SANTELLI FAMILY DEDICATED TO PROVIDING EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR EDUCATION THROUGH SCHOLARSHIP

By Christopher LaFuria

For nearly four decades, Patrick J. Santelli, ’62, woke up at 5:30 a.m. – sometimes seven days a week –for work as manager in the Pfizer, Inc. organization. After retiring in 2000, Santelli wakes just a half hour later to get started on his busy schedule.

But before heading out for a tennis match or to help his neighbor shovel snow, the Edinboro University graduate stares into a small photograph on his desk –behind his computer monitor next to his bulletin board.

This photograph, which changes each year, features Edinboro students who receive scholarships from the Santelli Diversity Endowment – created by Santelli and his wife of 53 years, Patricia Santelli.

“I can look at this photo and see the students that I am able to help,” said Santelli, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Social Studies and an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from EU in 2010. “When I see the picture three or four times a week, it becomes really motivational to me. I’m helping somebody.”

First awarded in 2001, the Santelli Diversity Scholarship promotes educational access with preference to diverse groups such as racial and ethnic minorities, single parents, nontraditional students, and individuals with learning or physical disabilities. With the overall endowment valued at $250,000, the individual scholarships may be applied to a student’s tuition, room and board, and fees as long as the scholarship student maintains a high level of academic standard and personal behavior within four years.

First awarded in 2001, the Santelli Diversity Scholarship promotes educational access with preference to diverse groups such as racial and ethnic minorities, single parents, non-traditional students and individuals with learning or physical disabilities.

“I believe that the only way for people to get ahead in this world is through education,” said Santelli, the vice chairperson of the Edinboro University Foundation, member of the President’s Advisory Council and advisor to the School of Business.

Through his education at Edinboro, and his postgraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh, Santelli remained committed to his goals through persistence and hard work. A lifelong educator, Santelli – now 77 years old – explained that preparation was the key to his success.

“On Sunday nights, my neighbors knew never to call me for a party or dinner, because I’d be in my office preparing for my entire week,” he said.

Whether serving on the Board of Directors for the American Heart Association of Western Pennsylvania and the American Diabetes Association or guest lecturing at EU’s School of Business, Santelli continues to preach hard work and dedication.

“God has blessed me with what I needed to accomplish my goals,” said Santelli, who was honored for being the first Pfizer sales manager to reach $10 million in sales and the first of two to reach $100 million. He was his division’s representative on the corporate Diversity Committee, which organized a program course for Pfizer employees. “I like to share those gifts with people who are less fortunate.”

What is Santelli’s advice to graduates who are entering their career field?

“The first thing you do is establish longterm relationships. Good listening skills are vital to this goal,” he said. “Then you need to make sure you are supporting other people and adding value. Always strive to do the best at what you love. And have fun.”

Patrick and Patricia Santelli, who reside in Allison Park, Pa., in Allegheny County, have two children, Julie Lynn Santelli, M.D., a radiation oncologist in California, and Michael Stuart Santelli, senior-level executive in the Washington, D.C., area.

To learn more about how Edinboro University alumni give back to EU students, visit www.edinboro.edu/support.