Research shows that women who hold public office focus more on issues of concern to women, children, and disadvantaged groups of citizens; build more consensus; and are more connected to their constituents than their male counterparts; according to Jean Wahl Harris, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Political Science Department at The University of Scranton.

Dr Harris also noted that statistics prove that women are strikingly underrepresented in local, state and national government and that Pennsylvania has one of the nation’s lowest proportions of women holding public office . With a 17-percent representation in the state legislature, Pennsylvania ranks 41^st out of 50 states.

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Sondra Myers, senior fellow for international, civic and cultural projects and director of the Schemel Forum at The University of Scranton, has received national and international recognition for her efforts to make education, culture and democracy accessible and relevant to all citizens.

In 2008, Myers edited “The New Rwanda: Prosperity and the Public Good,” which includes essays by scholars and civic leaders on the role of education and public discourse in nurturing a democratic society in the African nation. Two years later, in 2010, at the request of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the book was translated into Kinyarwanda.  “The New Times,” an English newspaper published in the capital of Kigali, announced last month that it is serializing Myers’ book, which will run in installments on Saturdays and Sundays. Also, beginning Nov. 26, a radio station in Kigali began a program that will feature the excerpt through a panel and call-in discussion weekly after each installment. Myers was also informed that the book is being distributed to Rwanda’s parliament and its embassies worldwide.

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There will be an opportunity for individual confession on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m. in the Madonna della Strada Chapel. All students, faculty and staff are invited to attend. Please join us! For additional information or questions, contact The Office of University Ministries at 941-7419.

Maria Kristina Melgarejo, SIFE vice president of communication, and Jessica Talarick, a SIFE member, submitted the application for the Walmart Women’s Economic Empowerment grant, which is for $1,500. This is SIFE’s second consecutive time receiving this grant. SIFE’s Women’s Empowerment Series will directly benefit from this crucial funding.

The University's SIFE chapter is committed to creating a more sustainable world through the positive power of business. Embracing the Jesuit tradition, SIFE empowers its local community, and even national and global publics. The chapter is in its seventh year at the University and has placed at the regional competition four times.

What better way to bring Scranton home this holiday season than with a Monopoly game customized for the Electric City? A new game called "Scranton-opoly" features The University of Scranton along with other Scranton institutions and businesses. The game was developed by economic development agency, Scranton Tomorrow, and One Point office supply company. Scranton-opoly is now available for $20 in the University’s bookstore and through the University’s portal on www.efollett.com.