University Names Five New Trustees

Sep 29, 2015

The University of Scranton has named five individuals to its Board of Trustees: Patricia A. Byrnes Clifford ’86; Alan J. Griffith ’76; Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J. ’H06; James M. Slattery, CPA ’86; and Robert S. Weiss ’68.

“We are pleased to welcome to our Board this distinguished group of individuals who are dedicated to the mission of The University of Scranton and Jesuit education,” said University President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J. “Their wise stewardship will help us chart a course to fully engage our resources to continue to provide our students with a transformational educational experience that can be sustained for generations to come.”

“We welcome the valuable insights these successful leaders will bring to the Board from their decades of experience at diverse organizations that range from a Jesuit high school, to a food and facilities services firm to international corporations in adverting, public relations, and sophisticated engineering and medical products,” said Lawrence R. Lynch ’81, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees.

Patricia A. Byrnes Clifford ’86

Patricia A. Byrnes Clifford is global chief talent officer for Havas Group, a French multinational advertising and public relations company.  She previously served as senior vice president and chief human resources officer, Dun & Bradstreet. She earned a bachelor of science in management from the University and is vice chair of the President’s Business Council, a member of the Kania Advisory Board and the Parent’s Executive Council. She has led numerous on-campus career development sessions for students, developed the current alumni/student coaching program and has personally mentored over a dozen students. She is a President’s Circle member.

Alan J. Griffith ’76

In 2012, Alan J. Griffith retired as senior advisor to the chief financial officer of ARAMARK Corporation. Prior to that position he served as senior vice president, finance and administration food and support services for ARAMARK. Griffith joined ARAMARK in 1983. He has also served as board chairman of Presby’s Inspired Life, a nonprofit organization run by Judith Bavaria G’72, also a University trustee. He holds a bachelor of science in accounting from the University. He has served the University as a member of the Executive Committee for the Pride, Passion, Promise Campaign; is a former member of the Alumni Society Board of Governors; is an Estate Society member and a member of the President’s Business Council. A gift to the University named The Alan & Marla Griffith Food Service Suite in the DeNaples Center. He is also a President’s Circle member. 

Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J. ’H06

The former president of the Scranton Preparatory School, Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S.J., will begin serving as the rector of the Scranton Jesuit Community in September 2015. He entered the Jesuit novitiate in Wernersville in 1969. In 1975, he received a bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy from Fordham University. He earned a master’s degree with distinction from Weston School of Theology in Boston and a professional diploma in secondary school administration from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education. He was ordained a priest in 1981 and has served in Jesuit secondary education for 35 years. Fr. Keller was named principal of Scranton Prep in 1983 and served in that capacity for eight years. From 1991 to 1997, he served as principal of Saint Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, his alma mater. During his tenure in Philadelphia, Fr. Keller was appointed as rector of the Jesuit community at Saint Joseph’s Prep. In 1997, Fr. Keller assumed the presidency of Scranton Preparatory School and is the longest serving president in that school’s history. Fr. Keller is a past member of the boards of trustees of The University of Scranton, Fairfield University and Saint Joseph’s University, as well as Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School and Gonzaga College High School.  In 2006, Fr. Keller received an honorary doctoral degree from the University.

James M. Slattery, CPA ’86

James M. Slattery is the chief operating officer, North America, for Melrose PLC.  Melrose is a London-based company that buys, improves and sells companies that manufacture highly engineered products. Melrose is traded on the London stock exchange. Previously he was CFO, McKechnie Aerospace; CFO, 180s; and CFO and treasurer, Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse. He holds a bachelor of science in accounting from the University. He is a member of the President’s Business Council and one of the founding group of alumni that started the Scranton Club of New York Scholarship in the early 1990’s. In 2013, he served as dinner chairman for the President’s Business Council’s annual award dinner.

Robert S. Weiss ’68

Robert S. Weiss is president and CEO, The Cooper Companies, Pleasanton, California. The Cooper Companies Inc. is a U.S.-based multinational company in the medical specialties sector. He holds a bachelor of science in accounting from the University and served in the ROTC program. He is a 2008 recipient of the Frank J. O’Hara Award and a President’s Circle and Estate Society member. His gift to Edward R. Leahy Jr. Hall made the Pediatric Low Vision Research and Training Suite possible.


 

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