The Department of Social Work at Misericordia University held a pinning ceremony for seniors and inducted students into the university's chapter of the Alpha Delta Mu National Social Work Honor Society during a recent program in Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall.

The pinning ceremony honored seniors who will earn their bachelor's degrees at the university's 91^st commencement ceremony on May 20. Honorees include Amanda Clark, Nanuet, N.Y.; William Faust, Hunlock Creek; Alexandra Goetz, Deptford, N.J.; Meghan Horbey, Endicott, N.Y.; Tim Kelly, Cedar Knolls, N.J.; Jillian Krupsha, West Pittston; April Lennon, Dallas; Alicia Lomascolo, Tunkhannock; Emily Ousouljoglou, Bridgewater, N.J.; Caroline Peters, New Hope, and Katie Smith, Dalton.

Clark, Lennon, Lomascolo and Goetz also were inducted into the Alpha Delta Mu Honor Society, along with junior Olivia Mayorowski, Old Forge.

With the motto, "Advocate for the People," the honor society's purpose is to encourage and recognize superior scholarship in social work education and to advance excellence in social work practice. To be eligible for chapter membership, a student must be a social work or social welfare major in a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Undergraduate members must achieve at least junior standing, complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Misericordia, hold a 3.25 or better grade point average, and have recommendations from at least two social work faculty members.

For more information about the Department of Social Work at Misericordia University, please call (570) 674-6270 or visit www.misericordia.edu/socialwork.

Caption:

The Department of Social Work at Misericordia University inducted five students into the local chapter of the Alpha Delta Mu National Social Work Honor Society, and held a pinning ceremony for graduating seniors in the social work program. Participating in the program, first row from left, are Tim Kelly, Cedar Knolls, N.J.; Alicia Lomascolo, Tunkhannock, Pa.; April Lennon, Dallas, Pa.; Katie Smith, Dalton, Pa., and Emily Ousouljoglou, Bridgewater, N.J.; second row, Susan McDonald, Ph.D., L.S.W., assistant professor and chair, Department of Social Work; Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D., A.T.C., L.A.T., dean, College of Health Sciences and Education; Carly Ellman, L.C.S.W., adjunct professor of social work; Amanda Clark, Nanuet, N.Y.; Alexandra Goetz, Deptford, N.J.; Olivia Mayorowski, Old Forge, Pa., and David Hage, M.S.W., L.S.W., assistant professor and social work field director.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Peter Cetera will headline the Misericordia University Under the Stars Summer Arts Festival when he performs time-honored hits, such as "The Glory of Love,'' "No Explanation,'' and "Restless Heart'' during the Starlight Concert on Saturday, July 29 in the Wells Fargo Amphitheater. The concert begins at 8 p.m.

The Under the Stars Summer Arts Festival also will present Emily Asher's Garden Party during the Sounds of Summer concert on Sunday, July 23 at 8 p.m. in the Wells Fargo Amphitheater.

Tickets for the Starlight Concert go on sale Wednesday, May 3 at 9 a.m. Tickets are $475 for a festival table that seats six; $45 for amphitheater seating, and $30 for lawn seats. Tickets for the Sound of Summer concert with Emily Ashler's Garden Party are $120 for a festival table that seats six; $15 for amphitheater seating, and $10 for lawn seats.

To order tickets, please call (570) 674-6719 or go online to www.misericordia.edu/uts.

Cetera is an original member of the legendary rock group, Chicago, He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. As the singer, songwriter and bass player, he was instrumental in recording 18 of the most memorable albums of a generation. Timeless hits include "Hard to Say I'm Sorry,'' "Baby What a Big Surprise,'' "Stay the Night,'' Love Me Tomorrow,'' and many more. They won a Grammy Award with "If You Leave Me Now,'' a song written and sung by Cetera off the group's 10^th album.

He has been a solo artist since 1986. During that time, he has recorded 10 enduring albums, which included six songs that climbed to No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100. Cetera recorded top-of-the-chart duets, "The Next Time I Fall'' with Amy Grant and "Feels Like Heaven'' with Chaka Kahn, and "After All'' with Cher. His song, "Glory of Love'' from the "Karate Kid Part II'' movie was nominated for an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for best original song from a motion picture.

Cetera also recorded the No. 1 hits "No Explanation'' from the mega-hit movie, "Pretty Woman,'' and "Restless Heart.''

Cetera continues to tour with his seven-piece band, the Bad Daddy's, and enjoys performing his timeless hits that continue to touch the lives of many around the world.

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The Department of Occupational Therapy at Misericordia University recently hosted Amy Lamb, O.T.D., O.T./L., F.A.O.T.A., president of the American Occupational Therapy Association, on campus for a series of meetings and a special presentation to students and faculty in the program.

Dr. Lamb, an expert on health care policy and reform, prevention and wellness, spoke to students, faculty and local practitioners during the town hall meeting. She addressed legislation, advocacy, mental health and the importance of funding, leadership and fieldwork in the specialty field in health care.

She is the immediate past-vice president and past chair of the American Occupational Therapy Political Action Committee, and the owner of AJLamb Consulting. Dr. Lamb has a valuable combination of clinical practice as a registered occupational therapist and health care policy experience at the state and federal levels.

Established in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association works to improve the quality of occupational therapy services, while also representing the interests and concerns of occupational therapy practitioners and students. The national organization has more than 60,000 members in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and around the world.

For more information about the occupational therapy program at Misericordia University, please call (570) 674-6400 or log on to www.misericordia.edu/ot.

