Connect Events Give Back Membership About Alumni Events Section Menu 2008 DAMA Recipient: Michael A. Tucci Michael A. TucciClass of 1961Chairman, Tucci & Sons, Inc.The PersonMike Tucci (’61) can trace his love for the written word straight back to Gonzaga. “Gonzaga was where I was formally introduced to the beauty of the classic novel,” he said. “My professors there taught me more than just coursework; they gave me a lifelong passion for learning.”Several of the friends Mike made while earning his degree in psychology have become lifelong as well. “I lived in Desmet and Welch halls my first two years at Gonzaga and made a group of friends that still remains very close to this day,” he said. Mike hails from a rather long line of GU alums, including his father, one sister, two brothers, two sons and one nephew. Mike served as a Gonzaga Regent from 1985-1992 and his son Mike, Jr, is currently serving on Gonzaga’s Board of Regents.Mike and his wife Mary Jo, who live in Tacoma, will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary next month. “I met her at Gonzaga through a mutual friend when I was a senior and she was a sophomore,” he said. “Her parents were not happy that their daughter was focusing on me instead of her studies. It’s a lot of luck and God’s blessing that we’re still here 47 years later.” When they’re not spending time with their three children or six grandchildren, they can likely be found doing one of their other favorite activities: travelling, collecting wine or gardening.The PurposeIt all started in 1950 with just one truck and one piece of equipment. That’s when Mike’s father bought a construction business in Tacoma, Wash., and began what today is known as Tucci & Sons, Inc., a family-run construction and development company that manages utility, grading and paving projects, employs up to 250 people and generates $50 million annually.Although he holds the title of chairman of Tucci & Sons, Inc., Mike can honestly say he entered the business on the ground floor. “I started working here when I was 10,” he said. “Dad taught me in the field, we visited jobs in person and stayed in contact with our foremen and superintendents. It makes all the difference in the world in how each project is managed.”The Passion“My father was philanthropy in action,” he said. “He led by example not only because he was philanthropic and compassionate toward others, but he was a hard worker. He trusted human nature and was always willing to help.”And it is apparent that Mike places the same value on philanthropy as his father did during his lifetime. Over the years, Mike and his company have volunteered in numerous Tacoma-area charities, including Nativity House, a drop-in center; L’Arche Tahoma Hope Community, a group home that serves people with mental and physical handicaps; and the Pierce County Hunger Walk, which his company sponsors. Last year, employees of Tucci & Sons, Inc. contributed $110,000 of the $240,000 that was raised for the Walk. He has also helped raise funds for the local Boys & Girls Club and was a 2008 honoree of the University of Washington Milgard Business School Businessman of the Year award. Tucci & Sons, Inc. received the Community Involvement Award from the Association of Nonprofits of Pierce County.Mike considers being a Gonzaga DAMA recipient a true honor. “Gonzaga holds a real close place in our family’s heart,” he said. “My kids always tell me to be gracious about it and, like my own father, I’m hoping to set an example for others who will follow.”