Antonio Arena – 2025 District I Award Recipient
When sirens wail through Natick, Massachusetts, there’s always been an Arena responding. For four generations, the family name has been synonymous with public service — but Antonio Arena Lafayette ’22 is breaking new ground as the first Arena to pursue his calling through law.
Antonio’s path to health law began during the COVID-19 pandemic. He organized and led peers to develop inventory management systems for Natick’s Board of Health, helping staff quickly distribute PPE and vaccines to elderly and immunocompromised residents — experience that showed him how systematic solutions can significantly impact public health. But it was during his congressional internship with Senator Edward Markey, where one constituent’s call changed everything: a father whose daughter died in his arms due to the Steward Health Care crisis — a tragedy caused not by emergency response failure, but by systemic corporate healthcare management problems.
“While first responders save lives in moments of crisis, legal safeguards can prevent countless tragedies before they occur,” Antonio said, setting his sights on Boston University School of Law with a specialization in health law.
Antonio’s leadership experience extends from his community and career aspirations to his chapter. As Penn Theta’s chapter president, Antonio reinforced his understanding of addressing root causes rather than symptoms. Facing declining academic performance and engagement, he created systems to uplift the brotherhood through personal example and accountability structures.
“I believe that I am honor bound to strengthen my character and deepen my integrity,” Antonio reflects. “I’ve learned that integrity is consistency in alignment between my values as a person and the actions I take as a leader.”
The Arena family tradition of running toward emergencies continues through Antonio’s commitment to preventing healthcare crises through legal advocacy — serving others by addressing systemic problems before they become tragedies.
In 2025, Brother Arena was awarded the Phi Psi Foundation’s District I Award, recognizing students from District I who demonstrate academic achievement, character, and commitment to their studies.