Fueling Faith and Transforming Lives: A Closer Look at The Tony and Norene Salvaggio Salesian Honors Program

Ask. Seek. Find. That’s the motto of The Tony and Norene Salvaggio Salesian Honors Program.

Inspired by Matthew 7:7-8 and made possible by the generous support of Tony Salvaggio in honor of his late wife, Norene, the program provides 15 gifted students per cohort the opportunity to engage in advanced seminars, community service, and a plethora of unique experiential learning opportunities. Think spiritual retreats, public debates, research projects, field trips, and more.

Additionally, students are awarded a tuition scholarship and $3,000 toward international travel during both their sophomore and senior years.

“Being gifted is about both attitude and aptitude,” said Joshua Schulz, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and director of the honors program. “We’re looking for highly involved, self-motivated students with a 3.5 GPA or higher who can commit to a program that promises meaningful intellectual, spiritual, and professional challenges.”

When Ian Gill ’28 applied to the program, he was eager to explore new places and take advantage of exclusive opportunities. Being accepted has been an even greater blessing than imagined.

“This program has done nothing but enrich my academic journey here at DeSales, giving me the opportunity to look at the world with a fresh set of eyes,” said Gill, a criminal justice major. “It has helped further my dreams and vision of becoming a police officer so I can continue helping others in the community.”

Gill also credits the program with deepening his faith and is looking forward to attending spiritual retreats in upcoming semesters. Fellow honors student Theresa Burghart ’28 had the opportunity to lead a retreat in January 2025.

“I’m on the Spiritual Retreat Committee,” said Burghart, a neuroscience major. “This has allowed me to help plan the retreat with a few of my friends within the program and allowed me to grow closer to God.”

The program’s profound impact on students’ spiritual lives comes as no surprise, given that its director, Schulz, is preparing for ordination as a deacon in the Philadelphia Parish. He hopes to achieve this milestone by late spring 2028.

“I try to bring all of my experiences as a dad and husband, spiritual seeker, hospital ethicist, and professor to the classroom,” said Schulz. “While education can give you intellectual knowledge and technical skills, real wisdom is knowing what to love and sacrifice for. That’s what will give meaning to our lives, and that’s the primary message I try to model and convey to my students.”

Because of the program’s transformational power, both Gill and Burghart urge qualified incoming students to apply and take advantage of this unique opportunity. 

“This program is not easy, and you have to learn very quickly how to manage your time,” Burghart said. “But it allows you to have an outstanding resume at the end of your four years and it’s an amazing way to meet new people, grow friendships, and make connections.”