Emily Specchio
Emily C. Specchio (3 September 1984 - 15 May 2006) was an Alumna of Alpha Rho Chapter (ΑΡ 602) at Virginia Tech. Emily passed away suddenly and tragically due to a brain aneurysm, shortly after graduating in May of 2006.
Contents
Early Fraternity Life and Career
Emily enrolled at Virginia Tech after graduating from Mendham High School, beginning in Fall 2002. As a sophomore, she rushed Phi Sigma Pi in Spring 2004. After a successful Initiation period, Emily was Inducted into the Chapter with the Alpha Alpha Initiate Class in April of that year.
Collegiate Years at Alpha Rho Chapter
Emily was very active during her time as an undergraduate and could always be found at fraternity events with a smile on her face. She served as Executive Assistant in Fall 2005 and was active in helping plan and organize many fraternity events, including serving as captain of the chapter’s Relay for Life team in Spring 2006. Under her leadership, the team raised nearly $5,000, placing it as one of the top three fundraising student organizations at the Virginia Tech Relay for Life event that year. In addition, Emily helped to coordinate a weekly mentorship program for first graders at Gilbert Linkous Elementary School.
Outside of Phi Sigma Pi, Emily enriched her college experience by spending the spring semester of her junior year in Lugano, Switzerland as part of Virginia Tech's Study Abroad program. Furthermore, she demonstrated her willingness to serve others by participating in two mission trips to the Dominican Republic during her time in college.
Emily was awarded the Alpha Rho Tripod Scholarship in March 2006 at Alpha Rho's annual Alumni Banquet in recognition of her excellence in all three legs of the tripod.
Graduation and Tragedy
Emily graduated Magna Cum Laude on May 13, 2006 with a Bachelor's of Science in Marketing Management. She returned home to New Jersey with her parents the following day and suffered a brain aneurysm that night. Rushed to the hospital by her parents, she could not be saved. Emily's body held on until May 15th, long enough for her last selfless act: donating her organs.
Emily's funeral on May 18, 2006 brought hundreds of mourners to St. Lawrence Church in Chester, New Jersey. The funeral was attended by over 60 Alpha Rho Brothers, a testament to the impact Emily had on her fellow Brothers. She was laid to rest at Pleasant Hill Cemetary in Chester, New Jersey.
Legacy
Emily Carrigg Specchio Memorial Scholarship
This endowed Virginia Tech scholarship fund was created by Emily's family and friends to honor her spirit and memory. The scholarship was endowed in just over two months, in which time over $50,000 of donations were received. As of Fall 2007, the endowment had reached $77,000. The initial scholarship was awarded in Spring 2007 and will continue to be awarded annually to outstanding Virginia Tech Marketing Majors or Alpha Rho Brothers.
Emily C. Specchio Dance-A-Thon
As a tribute to Emily's embodiment of the tripod, Alpha Rho Chapter established the Emily C. Specchio Dance-A-Thon as a charity fundraiser. The inaugural Dance-A-Thon was held in Blacksburg on March 31, 2007, raising $2,358. The proceeds were donated to Teach For America in Emily's name.
Emily Specchio Memorial Bench
A memorial bench was installed by Emily's family at the duckpond on the Virginia Tech campus. The duckpond was one of Emily's favorite places on campus and is the official Adopt-A-Spot of Alpha Rho. The bench includes a plaque displaying one of Emily's life mantra's: "Embrace that which defines you."
Beginning in Spring 2007, the bench was added to the Alpha Rho Chapter History Appreciation List.
The Emily C. Specchio Foundation
The Emily C. Specchio Foundation was organized in 2007 by her family as a way to celebrate the life of Emily by following her inspirational lead in continuing to support charitable organizations close to her heart.
On May 15, 2007, the one year anniversary of Emily's death, the Foundation held a "Night with an Angel" benefit banquet and silent auction. The event raised $31,300. The proceeds benefited the following causes: Emily's Virginia Tech Memorial Scholarship, the Foundation for Peace, College of Saint Elizabeth, the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund, and the Emily C. Specchio Outstanding Dietetic Intern Award at Montclair State University.
Bigs and Littles
Emily's Big Brother is Graham Currin, who is now employed by L-3 as a Narrator and Instructional Designer in Newport News, Virginia.
Emily has 1 Little Brother:
- Kate Wooldridge, Active
Academic Degrees
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University Class of 2006, Bachelor's of Science in Marketing Management
Further Resources
- The Emily C. Specchio Foundation
- Friends of Emily Blog
- Emily's Senior Testimonial
- Article about Emily's Endowed Virginia Tech Scholarship - page 17
Other Interesting Facts
- Emily's sister Kate was inducted as an honorary Alpha Rho Brother in April 2007.