During the Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship, student-athlete
Kraig Puccia from Fordham University honored for contributions on and
off the rugby pitch
HORSHAM, Pa.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#PennMutualCRC–The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company (Penn Mutual) is pleased to
announce Kraig Puccia, a sophomore at Fordham University, as the fifth
annual Life of Significance Award winner. As one of three finalists
selected from a nationwide field of nominees, Puccia’s recognition was
unveiled during the Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC).
The Life of Significance Award is given annually to a collegiate rugby
player, male or female, participating in the CRC, which took place at
Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania, from May 31 through June
2. The recipient of this award exemplifies Penn Mutual’s values of
integrity, commitment and respect, and has made substantial
contributions to society and their community.
Puccia, a 19-year-old resident of Whitestone, New York, is a devoted
volunteer in his spare time and most notably, has traveled to Bethel,
Alaska, as a member of Fordham’s GO! (Global Outreach) Program where he
was a volunteer at the Tundra Women’s Coalition. The organization works
to protect women in the community from their partners during alcohol or
drug-induced episodes that threaten their safety. In 2018, Puccia
volunteered at the Domestic Violence Bureau at the Queens District
Attorney’s Office in Queens, New York. This summer, he plans to
volunteer at the Veterans Advocacy Project through the Urban Justice
Center performing pro-bono work for neglected veterans throughout New
York City.
“Kraig is an exceptional young man who has already done so much good for
the world,” says Fordham Men’s Rugby Head Coach Andrew Gheraldi, who
nominated Puccia for the award. “As a man for others, Kraig is a
testament to the Jesuit ideals of our university. We are proud to have
him as part of our rugby program at Fordham and look forward to his
continued growth both on and off the pitch.”
Eileen McDonnell, chairman and CEO of Penn Mutual, says Puccia’s history
of service and his future goals epitomize not only what the Life of
Significance award stands for, but also the values instilled throughout
Penn Mutual. “Kraig’s commitment and dedication to his community and
beyond is a true reflection of his character. His selflessness and
passion to serve those in need make Penn Mutual proud to present him
with the 2019 Life of Significance Award.”
Puccia now joins an elite class of previous Life of Significance winners
including Nick Carey from Harvard University, Jenna Jones from the U.S.
Naval Academy, David Caputo from the University of Michigan and David
Schroder from the U.S. Naval Academy.
For his achievement, Penn Mutual will donate $5,000 to Tundra Women’s
Coalition, the charity of Puccia’s choice. His rugby team will also be
gifted with $1,000 worth of Rhino Rugby equipment and gear.
About The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
Penn Mutual is committed to helping people live life with confidence. At
the heart of this purpose is the belief that life insurance is central
to a sound financial plan. Through our network of trusted advisers, we
are dedicated to helping individuals, families and businesses achieve
their dreams. Visit Penn Mutual at www.pennmutual.com.
©2019 The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, 600 Dresher Road, Horsham,
PA 19044
Contacts
Darby Rowe
Gregory FCA
(610) 228-2148
[email protected]
Lauren Kane
Penn Mutual
(215) 956-8760
[email protected]