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The Department of Occupational Therapy at Misericordia University hosted Amy Lamb, O.T.D., O.T./L., F.A.O.T.A., president of the American Occupational Therapy Association, for a series of meetings and a special presentation to students and faculty in the program. Participating in the town hall-style meeting, first row from left, are Mariah Thomas, Audubon, N.J.; Erin Soulsby, Philadelphia, Pa.; Heather Bennett, Dingmans Ferry, Pa.; Dr. Lamb, O.T.D., O.T./L., F.A.O.T.A.; Stephanie Dougherty, Bethlehem, Pa.; Allison Hausman, Lancaster, Pa., and Jessica Nickel, Scranton, Pa.; second row, Jillian Robinson, Quarryville, Pa.;.Mollie Robinson, Sayre, Pa.; Quinn Fohlinger Wayne, N.J.; Alexis Campbell, Erie, Pa.; Jenna Aimes, Howell, N.J.; Allison Alexander, Newark, Del.; Jacqueline Cormier, Maywood, N.J.; Deirdre Stevens, Schenectady, N.Y.; Bailee Hymers, East Meredith, N.Y.; Brittany Morgan, Danville, Pa., and Olivia Natale, Staten Island, N.Y.; third row, Brenna Curran, Northampton, Pa.; Jeremy Kuba, Hellertown, Pa.; Kaitlyn Smalley, Folsom, Pa.; Elizabeth Pfisterer, Wellsboro, Pa.; Kayleigh Elser, New Ringgold, Pa.; Jennifer Snyder, Palmerton, Pa.; Kaitlin Sauder, Leola, Pa.; Lauren Apgar, Milford, N.J.; Robert Kennedy, Delran, N.J., and Molly Betz, Tamaqua, Pa.

Misericordia University chemistry major David Schnable of Dallas recently earned third place in the STEM category for research posters at the 15^th annual Undergraduate Research at the Capitol – Pennsylvania Poster Conference in Harrisburg.

Schnable's poster, "Fluorescent-Based Sensors for the Detection of Biologically-Relevant Ions,'' focused on the development of agents that can be used in the detection of substances, such as nitrates and copper. The agents change colors or glow differently in the presence of these substances, and therefore, can be used in visual detection kits that are applicable in the medicinal and environmental fields.

Misericordia University Assistant Professor Nicola Y. Edwards, Ph.D. was the faculty advisor for the research project.

The annual program is a poster conference that highlights outstanding and award-winning research by undergraduate students in the commonwealth. The event provides an opportunity to bring collegians, faculty and state legislators and staff together in order to share the experiences of students engaged in research or scholarship at their colleges and universities.

The Undergraduate Research at the Capitol – Pennsylvania Poster Conference also demonstrates that participating in research as an undergraduate is important to the educational development of college students, and shows undergraduate students can produce important and valuable research that enrich the knowledge, cultural heritage and economic well-being of communities, the state and nation.

For more information about the Department of Chemistry at Misericordia University, please call (570) 674-6400 or log on to www.misericordia.edu/chem.

Caption:

Misericordia University chemistry major David Schnable of Dallas, Pa., poses by his research poster, 'Fluorescent-Based Sensors for the Detection of Biologically-Relevant Ions,' which earned third place in the STEM category at the Undergraduate Research at the Capitol – Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. Assistant Professor Nicola Y. Edwards, Ph.D. was the faculty advisor for the research project.

Francis Martin Campbell, M.A., the vice chancellor of St. Mary's University, Twickenham, England, and a former British diplomat and Ambassador to the Holy See for Her Majesty, will be the keynote speaker when Misericordia University holds its 91^st annual undergraduate commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 20 at 2 p.m.

Joseph Cornelius Donnelly, the permanent delegate to the United Nations for the international Catholic organization, Caritas Internationalis, is a humanitarian, peacebuilder and diplomat. He will be the guest speaker for the graduate commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. A member of its senior management team, Caritas works in more than 200 countries and territories, serving all communities "based on need not creed.''

The commencement ceremonies are in the Anderson Sports and Health Center on campus. During the graduate ceremony, the Misericordia University Alumni Association will present Louis Maganzin, Ph.D., who was a professor of history at Misericordia for 32 years, with the Honorary Alumnus Award in recognition of his service and dedication to the institution. Commencement activities also include a baccalaureate Mass on Friday, May 19 at 4 p.m. in Lemmond Theater in Walsh Hall.

Campbell has been a member of Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service since 1997. During that time, his postings included the European Union, United Nations Security Council in New York, Italy, and at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London, England. He also served on the staff of Great Britain's former Prime Minister Tony Blair, first as policy adviser in the No. 10 Policy Unit and then as a private secretary for foreign affairs from 1999 to 2003.

In addition, he was on secondment to Amnesty International as the senior director of policy. In Karachi, Pakistan, Campbell was the deputy high commission from 2011-13. His most recent appointment was as head of the policy unit in the FCO and director of innovation at UK Trade & Investment. Since 2014, he has served as vice chancellor at St. Mary's University, located about 10 miles southwest of the center of London. Misericordia has had a study abroad program with St. Mary's since 2014.

Donnelly has three decades of extensive experiences with communities in need and crises in the Middle East, Central America, Central and East Africa, as well as Asia, Europe, North America and the Pacific region. He has been a member of the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Working Group on the United Nations Security Council for more than a decade, serving as elected chair since 2014. As a leading advocate for making a civil society the driving force at the United Nations and in the European Union, Donnelly was instrumental in creating the Israel Palestine Working Group, the Asia/Sri Lanka Working Group, the Northern Uganda Working Group, and the Central Africa Policy Forum and the Food & Hunger NGO Working Group.

Additionally, he has campaigned for years on the right to food as a dimension to achieve food security for all communities, which became a feature of the United Nation's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development paper. Underscoring the dignity of every person, Donnelly has worked to eradicate poverty by collaborating with ecumenical and inter-religious groups and the World Council of Churches and World Bank. In peacebuilding, conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts, he helped to develop the Living Stones Pilgrimages to insure that Christian visitors to Israel and Palestine – where he lived for nearly half his life – fully experienced the Jewish, Christin and Muslim communities in the Holy Land.

