Memorial award celebrates passions of former Concordy editor
The first Anthony C. LaVecchia '98 Memorial Award was presented on Prize Day, May 5. The award is designed to promote excellence in student journalism, particularly political journalism.
Anthony "Tony" Charles LaVecchia came to Union in fall 1994 and quickly made his voice heard as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, Concordiensis. A political science major and member of Phi Sigma Kappa, he wrote against hazing and apathy, urged students to connect to then-new World Wide Web and came head-to-head with then-President Roger Hull on a few occasions.
"Tony never did anything half way," said Josh Katz '97, a fraternity brother and one of LaVecchia's best friends. "He approached all aspects of his life with the same passion."
"He was very concerned with getting down to business," said Union Assistant Librarian Courtney Seymour '98, a close friend. "He felt, if you've got something to say, say it, and be upfront about it."
Tony LaVecchia died Feb. 27, 2005 at age 28 in a highway accident in Texas. A Brooklyn native, the son of Janis LaVecchia of Las Vegas and Richard and Christiana LaVecchia of Deer Isle, Maine, he traveled widely, wrote poetry and was involved in fundraising programs to help children with cancer.
A number of LaVecchia's friends – including Katz; Phi Sig brothers Peter Farnum '98 (Seymour's husband) and Andy Fradkin '98; and co- Concordiensis editor Adrian MacLean Jay '98 – joined LaVecchia's parents in creating the LaVecchia Memorial Award. Frank Rossi '98 donated $1,250, and an anonymous alumnus created a matching challenge. Other classmates, fraternity brothers and Concordy staff, including Mike Korcynski '99, also pitched in.
"Tony loved Union. It was the basis of most of his deep friendships," said Rich LaVecchia.
LaVecchia was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Dean's List and Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honor society. He did a term abroad in Florence, Italy, and graduated magna cum laude.
His strong sense of ethics was well-known. In 1996, he and MacLean Jay were in the eye of a national media storm when the Unabomber story broke. When it became apparent the bomber was related to a faculty member, they turned away national networks rather than disclose personal details.
LaVecchia's ability to touch on sensitive topics with diplomacy and grace "helped make the editorial section a place of ripe debate for the student community," said Katz. "It is our hope that this memorial fund will impassion another Union student to learn the two things that gave Tony great joy during his time at Union, and helped shape his life after Union: his studies in political science and his work on the Concordy."