Fall 2012 - The University of Scranton

Community Health & Family Center The Leahy Communit
ess
prep and math and science enrichment courses. Loughney
explained the program also reveals to students potential
career paths and volunteer opportunities. Students in the
summer academy volunteered at St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen
and the Leahy Clinic for the Uninsured.
Loughney said the program also informs parents on
financial aid and other related topics they need to know
about college.
“Parents are at a big disadvantage if they don’t know the
system,” Loughney said. “There are parents who say, ‘I can’t
afford to send my kid to college,’ and I say, ‘You can’t afford
not to send them’.”
Tyler Brady, a student at Mid Valley High School, is one
of the incoming freshmen for the program’s newest group.
Brady, who is considering studying law in college, said he
already feels he has learned a lot, “not just academically but
socially,” and is excited for what lies ahead.
“It taught me a lot about myself,” Brady said. “The
counselors were a big part of the experience … It opens up
a lot of doors.”
Jamary Gil, a student at Scranton High School and
another member of the University of Success’ incoming
class, said she is grateful for this opportunity.
“It’s a huge honor being at The University of Scranton,”
Wells Fargo contributed $25,000 to the University of Success,
a multi-year, pre-college program for high school students
designed to develop the skills needed to successfully gain
entrance to college. Pictured (from left) are, representing The
University of Scranton, Meg Hambrose, director of corporate
and foundation relations, and Debra Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean
of the Panuska College of Professional Studies; representing
Wells Fargo, Greg Collins, area president of Northeastern
Pennsylvania; Andrea Mantione, director of the Leahy
Community Health and Family Center at The University of
Scranton; and Patricia Blahnik, Wells Fargo district manager of
the Scranton/Pike markets.
Gil said. “It’s an honor for the program counselors to help
prepare me for college.”
Gil, who wants to study to become a physical therapist,
said so far her most enjoyable experience with the University
of Success is the rope course at the Pocono Environmental
Education Center.
“It was built around the philosophy of life,” Gil said. “It
taught me how to keep your head up and work together with
a team and be like a family.” Gil said this sense of teamwork
and family reflects what the University of Success teaches.
“We’re all striving for the same thing here,” Gil added.
Davis felt his experience with the University of Success
was so impactful that he decided to come back as a camp
counselor for the two-week summer academy. Davis said he
loved watching the group become closer and bond over the
weeks.
“To see them now from where they started – they’re like a
family,” Davis said.
Davis said he hopes the participants make the most of the
resources and opportunities available to them.
“I enjoy being a counselor because I get to tell [the
students] this does have a huge impact on your life,” Davis
said. “I don’t think these opportunities would have been
available to me had I not been in this program.”
FALL 2012 2011 •• CHALLENGES IN THEORY & PRACTICE 5