Donnelly's involvement in protecting and rescuing child soldiers and preventing human trafficking began with his service to the Faith & Ethics Network of the International Criminal Court. The organization has confronted these actions and their deadly impact on refugees, migrants, displaced and vulnerable people from Mexico to Syria, Iraq to South Sudan, and Cambodia to Brazil.

During the undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies, Misericordia University will present the guest speakers with honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees in recognition of their service to higher education and humankind.

The Department of English at Misericordia University inducted nine students into the Alpha Sigma Epsilon chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society during an induction ceremony on campus.

Established in 1924, Sigma Tau Delta has about 800 active chapters in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and the Caribbean. The society's central purpose is to confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate and professional studies, according to the society.

Misericordia University students majoring or minoring in English are eligible for Sigma Tau Delta after completing at least three semesters in the program and maintaining a minimum grade point average of 3.2 in the major's courses and a 3.0 GPA overall.

Misericordia University students inducted into Sigma Tau Delta included Laura Baut, Exeter; Mary Pat Blaskiewicz, West Pittston; Madison Cardinale, Dupont; Kimberly Kowalski, Scranton; Gabriella LaManna, Hillsborough, N.J.; Noah Ostrowsky, Tunkhannock; Karen Reilly, Edwardsville; Briana Scorey, Wilkes-Barre, and Alexis Williams, Scranton.

For more information about the Department of English at Misericordia University, please call (570) 674-6400 or log on to www.misericordia.edu/English.

Caption:

The Department of English at Misericordia University inducted students into the Alpha Sigma Epsilon chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society during an induction ceremony. Participating in the ceremony, first row from left, Kimberly Kowalski, Scranton, Pa.; Gabriella LaManna, Hillsborough, N.J.; Mary Pat Blaskiewicz, West Pittston, Pa.; Briana Scorey, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and Madison Cardinale, Dupont, Pa.; second row, Alexis Williams, Scranton, Pa.; Karen Reilly, Edwardsville, Pa.; Noah Ostrowsky, Tunkhannock, Pa., and Laura Baut, Exeter, Pa.

The Department of Business at Misericordia University inducted 40 business students into the Misericordia Chapter of the Sigma Beta Delta International Business Honor Society during an induction ceremony in Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall.

The honor society's purpose is to encourage and recognize scholarship and accomplishment among students majoring in business, and to encourage and promote aspirations toward personal and professional improvement and a life distinguished by honorable service to humankind.

In order to be eligible for membership in Sigma Beta Delta, candidates for bachelor's and master's degrees in business must rank in the top 20 percent of their class at the time of invitation and also must have completed at least half of the degree program in which they are enrolled. While almost 300,000 students worldwide receive bachelor's degrees or master's degrees in business annually, only about 4,000 of them are eligible to be inducted into and receive lifetime membership in Sigma Beta Delta.

For more information about the business programs at Misericordia University, please call (570) 674-6400 or log on to www.misericordia.edu/business.

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The Department of Business at Misericordia University inducted 40 business students into the local chapter of the Sigma Beta Delta International Business Honor Society. Participating in the ceremony, front row from left, are Wendy Hinton, Forty Fort, Pa.; Jennifer Sobolewski, Scranton, Pa.; Adriana Vullo, West Pittston, Pa.; Kelsie McNamara, Dallas, Pa.; Thomas Sweetz, instructor and vice president, Misericordia University Chapter, Sigma Beta Delta; Alyssa Gawlas, Hanover Twp., Pa.; Karissa Flick, Bloomsburg, Pa.; Olivia Sumeriski, Toms River, N.J., and Christine Marocchini, Ashley, Pa.; second row, Jordan Timlin, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Nicholas Smith, Lodi, N.J.; Haley Stack, Manahawkin, N.J.; Samantha Cook, Bloomsburg, Pa.; Brittany Rooney, Duryea, Pa.; Alicia Giambra, West Pittston, Pa.; Samarth Shah, Scranton, Pa., and Adam Limongelli, Dallas, Pa.; third row, George Stock, Ambler, Pa.; Jennifer Gazdick, Farmingville, N.Y.; Melanie Fry, Ambler, Pa.; McKenzie Ruffing, Montoursville, Pa.; Lisa Lockner, Dickson City, Pa.; Joy Mack, Troy, Pa.; Margaret Guarnieri, Pittston, Pa., and Matthew Isely, Plains, Pa.; fourth row, Jacob Klein, Scranton, Pa.; Anthony D'Eliseo, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Thomas Gernhart, Glen Lyon, Pa.; Francis Dombrowski, III, Kingston, Pa.; Justine Seely, Benton, Pa.; Joe Levandowski, Nanticoke, Pa., and Alexander Tirko, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Misericordia University students enrolled in the weekday and weekend occupational therapy master's degree program recently received their pins and presented their capstone group research projects at the annual Graduate Research Presentation Conference in Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall on campus.

Mentored closely by faculty advisors, the collaborative research projects are a requirement of the occupational therapy master's degree curriculum. Students began their projects more than 18 months ago. Students received permission to conduct their studies from the Misericordia University Institutional Review Board and then wrote the research proposals, collected and analyzed data, and wrote the final reports. Each student research group had a faculty research committee chair and faculty reader. Research topics were chosen based on student interest, with approval of the Misericordia University Faculty Research Committee chairpersons.

Students presented their findings by delivering 20-minute presentations on their research topics by using either a poster or podium format.

Misericordia University occupational therapy professors also encourage their students to present their studies at professional conferences, such as the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association Annual Conference and the American Occupational Therapy Association Conference. Some studies may also be published in professional literature.

