Joseph Allen Panuska, S. J. 

Biographical Sketch 

His specialty of low temperature biology research, specifically hypothermia and natural hibernation, landed him appointments at the Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and Cambridge University in England.  Beginning in 1963 he taught biology at Georgetown University for 10 years and served as director of the Jesuit community.  He then served as provincial of the seven state Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus for six years.  His next stop was Boston College in 1979 where he served for three years as academic Vice-President and dean of faculties. 

On July 1,1982, two days before his 55th birthday, Rev. J. A. Panuska, S. J. became the 22nd president of the University of Scranton.  He served as president of University for 16 years, the longest tenure of any president in the school’s history.  He led the University through a significant physical expansion as well as a substantial increase in the number of faculty and an improvement in the University's reputation for academic excellence.  More than 110 million dollars was spent in the construction of 15 new buildings and in the renovation of existing facilities.  Since 1983 the University has been ranked consistently as one of the top small universities of the Northeast and Middle Atlantic states. In February 1997 Fr. Panuska announced that he was resigning at the end of the 1997-98 academic year.  After resigning from the presidency,  Fr. Panuska became Rector of the Jesuit community in Wernersville Pennsylvania.

The President Joseph Allen Panuska, S.J. Papers is arranged in eight series occupying 11 record boxes and 3 linear feet of artifacts, framed photographs, and video tapes.

The material primarily concerns his career at the University of Scranton 1982-1998, although there is some material from Boston University and Georgetown (1963-1981).  The majority of his collection is composed of office files and copies of lectures and speeches.  There is also correspondence and a small group of photographs.

Series

1. Numbered Office Files (boxes 1, 2, 3)
2. Un-Numbered Office Files (boxes 3, 4, 5)
3. Photographs (box 5)
4. Correspondence (boxes 6, 7)
5. Pre-University of Scranton (box 7)
6. Speeches (boxes 8, 9, 10, 11)
7. Audio/Video Collection
8. Artifacts

This series consists of approximately 30 office files arranged in numerical order. Contents of the files range from the planning committee, Jesuit identity and mission, finance, scholarships, middle states accreditation, real estate, Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, and files relating to the theology and biology academic departments. Some item level lists are available.

[box 1]

• file #110 -- VP Planning
• file #110.1 -- University Planning Committee
• file #110.1 -- University Planning Committee (summary of meetings and membership on committee  1992-1996)
• file #122 -- Jesuit Recruitment Information (2 folders)
• file #122.1 -- Jesuit Identity File (3 folders)
• file #122.6 -- Jesuit Identity and Mission (3 folders)
• file #132 -- (3 folders: Annenberg Foundation, US Steel Foundation, No Name- 10/15/87- 7/11/94)
• file #220 -- Alumni Correspondence
• file #310 -- VP for Finance
• file #315 -- Carroll Scholarships
• file #316 -- Director of Financial Aid (2 folders)
• file #409 -- Middle States (2 folders)

• file #409.1 -- Middle States (3 folders)
• file #410 -- Headmaster (correspondence with Scranton Prep)
• file #411 -- Dean, CAS
• file #412 -- (2 folders titled: Dean of Graduate School and Director of Admissions)
• file #412.1 -- Graduate School Program
• file #412.6 -- Graduate School Student Research Program (2 folders)
• file #416 -- Admissions
• file #417.19 -- Theology Department
• file #417.2 -- Biology Department
• file #438.10 -- (7 folders titled: Volunteer Service,  Marywood/UofS Cooperative Programs 1984-1994, Marywood  Cooperative Program, Marywood/UofS Cooperative Efforts, Marywood Cooperative File, Marywood Cooperative Program, and  Marywood/UofS Cooperative Programs)

• file #450.6 -- AJCU (Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities)
• file #450.6A -- AJCU Task Force
• file #450.6B -- (2 folders titled: AJCU Budgeting and AJCU Restructuring)
• file #505 -- Redevelopment Authority (Urban Renewal Admin.)
• file #510 -- Assoc. VP for Administrative Services
• file #531 -- Contract- Science Building
• file #537 -- Library- signed contract
• file #540.1 -- Real Estate- Miscellaneous (2 folders)
• file #551.1 -- Art on the Commons
• file #708.2 -- Alcohol Task Force
• file #710 -- VP for Student Affairs

This series consists of approximately 25 office files with no original numbering.  Contents of the files range from The Task Force on Ignation Identity and Mission, The President's Task Force on Alcohol Abuse, land acquisition, greeting cards, the 1995 affirmative action plan, and J. A. Panuska Comments  from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s. Some item level lists are available.

