Author: Mr. Christian A. Scipioni

In Memoriam: Dr. Matthew M. Reavy (1962-2022)

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February 8, 2022

12:37 pm

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The faculty and staff of the Weinberg Memorial Library are deeply saddened by the passing of Matthew Reavy, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Communication and Media at The University of Scranton.

After earning both his bachelor’s degrees in Communication and Philosophy and master’s in English from Scranton, Dr. Reavy spent almost 25 years serving the University. An innately passionate professor, when not inspiring students or spending time with family he was acting as faculty adviser to The Aquinas, contributing to a multitude of committees, or authoring books on journalism. Dr. Reavy was an invaluable and loving husband, father, educator, and person. He will be dearly missed.

Friends and colleagues may call today, February 8, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., 140 N. Main Street, Shavertown. The University will be holding a Mass tomorrow, February 9, at noon (location forthcoming).

Contributions can be made to the Matthew Reavy, Ph.D., Scholarship Fund at The University of Scranton, online at scranton.edu/makeagift or mailed to University Advancement, University of Scranton, 800 Linden Street, Scranton, PA 18510.

“Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam: Rare Books from the Hill-Davis Jesuit Collection” – Now on Display!

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February 2, 2022

12:57 pm

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Exhibits, Friends, News, Schemel Forum

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In honor of the Ignatian Year, the Heritage Room is hosting an exhibit titled “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam: Rare Books from the Hill-Davis Jesuit Collection” during Spring semester. The exhibit will primarily feature books written by Jesuits from the founding of the order in 1540 through its suppression in 1773. The exhibit will be divided into categories reflecting the breadth of Jesuit intellectual and pastoral activities. There will be sections on Ignatius Loyola, the Jesuits as a corporate body, science and technology, humanities, missionary work, the Counter-Reformation, and the suppression of the order among others.

On March 22, we are tentatively planning an exhibit reception with a lecture by Rev. Antoni Ucerler, S.J., Director of the Ricci Institute for Chinese-Western Cultural History at Boston College.  Father Ucerler will speak on the Jesuit’s use of printing technology to further missionary activities in Japan.  The lecture will be co-sponsored by the Friends of Weinberg Library, the Jesuit Center, the Slatterly Center for the Ignatian Humanities and the Schemel Forum.

The exhibit will run through April 24, 2022. For further information contact Special Collections Librarian, Michael Knies at Michael.Knies@Scranton.edu

Gift from Bequest of Brian E. McHugh ’59 on Display in 5th Floor Heritage Room

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November 12, 2021

3:02 pm

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Friends

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A gorgeous grandfather clock, dated to the 1780s, has been installed in the Library’s 5th floor Heritage Room. This was made possible by a bequest from the late Brian E. McHugh ’59, who also included an incredible $500,000 endowment fund in support of the Library. 

“Tall case” clock making flourished in Pennsylvania in the late 18th and early to mid-19th centuries, first imitating English craftsmanship before developing its own unique characteristics. This example, in the style of famed London furniture-maker Thomas Chippendale but likely Pennsylvania Dutch built, must be hand wound and includes a rotating dial depicting phases of the moon throughout the month. The hourly chimes have been disabled so all can study in peace, and two finials and an eagle, usually sitting on top, are currently being repaired.  

This will serve to complement the beautiful grandmother clock, formerly belonging to Brian’s mother, on display in the 4th floor Reading Room of The Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections named in her memory.  

“Celebrating Past Presidents” Exhibit Now Open!

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September 14, 2021

1:57 pm

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Exhibits

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In honor of Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J. becoming The University’s 29th president, Weinberg Library’s Heritage Room will feature an autumn exhibit on the past presidents of The University of Scranton and St. Thomas College. The exhibit, based on research by Professor Emeritus of History Frank Homer and utilizing photographs and documents from the University Archives, will focus on the accomplishments of the past presidents and their impact on the development of the school. 

The exhibit will be on display in the Heritage room until December 17. A reception is being planned but the date is not yet confirmed. For more information, contact Special Collections Librarian Michael Knies at 570-941-6341 or Michael.Knies@scranton.edu.

In Memoriam: The 20th Anniversary of 9/11

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September 10, 2021

3:58 pm

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Twenty years ago, The University of Scranton joined the world in shock and heartache as we witnessed the tragedies of September 11th transpire across New York City, Washington, D.C. and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

On that day, the University community lost Michael Costello ’96, Timothy Finnerty ’90, Charles Heeran ’00, Timothy Hughes ’80 and William Kelly ’93, in addition to 32 relatives of students and graduates, all of whose names are preserved within the Madonna della Strada Chapel.

In the subsequent days and weeks, the University community showed its indomitable Ignatian spirit: students, staff, and faculty donated blood, raised money for numerous organizations such as the United Way 9/11 Fund, and procured supplies for the ongoing rescue effort.

Now, two decades later, we pause in remembrance of those lost and to reflect upon our shared experience.

