Panuska College of Professional Studies

A Message from the Dean Dr. Debra A. Pellegrino, Dean WELCOME As Dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies at The University of Scranton, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our website. The Jesuit traditions of theory, practice, and social justice are at the heart of our work. Our emphasis is indistinguishably interwoven with the philosophy, traditions, and mission of Jesuit liberal arts education. Our goal is to prepare professionals who are educated in the liberal arts and committed to a life guided by intellectual, moral and ethical values. The University's mission with respect to service and social justice is particularly relevant for the Panuska College of Professional Studies ("PCPS") since it consists of a variety of programs which share the aim of preparing individuals for "helping professions." PCPS views its capacity to nurture and model such relationships with our students as a key educational responsibility. We are excited about the events we have planned during our upcoming academic year, the first being held on October 8-9, 2008, when the J.A. Panuska College of Professional Studies Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Endowment will present the seventh annual Northeastern Conference on disAbility. As we begin new initiatives and innovations in our programs for 2008-2009, we are excited about the pride, passion and promise that the Panuska College of Professional Studies brings to Northeastern Pennsylvania. You are encouraged to learn more about our academic programs in community health education, counseling, education, exercise science, health administration, human resources, human services, nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy through our website. In addition, every student in the Panuska College of Professional Studies completes a service learning requirement. Although many examples of service learning initiatives exist in the academic programs of PCPS, the newly-opened Edward R. Leahy, Jr. Center Clinic for the Uninsured: A Cooperative Project at The University of Scranton provides an excellent opportunity for our students to share their "gifts." According to University of Scranton President, Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., the Leahy Community Center housed in McGurrin Hall is "the embodiment of Jesuit education at its best." In February of 2008, the free health clinic, a component of the Leahy Community Health and Family Center, opened to the public to provide non-emergency health care to uninsured Lackawanna county residents who do not have, and cannot afford private health insurance and who do not qualify for public health insurance. It provides services usually given by a primary care physician, such as treatment of fevers, influenza or respiratory infections. Such an operation is a rarity in this country for colleges without a medical school. I hope you will explore our College to search out the true measure of our success which we deliver in our commitment to our students. Through teaching, scholarship and service in a global world, we model excellence in our academic and professional fields. The University of Scranton is rooted in the philosophy of the founder of the Jesuit order, Ignatius of Loyola. At PCPS, we live according to the Ignatian vision. This vision belongs to the students whom we teach and with whom we learn. It leads us to the future. We look forward to responding to your questions and comments as prospective students, faculty, or staff. Very truly yours, Dr. Debra A. Pellegrino Dean The Panuska College of Professional Studies McGurrin Hall room 116 Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510-4670 debra.pellegrino@scranton.edu