RMU Student Remembered as Loyal Friend, Inspiration

Friends and university officials remember student Marco Giovengo as a loyal friend who blossomed during his time as a student at the Moon-based university.

Giovengo, 22, of McCandless, the evening of March 16 when his heart stopped beating in his Lexington Hall dorm room on campus, according to a story in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 

Giovengo, who was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, was scheduled to graduate in May. The newspaper reports that he was goodwill ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Giovengo was a drummer in the university's marching band and was selected for the university's 2011 homecoming court. The senior sports management major was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity and known for his loyalty to RMU sports. 

From today's story: 

"It would've been easy for him to have just done nothing, but he chose to do everything, and I think that is something we will always remember about Marco," said Elisabeth Charles, director of bands at Robert Morris University.

University President Gregory Dell'Omo said in a statement to students that Giovengodid not let his disability or physical limitations prevent him from "being one of the most active members of the Robert Morris University community." 

From Dell'Omo's statement: 

Marco was an avid sports fan whose dream was to work for a professional sports franchise, and he had recently had job interviews with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Washington Wild Things.

Services for Giovengo were earlier today. RMU is offering counseling to students through its Center for Student Success, which can be reached by calling 412-397-4346. 

Memorial contributions can be made through RMU to the Marco Giovengo Memorial fund by clicking here.