Alumni News: Nov. 6, 2012

The following items highlight the many alumni events and initiatives at The University of Scranton.

Scrantoberfest 2012 A Success

Hundreds of Scranton alumni helped turn October into Scrantober with three Scranton celebrations in three different cities! Scrantoberfest gathered hundreds of Scranton alumni in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Scranton. The trio of events kicked off strong in the Big Apple with more than 120 alumni enjoying each other’s company at Midtown 1015 Sutton Place. The celebration continued in our nation’s capital for round two of Scrantober madness at Madhatters. The fun ended with a BASH at Mulligan’s Sports and Spirits in downtown Scranton with 80 alumni coming out in full Halloween costumes. Christina Tripodi ’12, an Electrocuted Royal, won a gift certificate to The University of Scranton Bookstore for having the best costume of the night! Portions of the proceeds from Scrantoberfest were designated to support current and future generations of Scranton students.

For photographs of our Scrantober events, visit www.scrantonalumnisociety.shutterfly.com/

2013 Frank J. O’Hara Award Nominations

Each year during Reunion Weekend, The University of Scranton and the Alumni Society jointly administer the presentation of the Frank J. O’Hara Awards. The awards are named in honor of the late Frank J. O’Hara ’25, who served the University for more than 50 years. The O’Hara Award is the highest honor bestowed jointly by the University and its Alumni Society. 

Traditionally, the O’Hara Award is presented to alumni in their milestone reunion year, who have achieved distinction in their professions or personal endeavors. This year’s milestone years end in “3” and “8.” Award categories include:

• Alumni Service
• Arts and Letters
• Community Service
• Education
• Government Service
• Law
• Management
• Medicine
• Religion and Spirituality
• Science and Technology
• University Service

If someone you know has excelled in one or more of these categories, please take a few moments to nominate him or her for the 2013 Frank O’Hara Awards. Nominations must be received prior to Monday, Dec. 10. To nominate a candidate, click here.

Learn more about the Frank J. O’Hara Awards here. Photos of last year's celebration can be found here. Are you in a class that ends in 3 or 8? Click here to learn more about your reunion.

For more information, call the Alumni Office at 1-800-SCRANTON or email alumni@scranton.edu. 

Get Involved & Give Back

The University of Scranton’s Center for Service and Social Justice is looking for Scranton alumni to participate in upcoming holiday projects:

Thanksgiving Food Drive - providing Thanksgiving baskets to families in need in our area through the Feed a Friend program. Each basket costs $35 and our goal is $6,000. The Center for Service & Social Justice will purchase the food through a local supplier and pack/deliver the baskets on Sunday, Nov. 18. Donate to the Thanksgiving Food Drive. Please check other and specify that the gift is designated to the “Thanksgiving Food Drive.” This donation is tax-deductible.

Giving Tree - choose a gift valued at $20-25 for a child in need, boys and girls, ages infant to teen, and return unwrapped to the University’s Center for Service and Social Justice Office, DeNaples Center, room 205B, by Monday, Dec. 10. Gifts are given to Friends of the Poor, United Neighborhood Centers and Catholic Social Services to be given out at their annual toy giveaways in which families in need register for holiday assistance

Coat Drive – we are collecting gently used winter coats to give out at our annual Christmas Breakfast. Coats should be clean and in good condition. We are accepting all sizes, but men’s large and X-Large are most in need. New and gently used winter hats, gloves and mittens accepted as well. Coats are now being collected through Thursday, Dec. 20, to the Center for Service & Social Justice, DeNaples Center, room 205B.

Questions? Contact the Center for Service and Social Justice at (570) 941-7429.

Save the Date

Celebrate the achievements of occupational therapy students and alumni at the Occupational Therapy Graduate Student Spring Fling and Alumni Reunion on April 6, 2013, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. The event will be held in the University’s DeNaples Center ballroom.

Proceeds will support the Thomas Jerome House, founded by Kristen Reil Perilli ’05, a Scranton OT alumna after working with Thomas Jerome Hromisin ’05, a fellow Scranton alumnus, injured in Iraq. Click here to find out how one Scranton OT alumna is turning her dream into a reality.

Spread the Word: Alumni Benefits & Services

As a graduate of The University of Scranton, you and your family have access to exclusive discounts, programs and services through the Alumni Society. Whether you need car insurance or just want to take an unforgettable trip with Scranton friends, your alumni benefits can help you and support alumni activities at the same time. The Alumni Society provides access to comprehensive and affordable short-term medical coverage for new graduates to keep them insured throughout the job search, as well as auto and renter’s insurance. Read more about the benefits of being a Scranton alumnus at www.scranton.edu/alumnibenefits.

Apply Now for Our Alumni Society Credit Card

Applying for a University of Scranton credit card is a great way to prepare for the holiday purchases and “give back” to the University o at the same time. Visit The Alumni Society Credit Card for more information!

Calling All Entrepreneurs

Celebrate the entrepreneurs among us! Visit our Alumni Small Business Initiative website, www.scranton.edu/ASBI, to browse the online directory of more than 200 restaurants, stores and businesses owned by fellow Scranton alumni. If you are a Scranton graduate who owns a business, submit your business information to be included in the directory.

Network & Connect on LinkedIn

Join the official Scranton Alumni Network on LinkedIn, which offers free networking options exclusive to The University of Scranton community. LinkedIn offers valuable career networking opportunities because it allows you to raise your professional profile with key industry people and recruiters. It is a powerful tool at every step in a professional’s career.

Need some help getting started on LinkedIn? You may find this LinkedIn resource helpful – http://learn.linkedin.com/