Top row from left to right: Christy Snedecker (Wilkes University), Barbara Schmitt (King’s College), Steve Voytek, (Lackawanna College), Tony Naro (Wilkes University), Bill Burke (Retiree), Mary Kay Aston (University of Scranton), Jessie Beecroft (University of Scranton), Roxanne Seymour (Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine), Denise Boyle (Johnson College), Janice Richardson (Johnson College), Stacey Zelinka (Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine), Cindy Lee (Marywood University), Hannah Brown (Marywood University) Bottom row from left to right: Deborah Cragle (Misericordia University), Margaret Hynosky (Retiree), Katie Goldovich (Marywood University), Nancy Harvey (PHEAA), Jason Bugno (Marywood University)

Celebrating Margaret Hynosky and her 47-year career in financial aid: happy retirement!

By: William Burke and Patty Cegelka

Margaret Hynosky, Marg, or Mountain Mama as many of her co-workers and friends have nicknamed her, has retired from The University of Scranton Financial Aid Office as of October 31, 2025. This is not a trick, but a treat after 47 years in Financial Aid and 33 years of dedicated service to the University of Scranton. An end of an era!

Margaret began her career, as many Financial Aid folks do, as a work study student in the Financial Aid Office at Lackawanna Junior College. The bug bit her early in life always saying, “I was two when I got into Financial Aid.” Eventually Margaret worked her way to Financial Aid Secretary, Assistant Director and Director of Financial Aid. Margaret served two terms as the PASFAA Two Year Private Sector Representative during her tenure at Lackawanna Junior College.

Margaret moved onto The University of Scranton in 1992 beginning as the Assistant Director of Financial Aid managing the federal and alternative loan programs. She was the schools’ original “Loan Arranger.” She was also responsible for the non-traditional student financial aid servicing. Margaret has a passion for helping any student but always held the non-traditional student close to heart as she was one herself. Margaret received her bachelor’s degree while working full-time. She moved to the Associate Director position and became the Banner Guru, overseeing all aspects of Financial Aid. In more recent years, she was the Financial Aid Support Services Manager.

Margaret could always be counted on to help the office through any situation. She was the “interpreter” always explaining the information in simple terms for all staff to understand. Margaret’s middle name was “mentor.” You always learned something from Margaret and came away saying wow! If you had a computer issue or a process wasn’t working, have Margaret stand behind you and like magic the problem was resolved!

While at Scranton, Margaret served as PASFAA Representative-at-Large as well as a member of PASFAA’s Historian Committee and was awarded the PASFAA President’s Award as part of this committee. Margaret was honored with the Sursum Corda Award (lift up your hearts) in February 2018 given to a professional staff member for outstanding contributions to the life and mission of The University of Scranton community and volunteer work.

Margaret exemplifies the Ignatian way-a person for others. Countless families, students, staff, fellow employees of The University of Scranton, PASFAA, NEPIC, PA Bug, Career Technical Center of Lackawanna County and local high schools, have all benefited from Margaret Hynosky, including her church, where she made the best pizza frittas at the annual block party. She learned a new skill sewing costumes for the Ballet of Scranton at the Christmas and spring recitals for several years.

In Margaret’s spare time, she raised a daughter, Galicia, with her husband, Bob. Margaret plans to move permanently to her second home in New Hampshire. She can text or email all her friends in early fall, when she sees with her own eyes it’s snowing on Mt. Washington! Or continue to send pictures of fall leaves in August because fall is her favorite time of year! She plans to hike, go snow shoeing, research the next Hynosky meal trip, help Bob with the Bass Palace business and other adventures. However, you may see Margaret at Storyland in New Hampshire where she always wanted to work when she retired.

Whatever your future endeavor may be, best wishes for a relaxing, healthy and adventurous retirement. Congratulations on your next chapter. Cheers to you!