For more information about the occupational therapy program at Misericordia University, please call (570) 674-6400 or log on to www.misericordia.edu/ot.

Captions:

Misericordia University students in the weekend occupational therapy master's degree program received their pins and presented their capstone research at the annual Graduate Research Presentation Conference. Participating in the program, first row from left, are Dr. Dawn Evans, Dr. Gwen Bartolacci, Dr. Lalit Shah, Laura Bradley, Honey Brook, Pa.; Melanie Beck, Whitehall, Pa.; Jacqueline Brocious, Plains, Pa.; Dominique Lemire-Ross, Dallas, Pa.; Rebecca Hewit-Pickel, Hummelstown, Pa.; Terri Bugelholl, West Pittston, Pa., and Wilfredo Dones, Blakeslee, Pa.; second row, Dr. Joseph Cipriani, Dr. Lori Charney, Gerardina Menza-Bogdanovic, Bridgewater, Conn.; Kaitlyn Ryan, Ellington City, Conn.; Lyndsey McGrevy, Jim Thorpe, Pa.; Kaitlyn Dillow, Hollywood, Md.; Naromie Petit-Frere, Columbia, Md., and Lee Ungaretta, Dublin, Pa.; third row, Dr. Orley Templeton, Kathleen Hughes-Butcher, Dr. Jennifer Dessoye, Dr, Grace Fisher, Magdalena Rooney, Phoenixville, Pa.; Amy Kingsley, Allentown, Pa.; John Bruce, Bronx, N.Y.; Trevor Behler, Slatington, Pa., and Eric Win, Cherry Hill, N.J.

Misericordia University students enrolled in the weekday occupational therapy master's degree program received their pins and presented their group research projects at the annual Graduate Research Presentation Conference. Participating in the conference, first row from left, are Katie Kelly, Beach Lake, Pa.; Jacqueline Cormier, Maywood, N.J.; Allison Hausman, Lancaster, Pa.; Fallon Cooper, Freeland, Pa.; Allison Alexander, Newark, Del.; Alexandrea Elmes, Hopewell Junction, N.Y.; Kaitlyn Sledzinski, Scranton, Pa.; Erin Huff, Sugarloaf, Pa.; Felicia Bartello, Sunbury, Pa.; Jennifer Snyder, Palmerton, Pa.; Alexis Campbell, Erie, Pa., and Dr. Lori Charney; second row, Dr. Gwen Bartolacci, Deirdre Stevens, Schenectady, N.Y.; Mary Boyle, Fairfield, Conn.; Pasqualina Tirro, Staten Island, N.Y.; Erin Soulsby, Philadelphia, Pa.; Desirae Waltman, Sayre, Pa.; Nicole Petti, Heightstown, N.J.; Danielle Kissane, Bloomingburg, N.Y.; Stephanie Dougherty, Bethlehem, Pa.; Taylor Grenier, Herrville, Pa., and Kaitlyn Smalley, Folsom, Pa.; third row, Tierney Hafner, Newtown, Pa.; Yalixsa Delgado, Hopatcong, N.J.; Krista Spano, Staten Island, N.Y.; Meghan Digerolamo, Budd Lake, N.J.; Quinn Fohlinger, Wayne, N.J.; Alyssa Auer, Scranton, Pa.; Lauren Henry, Rose Valley, Pa.; Nicole Kelley, Halifax, Pa., and Trevor Bodnar, Flemington, N.J.; fourth row, Dr. Dawn Evans, Dr. Grace Fisher, Rebecca Hanke, Cranford, N.J.; Nicole Schwartz, Toms River, N.J.; Morgan Reed, Apalachin, N.Y.; Chelsea Hall, Northampton, Pa.; Tina Colatriano, Bridgewater, N.J.; Devin Simpson, Parkesburg, Pa.; Kerrie Hall, Lynbrook, N.Y., and Ashley Salerno, Old Forge, Pa.; fifth row, Dr. Jennifer Dessoye, Dr. Orley Templeton, Dr. Lauren Zack, Dr. Joseph Cipriani, Dr. Lalitchandra Shah, Kathleen Hughes-Butcher, Jeffrey Kramer, Duryea, Pa.; Kaylin Miley, Lititz, Pa.; Dennis Anson, Victoria Freda, Hazlet, N.J., and Jonathan Jorda, Kingston, Pa.

The Department of Social Work at Misericordia University and the Wellfleet Collective are presenting the second national Integrating Yoga into Mental Health Care Conference with keynote speaker Amy Weintraub, M.F.A., E.-R.Y.T. 500, C.-I.A.Y.T., Y.A.C.E.P., from June 30 to July 2 on campus.

The groundbreaking event is the only major conference in the United States that focuses on yoga and mental health care. The program features pre-conference workshops on Friday, June 30 and workshops throughout the day on Saturday, July 1. It concludes Sunday, July 2 with a panel discussion by workshop presenters, live music and more.

The conference is for mental health and rehabilitative health professionals as well as yoga teachers and therapists. The conference will feature various workshops in two tracks – introductory and intermediate – with a particular attention to the application of yoga in various mental health disorders. Continuing education units for various mental health disciplines will be available.

The Wellfleet Collective is an interdisciplinary collaboration organized at the First National Conference on Yoga and Psychotherapy in 2016 to support, develop, implement and expand the clinical applications of yoga within mental and behavioral health treatment, and deepen the connections within and between the mental health and therapeutic yoga community.

The collaboration's mission is to enhance mental and behavioral health outcomes by integrating yogic philosophy and practice within the therapeutic process, and to serve the professional community by providing networking opportunities, education and best practices guidelines for the emerging discipline.

