1/29/25
SCRANTON, Pa. – For the third straight season, Lackawanna College men's and women's basketball celebrated the "Difference Makers" in their time at Lackawanna College with a special presentation between games of a home doubleheader. This year's edition took place on the January 28
th match-up with Raritan Valley CC.
In all, 20 different members of the Lackawanna College faculty and staff were recognized as having made positive impacts on the student-athlete experience here at Lackawanna College. Members of the men's and women's basketball teams were asked to identify and nominate professors, counselors, staff members, or anybody else they felt warranted special recognition for improving and helping shape their positive experience at Lackawanna College.
Dr. Allyson Jones, who joined the College in the fall of 2023, was the most nominated professor, with many of her students saying she holds the class to a high standard and has high expectations for her students both in and out of the classroom. One submission mentioned how Dr. Jones has helped them "change for the better."
Another "doc" with plenty of nominations is long-time professor Dr. Sharon Nazarchuk. Dr. Nazarchuk is a familiar face to the members of the men's and women's basketball teams, a fixture at all their home games. The love she shows while cheering on the Falcons also translates into the classroom, as her nominators mentioned her understanding and support, while making learning engaging and enjoyable. One submission said that Dr. Nazarchuk is "the definition of what it means to be a professor who wants to see you succeed in and out of the classroom."
Speaking of support for the Falcons on the court, professor Susan Gilroy-King, lovingly known as SGK by her students, is another staunch supporter of all Lackawanna sports and its athletes. Multiple submissions mention her support for the team, while also praising her understanding and help to navigate collegiate life.
Amongst some of the first-time nominations was Rachel Drosdick-Sigfoos, Ph.D., the Director of Student Wellness at Lackawanna College. Dr. Rachel's support and understanding for the students who come to see her, as well as her presence at athletics events, have helped the student-athletes grow in their academic and personal lives.
Other first-time nominees include professors Timur Maskayev and Linda Gilbride. Maskayev was nominated for looking out for his students, and for being a professor that doesn't want to see them fail. Gilbride "goes the extra mile" for her students and pushes them to be better.
These were just some of the comments and examples of the College representatives that made a positive impact on our student-athletes.
The Athletics Department would like to thank everyone who attended the Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night and Difference Makers recognition, and the department wants to give special commendation to the Difference Makers in the lives of our student-athletes.
The full list of nominated Difference Makers is below:
Jeremy Collins
Karolyn DeMarco
Rachel Drosdick-Sigfoos, Ph.D.
Denise Duda
Linda Gilbride
Susan Gilroy-King
Shelley Gower
Sara Grande
Staci Hughes
Dr. Allyson Jones
Jeff Krisiak
Emy Kurilla
Ann Kuwik
Timur Maskayev
Kevin McDonough
Dr. Sharon Nazarchuk
Shelby Reese
Penny Reppa
Tasha St. Louis
Shauna Turlip
Fran Welsch
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