[box 3 continued from series 1]

• Miscellaneous Articles ~1985
• Indenture of Trust Nov. 1, 1957 and May 1, 1959 (between UofS and NEPA National Bank and Trust Company)
• Application for Land Acquisition and Bank Credit Info.
• Letter to the class of 1996 from Pres. Bill Clinton
• Various Articles (alcohol task force)
• Greeting Cards from the University of Scranton
• Curriculum Study (3 folders)

• 45th Annual Americanism Award Dinner (in honor of Panuska)
• Memo from George Lynett (audit of city finances, expense side of city operations, revenue side of city operations)
• License plate from Panuska's car
• GE Curriculum (University Senate's survey responses)
• Affirmative Action Plan 1995
• Inaugural Congratulations (2 folders)
• Task Force on Ignation Identity and Mission 8/26/94-9/27/94
• Task Force on Ignation Identity and Mission Oct. '94-3/1/95
• Task Force on Ignation Identity and Mission 3/2/95-5/16/95
• Task Force on Ignation Identity and Mission 5/31/95-11/9/95
• President's Task Force on Alcohol Abuse (reports, surveys, and statistics- 4 folders)

• Annual Commencement Program May 26, 1974
• Pocket Diploma
• Scranton Journal (featuring Panuska Farewell) Fall 1997
• Articles Regarding Panuska Resignation (2/12/97 and 2/16/97)
• J.A. Panuska Comments undated to 1988
• J.A. Panuska Comments 1988-1991
• J.A. Panuska Comments 1992-1993
• J.A. Panuska Comments November 1993-?

The photographs series consists of public relations photographs, campus images, dignitaries, commencement proceedings, alumni, and others contained in 28 folders.

[box 5 continued from series 2]

• Mother Teresa
• Athletics
• Buildings
• Seasonal, "fall, winter, summer"
• Seasonal "winter"
• photos from Sr. Mary Theresa Montesione, St Anthony's Convent
• Monuments/Statues (3 folders)
• Speakers
• Weinberg Library
• Scranton Family (2 folders)
• Gov. Casey
• "My Sweetheart"
• National Alumni Society
• Alumni Photos- Todd Lavelle
• Alumni Photos
• Commencement Photos
• Commencement Photos- Panuska
• Commencement Photos- Richard Harris
• Commencement Photos- Smurfit
• Commencement Photos- Frank Carlucci
• Commencement Photos- Graduation/honorary degrees
• Commencement Photos- 1973
• Commencement Photos- Dick Thornburgh
• Commencement Photos- Tip O’Neil
• photos- no labels

The Correspondence Series contains personal correspondence arranged alphabetically as well as one folder with correspondence dated 1980-1982, one folder of inaugural correspondence, a folder with correspondence concerning President Panuska's appointment 1981-1982, and two folders containing correspondence concerning his resignation/transition to Wernersville. This series is restricted.

