University grants master’s and doctoral degrees

The University of Scranton awarded more than 465 master’s and doctoral degrees during the May 19 ceremony at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre. Degrees were awarded to graduates who completed their academic degree requirements in August and December 2023, and in January and May 2024.

During the ceremony, the university conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in accounting, the degree of Doctor of Nursing and the degree of Doctor of Physiotherapy, in addition to master’s degrees in various disciplines.

Graduates represented 26 states, including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Dakota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and Virginia, among others. Students also represented Canada, Ghana, India, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The courses with the most graduates were master’s degree in business administration, master’s degree in accounting, master’s degree in business analytics, master’s degree in occupational therapy, master’s degree in health administration and doctorate in physiotherapy.

The Rev. Joseph Marina, SJ, president of the University of Scranton, addressed the graduates at the ceremony and conferred degrees on candidates presented by Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Leahy College of Health Sciences (formerly the Panuska College of Health Sciences). Professional studies); David Dzurec, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and Mark Higgins, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management.

Samantha Rose BobinskiHillsborough, New Jersey, who received her Master of Health Administration degree from Scranton, spoke on behalf of the Class of 2024. She spoke about what it means to be “Jesuit educated.”

“We are here today because of Magis – even more so; the pursuit of excellence, based on gratitude. It is our calling that has brought us here today. It is what has driven us to continue to grow and learn so that we can love those we serve,” said Bobinski. “We have learned that life is more than just doing our job, it is about caring for the entirety of those we serve – Cura Personalis. … Take care of them as a person, as a human being, not just as a patient or client. Ensuring that we have a special concern for those we encounter who are oppressed and do not have the same opportunities as many.”

Also speaking at the ceremony were Michelle Maldonado, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, and Paul DiPietrantonio ’97, president of the university’s Alumni Society. Dean Higgins provided the Invocation and Lori A. Bruch, Ed.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Counseling and Human Services, provided the benediction.

An archive recording of the ceremony can be viewed here.