NELA Gala Journal 2012 by ordersonsofitaly

The Sons of Italy Foundation

A True Italian www.colavita.com facebook.com/colavitaoliveoil b

The Sons of Italy Foundation

The Sons of Italy Foundation 24th Annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala May 23, 2012 – The National Building Museum – Washington, D.C.

Table of Contents A Salute to Italy from President Barack Obama. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Greetings from President George W. Bush & Laura Bush. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Greetings from Speaker of the House John Boehner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Welcome from the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 “Leading with a Heart & a Mission” By Philip R. Piccigallo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The 2012 SIF NELA Gala Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The 2012 SIF NELA Gala Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 SIF Honoree Hillary Rodham Clinton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 SIF Honoree Armand E. Sabitoni. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 SIF Honoree Claudio Bozzo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 SIF Honoree Gen. Peter Pace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Wounded Warrior Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 A Legacy of Heroism: Italian American MOH Recipients. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The 2012 National Leadership Grant Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 The Charles Evans Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The 2012 SIF Scholarship Donors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 The SIF Acknowledges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 The Sons of Italy Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Special Guest Presenter Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Special Guest Presenter Capt. Anthony Odierno. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 The 2012 SIF Gala Master of Ceremonies Joe Mantegna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 SIF National Executive Director & CEO Philip R. Piccigallo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Featured Performer: Michael Amante. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Featured Performer: Maria Fassio Pignati . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Highlights from Past NELAs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 SIF Past Honorees (2011-1989). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 The SIF Board and Committees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 The SIF Staff and Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 The Order Sons of Italy in America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 The Sons of Italy Commission for Social Justice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 A Special Thanks: Votto Vines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 The 2012 NELA Sponsors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 OSIA & Social Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 A Special Gift. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Your Passport To Italy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 1

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COLUMBUS DAY, 2011 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION On October 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus and his crewmembers sighted land after an ambitious voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. The ideals that guided them to this land -- courage, determination, and a thirst for discovery -- have inspired countless Americans and led to some of our Nation’s proudest accomplishments. Today, we renew our commitment to fostering the same spirit of innovation and exploration that will help future generations reach new horizons. Ten weeks before his arrival in the Americas, Columbus and his crewmembers set sail from Spain in search of a westward route to Asia. Though their journey was daring, it did not yield the trade route they sought. Instead, it illuminated a continent then unknown to Europe, and established an unbreakable bond between two distant lands. These explorers, and countless others that followed them, encountered indigenous peoples that had lived in the Western hemisphere for tens of thousands of years. On this day, we also remember the tragic hardships these communities endured. We honor their countless and ongoing contributions to our Nation, and we recommit to strengthening the tribal communities that continue to enrich the fabric of American life. Columbus returned to the Americas three more times after his first historic voyage, and his journey has been followed by millions of immigrants, including our Nation›s earliest settlers and Founders. Born in Genoa, Italy, Christopher Columbus was the first in a proud tradition of Italians to cross the Atlantic to our shores. Today, we recognize their indelible influence on our country and celebrate the remarkable ways Italian-Americans have shaped the American experience. The excitement Christopher Columbus and his crewmembers experienced that October morning is felt every day by today›s pioneers: entrepreneurs and inventors, researchers and engineers. On the anniversary of Christopher Columbus›s voyage, we celebrate the pursuit of discovery as an essential element of the American character. Embracing this heritage and inspiring young people to set their own sails, our Nation will reach the shores of an ever brighter tomorrow. In commemoration of Christopher Columbus›s historic voyage 519 years ago, 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, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 10, 2011, 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 seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

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Welcome From The Sons

of Italy

Foundation Leadership

Joseph DiTrapani, Chairman

Vincent Sarno, President

Tonight marks the 24th anniversary of the Sons of Italy Foundation’s prestigious National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala. It began in 1989 to salute the achievements of outstanding Italian Americans. Tonight we will meet three more people of Italian heritage whom we are proud to add to our list of NELA honorees. They are: General Peter Pace, the first Italian American and the first Marine to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2005-07), the principal military advisor to the President and the Secretary of Defense. Claudio Bozzo, who has had a meteoric career in the Mediterranean Shipping Company, the largest steamship line in the U.S., where he began as a clerk in 1994 and is now president. Armand Sabitoni was a construction laborer when he joined the Laborers’ International Union of North America in 1969. He studied law at night and today is General Secretary-Treasurer, the second-highest post in this union of over 550,000 workers. Our fourth honoree this evening is Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the first woman to receive the Sons of Italy Foundation’s award for public service, given to people who are not of Italian heritage. Tonight we also applaud the achievements of ten young scholarship winners, chosen for their scholarship, leadership and community service. The NELA Gala helps the Sons of Italy raise funds for philanthropy, scholarships, disaster relief and cultural preservation – more than $120 million to date. We are honored to have you here tonight to join us in saluting these present and future leaders and we thank you for supporting the Sons of Italy Foundation and its worthy causes.

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THE SONS OF ITALY AND ITS FOUNDATION: LEADING WITH A HEART AND A MISSION By Phi li p R. Pic c iga l l o, P h. D. Na tional Execu ti v e Di recto r, T h e O rd er So n s o f It a l y in Ame r ica & National Ex ecu ti v e Di recto r & C EO, T h e So n s o f It a l y Fo u n d a t io n In 2005, I was fortunate enough to be seated next to former U.S. President Bill Clinton at the Rienzi Foundation for Cochlear Implant Research Gala where he was being honored. In pre-dinner conversation, I asked him “So, is there life after the presidency?” Without hesitation he emphatically responded, “Yes, Phil, but only if you look for it.” To be sure, President Clinton has “found” a vibrant meaning to his life after public service. In his acceptance speech that night at the Rienzi gala, he expounded on the ‘new’ frontier for those seeking to make a difference: the world of NGOs, or non-governmental organizations, that he said were similar to the Rienzi Foundation and the Sons of Italy Foundation. I immediately recognized that President Clinton was onto something. He had identified an entire spectrum of existing and soon-to-be-created organizations, all

SIF CEO Philip Piccigallo with President Bill Clinton at a recent meeting of the Clinton Foundation in New York City.

dedicated to improving the conditions of humanity and the world we live in, that are independent of government, public finances, or politics. Theirs is a world where committed and devoted professionals, who choose not to run for elected office or serve in governmental agencies, could contribute and, however modestly, “make a difference.” During our conversation, President Clinton did not reveal his apparent grand plan, but soon thereafter the Clinton Global Initiative emerged with the aim of marshalling the collaborative efforts of countless NGOs in a synergistic effort to do good. Like many other institutions, the Sons of Italy Foundation and its parent organization, the Order Sons of Italy in America, have been deeply immersed in such uplifting philanthropic activities for many decades. Over the years, OSIA/SIF has: • assisted earthquake, hurricane and flood victims throughout the United States as well as in Italy, Mexico, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean; • helped eradicate or ameliorate widespread birth defects by donating nearly $13 million to the March of Dimes; • contributed to extending the longevity and quality of life of thousands of young people born with Cooley’s Anemia; • supported the Alzheimer’s Association’s efforts to conduct vital exploration to cure this dread disease by contributing nearly $2 million of research-exclusive contributions; • supported efforts to enhance the quality of life for people with Lupus, Autism, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease, and Cancer. President Clinton and the members of OSIA/SIF didn’t invent the notion of doing good. But we are certainly doing our part. 6

