Phillip Modesti, who graduated in 1990, will deliver the commencement address at Castleton University’s 235th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 13, 2023.
Modesti currently serves as global vice president for Medical Education at Establishment Labs, a global, high-tech medical device and aesthetics company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets a product portfolio consisting of advanced silicone-filled breast and body-shaping implants.
In 2021, Modesti received Castleton University’s Outstanding Alumni Award, which recognizes alumni who have distinguished themselves through their professional accomplishments and displayed exemplary service to the University, community, and/or humanitarian efforts.
Modesti’s service to his country began in the Marine Corps Reserves while attending Castleton as a Communication student. After graduation, he was called to active duty and deployed with his unit to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield. During the ground war in Kuwait, he was a tank gunner on the M60A1 Main Battle Tank for B Company, 8th Tanks, 4th MARDIV (2nd MARDIV). They remained deployed from November 1990 to May 1991 and were the first tanks through the minefield for the 2nd Marine Division and the last Marine Corps tank unit to leave Kuwait. Modesti served a total of 10 honorable years and received the Navy Achievement Meda Combat’ V’, among other personal awards of recognition.
After finishing his military service and earning an advanced degree, Modesti began a career in medical sales and professional clinical education programs, leading teams for companies like Merck, Kyphon, Medtronic, and Siemens.
In 2021, Modesti established the first independently funded scholarship for United States veterans at Castleton University. The Phillip Modesti Scholarship is awarded annually to deserving Castleton student veterans who are serving in the reserves, guard, or have served in the United States military, with first preference given to those with verified combat service.
Modesti graduated from Castleton in 1990 with a B.S. in communications and holds an M.S. in Human Resource Development and Administration from Barry University. He lives in Oxford, Connecticut with his wife, Rochelle, and daughters Olivia and Alyssa.
