Married for 26 years, Fausto Rotundo ’91 and Christine Rotundo are a team in all aspects of life, including philanthropy. Fausto was seven when his family emigrated from Italy to the U.S. “My parents were not highly educated, but they knew the importance of education,” he stated. A first-generation college student, Fausto received a scholarship to attend Saint Peter’s University where he majored in accounting. He now serves as Partner, CFO and COO of Edgewood Management, LLC. “I couldn’t achieve what I achieved without that scholarship,” said Fausto, a previous member of the University’s Board of Trustees for nine years.

Christine did not attend Saint Peter’s, “But I have come to love the school and its mission of helping first-generation students obtain a college education,” she explained.  Together, the couple established RISE – the Rotundo Italian Scholarship Endowment – named in honor of Fausto’s Italian heritage and pride as a first-generation Business major. Aptly, the fund will provide aid to current first-generation Business majors of all backgrounds who are also committed to community service. Supporting the priority of Transformational Scholarships for the Peacocks Rise campaign was of paramount importance to the Rotundos. The couple has also shown generous support to Campus Ministry and the Campus Kitchen over the years.

“Attending a Jesuit school made me care about people in a way I might not have if I’d gone to another school,” said Fausto. “The mission of giving back was instilled in us.” The couple trust that their gift will inspire others. “My hope is that when Saint Peter’s students graduate, they turn around and build a bridge back to the University and give a helping hand to the students who are here,” said Fausto.

“That is the hope we have with this scholarship,” added Fausto. “That one day, a student we’re supporting today will be interviewed by Saint Peter’s because they are the ones supporting the next generation of Peacocks.”