Ten former Domenica Scholars—mostly college students—joined us on January 11 for our first annual alumni breakfast.
Let that sink in: College students on winter break got up and out by 9 am to hang out with Domenica Foundation leaders! Although, if we’re honest and humble, the real draw was probably hanging out with one another.
For example, when we asked what was the most valuable part of the breakfast, Chiemeka Chukwueke, currently studying computer science at Rowan University, said, “Catching up with old and familiar faces.”
The nine attendees who are currently in college are attending Rowan University, St. Joseph’s University, Rutgers-Camden, Drexel, and Montclair State. Their majors cover the gamut, from chemistry and engineering to nursing and child advocacy to English.
One college graduate also joined us: Lesley Reyes Pina, who graduated from St. Joseph’s in 2022, attended with her sister Daisy. Lesley is currently working at Swarthmore College and studying for the law school admissions exam.
Elena Piperno, Domenica Foundation director, and Pepe Piperno, founder and president, represented the Domenica Foundation. Also attending was Kevin Soriano, alumni coordinator at Catholic Partnership Schools, where Domenica Scholars attended elementary and middle school.
“It was great to catch up with each student,” said Elena, “to hear about their classes, their jobs, their extracurricular activities, and how their lives are going generally.”
Some of the attendees were old friends, and some knew each other because of events the foundation hosts to bring together Domenica Scholars from four high schools. Those who attend the same colleges may see each other on campus. For most, alumni events like this breakfast are their best way to reconnect with members of their scholarship cohorts.
“Staying in touch with the Domenica Foundation is so important to me because of all the special memories,” said Kathleen Nguyen, a first-year student at St. Joseph’s University. “Being able to return as an alum reminds me that the foundation is still here, and that they care to check in and help us when they can.”
Elena said, “I’m blown away at the warmth when this group gets together. It really feels like a homecoming. I am so proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to what comes next.”
The group had so much fun that Elena promised to plan another event this summer. When Elena and Pepe left shortly after the official end time, a group of students was still hanging out. They were having such a good time catching up that they didn’t want to leave!