Giving back plays a central role in the Guarnuccio family's day-to-day in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.
“Service within our parish and community has always been an important part of our children’s upbringing. They served the parish as altar servers, choir members, CCD teachers, VBS volunteers, and youth group leaders,” said Joanne, referencing St. Bartholomew the Apostle church.
“In our town, they were volunteer coaches at soccer camps for special needs children. Our children have been influenced by the Jesuit tradition of being men and women for others and we love that The University of Scranton provides their students with such varied and numerous service opportunities.”
"Our children have been influenced by the Jesuit tradition of being men and women for others and we love that The University of Scranton provides their students with such varied and numerous service opportunities." -- Joanne Guarnuccio, Co-Chair of the University’s Parents Executive Council
When Keith was earning his B.S. in political science, the Center for Service and Social Justice First-years Involved in Reflective Service Together (FIRST) program had not yet been established, but in recent years, second-generation Guarnuccios Hanna ’22, Aidan ’23 and Bridgid ’27 have participated in the program as first-years, with Aidan shifting into the role of team leader leading up to his senior year.
“During FIRST, one of our service sights was (United Neighborhood Center’s) Bellevue Center, a summer daycare for children ages 3-11. … When my group went, we had no idea what to expect, but when we walked in, we were bombarded by about 18 kids who were so happy for us to be there. Even though we were just there to play with the children, that is when I realized the impact we were all making,” said Bridgid, an early and primary childhood education major at Scranton.
The reciprocal benefits are numerous from a student provider perspective, according to the youngest of the four Guarnuccio siblings.
“Participating in FIRST as a first-year student has benefited me in so many ways. I always see a familiar face on campus, I made so many connections before school even started. I was able to strengthen my relationship with God while I was serving others,” said Bridgid.
“My FIRST experience will always stick out in my memory because without this, I would not be in the position I am in right now. I would not have met any of my friends, I would not have gotten as close to Avianna (Carilli, coordinator of domestic and international service programs at The CSSJ) and Pat, who organized the entire trip. … Another reason why I will remember this experience is because my relationship with my brother Aidan became stronger.”
Her mom echoes that sentiment.
“Our children loved the sense of community they formed with their fellow Scranton students and loved the work they did in the community,” said Joanne.
