Don Musacchio ’72 (M.S. ’75) wasn’t ready the first time he went to Old Dominion University. Nor the second.
He earned an academic suspension as a freshman, returned and did okay for a while, “then fell back into my old ways,” he said. “At the time, my focus was on the partying, not on the education.”
A second suspension followed.
Musacchio, who grew up in a Navy family, worked for two years as an aircraft mechanic apprentice at the Naval Air Rework Facility in Norfolk, Virginia, handling airplanes coming off aircraft carriers. Then he decided to give another shot — this time, with a determined mindset. In first grade, a nun had predicted Musacchio, who tended to act out, would not amount to anything if he didn’t change his ways. He was not going to let her be right.
Balancing work and classes, Musacchio earned his undergraduate degree and began teaching what is now known as career and technical education at Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, Virginia. He went on to complete a master’s degree in counseling at Old Dominion University and transitioned into human resources for the Navy at the Naval Air Rework Facility, specializing in labor and employee relations.
He eventually took a job with the Food Safety and Inspection Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., and became an assistant deputy administrator for management.
After 36 years with the federal government, he retired, although consulting and training for federal agencies keeps him busy. He took up long-distance cycling, tackling cross-country rides and shorter weekend charity rides. He also volunteers for the local food bank and for his civic league in Norfolk, Virginia. He has remained involved with his alma mater, serving on the advisory board for the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies and sharing his insights at lunch-and-learns for students and faculty with humor and candor.
“When I talk with students,” Musacchio said, “I tell them, ‘I have been you. This is not somebody giving you a lecture. Here are some of the things that I did that I want you to understand you can overcome.’”
Dean Tammi Dice, Ph.D., said Musacchio’s story is a powerful reminder to students that success rarely is a straight path.
“His perseverance through academic challenges at , his determination to return and finish strong, and his eventual rise to a thriving career show what’s possible when you refuse to give up,” Dr. Dice said.
Musacchio’s experiences shaped his belief in second chances, leading him to establish the Donald J. Musacchio Scholarship Endowment. The “stuff happens” endowment, as Musacchio calls it, provides financial support to students facing unexpected hardships.
“The knowledge I gained and the experiences I had while at Old Dominion had a very positive effect on the way I turned out, despite Sister Mary Thomas’ prediction,” Musacchio said. “The first two times, I wasn’t ready. The third time when I was ready, Old Dominion was there for me.”