Two decades ago, an inspired student and a “let’s do it!” University of Scranton director suggested a FIRST step that they believed could help members of every incoming class feel at home in their new environment. The organizers’ “leap of faith” initiative — Freshmen Involved in Reflective Service Together — connected first-year students with fellow Royals while also introducing them to the “powerful Scranton culture of service and community.”
Twenty successful FIRSTs later, the program founders, past participants and the current coordinator gathered at the University’s Retreat Center at Chapman Lake to celebrate.
“I started wondering…why couldn’t we create a way for incoming freshmen to arrive early, meet new people, get immersed into the powerful Scranton culture of service and community – and start their college experience off strong?” said Clare (Strockbine) Acosta, J.D. ’04, recalling her first-year experience in 2001.
“One of the most pivotal moments that shifted my perspective on whether I could find a home at Scranton happened over fall break. Pat Vaccaro was my first-year seminar instructor, and she knew I was unhappy. I remember her calling me at home to check in and see what I was planning to do about transferring.”
In a fortuitous 2003 turn of events, Vaccaro G’92, director of The University of Scranton Center for Service and Social Justice with a talent for bringing successful initiatives to life, guided Strockbine in establishing the inaugural FIRST experience.
“In typical Pat fashion, the conversation moved from the question of ‘why don’t we…’ to ‘why can’t we…’ which turned into ‘let’s do it,’ ”said Acosta.
“Clare Strockbine talked about a program that would introduce incoming first-year students to service. We created a proposal that went to our vice president of student affairs (at that time it was Dr. Vince Carilli), and he gave us the financial resources. That was 20 years ago, and it has happened every year since, with the exception of Covid,” said Vaccaro.
The magical one-week experience takes place each August immediately prior to the fall semester. Incoming students volunteer at area nonprofit organizations during the day, then reflect on their service and get to know each other in the evenings at the University’s Retreat Center at Chapman Lake.
Vaccaro discussed the profound reactions that occur at the eight-acre recreation space in Montdale, about 20 minutes from the main campus. The experience has made such an impact on participants that many have returned to the lake to propose to their significant others.
“During reflections, the students actually articulate how the service impacts them and how they are changed by it,” she said.
What better location to celebrate the program’s longevity?
Web Exclusive
Becoming Men and Women for Others
The pathway to FIRST for Wendy De La Cruz Garcia '27, Bryan Pulla '27, Sarika Mongar '27 and Lucia DeCarvalho '27 began as middle schoolers at Scranton’s NativityMiguel, a private, tuition-free Catholic school serving a diverse student population grades 5-8.
Read Article
Building a Sense of Community
“For the 20th anniversary of FIRST we invited all past team leaders and their teams back to Chapman Lake,” said Avianna Carilli ’22, the program’s current organizer. Though new to her position at the University, Carilli brings plenty of program experience and a unique perspective.
“I participated in FIRST as a first- year student, a student aid and as a team leader,” said Carilli, coordinator of domestic and international service programs for the Center for Service & Social Justice. Her father is the aforementioned Vince Carilli, a 13-year vice president for student affairs who gave the FIRST program its original stamp of approval.
“Every time I have participated in the program, including now as the staff supervisor … the sense of community is so quickly established. That bond continues once they are on campus. Then, they are able to share their connections with other students and get them excited about doing service as well,” Carilli said.
“A major takeaway of the program is introducing first-year students to their new home in Scranton. When students tour the University, even students who live locally, they have no idea there are so many nonprofits in the area, or that the need is so prevalent. Introducing them to agencies like Friends of the Poor, NeighborWorks Northeastern PA and the United Neighborhood Centers before their semester even begins lights a spark inside of them to stay involved in our office throughout their time at the University.”
Meghan Loftus ‘12 offered perspective from longtime FIRST partner agency, Friends of the Poor, a Scranton-based non-profit entity that provides emergency assistance for those in need.
As the organization’s President and CEO for the past seven years, Loftus said she has witnessed University student volunteers carry out the Friends of the Poor mission to enhance the quality of life for all who live in poverty, joining in friendship with those who have the desire to give and assist.
“You can tell that students who sign up for FIRST are already engaged and very excited to be part of the community. This is a great way for them to receive an introduction into what happens outside the perimeter of The University of Scranton campus. It’s the start of a four year — or longer — relationship with Friends of Poor,” said Loftus.
“We are very grateful for them to be part of our team.”
Vaccaro concurred. “I love watching all of the first-years get involved early in their college careers after they complete FIRST. Watching students stay involved in our programs after FIRST is rewarding.”
