New Amphitheatre Celebrates Families’ Commitment to the Arts and Marywood University

New Amphitheatre Celebrates Families’ Commitment to the Arts and Marywood University

SCRANTON, PA (July 21, 2015)—Michael J. Delfino, a longtime supporter of Marywood University and its mission, has made a gift in support of the Michael and Gwen Calabro Delfino ’47 Amphitheatre at Marywood’s new Learning Commons—honoring the legacy of his late wife Guendela (Gwen) Calabro Delfino, an alumna from the Class of 1947.

Mrs. Calabro Delfino and her four sisters all attended Marywood. Their contribution to the region has also left a mark—with Mrs. Calabro Delfino’s father, Joseph Calabro, opening one of the first Pennsylvania movie theaters in Carbondale in 1922.

Following in Mr. Calabro’s footsteps, Mr. and Mrs. Delfino opened their first business, the Maple Drive-In Theatre in Honesdale in 1953; then, in 1969, they purchased the Circle Drive-In Theatre. Mr. Delfino continues to operate the drive-in theatre, along with a flea market and the Circle of Screams Halloween Attraction.

“I am confident the Amphitheatre at Marywood University will continue our family’s multigenerational commitment to provide entertainment for the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania in perpetuity,” said Mr. Delfino.

The Amphitheatre, located on the east side of Marywood’s Learning Commons, will provide a newly expanded, natural tiered lawn and will constitute the ideal open-air setting for academics, staged art, outdoor exhibitions, and recreation. The outdoor space of the Amphitheatre enhances Marywood’s continuing commitment to provide the community with an array of cultural events and educational opportunities.

The newly constructed Learning Commons and the Motherhouse and Seminary Memorial Garden at Marywood University will be dedicated on the University’s 100^th Anniversary, September 8, 2015, at 10 a.m. This event is free and open to the public.  For a full listing of Centennial Events at Marywood University, please visit http://100.marywood.edu/celebrate/events/index.html.

Michael J. Delfino and Sr. Anne Munley, IHM, president of Marywood University stand in front of plans for Marywood’s Amphitheatre at the new Learning Commons. Mr. Delfino made a gift in support of the Michael and Gwen Calabro Delfino ’47 Amphitheatre—honoring the legacy of his late wife Guenelda (Gwen) Calabro Delfino.