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Counseling and Human Services Departmental Newsletter COUNSELING & HUMAN SERVICES THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON

Fitness for the Profession

Faculty

Students

Student Organization Events

Honor Society Inductions & Officers

Graduates

Stress Reduction Activities

Graduate Assistants

Faculty News & 15 Social Media Student Awards 16 Faculty Publications

Faculty Publications

Accreditations

Faculty Fun 20 Facts & Contacts

V O L U M E

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I S S U E

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Spring 2022

CONNECTIONS "We share this hope of the 'foreverness of solidarity,' that we may take part in the shared table, and revel in the joy of belonging to the human family, as we discover what is good and humanizing in being close to the victims of this world. let us not soon forget the human miracle, of loving one another as members of one family, of holding each other up, of giving and receiving the best we have. - Jon Sobrino, SJ

Greetings from the 4th floor of McGurrin Hall, home of our Counseling and Human Services Department. I was grateful for the powerful quote that our newsletter team provided by Jon Sobrino, S.J. During this troubling time in our world, Father Sobrino reminds us of “this human miracle, of loving one another as members of one family, of holding each other up, of giving and receiving the best we have.” As alumni, students, staff, and faculty of CHS, we recognize the value of love in the work we do. We know the importance of holding each other up, and giving and receiving the best we have. How many of you recall Geri Barber saying, we are holders of hope and agents of change. We make a difference using the power of connection: connection with each other, connection with those we work, connection in our communities and beyond. This semester’s newsletter topic is focused on Connections. There is an Ancient Chinese proverb that states: An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break. May you be open to each thread that comes into your life - the golden ones and the coarse ones - and may you weave them into a brilliant and beautiful life. This proverb came to mind as I thought about the changes that are occurring in the department as we end the academic year. We recognize our colleagues Dr. Sonja Lund and Dr. Dana Brookover who are leaving us for other opportunities. While they have been with us for a short time, they made a lasting impact through the many connections they have made. Please reach out to them and wish them well on their new journeys. This past year, another colleague shared their upcoming plans for a sabbatical leading into retirement. This colleague has a rich history in our Department, University, Profession, and Community. It’s hard to imagine our department without her physical presence. As the time draws closer, I’ve had a kaleidoscope of memories on the impact that she has had in my personal and professional life. If you are reading this newsletter, I have no doubt she has made a difference in your life as well. Our beloved colleague, Dr. LeeAnn Eschbach will be concluding her full-time work in the Department at the end of this semester. Dr. Eschbach was born, raised, and educated in Washington State. She traveled east for this position in our department thirty- five years ago. Over this time, she has centered her life and work in Scranton. She made Scranton her home and created a family of friends while raising her beautiful daughter Kirsten. I think you will agree with me that Dr. Eschbach is a consummate professional and one who values Connections. She has served as a faculty member, School Counseling Program Director, and Chair of the Department. She has been a mentor to our students and faculty. She is a significant mentor to me. Recently Dr. Eschbach spoke at the TUA Induction of our CHS under graduation Honor Society. In true LeeAnn style, she connected on a deep level with every person in the room through her words and actions which included flying Swedish fish (you had to be there) but the point is, I have no doubt, that each person was thinking, what a cool human being and I’d like to spend more time with her. Dr. Eschbach has a love of textiles, tapestries, and quilting. As we think of the proverb above, she has been open to each thread that has come into her life. Please join me in thanking Dr. LeeAnn Eschbach for her many contributions to our CHS community. LeeAnn, Please know that we wish you the very best as you make this exciting transition into the next phase of your life. May you continue to weave new threads into your brilliant and beautiful life. Thank you for being you, and all of your many contributions to the CHS Department, PCPS, the University, our Profession, and our local community. Thank you for making a difference and always reminding us when making an important decision to pause and reflect on “what is the caring and responsible thing to do”.