The Raymo Santilli Scholarship honors the legacy of a remarkable individual whose life has been defined by resilience, gratitude, and a deep commitment to family and education. Established by Raymo Santilli, Psi ’85, this scholarship is a testament to his values and the transformative role that education and community have played in his life.

Raymo, a retired professional who spent 20 years with Abbott Laboratories and later worked with Shire Pharmaceuticals, chose to create this scholarship for two heartfelt reasons. First, to honor the sacrifices and dedication of his immigrant parents from Abruzzo, Italy, who instilled in him the importance of education and building a solid foundation for the future. Second, to express his profound gratitude for the overwhelming support he received during a life-threatening health crisis.

In 2012, Raymo contracted a resistant MRSA infection that severely impacted his health. After spending five months in the hospital, undergoing 15 surgeries, and enduring the amputation of parts of his foot and fingers, he found strength in the constant support of his family, including his fraternity brothers. During his recovery, Raymo was deeply moved by the visits and camaraderie of brothers he hadn’t seen in years. Their unwavering presence reminded him of the power of friendship and the importance of giving back.

In his own words, “Outside of my immediate family, the people I went to college with are the most important people in my life. Every time we get together, it’s like time stood still, and we are still 21 years old.” The Raymo Santilli Scholarship aims to extend this spirit of community, support, and opportunity to the next generation of students, encouraging them to value education, friendships, and the enduring bonds formed in college.

Raymo and his wife, Liane, who has been his steadfast support throughout his journey, hope this scholarship will inspire future recipients to pay forward the blessings and opportunities they receive, just as Raymo has done.

By contributing to the Raymo Santilli Scholarship, you are honoring both his parents’ legacy and the powerful sense of community that shaped his life—ensuring that others can build their own foundations for the future, just as he did.