Wilkes University has honored the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins as its 2018 Business Partner of the Year. The award was established to recognize partner organizations that demonstrate outstanding quality, value and service to Wilkes University.
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins organization was selected for its support of the University’s inaugural ice hockey season. Wilkes men’s and women’s ice hockey teams use the Toyota Sportsplex as their home ice rink. Outfitted with Wilkes locker rooms and team amenities, the Toyota Sportsplex also serves as practice space for the Penguins.
The organization also helped promote Wilkes games and team events. During the season, Wilkes ice hockey teams played at the Mohegan Sun Arena immediately following a Penguins game, attracting fans of the AHL program to college-level competition.
“I am so pleased to honor the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins as our 2018 Business Partner of the Year,” said University President Patrick F. Leahy. “Forming men’s and women’s ice hockey teams, and celebrating a successful inaugural season, would not be possible without their support, sharing ice time and resources with our players and staff. The affiliation with the Penguins has been incredibly attractive to our student-athletes. They have been a true partner in attracting students who wish to learn and compete at Wilkes University.”
Wilkes presented the award to Jeff Barrett, chief executive officer of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, at the Toyota Sportsplex. Pictured from left to right are Rob Belza, Penguins vice president of corporate sales; Jason Jarecki, Toyota Sportsplex general manager; Jeff Barrett, Penguins chief executive officer; Patrick F. Leahy, Wilkes president; Mike Wood, Wilkes assistant to the president on external affairs; and Loren D. Prescott, Wilkes vice president of finance and general counsel.
