Alumni Spotlight: Peter Amicucci ’22

By Ryan Sophabmixay, Student Correspondent

Studying abroad is an exciting experience for many students. However, assimilating to the new culture and surroundings can be challenging. Peter Amicucci '22, Poughquag, New York, welcomed those challenges. While attending The University of Scranton, Amicucci became actively involved in campus life by joining the wrestling team and musical programs. He joined the concert choir during his senior year and was a member of the jazz, symphonic and concert band and won a Fulbright-Lappeenranta University of Technology Graduate Award to Finland. There, he embarked on a journey to continue his education while finding ways to understand and enjoy the Finnish culture.

Beginning in the spring of 2021, Amicucci dedicated one year toward working on his Fulbright application. The process for the prestigious international academic exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government consisted of background checks, multiple short answer questions and two essays: a personal essay and a statement of purpose. In addition, Amicucci reached out to professors in Finland to fulfill the affiliation requirement in the Fulbright application process.

He later met with The University of Scranton Fulbright board and panel members to finalize his application by October 2021. After waiting several months, Amicucci became a national finalist for the Fulbright grant in March 2022. He described the joy he felt reading the message.

"I saw I got the grant, and I started jumping up and down like a lunatic," Amicucci said.

"The Fulbright application was the most intense application I've done in my life. But it was something I had always wanted to do. I'm glad I applied."

The transition to LUT was not too difficult for Amicucci. Amicucci attended orientation the week before classes began and had tutors (orientation assistants) and second-year students guide him in locating classes and developing his schedule. The biggest differences Amicucci noticed: the college education and student culture.

"Finland college education is more tradition based. Finland has mandatory events that are considered rites of passage. One event is Vappu Eve, where all students completing the first year of university do their baptism," Amicucci said.

"The process varies from university to university. One school has a crane, and they gather three to four people at a time. …We have two metal slides and people go down in the water two at a time."

He described the helpful environment among the student population. "The student culture was very different," he said. "Within each major there is a great community where if someone feels like they are struggling with something, and the professor is not available, they can go in and find someone to help them."

At Lappeenranta University of Technology in Finland, Fulbright award recipient Peter Amicucci '22, pictured back row, center, was a member of the Big Band, which is the university's professional level jazz band

Attending LUT, Amicucci also got involved with music groups. He is a member of the Lappeenranta Big Band, which is the university's professional level jazz band, and the Teekkarilaulajat men's choir for LUT.

Last year, Amicucci, along with other choir members, performed in a coffee advertisement for Lehmus Roastery. The Finnish brand used the ad to promote its holiday line of coffee, specifically the Kettu-kahville, which translates to fox coffee. He described his experiences, which included wearing a fox-themed costume.

"Going through the process of recording and filming the commercial was actually a cool thing," Amicucci said."The shoot was supposed to take two hours, but the same day there was a graduation gig … and we were double-booked. As soon as I finished my scenes, I took off the fox costume and rushed over to the university."

Peter Amicucci '22, pictured above at center, played two successful seasons with the Lappeenranta University football team, helping them through two national championship games.

Beyond music, Amicucci reconnected with his love for American football in Finland. He played two successful seasons with the Lappeenranta University football team, helping them through two national championship games. Though not victorious, Amicucci enjoyed sharing the field with his teammates.

"I got to experience their view on the sport and at the same time got to show my view on the game …," Amicucci said.

Amicucci always had a strong interests in music. During the pandemic, he learned to play the violin because of the safety guidelines.

"Transition from brass to violin was more difficult than instrument to vocals. I like to be challenged when it comes to music. And I feel like the violin checked off all the boxes," Amicucci said.

Amicucci said he still incorporates the Jesuit teachings learned at Scranton in his daily life.

"The Jesuit education has helped a lot in guiding me through the community. The values are always there. The care for the whole person is stressed a lot in Finland," Amicucci said.

Amicucci is set to graduate LUT with a master's degree in supply management and a minor in sustainable business. He plans to return to the U.S in July and would like to work in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Although he looks forward to returning home, Amicucci appreciates his time in Finland and will carry the lessons he learned throughout his career.

"If you think you're going to study abroad, just ... break the bubble. Experience a lot," said Amicucci.

"It's bittersweet to leave Finland, but maybe down the line, I'll get a summer cottage and visit a couple months a year."

A view of the Northern Lights as photographed in Finland by Peter Amicucci '22.

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