Weintraub has been a pioneer in the field of yoga and mental health for more than 20 years. The author of "Yoga for Depression: A Compassionate Guide to Relieving Suffering through Yoga,'' and "Yoga Skills for Therapists: Effective Practices for Mood Management'' is the director of LifeForce Yoga Healing Institute, which trains yoga and health professionals internationally. Health care providers worldwide use LifeForce Yoga protocol.

Designed intentionally to work with and manage mood, the practices support students and clients in self-regulation, according to LifeForce Yoga. Many of the yoga techniques are done in a chair or in bed, and do not require a yoga mat. Furthermore, most of the practices are evidence-based and have been adapted for clinical settings. Weintraub developed the practices, which are rooted in traditional active meditation and self-inquiry that embrace the polarities in life.

For more information about the conference, please contact the Center for Adult and Continuing Education at Misericordia University at (570) 674-6161 or log on to www.misericordia.edu/yoga for a complete program description.

The conference is eligible for CEUs for social workers and alcohol and drug therapists in Pennsylvania. Other professionals (marriage and family therapists, therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses) can contact Susan McDonald, Ph.D., L.S.W., assistant professor and chair of the Department of Social Work, at (570) 674-6212 or at smcdonal@misericordia.edu.

The Teacher Education Department at Misericordia University recently inducted 17 students into the Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) International Honor Society in Education during an induction ceremony in Mercy Hall.

Founded in 1911, KDP fosters excellence in education and promotes fellowship among those who are dedicated to teaching. Its mission is to sustain an honored community of diverse educators by promoting excellence and advancing scholarship, leadership and service, according to KDP (www.kdp.org).

To be eligible for KDP membership, teacher education students at Misericordia University must be in their junior or senior year, have been on the dean's list at least twice, have a current overall grade point average of at least 3.4, and be active in professional activities.

Teacher education students inducted into the honor society included Victoria Bednar, Honesdale; Emily Betterly, Hazleton; Caitlin Cameron, Dallas.; Melissa Hackett, Howell, New Jersey; Shane Kreller, Sweet Valley; Elizabeth Long, Plains; Sierra Macierowski, Shickshinny; Lauren McEwen, Mohrsville; Marissa Metric, Hanover Township; Kelli Mickowski, Mountain Top; Erin O'Day, Bear Creek Township; Megan Ostrum, Dallas; Allison Rosselli, Spring Brook Township; Thomas Scott, Huntington Station, N.Y.; Mary Shaw, Sayre; Melissa Smith, New Tripoli, and Sarah Wittle, Trucksville, Pa.

For more information about the teacher education program at Misericordia University, please call (570) 674-6400 or log on to www.misericordia.edu/education.

Caption:

The Teacher Education Department at Misericordia University inducted students into the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education. Participating in the induction ceremony, first row from left, are Melissa Hackett, Howell, N.J.; Marissa Metric, Hanover Twp., Pa.; Erin O'Day, Bear Creek Twp., Pa., and Sierra Macierowski, Shickshinny, Pa.; second row, Megan Ostrum, Dallas, Pa.; Emily Betterly, Hazleton, Pa.; Kelli Mickowski, Mountain Top, Pa.; Melissa Smith, New Tripoli, Pa., and Sarah Wittle, Trucksville, Pa.; third row, Caitlin Cameron, Dallas, Pa.; Victoria Bednar, Honesdale, Pa.; Lauren McEwen, Mohrsville, Pa.; Allison Rosselli, Spring Brook Twp., Pa.; Mary Shaw, Sayre, Pa., and Elizabeth Long, Plains Twp., Pa.

The Misericordia University Under the Stars Summer Arts Festival's Sounds of Summer concert is bringing one of New York City's most versatile musical ensembles to Northeastern Pennsylvania on Sunday, July 23 when Emily Asher's Garden Party performs the joyful jazz music of New Orleans to the Golden Age of American Song at the Wells Fargo Amphitheater on campus. The concert begins at 8 p.m.

Tickets for the Sound of Summer concert are $120 for a festival table that seats six, $15 for amphitheater seating, and $10 for lawn seats. To order tickets, please call (570) 674-6719 or go online to www.misericordia.edu/uts.

Emily Asher's Garden Party features Asher's tenacious trombone and sweet vocals. This band of all-stars from New York City's vibrant early jazz scene draws on the repertoire of Louis Armstrong's enchanting Hot Fives and Duke Ellington's sophisticated melodies to the funky and soulful music of New Orleans brass bands and Hoagy Carmichael's masterpieces.

Asher is a Brooklyn-based trombonist and singer "of buoyant charm," according to Nate Chinen of The New York Times. She is in strong demand as a bandleader and sidewoman in the Big Apple and internationally. As a leader, Asher has produced four CDs and led tours in the United States and Israel with Emily Asher's Garden Party and earned a prestigious Banff Residency with her Endangered Species Trio.

Asher recorded and performed with Wycliffe Gordon on his "Hello Pops!" tribute to Louis Armstrong, and was a member of Nicholas Payton's Television Studio Orchestra.

Will Friedwald of The Wall Street Journal wrote that she "plays with both grit and grace.'' That talent has enabled her to share the stage with a variety of artists, including Tony Bennett, Carol Burnett, Mo, Talib Kweli, Chaka Khan, Terri Lyne Carrington, and many others.

Emily's debut album, "Dreams May Take You,'' featuring Wycliffe Gordon, was officially released April 15, 2012. Emily Asher's Garden Party released the six-song EP, "Carnival of Joy!, a celebration of Hoagy Carmichael, on June 6, 2013. The Wall Street Journal called this release a "superior album.''

The Medical Imaging Department at Misericordia University recently held its annual Medical Imaging Senior Recognition Luncheon to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating senior class and to induct students into the Misericordia University Alpha Chapter of Lambda Nu, the national honor society for the radiologic and imaging sciences.

