Piscitello Receives Benedictine College’s Young Alumni Award

Friday, May 16, 2014

Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., presented Peter Piscitello, executive director of Catholic Youth Organization for Johnson and Wyandotte County, with the 2014 Young Alumni Award during the annual Senior Brunch on May 16. The Catholic, liberal arts college initiated the award in 2007 to recognize alumni who are under 35 years old, have distinguished themselves in their community and profession, and who support the values promoted at Benedictine College. Each year the honoree returns to address the graduating seniors the day before Commencement.

“You will find that there are Ravens everywhere,” Piscitello told the group of soon-to-be-graduates. “It’s an amazing community and it doesn’t end when you walk out of the gym. It doesn’t end next year. It doesn’t end seven years down the road. The friendships you build while here really live on forever. So I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Benedictine College for all the blessings I have had in my life. And I’m sure you’ll feel the same.”

Piscitello was born in Des Moines, Iowa, but spent his youth in the Kansas City area before returning to Des Moines as a teenager. He graduated from Benedictine College in 2007 with a degree in Business (Marketing) and a minor in Theology. While at Benedictine, he was involved in campus activities and was a member of the college’s Knights of Columbus chapter and the men’s golf team. After graduation, he went on to receive his Masters in Education from the University of Washington with an emphasis in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership. From 2007-2010 he served as Athletic Business Manager at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Wash. He is married to fellow 2007 alum Tessa (Leach) and they have one daughter, Emma.

“I was very pleased to hear that Peter Piscitello will be receiving the Benedictine College Young Alum Award,” said Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. “He is a great choice and is making an outstanding contribution in the athletic program for the Archdiocese.”

Piscitello and his family are excited to be involved with the Catholic community in the Archdiocese. A lifelong participant and fan of athletics at every level, Pete has seen the tremendous impact a Catholic environment can have on young athletes. He was hired as the director of the Catholic Youth Organization in July 2010 and is proud to work with parents, coaches, volunteers, parish staffs, youth ministers and clergy to offer elementary and secondary school youth the opportunity, through sports and recreational activities, to grow in virtue and develop their potential.

For over 70 years, the CYO program has provided athletic opportunities and formation for Catholic youth, and it continues to uphold a mission rooted in developing virtue among its participants. The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas initiated the first CYO programs in 1940 and today Piscitello leads the organization during an exciting time of growth. The CYO in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties now includes over 5,000 participants from 23 parishes across the region competing in the four core sports of football, volleyball, basketball and track.

Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas.  The school is proud to have been named one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report as well as one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by First Things magazine and the Newman Guide.  It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging. It has a mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.

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