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T he So ns Of Italy Fo u ndat io n 2 4 t h An n u a l N EL A Ga l a May 23, 2012 ~ National Building Museum ~ Washington, D.C. ~ 7 p . m . P rogram B egins

Program

Presentation of the Colors D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Ceremonial Honor Guard “Fratelli d’Italia” Maria Fassio Pignati “The Star Spangled Banner” President, Grand Lodge of California, Order Sons of Italy in America

Welcome Joe Mantegna Master of Ceremonies 2012 SIF National Scholarship Presentations

Invocation Rev. Adam Forno National Chaplain, Order Sons of Italy in America Dinner Served

Greetings Joseph J. DiTrapani National President, Order Sons of Italy in America Chairman, Sons of Italy Foundation 2012 Excellence in Business Award Claudio Bozzo President, Mediterranean Shipping Company

Presented by: Simone Bemporad CEO, Finmeccanica North America

2012 Humanitarian Award Armand E. Sabitoni General Secretary-Treasurer, Laborers’ International Union of North America

Presented by: Robert A. Scardelletti National President, Transportation-Communications Union 2009 SIF Humanitarian Award Recipient

Musical Interlude Michael Amante, Tenor

2012 Lifetime Achievement Award The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton for Public Service U.S. Secretary of State

2012 Special Award General Peter Pace, USMC (Retired) for Courage & Patriotism 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Presented by: Captain Anthony K. Odierno, US Army (Retired) Secretary, Board of Directors, Wounded Warrior Project 2010 SIF Special Award for Courage & Patriotism Recipient Admiral Ed Giambastiani, USN (Retired) 7th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff rand Finale: Salute to the United Michael Amante, Tenor G States Armed Forces 7

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T he So ns Of Italy Fo u ndat io n 2 4 t h An n u a l N EL A Ga l a May 23, 2012 ~ National Building Museum ~ Washington, D.C.

Menu Ho rs d ’Oe u v r e s Heirloom Grape Tomatoes and Shaved Parmesan Bruschetta Lamb Medallion on Rye Crouton, Minted Apple Chutney Chipotle Roasted Shrimp, Pico de Gallo Brunoise on Polenta Crouton Boursin Stuffed Date, Spicy Candied Pecan

Sa l a d Garden Greens with Goat Cheese, Almonds and Sun-dried Cherries with a Cabernet dressing Sweet Potato Bread with Butter

En t r ée Roasted Tenderloin of Beef with sweet onion risotto, asparagus and baby carrots

Thi s Ev eni ng ’s Fea t u r ed Win e s Leone D’Oro Gavi DOCG 2010 Leone D’Oro Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG 2010 Nuschese Pinot Grigio 2010

De s s e r t Lemon Cheesecake with raspberry coulis

Fresh Roa s t e d C o f f e e

Gluten/Vegan Entrée Available upon Request The wines served this evening were provided by Franco Nuschese and by Votto Vines. The Votto Vines selections bear the “Figli d’Italia” label, which is the Sons of Italy’s for-profit corporation. The line is available nationally in local wine retail shops and restaurants. Orders may be placed online through www.osia.org.

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HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON Uni ted States Se c r et a r y o f St a t e THE 2012 SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION SPECIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE

• Born in Chicago; graduated from Wellesley College and Yale Law School. • Moved to Arkansas and, following her marriage to Bill Clinton, practiced law and taught at the University of Arkansas School of Law. • During her 12 years as First Lady of Arkansas, she chaired the Arkansas Education Standards Committee; co-founded the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families; and served on the boards of the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and the Children’s Defense Fund. • In 1992, as First Lady following her husband’s election as U.S. president, she championed health care reform; worked on child and family issues, including bipartisan efforts to improve the adoption and foster care systems, reduce teen pregnancy, and provide health care to millions of children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program. • She also represented the U.S. in travels to more than 80 countries. In a 1995 speech in China, her declaration that “human rights are women’s rights, and women’s rights are human rights” helped galvanize a global movement for women’s rights. • In 2000, became the first First Lady ever elected to the United States Senate, and New York State’s first woman senator. • In 2006, won reelection to the Senate, and in 2007 began her historic campaign for the U.S. presidency. • In January, 2009, was sworn in as the 67th U.S. Secretary of State. • Has authored best-selling books, including her memoir, “Living History,” and her groundbreaking book on child-raising, “It Takes a Village.”

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ARMAND E. SABITONI General Secretar y -Treasu rer & New En g l a n d Re g io n a l Ma n a g er L ab o rers ’ Inter nati o n a l Un io n o f No r t h Amer ica THE 2012 SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION HUMANITARIAN AWARD

• Born in Providence, RI where he worked as a construction laborer while earning an undergraduate degree from the University of Rhode Island and a law degree from the New England School of Law. • He joined Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 271 in 1969 and has held various offices within the Local and the Rhode Island Laborers’ District Council. • In 2001 he was elected to the office of General SecretaryTreasurer of LIUNA, the second highest position in the International Union representing over 550,000 members. • Also serves as LIUNA’s New England Regional Manager, representing over 60,000 members in the six New England states and most of New York State. • Honored for his commitment to workers’ health and safety by the Institute for Labor Studies and Research; the International Workers’ Compensation Foundation; the National Labor Institute; and the New York Arthritis Foundation. • A crowning achievement was his founding of the New England Laborers’/Cranston Public Schools Construction & Career Academy. • Mr. Sabitoni also serves as: Chairman of the Laborers’ National Health and Welfare Fund; the Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America; the Laborers’ Employers Cooperation and Education Trust Fund; the New England Laborers’ Tri-Fund’s; Trustee of the LIUNA Training and Education Fund; the Service Contract Education Training Trust Fund; the Laborers’ 401K Plan; the Laborers’ National (Industrial) Pension Fund; Laborers’ Staff & Affiliates Pension Fund; and Treasurer of the Laborers’ Political League

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CLAUDIO BOZZO Presi dent, Medi terranea n Sh ip p in g C o mp a n y, In c. THE 2012 SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS

• Born and educated in Genoa. Fluent in Italian, English, French and Spanish. • Joined Reale Mutua Assicurazioni in 1989, becoming office manager a year later when the agency was designated the most productive in Italy. • In 1994, was hired by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in New York City as a clerk. After 11 years, managing most departments, he became president in 2005. • MSC (USA) is the second largest steamship line in the world and the largest in the U.S. It employs 1,200 people and specializes in transporting containerized cargo. It is also one of the fastest growing cruise companies in the world. • Appointed a Knight of the Italian Republic in 2004. • In 2009, was elected president of the Italian American Chamber of Commerce of New York and subsequently president of all Italian Chambers of Commerce in the North American Free Trade Agreement area. • In 2011, became one of the youngest leaders ever inducted in the U.N. International Maritime Hall of Fame. • In 2012, was elected vice president of the European American Chamber of Commerce. • Author of the books, “A Steady Hand at the Helm” and “The Four Silent Killers of a Corporation.”

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GENERAL PETER PACE, U.S. MARINE CORPS

(Ret.)