One of those students was Stony Brook, New York native Strockbine, now Acosta, whose early service experience led her from Scranton to San Antonio, Texas, where today she dedicates her talents as Staff Attorney with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid.
“After graduating from Scranton, I spent two years volunteering with Rostro de Cristo — a small, Catholic post-grad volunteer program — in Guayaquil, Ecuador. I became very involved with the Marianists, the sponsoring congregation of both University of Dayton and St. Mary’s University and made a public commitment as a lay Marianist in 2012,” said Acosta.
She attributed inspiration for her path of service to four years at Scranton, where she served as a student worker in the Center for Service and Social Justice.
“Pat was the best teacher and mentor I could have ever imagined! She pushed me to dream big, think critically, use my privilege to advocate for justice and to pursue the magis in all I did,” said Acosta, referencing a restless desire for excellence that is a key aspect of Jesuit education.
When Vaccaro invited her FIRST collaborator to the program’s 20th anniversary celebration, Acosta did not hesitate to travel across the country to participate.
“It was such a gift to return to the community that formed me into the woman of faith and advocate for justice that I strive to be today, and to spend time with Pat, the mentor, guide, and friend who continues to provide me with a powerful example of what it means to be a woman for others and to lead with conviction,” she said.
‘FIRSTers’: The Early Years
Ann Marissa “Ammie” Ambacher ‘05, Wildwood, New Jersey, joined the ranks as team leader during FIRST’s second year.
“I had worked in the Service office under Pat Vaccaro, so I was able to see the entire program unfold from the start. I thought it was brilliant and knew I wanted to be a part of it in some way. Luckily for me, I was asked the following year to lead the team,” said Ambacher, then an education major from Philadelphia.
“The beauty of this program is the fact that there isn’t just one thing that makes it impactful or important. There are many parts that contribute to its purpose. This program allowed students who may not have been involved in service in the past to get a taste of why it is important. I had a limited experience with service and would have loved to attend a program such as FIRST heading into my freshman year. I love how it allows students to ease their way into college life. Knowing a familiar face on campus the first week of school can set the stage for the rest of the year.”
‘Faith Through the Lens of Service’
A FIRST participant in 2007 and team leader in 2008, Daniel J. Marx ’09, G’20 recalled with clarity the program’s impact on him as math and secondary education double major from South Abington. Today, Marx continues the Jesuit tradition and value of educating the whole person as Mathematics Department chair with Scranton Preparatory School.
“I remember very clearly being left in awe at the opportunity to witness others’ ‘FIRST firsts.’ For so many, FIRST was the first time they saw service through the lens of faith. And for others, FIRST was the first time they witnessed faith through the lens of service,” said Marx, who with fellow program alumni Chris Troisi ‘15 and Brian Dolan ‘15 return to campus annually to surprise their mentor, Vaccaro, with a visit.
"I have tried to go back for at least a day or two every summer. What I have enjoyed most is the sense of community that it builds among all the participants, which is what I've continued to see year after year without fail. FIRST is the best."
— Brian Dolan '15, Stamford, Connecticut, experienced the program in 2011 as an incoming first-year student and as a co-team leader in 2014.
“Being able to live, work, and reflect for a week alongside others experiencing a first like this was truly a humbling experience. Reflecting on the fact that FIRST has been a part of the Scranton fabric for an entire generation now, I find its clever acronym to be incredibly appropriate: not just because it is an remarkable opportunity for freshman to be involved in reflective service together, but also — and even more so — because naming something as a first implies there will be a second, and a third, and in many cases a 20th or 50th,” Marx added.
‘Where Did You See God Today?’
Rising to the surface of every conversation with FIRST founders and program alumni are the powerful moments of reflection that take place each evening at the University’s Retreat Center at Chapman Lake.
“The reflective component sets it apart from all other service experiences,” Vaccaro said, referencing an end-of-day routine that includes the Jesuit Examen, 20-minutes of journaling, reflection led by a team leader, and a “Play of the Day” discussion.
“Each leader asks the group ‘Where did you see God today? Where did your heart sing?” Vaccaro added.
FIRST alumni Ambacher described the Retreat Center at Chapman Lake as “crucial to the student experience.”
“To have a space that felt like ‘home’ allowed the students to open up in discussions and reach some vulnerable moments that pushed them to grow. ...
Being surrounded by the people they had powerful experiences with from the start of the day to the end brought them closer together,” Ambacher said.
“This one singular event opened the door to so many more service opportunities throughout the next four years. The city of Scranton benefited and continues to benefit from what the students provide, and vice versa. I learned and gained so
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 first- year 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.”
