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Congratulates
Dr. Michael J. Sofia
Chief Scientific Officer, Arbutus Biopharma, Inc. For reCeiving the 2018
siF humanitarian award Presented by
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s THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION 30 ANNUAL NATIONAL EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP AWARDS GALA May 24, 2018 – Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center – National Harbor, MD th
Table of Contents A Proclamation from President Donald Trump. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Welcome from the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The 2018 SIF NELA Gala Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The 2018 SIF NELA Gala Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 SIF Honoree The DelGrosso Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 SIF Honoree Lawrence “Pete” Peduzzi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 SIF Honoree Dr. Michael J. Sofia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The 2018 Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship Sponsors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The 2018 National Leadership Grant Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Master of Ceremonies Joe Mantegna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Help Our Military Heroes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Featured Performer: Michael Amante . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 National Anthems: Maria Fassio Pignati. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Highlights from Past NELA Galas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The Sons of Italy Foundation: Making a Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 SIF Past Honorees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 The SIF Board and Committees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 OSDIA Past National Presidents and OSDIA Gold Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 The SIF Staff and Consultants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 The Commission for Social Justice® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 The 2018 NELA Sponsors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
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s Presidential Proclamation - Columbus Day, 2017 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A Proclamation
Five hundred and twenty-five years ago, Christopher Columbus completed an ambitious and daring voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas. The voyage was a remarkable and then-unparalleled feat that helped launch the age of exploration and discovery. The permanent arrival of Europeans to the Americas was a transformative event that undeniably and fundamentally changed the course of human history and set the stage for the development of our great Nation. Therefore, on Columbus Day, we honor the skilled navigator and man of faith, whose courageous feat brought together continents and has inspired countless others to pursue their dreams and convictions — even in the face of extreme doubt and tremendous adversity. More than five centuries after his initial voyage, we remember the “Admiral of the Ocean Sea” for building the critical first link in the strong and enduring bond between the United States and Europe. While Isabella I and Ferdinand II of Spain sponsored his historic voyage, Columbus was a native of the City of Genoa, in present day Italy, and represents the rich history of important Italian American contributions to our great Nation. There can be no doubt that American culture, business, and civic life would all be much less vibrant in the absence of the Italian American community. We also take this opportunity to reaffirm our close ties to Columbus’s country of birth, Italy. Italy is a strong ally and a valued partner in promoting peace and promoting prosperity around the world. In commemoration of Christopher Columbus’s historic voyage, the Congress, by joint resolution of April 30, 1934, and modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), as amended, has requested the President proclaim the second Monday of October of each year as “Columbus Day.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2017, as Columbus Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day in honor of our diverse history and all who have contributed to shaping this Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
DONALD J. TRUMP
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Welcome of
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Vera Ferrara Girolami, Chairman
Joseph J. DiTrapani, President
Welcome to the 30th Annual National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala. Tonight, we proudly honor two extraordinary Italian Americans as well as one Italian-American family: Lawrence “Pete” Peduzzi; Dr. Michael J. Sofia; and The DelGrosso Family. We are also proud to be hosting several veterans as our guests for tonight’s gala. In addition to these extraordinary honorees and courageous veterans, we celebrate the promising future of our Italian-American youth. This year’s Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) scholarship winners were selected for a combination of exemplary academic performance, school leadership, and community service. The SIF and its national scholarship program are proud to contribute to the future of such students as they pursue higher education that will lead them to many impressive accomplishments down the road. Finally, we come together on this night to recognize the Sons of Italy and its Foundation. To date, members have raised more than $165 million for charities and scholarships. This year, on Saint Patrick’s Day, the SIF presented a $25,000 donation to Help Our Military Heroes—the SIF’s fourth contribution in five years. The donation provided minivan grants for two disabled veterans. Tonight, we are fortunate to have those veterans in attendance and would like to recognize USNavy MCPO (ret) Austin Reese and USArmy COL (ret) Greg Gadson for their service and their sacrifice. This evening, we should feel proud of the SIF’s commitment to giving back as well as the many other ways in which our Filial Lodges and Grand Lodges have given to those in need on a local, national, and international level. It is an evening such as this that allows us to honor these collective efforts and helps raise funds so that the SIF may continue its mission.
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Menu H o rs
d ’O e u v r e s
Roasted Tomato Bruschetta with Burrata and Garlic Toast Local Crab Salad on Cucumber Duroc Pork Belly Lolli’s with Black Pepper-Maple Glaze Mozzarella and Tomato Caprese Antipasto Display Pasta Station
Salad Mediterranean Salad Romaine, Red Oak, and Feta Cucumber, Tomatoes, and Artichoke Basil Vinaigrette Rolls & Butter
E n tr é e Filet of Beef and Chesapeake Crab Cake Charred Corn Risotto Chef ’s Choice of Vegetable Grain Mustard
D e ss e rts Venetian Hour Variety of Miniature Confections Mocha Eclair Signature Gaylord S’mores French Macaroons Fresh Fruit Tart
C o f f e e | T e a | W h it e W i n e | R e d W i n e 4
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A n n u a l n a ti o n a l e d u c a ti o n & L e a d e r s h ip a w a r ds G ALA
t h u r sd a y , M a y 2 4 , 2 0 1 8 – G a y l o r d N a ti o n a l R e s o r t & C o n v e n ti o n C e n t e r N a ti o n a l H a r b o r , M a r y l a n d – 7 p. m . p r o g r a m st a r t
Program
“Fratelli d’Italia” Presentation of the Colors “The Star Spangled Banner”
Welcome
Maria Fassio Pignati Takoma Park (MD) Police Department Honor Guard Maria Fassio Pignati Joe Mantegna, Master of Ceremonies
2018 SIF National Scholarship Presentations (Introduction by Joseph Sciame, SIF Trustee)
Invocation
Rev. R. Adam Forno DINNER SERVED
Greetings
Joseph J. DiTrapani, President, Sons of Italy Foundation
2018 Humanitarian Award Dr. Michael J. Sofia Chief Scientific Officer, Arbutus Biopharma, Inc. 2018 Award for Excellence in Business Lawrence “Pete” Peduzzi President & Founder, Peduzzi Associates Ltd. Musical Interlude Michael Amante “Love Changes Everything” from Aspects of Love “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot 2018 National Education & Leadership Award The DelGrosso Family Owners & Founders, DelGrosso Foods Musical Interlude
Michael Amante “Armed Forces Medley”
Help Our Military Heroes
Van & Video Presentation
Finale: “God Bless America” `Maria Fassio Pignati Venetian Hour with music and dancing
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The DelGrosso Family O w n e rs & F o u n d e rs D e l G ro ss o F o o d s THE 2018 SIF NATIONAL EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP AWARD DelGrosso Foods is the oldest major family-owned producer of pasta sauce in America, tracing its roots to 1914 and the special recipe of Italian immigrant, Marianna Pulcino. From kitchen table to familyrun restaurants and eventually to grocery stores around the country, the DelGrosso family story is quintessentially American. Marianna’s daughter (Mafalda) and her husband (Ferdinand DelGrosso) began commercial production of the sauce in 1947 after the couple purchased an amusement park in Tipton, Pennsylvania. From the park kitchen, the family packed each case by hand and gained distribution one grocery store at a time. From those humble beginnings, DelGrosso Foods saw numerous operational expansions in the 1980s and 90s and diversified its business to become a contract manufacturer for grocery chain private label products and national food brands. This growth and longevity earned DelGrosso a national Small Business Administration award in 2000, presented to family members by President Bill Clinton. In 2006, the launch of La Famiglia DelGrosso ultra-premium pasta sauce line brought further recognition to the company and can now be found in most major grocers across the U.S. DelGrosso Family members have been guests on national and regional television shows and appear at top food festivals across the country to share their culinary heritage. The family continues operation of DelGrosso’s Park and their new, Italian-themed Laguna Splash water park. For decades, the DelGrosso family has remained committed to supporting their community throughout Pennsylvania and beyond, as well as to the Italian American community nationwide. La Famiglia DelGrosso has been a long-time supporter of the annual Sons of Italy Foundation gala, The National Italian American Foundation, and numerous Italian American organizations throughout the country. In 2015, in support of the powerful and widelyacclaimed PBS documentary film, The Italian Americans, the DelGrosso family stepped forward as the sole corporate sponsor, helping to bring the story of our shared Italian heritage to millions of homes nationwide. With tireless effort, commitment to excellence, and dedication to their family and community, DelGrosso Foods has solidified its reputation as America’s “First Family of Pasta Sauce.” Ferdinand DelGrosso’s family immigrated to America in the early 1900s from the Abruzzo towns of Lanciano and Ortona. Mafalda Pulcino’s parents immigrated to the U.S. in 1911 from the small mountain town of Ponte Corvo in Lazio.
