By Rosemary Shaver, President of the Friends of the Library

Brandy Schillace, Ph.D., will be honored by The University of Scranton's Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library with the Royden B. Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award on Nov. 16, 2024. Schillace, an author, historian, and medical humanities scholar, self-identifies as autistic/neurodivergent. She includes autistic and neurodivergent representation in her work, such as the character Jo Jones, the protagonist in her novel, 'The Framed Women of Ardemore House.'

Scranton alumnus Christopher Banks, '86, G'98, president and CEO of the Autism Society of America, will serve as toastmaster at the Nov. 16 Distinguished Author Awards Dinner.

Banks remains engaged in the University's mission by serving as Vice President for the Board of Directors for the Salvadoran Children of the Poor Education (S.C.O.P.E.) Foundation (www.scopefoundation.org), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded by Rev. Brendan G. Lally, S.J., former rector of the Scranton Jesuit Community of the Maryland Province, and led by University alumni and partners.

Reflecting on representation in literature and art, Banks commented, "The Autism Society of America recognizes the importance of inclusion of the neurodivergent community, especially the autism community, in works of art that depict the experiences of the autistic individuals through lived experience." He added, "Authors like Brandy … should be encouraged to bring their talents forward so that society sees these individuals and their contributions for who they are."

As a student at the University, Banks recounted participating in Helping Hands, a student-led initiative that brought together university students with those in the intellectual developmental disability community from the Scranton area. "It was a great opportunity for us as students to recognize how fortunate we were, how blessed we were, and that for whom much is given, much is expected. That has carried through throughout my life."

"Now, I am at the Autism Society of America where I get to use many of those experiences plus many of the things I've learned to help lead a not-for-profit that has a national focus with a local reach in the communities across the country like the Northeastern PA Autism Society," he reflected.

In 1986, Banks was nominated by the graduating class and later won a national contest to become the symbolic one millionth Jesuit alumnus in the United States. After completing his undergraduate studies at The University of Scranton, Banks carried the Ignatian Spirituality International with him in his personal and professional life. He served for two years with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) on the island of Palau in Micronesia. Today, he continues that work through his service with the S.C.O.P.E. Foundation Board, which has a mission "to sustain and endow the operations of Santa Luisa Elementary School in San Salvador, El Salvador, which serves the poorest of the poor in the capital city." Concepts of "cura personalis" and the "magis" continue to inspire him in his professional work.

"We know from scripture, to whom much is given, much is expected. I have been given a tremendous amount. My life is rich and full and blessed. It is incumbent upon me to use all those gifts and talents for the good of others which is for the greater glory. That's the impact that the Jesuit education has had on me when it comes to how I carry out my daily practice, my work, the decisions I have to make at the Autism Society or for the local community, or when I'm on Capitol Hill talking to members of our Senate or the House of Representatives about the importance of legislation such as the Autism Cares Act." - Christopher Banks, '86, G'98

Banks is excited to visit the Weinberg Memorial Library when he returns to campus in November to participate in the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Distinguished Author Award event. His connection to the Weinberg Memorial Library goes back to its origin in 1989. "I was working at The University of Scranton as Father Punuska's assistant when the university received the extraordinary gift from Harry Weinberg," Banks recounted.

"Whenever I return to campus, I enjoy going to the Charles Kratz Scranton Heritage Room on the top floor of the Weinberg Library and seeing the quotes from Gerard Manly Hopkins and others as well as the artistic depiction of the Valley. Father Panuska took great pride, in the time he spent and the energy put forth, to pay homage to the local community with this wonderful space."

Banks encourages current University students to, "immerse yourself in the fullness of the experience called The University of Scranton," adding, "for me, all of those experiences, all of those encounters, all of those relationships that I had through college and in other engagements with the Society of Jesus have benefited me and have helped shape me to be the man I am today, almost 40 years out of the University."

Tickets and sponsorship of the Distinguished Author Award program to benefit the Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library may be purchased by visiting scranton.edu/author.

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