NELA Gala Journal 2015 by ordersonsofitaly

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The Sons of Italy Foundation 27

Annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala

May 21, 2015 – The National Building Museum – Washington, D.C.

The Alzheimer’s Association would like to congratulate

Table of Contents

A Proclamation from President Barack Obama....................................................................................2 Greetings from Speaker of the House John Boehner...........................................................................3

The Sons of Italy Foundation

Welcome from the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF)..............................................................................4 “Seize the Future: 110 Years of SIF/OSIA Giving” By Philip R. Piccigallo...................................... 5 The 2015 SIF NELA Gala Menu.......................................................................................................... 6

on the success of

The 2015 SIF NELA Gala Program..................................................................................................... 7 SIF Honoree U.S. Army Chief of Staff General Raymond T. Odierno.............................................. 8

the 27th National Education and Leadership Awards Gala

SIF Honoree LIUNA President Terry O’Sullivan.............................................................................. 9 SIF Honoree NIAID Director, NIH, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci.............................................................10 SIF Honoree MITRE Corp. President & CEO Alfred Grasso..........................................................11 SIF Honoree University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball Head Coach Geno Auriemma.........12

Thank you for all your work in bringing us one step closer to our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s disease.

The 2015 Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship Sponsors.................................................................13 The 2015 National Leadership Grant Recipients ...............................................................................14 Special Guest Presenter Captain Anthony K. Odierno......................................................................16 Special Guest Presenter Armand E. Sabitoni......................................................................................16 Featured Performer: Michael Amante................................................................................................17 National Anthems: Maria Fassio Pignati............................................................................................17 The 2015 NELA Gala Master of Ceremonies Joe Mantegna............................................................18 Sons of Italy Foundation CEO Philip R. Piccigallo............................................................................18 Highlights from Past NELAs...............................................................................................................19 The Sons of Italy Foundation: Making a Difference..........................................................................26 SIF Past Honorees (1989-2014)..........................................................................................................30 The Order Sons of Italy in America.....................................................................................................33 The Sons of Italy Commission for Social Justice ..............................................................................33 The SIF Board and Committees...........................................................................................................34 The SIF Staff and Volunteers...............................................................................................................35

800.272.3900 | alz.org

The Sons of Italy Foundation Acknowledgments...............................................................................37 The 2015 NELA Gala Sponsors...........................................................................................................38 The 2015 Military Sponsors.................................................................................................................43

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Presidential Proclamation - Columbus Day, 2014

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A Proclamation When Christopher Columbus -- a son of Genoa, Italy -- set sail across the Atlantic, no one could imagine the profound and lasting impact he would have on the world. In search of a westward route to Asia, he instead spotted the Bahamas. As dawn broke on October 12, 1492, Columbus’s crew set foot on a Caribbean island and changed the course of history. For much of Europe, this marked the discovery of the New World, and it set in motion the more than five centuries that have followed. In a new world, explorers found opportunity. They endured unforgiving winters and early hardship. They pushed west across a continent, charting rivers and mountains, and expanded our understanding of the world as they embraced the principle of self-reliance. In a new world, a history was written. It tells the story of an idea -- that all women and men are created equal -- and a people’s struggle to fulfill it. And it is a history shared by Native Americans, one marred with long and shameful chapters of violence, disease, and deprivation. In a new world, a Nation was born. A resolute people fought for democracy, liberty, and freedom from tyranny. They secured fundamental rights to expression, petition, and free exercise of religion and built a beacon of hope to people everywhere who cherish these ideals. Columbus’s historic voyage ushered in a new age, and since, the world has never been the same. His journey opened the door for generations of Italian immigrants who followed his path across an ocean in pursuit of the promise of America. Like Columbus, these immigrants and their descendants have shaped the place where they landed. Italian Americans have enriched our culture and strengthened our country. They have served with honor and distinction in our Armed Forces, and today, they embrace their rich heritage as leaders in our communities and pioneers of industry. On Columbus Day, we reflect on the moment the world changed. And as we recognize the influence of Christopher Columbus, we also pay tribute to the legacy of Native Americans and our Government’s commitment to strengthening their tribal sovereignty. We celebrate the long history of the American continents and the contributions of a diverse people, including those who have always called this land their home and those who crossed an ocean and risked their lives to do so. With the same sense of exploration, we boldly pursue new frontiers of space, medicine, and technology and dare to change our world once more. In commemoration of Christopher Columbus’s historic voyage 522 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 13, 2014, 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 tenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.

