Isabella DiCosmo receives Scholarship Award
Submitted by Laurie Pine
The Inaugural Carmen J. Liuzza, Jr., Esq. ’92 Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Mountainside resident Isabella DiCosmo, a senior political science and environmental studies major in Seton Hall University’s College of Arts and Sciences, minoring in women and gender studies. The scholarship fund supports a senior year student with a commitment to law school graduate studies and pursuing a career in the legal profession.
This memorial scholarship honors the life of Carmen J. Liuzza, Jr., Esq. ’92 Seton Hall University alumnus, husband, father, friend and former law partner of The Law Firm of Gruber, Colabella, Liuzza, Thompson and Hiben. His wife, Christina L. Liuzza ’92, family, friends and colleagues in the legal profession created the fund to recognize the tremendous impact that he had on the New Jersey legal community and those he served.
Remembering the life of Carmen J. Liuzza, Jr., Esq.
“This is a lovely service that the family and friends of Carmen J. Liuzzi, Jr. have provided. We are grateful that they created this unique opportunity as a special way to honor Carmen and have his connection to Seton Hall live on in another generation of students,” said Geoffrey Upton, JD, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Affairs and pre-law advisor for the College of Arts and Sciences, who was involved in the selection process. “Thinking about the costs associated with preparation for the LSAT and the process of applying to law school, this scholarship provides an opportunity to worry less about those finances, especially during this time of COVID.”
DiCosmo appreciated how this financial support allowed her to spend more time focusing on her studies during a challenging remote semester.
“It is an honor to be receiving the Carmen J. Liuzza, Jr., Esq. ’92 Memorial Scholarship Fund. Being the inaugural recipient of this scholarship makes it even more special for me,” said DiCosmo. “I was able to research Carmen J. Liuzza, Jr., Esq. and felt connected to him because I have similar family values. I am so grateful for the Liuzza family and friends who have created this opportunity. It means so much to me.”
Mr. Liuzza was known for his deep devotion to his family – his wife, Christina, and his three children, Carmen, Sara Rose and Christie, and his devotion to God.
DiCosmo shared her wish to make a positive impact on the legal community as Mr. Liuzza had accomplished. She has already served as a legal intern in the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Jersey City, where she assisted assistant prosecutors in case summary memos, Grand Jury questions, and subpoena requests.
“I want to go to law school to learn the law in such a way that I can use it for the better. Throughout my time at Seton Hall, I have learned that the law is not always just. Law school will give me the tools to make a change in the legal system for a more just world. Seton Hall has inspired me through my professors and classes in a way that showed me that I can complete my law school dreams,” she said.
DiCosmo recalled her first memories of Seton Hall, when she was in high school and visiting her older brother who was studying there.
“I remember falling in love with the small, cozy campus and the wonderful, friendly people. My time at the University has given me connections that will last a lifetime. Seton Hall has helped me to fulfill my dreams by giving me the tools necessary to go after what I want,” she said.
She added, “One of my favorite memories Seton Hall has given me is being able to support and celebrate breast cancer survivors with my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, at local Making Strides walks throughout the years. Another valuable experience during my time at Seton Hall was when I attended the Women’s March in New York City with a friend I made through my political science classes, having been inspired by the amazing professors in the political science department.”
She also has enjoyed her involvement with the Seton Hall Dance Team and volunteering as a writing tutor at the University Writing Center. She is in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society.
“After graduation, I see myself pursuing a path in public service. One thing that has been highlighted by my time at Seton Hall has been my passion for helping others and I hope to continue to do so through my career.”
For more information and a program support application, juniors interested in next year’s Carmen J. Liuzza, Jr., Esq. ’92 Memorial Scholarship can contact Professor Upton by email at Geoffrey.Upton@shu.edu.
About Seton Hall University
One of the country’s leading Catholic universities, Seton Hall has been showing the world what great minds can do since 1856. Home to nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 90 rigorous academic programs, Seton Hall’s academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek.
For more information, visit shu.edu.
Photos by Seton Hall University
