much from the community. The FIRST program truly is a program that catapults so much good in the community and on campus.”
‘FIRST Decision,’ ‘Best Decision’ Among alumni in attendance at the 20th anniversary celebration was longtime self-described “FIRSTer” Rich Guilfoyle ‘08, DPT’11, who spent six years involved with the program: as a participant in ’04, leader in ’06 and ’08, team leader in ’07 and graduate assistant in ’09 and ‘10. “Seeing FIRST evolve over the years, while maintaining its core values is a testament to Pat Vaccaro’s vision. Pat is an unrelenting positive force who lives the mission through compassion for the whole person, drive to serve others and desire to give more. My FIRST decision was the best decision of my collegiate career,” said the Malverne, New York resident, who today serves as supervisor of outpatient rehabilitation services with Mercy Hospital. “I have the privilege of knowing Pat as a mentor, friend and most importantly, the core of my Scranton family, through participation in FIRST in every role.”
FIRST Still Going Strong As part of the 20th anniversary celebration, Acosta got a chance to connect with members of the Class of 2027. “I had the chance to volunteer on the last day of the program with the FIRST group, and the privilege to sit in reflection with them. It was a gift to witness the energy, excitement and hope that the firstyear students brought to the table, as well as the peer mentorship and leadership that the FIRST team offered to the newest Royals,” said Acosta. “It’s absolutely wild to me that 20 years later, while the schedule might look a little different and partners may have changed a bit, this way of introduction to the University of Scranton culture is still going strong.” “There was no telling at the time if it would be a success or a total flop. But Pat believed in it, Dr. Carilli supported it, and other students were willing to serve as inaugural leaders… so we took a leap.”
A Two-Generation Service Success Story Since 1988, members of the Guarnuccio family have been putting a priority on volunteerism with The University of Scranton and in the surrounding community. At The University of Scranton, Pat Vaccaro and Keith Guarnuccio ’90 have proven true the axiom that kindness multiplies with a ripple effect. In the late 1980s, a chance “to work with college students and help them get involved in the Scranton community” drew Vaccaro to a career on campus. Early on, she developed Collegiate Volunteers, the precursor of today’s Center for Service and Social Justice (CSSJ). As one of that office’s original volunteers, Guarnuccio helped initiate a two-generation service success story. “During sophomore year, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a number of events and programs run by Collegiate Volunteers. Then I met Pat,” he said of the mentor who introduced him to the joy that only community involvement can provide. “I really enjoyed the work we did with local special needs children.” Four decades later, Vaccaro serves as Director of the Center for Service and Social Justice, and Guarnuccio has welcomed four family members into the Scranton fold, including his wife Joanne, and three of their four children. Currently Keith and Joanne serve as Chairs of the University’s Parents Executive Council. “I remember Pat being so dedicated and spirited. She was always looking for ways for the office to contribute to the community. I really enjoyed my involvement, and it makes us proud that Hanna, Aidan and Bridgid have all been able to work alongside Pat during their time at Scranton,” said Keith. The Guarnuccio family shares memories of their service at scranton.edu/journalextras.
As a University student, Keith Guarnuccio volunteered with Collegiate Volunteers. He is shown in 1988, during his junior year at Scranton. Of his work study service during that era, Keith said, “I really enjoyed the work we did with local special needs children.”
Two Guarnuccio siblings volunteered as FIRST participants this past August at the Belleview Center, NeighborWorks and Friends of the Poor in Scranton, shown above. Aidan ’23 served as a team leader and Bridgid ’27 served as a first-year volunteer. Shown, Joanne Guarnuccio, a special education teacher at Scotch-Plains-Fanwood High School in New Jersey, serves with husband Keith as chairs of the University’s Parents Executive Council. “Parents Executive Council provided us with the opportunity to be involved with the University and in the lives of our children while they are at school without interfering with their experiences on campus. We can be involved and give back to a place that has given so much to our family.”
Members of the Guarnuccio family are shown with University of Scranton President Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J. during 2022-23 Parents Weekend events. From left, are Hanna ‘22, Bridgid ’27, Joanne, Keith ’90, and Aidan ’23.
SPRING 2024
27
