Anthony Bozza, W’98, and Rita Roure, C’98, have made a gift to Penn First Plus (P1P) to endow the Bozza Family Penn First Plus Faculty Directorship.

The Bozza Family Penn First Plus Faculty Directorship is held by co-directors Russell Composto, a professor of materials science and engineering and the Howell Family Faculty Fellow in the School of Engineering & Applied Science, and Fayyaz Vellani, a lecturer in critical writing in the Marks Family Center for Excellence in Writing.

In addition to this 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,” said Mr. 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.”

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 them on academic and professional aspirations. For students, P1P has provided financial assistance; academic resources like advising, tutoring, and workshops; and a strong community of faculty, staff, alumni, and fellow students that champions their success.

As the program’s faculty co-directors, Drs. 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.

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 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,” added Dr. 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.”

Since its launch in 2018, Penn First Plus has provided transformative, holistic support to students who are the first in their families to pursue a four-year baccalaureate degree or who come from modest financial backgrounds. Through the generosity and commitment of donors like the Bozza family, Penn First Plus is primed to continue this mission for generations of Quakers to come.