16 t h Chai rman o f th e Jo in t C h ie f s o f St a f f THE 2012 SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION AWARD FOR COURAGE & PATRIOTISM

• Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Teaneck, NJ, the third of four children, whose father was an Italian immigrant. • Graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1967 and later, the National War College. • Holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from George Washington University in Washington, DC • Served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 40 years, holding command at every level, beginning as a Rifle Platoon Leader in Vietnam. • Is the first Marine to serve as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the principal military advisor to the President and the Secretary of Defense. [2005-2007] • Also the first Marine to serve as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff [2001-2005] • Currently serving on the Board of Directors of several corporations involved in management consulting, private equity, and IT security. • Is a Distinguished Visiting Research Scholar at Fordham University, and an Adjunct Faculty member of Georgetown University. • Active in charities that support the troops and their families, among them board chairman of Wall Street Warfighters Foundation; board member of the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation and the USO World Board of Governors, and, with his wife, Lynne, serves on the advisory board for Our Military Kids. • In 2008, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor a President

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The Wounded Warrior Project “ The g reatest casu a l t y is b e in g f o r g o t t en ”

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is to honor and empower injured members of the U.S. military. Its purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely wounded service members, to help them aid and assist each other, and to provide them with necessary programs and services. The Wounded Warrior Project was founded in 2003 by former Marine and wounded veteran, John Melia, his family and friends, including a past SIF honoree, Steven Nardizzi, who now directs the organization. Its signature program, delivering backpacks containing personal supplies to the bedside of wounded warriors, began during this time. The backpacks include essential care and comfort items such as clothing, toiletries and playing cards. Battlefield casualties arrive in hospitals with none of these items since they haven’t the opportunity to pack a bag. Waking up in Walter Reed Army Medical Center after his injury, our 2010 SIF honoree, Tony Odierno, found a WWP backpack by his bedside. “It reminded me that someone cared,” he says. The gift prompted him to become active in the organization where he now serves on the board. To date, the WWP has raised more than $41.6 million in contributions that provide services and programs for wounded warriors and their families. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

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Italian American Recipients of the Medal of Honor Compiled by the Sons of Italy Commission for Social Justice

A Legacy of Heroism

The Medal of Honor is the highest military award for bravery in the U.S. It is conferred for “individual gallantry at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty.” The Army, Air Force, and Navy each has its own distinctive Medal of Honor. To date, only five military have received the U.S.

The act of braveryCongressional must be supported the testimony of at leastthe two Medal by of Honor for heroism during eyewitnesses and recommendations must be made within defined time limits. War in Afghanistan. Italian Americans earned two of them: Army Sgt. Salvatore Giunta, the first living MOH

The Medal of Honor is presented by the President of the United States “in the recipient since Vietnam. name of the Congress of the United States.” For this reason it is sometimes called the U. S. Congressional Medal ofThe Honor. other recipient received his medal

Army Sgt. Salvatore posthumously. He was Sergeant First Class Jared It is generally Giunta receiving the Medalawarded for a deed of personal bravery or self-sacrifice only while Monti,ofwho in combat June 21, trying The Congressional theHonor person inPresident the Armed Forces thedied United States, on fighting an 2006, enemy of the United of from Medal of Honor to rescue a wounded soldier in his company. It was his States, in but can He be was given to a military person serving with friendly foreign forces engaged Obama 2010. the living MOH recipiinfirst an armed conflict against an opposing armed force which the old. United States is not a second tour in Afghanistan. Hein was 31 years ent since Vietnam. belligerent party. SSgt’s. Monti and Giunta bring to a total of 25 Italian have received the Americans Medal of Honor, To date, the Sons Americans of Italy haswho identified 25 Italian who have earned the Medal of Honor, beginning with Maj. di Cesnola in thediCivil War. beginning with the Luigi UnionPalma officer, Col. Luigi Palma Current research expectsCesnola that number to increase. in the Civil War.

ITALIAN AMERICAN MEDAL OF of HONOR RECIPIENTS Italian American Medal Honor Recipients NAME

HOME TOWN

Venice, Italy Albanese, Lewis Buffalo, NY Basilone, John Decatur, IL Bertoldo, Vito R. New Ulm, MN Bianchi, Willibald C. Capodanno, Vincent R. Staten Island, NY Brooklyn, NY Casamento, Anthony Royston, England Cavainani, Jon R. San Francisco, CA Cheli, Ralph Waynesburg, OH Cicchetti, Joseph J. Hibbing, NM Colalillo, Michael Watervliet, NY Dalessondro, Peter J. Damato, Anthony Peter Shenandoah, PA Saugus, MA DeFranzo, Arthur F. DiCesnola, Luigi Palma Rivarola, Italy Sharon, CT Fratellenico, Frank R. Clinton, IA Giunta, Salvatore Lexington, VA Martini, Gary W. Merli, Gino J. Scranton, PA Monti, Jared Abington, MA Petrarca, Frank J. Cleveland, OH Rocco, Louis R. Albuquerque, NM Valente, Michael Cassino, Italy Versace, Humbert Alexandria, VA Bayside, CA Viale, Robert M. Beverly, MA Vittori, Joseph

SERVICE

US Army US Marines US Army US Army US Marines US Marines US Army US Army US Army US Army US Army US Marines US Army US Army US Army US Army US Marines US Army US Army US Army US Army US Army US Army US Army US Marines

RANK

COMBAT

Private First Class Sergeant Master Sergeant First Lieutenant Lieutenant Corporal Staff Sergeant Major Private First Class Private First Class Technical Sergeant Corporal Staff Sergeant Colonel Corporal Staff Sergeant Private First Class Private First Class Sergeant First Class Private First Class Warrant Officer Private Captain Second Lieutenant Corporal

Vietnam War World War II World War II World War II Vietnam War World War II Vietnam War World War II World War II World War II World War II World War II World War II Civil War Vietnam War War in Afghanistan Vietnam War World War II War in Afghanistan World War II Vietnam War World War I Vietnam War World War II Korean War

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The 2012 SIF National Leadership Grant Recipients NICHOLAS BRUNO - The National Italian Bar Association/Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship Hometown: Richmond, TX Schools: University of Texas School of Law-Austin, TX; Undergraduate Degree from Thomas Edison State College-Trenton, NJ • Graduated with degrees in Economics and Political Science from Thomas Edison State College • Scored in the top 1% of LSAT test takers • Interned with the Heritage Foundation at the DeVos Center for Religion and Civil Society and Texas State Senator Dan Patrick. Currently works at Thompson & Tredennick Law firm as a Legal Assistant GINA MARIA CERRUTI - The Sorrento Lingue Scholarship Hometown: Sacramento, CA School: University of California, Santa Barbara-Santa Barbara, CA • Currently studying Italian and History with emphasis on Western Civilization • Volunteers at the Italian Cultural Society of Sacramento where she dances in an Italian folk dance troupe • Member of the Phi Alpha Theta Historical Society

DOMENICK DeLUCHIA - The Henry F. Salvatori Memorial Scholarship Hometown: Pittsford, NY School: Harvard University-Boston, MA • National AP Scholar; Pittsford Mendon/Notre Dame Junior of the Year; Class of 2012 Valedictorian; Class of 2012 Superintendents’ Award of Excellence and Leadership • National Honor Society; Student Body Vice-President; Varsity Club President • Two -year Pittsford Varsity Football Team Captain; 2011 All-Greater Rochester Player of the Year; Two-time All-State Running Back. Will play football at Harvard.

