In response to Lehigh Valley’s Student Government Association Vice President, Matt
Cascioli resigning last week, I wanted to acknowledge and commemorate his time as a student
body advocate and representative.
I first met Matt at the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments in the fall
semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. Instantly I could tell he was a well-put together,
charismatic guy. Over the course of that weekend, and many times since then, I have also seen
how passionate and driven he is in how he pushes for improving the quality of student
experience and life throughout all of our campuses.
He was able to rebuild Lehigh Valley’s SGA from nothing, and was able to manage the
role and responsibilities of President from incredibly early on in his college career. When many
others are still figuring out how to handle classes or have a work-life balance, he was dedicating
his time to ensuring he left a positive impact on his school. He did not expect compensation or
thanks for anything, but rather did it for the betterment of his peers.
If you ever talk to him, you will instantly see how truly brilliant of a young man he is. He
holds a clear intelligence in the political field which he translates to be utilized in student related
matters, where you would feel like you are talking to a 4 th term US Senator on what is the best
way to help a Penn State Student.
His resignation, regardless of the reasoning, is a true loss to not only Lehigh Valley, but
the commonwealth as a whole. Matt was a strong, standout voice among a group of already
outstanding leaders, to which displayed his abilities and uniqueness among his pears. I hope as I
grow and develop myself over the years, that I will be able to achieve a mere fraction of the
character and success I see within this man.

While it is said, “Ogni lasciata è persa,” or Everything left is lost, meaning if you didn’t
seize an opportunity when it arose, you will most likely miss it forever. I would argue that the
presence and achievements of Mr. Cascioli are not left, and therefore will not be lost. His impact
will last many years, and with his talent, I am certain we will all see him prevail through the
current adversity, and find a way to serve the student body in some other form.
On behalf of the Penn State Behrend student body, thank you Matt for everything you
have done for the commonwealth, and you are always welcome at our campus.

Sincerely,

Matthew Strupczewski
SGA President, Penn State Behrend