Some of the most powerful stories at Aquinas are the ones we never expect— the quiet acts of generosity that shape a student’s future, the unseen connections that bind our community, and the legacies that continue long after someone has left this world. One of this year’s most meaningful hidden stories began not with an alumnus, but with a man whose life, values, and friendships led him to Aquinas in an extraordinary way: Philip Andrew Latulipe. Though Phil never attended Aquinas, he became connected to our community through longtime parishioner and alumnus Bob Kress ’53, and several other Aquinas graduates he served alongside at Holy Spirit Church in Penfield. There, Phil was an usher, greeter, Eucharistic minister, and a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus. Over the years, he listened to the stories these alumni shared—stories filled with gratitude, discipline, faith, and pride in the school that had shaped them. Those conversations made a lasting impression. So much so that shortly before his unexpected passing in 2022, Phil made a decision that would change the lives of young students he would never meet. He reached out directly to Aquinas to establish a scholarship which is now called: the Latulipe Upward Bound Scholarship. This year, for the very first time, Phil’s vision came to life. ROOTED IN SERVICE Phil Latulipe lived a life marked by quiet generosity, deep faith, and unwavering kindness. Born in 1953 in Bombay, NY, he earned degrees from St. John Fisher University and the University of Rochester before spending his career in managerial and care-focused roles with organizations including the American Red Cross, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Lifetime Care. He was the kind of person who spread kindness effortlessly—planting tomato seedlings to give away, sharing recipes, offering rides to parishioners, helping neighbors with repairs, and volunteering tirelessly at church events. Friends remember his sharp wit, love of euchre, passion for hiking and travel, and fondness for good conversation over a fine dinner and red wine. His generosity was never showy; it was woven into the quiet fabric of his everyday life. As Bob Kress ‘53 recalls, “Phil was a true friend— dedicated, exact, and always willing to help anyone who needed him.” It was through these friendships—with Bob, Deacon Ray Garbach ‘69, and other Aquinas alumni—that Phil came to understand the transformative power of an Aquinas education. And from that understanding, he chose to invest in a future he would never see. A SCHOLARSHIP THAT SPEAKS TO THE HEART OF AQUINAS The Latulipe Upward Bound Scholarship is more than financial support—it is a testament to the reach of the Aquinas community and the profound ways it touches lives far beyond campus. In Tati Larregui ’29, Phil’s legacy finds a beautiful match—an enthusiastic student, grounded in faith, driven by compassion, supported by family, and committed to her goals. His legacy is a call to each of us: e seeds we plant today can blossom into futures we may never witness, but whose beauty will endure. The Latulipe Upward Bound Scholarship A Hidden Story of Generosity, Legacy, and Opportunity A ninth grader who radiates warmth, determination, and gratitude, Tati represents exactly what Phil hoped to support—a young student with big dreams and a belief in the power of education. When she learned she had been selected for the scholarship, Tati says she felt “happy and honored,” grateful for the chance to attend a school she and her family had hoped for. “This scholarship means a lot to me and my family,” she shared. Her first months at Aquinas have been full of new traditions and experiences: Homecoming, retreat, and joining the volleyball team. But what stands out most to her is the sense of support and belonging. “Every morning we pray together, and I feel like it makes everyone stronger,” she says. “And when you need help with schoolwork, the teachers help you all the way through and give you supportive comments like ‘good job’ and ‘you can do it.’” Tati dreams of becoming a special needs teacher—an aspiration born from helping students in her old school’s math class. “I loved helping them,” she said. “It made me realize I want to help kids who need more help than others.” Her goals are big, and so is her motivation. “I want to go to college—a good college. That’s what keeps me working hard every day.” Meet the First Recipient: Tatianna “Tati” Larregui ’29 21 Why Scholarships Matter Scholarships at Aquinas do more than make an education affordable—they open doors, change life trajectories, and strengthen our mission at its core. They ensure that young people of promise, character, and determination can experience the fullness of an Aquinas education, regardless of financial circumstance. THESE OPPORTUNITIES: • Empower students to pursue academic excellence, leadership, faith formation, and service. • Support families who believe deeply in Catholic education but may need help making it possible. • Honor the legacy of donors whose values, faith, and generosity live on through the students they impact. • Strengthen our community by welcoming diverse voices, backgrounds, and stories. • Shape the future of Aquinas by investing in young people who will carry our mission into the world. Every scholarship carries a story. Every recipient carries it forward. For more information about supporting or starting a Scholarship, please contact Mr. Jay Polston ’90, Associate Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving at jpolston@aquinasinstitute.com or (585) 254-2020 x1061. Tatianna and her family at Big Guys Campground Tatianna having fun with the kids at camp
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