DAVID DEMAREST - Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro/Lou Carnesecca Scholarship Hometown: Carlsbad, CA School: University of Southern California-Los Angeles, CA Currently majoring in Biomedical Engineering and Minoring in Chinese • Spent the last two summers interning at a clinic in Taiwan • Learned Mandarin Chinese while studying at a Buddhist temple and the local University in Taiwan

RYAN LINDEBORG - The Charles Evans Scholarship Hometown: Laguna Niguel, CA School: Harvard University-Boston, MA • National Finalist in the Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology • Semi-Finalist in the Intel Science Talent Search for research in fuel cells and wound healing • Helped raise $40,000 for health, homelessness, and hunger in Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua

ANDREW J. MASCELLI - The Italian Language Scholarship Hometown: Chatham, NJ School: Pennsylvania State University-University Park, PA • Member of Schreyer Honors College, Paterno Fellows Honors Program and Gamma Kappa Alpha, the National Italian Honor Society. • Currently researching his honors thesis on the impact of the Italian language on the Amanda Knox trials. • Has studied seven foreign languages and hopes to apply his language skills in a career in international intelligence. 15

The Sons of Italy Foundation

MICHAEL C. PERUGINI - The 2012 National Education & Leadership Grant Hometown: Wolcott, CT School: Yale University-New Haven, CT • Valedictorian of high school class and received awards for his work in English and history. • Spent the first three and a half months of this year living in Cape Town, South Africa, where he interned for a local non-profit organization. • Has worked on several political campaigns and one day wishes to run for public office.

MATTHEW PUGLISI - The Frank J. DeSantis Scholarship Hometown: Chicago, IL School: Harvard Business School for Graduate School-Boston, Massachusetts Undergraduate Degree from University of Notre Dame-Notre Dame, IN • Accounting Department Valedictorian, Beta Gamma Sigma and Beta Alpha Psi honor societies and summa cum laude graduation honors at the University of Notre Dame (3.98 GPA) • Harvard Business School class of 2014 (770 GMAT, 99th percentile) following five years of work experience in investment banking and private equity • American Cancer Society Relay for Life steering committee and team captain

MATTHEW VOLPE - The Frank D. Privitera Family Scholarship Hometown: Winnetka, IL School: Princeton University-Princeton, NJ • National Merit Finalist • Project leader for the school Engineering Club, which is currently researching and designing a plan to install a solar panel array on the school’s roof to generate renewable energy. • Performed in 12 shows during high school with leading roles in nine. Currently working with a group of theatrical friends to put on a fundraiser for the Make A Wish Foundation entitled “Broadway Wishes”

SSG JASON RAGEL, U.S. Army - The Wounded Warrior/Sons of Italy

Foundation Scholarship Hometown: Rockaway, NJ School: Montclair State University-Montclair NJ • Began Army career in 1995. Duty stations include Ft Sill, Oklahoma, Babenhausen, Germany, and Ft Bragg, North Carolina. • Has been deployed around the world in support of operations Southern Watch, Desert Fox, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn, and Operation Enduring Freedom. • Has recently returned from his overall 10th deployment serving side by side with his fellow soldiers. SSG Ragel will be medically retiring this summer and plans on finishing his BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Operation Management.

THE CHARLES EVANS SCHOLARSHIP For the third 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 cofounded the fashion house Evan-Picone and was executive producer of the Academy Award-winning film, “Tootsie.”

Charles Evans (1926-2007) 16

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 for making this perpetual scholarship possible. The Sons of Italy Foundation

The 2012 SIF National Leadership Grant Donors The So ns o f Italy Fou n d a t io n Dee p l y T ha n ks the SI F Perpetu a l S c h o l a r s h ip D o n o r s

Giulia Besozzi Scholarship Boncore Family Scholarship Cappellotti Family Scholarship Carlone Family Scholarship Lou Carnesecca Scholarship Esposito Family Scholarship The Charles Evans Foundation Scholarship Simone & Bruno Giuffrida Memorial Scholarship Giovanni Glessi Scholarship George L. Graziadio/SIF Scholarship Polo Family Scholarship Frank D. Privitera Scholarship Henry F. Salvatori Memorial Scholarship Pietro Secchia Scholarship Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Scholarship George J. & John G. Spatuzza Scholarship Angelo Tomasso Sr. Scholarship The S I F thank s the do no rs o f t h is ye a r ’s a d d it io n a l s c h o l a r s h ip s :

The Frank J. De Santis Scholarship The Italian Language Scholarship The National Italian American Bar Association/Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship The Sant’Anna Institute-Sorrento Lingue Italian Language Scholarship The Wounded Warrior/Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship The SIF also ack no wledge s t h e g en e r o u s c o n t r ib u t io n s o f

Anthony J. Baratta Joseph DiTrapani and Paul S. Polo to The 2012 National Education & Leadership Awards

The Sons of Italy Foundation

Acknowledgements Th e Sons o f Italy Fo u ndati o n expres s e s it s s in c er e g ra t it u d e t o t h e f o l l o w in g ind iv i du als and o rgani zati o ns f o r t h e ir g en e r o s it y in ma kin g t h e th 2 4 Ann u al Nati o nal Edu cati o n & L ea d e r s h ip Aw a rd s Ga l a a s u c c e s s. Alzheimer’s Association

Anita McBride

Michael Amante

Linda Munson, President & The Charles Evans Foundation

Simone Bemporad

Franco Nuschese & Café Milano

Chrysler/Fiat

Terry O’Sullivan

Colavita USA

Capt. Anthony Odierno (Ret.)

Cooley’s Anemia Foundation

Vincent Panvini

D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Ceremonial Honor Guard

Maria Fassio Pignati

DelGrosso Foods

Armand E. Sabitoni

The Embassy of Italy

Robert A. Scardelletti

Rev. D. Adam Forno

International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers

Ft. Belvoir Wounded Warrior Program

Connie Stevens

Hon. Arthur J. Gajarsa Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani, Jr.

Transportation Communications International Union-IAM

Col. Joseph Ingignoli

Vantage Group Services, Inc.

Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA!)

Votto Vines

Joseph J. Grano, Jr.

The Washington Examiner The Wounded Warrior Project

Lufthansa Group

And all the sponsors and guests of the 2012 NELA Gala

Joe Mantegna

An d t o

Dan Bianco, LiUNA! · Angelica Falchi · Gina Sacripanti Dan Ashwell, Printing Solutions, Inc. · Lynn Kessler, LK Productions, LLC Jack Lucky, Jack H. Lucky Floral Designs Inc. Carlo Tamburro, Williams/Gerard Productions Max Taylor, Photography Diane Vincent, Graphic Design

The Sons of Italy Foundation

The Sons of Italy Foundation The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) is the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA). Established in 1959, the SIF has given more than $120 million to scholarships, philanthropy, medical research, disaster relief and cultural preservation.