“Our family has always stressed the need for dedication and hard work in order to succeed. In those early days and beyond, it was clear that the survival of the business depended on contributions from everyone. Work, food, and family all blended together into the fabric of everyday life. Regular family dinners were central, offering comfort, structure, and tradition, as well as occasions to discuss sports and current events and to exchange strong opinions about the business. We bonded, debated, and celebrated repeatedly, and that tradition continues today.” 6
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Lawrence “Pete” Peduzzi P r e si d e n t & F o u n d e r P e d u z z i A ss o ci at e s L t d . THE 2018 SIF EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AWARD Lawrence “Pete” Peduzzi founded Peduzzi Associates Ltd. as an Aerospace Business Development firm in 1995. Since that time the company charter has grown to include Defense Business Development, Government Relations, and Government Services and has offices in Alabama, Florida, and Maryland in addition to its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. Previously he served for over five years with a government relations firm where he was instrumental in the development and growth of the firm, as well as in formulating successful corporate strategies leading to new business on behalf of a broad range of aerospace clients. Mr. Peduzzi is an aviation and operations specialist with over five decades of military and civilian experience. His broad and diversified background in operations, management, plans, programs, research and development, and acquisition provides for in-depth capabilities. Robust defense and related industry contacts facilitate his comprehensive understanding of aerospace and C4ISR business areas. As an executive with the Federal Aviation Administration, Mr. Peduzzi developed and managed the program to transfer tiltrotor technology to civilian applications. He personally formulated the government/industry cooperative guidelines for the National Civil Tiltrotor Initiative and organized and conducted several national forums. He has been recognized for his contributions to the vertical flight industry, both nationally and internationally. Accordingly, Mr. Peduzzi has established close working relationships with major U.S. aircraft, engine, avionics, and related component manufacturers. Previously, he led the $250 million annual Army Reserve Aviation Program, applying his far-ranging knowledge of the acquisition process on behalf of the U.S. Army National Guard and Reserve. As a flight instructor and pilot, with over 3,000 flying hours, Mr. Peduzzi has comprehensive hands-on knowledge of both military and civilian aviation. He maintains technical expertise through active participation in such professional associations as the Society of Automotive Engineers, the National Research Council, the American Helicopter Society, Helicopter Association International, the Army Aviation Association of America, the Association of the United States Army, the Marine Corps Aviation Association, the Naval Helicopter Association, the National Guard Association of the United States, and the National Defense Industrial Association. Mr. Peduzzi earned an M.S. in Management and Public Administration from Webster College in St. Louis, Missouri, and a B.S. in Business Administration from Troy State University in Alabama. During his 23-year military career, he also completed several aviation, management, and command and staff professional development courses. His overseas tours include service in Vietnam and Korea.
“My grandmother, Lucia DeDeana, was born in Venice, in the Veneto Region. My grandfather, Peter Peduzzi, was born in Turin, Italy, in the Piedmont Region. They both immigrated to the United States in the early 1900’s, and they met in Jeanette, Pennsylvania. I am fortunate to be born of Italian heritage. I grew up surrounded by family gatherings mostly around Sunday dinners at home or at a relative’s home. I am grateful for my Italian Heritage, our food, culture, tradition, and values of hard work, honesty, Faith, Family, and Patriotism.” 7
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Dr. Michael J. Sofia C h i e f S ci e n ti f ic O f f ic e r A r bu t u s B i o p h a rm a , I n c . The 2018 SIF Humanitarian Award Dr. Michael J. Sofia is Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Arbutus Biopharma, Inc. a company dedicated to the discovery and development of therapies to treat and cure hepatitis B. He also holds a professorship at the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute and an Adjunct Professorship at the Drexel University School of Medicine. Dr. Sofia has spent his career in search of therapies to treat and cure debilitating diseases. He has been Sr. Vice President of Discovery Chemistry at Gilead Sciences and Pharmasset Inc. and has held research leadership positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb, Transcell Technologies, and Eli Lilly. His discovery of the drug Sofosbuvir has led to the cure of millions of individuals suffering from hepatitis C (HCV) worldwide. Dr. Sofia grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. He did his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and received his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign. He then went on to study at Columbia University as an NIH Postdoctoral Fellow. Dr. Sofia is a Trustee of the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and a Board member of the Baruch Blumberg Institute – Hepatitis B Foundation. Dr. Sofia has introduced numerous drugs into clinical development, has published extensively in the area of drug discovery, and holds numerous patents in the field. His work has been recognized with a number of awards, including the 2015 Economist Magazine Innovation Award, the ACS Heroes of Chemistry Award, and the 2016 Lasker-Debakey Award in Clinical Medical Research. In 2017 he was inducted into the American Chemical Society Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame. His maternal grandmother (Nella Gonnella Dell’Uomo) was raised in Barga, Italy, and his maternal grandfather (Maurizio Dell’Uomo) was raised in Alatri, Italy. Both came to the United States in the early part of the 1900s. They settled in the Little Italy section of Baltimore, where his mother (Giovanna Dell’Uomo Sofia) was raised. His paternal grandfather (Giovanni Sofia) and grandmother (Carmela Pipito Sofia) were born and lived in Castroreale/Bafia, Sicily, and came to the United States in the early 1900s. His father (Michele Sofia) was born in the Little Italy section of Baltimore, but his family returned to Sicily when he was an infant, and he did not return to the United States until he was 18.
“My Italian-American heritage has been an important influence in making me the person that I am. The Italian immigrant work ethic, the will to persevere in the face of adversity, the value of honesty, and the love of family are all traits that were handed down to me by both my Italian parents and my maternal grandparents, with whom I spent a great deal of time. I came from a family of very modest means and my parents had limited education, but they made sure that their children understood how important it was to get an education. It was a message that my siblings and I embraced. Like many first-generation Italian-Americans, my parents saw higher education as a way for their children to do better than they had been able to do.”
