The Fricchione Day Care Center is awarded a Four Star Designation from the Keystone Stars Program, a childcare initiative funded by the State Department of Public Welfare, January.  The designation is awarded to childcare providers that exceed State health and safety licensing requirements.

Dr. Ronald Bulbulian, Dean of the College of Health and Human Services, is appointed to the editorial board of the Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, January.

Non-traditional adult students form the Organization of Adult Returning Students (OARS) to assist adult students in dealing with the realities of combining family life, work and school, January.

To celebrate the University's 90th year, the alumni sponsor a trip to Italy in honor of St. Alphonsus Liguori, tracing the University's spiritual roots and exploring the richness and beauty of its Catholic identity and I.H.M. heritage, February 27-March 6.

Two panels from brochure, A Spiritual Journey, 2004

Marywood University joins with the Church throughout the world in paying tribute to Pope John Paul II with events during the week beginning April 3.  A special candlelight vigil, including quiet prayer and readings from his writings to young adults, celebrates the Pope’s interest and devotion to young people.

The Audit Committee function of the Board is removed from the Finance Committee and made a standing committee, April 16.

Internationally renowned sculptor Richard Nonas gives a lecture and slideshow presentation in the Marywood University Comerford Theatre, April 17.  The program is part of Marywood’s Distinguished Visiting Artist Lecture Series.

Marywood University celebrates Earth Week with a series of events, April 18-22.

Science students at Marywood establish a Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Chemical Society, April.

A Groundbreaking Ceremony is held for the Robert J. Mellow Center for Athletics and Wellness, April 28.

An honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree is conferred on Rev. Edward A. Malloy, C.S.C., President of the University of Notre Dame, who delivers the 2005 Commencement address, May 8.

The first Master of Science degree in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Science is conferred on Ryan Hartz, May 8.

The Graduate Student Council is reorganized, Spring.

The Center for Assistive Technology is opened, Spring.

Dr. Ann Henry, a trustee of the University, travels to Africa with Sister Anne Munley to prepare for a summer African Sisters Education Collaborative program, June.

Bethany Hall is converted into a residence for male students, Summer.

Sister Kathleen Burns, Webmaster, spends a month in Africa training twenty-four Sisters from Ghana and Nigeria in the use of Technology, August.

Marywood’s core curricular purpose, Living Responsibly in an Interdependent World, is celebrated on Interdependence Day with a presentation by Sister Margaret Gannon, "Interdependence and Spirituality," September 12.
 

Dr. Kurt Torell assumes the position of Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, September.

In solemn convocation, the University marks end of the 90th Anniversary Celebration and the 40th anniversary of Gaudium et Spes; Rev. J. Bryan Hehir addresses the assembly on “Gaudium et Spes After 40 Years”; honorary doctorates are conferred on Father Hehir and Carolyn Dooley Gianturco, September 16.

The Paul J. and Virginia Collins Shields Center for Visual Arts is dedicated, October 22.

Marywood University and The Ballet Theatre of Scranton celebrate the 30th year in production of The Nutcracker, an annual holiday gift to the community, December 26-28.

Sister Mary Reap, I.H.M., becomes First Vice President, Middle States Association Board of Trustees.

Marywood University is included in the Top Tier for the third consecutive year in the U.S. News & World Report annual guide to the best U.S. colleges and holds a position in the 2006 edition of “Best Universities-Masters in the North" list.

The President of the I.H.M. Congregation addresses the Sisters who will be moving from the Marian Convent, to be renovated for University use.  “Sisters, in years to come, Marywood University students and the University Community will worship in this place and they, too, will sense your joyful spirited lives because that is the great legacy you leave them.  You will each be asked to sign a document that the Congregation will present to Sister Mary Reap and the Marywood University Community.  This manuscript, signed by you who live in this home and who lovingly surrender it to future generations of young women and men will be a testimony to the beautiful heritage that is theirs because of you.  We will ask them to set it in a special place, in the altar, hidden in the construction, or mounted on the wall, so that it will forever be a reminder that God has blessed them because of you.” – Sister Mary Persico, President of the I.H.M. Congregation, January 14.

The Marian Convent property is acquired, and renovation begins immediately to house the University Chapel, Campus Ministry rooms, Health Services, computer lab, and residence facilities for 320 students.  The name of the building is changed to Loughran Hall in honor of Helen Loughran ’30 and Mary Loughran ’31, '54, January 16.

The Board of Trustees approves the naming of the Insalaco Arena and the Lynett-Haggerty Fitness Center in the Robert J. Mellow Center for Athletics and Wellness, January 21.

Sister Mary Reap, I.H.M., becomes President of the Middle States Association Board of Trustees, January.

Sister Mary Reap, I.H.M., announces the formation of the Institute for Health and Wellness, February 2. 

The Fricchione Day Care Center establishes an Intergenerational Program with the new LIFE Center at the Pascucci Family Our Lady of Peace Residence, Spring.

