Laurene Di Gennaro Kristof knew from an early age that she wanted to be a teacher. She attended Sacred Heart High School, run by the Sisters of Charity, and came to Seton Hill on the Undergraduate Teaching Plan.

Laurene spent her career teaching sixth grade students and prided herself on reaching and teaching students of all ability levels. Her biggest honor was when she and her co-teachers were recognized for partnering with the United States Navy and developing a year-long, multidisciplinary curriculum around the fast-attack nuclear submarine USS Pittsburgh. Another highlight was instituting a successful after-school math tutoring program where up to 25 volunteer tutors from the ninth grade helped sixth graders.

Laurene has served as president of the Westmoreland Alumnae Club, president of the Alumnae Corporation Board – now the Alumni Advisory Council – and reunion chair at Seton Hill and helped organize Seton Hill – St Vincent Married Couples’ “Union Reunions” in addition to events for local alums.

Laurene and her husband have been married almost 60 years. They have four children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. They are members and volunteers at their Byzantine Church. Laurene is a volunteer at the Basilica Gift Shop and at St. Vincent Parish. She uses her skills in sewing and knitting to make items for those in need.

“I can never repay my debt to Seton Hill,” Laurene said. “‘Hazard yet Forward’ has taken me to places I would never have gone – from mentoring student teachers to riding a submarine!”