Leaving a Legacy: Thomas A. Cottone ’62
Thomas A. Cottone ’62, arrived at La Salle University ready to learn after first hearing about it as a junior in a high school honors program. He led a successful business career after receiving an education that not only taught him the principles of business, but also gave him practical, real-life applications that helped him succeed in the real world. Tom understands how difficult it is for students to balance educational studies and their finances, which is why he has left a legacy through a planned gift that will ease this burden for students.
What initially brought you to La Salle?
I was attending the New Jersey Boys State at Rutgers University (an honors program for high school Juniors) and roomed with two guys from Penn's Grove, NJ, who were really excited about going to La Salle. I went home and researched La Salle and liked what I saw, especially the value for the educational dollar and the urban location. I applied and was accepted to the Class of ’62.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at La Salle?
So many good ones, but here are just a few: Living in the Dorms with Brother Kevin as our monitor was a highlight. I had never lived away from home, but the dorms quickly became my new home with a bunch of great guys. I enjoyed the basketball games at the Palestra, the Friday night sock hops in the basement of the main building, and the kind servers in the dining hall, both cooking up exceptional food and motherly advice. There was also a hole in the wall called Flo's around the corner from the dorms for great hoagies (even if not the most sanitary), and Gars Bar.
What makes the La Salle School of Business special, and how did it prepare you for your career?
The La Salle School of Business taught not only academic principles but also realistic and practical post-graduation use. I remember Charlie Halpern stressing, and restressing, the need to build a business contact list once you entered the business world. It certainly became critical to me when two companies I worked for went bankrupt early in my career. Using my contacts, I always landed on my feet with another employer.
Also, the many open discussions I had with Dr. Holroyd and Brother Patrick on a variety of subjects were influential. I remember visiting Brother Patrick at Catholic University several years after graduation and he still remembered me. La Salle was truly a family experience.
What drove you to leave a legacy and make a planned gift in support of La Salle?
I was redoing my estate planning and wanted to have a legacy for the Cottone name. No one in my family was ever able to achieve this. I chose La Salle, where I started my climb to business success for many of the reasons given previously. I know that there are many students just getting by financially in college, and they really want to stay and complete their graduation goal. I remember working three part-time jobs while in school to pay the bills, but times were a little different then. I hope through my gift that many qualified, and deserving, students can get financial aid, as well as any auxiliary needs, to help their learning.