Mr. Weilin Kuang, Deputy Consul General for the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations, speaks to the Marywood Community about China’s emerging role as an economic world leader, April 25.

An honorary doctoral degree is conferred on internationally known tenor Ronan Tynan, M.D., who delivers the Commencement address, May 14.

Dr. Barbara R. Sadowski becomes the Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, July 1.

Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan, long-time friend and benefactor of Marywood University, lies in state in the Rotunda, July 23.

"Re/Creation" features the work of two local award winning artists, Renee Emanuel and Bill Teitsworth, in the Suraci Gallery, August 5-October 8.

Marywood University's Mahady Gallery hosts the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society's 27th Annual International Juried Exhibition, August 13-October 8.

The School of Social Work begins offering its Master of Social Work program at Bloomsburg University, September 1.

Sister Patricia Ann Matthews, I.H.M., becomes the Assistant to the President for Special Projects, September 1.

The University’s 92nd academic year opens with solemn Academic Convocation and Liturgy, followed by a picnic on the University green, September 7.

The Robert J. Mellow Center for Athletics and Wellness is dedicated, looked upon as the embodiment of the University’s motto:  Sanctitas, Scientia, Sanitas, September 15.  The main speaker is Bonnie Blair, fastest American speed skater who ever lived, as attested to by Olympic record books, eleven World Cup championships, and six Olympic Medals, five of them gold.  Marywood University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III and the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference.

Michael and Dolores Insalaco make the largest single gift in Marywood University history.  The Board of Trustees recognizes the Insalacos' outstanding leadership and exemplary generosity by naming one of the University's four colleges The Michael and Dolores Insalaco College of Creative Arts and Management, October 21.

Loughran Hall is dedicated, October 21.  The expansive building includes a residential section for 325 students, a Center for Spiritual life including the University’s new Chapel, a University Conference Center, and Student Health Services.  A bequest from Mary Loughran ’31, ’54 and Helen Loughran ’30 have enabled the University to undertake extensive renovation to the former Marian Convent, transforming it into the new facility.  The Loughran sisters’ substantial estate gifts compose the largest private contribution made to Marywood University to date.

Marywood University hosts a Panel on Immigration, featuring personal stories of recent immigrants, Catholic Social Teaching, and the social, economic, legal, and human rights implications of immigration to the United States, particularly in Northeastern Pennsylvania, October 24.
 

Students, faculty, and staff members celebrate Founders’ Week with a University-wide Week of Service, November 4-11.

Marywood University hosts the 1996 Laurel Line Basketball Tournament in the new Insalaco Arena in the Mellow Center for Athletics and Wellness, November 17-18.

Marywood University is included in the Top Tier for the fourth consecutive year in the U.S. News & World Report annual guide to the best U.S. colleges and holds a position in the 2007 edition of “Best Universities-Masters in the North" list.

Marywood University is the leading provider of graduate education in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  The vast majority of undergraduate freshmen return again for their sophomore year, and the University continues to excel in its graduation rate, both critical measurements of a university’s success.

The University’s student population is steadily growing.  Those studying at the undergraduate level represent 58%, and those on the graduate level 42%, of the student body.  Approximately 36% of graduate students attend full time.

Teri Linder, an award winning special education teacher, is the invited guest speaker for the Sigma Pi Epsilon Delta honor society induction brunch, March 25. Ms. Lindner has been working with students with special needs for over 40 years. A former Disney of Teacher of the Year, she was chosen from 75,000 nominees for the 1999-2000 awards. She has also received awards for Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Teacher in the State of Pennsylvania, and the Annie Sullivan Award for excellence in working with students who are disabled.

A workshop addressing crime analysis, Problem-Oriented Policing & Problem Solving, is held in the Crystal Room at Nazareth Student Center, March 27. The program, sponsored by Marywood University's Criminal Justice Program and the School of Continuing Education, is presented by John Eck, author of Crime Analysis for Problem Solvers in 60 Small Steps.

The Board of Trustees, in recognition of the service, leadership and vision of Sister Mary Reap, I.H.M., Ph.D., C.M.F.C., directs that the College of Education and Human Development be named in her honor, April 21. According to Mrs. Lynda Lynett, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sister Mary "took Marywood from an all-female, liberal arts college to a co-educational university with a comprehensive offering of educational opportunities. Her accomplishments are remarkable and her presidency will be remembered as a turning point in the modern history of Marywood." The Board of Trustees cited the University's extraordinary academic and physical expansion over the past 19 years as an example of Sister Mary's significant accomplishments. Sister Mary led the establishment at Marywood of Northeast Pennsylvania's first Ph.D. program and significantly increased Marywood's graduate degree offerings. Under Sister Mary, the University advanced rapidly in research development, technology, and curricular development. During Sister Mary's presidency, Marywood University invested $100 million in campus physical plant and building construction, including the completion of six multi-million dollar buildings and the renovation of 18 additional campus facilites.

