Impact of Transformational Relationships Celebrated at Scranton

The University of Scranton celebrated the naming of its Commons the "Rev. J.A. Panuska, S.J., Commons" and its Faculty/Student Research Program the "Rev. J. A. Panuska, S.J., Faculty/Student Research Program," in honor of its longest-serving President; and the renaming the Panuska College of Professional Studies the "Leahy College of Health Sciences," in honor of longtime University benefactors Edward '68, H'01 and Patricia Leahy, and their son, Edward, Jr.; at an event on campus April 23.

"This is a day we celebrate generosity, service and mission at The University of Scranton, as we salute the spirit and the legacy of Father Al Panuska, the marvelous impact that the Leahys have had on the trajectory of the University," said Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of The University of Scranton in his remarks.

"There are plenty of examples in Holy Scripture of a new and bolder direction that emerges from the changing of a name: Abram became Abraham; Simon became Peter; Saul became Paul, just to name three. In each and every case a change of name pointed to a renewed purpose and a deeper commitment to mission - all with the help of God's grace," said Father Marina. "It's not that anyone becomes a completely different person by taking on a new name. All the history, the achievements, the stories, the outcomes, they're all still there. All of it gets built upon for what comes next. It's a foundation for future growth. And, the same is true today as the Panuska College of Professional Studies takes on a new name and becomes the Leahy College of Health Sciences. And as it does, it looks more intently toward the future."

The Leahys relationship with the University expands decades. Mr. Leahy graduated from Scranton in 1968. He also served as chair of the University's Board of Trustees. The Leahys have given generously to support scholarship programs for students and for faculty research. In 1994, in memory of their son, Edward, they created the Edward R. Leahy Jr. Endowment at the University, which is the largest single endowment at Scranton, and last year pledged a $10 million gift to the University, which is the largest single-donation in the University's history. Their contributions extend beyond philanthropic support to engagement, leadership and participation in numerous initiatives, including the annual Conference on Disability, now in its 23^rd year at Scranton.

"The Leahys have made many contributions to the University and the college and the legacy of their work continues to inspire others to the present day," said Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Leahy College of Health Sciences. "All who have worked alongside the Leahys will agree that Leahys are all in with endeavors they support. They show up. They put in the time and energy required to make each venture a success."

"The Edward R. Leahy Jr. Clinic for the Uninsured, which includes a medical clinic, a physical therapy clinic, a low vision OT clinic and a counseling and behavioral health clinic, is a tribute to the many health care providers who attended to Edward Junior's personal disabilities with compassion and skill over the course of his life," Dean Castellanos said. Edward R. Leahy Jr. passed away in 1993, just before his ninth birthday. In 2015, the University dedicated Edward R. Leahy Jr. Hall in honor of the Leahy's late son.

"None of this would likely be happening today if it weren't for the quiet courage and indomitable spirit of a tough little boy," said Edward Leahy of his son who he describes as "a wonderful, happy child, with multiple disabilities."

"I think it was St. Mark who said 'and he took a child and set him in the midst of them.' That tells me that no matter who you are, people can make a difference. All people can make a difference - even the most-humble, the powerful, the rich and the most vulnerable - every single one of them can make a difference," said Mr. Leahy, who spoke on behalf of his wife Patricia at the celebration. "We are really excited that the graduates of The University of Scranton and of the Leahy College of Health Sciences are going into the world to make a mark for the betterment of all."

The celebration ended with a blessing and prayer by Father Marina, who concluded his remarks at the ceremony by quoting Father Panuska:

"I dream of the growth of the Scranton wave; to the education of students who are not only fully qualified to succeed competitively, but who know they have brothers and sisters all over the world. I dream of seeing our excellent faculty enabled to spend even more time with our students and with their research; of seeing our community spirit intensify so that alienation is truly alien in our lives; of seeing Jesuit lay collegiality as a full reality. We can dream because we are the children of God endowed with his power. Of course, dreams are not fulfilled by dreaming, but by planning and hard work."

The late Rev. Joseph Allan Panuska, S.J., served for 16 years as The University of Scranton's 22nd President, from July 1, 1982, until July 1, 1998. He became the University's first President Emeritus and was affectionately known as "Papa Bear" by members of the University Community.

The recording of the celebration can be seen on the University's YouTube channel.

An interview with Mr. and Mrs. Leahy about their long connection with the University and the naming of the college in their honor can be heard on WVIA's news website.