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The 2018 SIF N ational Leadership Grant Donors T h e S o n s o f I ta ly F o u n dati o n D e e p ly T h a n k s SIF P e rp e t u a l S c h o l a rs h ip D o n o rs
the
Giulia Besozzi Scholarship
Giovanni & Emilia Glessi Memorial Scholarship
Boncore Family Scholarship
George L. Graziadio/SIF Scholarship
Cappellotti Family Scholarship
Polo Family Scholarship
Carlone Family Scholarship
Frank D. Privitera Scholarship
Lou Carnesecca Scholarship
Henry F. Salvatori Memorial Scholarship
Esposito Family Scholarship
Pietro Secchia Memorial Scholarship
The Charles Evans Scholarship
George J. Spatuzza Memorial Scholarship
Simone & Bruno Giuffrida Memorial Scholarshipp
Angelo Tomasso Sr. Scholarship
T h e SIF
t h a n k s t h e d o n o rs o f t h is y e a r ’ s a d d iti o na l sc h o l a rs h ips :
The National Italian American Bar Association & Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship The American University in Rome & Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship The Anthony J. & Eldora B. Perfilio Scholarship for Italian Language The Philip R. Boncore, Esq. and Paul S. Polo, Sr. Scholarship and
The Grand Lodge of New York
THE CHARLES EVANS SCHOLARSHIP For the ninth year, the Sons of Italy Foundation® (SIF) is proud to award The Charles Evans Scholarship, a perpetual scholarship funded by an endowment from the Charles Evans Foundation. A successful businessman, U.S. veteran, and philanthropist, Charles Evans co-founded the fashion house Evan-Picone and was Executive Producer of the Academy Award-winning film, “Tootsie.” Mr. Evans crusaded for causes close to his heart, namely fire detection safety and Alzheimer’s disease research, and served as National Director of the Alzheimer’s Association. The SIF is grateful to the Charles Evans Foundation and Linda Munson Rothkopf for having made this perpetual scholarship possible.
Charles Evans (1926-2007)
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T h e 2018 SIF N ati o na l L e a d e rs h ip G r a n t R e cipi e n ts TAYLOR BENINATI The American University of Rome/Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship
Hometown: Harwood Heights, IL School: The American University of Rome – Rome, Italy • Works two jobs to support herself and fund her college education • Received second place in the entire Midwest sponsored by the Italian Consulate in Downtown Chicago for promoting Italian as more than just a language • Named Student of the Month her Junior year of high school for helping organize and participating in a fundraiser that raised over $600 for breast cancer
WILLIAM CONTI The Joseph LaBanca Memorial Scholarship
Hometown: Newburgh, NY School: Northeastern University – Boston, MA • Graduated Valedictorian of his high school class • Worked for five years as a busboy in the same restaurant as his Father, Grandfather, and Great Uncle did several decades ago after they emigrated from Italy to the United States • Headed a student-group project to create a local holiday toy drive to benefit local children in need
DANIEL DE CECCO The National Italian American Bar Association & Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship
Hometown: Green River, WY School: Pepperdine University School of Law – Malibu, CA • Led campaign to pass Wyoming’s first state human trafficking law in 2013 by coordinating between legislators and local and national organizations • Served as an intern with International Justice Mission in Bolivia, working with lawyers, investigators, and community organizations on initiatives to protect children from sexual violence • Selected as having the best submission in the Pepperdine Law Review Write-on Competition, which was published in the law review’s 2017 annual volume
ELLIOT P. KELLY The Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship
Hometown: Bethesda, MD School: Duke University – Durham, NC • Gained his Italian dual-citizenship last year and published an article in Italian America magazine based on a study he conducted about the reasons high school students study the Italian language • Lettered in three sports (football, swimming, and volleyball) and served as Captain of the football and swim teams • Served as Student Government Vice President, a liaison to all county-wide government institutions, feeder schools, and Maryland Association of Student Councils
ANTHONY M. CAROPOLO The Henry F. Salvatori Memorial Scholarship
Hometown: Wilmington, NC School: Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta, GA • Earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13 • Worked as a student researcher at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics • Worked as a House and Senate Page in the North Carolina General Assembly
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s CORINNE M. DOTTORI The Pietro Secchia Memorial Scholarship
Hometown: Crozet, VA School: Tulane University – New Orleans, LA • Nominated and chosen to attend The American Legion Auxiliary Virginia Girls State (a nonpartisan program that gives young women the opportunity to learn firsthand how their state and local governments work) in summer 2017 • Founded “Warrior’s Wardrobe,” a donation-based clothing drive in which students/faculty members donate dresses and dress shirts for students in need of prom attire • Nominated and chosen to attend The American Legion Auxiliary Virginia Girls State (a nonpartisan program that gives young women the opportunity to learn firsthand how their state and local governments work) in summer 2017
JULIANNA GATTO The Anthony J. & Eldora B. Perfilio Scholarship for Italian Language
Hometown: Rochester, NY School: Nazareth College – Rochester, NY • Studied abroad in Pescara, Italy, during the summer of 2017, where she was the first Nazareth College student to conduct formal observation hours in the Physical Therapy Clinic at the Università degli Studi “Gabriele D’Annunzio” di Chieti - Pescara • Will serve as Camp Coordinator for the Italian Language and Culture Camp held at Nazareth College and will also serve as a Student Orientation Coordinator for the Nazareth College New Student Orientation (Fall 2017-2018) • Inducted into the Gamma Kappa Alpha Italian Honors Society, National Society for Leadership and Success, Phi Kappa Phi (Academics), Phi Eta Sigma (Academics), Sigma Phi Omega (Gerontology), and Pi Gamma Mu (Social Science)
SHAE GALLI The Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Memorial Scholarship
Hometown: Encinitas, CA School: University of California, San Diego – La Jolla, CA • Will graduate Valedictorian of her senior class • Placed in the top 5.6% of nationally ranked female students in the American Mathematics Competition • Three-year internship at Scintillon Institute for Biomedical Research studying EAAT2 in various neurological diseases using lab procedures such as Western blotting and immunocytochemistry
MIA DE MARCO The Philip R. Boncore, Esq. and Paul S. Polo, Sr. Scholarship
Hometown: Schenectady, NY School: University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, NC • Spent a week last spring interacting with impoverished communities in the Dominican Republic in order to observe how doctors operated with limited resources in clinics in those areas • Volunteers as a certified therapy dog handler at schools, nursing homes, and other educational events in her community with her dog named Budders • Helped educate the public about the importance of blood platelet donation and organized events to encourage students and other community members to donate at the UNC Blood Donation Center
JOSEPH DURKIN The Charles Evans Scholarship
Hometown: Haverhill, MA School: Northeastern University – Boston, MA • Will graduate Salutatorian of his senior class • Achieved a perfect score of 36 on his ACT • Named an AP Scholar with Honor his junior year for his performance on four AP exams, and took ten AP exams his senior year
MATTHEW PALMADESSA The 2018 National Education & Leadership Award
Hometown: Manhasset, NY School: Cornell University – Ithaca, NY • Recognized as a Siemens Semifinalist for his science research project on enhancing the solar distillation of brackish water titled: “The Use of Nanofluids to Improve the Performance of a Parabolic Concentrator Tubular Still Coupled with a Pyramidal Solar Still” • Named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist for academic achievement and performance on the PSAT and SAT • Earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement available in the Boy Scouts of America; this included designing and leading a service project which completely refurbished the firepit area of the Science Museum of Long Island, as well as allowed the site to double as an outdoor classroom for instruction
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Joe Mantegna Master of Ceremonies
A Tony and Emmy award-winning American actor, producer, writer, and director, Joe Mantegna has more than 40 years of performance experience, earning him a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. He is best known for roles in box-office hits such as David Mamet’s highly acclaimed House of Games, as well as Forget Paris, and CARS 2. He currently stars in the CBS television series Criminal Minds. As father of an autistic daughter, Mr. Mantegna has spent many years helping autistic children and families through ACT for Military Families, Easter Seals, and Autism Speaks. He has received numerous awards for his work with various veterans’ and military organizations and the USO. In 2012, he was named the National Spokesperson for the campaign to build the United States Army Museum in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. This year marks his 16th consecutive year as host of the National Memorial Day Concert and the SIF NELA Gala.