SC HO L A RS HI PS

Every year, the SIF gives $100,000 in scholarships to promising young Italian Americans at NELA

ME DIC A L RE S E A RC H

The SIF supports research to cure Cooleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anemia, Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease, Autism, and other serious threats to life and health

DI SAS T E R R E L I E F

The SIF donates generously to disaster relief in the U.S. and abroad

24 19 th Annual NELA

19 The Sons of Italy Foundation

CULT URA L P RE S E RVATION

The SIFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GaribaldiMeucci Museum is a center of Italian culture on Staten Island, NY

I M M I G R A NT HI S T O RY

The SIF 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

SP E C IAL P ROJE CTS

The SIF supports the establishment and restoration of U.S. monuments, including the Statue of Liberty, the WW II memorial and the projected tribute to 9/11 in New York City

20 20

The The Sons Sons of of Italy Italy Foundation Foundation

The Sons

of Italy

Foundation

A History of Giving MEDICAL RESEARCH & SOCIAL SERVICES

Alzheimer’s Association American Fund for Dental Health American Italian Cancer Foundation The American Foundation for St. George Hospital, Inc. Annette Funicello Fund for Neurological Disorders Arthritis Foundation Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Boys Town of Italy CES Foundation Children’s Inn at NIH The Clinton Foundation Coaches vs. Cancer Cooley’s Anemia Foundation Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America The Daniel Pitino Children’s Health Foundation The Fondazione Il Cireneo Onlus per l’Autismo Fox Chase Cancer Center The Italian Hospital Society Lombardi Cancer Center Lupis Foundation & Elizabeth Fund March of Dimes The Metropolitan DC Police Foundation Michael Bolton Charities For Battered Women Multiple Sclerosis Smile Train Special Olympics St. Joseph’s Indian School

CULTURAL PRESERVATION & THE ARTS

American Italian Historical Association Center for Migration Studies Columbus Citizens Foundation Commission for Social Justice Concordia Language Villages Italian Program Council for the Promotion of Italian Language in American Schools FIERI National Garibaldi-Meucci Museum In Italiano language program Istituto Italiano di Cultura Italian Americana Italian American Cultural Center Italian American Welfare League Italian Cultural Society Italian Musicale John D. Calandra Italian-American Institute The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts SIF Patron of the Arts & Culture program U.S. State Department/American Embassy in Rome Washington Revels 21 th Annual NELA 24

EDUCATION

American Institute for Foreign Study & Academic Year in America exchange programs American University of Rome Bard College The College Board Advanced Placement Program in Italian Dante School for Children Hoop Dreams Italian Studies Chair at California State University John Cabot University Mentoring and Internships Order Sons of Italy in America National Student Summit Pepperdine University Seton Hall University School of Diplomacy & International Relations The SIF National Leadership Grant Competition

DISASTER RELIEF

American Red Cross (Hurricane Andrew relief) Assisi earthquake relief Cassino Memorial Orphanage Rebuilding Catholic Relief Services Ethiopian famine relief Florentine flood relief Haiti Earthquake Relief Katrina Relief Fund Mexican earthquake relief Naples earthquake relief Oklahoma City Bombing SIF/OSIA 911 Disaster Relief Fund Tsunami Relief (Indonesia) L’Aquila Earthquake in Abruzzo, Italy

OTHER SPECIAL PROJECTS

Arab American Institute Christopher Columbus Catholic Center DC Friends of Ireland DC Metropolitan Police Department Foundation Don Orione Home & Madonna Queen National Shrine Ellis Island Foundation Greater Washington Urban League, Inc. Hoop Dreams of Washington, D.C. Immigration History Research Center The Isaac Hayes Foundation National Football League Players Association National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial National Policy Association National World War II Memorial The Statue of Liberty Restoration Project TF Peace Foundation The World Trade Center Museum and Memorial The Sons of Italy Foundation 21

The Sons

of Italy

Foundation

Contribution Highlights 1959 Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) established as the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons of Italy in America, the nation’s oldest and biggest organization for people of Italian heritage. 1964 Donates $25,000 for flood victims in Belluno, Italy 1966 Donates $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 Raises more than $127,000 for earthquake victims in Sicily 1974 Names Cooley’s Anemia Foundation as an official charity. Donations to date: more than $3 million. 1976 Raises $217,000 for earthquake victims in Friuli, Italy 1981 Donates $3 million in funds and sends medicine and clothing to 97 southern Italian towns devastated by 1980 earthquake. 1985

Contributes to restoration of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty

1987 Donates $30,000 to earthquake victims in Mexico 1989 Holds first National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) event in Washington, DC 1990 Contributes $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. Pledges another $1 million donation by 2015. 1998 Donates $50,000 to Barbara Sinatra Hospital for Abused Children 2003 Contributes $66,000 to help establish an Advanced Placement program in Italian; Gave additional $50,000 in 2010 to re-instate the program. 2004

Donates $100,000 to establish a World War II memorial in Washington, DC

2005

Donates $15,000 to the Tsunami Emergency Relieve effort in Asia

2006 Donates $35,000 for Hurricane Katrina Relief 2007 Pledges $100,000 to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in NYC 2007 Donates $100,000 to Coaches vs. Cancer 2008 Donated $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 Abruzzi earthquake 2010 Donated $100,000 to build the World Trade Center Museum & Memorial in New York City 2011 Donated $235,000 to help rebuild the Fondazione Il Cireneo Onlus per L’Autismo, a center for autistic children, destroyed by the 2009 earthquake that struck L’Aquila in Abruzzi. 2011 Donated $24,600 to the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc.

The Sons of Italy Foundation

ADMIRAL EDMUND P. GIAMBASTIANI (U.S. NAVY, RET.) Seventh Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Special Guest Presenter

Staff

Admiral Edmund Giambastiani will present General Peter Pace with the SIF 2012 award for courage and patriotism tonight. He served with Gen. Pace as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2005 to 2007. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he has received numerous decorations, but is most proud of his 19 unit awards and commendations because, he says, they recognize the participation and accomplishments of the entire team. Among many significant duties and assignments he has held during his 37 years of military service, Adm. Giambastiani commanded the NR-1 Deep Submergence Craft, the Navy’s only nuclear powered deep diving ocean engineering and research submarine and, as NATO’s first Supreme Allied Commander Transformation and Combatant Commander of the U.S. Joint Forces Command, led transforming NATO and U.S. military forces, capabilities and doctrines. In 2005, he became the seventh vice chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Adm. Giambastiani retired from active duty in 2007. Today, he serves on the Project on National Security Reform; on the board of trustees of the Mitre Corporation; and on the board of directors of Boeing Company.

CAPT. ANTHONY K. ODIERNO (U.S. ARMY, RET.) Board Director, the Wounded Warrior Project Special Guest Presenter Also presenting General Pace with the SIF’s 2012 award for courage and patriotism is our special guest, Capt. Anthony Odierno, who received the award 2 years ago. A West Point graduate and Army Ranger, he served in Iraq where he was wounded in 2004. Shortly afterward, he was promoted to captain and served as Aide-de-Camp to Gen. Pace, then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a position he held until his retirement from active duty in 2007. In addition to numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, Capt. Odierno holds an MBA in Finance and Accounting from New York University. Today, he manages stadium operations for the New York Yankees and serves on the Boards of Directors of both the Wounded Warrior Project and Troops First Foundation.

