STANDISH, Maine – Saint Joseph’s College of Maine has named Donato Tramuto, an author, social justice activist, corporate leader and philanthropist, as the college’s first Honorary Scholar-in-Residence.

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In a video announcement during the annual convocation to the incoming freshmen class, faculty, staff, parents and alumni, President James S. Dlugos said Tramuto’s achievements and character align with the college’s core values of community, compassion, integrity, faith, justice, respect and excellence.

“In addition, Donato’s commitment to social justice closely aligns with our goal to expand upon our mission and create an exemplary 21st Century college,” Dlugos said.

As Honorary Scholar-in-Residence, Tramuto will be focused on three core areas in collaboration with students, faculty and staff across the college: compassionate leadership, loneliness and social isolation, and social determinants of health.

Tramuto, who authored “Life’s Bulldozer Moments: How Adversity Leads to Success in Life and Business,” is currently working on his second book, which will feature interviews with a group of highly accomplished men and women whose leadership is guided by the values of compassion, courage and community support.

The Ogunquit-based Tramuto Foundation and the global nonprofit Health eVillages have partnered with Saint Joseph’s College Institute for Integrative Aging to address what Tramuto sees as the new chronic condition of the 21st century – loneliness and social isolation.

“From students who prefer social media to communicate, to social distancing during this pandemic, the toxic effects of loneliness do not discriminate between the young and old, the rich or poor,” Tramuto noted. “It is my hope that we can build a platform for lifelong learning that will continue to support the need that every life is deemed relevant, regardless of age or income.”

For several years, Tramuto has been intent on analyzing how the community where people live, the kinds of food they have access to and their economic status is a greater determinant of health outcomes than their genetic code. He intends to involve faculty and students in ongoing discussions around the social determinants of health and how, in this time of COVID-19 and racial injustice, populations with limited access to health care and economic security are being disproportionately impacted.

“All of these factors speak to the inequality that remains rampant in our society,” Tramuto said. “It is simply time for all of us, including the students, administration, staff and faculty of Saint Joseph’s College, to take the necessary action that will have a sustainable and positive impact for generations to come.”

Tramuto is a resident of Tennessee and spends his summers in Maine.