[box 6]

• Personal Correspondence "A"
• Personal Correspondence "B"
• Personal Correspondence "C"
• Personal Correspondence "D"
• Personal Correspondence "E"
• Personal Correspondence "F"
• Personal Correspondence "G"
• Personal Correspondence "H"
• Personal Correspondence "I and J"
• Personal Correspondence "K"
• Personal Correspondence "L"
• Personal Correspondence "M" (2 folders)
• Personal Correspondence "N"

• Personal Correspondence "O"
• Personal Correspondence "P"
• Personal Correspondence "Q and R"
• Personal Correspondence "S"
• Personal Correspondence "T"
• Personal Correspondence "U and V"
• Personal Correspondence "W"
• Personal Correspondence "X, Y, and Z"
• Personal Correspondence 1980-1982
• Inaugural Correspondence
• Correspondence with Other Colleges Regarding Panuska's  Appointment, 1981-1982
• resignation/transition to Wernersville (2 folders)
• resignation/transition to Wernersville (newspapers)
• 45th annual Americanism award dinner, B’nai B’rith 5-17-97

This series consists of two folders of material related to Boston College and one folder related to Georgetown University. Boston College Sub Turri 1980, 1981, & 1982. Quadrangle Considerations by William J. Byron, S.J.
The Sub Terri and Byron book are shelved with the Panuska artifacts.

[box 7 continued from series 4]

• Boston College Newspaper Clippings
• Correspondence with Boston College 1979-1982
• Panuska Information from Georgetown Years

The Speeches series consists of 70 folders containing speeches or talks from 1982 through 1995. Father Panuska is currently retaining the talks given from 1996 through 1998. The folders were originally labeled "Talks" and this title has been retained.

[box 8]

• 1. Book Reviews
• 2. Boston College Talks
• 3. Talks 1982
• 4. Talks Jan- March 1983
• 5. Talks April- Aug. 1983
• 6. Talks Sept.- Oct. 1983
• 7. Talks Nov.- Dec. 1983
• 8. Talks Jan.- April 1984
• 9. Talks May- Sept. 1984
• 10. Talks Oct.- Dec. 1984
• 11. Talks Jan.- March 1985
• 12. Talks April- June 1985
• 13. Talks July- Oct. 1985
• 14. Talks Nov.- Dec. 1985

• 1. Talks Jan.- March 1986
• 2. Talks April- June 1986
• 3. Talks July- Oct. 1986
• 4. Talks Nov.- Dec. 1986
• 5. Talks Jan.- April 1987
• 6. Talks May 1987
• 7. Talks June- Aug. 1987
• 8. Talks Sept.- Oct. 1987
• 9. Talks Nov.- Dec. 1987
• 10. Talks Jan.- March 1988
• 11. Talks April- May 1988
• 12. Talks June- Aug. 1988
• 13. Talks Sept.- Oct. 1988
• 14. Talks Nov.- Dec. 1988

• 1. Talks Jan.- Feb. 1989
• 2. Talks March- April 1989
• 3. Talks May- June 1989
• 4. Talks July- Aug. 1989
• 5. Talks Sept.- Oct. 1989
• 6. Talks Nov.- Dec. 1989
• 7. Talks Jan.- Feb. 1990
• 8. Talks March- April 1990
• 9. Talks May- June 1990
• 10. Talks July- Aug. 1990
• 11. Talk Sept.- Oct 1990
• 12. Talks Nov.- Dec. 1990
• 13. Talks Jan.- Feb. 1991
• 14. Talks March- April 1991
• 15. Talks May- June 1991
• 16. Talks July- Aug. 1991
• 17. Talks Sept.- Oct. 1991
• 18. Talks Nov.- Dec. 1991
• 19. Talks Jan.- Feb. 1992
• 20. Talks March- April 1992
• 21. Talks May- June 1992
• 22. Talks July- Aug. 1992
• 23. Talks Sept.- Oct. 1992
• 24. Talks Nov.- Dec. 1992

• 1. Talks Jan.- Feb. 1993
• 2. Talks March- April 1993
• 3. Talks May- June 1993
• 4. Talks July- Aug. 1993
• 5. Talks Sept.- Oct. 1993
• 6. Talks Nov.- Dec. 1993
• 7. Talks Jan.- Feb. 1994
• 8. Talks March- April 1994
• 9. Talks May- June 1994
• 10. Talks July- Aug. 1994
• 11. Talks Sept. - Oct. 1994
• 12. Talks Nov.- Dec. 1994
• 13. Talks Jan.- Feb. 1995
• 14. Talks March- April 1995
• 15. Talks May- June 1995
• 16. Talks July- Aug. 1995
• 17. Talks Sept.- Oct. 1995
• 18. Talks Nov.- Dec. 1995 

This series consists of 22 video tapes most of which document President Panuska's career. A few tapes document University events.