The Sons of Italy Foundation

Joe Mantegna Master

Ceremonies

An American actor, producer, writer and director of Italian heritage, Joe Mantegna’s more than 40 years of performance experience, both on the screen and behind it, recently earned him a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. He is best known for roles in box office hits such as “The Godfather Part III,” “Forget Paris” and “Up Close & Personal,” and he currently stars in the CBS television series “Criminal Minds.” He also received Tony Award recognition for his on-stage role as Richard Roma in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Glengarry Glen Ross.” 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, among others. Earlier this year, he received the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment, conferred on those who have given positive portrayals of the U.S. military in film or literature and have distinguished themselves in the field of entertainment. Past honorees include Robert Duvall, John Voight and Gary Sinise.

Philip R. Piccigallo, Ph.D. National Executive Director & CEO, The Sons of Italy Foundation & National Executive Director, Order Sons of Italy in America Since 1988, Dr. Piccigallo has led the Sons of Italy in Washington, DC where his efforts have strengthened ties between Italian Americans and leaders in government and public policy. He brought to the Order a background in unions and specifically the American Federation of Teachers, the Seafarers International Union and the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. Born and raised in New York City, he holds a B.A. in economics; an M.A. in economic history and a Ph.D. in history and international affairs from the City University of New York. He has written two books on U.S. foreign policy, and articles on education, politics and international affairs. He and wife, Rose have two children, Jacqueline and Paul.

The Sons of Italy Foundation

MICHAEL AMANTE Featured Performer The Sons of Italy Foundation is pleased to welcome tenor Michael Amante back for his eighth performance at its annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala. He 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, Mr. Amante’s 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 also has 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, “This 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 and then studied voice and piano at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Ms. Fassio Pignati is a well-known soprano soloist, who regularly performs in various venues and is a member of the “Trio Amore” opera ensemble. She and tenor Peter Girardot have recorded a collection of classic Italian love songs, La Vita Bella, available on CD. Active in the Italian American community for 40 years, Ms. Fassio Pignati is state president of the Sons of Italy’s Grand Lodge of California, which has 61 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 the School of Italian Language and Culture in South San Francisco. For her service to her city’s Italian community, Maria Fassio Pignati was made a knight of the Italian republic with the title, “Cavaliere nell’Ordine della Stella della Solidarietà.” 25

The Sons of Italy Foundation

Highlights from Past NELAs

President George W. Bush at the 2004 NELA

Past NELA M.C.s newsman Sam Donaldson (L) and acclaimed actor Joe Mantegna

The legendary Tony Bennett received the SIF Humanitarian Award in 1999 The NELA ballroom. About 1,000 guests attend annually.

President Bill Clinton has attended seven NELAs over the years

Scientist and AIDS researcher Anthony Fauci, M.D. received the 1992 NELA honor

SIF CEO Philip Piccigallo greets 2009 SIF honoree, Vice President Joseph Biden 26

TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Regis Philbin was honored in 2001 The Sons of Italy Foundation

Leon Panetta, the former congressman and current head of the CIA, was a NELA keynote speaker

The NELA 1996 honoree, the legendary Joe Paterno (L) with Senator Bob Dole Televisionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Larry King was a NELA Master of Ceremonies in 1999

Then-Vice President Al Gore spoke at the 1994 NELA

Former FBI Director Louis Freeh was honored in 1994. Seen here with U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy

The 1993 NELA honoree Annette Funicello with Congressman Bob Michel

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia received the 1991 NELA honor 27 th Annual NELA 24

Five women trailblazers at the 2007 NELA. (L. to R.): Madeleine Albright; Hillary Rodham Clinton; Geraldine Ferraro; Nancy Pelosi and Mary Landrieu The Sons of Italy Foundation 27

The Sons

of Italy

Foundation

The SIF Award Recipients 2011 - 1989 The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) Awards are given annually at the SIF’s Gala Dinner, held every May in Washington, D.C. 2011 Carmen Policy The National Education & Founder & Proprietor, Leadership Award (NELA) Casa Piena Vineyard Former owner & CEO, San Francisco 49ers

Jack Reed SIF Lifetime U.S. Senator from Rhode Island Achievement Award Veteran, U.S. Army for Public Service 82nd Airborne Division Pier F. Guarguaglini Chairman & CEO, Finmeccanica SpA Excellence in Global Business Steven Nardizzi, Esq. Executive Director, Wounded Warrior Project

Special Award for Courage & Patriotism

2010 Lewis C. Merletti The National Education & Former Director, Leadership Award (NELA) United States Secret Service

President Bill Clinton SIF Lifetime Founder, William J. Clinton Achievement Award Foundation for Public Service Capt. Anthony Odierno SIF Special Award (U.S. Army, Ret.) for Courage & Patriotism Manager, Stadium Operations, NY Yankees 2009 Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Vice President of the Award for Public United States Service

Arthur J. Gajarsa SIF Lifetime Federal Judge, Achievement Award U.S. Court of Appeals in Jurisprudence Robert A. Scardelletti SIF Humanitarian International President, Award Transportation Communications Union/IAM Mary Ann Esposito SIF Lifetime Host/Creator, “Ciao Italia” AchievementAward PBS TV Culinary Arts 2008 Joseph Plumeri Chairman & CEO, Willis Group

NELA

Steve Wynn SIF Award for Global Chairman & CEO, Vision & Philanthropy Wynn Resorts Michael Petruzzello SIF Award Founder & Managing Partner, Excellence in Business Qorvis Communications Alfred Rotondaro, PhD SIF Humanitarian Sr. Fellow, Center for American Progress Award 2007 Nicholas Donofrio NELA Executive VP, IBM

Geraldine Ferraro Lifetime Achievement Former Congresswoman Award for Public Service Frank Giordano Humanitarian Award President, Union League of Philadelphia The Rienzi Foundation Making A Difference Award 2006 Michael Rienzi NELA President & Founder, Rienzi & Sons

Franco Nuschese Excellence in Business President, Georgetown Entertainment Group, LLC Robert E. Juliano SIF Humanitarian Chairman, Robert E. Juliano Associates

2005 Dana Gioia NELA Chairman, National Endowment For the Arts

Joseph Battipaglia Business Award CIO, Ryan Beck & Co. Karen Ignagni Lifetime Achievement President & CEO, in Management America’s Health Insurance Plans Joseph G. Procacci OSIA Centennial Award CEO, Procacci Brothers Sales Corp. 2004 Joseph Grano NELA Chairman, UBS Financial Services

Silvio Berlusconi International Leadership Prime Minister of Italy Award The Sons of Italy Foundation

John De Gioia Excellence in Academia Award President, Georgetown University Frances Visco Humanitarian Award President, National Breast Cancer Coalition 2003 Charles Gargano NELA Chairman, Empire State Development Corp.

