Three local residents were among 60 distinguished members of the University of Scranton's undergraduate class of 2025 whose academic excellence and service were honored at the university's annual Class Night Ceremony, held on campus May 16.
Patrick D. DelBalso, of Plains Twp., was the recipient of this year's Excellence in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Award. DelBalso also was the recipient of a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. DelBalso graduated summa cum laude as a double major with Bachelor of Science degrees in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology and philosophy. A graduate of Holy Redeemer High School, he was a member of the university's Special Jesuit Liberal Arts Honors Program and the Undergraduate Honors Program. He also was a member of the Beta Beta Beta, Phi Lambda Upsilon, Phi Sigma Tau and Alpha Sigma Nu honor societies. DelBalso was a member of the Health Professions Organization, the Social Concerns Committee and was an editor for Espirit. DelBalso will attend the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple/St. Luke's, Bethlehem.
Evan M. Hromisin, of Dallas, was the recipient of the Dr. A.J. Cawley Award for Excellence in Engineering. He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and a minor in operations management. Hromisin is a graduate of Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School. He was president of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering student chapter, vice president of the Eta Kappa Nu and a member of the Pi Sigma Pi and Alpha Sigma Nu honor societies. Hromisin was a head resident assistant in 2024-25 and an admissions co-director and tour guide from 2023-25. He also was a Search 102 team member, a SPARK 24 team member and a former orientation assistant. Hromisin recently joined the Edison Engineering Development Program at General Electric Aerospace in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Priyal Patel, of Mountain Top, was this year's recipient of the Excellence in Health Administration Award. Patel also was one of seven recipients of a Frank J. O'Hara Award, recognizing students with the highest GPA in each of the university's three colleges. Patel graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in health administration and a business minor. A graduate of Crestwood High School, Patel was a member of the Omega Beta Sigma and Alpha Sigma Nu honor societies. She was an undergraduate recipient of the Frank O'Hara Award, president of the Health Administration Society and a member of Kania Women in Business. Patel will attend the financial management rotation program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Elizabeth Hannon, a student at Wyoming Seminary, represented Pittston as a national youth correspondent to the 2025 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University, held July 7-12.
Hannon joined a select group of students from all over the country for an intensive study of journalism and media. She was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in journalism and media studies.
National youth correspondents participate in hands-on, experiential learning through decision-making simulations and attend programs with speakers who are well-known leaders in the media community. Presenters include prominent journalists, CEOs of major media outlets, researchers and recent college graduates successfully entering the field.
Commonwealth University, Lock Haven, celebrated student teachers during the Student Teacher Induction and Pinning Ceremony held in the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center. After successfully completing their placements, the student teachers were honored during the program, which was designed to celebrate the hard work, dedication and commitment of prospective teachers.
Christopher Hine, of Plains Twp., and Sara Swartz, of Hunlock Creek, were among the students honored at the ceremony.
Lily Abreu, of Wilkes-Barre, was among a team of more than 30 University of Scranton students who excelled at this year's Students Save Lives College Challenge, a competition presented by the Gift of Life Donor Program with the goal of educating the public about organ donation.
The University of Scranton placed third out of 14 teams from institutions of higher learning. Scranton's team consisted of students in a communications ethics course instructed by Brian Snee, Ph.D., associate professor of communications and media. Teams competed for points across numerous activities, including social media posts, new donor registrations and participating in special days like National Donor Day on Feb. 14 and National Blue and Green Day on April 11.
Abreu is majoring in advertising/public relations at Scranton.