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Royal News is published for The University of Scranton community.
Submit announcements to royalnews@scranton.edu by Friday at 5 p.m. for inclusion on Tuesday.
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November 15, 2011: General News

General News | Faculty/Staff News | Student News | Athletics News

Nobel Laureate to Talk at Scranton Wednesday

John F. Nash, Jr., Ph.D., who received the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1994 and the subject of the 2001 feature film “A Beautiful Mind,” will deliver the annual Harry Mullin, M.D., Memorial Lecture at The University of Scranton on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center. He will discuss “Ideal Money and the Motivation of Saving and Thrift.” A brilliant mathematician, Dr. Nash is best known for his work in game theory, which, in simple terms, focuses on how groups of people interact. His theories have provided insight into the forces that govern chance and events in market economics, computing, evolutionary biology, artificial intelligence, accounting, politics and military strategy. To read the full release, click here.

How Does it Feel to be a Problem? Lecture Thursday

"How Does it Feel to be a Problem?: Being Young, Arab, and Muslim in America Ten Years After 9/11," a lecture by Professor Moustafa Bayoumi of Brooklyn College CUNY, will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. in Brennan Hall, room 228, Pearn Auditorium.

Just over a century ago, W.E.B. Du Bois posed a provocative question in his classic "The Souls of Black Folk: 'How does it feel to be a problem?'" Now, Professor Bayoumi asks the same question about a new “problem” group in the United States and relies on seven young Arab-Americans to provide the answer. Bayoumi presents striking portraits of 20-something Arab-Americans in Brooklyn who face surveillance and detentions, workplace discrimination, threats of vigilante violence, and the disappearance of friends or family all trials that have faced the newest population in America to be tagged “problematic.” Bayoumi will reflect on what it means to be Arab-American and Muslim-American today, 10 years after the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

This event is sponsored by the Office of Equity and Diversity.

Moustafa Bayoumi is the author of "How Does It Feel to Be a Problem?: Being Young and Arab in America" (Penguin), which won an American Book Award and the Arab American Book Award for Non-Fiction. (The book has also been translated into Arabic by Arab Scientific Publishers.) His writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, New York Magazine, The Guardian, The National, CNN.com, The London Review of Books, The Nation, and other places. Bayoumi is also the co-editor of The Edward Said Reader (Vintage) and editor of Midnight on Mavi Marmara: the Attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla and How It Changed the Course of the Israel/Palestine Conflict (O/R Books). He has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Chicago Sun-Times, and on CNN, FOX News, Book TV, National Public Radio, and many other media outlets from around the world. Bayoumi is a professor of English at Brooklyn College, City University of New York.

Bayoumi will be signing books at the lecture; "How Does It Feel To Be a Problem?: Being Young and Arab in America" is on sale at the bookstore and will be available for purchase at the lecture.

To read the University's news release, click here.

Veteran Discusses his Experience as a Soldier, Nazi Slave Laborer

The Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute of The University of Scranton welcomed Robert Max, a World War II Jewish-American soldier and prisoner of war, to speak in the Rose Room of Brennan Hall on Nov. 10. In his lecture, “From American Soldier to Nazi Slave Laborer,” Max discussed his experience serving in the United States military during World War II and his time spent as a Nazi prisoner of war and slave laborer.

To read the full article, available on TheTimes-Tribune.com, click here. (The article was written by Elizabeth Klassner '12, a student correspondent.)

‘Why Nations Fail’ is Topic of Henry George Lecture

The co-author of “Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity and Poverty,” Daron Acemoglu, Ph.D., spoke on Nov. 9 as part of the 26th Annual Henry George Lecture at the University of Scranton. The Elizabeth and James Killian Professor of Economics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) spoke to more than 400 students, faculty and staff in the McIlhenny Ballroom of the DeNaples Center. He argued that there are political and economic aspects that allow a nation to succeed or fail.

To read the full article, available on TheTimes-Tribune.com, click here. (The article was written by Elizabeth Klassner '12, a student correspondent.)

University Names Three New Trustees

The University of Scranton has named three individuals to its Board of Trustees: Jacquelyn Dionne ’89, Westport, Conn.; Vincent Reilly, Esq. ’80, Philadelphia; and Justin B. Murphy ’76, Oak Hill, Va. To read the full release, click here.

