Spotlight on Student Worker George Ebeid

When I first met George Ebeid of Tobyhanna, PA, he was a freshman and a little shy and nervous about working in Circulation Services.  I knew that if he was at all like his brothers who worked here before him, John and Peter, he would work out just fine.  That he did.  George loves to learn “new stuff” and he learns well.  He is very deliberate in his work and always accurate.  Working in customer service, he began to enjoy meeting and interacting with new people.  He learned to be himself and that helped him personally as well as in his job performance.  A most faithful worker, his attendance record is almost perfect!  You can always count on George to show up bright and early in the morning, ready to get to work.

George has studied hard and will receive his degree in Electrical Engineering.  He is a member of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Club.  Some of his hobbies include drawing, bird watching and programming.  He has spent the past two years working on programming a game in C++.  Of course he likes to read and his favorite book is George Orwell’s 1984.

George is in the process of job searching in the Philadelphia area.  After graduation, he plans to move there with his brother John.  After a few years of work experience, his plan is to go on to Grad school.  I see a bright future for him.  We wish him all the best!

Spotlight on Student Worker Karen Zumba

Since she spent so much time in the Library, Karen Zumba, an Accounting major from Manhattan, decided to apply for a job here, and we’re very happy that she did! In the three years Karen has been working in Media Resources/EdLab she has provided excellent customer service, transferred dozens of archival VHS tapes to DVDs and helped keep the stacks in order. Her friendliness and organizational skills have made her a great fit for the department. Karen’s favorite part of the job has been getting to know faculty members she would not otherwise get to see and meeting her fellow work-study students. Karen’s advice to other students is to take advantage of borrowing DVDs because they are very entertaining.

Karen has done some traveling during her years at Scranton. In 2016 she went to Jamaica with Campus Ministries International Service Program, and in 2017 she studied abroad in Uganda where she had the memorable experience of witnessing a baby being born.

In her free time Karen enjoys hiking, biking and painting. Her favorite class was Christianity of Africa and her favorite film is Seven. After graduation her career goal is to become a CPA.

Thank you Karen for your contributions to the Library. Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! We wish you all the best in the future!

Spotlight on Student Worker Erica Westlake

We first met Erica Westlake of West Chester, PA during her Summer orientation when she visited the Library with her mom. While Erica inquired about a work study position in Circulation Services, her mom was concerned about a broken window that she discovered outside over the patio exit.  We made two good discoveries that day!  Erica applied and began working with us the following Fall semester.  Like her mom, she has great attention to detail and it’s evident in her work here.  She keeps herself informed of current policies and procedures in order to provide the best possible customer service experience.  Some of the things she enjoys most about working in the library is chatting with patrons and co-workers and helping Barb Evans set up displays.

Erica majors in Biology and Philosophy. Her favorite class was Dr. Sulzinski’s Virology class.  Her goal is to become a medical doctor and she has applied to several medical schools.  Also an athlete, she was a member of the Royals Varsity Swim Team for the past four years.  In her spare time, she keeps busy by contributing to Esprit, participating in Praise & Worship, volunteering at the Leahy Clinic and tutoring.  She also enjoys photography* and of course – reading.  Her favorite book is When breath becomes air / PaulKalanithi. Something interesting about Erica is that although she is left-handed, she plays all sports right-handed.

To date, she’s been accepted at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in Scranton and is anxiously waiting to hear from the rest. Though she can’t be certain where she will end up, she’s prepared to stay in Scranton for a few more years.  It certainly would be nice to keep in touch with her.  We wish her all the best!

*Look for Erica’s photography entries on display as part of the Environmental Art Show, WML Heritage Room.

Spotlight On Student Worker: Tim Zinna

Tim Zinna, a Theology/Religious Studies major from Tappan, New York, has worked in Digital Services for all four of his undergraduate years.  He has always been enthusiastic and efficient, and credits the job with helping him to learn new skills while giving him an additional sense of belonging and purpose during his time at the University of Scranton.

In addition to his studies and Digital Services work, Tim has also served on campus as Founder and President of the Bible Club and is a percussionist in the Concert Band.  Other hobbies include reading, creative writing, playing the piano and composing music.  His favorite book is the Bible and favorite movie is The Great Escape.  After graduation, he plans to enter a field where he can serve God and bring glory to His name.  To that end, he is also currently in the process of learning Classical Hebrew so that he will be able to read and study the Old Testament in its original language.