 

 

In Memory of Katherine “Kay” Reilly ’53 (July 12, 1922-August 31, 2021)

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September 3, 2021

4:05 pm

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Learning Commons, News

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It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Katherine “Kay” Reilly. Kay was a great supporter of The University of Scranton and the Weinberg Memorial Library, in particular.

Kay was one of the first female graduates of The University of Scranton, along with her sister, Evelyn ’52. After graduating, they helped draft the charter that formed the Women’s Alumni Society and served as its officers for many years.

Kay, Evelyn, and their brother Joe donated to The University of Scranton and the Weinberg Memorial Library allowing for the creation and dedication of the Reilly Learning Commons. In addition to the Reilly Learning Commons, Kay and her sister also established the Evelyn M. and the Katherine T. Reilly Scholarship at the University. 

Kay was a trailblazer who set the course for future women at the University. We are thankful for all she has done for our community and the Library, and we send our deepest condolences to her family.

You can view her full obituary  here.

In Memory of Brian E. McHugh ’59 (January 1, 1937 – August 9, 2021)

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August 13, 2021

2:29 pm

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Friends, News

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It is with immense sadness that we announce the loss of Brian E. McHugh ’59, dear friend to the Weinberg Memorial Library, The University of Scranton, and the wider community.   

Born in Kingston and a graduate of Kingston High School, Brian would serve in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After being honorably discharged, Brian studied at the University of Havana, Cuba and earned a B.S. in Psychology from The University of Scranton in 1959.   

With an entrepreneurial career spanning instruction, banking, and construction, Brian was most recently a field consultant for business development. He was also a member of the Advisory Board of The Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library and active in both the Luzerne County and Kingston Historical Societies. His generous estate gift to the library, in memory of his mother, resulted in the naming of the Helen Gallagher McHugh Special Collections.  

He will be greatly missed.

In Memory of Glynn S. Lunney H’71 (November 27, 1936 – March 19, 2021)

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March 22, 2021

1:46 pm

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Digital Collections, News

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Legendary NASA engineer and University of Scranton alumnus Glynn S. Lunney passed away on March 19th at the age of 84. Lunney was lead flight director at NASA for Apollo 1, 4, 7, and 10, and on duty as flight director during the Apollo 11 moon landing. A native of Old Forge, Lunney graduated from Scranton Prep and studied at the University until 1955 before receiving his B.S. in aerospace engineering from the University of Detroit. He was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Scranton in 1971, conferred by president Rev. Dexter Hanley, S.J., who received an autographed moon landing photo from Lunney (see below). He will be remembered for his incredible contributions to US spaceflight.

The full citation for his 1971 honorary doctor of laws degree is in our digital collections. If you’re on campus, you can also browse newspaper clippings concerning his honorary degree and undergraduate commencement address.

In Memory of University President Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. (July 31, 1959 – March 10, 2021)

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March 12, 2021

1:16 pm

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The familiar smiling face of Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., during his inauguration as the 24th President of the University of Scranton (June 2003)
Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., the University’s 26th president, presents the University’s mace to Father Pilarz during his second inauguration (21 September 2018)
Father Pilarz celebrates with students at a Royals basketball game (11 March 2005)
Meeting members of the University community at the start of his second tenure (2 July 2018)
Blessing and naming a residence plaza in honor of St. Oscar Romero, the martyred Archbishop of San Salvador (October 2018)
Father Pilarz enjoys a laugh with 22nd and 23rd University of Scranton Presidents Rev. J.A. Panuska, S.J. and Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J. (June 2003)
Father Pilarz announces the establishment of the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for Humanities (May 2019)
Providing a prayer and blessing at the lighting ceremony of the Class of 2020 Gateway (21 February 2020)
Presenting John (Jack) Brennan ’68, P’06 with a 50-Year Reunion Medal at Reunion Weekend 2018

“European Medieval Manuscript Leaves: Varieties of Script and Content from the Jim Sims Collection” Now Open!

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February 24, 2021

11:19 am

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Digital Collections, News

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This physical and online exhibit looks at the progression of medieval handwriting primarily in liturgical books, lay prayer books and Bibles. While not all types of medieval handwriting are in the exhibit, scripts such as Carolingian, Gothic, and Humanist among others are featured. The exhibit was curated by Casey Welby, Classical Languages and History Major ’21 as part of her Honors Project and as a student humanities fellowship at the Gail and Francis Slattery Center for the Humanities. Welby worked with Special Collections Librarian Prof. Michael Knies, Digital Services Librarian Prof. Colleen Farry, with the support of Digital Services Web Developer Jennifer Galas. The Heritage Room will be hosting the physical exhibit of the Sims medieval manuscript leaf collection from February 8 through May 21. However, due to COVID restrictions, the campus is closed to the general public. The online version of the exhibit can be viewed here: digitalprojects.scranton.edu/s/sims-exhibit.

For more information please contact Special Collections Librarian Michael Knies at michael.knies@scranton.edu