Andy Granatelli Lifetime Achievement Automotive designer, driver & engineer Richard L. Trumka Humanitarian Award Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO 2002 Robert Gallo, M.D. NELA AIDS & cancer researcher

Martin J. Maddaloni Humanitarian Award General President United Association (union) Joe Mantegna Excellence in Media Award Actor 2001 John F. Mariani NELA Chairman, Banfi Vintners

Robert A. Georgine Humanitarian Award Chairman, President & CEO ULLICO, Inc. Regis Philbin Lifetime Achievement Award Television Host 2000 Mario Andretti NELA Racing Legend & Business Entrepreneur

Phil Guarascio Crystal Lion Recognition Former Vice President & General Manager North American Marketing & Advertising General Motors Corporation Connie Stevens Humanitarian Award Actress & Businesswoman 1999 Andrew A. Giancamilli NELA Former President & General Merchandise Manager Kmart Corporation

Tony Bennett Legendary Entertainer

Humanitarian Award

1998 Phil Guarascio NELA Former Vice President & General Manager North American Marketing & Advertising General Motors Corporation 29

Frank Sinatra Humanitarian Award Legendary Entertainer, Producer & Philanthropist 1997 Peter F. Secchia NELA Chairman,Universal Forest Products, Inc. & Former U.S. Ambassador to Italy

Tommy Lasorda Humanitarian Award Vice President/Former Manager LA Dodgers 1996 Joe Paterno NELA Head Football Coach Pennsylvania State University

Alfred A. Checchi NELA Former Co-Chairman Northwest Airlines Corporation 1995 Joseph E. Antonini NELA President, JEA Enterprises, Inc. 1994 The Honorable Louis J. Freeh NELA Senior Vice Chairman Administrative & Legal Affairs MBNA America, Inc. 1993 Annette Funicello NELA Entertainer 1992 Dr. Anthony S. Fauci NELA Director, The National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Disease at the NIH 1991 The Honorable Antonin Scalia NELA U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice 1990 The Honorable Silvio O. Conte NELA U.S. Congressman [Massachusetts] 1989 Lou Carnesecca NELA Head Basketball Coach (Ret.) St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University

The Sons of Italy Foundation

The Sons

of Italy

Foundation

Bo ard an d C o mmit t ee s

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Joseph DiTrapani Chairman Vincent Sarno President Anthony J. Baratta Vice President Rita Maletta Robak Recording Secretary Frank J. Panessa Financial Secretary Nancy Di Fiore Quinn Treasurer President Emeritus Paul S. Polo Trustees Emeritus Valentino Ciullo

Trustees Louis Ambrosio Angelo Bianchi Richard Della Croce Albert De Napoli Salvatore Lanzilotta Carlo Matteucci Michael Polo Philip Privitera Joseph Sciame Joanne Strollo

Resource Persons Maria Fassio Pignati James Di Stefano Thom Lupo Michael Creedon Jeannette Restivo Nick Ameli

National Executive Director/CEO Philip R. Piccigallo, Ph.D. 2012 SIF SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEE Michele Ment, Chair Louis F. Cappelli, Sr. Joseph Facciolo Joanne Strollo 2012 SIF SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION CONSULTANTS Mark Lindenmeyer Assistant V.P. & Director of Financial Aid Loyola College, Maryland

Michelle Arcieri Senior Associate Director, Office of Student Financial Assistance, George Washington University, Washington, DC Lucio D’Andrea President Emeritus, The Abruzzo & Molise Heritage Society Washington, D.C. Edvige D’Andrea The Abruzzo & Molise Heritage Society Washington, D.C.

The Sons of Italy Foundation

The Sons

of Italy

Foundation

Staff, Co nsu ltants & N EL A Vo l u n t ee r s

NATIONAL OFFICE STAFF

CONSULTANTS

NELA GALA VOLUNTEERS

Philip R. Piccigallo, Ph.D. National Executive Director/CEO

Dan Ashwell, Printing Solutions, Inc. Printing

Jessica Abeshouse Paul Ashton Sylvia Cacciato Rob D’Onofrio Stephanie Eggleston Kevin Fellin Tara Justice Nick Kelley Tania Luciow Grace Lynch Zac Milner Dan Nabors Margaret Cirona O’Rourke Jackie Piccigallo Paul Piccigallo Adrienne Ward Nadene Wright Kate Yackel

Andrea K. Beach Office Manager Diane Crespy Director of Development Dona De Sanctis, Ph.D. Editor, NELA Dinner Journal Krystyne Hayes Social Media & Communications Coordinator Laura Kelly Administrative Assistant/ Scholarship Coordinator Elisa Wilkinson Administrative Assistant Carol Cummings Staff Intern

Steve Baughan, Monumental Affairs Dinner Lynn Kessler, L.K.Producations, LLC Video Jack H. Lucky, Floral Design, Inc. Flowers Carlo Tamburro, Williams/Gerard Productions, Inc. Event Producer Max Taylor Photography Diane Vincent Graphic Design

Maria Di Napoli Staff Intern

The Sons of Italy Foundation National Headquarters is in an historic district of Washington, D.C. at the foot of Capitol Hill. 31

The Sons of Italy Foundation

The Order Sons of Italy in America The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) is the oldest and largest national organization for Italian American men and women in the United States.

Founded in 1905 to help the early Italian immigrants, today OSIA is the

nation’s leading Italian American service and advocacy organization, with a grass roots network of more than 800 lodges or chapters coast-to-coast. Its programs include: • Italian America Magazine the most widely read quarterly in the U.S. for people of Italian heritage • Passport To Italy OSIA’s travel bureau arranges lowcost group tours to Southern Italy and its cultural patrimony • Scholarships Financial support for young Italian Americans attending college and graduate school • Study Abroad Partnerships Opportunities for students and adults to study, live and work in Italy. • the Sons of Italy National Book Club Promotes fiction and non-fiction works by and about Italian Americans • INTERNSHIPS/MENTORING PROGRAM National Office in Washington, D.C.

The Sons of Italy Commission for Social Justice • The CSJ was founded in 1979 to fight the stereotyping of Italian Americans by the entertainment, advertising, and news industries. It also 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. • 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, produces studies, teaching tools, pamphlets, exhibits and other materials on the achievements and contributions of Italian Americans. 32

The Sons of Italy Foundation

Order Sons of Italy in America has partnered with Votto Vines Importing to bring you the Leone Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Oro line of fine Italian wines. Each is hand selected for its quality and elegance and is produced by the finest vineyards in Italy.

Tradition. Value. Excellence.

For more information and to order the Leone d'Oro wines, please visit vottovines.com

The Sons of Italy Foundation

2012 NELA Gala Sponsors In keeping with our efforts to be environmentally and fiscally responsible,we have omitted sponsor ads from this journal. However they are available online at www.osia.org/nela-gala. Please visit the site to see our supporters’ advertisements and messages.