“Improving
Help Our Military Heroes
the lives of our wounded military heroes through mobility and independence”
Help Our Military Heroes (HOMH) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing fully equipped, adaptive minivans to our country’s most severely wounded, injured, and ill service men and women who sustained their injuries while on active duty since the start of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. HOMH works with each individual to provide a minivan with modifications specific to his or her needs. It was co-founded in 2009 by Laurie (née Serricchio) and Ted Hollander and Marybeth Vandergrift. Since then, they have awarded nearly 100 adaptive minivans to deserving veterans. This year, on St. Patrick’s Day, the Sons of Italy Foundation presented a donation of $25,873 to HOMH. This year’s donation marks the fourth time in five years that the Sons of Italy Foundation has donated at least $20,000 to HOMH. The donation provided minivan grants for two veterans: USNavy MCPO (ret) Austin Reese and USArmy COL (ret) Greg Gadson.
USNavy MCPO (ret) Austin Reese and his daughters with (L. to R.) Eleanor Panessa, SIF Trustee Emeritus Frank J. Panessa, Laurie Hollander, Austin’s wife and USNavy veteran Charity Reese, and Ted Hollander. 12
USArmy COL (ret) Greg Gadson with (L. to R.) Ted Hollander, Eleanor Panessa, SIF Trustee Emeritus Frank J. Panessa, and Laurie Hollander. (Photos Courtesy of Ben Crosbie, Eidolon Films)
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Michael Amante Featured Performer
The Sons of Italy Foundation is pleased to welcome tenor Michael Amante in what is his 11 performance at the annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala. th
Mr. Amante is affectionately known as “the Prince of High C’s” for his ability to hit and hold one of the highest notes of a tenor’s voice. Apart from his high C’s, his repertoire showcases his vocal versatility. It includes pieces from The Phantom of the Opera; Puccini’s La Boheme; rock and gospel songs; and classic Neapolitan ballads. A classically trained opera performer, Mr. Amante has had leading roles in Madama Butterfly, La Traviata, and La Boheme. He has also performed in staged versions of Grease, West Side Story, and Jesus Christ, Superstar. Michael Amante’s singing has drawn praise from the late great tenors Luciano Pavarotti and Franco Corelli as well as Tony Bennett, President Bill Clinton, and Regis Philbin. He has appeared on national and international television, receiving an Emmy nomination. The New York Times writes, “The swashbuckling Italian tenor exhibits both the voice and the charisma of a crossover star.”
Maria Fassio Pignati Featured Performer
Performing the American and Italian national anthems for us this evening is soprano Maria Fassio Pignati of San Francisco. She earned a B.A. in Music with a minor in Italian prior to studying voice and piano at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Ms. Fassio Pignati is a well-known soprano soloist who performs in various venues and is a member of the “Trio Amore” opera ensemble, which has recorded a collection of classic Italian love songs entitled La Vita Bella. She has also performed the National Anthem for the San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics, and Golden State Warriors. Active in the Italian-American community for more than forty years, Ms. Fassio Pignati is a past state president of the Sons and Daughters of Italy’s Grand Lodge of California, which consists of fifty-one lodges in California, southern Oregon, and western Nevada. She also serves on the boards of several organizations, including the San Francisco Columbus Day Celebration, Italian Community Services, and is a co-opted member of COM.IT.ES San Francisco, representing the Sons and Daughters of Italy. For her long-standing service to the Bay Area’s Italian community, Maria Fassio Pignati was recently made a Commander of the Italian Republic with the title “Commendatore dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia.” Maria has been performing at the NELA Gala since 2010.
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NELA Highlights
Honorees &Special Guests
SIF Trustee Joseph Cicippio (right) and his wife Elham with SIF President Joseph DiTrapani (middle), Matthew McCarville (left), and Karen McCarville
AIDS & Cancer Researcher Dr. Robert Gallo Accepts the 2002 NELA Award
The SIF proudly hosts many veterans at the 2017 NELA
NIAID (NIH) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci accepts the Special Recognition Award for Science and Medicine at the 2015 NELA
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Five women trailblazers at the 2007 NELA
President George W. Bush addresses the 2004 NELA
(L. to R.) Madeleine Albright, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Geraldine Ferraro, Nancy Pelosi and Mary Landrieu
(L. to R.) SIF President Joseph J. DiTrapani, FIAT/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, and OSDIA National Past President Vincent Sarno at the 2013 NELA
Susquehanna University #2933 Past Lodge President GiosuĂŠ Bochicchio (right) with professional boxer Daniel Jacobs at the 2017 NELA 15
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The 2017 NELA scholarship winners
Singer Vic Damone performs with baseball’s Tommy LaSorda at the 2000 NELA
(L. to R.) Justice Samuel Alito, Secretary Leon Panetta, and now-retired OSDIA Executive Director Philip Piccigallo at the 2014 NELA
U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia talks with scholarship recipient Candice Aitken at the 1991 NELA
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Music Producer Quincy Jones introduces Honoree President Bill Clinton at the 2010 NELA
(L. to R.) New York State Representative Susan Molinari, Glen Funicello, OSDIA National Past President Joanne Strollo, Annette Funicello, and OSDIA National Past President Peter Zuzolo at the 1993 NELA
Nearly 500 guests attended last year’s NELA, held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.
Tony Bennett performs at the 2003 NELA
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The Sons
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s The Sons of Italy Foundation
Making a Difference The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) is the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA). Established in 1959, the SIF has given nearly $165 million to scholarships, philanthropy, medical research, cultural projects, disaster relief efforts, veterans’ causes and other special projects.
SCHOLARSHIPS, EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES & SUPPORT
Every year, the SIF and OSDIA lodges give scholarships to promising ItalianAmerican students. Since 1959, the SIF has given nearly $65 million in scholarships at the local, state and national levels.
MEDICAL RESEARCH The SIF supports research to help national charities find cures for the most devastating diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and Cooley’s anemia. Photo Courtesy of Jeremy Hiebert
DISASTER RELIEF The SIF donates generously to disaster relief in the U.S. and abroad. With the help of State Grand Lodges, Local Filial Lodges, and individual donors, the SIF raised more than $200,000 to aid relief efforts for the Central Italy earthquake that struck in August 2016. This year, the SIF will be choosing a specific project for these funds, in the same way it did to build a center for autistic children after the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake. Photo Courtesy of Leggi il Firenzepost
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s CULTURAL PRESERVATION & IMMIGRATION HISTORY The SIF’s Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is a center of Italian culture on Staten Island, NY. The SIF also contributes to preserving Italian immigrant documents at the Immigration History Research Center in Minnesota and now has partnered with Ancestry.com to broaden its impact. Find the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum on Facebook @GaribaldiMeucciMuseum!
HONORING AND ASSISTING THOSE WHO PROTECT AND SERVE The SIF helped fund the creation of the World War II Memorial and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. In recent years, the SIF has given tens of thousands of dollars to various groups that support veterans’ causes, including the Wounded Warrior Project, the Gary Sinise Foundation, Help Our Military Heroes, and Luke’s Wing’s, among others. Photo Courtesy of Mark Fischer
SPECIAL PROJECTS The SIF supports the establishment and restoration of U.S. monuments, including the Statue of Liberty, the World War II Memorial, and National 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City.