Marywood celebrates its 89th annual commencement with the awarding of 747 degrees at the Wachovia Arena, Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, May 13. Sister Mary Reap, I.H.M., presents Senator Robert P. Casey and Alan B. Graf, a former area businessman and retired Marywood Trustee, with honorary doctorates. Senator Casey is the keynote speaker.

At a news conference held at the Mahady Gallery, Sister Mary Reap, I.H.M., announces that Mr. Richard Maslow and the Maslow family have agreed to a long-term loan of The Maslow Collection to Marywood University, May 21. The Maslow Collection includes over 500 works by 178 artists, including prints by Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein and Robert Rauchenberg. In addition to the art work, Marywood will receive, as part of the $2.3 million agreement, financial gifts to renovate space within the Shields Center for Visual Arts to house The Maslow Collection and to establish a million dollar endowment to the University.

The Reverend Arbogaste Satoun arrives as Chaplain, July 1.

Sister Anne Munley, I.H.M., announces the appointment of Joseph X. Garvey, Jr., CPA, as Marywood University's new Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer, effective August 13, July 13.

The day's events begin with a formal academic procession and Inaugural Liturgy, followed by a Luncheon in Nazareth Hall.

The traditional inauguration ceremony begins with an academic procession that includes the Members of the Marywood University Corporation, the Board of Trustees, presidents and other delegates from colleges and universities, the Marywood Alumni Association delegation, student representatives, and Marywood University faculty, administration, and staff.

Bringing greetings to the new president from the city of Scranton is the Honorable Christopher A. Doherty, Mayor of Scranton. Michael A. MacDowell, Ph.D., Chair, Northeast Pennsylvania Association of Colleges and Universities and President of Misericordia University, represents the region's institutions of higher education. And Sister Mary Persico, I.H.M., Ed.D., President of the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, delivers greetings on behalf of the Congregation.

The Reverend Robert J. Schreiter, C.PP.S., Bernardin Center Vatican II Professor at the Catholic Theological Union, keynote speaker at the event, is awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.

After the Inaugural Convocation, a reception is held in The Liguori Center, formerly the Regina Hall Dining Room and Regina Chapel. This is the first event to take place in this newly-refurbished space.

An Inaugural Dinner is held in honor of Sister Anne Munley, I.H.M., October 20. In honor of the occasion, Sister Mary Persico, President of the Sisters of IHM, presents Sister Anne with a sizeable donation to begin an International Education Endowment Fund.

Marywood holds its first College for a Day program, February 13 and April 9. Students attend classes, tour the campus, speak with Admissions and Financial Aid counselors, and listen to a panel of current students discuss college life. In addition, overnight visits are available for prospective undergraduate students on February 19, April 1, and April 25. The students are able to attend classes, eat in the University cafeteria, and stay in a dorm room with a current student.

Marywood holds Open House for High School Juniors, March 29. This event includes conversations with representatives of academic departments, admissions counselors, financial aid counselors, and members of campus clubs and organizations. Events also include a campus tour, continental breakfast, and lunch.

Agnes Denes, internationally renowned artist and founder of the environmental art movement, delivers an illustrated public lecture in the Learning Resources Center as part of the Fresh Perspectives - New Solutions: Visiting Environmental Artist Series, April 2.

Sister Anne Munley, I.H.M., represents Marywood University at Pope Benedict XVI's address to presidents of Catholic colleges and universities at Catholic University, April 17. Approximately 200 presidents and 195 Catholic superintendents from dioceses across the country participate in this session. This historic gathering is a profound recognition of the vast contribution that Catholic education makes to the Church, the United States and the world.

The multipurpose room in Nazareth Hall is renamed The Latour Conference Room, May 2. Mrs. Lois Ann German Latour, '51, was a generous supporter of Marywood over the years and, before her death, named Marywood University as the recipient of a large estate bequest that has helped the University to accomplish several physical plant projects.

At the Commencement Ceremony, honorary doctorates are conferred on Sister Mary Reap, to whom the University owes such a debt of gratitude for her nineteen years of service as President of the University, and Mr. Joseph K. Grieboski, who delivers the Commencement address, May 11. Mr. Grieboski is founder and President of the Washington, D.C.-based Institute on Religion and Public Policy, which promotes ongoing discourse, demands responsible leadership, and remains committed to the achievement of peace. 

Mr. David Skica becomes the University’s first Chief Information Officer, June 2.  His responsibilities include management of the University’s information, networking, communications and academic computing systems, and web development and management. He brings over 25 years of experience in information technology and leadership. 

Maria Alena Scavone, a 2008 graduate in the Foreign Language Department, is awarded an English Teaching Assistantship by the French Ministry of Education, June. This scholarship allows Maria Alena to live and teach near Bordeaux in the 2008-2009 academic year. 

Fr. Brian Van Fossen becomes Chaplain and campus minister for Marywood University, July.