We thank Tim for sharing his time and talents with the Weinberg Library, and wish him all the best with his future endeavors!

Spotlight on Student Worker Maria Revueltas

Maria Revueltas, from Brooklyn, NY, is a senior Business Administration major with a minor in English. Maria has worked in the University Archives and McHugh Special Collections since the spring semester of her freshman year in 2015. Over the past three years, Maria has helped preserve thousands of photographic negatives from the Terry and Paula Connors Collection that document the history of The University of Scranton and the larger Scranton community. While working with these archival photos, Maria loved learning something new about the University’s history every day.

Born in Colombia, Maria moved to the United States when she was nine years old. Maria is an active member of the campus community and serves on the stage crew in the Liva Arts Company. This student-run drama club produces two musicals annually, and they are currently working on a production of “Legally Blonde” the musical. Maria’s involvement with the Liva Arts Company came out of her love of Broadway. Some of her favorite shows include “Hamilton,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” and “Wicked.” Maria also has a great interest in the film industry, and would love to apply her business education to a position at a film production company in the future.

Thank you, Maria! Best wishes with all of your future endeavors!

Spotlight on Student Worker Jennifer Felix

Jennifer Felix, a Sociology major with a minor in Philosophy from Paterson, New Jersey, has worked in Media Resources/EdLab for the past two years where she enjoys helping students choose movies and books. She is friendly, responsible and likes sharing her ideas with others.

In addition to her studies and working in the library, Jennifer works for the University Police Department as a student officer. She also spends time playing basketball, listening to music and hanging out with friends. Her favorite movie is The Lizzie McGuire Movie and her favorite author and philosopher is Friedrich Nietzsche. People might be surprised to learn that Jennifer reads quotes by Nietzsche before going to sleep. Her favorite quote is “to have to combat one’s instincts—that is the formula for decadence: as long as life is ascending, happiness and instinct are one”.

After graduation in May, Jennifer would like to become part of a team that will help her achieve her life and career goals.

Thank you Jennifer for your hard work and enthusiasm. We wish you a happy and fulfilling future!

Spotlight on Student Worker Kelly Kuzminski

One year ago Kelly Kuzminski heard about an opening in Media Resources/Edlab from a friend, and she brought exceptional service skills, a professional attitude and strong work ethic to the department. Kelly, a native of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, will graduate with a doctorate in Physical Therapy this month.

Kelly most enjoys helping students and faculty locate educational resources to supplement classroom information. Having access to materials has helped Kelly enhance her own knowledge. She feels that the Library has something to offer everyone on campus-whether it is study rooms, books, films, research materials or food. Kelly believes that while many students utilize the Internet for research purposes, there’s nothing like good, old-fashioned books and ledgers to help make an exceptional paper or project.

Within the Physical Therapy Department Kelly is a Graduate Assistant and a student liaison. She is also involved in Seniorcise, Kidsercise and Challenger Soccer.  Kelly enjoys working with the PA Physical Therapy Association’s Political Action Committee. Her hobbies include learning about military history and the American Civil War, touring historical sites, horseback riding, reading, arts and crafts and restoring old furniture. Her favorite book is Tuesdays with Morrie and her favorite movie is Forrest Gump. A surprising fact about Kelly is that she’s a Civil War buff who knows an unreasonable amount of information about the four-year conflict.

Currently Kelly is completing her clinical internships. Her career goal is to work with active duty military personnel and veterans with a focus on the rehabilitation of amputees. She also plans to become an orthopedic clinical specialist.

Thank you, Kelly. We wish you all the best!

Spotlight on Student Worker Cathy Dolisca

Cathy Dolisca is an Exercise Science major with a concentration in Nutrition. She also minored in Educational Studies. Before coming to The University of Scranton, Cathy went to the Academy of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, NJ. She is originally from Maplewood, NJ but she currently resides in East Hanover, NJ. Over the summer, she will volunteer with EPOCH, an afterschool and summer program that helps special needs children.

