Marywood University in Scranton launches competitive esports program in 2021
From a press release:
Marywood University in Scranton announced this week that it will become one of a select number of colleges and universities across the nation to offer a competitive esports program.
Marywood is responding to the ever-increasing number of students seeking this option as the esports industry continues to explode throughout the country. The board of trustees recently approved a measure for the university to move forward with an esports program in the fall of 2021.
An inclusive activity, esports reaches many demographics and provides numerous options to students who are interested in playing both individual and team sports. Esports, also known as electronic sports, is organized, competitive video gaming. Marywood’s esports program will compete in one of the athletic conferences and will be the third regional school to offer an esports program, following Lackawanna College in Scranton in 2018 and Misericordia University in Dallas in 2019.
Patrick Murphy, director of athletics and recreation at Marywood University, said, “We are extremely excited about the addition of esports here at Marywood as part of the athletics department. With the growing trend of esports in higher education, we are ready to be a part of this select group of institutions that offers esports, as it will further enhance the student experience.”
Marywood’s program will benefit both prospective students and the community by providing opportunities for students who are interested in playing a competitive sport and for employers who are seeking people with esports skills. Students in the program will also obtain practical skills that can be transferred across multiple disciplines.
Students will develop fluency in science, technology, and computer skills that will strengthen their reasoning and problem-solving capabilities and allow them to gain competencies that will be in great demand in a post-pandemic job market.
Marywood University (2300 Adams Ave., Scranton) prepares students to have a positive impact on society at regional and global levels while providing each student with the foundation for success in an interdependent world. Founded in 1915 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the university serves men and women from a variety of backgrounds and religions.
The university enrolls more than 3,000 students in an array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Committed to enriching human lives, Marywood provides a framework for educational excellence that enables students to develop fully as persons and to master professional and leadership skills necessary for meeting human needs.
