Adeline “Jo” Puccini, who earned her undergraduate degree in speech correction at the University of Illinois, has made a seven-figure gift to the Chez Family Foundation Center for Wounded Veterans in Higher Education. The gift will name the CAPT J. E. Puccini, USN, Adeline K. and Nancy Ann Puccini Residential Floor of the Center.
Mrs. Puccini, a longtime supporter of the College of Applied Health Sciences, said, “As the surviving member of a military family of three who were fortunate to earn seven degrees, I am pleased to help wounded veterans further their education.”
In his 32-year career, naval aviator Captain Joe Puccini flew propeller-type and jet planes from 15 different aircraft carriers. He earned “Top Gun” status as a result of his success as a combat pilot. A great believer in education, Captain Puccini completed a bachelor’s degree at George Washington University, and a second bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering and a master’s degree in Computer Systems Management at the U.S. Navy Postgraduate School.
Adeline “Jo” Puccini earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech Correction at the University of Illinois and her master’s degree in Speech Pathology at Northwestern University. In her 40-year career, she practiced in public schools, clinics, and hospitals as well as working in home health and private practice. In her retirement, she has published a memoir, a book based on her world travel experiences, and a book based on her experiences as a Navy wife.
Their daughter Nancy earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management at Virginia Tech University and a master’s degree in Labor and Industrial Relations at the University of Illinois. She was a human resources manager for several major companies in the Washington, D.C., area and owned an equestrian center. Like her parents, Nancy excelled in equestrian activities and rode until her illness and death in February 2014.
College of Applied Health Sciences Dean Tanya Gallagher said gifts like Mrs. Puccini’s underscored the importance of the Center to veterans and their families. “Through her dual roles as military wife and speech-language pathologist, Mrs. Puccini truly understands how critical it is to give wounded veterans the support they need to pursue educational and career goals outside the armed services,” she said. “We are so grateful to continue our longstanding partnership with Mrs. Puccini in such a meaningful way.”