Joseph V. Rossi (Joe), ’93, attended Southern as an undergraduate student from 1987-1993. Upon graduation, Joe was hired as a graduate assistant in Residence Life, acting as the assistant director to the newly built North Campus Residence Hall. After one year as a graduate assistant, Joe became a full-time employee at Southern as residence hall director of Hickerson Hall. He continued a successful 10-year career at Southern, working up to assistant dean of Residence Life. During his time as a student, Joe was a member of Sigma Pi Fraternity (now Beta Mu), where he was involved in community service to Southern and the outside community.

Joe tragically lost his life on June 3, 2016, in a boating accident, leaving his two beautiful children behind. The intent of this scholarship is to award a student from Joe's fraternity or another Greek organization and allow Joe’s SCSU legacy to live on.