When some people think of service, they may think of hands-on work like providing meals at soup kitchens and homeless shelters. But as a group of University of Scranton students learned, sometimes it can be as simple as listening and observing.



Five students went on a service trip Jan. 15 to Jan. 21 to Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, Calif., the largest gang-intervention and re-entry program in the nation, according to the program’s website. The nonprofit organization provides former gang members opportunities, including tattoo removal, classes and a job for up to 18 months, to readjust after prison and gang life.



To read the full article, available on TheTimes-Tribune.com, click here. (The article was written by Cory Burrell ’14, Simpson, a student correspondent.)

During the spring semester, The University of Scranton Schemel Forum’s World Affairs Luncheon Seminars offer area residents the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics that impacts the United States and the world at large.

“In our increasingly interdependent world, we need to know about ourselves and how others see us,” said Sondra Myers, senior fellow and director of the Schemel Forum at The University of Scranton. “We also need to know about what is happening in distant lands because these occurrences affect us – economically, politically and culturally.” She noted that the series is a convenient lunchtime option, since the campus is close to downtown Scranton. To read the full release, click here.

Online advertising is a fast-growing source of revenue in the advertising industry. According to a report released by the Interactive Advertising Bureau and PricewaterhouseCoopers, online advertising revenue for 2010 totaled at $26 billion. But, Professor Ling Xue, Ph.D., wants to know if current online advertising is the most efficient.

To read the full article, available on TheTimes-Tribune.com, click here. (The article was written by Cory Burrell ’14, Simpson, a student correspondent.)

French scholar Louis Massignon was an important figure in promoting openness between Catholicism and Islam with his works heavily influencing what was said about Islam at the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. Unfortunately, most of his writings are unknown to English-speaking audiences. Christian Krokus, Ph.D., wants to change this.

Dr. Krokus, an assistant professor in theology and religious studies at The University of Scranton, received a development intersession grant from the University to research “Louis Massignon and Catholic-Muslim Friendship.”

To read the full article, available on TheTimes-Tribune.com, click here. (The article was written by Cory Burrell ’14, Simpson, a student correspondent.)

The Office of Equity and Diversity (OED) is pleased to announce a collaboration with TCMC to sponsor a bus to the 32nd annual Marion Thompson Wright Lecture Series on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Rutgers University. Admission and transportation are free for all University members.

The theme for this year’s one-day conference is "Taking Good Care: A History of Health and Wellness in the Black Community." Featured speakers are former Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders who will present "Health Disparities in Black America" and Dr. William Owen who will follow with comments and lecture titled “My Genetic Code or my Zip Code: Which Is More Important?” To read the full release, click here.

Performance Music will welcome new members for spring semester into the performing ensembles on the following dates:

• University Bands: Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 5:30 p.m.
• University Strings: Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 7:30 p.m.
• Performance Choirs: Thursday, Feb. 2, at 5:30 p.m.

All rehearsals take place in the Houlihan-McLean Center (corner of Mulberry and Jefferson, use Jefferson Ave. entrance). There is no audition required nor enrollment fee. For more information, contact bogac1@scranton.edu.

The award-winning German drama "Four Minutes" will be presented by the Foreign Film Series at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, in room 305 of the Weinberg Memorial Library. Dr. Monika Moyrer will lead a discussion following the film.
 
"Four Minutes" tells the story of two very different women: Jenny, a convicted killer with enormous musical talent, and Traude, an aging music teacher at the women’s prison who is grooming Jenny to perform in a prestigious piano competition. With powerful performances from Hannah Herzsprung as Jenny and Monica Bleibtreu as Traude, "Four Minutes" is an unforgettable film. Directed by Chris Kraus, "Four Minutes" is in German with English subtitles.

This event is open to faculty, staff, students and the public. Seating is limited, so please contact Sharon Finnerty at sharon.finnerty@scranton.edu or (570) 941-6330 for reservations.

Do you remember getting ready for your prom? Do you remember finding the perfect dress? You can make that dream come true for someone else. Many girls cannot afford a dress for prom. As a result, they stay home - missing out on a cherished memory. Cinderella's Closet provides free or low cost dresses, shoes and accessories (based on availability) to high school girls who otherwise might not be able to afford to go to prom. 

Please consider donating prom dresses in good and fashionable condition (sorry, no 1980s wear or soiled dresses), shoes and accessories that you no longer need. Dresses can be dropped off now through Wednesday April 5, in the Community Outreach Office, DeNaples Center, room 205B. All dresses will be given to Cinderella's Closet via the Junior League of Scranton. For questions or more information, contact Ellen Judge at judgee2@scranton.edu.