King’s conferred the degree on the legislator during its 50th Commencement Exercises in May 1999. Musto was honored for his outstanding service to his district and the Commonwealth and his record of personal achievement, according to the Rev. James Lackenmier, King’s president.

"I was taught at an early age to respect and value education," Musto said. "My parents instilled in us that the path to success of any kind in this world would have to include an education."

Senator Musto received his bachelor's degree in accounting in 1971 from King's, where he attended evening courses to earn his degree. He pointed out that in his family alone, five of six Musto brothers graduated from King’s. "Going to college meant going to King’s," he said.

Senator Musto is considered the senate's expert on environmental issues. As long-time Democratic chairman of the senate's Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, he has authored some of Pennsylvania's landmark legislation.

"Our natural resources are blessings temporarily entrusted to us," Musto said. "We should handle such a responsibility with care.

"I believe that reaching out to others is important in life. It’s a lesson King’s teaches well -- that we are all part of a larger community."

Senator's Musto's legislation includes the state's amendments to the federal Clean Air Act; a statewide hazardous material safety program; and a statewide environmental education program for school students.

In addition, he sponsored the amendment creating Pennsylvania's curbside recycling program, which is the largest in the country. This effort has garnered recognition throughout the United States.

Last year, Senator Musto was among those chosen to accept a national award for Pennsylvania's Land Recycling Program based upon his role in developing the legislation. The program was the winner of the prestigious Innovations in Government Award sponsored by the Ford Foundation and Harvard University as an example of an original and effective government effort.

A Pittston Twp. native, he is a son of the late Rose Frushon Musto and the late state representative, James Musto, a legislator who was long active in public life.

Musto was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in a special election to fill his late father's unexpired term in 1971 and was re-elected to four consecutive terms. On April 9, 1980, Musto won a special election for the 11th U.S. Congressional District.

In 1982, he was elected to the Senate of Pennsylvania to serve the 14th Senatorial District. He was re-elected in 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1998.

Senator Musto resides in Pittston Township with his wife, the former Frances Panzetta Musto. They are the parents of four children: James, Jenkins Township; Raphael Jr., Hughestown; Michael, Arlington, VA.; and Frances Ann, Hanover Township. The couple has seven grandchildren.

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