Springsteen in Scranton, Dogs and Diplomas- University President Leads Diverse Life

Ann Kushmerick

You see a guy walking his dog, singing Bruce Springsteen. Is this your next door neighbor? Your brother-in-law? Certainly not a scholar, or a priest. But it could be Fr. Scott Pilarz, who is actually all of these things. When Fr. Pilarz S.J., Ph.D., 45, became the president of the University of Scranton last year, the student body often heard that their new chief was a dog owner and an avid Bruce Springsteen fan who quotes the Boss in most of his speeches. These popular conceptions do not seem to coincide with Fr. Pilarz’s extensive curriculum vitae. From the many papers he has delivered at conferences and seminars, to the numerous articles he has written, and the various organizations to which he belongs, he presents himself as a true academic. Perhaps because Pilarz used this resume to land the position of president of a respected university, he was motivated to present himself as a legitimate academic. But perhaps lists of speeches and journal articles on topics such as anamnesis, catechesis, and recusancy do not paint the entire picture of a man, at least not as fully as do his pet and his CD collection.

It is difficult to confirm Fr. Pilarz’s resume information thoroughly because it is so extensive and detailed. It’s hard to believe that he is only 45, since his curriculum vitae appears to portray an individual who has lived a very long and rich life. This diversity may reflect his identity as a member of the Society of Jesus, a religious order characterized by intense scholarship. Pilarz’s list of academic degrees is confirmable through many sources, since his education has been used in numerous public relations documents. He earned his undergraduate degree in English from Georgetown University in 1981. In his early years at this institution, Pilarz began to cultivate his interests in English literature and the Jesuits. A Jesuit education prompted him to pursue a Master’s degree in Philosophy from Fordham, another Jesuit run institution. He then pursued his theological studies at Weston Jesuit School of Theology, receiving his Master’s in Divinity in 1991 and his Master’s in Theology in 1992. He also earned his Ph.D. in English from the City University of New York in 1996. Pilarz’ academic history follows the Jesuit tradition of fostering both spirit and intellect.

Pilarz’s professional experience is also confirmable through many official statements. His teaching career has taken him from a Jesuit high school to the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and back to his alma mater, Georgetown, where he served as English professor and university chaplain. Pilarz undoubtedly highlighted his varied teaching experience in his resume when vying for the president position.

Most of the organizations to which Pilarz claims to belong confirmed his membership. Their representatives were generally helpful with confirming his membership, and if applicable, his paper presentations at their conferences. These organizations generally consist of academics who focus their research on a particular area of interest. From his memberships and his scholarly publications, it is clear that Fr. Pilarz’s interest is medieval and renaissance literature, and in particular its religious aspects. Tracking down some of these organizations is tricky, since they are groups of academics from all over the world who meet every so often for conferences but have no central office. Most of the groups have websites, but not all of them are up to date. Groups such as the Medieval and Renaissance Drama Society, and the Modern Language Association were proud to provide e-mailed confirmations of Pilarz as a member. However, the secretary of one organization, the Medieval Club of New York, sent an e-mail stating that Pilarz is not a current member of her club. When asked about this discrepancy, Pilarz noted that when he moved away from New York City, he simply stopped paying dues. Now that it was brought to his attention, he will eliminate it from future resumes.

Confirming Pilarz’s paper presentations at numerous conferences involved attempting to locate the agenda for each particular conference. Some agendas were readily available on-line, but some groups with poor record keeping had little information. Some obscure organizations, such as the Rocky Mountain Medieval and Renaissance Association, were difficult to locate. Although the contact listed on their web-site was e-mailed, he did not respond. From Pilarz’s confirmed paper presentations, speeches, and radio presentations, it is clear that he not only holds advanced degrees, but that he is passionate about his research areas and takes every opportunity to discuss his interests with others.