Platinum

Alzheimer’s Association - alz.org Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil - colavita.com International Association of Sheet Metal, Air & Transportation Workers - Joseph Nigro, President - smwia.org Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) - liuna.org The Henry Lewis Foundation

Gold Blasters, Drillrunners & Miners Union Local 29 Building, Concrete, Excavating, & Common Laborers Union Local 731 Cement & Concrete Workers District Council NO.16 Ceres Terminals Incorporated - ceresglobal.com Columbus Citizens Foundation - columbuscitizensfd.org Cooley’s Anemia Foundation - cooleysanemia.org Eastern New York Laborers’ District Council Laborers’ District Council of Ohio Laborers’ Great Lakes Region Organizing Committee Laborers’ Local 147 - NYC Sandhogs Laborers’ New England Region Organizing Fund Laborers’ Tri-Funds LiUNA! Ontario Provincial District Council - Cosmo Mannella, Business Manager - liunaopdc.org Mason Tenders District Council of Greater New York and Long Island Massachusetts & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council - masslaborers.org Mediterranean Shipping Company (USA) Inc. New Jersey Building Construction Laborers’ District Council 34

The Sons of Italy Foundation

Gold New York State Laborers’ Employer Health and Safety Fund New York State Laborers’ Organizing Fund New York State Laborers’ Employers Coop & Education Trust Fund OSIA New York Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc. - nysosia.org Pavers and Road Builders District Council of Greater New York The New England Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund The New England Laborers’ Labor-Management Cooperation Trust The PenFed Foundation - penfedfoundation.org Because Military Heroes need heroes too Transportation Communications Union/IAM Robert A. Scardelletti, National President - TCUnion.org Upstate NY Laborers’ District Council Wounded Warrior Project - woundedwarriorproject.org

Silver AAR CORP. Arab American Institute - aaiusa.org BWC&PELDC, LIUNA Café Milano - cafemilano.com Connecticut Laborers’ District Council DelGrosso Foods - delgrossosauce.com Finmeccanica North America - www.finmeccanicausa.com Honorable Arthur J. Gajarsa International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers - goiam.org Joseph & Elham Cicippio Laborers’ District Council of Eastern Pennsylvania - Anthony Seiwell, Business Manager Laborers’ District Council of Western Pennsylvania - laborpa.org Laborers’ Home Development Corporation Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 1298 Law Offices of Bianchi & Bianchi, LLC 35

The Sons of Italy Foundation

Silver Lido Civic Club - lidocivicclub.com LIUNA! Mid-Atlantic Region Midwest Region Organizing Committee OSIA Grand Lodge of Connecticut OSIA Grand Lodge of New Jersey - sonsofitalynj.org Privitera Family Charitable Foundation Public Employees’ Local Union 1033, LIUNA and Rhode Island Public Employees’ Benefit Funds Rhode Island Laborers’ District Council Seafarers International Union - Michael Sacco, President - seafarers.org Southern California District, Council of Laborers’ - scdcl.org Mike Quevedo, Jr., Business Manager The International Brotherhood of Teamsters - teamsters.org TN Marketing, LLC - Cal Franklin ULLICO, Inc. - ullico.com UNITE HERE - John W. Wilhelm, President - unitehere.org United Mine Workers of America - umwa.org WV Appalachian Laborers’ District Council

Bronze Building Wreckers Union Local 142 - Thomas C. Troy, Jr., President - local142.org Gail & Carmen Policy, Casa Piena - casapiena.com Construction & General Laborers’ Local 190 D.C. Friends of Ireland Grand Lodge of Massachusetts-OSIA, Charitable and Educational Trust, Benefit Insurance Commission - osiama.org International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Edwin Hill, International President - ibew.org International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers - bacweb.org Laborers’ District Council of Minnesota and North Dakota Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 261 36

The Sons of Italy Foundation

Bronze Laborers’ Local 754 - local754.com Laborers’ Local Union 692 Lufthansa German Airlines - lufthansa.com Michigan Laborers’ District Council Midwest Region Foundation for Fair Contracting Midwest Region Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund Midwest Region LECET Naden/Lean, LLC - Jeff Drake, CPA - nlgroup.com National Postal Mail Handlers Union New York State AFL-CIO - nysaflcio.org Northern California District Council of Laborers Oscar De La Torre, Business Manager - ncdclaborers.org OSIA Grand Lodges of Maryland and Delaware Pike Electric Corporation - pike.com Southeast Laborers’ District Council - Glen Farmer, Secretary-Treasurer The Washington Examiner - Michael Phelps, Publisher & CEO - washingtonexaminer.com United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry

Sponsors AFL-CIO American-Italian Cancer Foundation - americanitaliancancer.org America’s Health Insurance Plans - ahip.org The Breakers Hotel & Resort, thebreakers.com Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO - bctd.org C&C Maintenance LLC Construction and Craftworkers Local Union 1652, Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Tom Matthews, Business Manager Construction & General Laborers’ Local 455 Eastern Missouri Laborers’ District Council 37

The Sons of Italy Foundation

Sponsors Houston Terminal LLC Inserra Shop-Rite Supermarkets Italian Welfare League, Inc. - Linda Carlozzi, President - italianwelfareleague.org Laborers’ District Council of Chicago & Vicinity Laborers’ District Council of Philadelphia and Vicinity Laborers’ International Union of North America Indiana District Council Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 235 Laborers’ Local 210 Laborers’ Local 472, Tony Oliveira Laborers’ Local 721, Brockton, MA Laborers’ Local 385, Local 576, Local 610, Local 1000, Local 1249, Local 1392 National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial & Museum - nleomf.org New Orleans Terminal LLC Order Sons of Italy Canada - Josie Cumbo, National President ordersonsofitalycanada.com Order Sons of Italy in America - www.osia.org OSIA National Past Presidents: Alfred A. Affinito; Philip R. Boncore, Esq.; Frank J. DeSantis; The Hon. Robert A. Messa; The Hon. Frank J. Montemuro, Jr.; Paul S. Polo, Sr.; Vincent Sarno; Joseph Sciame; John G. Spatuzza; Joanne L. Strollo; Peter R. Zuzolo OSIA National Trustee Joseph LaBanca and Mary LaBanca OSIA National Vice Presidents: Anthony J. Baratta, Joseph A. Russo; Daniel J. Longo; Anthony F. M. Spaziani; Vera Girolami Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin L. Palumbo Top Logistics LLC Vizual – Award-winning print, website, & interactive design services - vizual.com Western Missouri and Kansas Laborers’ District Council

The SIF 25th Silver Anniversary • May 23, 2013 • at the National Building Museum 38

The Sons of Italy Foundation

A Special Gift Looking for a unique present for family or friends? Give the gift of your rich Italian American heritage with a one-year subscription to Italian America magazine, the most widely read publication in the U.S. for people of Italian descent. We will contact your gift recipient telling him or her (or them) of your present. Fill out the form below and return to us ASAP.

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Your Passport to Italy The Sons of Italy’s popular travel program, Passport to Italy, has expanded to include four tour packages that cover Italy from north to south. Now travelers can choose to visit the Italian Riviera in northern Liguria; Umbria and Tuscany in central Italy and Campania, or Sicily in the south. Tours begin at $2,650.00 per person and all packages include roundtrip airfare on Alitalia; four-star hotel accommodations; all breakfasts and dinners and escorted tours with English-speaking guides. Each tour has multiple departure dates through June, 2013. Clubs, lodges and groups can reserve “Members-Only” tours, but all tours require a minimum of 25 people. For brochures and application forms, see www.osia.org or call 1-800777-7432. Email Marianna Pisano at mpisano@unitours.com.

Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera

The Amalfi Coast

Scenic Tuscany

The Sons of Italy Foundation

Congratulations to THE SONS OF ITALY FOUNDATION

and tonightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honorees.

The Sons of Italy Foundation

LABORERS’ INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA

The 500,000 members of the

Laborers’ International Union of North America congratulate LIUNA’s own

Armand E. Sabitoni General Secretary-Treasurer and all of this year’s honorees on being honored by the

Sons of Italy at the

24th Annual National Education Leadership Awards Gala

TERRY O’SULLIVAN General President f

The Sons of Italy Foundation