Misericordia University students inducted into Lambda Nu included Nicole Bechtel, Tamaqua; Alexis Burkavage, Honesdale; Emily Donovan, Whitesboro, N.Y.; Donya Forst, Hopatcong, N.J.; Morgan Hanadel, Luzerne; Hailey Hoherchak, Jim Thorpe; Stephanie Jugus, Laflin; Kristen Kabacinski, Duryea; Brynn Lehatto, Tamaqua; Alison Machey, McAdoo; Alyssa Machey, McAdoo; Shelby Rinaldi, Pittston; Leigha Sahagian, Selden, N.Y., and Marya Zarei, Saudi Arabia.

The Misericordia University Alpha Chapter of Lambda Nu was established in 2001. Membership to the honor society is based on an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better and enrollment as a full-time medical imaging student for at least four semesters. Students must also demonstrate evidence of professional commitment beyond the minimum program requirements; the pursuit or completion of an independent research project; be active members in the Misericordia University Medical Imaging Club, and be involved in college-wide student committees and medical-imaging related activities.

For more information about the medical imaging program at Misericordia University, please call (570) 674-6400 or log on to www.misericordia.edu/mi.

Caption:

Misericordia University students inducted into the Alpha Chapter of Lambda Nu, the national honor society for the radiologic and imaging sciences, first row from left, are Morgan Hanadel, Luzerne, Pa.; Shelby Rinaldi, Pittston, Pa.; Donya Forst, Hopatcong, N.J.; Hailey Hoherchak, Jim Thorpe, Pa.; Alexis Burkavage, Honesdale, Pa., and Marya Zarei, Saudi Arabia; second row, Stephanie Jugus, Laflin, Pa.; Brynn Lehatto, Tamaqua, Pa.; Nicole Bechtel, Tamaqua, Pa.; Emily Donovan, Whitesboro, N.Y.; Leigha Sahagian, Selden, N.Y.; Alison Machey, McAdoo, Pa.; Kristen Kabacinski, Duryea, Pa., and Alyssa Machey, McAdoo, Pa.

Misericordia University and its 2016-17 American Council on Education (ACE) fellow Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson hosted eight members of the ACE Fellows Program for a workshop on forensic analytics for potential collegiate presidents. Misericordia University President Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., presented the workshop, "What You Should Look for Before You Commit to a Presidency."

Established in 1965, the ACE Fellows Program strengthens institutions and leadership in American higher education by identifying and preparing faculty and administrators as senior leaders of colleges and universities. Dr. Pehrsson is a professor and dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan. One of 29 fellows selected in a rigorous national competition, Dr. Pehrsson chose Misericordia for her fellowship placement and has been living and working on campus since September 2016.

During their two-day visit, the ACE fellows met with Dr. Botzman and his senior leadership team, including vice presidents, deans and department directors. They also had a session with Patricia Thatcher, Ph.D., associate vice president for academic affairs, Patrick Hamilton, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of English, and students who presented their research from the Teagle Foundation on Student Critical Thinking. Their visit also included an introduction to and tour of the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program facilities at Misericordia University.

Caption:

American Council on Education (ACE) Fellows Program members participating in a financial forensics workshop at Misericordia University. Participating ACE fellows, front row from left, are Kristen C. Eichhorn, State University of New York College at Oswego; Sylvia R. Carey-Butler, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh; Alisa Rosenthal, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota; Nancy C. Cornwell, Montana State University; Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, Central Michigan University, and Dr. Thomas J. Botzman, Ph.D., president, Misericordia University; second row, Marc Tomljanovich, Drew University, New Jersey; Jake Zhu, California State University, San Bernadino; Bradley J. Fuster, State University of New York at Buffalo, and James Spiller, State University of New York at Brockport.

Misericordia University graduate nursing students recently presented their evidence-based practice projects at the Graduate Nursing Scholarly Synthesis Poster Day in John J. Passan Hall's College of Health Sciences and Education.

The graduate synthesis capstone course represents the culmination of graduate nursing students' skills and knowledge. Students demonstrate their ability to integrate theory, research, and clinical or functional practice in a seminar format. The final capstone scholarly project provides evidence of students' synthesis of knowledge through written, oral and critical thinking skills.

The following Master of Science in Nursing degree students presented their research: Rebecca Bicking, B.S.N., R.N., "Defeat the Heat in Menopause"; Nicole Falbo, B.S.N., R.N., "Reducing the Symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder"; LeeAnn Kayal, M.S.N., R.N., H.C.S.M., "The Efficacy and Safety of Mirabegron in Patients with Symptoms of Overactive Bladder"; Alexa Kerecman, B.S.N., R.N., "Effectiveness of Yoga Therapy in the Treatment of Patients with Anxiety"; Lindsey Kokindo, B.S.N., R.N., "Effectiveness of Glucosamine in the Treatment of Adult Patients with Osteoarthritis"; Amanda McNeil, B.S.N., R.N., "The Efficacy of Folic Acid Supplementation during Pregnancy to Reduce the Risk of Neural Tube Defects"; Jamie Mead, B.S.N., R.N., "Metformin: The Past of Least (Insulin) Resistance"; Kristopher Mead, B.S.N., R.N., "Does Oral Sucrose Decrease Infants' Pain for Routine Immunizations?"; Angela Murphy, B.S.N., R.N., "Liraglutide for the Treatment of Obesity"; Jamie Novitski, B.S.N., R.N., "The Use of Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors in Chronic Kidney Disease"; Candace Plociniak, B.S.N., R.N., "The Efficacy of Acupuncture for the Prevention of Migraine Headaches"; Ryan Seltzer, B.S.N., R.N., The Treatment of Acute Otitis Media in Children Using a Period of Watchful Waiting"; Patricia Slusser, B.S.N., R.N., "Preventing the Aggravation of Coagulation"; Chelsea Wilson, B.S.N., R.N., "Effective Treatment of H. Pylori Infection," and Jacqueline Zabresky, J.D., B.S.N., "Locaserin for Weight Management.''