Artist Says Exhibit ‘Offers Hope’

Joelle Dietrick, creator of “The Sherwin Series,” which is currently being displayed at The University of Scranton’s Hope Horn Gallery, discussed her exhibit at a Nov. 4 lecture in the Pearn Auditorium in Brennan Hall. According to Dietrick, a main theme of “The Sherwin Series” is the identity of home in today’s world. To relate to this, she told of the number of places where she has lived and worked, including California, China, Alabama and Bahrain. To read the full article, available on TheTimes-Tribune.com, click here. (The article was written by Cory Burrell '14, a student correspondent.)

Royal Warrior Battalion Celebrates Veterans Day

As the nation celebrated Veterans Day last week, the cadets and cadre of The University of Scranton Military Science Department assisted both the campus and local community in remembering veterans past and present. To view the full release, as well as photographs, click here.

Two Concerts Planned this Weekend

Friday, Nov. 18
Listen to Caleb Hudson, a member of The New York Trumpet Ensemble, in recital on Friday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the Houlihan-McLean Center. Hudson has appeared on the Public Radio International program "From the Top," performed as a soloist with the Lexington Philharmonic, and served as principal trumpet of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Performance Music at music@scranton.edu.

Sunday, Nov. 20
The University of Scranton Concert Choir joins with The Catholic Choral Society and other regional choirs to perform a concert in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the “Generations Sing!” collaborations on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Cathedral (Wyoming Avenue at Linden Street) in downtown Scranton.

New Videos on University YouTube Channel

The University's official Youtube channel is updated throughout the semester with videos from on-campus events. Check out these recenltly uploaded videos:

‪"From American Soldier to Nazi Slave Laborer" - Robert R. Max‬
Robert R. Max, a Jewish-American prisoner of war in Nazi Germany during World War II, delivered the Weinberg Judaic Studies Institute lecture on Nov. 10 titled "From American Soldier to Nazi Slave Laborer."

‪"Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity and Poverty" - Daron Acemoglu ‬
Daron Acemoglu, Ph.D., of MIT discussed "Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity and Poverty" at the 26th annual Henry George Lecture on Nov. 9.

December Calendar of Events Announced

The University of Scranton recently announced its calendar of events for the month of December. To view the calendar of events, click here.

Who are Eastern Catholics?

"Who are Eastern Catholics and Why You should Care" will be the subject of a presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. in Brennan Hall, room 205. Dr. Phil Yevics will address the topic, in response to the Prayer Request of Pope Benedict XVI for the month of November, "That the Eastern Catholic Churches and their venerable traditions may be known and esteemed as a spiritual treasure for the whole Church." The presentation, which is free and open to the public, is part of the Heritage Lecture Series sponsored by District Five of the Greek Catholic Union of the USA.

Marcellus Shale Activist Training Wednesday

WHAT: Scranton Marcellus Shale Citizen Organizer Training
WHERE: The University of Scranton, Brennan Hall, room 500, Scranton, PA
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov. 16, 6-9 p.m.
Co-sponsored by The University of Scranton Task Force on Sustainability

After a few years of gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale, we've seen accidents and blowouts poison local streams and drinking water supplies; our state forests leased out as a cash cow with no regard for their natural beauty we all enjoy; and air emissions from gas wells exacerbate the smog pollution problems we already face here in Pennsylvania. Every month it becomes clearer that Marcellus Shale gas drilling is potentially the largest environmental disaster to ever hit Pennsylvania.

Throughout it all, gas-drilling companies and their allies in Harrisburg have fought back against efforts to put public health and the environment first.

That's why PennEnvironment needs you to come to training in Scranton on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 6-9 p.m. to learn how you can help fight back. Can you come?

The training is part of a statewide project we've launched to train 1,000 Pennsylvanians to help protect their communities from gas drilling. Whether you're new to activism or been on the frontlines of the Marcellus Shale, this training will help you take the fight to the next level. You'll learn from our staff and other organizers in the area how to effectively engage with decision makers on these issues, generate massive coverage in the media, and how to hold your elected officials accountable for their failure to tackle the Marcellus Shale gas drilling issue.

Click here to let PennEnvironment know if you'll be attending.

PennEnvironment is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Pennsylvania’s natural resources through independent research and political advocacy.

Shower Challenge: Conserving Water On Campus

shower-challenge

Communication majors enrolled in senior seminar are teaming up with Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) to promote sustainability on The University of Scranton’s campus. One project is focusing on conserving water in Gannon, Lavis, and McCormick Halls, more commonly known as “GLM.” The “Shower Challenge” was created with hopes of reducing the amount of water being used in the dorm that houses more than 200 female students. To read the full release, click here.

