Championing Student Success

The Bozza Family Penn First Plus Faculty Directorship empowers Penn First Plus students with next‑level support

Published: December 2, 2024
Writer: Sarah Punderson
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Since its inception in 2018, Penn First Plus (P1P) has provided transformative, holistic support to students who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year baccalaureate degree or come from modest financial backgrounds.

The program aims to ensure that every student, regardless of financial or family circumstances, can experience the full range of opportunities Penn offers—from accepting a summer internship in their chosen field to finding a faculty mentor who can advise on academic and professional aspirations. For students, P1P has become a beacon of empowerment, providing financial assistance; academic resources like advising, tutoring, and workshops; and a strong community of faculty, staff, alumni, and fellow students that champions their success.

A portrait of Dr. Rita Roure, C’98, and Anthony Bozza, W’98, depicting the couple in front of the LOVE Statue on the University of Pennsylvania campus.

Dr. Rita Roure, C’98, and Anthony Bozza, W’98. Photo by Eric Sucar.

Anthony Bozza, W’98, and Dr. Rita Roure, C’98, recently strengthened P1P’s mission by making a remarkable gift to name the Bozza Family Penn First Plus Faculty Directorship. In addition to their naming gift, the Bozza family’s long-standing commitment to educational access has been reflected in their philanthropy to Penn and their volunteer leadership as part of the Undergraduate Financial Aid Leadership Council.

“Supporting Penn First Plus has been an important priority for us,” says Bozza, who was a first-generation college student at Penn before P1P existed. “We hope to ensure that students have advocates in the faculty co-directors and the resources they need to help them succeed in every aspect of their Penn experience.”

Today, the Bozza Family Penn First Plus Faculty Directorship is held by co-directors Russ Composto and Fayyaz Vellani. Composto, who joined P1P as a co-director in 2023, and Vellani, who took on the role in June, work to create impactful opportunities for students in the program.

A side-by-side composite of portraits of Russ Composto and Fayyaz Vellani
Russ Composto and Fayyaz Vellani, the Bozza Family Penn First Plus Faculty Co‑Directors.

As faculty co-directors, Composto and Vellani serve as a vital bridge between Penn First Plus and the academic departments across campus. They engage directly with faculty and staff through workshops, course design, community building, and consultations to ensure that classrooms and spaces are inclusive for all Penn students.

Being part of Penn First Plus and supporting these students has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work at Penn. This endowed directorship strengthens our ability to offer tailored programs that meet students where they are.”
Russ Composto

“Having a named role dedicated to Penn First Plus enables us to continue developing meaningful programs that enhance students’ experiences and prepare them for life beyond Penn.”
Fayyaz Vellani

Alongside the Bozza Family Directorship, P1P’s offerings include a wide range of academic, financial, social, and programmatic resources. Students can access specialized academic and career counseling; attend workshops on topics like financial wellness and career advice; build community with supportive mentors and fellow students; and seek increased financial support for things like summer and emergency funding. These experiences add up to helping students make the most of their time on campus. “The Penn students I’ve met are an impressive and driven group,” adds Roure. “The community support they are receiving through Penn First Plus is making a big difference in enabling students to experience the full breadth of all that Penn has to offer.”

Through the generosity and commitment of donors like the Bozza family, Penn First Plus is primed to continue its mission of supporting students who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year baccalaureate degree or come from modest financial backgrounds.

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