Legacy of a Lifelong Lasallian

Joe Falese ’78 ’84 began his 42nd year at Lewis University knowing it would be his last at the school. “I reflected on my experiences at my alma mater and all that I am grateful for. I considered not only the ways I currently support Lewis but also how I can create a permanent legacy for the future,” Joe shared.

Lewis University has been a special part of the Falese family since 1974 when Joe began pursuing his dreams of becoming a teacher and playing collegiate baseball. After graduation in 1978, Joe spent the next 42 years working at Lewis. In that time, Joe has had a front-row seat to our transformation into a premier mid-sized university.

Recently, Joe and his wife, Kristen ’88, established the Falese Family Endowed Scholarship. “It is our hope that this scholarship will help students for many years to come as they pursue their academic dreams.”

Joe describes the profound impact Lewis has had on his family by reminiscing on three guiding values in his life: Faith, Family and Friends.

For Joe, and his family, a strong and deeply placed faith has always been a foundation . The De La Salle Christian Brothers model the importance of a strong faith, service to students and a commitment to the Lasallian mission. “They have guided us as faculty and staff members to serve our students with zeal and to look at our work as a calling,” Joe said.

The Falese family has obtained a total of five degrees from Lewis. Both Joe and his youngest daughter, Maria ’15, pursued education degrees. Kristen and their oldest daughter, Elena ’11, are both currently working in the criminal justice system. “The scholarship we have established is special to us, and we are honored to assist students pursuing degrees in these fields.”

As a freshman at Lewis in August 1974, Joe met several new Flyers, and they quickly became friends. “I can proudly say that 47 years later, the people in this group are my dearest friends, and we still get together regularly.”

These friends have also been loyal supporters to Lewis over the years and have all adhered to the philosophy of “paying it forward” to future Flyers.

As Joe looks forward to retirement, he shares one request to others who love Lewis as much as he does. “To grow our scholarship further, we made Lewis the owner and 100% beneficiary of our whole life insurance policy. Please consider including Lewis in your estate plans. The advancement team can help you find opportunities that best meet your values and interests.”