Alumni Relations
Lundy scholars endowment fund
In the coming years, Professor Joe Martocchio will be contributing $575,000 to a newly established scholarship fund which, with additional matching contributions will have an impact that exceeds $1 million. Named in honor of his grandfather, Orlando "Lundy" Martocchio, the Lundy Scholarship fund has been established to provide scholarship support for first generation college students who have been admitted to LER.
In addition to Professor Martocchio's contribution and the matching support from the Provost's Office through a special gift matching program, the scholarship fund has been established so that others can contribute as well -- all of which will enable a series of "Lundy Scholars" to attend LER and continue to advance the American Dream as first generation scholars now entering graduate school. An additional feature of the gift involves Lundy Scholars and interested faculty, staff and students contributing one day of community service each year.
Orlando "Lundy" Martocchio was truly a believer in the pursuit of higher education. He instilled his belief in his children, grandchildren and numerous young students he became acquainted with during his life time.
He succeeded in motivating not only members of his family but many other persons to study responsibly, complete high school, and seek admission to institutions of higher learning.
The son of Italian immigrants, Mr. Martocchio did not have the opportunity to follow his dream to complete high school and attend college. He left school at the end of the ninth grade to assist in the support of his family. He was apprenticed to a plumber for on-the-job training. He worked diligently and somehow found the time to enroll in technical institution evening courses to further develop skills in his vocation and to earn a high school diploma. Throughout his life he continued to pursue learning at technical institutions and academic centers where he took courses in the humanities. He was an avid reader and encouraged others to follow his example.
Mr. Martocchio established a successful plumbing and heating business. He offered many young men who chose to become plumbers the opportunity to earn and develop the necessary skills for the vocation. He urged them to insure their opportunities for success by registering for classes at technical or vocational institutions. Many of the young men he mentored became master plumbers and eventually started their own successful businesses.
Mr. Martocchio was regarded in the community as a very kind and generous individual who performed a great deal of charitable work not only for families in need but also for community organizations. He never hesitated to assist individuals who required plumbing services but did not have the means of payment.
This scholarship is established in the spirit of Mr. Martocchio's belief and commitment to education and his generosity to those in need. The scholarship is endowed for students who are admitted to the MHRIR program at the School of Labor and Employment Relations who demonstrate financial need and whose parents did not attend or graduate from a college or university. Once admitted as a Lundy Scholar, it is expected that students will contribute at least one day of community service to the less privileged while in graduate school, which would typically be scheduled so that it can include faculty and staff who share a commitment to the principles advanced by the Lundy Scholarship.
The first Lundy Scholars will be selected in Fall 2009.
