of the major events that bring visitors to campus or may affect University neighbors.

View Calendar as HTML page
View Calendar in PDF Format