Photo Courtesy of Amy Dreher
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Contribution Highlights 1959 Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) established as the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, the nation’s oldest and biggest organization for people of Italian heritage. 1964 $25,000 for flood victims in Belluno, Italy 1966 $200,000 for flood victims in Florence and Venice 1967 Designates March of Dimes as one of its official charities and donates more than $14 million over the next two decades 1968 $127,000 for earthquake victims in Sicily 1974 Names Cooley’s Anemia Foundation as an official charity. To date, donated nearly $3 million. 1976 $217,000 for earthquake victims in Friuli, Italy 1981 $3 million in funds plus medicine and clothing to victims of the 1980 Irpinia earthquake in southern Italy 1985 Contributes to restoration of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty 1987 $30,000 to earthquake victims in Mexico 1989 Holds first National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) event in Washington, DC 1990 $50,000 to establish the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC 1993 Names the Alzheimer’s Association one of its official charities and donates $1 million over the next 10 years. 1998 $50,000 to Barbara Sinatra Hospital for Abused Children 2003 $66,000 to establish an Advanced Placement program in Italian; Gave additional $50,000 in 2010 to re-instate the program. 2004 $100,000 to establish a World War II memorial in Washington, DC 2005 $15,000 to the Tsunami Emergency Relieve effort in Asia 2006 $35,000 for Hurricane Katrina Relief 2007 $100,000 to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in NYC 2007 $100,000 to Coaches vs. Cancer 2008 $100,000 over past four years to the Rienzi Foundation to cure deafness through cochlear implants 2009 Collects an estimated $300,000 in relief funds to aid victims of the L’Aquila earthquake in the Abruzzi region 2010 The Charles Evans Foundation, formed by Evan-Picone fashion house co-founder Charles Evans, selects the SIF to receive a quarter-million-dollar endowment to establish the perpetual Charles Evans Scholarship. 2010 $100,000 to build the World Trade Center Museum & Memorial in New York City 2010 $10,000 scholarship to Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta 2011 $235,000 to help rebuild the Fondazione Il Cireneo Onlus per L’Autismo, a center for autistic children, destroyed by the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake. 2011 Pledges a second $1 million contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association 2013 $25,000 to Super Storm Sandy Relief; $15,000 to the Gary Sinise Foundation; and $50,000 since 2008 to the Columbus Citizens Foundation 2014 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes 2015 SIF/OSIA gives more than $300,000 to Alzheimer’s Association; Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc.; and Cooley’s Anemia Foundation. 2016 $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes; $10,000 to the Gary Sinise Foundation; $10,000 to K9 Partners for Patriots, Inc. 2016 $200,000 to relief efforts for the Central Italy earthquake in the Umbria, Lazio, Abruzzo, and Marche regions 2017 Raised disaster relief funds for those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Irma; $20,000 to Help Our Military Heroes 2018 $25,000 to Help Our Military Heroes 20
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The SIFAward Recipients 1989-2017 The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) Awards are given annually at the SIF’s NELA Gala held every May in Washington, D.C. 2017
The Hon. Jessica Garfola Wright
2014
Rear Admiral Margaret DeLuca “Peg” Klein
Former Director, CIA Former White House Chief of Staff National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Anthony J. Cancelosi
U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd
Major General (Ret.) Award for Courage and Patriotism
U.S. Navy (Retired) National Education & Leadership Award
President & CEO, Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind Humanitarian Award 2016
The Hon. Leon Panetta Former U.S. Secretary of Defense
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Motion Picture Association of America Former United States Senator (CT) Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service
Joseph M. Mattone, Sr.
Harry Lombardo
Mary Ann Pessolano Mattone, RN/MPH
Lt. Gen. Flora D. Darpino
Chairman & CEO, The Mattone Group National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) Philanthropist & Community Leader National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Dr. Condoleezza Rice
66th Secretary of State Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service
Nicholas E. Calio
President & CEO, Airlines for America Award for Excellence in Business
Paul Rinaldi
President, National Air Traffic Controllers Association Humanitarian Award 2015
Gen. Raymond T. Odierno
Chief of Staff, United States Army National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Terry O’Sullivan
General President, Laborers’ International Union of North America Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service
Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.
Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH Special Recognition Award for Science & Medicine
International President, Transport Workers Union Humanitarian Award 39th Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Army Special Award for Military Justice 2013
Robert F. Corrao
Chairman & CEO, Ski TV Network National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Sergio Marchionne
Chairman & CEO, Chrysler Group LLC, CEO, FIAT S.p.A Award for Excellence in Global Business
Gen. Colin L. Powell (USA Ret.)
65th U.S. Secretary of State & 12th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service
Gary Sinise
Actor, Activist, & Founder, the Gary Sinise Foundation Award for Courage & Patriotism 2012
Hillary Rodham Clinton
U.S. Secretary of State Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service
Alfred Grasso
Armand Sabitoni
Geno Auriemma
Claudio Bozzo
President & CEO, The MITRE Corporation Humanitarian Award Head Coach, University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball Special Award for Excellence in Sports Leadership
General Secretary, Laborers International Union of North America Humanitarian Award President, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Inc. Award for Excellence in Business
Gen. Peter Pace, U.S. Marine Corps. (Ret.) 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Award for Courage & Patriotism
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2007
Founder & Proprietor, Casa Piena Vineyard Former Owner & CEO, San Francisco 49ers National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Executive VP, IBM National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Carmen Policy
Jack Reed
U.S. Senator from Rhode Island Veteran, U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service
Pier F. Guarguaglini
Chairman & CEO, Finmeccanica SpA Award for Excellence in Global Business
Steven Nardizzi, Esq.
Executive Director, Wounded Warrior Project Special Award for Courage & Patriotism 2010
Lewis C. Merletti
Former Director, United States Secret Service National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
President Bill Clinton
Founder, William J. Clinton Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service
Capt. Anthony Odierno (U.S. Army, Ret.) Manager, Stadium Operations, NY Yankees Special Award for Courage & Patriotism 2009
Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
Vice President of the United States Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service
Arthur J. Gajarsa
Federal Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals Lifetime Achievement Award in Jurisprudence
Robert A. Scardelletti
International President, Transportation Communications Union/IAM Humanitarian Award
Mary Ann Esposito
Host/Creator, “Ciao Italia” PBS TV Lifetime Achievement Award in the Culinary Arts 2008
Joseph Plumeri
Chairman & CEO, Willis Group National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Steve Wynn
Chairman & CEO, Wynn Resorts Award for Global Vision & Philanthropy
Michael Petruzzello
Founder & Managing Partner, Qorvis Communications Award Excellence in Business
Nicholas Donofrio Geraldine Ferraro
Former Congresswoman from New York Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service
Frank Giordano
President, Union League of Philadelphia Humanitarian Award
The Rienzi Foundation
Making A Difference Award 2006
Michael Rienzi
President & Founder, Rienzi & Sons National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Franco Nuschese
President, Georgetown Entertainment Group, LLC Excellence in Business
Robert E. Juliano
Chairman, Robert E. Juliano Associates Humanitarian Award 2005
Dana Gioia
Chairman, National Endowment For the Arts National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Joseph Battipaglia
CIO, Ryan Beck & Co. Business Award
Karen Ignagni
President & CEO, America’s Health Insurance Plans Lifetime Achievement in Management
Joseph G. Procacci
CEO, Procacci Brothers Sales Corp. OSIA Centennial Award 2004
Joseph Grano
Chairman, UBS Financial Services National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Silvio Berlusconi
Prime Minister of Italy International Leadership Award
John De Gioia
President, Georgetown University Excellence in Academia Award
Frances Visco
President, National Breast Cancer Coalition Humanitarian Award
Alfred Rotondaro, PhD
Sr. Fellow, Center for American Progress Humanitarian Award 22
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Charles Gargano
Chairman, Empire State Development Corp. National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Frank Sinatra
Legendary Entertainer, Producer & Philanthropist Humanitarian Award
Andy Granatelli
1997
Richard L. Trumka
Chairman, Universal Forest Products, Inc. & Former U.S. Ambassador to Italy National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Automotive designer, driver & engineer Lifetime Achievement Award Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO Humanitarian Award 2002
Robert Gallo, M.D.
