Joseph Scaminace ’71 returns to VASJ as keynote speaker at career fair

More than 40 alums and community members, along with the entire student body, gathered in the gym on Wednesday morning for VASJ’s career fair. Careers ranging from law enforcement to engineering, and everything in between, were represented. Students were able to visit the tables of their interests and ask questions about the various professions.

The keynote speaker was Mr. Joseph Scaminace, a 1971 graduate of St. Joseph High School and a very proud Viking. Mr. Scaminace, who has had a long and very distinguished career in business, is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Director of the OM Group, a leading global provider of specialty chemicals, advanced materials and unique technologies.

Mr. Scaminace has been deeply loyal to his high school alma mater and has been a major supporter of VASJ. He was the Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Vikings Classic Mixer, which was the most successful fundraising event in our school’s history.

Scaminace spoke to the students about finding their calling and the profession that is right for them. “Not all of us are going to know what we’re meant to do. Listen for it,” he said. “When I was sitting where you are, I didn’t know what my calling was.”

Scaminace attributes much of his success to his time spent at St. Joseph High School. “This school had a huge impact on who I am today,” he said. “It grounded me in my faith and taught me values that I carry with me today.”
He shared some of those values with the students: respecting people, being a team player, acting with integrity, “and most importantly,” he said, “(VASJ) taught me to be humble.”

Overseeing more than 8,000 people globally, Scaminace knows what it takes to be an effective leader and shared his leadership secrets and expertise with the students. “Every single interaction with another human being is important,” he explained. “You will build bridges with every interaction and these bridges will help you along the way.”

Scaminace encouraged the students to start developing their leadership skills now, during their time at VASJ. “My bet is on all of you. Because Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School is great and all of you are great.”

A special thank you to all of the alums and community members who took time out of their busy schedules to educate the students.