Frank Tummillo Leadership and Service Award
Father Gabriel Zeis announced that Saint Francis University is establishing the “Frank Tummillo Leadership and Service Award” effective for the 2009-2010 academic year. The award will be given annually to a freshman student who exemplifies character, leadership, and service to others. The award is named after Frank Tummillo, a 1968 graduate of Saint Francis University.
Frank Tummillo, was a special agent with the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (BNDD), and was killed during an undercover operation in New York City on October 12, 1972. While at Saint Francis, Frank distinguished himself as an excellent student, who was noted for his commitment to service and leadership. He served as President of Alpha Phi Delta fraternity and was a member of the Inter-fraternity Council.
Assigned to the BNDD New York regional office, Special Agent Tummillo was involved in an undercover drug trafficking case, and was shot and killed in a Manhattan hotel room by the armed traffickers. He was twenty-five years old at the time.
Three days after Mr. Tummillo’s death, President Richard Nixon acknowledged him in his weekly radio address, stating, “I met Frank Tummillo last February…at the White House. He was a fine young man—alert, dedicated, selfless.” Special Agent Tummillo was given the BNDD highest award, the Henry L. Manfredi Award, for sacrifice and dedication to duty.
Candidates for the award will have:
· Demonstrated involvement in service to community,
· Developed a personal commitment to leadership, wellness, and character development,
· Maintained good academic standing during the year,
· Reflected through their actions an understanding and acceptance of Franciscan goals of higher education.
NOMINATIONS
Nominations should be completed on the Tummillo nomination form, made available to the campus community, on March 10. Nominations can be made by faculty, staff, or students. The nomination must include 1) details of the individual matching the award criteria, 2) the nominee’s involvement in service and leadership, and 3) testimonial support of the nominee’s character. Nominations for the award should be returned to the Office of Student Development by April 1, of each year.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Announcement of the award will be made at the President’s Award Convocation in late April. The award recipient will be the guest of the President at the President’s Welcome during the annual New Student Orientation. The award recipient will be asked to address new students and their families, in an effort to challenge, encourage, and invoke the spirit of service and leadership which this award represents.