Pearl River Natives Graduate from The University of Scranton

From University of Scranton:

Local residents were among the more than 900 bachelor's and associate degree recipients at The University of Scranton's undergraduate commencement, which was held May 29 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre. Sister Mary Scullion, R.S.M., co-founder, executive director and president of Project HOME (Housing, Opportunities for Employment, Medical Care, Education), served as principal speaker. She received an honorary degree at the ceremony, as did University benefactor and former trustee Margaret M. Condron, Ph.D.

"As we celebrate your achievement today, you leave here not only with an excellent education but one that is steeped in Jesuit values," said Sister Mary. "In today's world this is not only incredibly marketable but one that our world and society desperately needs. You see - a Jesuit education means reflecting and acting on core Biblical values of mercy and justice."

"It means keeping The University of Scranton's core mission alive and real, a mission that calls for service of faith through the promotion of justice. Or as President, Father Kevin Quinn, has put it: This is the transforming power of education on a Jesuit campus rightly understood: 'Personal transformation that leads to societal transformation through the ongoing dialectic of personal freedom and social responsibility'," said Sister Mary.

Scranton's graduates included the recipients of some of the nation's most prestigious scholarships. Christopher Kilner, received both a Goldwater Scholarship, which is the nation's premier scholarship for undergraduates in science, mathematics and engineering, and was the first student in the University's history to receive a highly-competitive Mitchell Scholarship. Kilner, who served as Student Government president, spoke at commencement.

In addition, four members of the University's class of 2016 were among the five Scranton students receiving Fulbright awards, U.S. government's premier scholarship program for overseas graduate study, research and teaching. Class of 2016 Fulbright recipients were: Sarah Fitch, who received an English Teaching Assistantship to Malaysia; Olivia Gillespie, who received an English Teaching Assistantship to Brazil; Ivan Simpson-Kent, who received an Academic Award to Germany; and Veronica Sinotte, who received an Academic Award to Denmark.

Members of the University's class of 2016 represent 17 states and Washington, D.C. States represented include California, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Undergraduate majors with the most graduates are biology, nursing, accounting, exercise science and health sciences.

In addition to the remarks by Sister Mary and Kilner, University of Scranton President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., addressed the graduates and their guests. Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, provided the Invocation.

Local Pearl River residents earning undergraduate degrees included the following:

• Diana Elvira Barany, of Pearl River, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice

• Erin M. Garvey, of Pearl River, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in community health education

• Molly T. Powers, of Pearl River, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in health administration

• Pierse P. Spillane, of Pearl River, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in liberal studies.

The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.