AIDS & Cancer researcher National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Martin J. Maddaloni
General President, United Association Humanitarian Award
Joe Mantegna
Actor Excellence in Media Award 2001
John F. Mariani
Chairman, Banfi Vintners National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Robert A. Georgine
Chairman, President & CEO, ULLICO, Inc. Humanitarian Award
Regis Philbin
Television Host Lifetime Achievement Award 2000
Mario Andretti
Racing Legend & Business Entrepreneur National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Connie Stevens
Actress & Businesswoman Humanitarian Award 1999
Andrew A. Giancamilli
Former President & General Merchandise Manager, Kmart Corporation National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Tony Bennett
Legendary Entertainer Humanitarian Award 1998
Phil Guarascio
Former Vice President & General Manager of North American Marketing & Advertising, General Motors Corporation National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) 23
Peter F. Secchi
Tommy Lasorda
Vice President/Former Manager, LA Dodgers Humanitarian Award 1996
Joe Paterno
Head Football Coach, Pennsylvania State University National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Alfred A. Checchi
Former Co-Chairman, Northwest Airlines Corporation National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) 1995
Joseph E. Antonini
President, JEA Enterprises, Inc. National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) 1994
The Honorable Louis J. Freeh
Senior Vice Chairman of Administrative & Legal Affairs, MBNA America, Inc. National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) 1993
Annette Funicello
Entertainer National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) 1992
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci
Director, the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases at the NIH National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) 1991
The Honorable Antonin Scalia
U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) 1990
The Honorable Silvio O. Conte
U.S. Congressman from Massachusetts National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) 1989
Lou Carnesecca
St. John’s University Head Basketball Coach (Ret.) National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) The Sons
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Board and Committees BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Resource Persons
Vera Ferrara Girolami Chairman Joseph J. DiTrapani President
Brian Andzik John J. Costa Robert M. Ferrito Antonio Sestito
Nancy Di Fiore Quinn Vice President
2018 SIF SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEE
Philip J. Privitera, Esq. Recording Secretary
Michele Ment, Chair Robert Amante Catena Spiritosantoe
Tony Bisceglia Anderson Financial Secretary Thom A. Lupo Treasurer President Emeritus Paul S. Polo Trustees
Philip R. Boncore, Esq. Joseph Cicippio Dr. Mark S. DeNunzio Salvatore Lanzilotta Carlo Matteucci Anthony Panaggio, Jr. Maria Fassio Pignati Marianne Principe-O’Neil Dominic Pucci Joseph Sciame Joanne L. Strollo
2018 SIF SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION CONSULTANTS
Mark Lindenmeyer Loyola University, Maryland Gene Logan American University, Washington, D.C. Lucio D’Andrea President Emeritus, The Abruzzo & Molise Heritage Society, Washington, D.C. Edvige D’Andrea The Abruzzo & Molise Heritage Society, Washington, D.C. Paul Finizio President, National Italian American Bar Association Cristina Salamone National Italian American Bar Association Scholarship Committee, Chair
Trustee Emeritus Angelo R. Bianchi, Esq. Valentino Ciullo Frank J. Panessa Vincent Sarno
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(as of May 7, 2018) Patricia Russo Frank Sammartano Cristina Santoro Louis Santoro Maria Sanvenero Richard Sanvenero Vincent Sarno (C) Joseph Sciame Antonio Sestito Marieanne Sestito Catena M. Spiritosanto Joanne L. Strollo (C) Sadie Koehler Tamburine Dan Titi Joe Traina Steven Trent Joseph A. Vallone Amelia Jean Varni Nella Bianca Varni Kurt W. Weis, Jr. Keith Wilson Thomas Zaccaria Vincent Anthony Zaccaria, Sr. Paul Zanobelli
Thom A. Lupo (C) Ernest Magliato Joseph Marino Marie Marsalli Louis Marzullo Michele Ment William (Bill) Murphy Dominic Muscella Arlene M. Nunziati (C) Arline Panaggio Frank J. Panessa (C) Anthony J. Perfilio (C) Eldora B. Perfilio (C) Maria Fassio Pignati (C) Charles Pisano Paul S. Polo (C) Michael G. Polo (C) Marianne Principe-O’Neil (C) Francis D. Privitera Dr. Thomas S. Pruse (C) Dominic Pucci (C) Nancy A. Di Fiore Quinn (C) Walter “Sonny” Robak Dominic A. Rossi
Gregory D. DeCola Gregory J. DeCola Richard R. Della Croce Dr. Mark S. DeNunzio (C) Joseph DiTrapani (C) Robert Ferrito Carmelina Ferrito Lorraine Fitzgerald Rev. R. Adam Forno (C) Verne Foss (C) Karen Gallo Frank Gattuso Bob Giannuzzi Hon. Al Girolami (C) Vera Girolami (C) Thomas Herrera Biagio Isgro (C) Eleanor Jobbagy Elia R. Kress Annette Lankewish Salvatore Lanzilotta Lynn Lawrence-Murphy (C) Tom LiPuma Frank LoCicero III
Tony J. Bisceglia Anderson (C) Victor Baldi John C. Barbo Pete Barletto Anthony Beshara Ronnie Beyersdorf Rosetta Beyersdorf Robert A. Bianchi, Esq. (C) Gregory A. Bianchini Mary Bianchini Joseph A. Boncore, Esq. John J. Burzichelli Nick Burzichelli Ken Carani John Carochi Anthony Cianciotta Carolyn Cianciotta Frances A. Cipriotti (C) Sos Codispoti Peter Comer Susan Comer Anthony Corbo Frank J. De Santis (C)
I ta ly
“C” denotes Charter Member
If you are interested in becoming a Gold Member, please call (202) 547-2900 or email noffice@osia.org
O r d e r S o n s & D au g h t e rs
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National Past Presidents(living)
Peter R. Zuzolo 1991 – 1993
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Joanne L. Strollo 1993 – 1995
Paul S. Polo, Sr. Frank J. DeSantis 1995 – 1997
Joseph Sciame Vincent Sarno 2003 – 2005
2005 – 2007
1997 – 1999
Philip R. Boncore 1999 – 2001
Joseph J. DiTrapani Daniel J. Longo 2009 – 2013
2015 – 2017
The Sons
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Staff &Consultants NATIONAL OFFICE STAFF
CONSULTANTS
Miles Ryan Fisher Editor-in-Chief, Italian America Magazine Editor, NELA Gala Journal
Dan Ashwell Printing Solutions, Inc. Printing
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center Catering
Emily Heinrich Administrative Assistant
Doc. Events Event Planners
David Keith Photography Photography
Adam Jacobs Bookkeeper
Erik Duran Duran Floral Design, LLC Flowers
Diane Vincent Graphic Design
Carly Jerome Director, Operations and Programming Katie Vivian Project Coordinator
Eidolon Films Video Production
The Sons of Italy Foundation’s National Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
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The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America® Founded in 1905
The Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) is the oldest and largest national organization for men and women of Italian heritage in the United States. Established to help the early Italian immigrants, today OSDIA is the nation’s leading Italian-American service and advocacy organization. It has a network of thousands of family members in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and has lodges extending across the country and into Canada. Its programs and benefits include: • ITALIAN AMERICA® MAGAZINE The most widely read magazine in the U.S. for people of Italian heritage, Italian America is distributed quarterly to members and includes feature stories, profiles, recipes, book reviews, stories written in Italian, and much more. • TRAVEL BUREAU Members receive affordable and exclusive tours to Italy and beyond. • THE GARIBALDI-MEUCCI MUSEUM Once the home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and a refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the man who unified Italy, the museum now promotes Italian-American heritage through cultural, artistic, and educational programs and classes. • ARCHIVES OSDIA supports historical records on our Order and on Italian immigration history through a grant to the University of Minnesota as well as a partnership with Ancestry.com • THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF ITALY BOOK CLUB OSDIA promotes the work of its published members through The Sons and Daughters of Italy Book Club on www.osia.org
The Sons of Italy Commission for Social Justice® Founded in 1979
The CSJ’s mission is to fight the stereotyping of Italian Americans by the entertainment, advertising, and news industries. It collaborates with other groups to ensure that people of all races, religions, and cultures are treated fairly. • The CSJ monitors the entertainment, advertising, and news industries; contacts offending parties by letter and/or telephone; and encourages other Italian-American organizations, e-mail networks, and concerned individuals to take action as well. • Through its Positive Image Program, the CSJ regularly informs the media and general public about Italian-American achievements, contributions, history, and culture. • As part of its Positive Image Program, the CSJ conducts research and produces studies, teaching tools, pamphlets, exhibits, and other materials on the achievements and contributions of Italian Americans. Help promote the CSJ’s mission and its fight to protect and preserve Columbus Day as a Federal, State, and Local Holiday throughout the country. Make a contribution today! Commission for Social Justice 219 E Street NE Washington, DC 20010 Or call the National Office at (202) 547-2900 27
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OSDIA Members benefit from a 10% Discount on all our services since 2002!
Do you ever imagine your Italian Ancestors?
Bring that vision to life with our research services
Do you qualify for Italian Dual Citizenship?
Apply through us today
Call us today to get started! For more information, visit www.myitalianfamily.com, or call 1-888-472-0171 28
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2018 NELA Gala Sponsors Platinum
Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil – colavita.com facebook.com/colavitaoliveoil
OSIA New York Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc. - NYSOSIA.ORG
The Charles Evans Foundation Scholarship Presented by Linda Munson Rothkopf
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s Gold Dr. Michael J. Sofia Columbus Citizens Foundation Technical Specialties, Inc. (TSpec) The DelGrosso Family Companies
Silver American Maritime Officers Service Arbutus Biopharma, Inc. International Brotherhood of Teamsters Laborers’ International Union of North America My Italian Family, The No. 1 Source for your Family Roots and Italian Dual Citizenship Support – mytalianfamily.com NYS OSIA Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc. – Marianne Principe-O’Neil – “Gift of Sight” Paul S. Polo, Sr., President Emeritus of OSDIA Peduzzi Associates, LTD Privitera Family Charitable Foundation Seafarers International Union – Michael Sacco, President – seafarers.org The Litzinger Family and Packaging Services Transportation Communications Union/IAM – Robert A. Scardelletti, National President – TCUnion.org
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s Bronze Dr. Mark S. DeNunzio, SIF Trustee Gary Dean Grand Lodge of California Grand Lodge of IL/WI, Marie Marsalli, President & Richard R. Della Croce, national 5th Vice President Grand Lodge of Maryland Grand Lodge of Massachusetts Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, OSIA Charitable and Educational Trust – Benefit Insurance Commission www.osiama.org Grand Lodge of New Jersey Harry S. Melikian, Chairman – The Melikian Group International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers – www.bacweb.org Joseph and Carol DiTrapani and Family La Valle Foods USA Los Gatos Tomato Products Michael G. Polo, National 4th Vice President of OSDIA Naden/Lean, LLC, Jeff Drake, CPA OSDIA National Past Presidents: Philip R. Boncore, Esq.; Frank J. DeSantis; Joseph J. DiTrapani; Daniel J. Longo; Paul S. Polo, Sr.; Vincent Sarno; Joseph Sciame; Joanne L. Strollo; Peter R. Zuzolo Sovena USA, Inc. The Morning Star Packaging Co. – www.morningstarco.com University of the Sciences
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s Sponsor Brooksway, Inc. Grand Lodge of Nebraska Inserra Supermarkets, Inc. International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees John Michael Marino Lodge Nicholas M. Donofrio OSDIA National President Vera Ferrara Girolami & OSDIA National Vice Presidents: Nancy Di Fiore Quinn; Robert A. Bianchi, Esq.; Joseph A. Boncore, Esq.; Michael G. Polo The United Mine Workers of America – umwa.org Ward Trucking
Military Sponsor Thank you to the following individuals and organizations that have sponsored active members of the armed service, veterans, and wounded warriors at this year’s NELA Gala:
Annapolis Lodge #2225 Fort Dearborn Company Grand Lodge of California Grand Lodge of Delaware Grand Lodge of New Jersey Grand Lodge of Northwest Michael G. Polo, National 4th Vice President of OSDIA NYS OSIA Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc. – Marianne Principe-O’Neil – “Gift of Sight” Paul S. Polo, Sr., President Emeritus of OSDIA Lawrence “Pete” Peduzzi The Allison Family 32
The Sons
of
I ta ly F o u n dati o n
s
Advising companies doing business with the Department of Defense and the United States Government since 1995
www.PeduzziAssociates.com
33
The Sons
of
I ta ly F o u n dati o n
s
34
The Sons
of
I ta ly F o u n dati o n
Congratulations & Sincere Best Wishes New York State Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc. Order Sons of Italy in America
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Robert M. Ferrito Foundation President Joseph DiTrapani John Fratta Biagio Isgro Salvatore Lanzilotta Thomas Lupo Carlo Matteucci John Maura Michele Cangiano Ment Anthony Naccarato Nancy DiFiore Quinn Carolyn Reres Joseph Rondinelli Joseph Sciame James Spatafora Arthur Spera Luigi Squillante Robert Vaccarello Keith Wilson Michael A. Santo, Esq., General Counsel
2101 Bellmore Avenue • Bellmore, New York 11710-5605 1 (800) 322-OSIA (6742) • Fax: (516) 221-OSIA (6742) www.nysosia.org
Columbus Citizens Foundation is Proud to Support The Sons of Italy Foundation’s 30th National Education & Leadership Awards Gala Congratulations to Honorees: National Education & Leadership Award The DelGrosso Family Owners & Founders, DelGrosso Foods
Excellence in Business Award Lawrence Peduzzi
President & Founder, Peduzzi Associates Ltd.
Humanitarian Award Dr. Michael J. Sofia
Chief Sicentific Officer, Arbutus Biopharma, Inc.
