Alumni Spotlight: Three Royals, One Mission Strengthening Northeast Pennsylvania Through United Way

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.

Who Does the United Way Serve?

United Way serves everyone in our community, according to Bassani.

“Whether you’re one day old or celebrating your 100th birthday, we have a United Way-funded program (or one we run internally) that can support you. From early childhood education and youth development to senior services, we’re here across the entire lifespan,” she said.

“United Way has been part of this region for 105 years, and in that time, we’ve evolved right alongside our community. What hasn’t changed is our mission: to strengthen lives and improve conditions. But how we do that has changed. In the past, we were mostly a fundraising arm for nonprofits. Today, we’re also collaborators, conveners and problem-solvers.

“We’re starting to really focus on ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households - families who are working hard but still struggling to afford the basics. Fifty-one percent of the residents in Lackawanna County fall under the ALICE threshold. And because we know it truly takes a village to get through life’s challenges, our role is to make sure that village is there…connecting nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers so people have support in their times of need,” added Bassani.

Though United Way serves as a fundraising organization, CEO and President Angela Bassani explained that it also develops and run programs, for instance, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), PA Medi, the Age Friendly Lackawanna Collaborative, and many education initiatives that support student learning.

Lukas explained the annual campaign’s vital role in Northeast Pennsylvania. 

“A successful United Way campaign means more people in our community get the support they need,” said Lukus.

She noted that the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike Counties’ annual campaign runs from August through November.

“That’s our main fundraising period when we focus on engaging the community and workplaces in giving. However, donations are welcomed and accepted year-round, so people can contribute at any time to support our local community programs. Our goal is $3,370,000.”

How To Get Involved and Support the Campaign

“People can help with the campaign in a number of ways. Donating money is always appreciated, but support doesn’t stop there,” said Lukus.

“If someone can’t give financially, they can still make a big impact by volunteering their time, helping to spread awareness, or even starting a campaign at their workplace or in their community. Getting involved in any way helps us reach more people and create real, lasting change.”

Angela Bassani, Ed.D.,’12, G’13, and Dillon Colarossi Lukus ’10, G’11, shown, began as volunteers with the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties's VITA program. Today, Bassani leads the organization as president and CEO, and Lukus champions the 2025-2026 campaign as chair.

Kolsovsky concurred.

“There are so many ways to get involved.  You can become a volunteer for any of the United Way programs, from reading to students, delivering meals to seniors or participating in the Day of Caring, as a few examples. You can get involved as a volunteer for the Annual Campaign. The easiest way to become involved is to donate to the annual campaign, which raises money to help support the local non-profits and programs. 

“Until I became involved, I did not truly appreciate all the areas, organizations and people that the United Way touches during the course of the year, and I think that others may not realize the depth and breadth of the organization and what it does. The United Way programs help support education, seniors and economic mobility in so many different ways.” 

What Your Fellow Royals Want You To Remember About United Way 

The trio offered parting thoughts.

Angela Bassani, Ed.D.,’12, G’13, president and CEO:

“Many people think of United Way only as a fundraising organization, but we also run programs ourselves, like the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), PA Medi, the Age Friendly Lackawanna Collaborative, and many education initiatives that support student learning.

The dollars raised here stay here, building a network of nonprofits and programs that together form the safety net our neighbors can lean on in difficult times. It often surprises people just how far our reach extends - statistically, United Way touches about one in two lives in our community every single year.”
Debbie Kolsovsky ’90, chair of the board:

“What many people may not realize is that the United Way partners with many of the non-profits in the community.  Monies raised in the annual campaign are allocated to partner agencies to help support them. The United Way, many times, is the go-to call to help those in need and then connects them to the services within our non-profit community that are there to help.”

Dillon Colarossi Lukus ’10, G’11, 2025-2026 campaign chair:

“The most important thing to know about the United Way and its partner agencies is that the help they provide doesn’t always stop at people with financial needs. Income level isn’t always the deciding factor. It’s about making sure everyone has access to help when life takes an unexpected turn.

 It’s about supporting anyone in the community who could use a hand, whether that’s a child needing a safe space after school, a senior looking for connection, or someone with a disability finding community. United Way is about improving lives across the board, not just for those in financial crisis.”