Pilarz also lists many publications. The one book for which he takes complete credit, Robert Southwell and the Mission of Literature 1561-1595; Writing Reconciliation, can be purchased online. He also lists himself as editor of a “book project” about which no information could be found. Regarding this, Pilarz’s former teacher, fellow Georgetown Jesuit community resident, colleague, and friend, Otto Hentz, S.J., 64, Washington D.C., clarified through e-mail, “We work jointly, as time allows, on a long range project, the edition of a treatise Cardinal Robert Bellarmine in controversy with King James [sic].” Pilarz various journal entries have proved more difficult to locate. Because most of the journals are tailored to a small audience, they are not popular and therefore not available in most online databases. However, research did confirm various theatre and film reviews, along with articles on John Donne and Jesuit higher education.

Although on his resume Pilarz lists numerous committees and programs in which he participated while employed at universities, these are very difficult to confirm years later. Confirming the positions Pilarz held in the Georgetown Jesuit community is likewise tricky since the religious order tends to keep its personal business private. While it is understandable that Pilarz would try to present himself as an active employee who is concerned about many different educational and social aspects, his listing of roles such as presenter at one-day university meetings or programs seems excessive. However, on-line research on Pilarz has revealed that there are actually additional speeches and presentations which he does not list on the resume. Apparently, he is extremely involved and proud of it.

There has been plenty of media coverage of Pilarz, especially since he recently assumed the presidency of a university and published a book. This coverage has been very positive, since he is an academically respected member of a religious order. When asked about his image, a humble Pilarz responded in an e-mail, “Public perceptions/media representation aren’t things I’ve given much thought to.” When he was chosen as the new president of the University of Scranton, the media portrayed him as very scholarly. His resume appears to confirm this perception. According to Pilarz, his role as a university president causes the media to focus on his academic side. Sometimes one might forget that he is also a Catholic priest, not the most ordinary of occupations. Regarding the media’s general indifference toward his religious life, Pilarz said, “many journalists have little or no understanding of matters religious, so they shy away from my work as a priest opposed to an administrator. I see those as complimentary and mutually enriching.” As expected, public relations for both the University of Scranton and Georgetown University, Pilarz’s previous employer, paint him in the best light possible since he is a principle representative of their institutions. However, in this case their sanitized portrayal of Pilarz appears to correspond to his actual accomplishments.

While major aspects of Pilarz’s life are easily confirmed, some academic information has been surprisingly difficult to track down. However, Pilarz presentation of facts appears generally truthful, and any discrepancies are honest mistakes, e.g. listing current membership on boards and committees on which he no longer participates. He apparently put a great deal of time and effort into compiling such an extensive curriculum vitae. Yet he deserves the acknowledgment in light of the diverse achievements in his life. After verifying Pilarz’s academic and professional information, his personality is yet obscure. Perhaps an official confirmation about his devotion to the “Boss” or Jack the bulldog, glaringly absent from his resume, would be helpful. Fr. Hentz, a very helpful and candid source, warned anyone who should insult Pilarz’s native South Jersey, as he said, “They say it’s immoral to bet on a sure thing. So I will not put money on whether, given a decent interval, B. Springsteen is awarded an honorary degree by Scranton. Why would not one so grace the man who should be Pope? Were Scott a one man College of Cardinals he would be.” For Pilarz, the Boss is simply a given. He responded, “As for Springsteen, I’ve been a fan since high school. I’m a New Jersey native, so there is no surprise there.” Apparently even academics can be Springsteen loving Jersey sons.

But what of the ubiquitous Jack, the lovable former Georgetown mascot seen strolling around Scranton’s campus. Hentz does not appear to be a fan, as he commented, “Jack the bulldog trained on my rug. I can show you the spots to prove it. He is otherwise totally spoiled. Well, one exception: he will sit on command…if you repeat the command long enough for him to get tired, at which point he will sit.” Pilarz would disagree. He became so attached to the pup from Georgetown that he brought him to Scranton. He denies any claims of Jack’s spoiled or unruly nature. He simply said, “He loves his new life here.” Apparently the same can be said of his owner.