Nico and Stefan Ruscitti

Nico and Stefan Ruscitti from Hudson, Colorado are accomplishing many firsts for their family.

Their father immigrated to the United States from Italy when he was just a boy. As first generation Americans, Nico and Stefan were taught the value of education and the opportunities it provides. “He [our father] and my mother always stressed the importance of higher education – having a degree proves to employers that you have the ability to learn and gives you an advantage in the workforce.”

The brothers are the first in their family to attend college. Nico is a senior at UNC in the Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality Program and credits UNC for his development inside and outside of the classroom, “I didn’t get a good start in college because it was hard adjusting to the lifestyle. It wasn’t until I got involved with student activities and the Center for Human Enrichment that I truly began to excel. Because of these programs, I will graduate this year.”

The Ruscitti’s are a close family who looks out for one another. Stefan, a sophomore also in the Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality Program, is grateful for the example his older brother has provided especially in his decision to attend UNC, “I wanted to go to a school where I was a person, not just a number or a grade.”

No strangers to hard work and dedication, traits learned and earned by working long hours on the family farm, the Ruscitti’s are successfully building relationships, reputations and skills to assist them after graduation. They both hold leadership roles in their fraternity and the Student Alumni Association. They attribute their success as leaders to their ability and approach every situation with the intent to ‘treat everyone like family’ but are reluctant to claim this approach as a first for the Ruscitti family.   

Pictured L-R: Stefan and Nico Ruscitti

Story by Amanda Welder