Students gathered April 28th on the second floor of The DeNaples Center to present their research on social justice topics. Many posters were on display, containing information cultivated by passionate students who aimed to discuss the issues within our communities from healthcare to workers’ rights.  

The event was run by Patrick Dineen, a counseling and human services major, presenting his work and others for an Honors Program tutorial. The exhibition explored topics like community violence, disability rights, human trafficking, LGBTQ+ discrimination, food poverty and much more. Each poster presented reflected the research of student groups who aimed to look at ways to resolve the problem, and what we as a community could do.

Led by Professor Troy’s students in Human Services Systems, their goal was to not only highlight an issue in the global and local community, but to provide possible solutions. The event aimed to reflect the Jesuit mission of blending learning with action and awareness, to truly be “men and women for others”.  

In their presentations, the students went into great detail about the source, effects and prevention plans for each issue. Being surrounded by such creative and hardworking people inspired in me a desire to give back to my own community.  

There are many opportunities for students to get involved in service.  

One way is by participating in volunteer programs with the Center for Service and Social Justice, which provides resources for volunteer work both on and off campus.  

Another source is a new club called the Justice and Mercy Alliance (JMA) that looks to not only educate about social justice causes, but get involved in hands-on work to give back to the people of Scranton. On May 4 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. they will be having their third “Feast on the Streets” located at the Arrupe House to help hand out food to the underserved in the community.  

The Multicultural Center also hosts programs that highlight the diversity of the student body and provide resources to advocate for diverse voices throughout all parts of University of Scranton organizations.  

‍