Graduate faculty members Kathleen Sheikh, Ph.D., F.N.P.-B.C., C.N.E.; Pamela Welsh, D.N.P., M.S.N., C.R.N.P., served as course faculty mentors for the capstone projects.

For more information about the graduate nursing program at Misericordia University, please call (570) 674-6474 or log on to www.misericordia.edu/nursing.

Caption:

Misericordia University graduate nursing students presented their evidence-based practice projects at the Graduate Nursing Scholarly Synthesis Poster Day in John J. Passan Hall. Graduate nursing students who presented their capstone projects included, first row from left, Candace Plociniak, Elmhurst, Pa.; Angela Murphy, Dalton, Pa.; Rebecca Bicking, Hazleton, Pa.; Chelsea Wilson, Kingston, Pa., and Nicole Falbo, Carbondale, Pa.; second row, Ryan Seltzer, Kingston, Pa.; Alexa Kerecman, Throop, Pa.; Amanda McNeil, Sayre, Pa.; LeeAnn Kayal, Clarks Green, Pa.; Jacqueline Zabresky, Dallas, Pa.; Patricia Slusser, Yatesville, Pa.; Lindsay Kokindo, Dickson City, Pa.; Jamie Mead, Pittston, Pa.; Jamie Novitski, Shavertown, Pa., and Kristopher Mead, Pittston, Pa.

The Misericordia University Colleges Against Cancer Chapter surpassed a donation total of $185,000 at the 7^th annual Relay for Life by raising more than $39,000 at the April event. The student-run fundraiser for the American Cancer Society has grown incrementally since it raised $7,000 during its inaugural effort in 2011.

The 2017 Misericordia University Relay for Life was held in the Anderson Sports and Health Center. It featured 52 teams, 585 participants and more than 30 cancer survivors. Disc jockey Raymond Phillips of Site and Sound Entertainment donated his services for the event. The top three individual participants were Misericordia University students Jordyn Powell of Philipsburg, $1,805; Kailey Vogl, Wexford, $1,710, and Emily Ousouljoglou of Bridgewater, New Jersey, $1,449. The top three fundraising teams were R-Killin' Cancer, $2,320; Misericordia's National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, $2,059, and Misericordia University Field Hockey team, $1,870.

Officers of the Misericordia University Colleges Against Cancer Chapter who organized the event are Nicole Sadler, Florence, New Jersey, event lead; Zachary Moody, Clarence, Bring the People co-chair; Kailee Crockett, Smithtown, New York, Build the Fun co-chair, and Olivia Sumeriski, Toms River, New Jersey, Fund the Mission co-chair.

"Over the past four years, this event has grown to mean so much to me. We would not be able to raise thousands of dollars and make a difference in thousands of lives without the help and support of our event leadership team, team captains, participants, sponsors, and the Misericordia and surrounding community," said Sadler.

"It is truly amazing to see how much time and effort is put in by the students who balance their time between classes, homework, practices and games, to support our cause,'' said Elizabeth Pedro, the advisor for the Misericordia University Colleges Against Cancer Chapter. "Every year, we are overwhelmed by the support of the regional community. Few people have not been touched by cancer, so that is why we continue to work together to raise money for research and to honor survivors and those we have lost.

"We proudly surpassed $39,000 this year and are still accepting donations," Pedro added. "On behalf of Colleges Against Cancer, I would like to personally thank all of our participants and for the University continuing to support the efforts of our students."

Donations are welcome and can be made online through Aug. 31 at www.relayforlife.org/pamisericordia.

Caption:

The Misericordia University Colleges Against Cancer Chapter presented a check for $39,300.02 to the American Cancer Society from this year's Relay for Life on campus. Participating in the check presentation ceremony, from left, are Cindy Delaney, staff partner, American Cancer Society, and Misericordia chapter officers Nicole Sadler, Florence, N.J.; Zachary Moody, Clarence, Pa.; Olivia Sumeriski, Toms River, N.J., and Kailee Crockett, Smithtown, N.Y.

The Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts recently recognized the work two Misericordia University Mass Communications and Design students completed with a regional nonprofit program by awarding Communicator Awards in the 23^rd annual international competition that honors excellence in marketing and communications.

Melanie Quintanilla of Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, earned a Communicator Award of Distinction in the Websites – General-Nonprofit category after she designed and created the website for Reaching Beyond Limits (reachingbeyondlimits.com), an adult day care program for people ages 18-59 with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.

A Communicator Award of Excellence was awarded to Matthew Scanlon of Breezy Point, New York, in the Film/Video - Student category. His one-minute video is posted to Reaching Beyond Limits' website. He was responsible for several on-location videography shoots, editing raw footage, and writing the script for the voiceover.

Throughout the process, the students also had to ensure the video and website maintained consistent brand imagery and messaging for the business and target audience. Rachel Urbanowicz, M.A., assistant professor, was the faculty mentor for both award-winning projects.

The Communicator Awards is the leading international awards program honoring creative excellence for communication professionals. The annual contest honors the best in advertising, corporate communications, public relations and identity work for print, video and interactive media. Judges from the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts reviewed more than 6,000 entries before naming the winners of the 2017 Communicator Awards.

For more information about the Department of Mass Communications and Design at Misericordia University, please call (570) 674-6400 or log on to www.misericordia.edu/communications.

