Title:Called to be…an advocate for kids

Peter Croncota (B’83)

Peter Croncota spent 20 years working in finance until 2004, when he began his career in education. He is now the director of school and program partnerships at KIPP Infinity Middle School in Harlem, New York. He stays connected to his alma mater by serving as a member of multiple boards including being a founding member of the Board of the Wall Street Alliance and a current emeritus member of the Board of Regents. Find out how Georgetown shaped Croncota’s career, purpose, and calling.

How did you find Georgetown, or did it find you?

Georgetown actually did find me. I was applying to Georgetown, but it wasn’t my top choice. I was invited to visit for a student weekend. Afterward, I went home and said, “That’s the school. That’s where I want to go if I get in.”

I grew up Catholic, which wasn’t a huge factor, but it felt comfortable. I loved the idea of being in Washington, DC, a manageable city. I really just liked the people I met that weekend. From the minute I got here, it was exactly what I hoped for. 

How have you maintained your Georgetown connections?

Most of my closest friends today are the friends I made at Georgetown a long time ago. A good group of my friends were from Darnall where I lived my first year. One of my first closest friends was on the opposite side of campus at Loyola (Hall). 

My other friends can’t quite figure out why I’m still so close to my Georgetown friends. I’ve been brought back to the university through work with various boards and that’s helped me maintain those relationships. 

What are some of the institutional values of Georgetown that resonate with you?

They have changed over time, but the Jesuit value of women and men in service to others is largely why I chose the second career that I did. I think there was always this lingering feeling in the back of my mind that if I took very good care of myself in my first career, I could go back and do something for others. 

Father (Leo J.) O’Donovan, S.J., the former president, always encouraged that ethos. Georgetown’s value of inclusiveness has grown to be very important to me. 

How did your time at Georgetown guide your career?

I was involved with the student government as a class leader, and senior year I helped organize all of our senior year activities. I drove a GUTS bus, worked at the old Georgetown University shop, and had an internship at Riggs Bank.

I loved my first career in finance where I traveled the world. I have no regrets about it. But increasingly over time, I realized I needed to do something more fulfilling personally. I took a break, and then luckily found my way into the work I do now with KIPP. It’s been 17 years. 

The great thing is that it’s brought me back to Georgetown again. Every year I have former students at Georgetown, students who I’ve known since they were nine-year-olds. That’s so rewarding. 

I couldn’t be happier with who I am and what I do, and I don’t know if that would’ve been possible if I hadn’t gone to Georgetown.

In recognition of his achievements and service, Croncota received the John Carroll Award in Dublin, Ireland, on April 20, 2024. The John Carroll Award is named for Archbishop John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop in North America and founder of Georgetown University. Established in 1951, this award is conferred upon alumni whose achievements and record of service exemplify the ideals and traditions of Georgetown and its founder.