Kappa Gamma Pi, the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society, presented Nancy Gorevin Costello (’71) and husband Tom Costello Jr. (HON’11) with the Faith and Service Award at a ceremony during the society’s National Biennial Convention on July 16, 2017. It was the first time in the award’s 54 years that the award was given to a couple, rather than an individual.
The Faith and Service Award, which has been conferred biennially since 1963, is awarded to men and women who are not members of Kappa Gamma Pi, but who have demonstrated leadership, service, faith, and scholarship locally and nationally.
Cabrini alumna Liz Kanaras (’83, MS’12) nominated the Costellos for the award.
“Nancy and Tom for many years have given selflessly through their volunteerism, philanthropy, and strong spiritual attributes,” Kanaras said.
Nancy, who is Communications Director with the Stella Maris Province of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSCs), was recognized with Tom for their service through The Joy of Sox, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides socks to the homeless. Tom founded The Joy of Sox in 2010.
“Initially intended to serve the homeless in the greater Philadelphia area, The Joy of Sox has now grown to serve the homeless and homeless shelters in 30 states and four countries,” Nancy said. “As of September, we will have distributed nearly a quarter of a million socks to those in need.”
This year, The Joy of Sox helped distribute 3,916 pairs of socks collected during a Cabrini University sock drive, as the Cabrini community achieved a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for Largest Sock Drive in 8 Hours—Single Location, surpassing the previous record of 2,459 pairs. The sock drive was held during the University’s 60th anniversary year.
“Nancy and I truly believe God’s hand is in everything, and through a series of life events we were guided to found The Joy of Sox in order to serve—in some small way—our sisters and brothers who are homeless,” Tom said.
“We were deeply touched and humbled that Liz would think to put our names forward for consideration,” Nancy said. “We are so grateful to Kappa Gamma Pi for presenting us with the distinguished and deeply meaningful Faith and Service Award, and also to all those who volunteer with us, for without them we could not impact the lives of the homeless across the country and beyond.”
Photo: Liz Kanaras (’83, MS’12), Nancy Costello, and Tom Costello (HON'11)