Caption:

Misericordia University students in the Department of Mass Communications and Design, from left, Matthew Scanlon, Breezy Point, N.Y., and Melanie Quintanilla, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, received Communicator Awards in the 23^rd annual international competition that honors excellence in marketing and communications. Quintanilla earned a Communicator Award of Distinction in the Websites – General-Nonprofit category and Scanlon received a Communicator Award of Excellence in the Film/Video - Student category.

The American Association of Nursing's Leadership for Academic Nursing Program selected Brenda Hage, Ph.D., D.N.P., C.R.N.P., assistant dean of the College of Health Sciences and Education and chief nurse administrator at Misericordia University, as a fellow.

The program selects fellows through a competitive application process. The professional development experience prepares a more diverse pool of leaders for nursing programs. It encompasses an assessment and evaluation of leadership skills, opportunities for strategic networking and case-study development, consultation to achieve long-term goals, and identification of key partnerships.

At Misericordia University, Dr. Hage also has served as chairperson of the graduate nursing and health care informatics programs, as well as the director of the Master of Science degree in nursing's family nurse practitioner and doctor of nursing practice programs.

In addition to her responsibilities at Misericordia University, Dr. Hage is vice chair for the Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment Task Force and was appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate as a member of the Pennsylvania Council on Aging. In 2015-16, she was a fellow in the Duke-Johnson & Johnson Nurse Leadership Program. Dr. Hage also has volunteered abroad in Haiti, Guyana and Nicaragua.

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Fourteen adult learners at Misericordia University recently were inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society during a brunch and induction ceremony in Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall.

Alpha Sigma Lambda is the honor society for continuing education students. Its aim is to recognize the special achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of home and work. The honor society is dedicated to the advancement of scholarship and recognizes high scholastic achievement in an adult student's career. By doing so, it encourages many students to continue toward and earn associate and baccalaureate degrees.

The following students were recognized and inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society: Randi Bunchalk, Drums, nursing; Kathy Butwin, Shavertown, early childhood and special education; Ernest Chalker, Plains Twp., information technology; Dara Clark, Effort, nursing; Kaylee Colemire, Camp Hill, nursing; Trudi Dempsey, Shavertown, health care management; Karin Duszak, Dureya, professional studies; Tammy Fedorchak, Carbondale, applied behavioral science; Karen Force, Wapwallopen, professional studies; Michelle Karpf, Mountain Top, applied behavioral science; Michael Keaney, West Pittston, information technology; Andrea Laureano, Kingston, business administration; Lisa Lockner, Dickson City, management, and Christine Marocchini, Ashley, business administration.

For more information about the Misericordia University Center for Adult and Continuing Education, please log on to www.misericordia.edu/adulted or call (570) 674-6289.

Caption:

Misericordia University inducted 14 adult learners into the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society during a brunch and induction ceremony. Participating in the program, seated from left, are Dara Clark, Effort, Pa.; Kathy Butwin, Shavertown, Pa.; Karin Duszak, Duryea, Pa.; Andrea Laureano, Kingston, Pa., and Michelle Karpf, Mountain Top, Pa.; standing, Ernest Chalker, Plains Twp., Pa.; Trudi Dempsey, Shavertown, Pa.; Kaylee Colemire, Camp Hill, Pa.; Randi Bunchalk, Drums, Pa.; Karen Force, Wapwallopen, Pa.; Lisa Lockner, Dickson City, Pa.; Tammy Fedorchak, Carbondale, Pa.; Christine Marocchini, Ashley, Pa., and Micheal Keaney, West Pittston.

Misericordia University recently presented the Misericordia University Leadership Award to nine students at the 34th Annual Leadership Awards Dinner in Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall.

The award recognizes students who exhibit qualities of leadership in their role on campus. Leadership Awards were presented to Georgia Cleary, Leola; Michael Dubinski, Hanover Township; Chabely Espina, Hazleton; Trevor George, Pompton Lakes, New Jersey; Robert Jacobs, Kingston; Alec Rodway, Peckville; Kylie Romeo, Danville; Nicole Sadler, Florence, New Jersey, and Thomas Scott, Huntington Station, New York.

Caption:

Misericordia University presented the following students, from left, Chabely Espina, Hazleton, Pa.; Michael Dubinski, Hanover Township, Pa.; Trevor George, Pompton Lakes, New Jersey; Robert Jacobs, Kingston, Pa.; Alec Rodway, Peckville, Pa.; Nicole Sadler, Florence, New Jersey, and Kylie Romeo, Danville, Pa., with a Leadership Award for their activities on campus. Absent from photo are Georgia Cleary, Leola, Pa., and Thomas Scott, Huntington Station, N.Y.

Misericordia University recently presented the Father John Petrasko and Father John Bendik Scholarship Awards to Michael Gombita of Equinunk and Mary Stephens of Mechanicsburg at the 34th annual Leadership Awards Dinner in Sandy and Marlene Insalaco Hall.

Stephens, a nursing major, received the Father John Bendik Scholarship Award, which is named after Monsignor Bendik who was the university's chaplain from 1981-1987. The scholarship is awarded to a rising senior in good academic standing who has a financial need and has demonstrated a record of broad and effective service to the campus community. The first scholarship was awarded in 1988.

Gombita, a communications major, received the Father John Petrasko Scholarship Award in honor of Father Petrasko, who was the college's chaplain from 1986-1990. The scholarship is awarded to a rising senior in good academic standing who has a financial need and has a record of broad and effective service to the campus community. The first scholarship was awarded in 1992.

Caption:

Darcy Brodmerkel, director of student activities at Misericordia University, center, presents the Father John Petrasko Scholarship Award to Michael Gombita, Equinunk, Pa., left, and the Father John Bendik Scholarship Award to Mary Stephens, Mechanicsburg, Pa., right, at the 33rd annual Student Leadership Awards Dinner.