Cathy has worked as Reference Department Student Worker for two years. As one of the first students to work at the Reference Desk for many years, Cathy helps students with their library-related questions and assists the reference librarians with their projects. While on the job, Cathy has learned a lot about the library and doing library research through the databases and other resources that the library provides. The skills that Cathy has learned on the job have enabled her to help her peers, and she enjoys interacting with her fellow students. Cathy takes her work very seriously, and she knows her job is very important because she gets to help her classmates on their way to success. We agree, Cathy! And you do an excellent job of helping the students that come to the desk!

Cathy is currently applying to go to nursing school with the goal of earning a BSN degree. Her career goal is to become a travel nurse, which is a nurse who temporarily relocates to hospitals all across the country. Becoming a travel nurse would allow her to explore and spend time in various places around the country.

In addition to her studies and job in the library, Cathy is a member of the Sustainability Club and the Exercise Science Club. She is also a huge fan of movies and enjoys discussing movies with friends and some of her library colleagues. She especially loves horror movies, but she also enjoys comedies, dramas, and movies that make you think. For example, she recently saw Ex Machina, and she loved the twist ending. She liked that the movie made her think a lot about the future and where technology and society might be heading. Cathy is also an avid reader, and she really enjoys poetry books. Currently, she is reading Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur. Next on her reading list is So Sad Today by Melissa Broder and The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Cathy also has a creative side, she likes to write as a way to get all of her thoughts out, and she enjoys drawing as well.

Cathy is a dedicated worker who is always very reliable. The librarians could always count on Cathy to ably handle staffing the reference desk and appropriately answering student questions. Cathy is well liked by her fellow student workers and all of the librarians. She will be greatly missed!

Thank you, Cathy! Best wishes on your way to success!

 

Spotlight on Student Worker: Kyle Kasman

Kyle Kasman is in the student-worker spotlight this week.  Hailing from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Kyle began working in Media Resources/Edlab two years ago while pursuing his doctorate in Physical Therapy. Kyle has an outgoing personality, and he most enjoys connecting with other people and finding new movies and books about their interests. Kyle’s excellent organizational skills and attention to detail have helped to keep Media Resources running smoothly. His advice to other students is to take advantage of all the services the Library has to offer and to ask the librarians for help.

A member of the PT Club, Kyle is involved in Seniorcise, an exercise program for seniors, and he assists in coordinating a local wheelchair basketball tournament. His hobbies include playing guitar, photography, hiking, kayaking and camping. You might be surprised to learn that Kyle used to sing and play guitar in a band that was almost signed to a record label!

Kyle is currently completing his clinical internships. His favorite professor is Dr. Leininger and his favorite class is Orthopedics, so it’s fitting that one of Kyle’s career goals is to become a Physical Therapist who specializes in Orthopedics.

Thank you Kyle, for all you have done here! We wish you all the best in the future.

Spotlight on Student Worker Mackenzie Thompson

Mackenzie Thompson, from Breezy Point, NY, is a senior Occupational Therapy major with minors in Psychology and Counseling and Human Services. Mackenzie has worked as a technical consultant in the Reilly Learning Commons since its opening in August 2014, where she loves working with people, helping them with technology and using the library. Over the past three years, Mackenzie has helped implement new technology in the Library and is always happy to share her knowledge with others.

Mackenzie is very active on campus working with the Royal Signers on the Executive Board, serving as Co-Director of the Royal Ambassadors, and a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA), and Wishmakers. Mackenzie is also a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, Alpha Epsilon Delta, and Psi Chi.

Mackenzie’s hobbies include drawing, reading, and decorating for holidays. Mackenzie’s favorite book is Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and her favorite movie is Anastasia. You might be surprised to learn that Mackenzie has FOUR dogs! Two 8-year-old Golden Retrievers, Brooke and Lucky, and two rescues, a Siberian Husky named Indigo, age 3.5, and a St. Bernard, Indigo, age 5.

Mackenzie hopes to become a Pediatric Occupational Therapist. Mackenzie’s favorite professors have been all of her OT professors who share their enthusiasm for the field with their students.

After graduation in May, Mackenzie will continue with her education in pursuing a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at the University of Scranton.

Thank you, Mackenzie! Best wishes with all your future endeavors!