From Hermit to Royal Pride: Domenic Scaffidi ’21 Reflects on His Journey at the University of Scranton

On Sunday, April 6, the University of Scranton held its Annual Scholarship Mass and Brunch—an event designed to bring scholarship recipients and donors together for a morning of prayer, gratitude, and conversation. For many, it’s one of the most meaningful days of the academic year. For Domenic Scaffidi ’21, it was a full-circle moment.

Domenic, a recent graduate of the University of Scranton and a proud Hermit alumnus, spent time that morning with Dr. John Mariotti, DMD—his scholarship benefactor and, as it turns out, a fellow member of the St. Augustine Prep Brotherhood. The two, pictured together at the event, shared stories from their time as Royals at Scranton, but also found themselves reflecting on the roots they both share at the Prep.

Their bond actually started back in 2021, the day Domenic graduated from St. Augustine. Dr. Mariotti was on campus that same day receiving his Golden Diploma, celebrating 50 years since his own Prep graduation in the Class of 1971. The two were introduced by Coach Paul Rodio, and something just clicked. Moved by their shared connection—and his deep affection for both Scranton and the Prep—Dr. Mariotti decided to personally fund a four-year scholarship for Domenic to attend Scranton.

Domenic made the most of the opportunity. Over the past four years, he’s grown as a student, as a leader, and as a young man grounded in faith and service—qualities that both Scranton and St. Augustine Prep strive to develop. He graduated this summer, thankful for the doors that opened and the people who helped him along the way.

Now, in a remarkable gesture of continued support, Dr. Mariotti has pledged to keep the scholarship going for future Hermit Brothers who choose to attend the University of Scranton. His generosity—and his belief in the power of an Augustinian education—will help shape the journeys of more Prep men for years to come.

A Brotherhood That Lasts Beyond Graduation

Stories like Domenic’s remind us what makes the Prep experience so special. It’s not just the academics, the traditions, or the campus—it’s the people. It’s the relationships that begin here and carry on long after students leave Richland. Whether it’s through alumni support, mentorship, or college scholarships, our community continues to lift each other up.

As the Office of College Counseling walks students through their next steps, connections like this show just how far a Hermit education can go—and how deeply it stays with you.

We congratulate Domenic Scaffidi ’21 on his graduation from the University of Scranton, and we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. John Mariotti ’71 for his incredible generosity and unwavering support of both his alma maters.

Once a Hermit, Always a Hermit!