'Guitar for a Cure'

Photo provided

AU alumnus Peter Gusmano '91 recently released a CD entitled “A Flickering Light” in memory of his mother, Lillian, who died of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gherig’s disease, in 2005.

The CD is part of a project Gusmano created called Guitar for a Cure, which raises money for Project ALS, the largest fundraiser for ALS research. 100 percent of the profits from Gusmano’s CD go towards Project ALS's efforts to research the fast-striking and fatal degenerative disease.

"I knew at some point I wanted to create a project that could support my passion for guitar, yet give back in some way and educate people on the disease,” Gusmano wrote in an email to the Fiat Lux.

Gusmano graduated from AU with a major in communication studies and a minor in psychology. During his time here, he worked as the advertising manager for the Fiat Lux and was a disc jockey for WALF. He also belonged to several student bands.

Gusmano now works for GroupM Matrix, a WPP-owned communications company in New York City as the Managing Partner, U.S. Director of Client Services. He also performs with two cover bands in the New York City area.

Reviews from Digstation.com and other online music review sites have nothing but praise for Gusmano’s CD of instrumental guitar music, calling it “the perfect combination of power and delicacy,” and saying that “you can tell Peter (and friends) poured their heart and soul into this project and that is easy to hear in the music” (digstation.com).

Gusmano said he wants to share his personal experience, as well as his music, with the Alfred community.

"Alfred University was a very special place with very special people," Gusmano said. "I’m hoping that my journey of hope can be passed along to the students and faculty."

To read more about Peter Gusmano’s Guitar for a Cure project, listen to his music or purchase his CD by visiting http://www.guitarforacure.com/.