Center for Student Engagement Recognizes McAvoy

This year, the Center for Student Engagement has spearheaded a new initiative to recognize our student leaders who go above and beyond the call of duty. Our office has created the Student Leader of the Month Award to honor those students who consistently make a difference on our campus and in our community. We are proud to announce that Brian McAvoy '13 is the Student Leader of the Month award recipient for November. To read the full release, click here.

Royals 4 Waste Reduction

The University of Scranton Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) organization is partnering with senior communication students to launch a sustainability initiative on campus. Through “Royals 4 Waste Reduction," SIFE aims to reduce waste on The University of Scranton campus by creating awareness about wasteful habits and promoting sustainability.

A “Waste-Less” month will target food waste at the University. SIFE will weigh food waste in the cafeteria weekly and educate the students about the results. Some aspects include an iPad pledge, a clean plate challenge, and “Be a Taster not a Waster” Day. In an effort to target recycling, SIFE wants to reduce the sale of plastic water bottles in student centers by promoting existing water coolers, placing four more coolers in high traffic areas and selling reusable water bottles at an affordable price.

The “Shower Challenge” will focus on water, another component of waste on-campus. SIFE will challenge underclassmen dorms to save water by cutting shower times. In addition to educating students about water waste, SIFE will monitor water usage throughout the challenge and award the dorm that used the least amount of water.

For more information, email Jill Asher at asherj2@scranton.edu.

Blessing of the Books Project Returns

The Panuska College of Professional Studies is collecting new or gently used children's books for its annual Blessing of the Books Project. Donation boxes are located in McGurrin, Leahy, Hyland, O'Hara, Brennan, St. Thomas, Long Center, Weinberg Memorial Library, DeNaples Center, and the Loyola Science Center. Also, please join us for the Blessing of the Books ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 1 p.m. in the lobby of McGurrin Hall. For more information, please visit our website.

TA TALK Luncheon Invitation

All University of Scranton staff, faculty, students and friends are invited to attend the sixth annual TA TALK/Luncheon, set for Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 11:30 a.m. in Brennan Hall, room 509, featuring the Department of World Languages and Cultures teaching assistants from Argentina, France, Japan and Taiwan. Come and enjoy entertaining, fun and informative presentations on what makes their countries so special to them! Reservations are required: karamm1@scranton.edu. See you there!

Jesuit Martyrs of El Salvador Remembered Wednesday

Please join the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. Club as it commemorates the anniversary of the Jesuit Martyrs of El Salvador and their companions beginning with a silent procession from the DeNaples Center patio and concluding with a short prayer service at the martyrs memorial in front of Campion Hall. The Wednesday, Nov. 16, event will begin at noon. All are welcome, please join us! For more information, contact University Ministries at 941-7419.

Advent Liturgy & Tree Lighting Nov. 27

An advent liturgy & tree lighting ceremony will be held Sunday, Nov. 27, at 5 p.m. in the Byron Recreation Complex. It is a beautiful annual tradition, so please join us for liturgy and the candlelight procession immediately following to the Dionne Campus Green for the lighting of the Christmas tree. All students, faculty, staff and their families are invited. For more information, contact the Office of University Ministries at 941-7419.

Reading Series Presents Joshua Harmon

harmon

The University Reading Series presents award-winning, multi-genre author Joshua Harmon, who will read some of his creative non-fiction, on Wednesday, Nov. 16, in the DeNaples Center, room 406, at 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For more information about the University Reading Series, call 941-7619.

Philosophy Cafe Set for Wednesday

Phi Sigma Tau, the philosophy honors society, will present a Philosophy Cafe on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 8 p.m. in the Loyola Science Center, room 133 (ground-floor auditorium). The event is titled “After the Holocaust: Silence or Tragicomedy," and Rev. Ronald McKinney, S.J., Ph.D., will present.

Call for Papers for Discourse, the Undergraduate Philosophy Journal

Phi Sigma Tau, the philosophy honors society, is calling for short philosophical essays and creative pieces for consideration in our annual journal. The submission deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 29. The submission guidelines are available at room 235 in the Loyola Science Center.

IEEE Club Hosts Weekly Meeting Thursday

On Thursday, Nov. 17, the IEEE Club will host its weekly meeting, which will discuss the topic "Xen Master, the Power of Virtualization." The presentation, held in room 334 of the Loyola Science Center, will be presented by Joseph Jabbour '10 from Gotham Technology, from noon until 12:50 p.m.

The Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is a program that provides students with the opportunity not only to participate in a campus wide event in the form of an IEEE seminar series (presentations by distinguished scientists, community business leaders, as well as our alumni and various employers/prospective job companies), but also as a time and place to pursue the club agenda, professional development and networking

Film Series Presents 'Helena from the Wedding'

The Foreign Film Series goes domestic this month with the presentation of the American dramatic comedy "Helena from the Wedding" on Friday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. in room 305 of the Weinberg Memorial Library. Professor Sheli McHugh will lead a discussion following the film.

Written and directed by Joseph Infantolino, "Helena from the Wedding" is described by Film Movement as the story of Alex (Lee Tergesen) and Alice (Melanie Lynskey) who are hosting a New Year's Eve party for their closest friends at a remote cabin in the mountains. But when the other couples arrive in various states of discord, their hopes for a relaxing weekend are quickly thrown out the window. The tensions in the cabin are compounded when Alice's friends bring along a surprise guest - the very young and very beautiful Helena (Gillian Jacobs). As the New Year creeps closer and closer, Alex and Alice must keep the evening from spiraling out of control.

This free event is open to faculty, staff students and the public, however seating is limited, so contact Sharon Finnerty at (570) 941-6330 or finnertys2@scranton.edu for reservations. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the film begins at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Register Now for Nov. 21 Hunger Banquet

Have you ever thought about the number of people who go hungry each day around the world? Learn more at the Hunger Banquet on Monday, Nov. 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the DeNaples Center ballroom. Faculty, staff and students welcome! Sign up in University Ministries by Wednesday, Nov. 16. For more information, email Mollie Vita at vitam3@scranton.edu.

Of Gods and Men Presented Wednesday

The Theology Department and University Ministries invite you to view "Of Gods and Men," a film by Xavier Beauvois on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. in the Moskovitz Theater, fourth floor of the DeNaples Center. The film tells the real-life story of the Trappist monks in Algeria. Caught amidst rising civil unrest and violence, the monks must choose between their own safety and their love for and dedication to their neighbors, both Muslim and Christian. A brief post-film reflection will be led by Fr. John Sivalon.

IT Matters Fall 2011 Edition Released

The newest edition of IT Matters, a newsletter focused on the developments and activities of the Information Resources Division is now available. With rapid changes, we realize that there is a need to create an ongoing method of keeping our community up to date. IT Matters will provide our faculty, staff and students with information on current applications, planned changes to technologies and new initiatives. The fall edition can be found at http://www.scranton.edu/it-matters or http://matrix.scranton.edu/pir/its/it-matters/IT_Matters_vol_2_4.pdf

Adopt an Angel/Giving Tree Programs

It’s that time again! The Community Outreach Office will be sponsoring its annual Adopt an Angel and Giving Tree programs for the holidays. Since our semester ends so early this year, gifts are all due back to our office on Wednesday, Dec. 7. Makre sure ot shop over Thanksgiving break!

Here’s how it works

ADOPT AN ANGEL: Purchase toys and clothing for a child in need from our local community. Names, sizes and wishes are provided. Spend about $100. Gifts are due, unwrapped, to the Community Outreach Office by Wednesday, Dec. 7. Please include a roll of wrapping paper and tape. Be sure to include batteries if your items require them. Put the child’s name and assigned number on each item please.

GIVING TREE: Our tree will be on the second floor of the DeNaples Center by Friday, Nov. 11. Take an ornament for a boy or girl, age 0-teens, and purchase a gift of your choice for a value of about $25. Return, unwrapped, to the Community Outreach Office, by Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Contact Ellen Judge at judgee2@scranton.edu by Monday, Nov. 28, to have your angel info sent to you by e-mail! If you are also interested in helping us deliver gifts, please email judgee2@scranton.edu. Delivery dates TBA but will most likely be finals week.

This year, most of our children are from area Headstart preschool programs. They must meet federal poverty standards to attend this program. A family of four can make no more than $22,350. Other programs that will benefit from our holiday programs are Friends of the Poor, United Neighborhood Centers and area group foster homes.

New Issue of Alumni Magazine Now Online

The fall 2011 issue of The Scranton Journal, the University's alumni magazine, has been mailed to our more than 44,000 alumni nationwide. While we only mail to our alumni, we now feature a robust website, www.scranton.edu/scrantonjournal, which houses all of the printed version's content, as well as a few web extras. Make sure to check it out for alumni profiles, class notes and University news!

Upcoming Community Events

Check out this week’s downtown and Scranton area events posted on the Community Relations website, including the Santa Parade on Saturday, Nov. 19. You can also Like us on Facebook to stay up to date with Scranton happenings. If you have any questions, please contact community@scranton.edu or 941-4419.

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