• 1.  University of Scranton: At A Glance
• 2.  Dealers Among Dealers
• 3.  Father Panuska 1995 Commencement Address
• 4.  Bob Dole’s Campus Visit, September 7 1996
• 5.  University of Scranton 1996 Wall of Fame Induction Ceremonies
• 6.  Reception for J.A.P., May 14 1982
• 7.  Father Panuska Personal Message
• 8.  University of Scranton Houlihan/McClean Center Dedication
• 9.  Presidents Message, April 1994
• 10. Presidents Message, September 1995
• 11. Presidents Message, October 1996
• 12. Rev. J.A. Panuska, President of the University. Interview recorded in the television studio with Bill Genello, June 26 1997
• 13. McDade Center Dedication 9/17/93 (Master, 2 copies)
• 14. Inauguration Gavel to Gavel - tape I of II
• 14a. Inaguration Gavel to Gavel - tape II of II
• 15. Fr. Panuska Inauguration Package
• 16. University Of Scranton A Jesuit University
• 17. Gateway To The Future, University of Scranton
• 18. University of Scranton Second Century Campaign, Ashton-Worthington
• 19. University of Scranton 1994 Commencement Activities, Undergraduate Commencement, Sunday, May 29, 1994
• 20. Shaping The Future, New President's Message, December 1996
• 21. The University of Scranton Presents "The Panuska Years"
• 22. University Network Promotional Tape

This series contains 27 artifacts related to President Panuska's career.  Also included are framed photographs.

• 1.  University of Scranton insignia plaque - 4" x 3"
• 2.  Glass wall hanging Allied Services Award for outstanding leadership - 12" x 9"
• 3.  University of Scranton President's Club white marble paperweight - 2" x 2"
• 4.  Metal dish with gold etchings, Miguel De Cervantes - 12" diameter
• 5.  Collage of Commencement photos, Fr. Panuska with Tim Russert
• 6.  Autographed photo of President John F. Kennedy
• 7.  Framed photograph of aerial view of University of Scranton, May 9, 1988
• 9.  Framed campus map and directory of the University of Scranton
• 10. Framed rendering of University of Scranton insignia
• 11. Copper Statue of boy scout Distinguished Citizens Award from the Northeastern Pa. Council Boy Scouts of America, May 10, 1990
• 12. Wooden Crucifix with metal Corpus, 19 1/2" x 10" 
• 13. Pennsylvania license plate, Keystone State US 1888
• 14. Red silk stole with embroidered gold cross and red fringe
• 15. Dark blue corduroy baseball cap, University of Scranton Physical Plant
• 16. Wooden plaque sports award with clock from East Scranton Youth Sports Complex and the Hill Neighborhood Association, March 1985 
• 17. University of Scranton Certificate of Distinguished Service, May 15, 1998
• 18. Phi Lambda Upsilon honorary membership certificate, Beta Kapa Chapter, March 1983
• 19. Brass Head of Christ medal in dark red box, Universitas Tyrnaviensis Trnava 1992
• 20. Scranton Sunday Times article engraving on wooden plaque regarding Francis E. Redington, September 9, 1984
• 21. Red silk embroidered box containing soapstone seal with red ink contained in a jar
• 22. Pewter disk, University of Scranton, A Second Cornerstone, 1888-1988, 3" diameter
• 23. Framed poster regarding University of Scranton, 100 years, 20 1/2" x 28 1/2"
• 24. Wooden plaque, University of Scranton Wall of Fame, 1997, 10" x 12"
• 25. Framed photograph of Senator Ed Meese, 9" x 11"
• 26. Framed Photograph of Fr. Panuska with Carol Channing, 9" x 11"
• 27. Greater Scranton Laudatory Award, 12" x 15"

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