Three Royals view one organization as so indispensable to the region that, between them, they have dedicated more than half a century in support. Angela Bassani, Ed.D.,’12, G’13, and Dillon Colarossi Lukus ’10, G’11 discovered the United Way during their undergraduate days at The University of Scranton and Debbie Kolsovsky ’90 began her involvement early in her career with PNC Bank.
While accounting majors at Scranton, Bassani and Lukus were introduced to the nonprofit organization’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Their experiences inspired a commitment to the United Way.
Today, Bassani serves as its president and CEO.
“My involvement with the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties began 15 years ago when I first volunteered with the VITA program at the University, helping community members prepare their taxes. That experience opened my eyes to just how much of a difference United Way makes in the everyday lives of people in our community,” said the Scott Township resident.
“I stayed connected ever since in various ways, most notably running the VITA tax program each tax season. What drew me in, and what has kept me here, is the chance to use my background to make a tangible difference for people who are working hard but still struggling. Growing up here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, I’ve always cared deeply about this region and its people, and United Way gave me a way to give back in a meaningful, lasting way.”
Dillon Colarossi Lukus ’10, G’11, shown, reads to students as a volunteer with the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties. Lukus is the nonprofit organization’s 2025-2026 campaign chair.
Lukus, who owns a tax practice in Clarks Summit, champions the 2025-2026 United Way in the role of campaign chair.
“When I was a junior at the University, Professor Joe Hammond, CPA, who ran the VITA program, encouraged me to apply for the internship. That year turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I learned so much both technically and personally. The following two years, he asked me to return as a site checker, responsible for reviewing all the tax returns. It was a role of great responsibility, and I was honored to be trusted with it,” said Lukus. As a federally licensed enrolled agent (EA), she specializes in taxation and has unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service.
“Having grown up attending private schools, service projects were always a core part of my education. I’ve always loved giving back. What made VITA so special was that I could use the skills and gifts God has given me to serve others in a tangible way. As the wall in Brennan Hall says, ‘To those whom much is given, much is expected.’ I carry those words with me in everything I do,” said Lukus.
Chair of the Board Kolsovsky credits her early days in the workplace and The University of Scranton as the impetus for her decades of volunteerism.
“I first became involved with the United Way as a volunteer in 1990 when I joined PNC Bank. Our local leadership were strong supporters of the United Way, and they believed that as employees we should give back to the communities where we work and live,” said the now-retired executive vice president at PNC Bank
“I think that the four Cs of a Jesuit education (competence, conscience, compassion and commitment) and learnings did influence my life after The University of Scranton. It taught me to strive for excellence in whatever I was pursuing, helped me form the basis for becoming a strong leader and reinforced the importance of giving back and helping others with various volunteer work,” added the Eynon resident.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source news.scranton.edu ’