Columbus Citizens Foundation
Officers Marian U. Pardo President Michael F. Pedone Vice President Anthony F. Giordano Secretary Christopher Loiacono Treasurer
Board of Governors Angelo Vivolo Chairman of the Board Michael Arena Frank G. Fusaro Lawrence E. Auriana Hon. Frank J. Guarini Maria S. Bartiromo Joseph Gurrera Janice Galli Becker Phyllis Perillo Matthew Classi David A. Pope John M. Desiderio Jason DeSena Trennert Geri Di Costanzo Aldo Verrelli
LIUNA IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE
SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION AND THE
30TH ANNUAL NATIONAL EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP AWARDS GALA
Congratulations
TO THE AWARD HONOREES
LABORERS’ INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA TERRY O’SULLIVAN General President
ARMAND E. SABITONI General Secretary-Treasurer
The Grand Lodge of California, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, and Home of our National President Vera Ferrara Girolami, Congratulates The Sons of Italy Foundation on its 30th Annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala and Congratulates 2018 NELA Recipients
The DelGrosso Family ~National Education & Leadership Award Lawrence “Pete” Peduzzi ~Excellence in Business Award Dr. Michael J. Sofia ~ Humanitarian Award JOHN COSTA ~ STATE PRESIDENT State 1st Vice President ARLENE M. NUNZIATI
State 2nd Vice President SADIE TAMBURINE
State 3rd Vice President BARBARA WISNIEWSKI
State Imm. Past President CAROLYN LAWRENCE-MURPHY
State Orator MARK VAONA
State Recording Secretary LORI ROSSI
State Financial Secretary GABE DOMENICI
State Treasurer AL TRENTINI
State Trustees ~ North State Trustees ~ Central State Trustees ~ South RAY BINI PAULINE RICHMOND, HEAD STATE TRUSTEE CARMINE BAFFO WILLIAM MURPHY LOUISE SILACCI MANNY FINAZZO National President National Past President VERA FERRARA GIROLAMI COMM. FRANK J. DE SANTIS National Trustee CAROLYN LAWRENCE-MURPHY
Sons of Italy Foundation Trustee COMM. MARIA FASSIO PIGNATI
Alzheimer’s Committee ARLENE M. NUNZIATI, CHAIR
Douhet-Mitchell Air Power Award COMM. JOSEPH SIMILE SR., CO-CHAIR
THE GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS & WISCONSIN EXTENDS SINCERE ‘CONGRATULATIONS’ to THE DELGROSSO FAMILY LAWRENCE PEDUZZI DR. MICHAEL J. SOFIA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS and THE 30TH ANNUAL NATIONAL EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP AWARDS GALA COMMITTEE
BEST WISHES TO VERA GIROLAMI, NATIONAL PRESIDENT JOSEPH DITRAPANI, FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
MARIE MARSALLI GRAND LODGE PRESIDENT
RICHARD R. DELLA CROCE NATIONAL 5TH VICE PRESIDENT
Congratulations 2018 NELA Honorees & 2018 SIF Scholarship Winners
GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS Executive Council Antonio Sestito, State President Denise Furnari, State First Vice President Rodolfo Viscomi, State Second Vice President Carmelita Bello, State Immediate Past President Marissa Sestito, State Orator Margaret Olivieri, State Recording Secretary Marisa Ranalli, State Financial Secretary John Argiro, State Treasurer
State Trustees Kathleen Cammarata ~ Justin DiNicola ~ Maria Stella Fiore Pio Frittitta ~ Michele Goss ~ Loreto Pellegrini Vincent Perri ~ Carol Rossi ~ Shuani Turner
State Past Presidents Charles H. Perenick ~ Philip R. Boncore Esq. ~ Joseph A. Russo Kevin A. Caira ~ Florence Ferullo Kane ~ James DiStefano
CHARITABLE & EDUCATIONAL TRUST Angelo Rossi, Chairman Antonio Sestito, State President Denise Furnari, State First Vice President Carmelita Bello ~ David Goss ~ Florence Ferullo Kane
BENEFIT INSURANCE COMMISSION Brian McNamara, President Marjorie Cahn, Treasurer Richard Vitali, Secretary
Commissioners Paula Sasso ~ Ross Zagami
OSIA Grand Lodge of New Jersey Congratulates The 30th National Educational & Leadership Award Recipients Best Wishes & Continued Success 2018 Scholarship Winners Dominick J. Burzichelli State President Stephen Camiscioli State 1st Vice President Diane Santoro State 2nd Vice President Anthony Cipriano State 3rd Vice President
The IBEW® joins the Sons of Italy Foundation in congratulating The DelGrosso Family Lawrence “Pete” Peduzzi Dr. Michael J. Sofia
Lonnie R. Stephenson International President Kenneth W. Cooper International Secretary-Treasurer www.ibew.org
LA VALLE FOODS USA
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
DELGROSSO FAMILY FOR THE VERY SPECIAL HONOR RECEIVING THE
NATIONAL EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP AWARD WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT YOU AND THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION!
235 Murray Hill Parkway East Rutherford, NJ USA
La Valle Tomatoes
Considered the best by Chefs around the World
T: 201-939-0005 F: 201-438-0005
www.lavalleus.com
Congratulations
30
2018 HONOREES
YEARS
PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION Contact: Jeff Drake, CPA (T) 410-453-4500 ; (E) jdrake@nlgoup.com
10626 YORK RD, ST. H HUNT VALLEY MD 21030 WWW.NLGROUP.COM
congratulates
Michael J. Sofia, PhD recipient of the Sons of Italy Foundation’s Humanitarian Award.
We are proud to have Dr. Sofia as a member of the Board of Trustees at USciences. Dr. Sofia’s contributions leading to the discovery and development of therapies for the treatment of viral hepatitis have changed countless lives.
University of the Sciences • 600 South 43rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 • 215.596.8800 • usciences.edu
#ProvenEverywhere
Your Family Owned and Operated Neighbor Supermarket Proudly Caring and Serving Our Communities for Over 60 Years
THE UNION BEHIND ENTERTAINMENT ®
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE HONOREES! International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada
MATTHEW D. LOEB
JAMES B. WOOD
International President
General Secretary-Treasurer
VICE PRESIDENTS
MICHAEL BARNES
DAMIAN PETTI
JOHN FORD
PHIL S. LOCICERO
JAMES J. CLAFFEY, JR.
First Vice President
Third Vice President
Sixth Vice President
Ninth Vice President
Twelfth Vice President
THOM DAVIS
MICHAEL F. MILLER, JR.
JOHN M. LEWIS
C. FAYE HARPER
JOANNE M. SANDERS
Second Vice President
Fourth Vice President
Seventh Vice President
Tenth Vice President
Thirteenth Vice President
DANIEL DI TOLLA
CRAIG CARLSON
COLLEEN GLYNN
Fifth Vice President
Eighth Vice President
Eleventh Vice President
I N T E R N AT I O N A L T R U ST E E S
PATRICIA WHITE
CARLOS COTA
ANDREW OYAAS
C LC D E L E G AT E
SIOBHAN VIPOND
207 W. 25th St., 4th Fl. • New York, NY 10001 • www.iatse.net
is pleased to be a sponsor of
Congratulations to the 2018 Award Recipients National Education & Leadership The DelGrosso Family, Owners and Founders of DelGrosso Foods
Excellence in Business Lawrence “Pete� Peduzzi, President and Founder, Peduzzi Associates, Ltd. Humanitarian Dr. Michael J. Sofia, Chief Scientific Officer, Arbutus Biopharma, Inc. Cecil E. Roberts, International President Levi Allen, International Secretary-Treasurer