MONMOUTH COUNTY — Three local residents were among the more than 900 members of the Class of 2026 at the University of Scranton. The newest Scranton alumni received their bachelor’s degrees Sunday, May 24, at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township. Graduates must have completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2025, as well as January and May of 2026.

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 The most populous states in this year’s graduating class included Pennsylvania (46 percent), New York (27 percent) and New Jersey (20 percent). Graduates hailed from 11 other states, stretching as far west as Washington and as south as Florida and Texas. The countries of Ireland and Ukraine were represented, as well.

The most common major among the graduates was nursing (10 percent), while accounting, biology, business administration, criminal justice, finance, kinesiology and occupational therapy represented about 5 percent each. In total, the graduates covered 61 distinct majors.

Following the processional and a welcome by Tracy M. Stewart, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., H’14, Bishop of Scranton, provided the Invocation.

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 Karen L. Pennington, Ph.D. ’76, G’83, H’15, took the stage as the principal speaker. Dr. Pennington’s 40-plus-year career in higher education administration, prior to retiring in 2021, included 22 years as vice president for student development and campus life at Montclair State University.

In addition to serving as the principal speaker, Dr. Pennington celebrated her class reunion. She and other 1976 graduates gathered before the ceremony, reminiscing on their historic class – the University’s first undergraduate, full-time student class to include women.

Following the awarding of diplomas, Christopher J. Neumann, Esq. ’87, president of the alumni society, addressed the graduates, as did Father Marina. Megan E. Heeder, Ph.D., assistant professor of theology, provided the benediction prior to the recessional.

Music throughout the event was provided by the University’s concert band and singers.

Students graduating from the Eastern Monmouth County area were:

• Erin Gretsky, of Middletown, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication.

• Ryan Lavelle, of Belford, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and mathematics.

• Emma D’Avanzo, of Rumson, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy.

The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.