“From receiving the invitation to consider the College, to the interview, to finally stepping onto the grounds as a student, I felt a certain confidence about what I could achieve, and being at Flagler affirmed that,” he said.
His confidence was boosted by the Lewis-Wiley Scholarship, a prestigious four-year award for incoming freshmen. The support gave Costello the freedom to pursue leadership opportunities and explore his interests without financial pressure. It also became an experience that would shape his future in lasting ways.
“It created a deep sense of gratitude in me,” he said. “When I went on to dental school, I faced mountains of debt. The support I received at Flagler made all the difference, and I knew I wanted to provide the same opportunity for other students.”
That feeling of responsibility has guided Costello ever since. A steadfast advocate for Flagler and its science programming, he currently serves on the Alumni Board and on the Science Advisory Board. In 2022, he and his wife, Kelley, established the Costello Family Endowed Scholarship for Biology, and more recently, they named the Costello Elevator in the future Science Academic Building.
Costello’s commitment to science education is personal. When he pursued his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, he found himself taking a longer path than many of today’s students. “I had to go back to school for two more years because I didn’t have the science background from Flagler,” he said. “My involvement now is all about creating a more direct path for current students.”
The Costello Family Endowed Scholarship for Biology has ensured students have access to opportunities in one of the world’s most essential disciplines. “The scholarship keeps options open for students who want to study biology,” he said. “Science is at the core of innovation, and students need access to stay ahead of the curve.”
His vision also extends to the College’s new Science Academic Building, which he views as both a symbol of Flagler’s growth and a powerful recruitment tool.
“The building itself gives credibility to the program,” Costello said. “When students see dedicated laboratories and modern science spaces, they understand Flagler’s commitment to a high-quality scientific education.”
For Costello, these contributions are more than physical structures or funds, they are investments in student success. “Biology is the study of life,” he said. “No matter how fast the world changes, there will always be a need for research, care, and medical advancement. I don’t want our students falling behind because of a lack of resources.”
That belief has guided his generosity for years, growing from an initial sense of gratitude into a personal commitment he renews annually. Costello also emphasizes the broader impact of alumni philanthropy, encouraging greater participation across the entire community while noting that supporting science programming can unlock a whole new group of alumni donors.
“My big push as an alum is to have people giving back from all different walks of life,” he said. “It’s about growing a community of engaged donors, no matter their path, who feel connected enough to Flagler to give in whatever way they can.”
