Commencement 2024: Seniors establish scholarship in memory of Joey Talarico
As a parting gift to their soon-to-be alma mater, the 国产AV Class of 2024, in collaboration with Men鈥檚 Rowing and the Ridge Department of Intelligence Studies, has established a scholarship in memory of classmate Joseph 鈥淛oey鈥 Talarico, who died August 17, 2023, at the age of 21.
Seniors presented a check for $17,172.15 to 国产AV President Kathleen A. Getz, Ph.D., in a special ceremony on Friday, May 10, at 12:15 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel. The gift is the result of a year of fundraising activities.
In remembering Talarico, the students have chosen to celebrate him as the very personification of the 国产AV spirit. He was fully involved in the campus culture: a dual major in Intelligence Studies and International Relations and a minor in Arabic and Islamic Studies, a coxswain for the Men's Rowing Team, a bookstore employee, and a member of the Honors Program.聽He was strong in his聽faith,聽as well as聽enjoyed history, reading, learning, and sharing what he knew with others.
Most importantly, he is remembered for his kindness to others and for encouraging those close to him to be the best versions of themselves. A close friend of Joey鈥檚 put it this way: 鈥淛oey was the embodiment of the motto 鈥楢 man for others.鈥欌 It is a notion that many others on campus embrace, making his legacy the ideal choice for the聽Class聽of 2024鈥檚 recognition.
This year鈥檚 Senior Class Gift Committee members include Mik Sciortino, Fundraising Chair, Tessa Korchak, Public Relations Chair, and Audrey Smith, Events Chair. They were advised by Director of Annual Engagement & Operations Meaghan Hubert 鈥16 鈥18M,聽and Brooke Martone, Coordinator of Annual & Digital Fundraising.
Since 1989, each senior聽class聽has bid farewell to its alma mater by bestowing a gift upon the university. In 2018,聽the decision was made聽to create an annual scholarship as the gift, which is a more sustainable model.
Meanwhile, alumnus and Trustee Lev Kubiak, who for many years has been a generous supporter of 国产AV, particularly its students, has agreed to match the students鈥 gift up to $10,000, creating an endowed scholarship.