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The Sons of Italy and Its Foundation

Welcome

Seize The Future

From The Sons of Italy Foundation President

Philip R. Piccigallo, Ph.D. National Executive Director/CEO OSIA/Sons of Italy Foundation

In 2009, the SIF produced an educational film entitled, “Triumphant Journey.” It depicted the extraordinary experience of millions of Italian immigrants coming to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, establishing roots, building lives through struggle and hard work, and surmounting all challenges. This was the story of the Order Sons of Italy in America® (OSIA) and the subsequent creation of its philanthropic entity, the Sons of Italy Foundation® in 1959. This year we introduce an updated version of that film, which offers a peek into OSIA/SIF’s future. It is premised on “that was then, this is now.” It will debut this evening at the 27th annual NATIONAL EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP AWARDS (NELA) Gala. Joseph DiTrapani, President

Seize the Future: 110 Years of SIF/OSIA Giving

Admission to this Great Nation and a ticket to the American Dream did not come without cost. Newly arrived immigrants, mostly from Southern Italy and places called Palermo, Trapani, Catania, Bari, Naples, Reggio Calabria, Brindisi, Basilicata, Apuglia, and Salerno were NOT received with welcoming arms into America’s gateway cities. But they worked hard, embraced the struggle, and surmounted all challenges.

Welcome to a very special 27th annual National Education & Leadership Awards (NELA) Gala. Tonight, we are proud to honor five Americans who are luminaries in their respective fields: General Raymond T. Odierno in military service, Terry

The SIF is now ready to embark on the next phase of its triumphant journey. Having surmounted the challenges confronting millions of Italians who came to America’s shores during the first great immigration wave of the early 20th century, OSIA and the SIF by the 1960s embraced the concept of giving back to the country that had so generously accepted the sons and daughters of Italy. Between 1959 and 2015, OSIA/SIF contributed an incredible $133 million to medical research, domestic and international disaster relief, cultural and language preservation, scholarships, and special projects principally dealing with patriotic themes and support for US veterans and wounded servicemen and women. A recent study estimates that the cumulative giving of OSIA’s hundreds of local filial and state lodges throughout the nation over the past fifty years have raised in excess of $30 million for localized charities and scholarships, bringing this grand giving total to $163 million.

O’Sullivan in labor, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci in medicine, Alfred Grasso in public service, and Geno Auriemma in sports. We are also extremely happy to have Purple Heart recipient Captain Anthony K. Odierno here to present his father with this year’s NELA Award. Along with this group of accomplished honorees, we celebrate the future of our Italian-American youth. This year’s SIF scholarship winners were selected for a combination of exemplary academic performance, school leadership, and community service. The Sons of Italy Foundation and its national scholarship

The SIF now is focused on solidifying its place among American premier charitable enterprises. It will proclaim a goal of raising $200 million by 2025. By announcing its total dedication to seeing the battles against Alzheimer’s, Cooley’s anemia, and autism to their absolute finish—to the eradication of these afflictions—the SIF has raised the charitable giving bar to another level. Included in its new frontier of activism is a pledge to leave no wounded veteran behind or without care. Moreover, OSIA/SIF recognizes that embedded in its organizational MISSION is the continued recognition and celebration of Christopher Columbus, not to be measured by 21st century standards, but as an iconic, longstanding rallying point for Italy’s and Italian Americans’ pride in our rich culture and heritage.

program are proud to support these students on their path through higher education — a path that honors the sacrifices many of our ancestors made. Lastly, we come together on this night to recognize the Sons of Italy and its Foundation. To date, members have raised $163 million for charities and scholarships. From donating $100,000 to build each the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City and the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. to pledging a second $1 million contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association,

The SIF’s “Triumphant Journey” has now morphed into a campaign to “Seize the Future”—to catapult from promises fulfilled to dreams envisioned.

SIF and its members play no small role in making the world a better place. On this evening, we celebrate our past accomplishments and share in the

Narrated by Valerie Bertinelli

enthusiasm to continue these acts of generosity in the coming year.

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“Seize the Future” is narrated by Valerie Bertinelli, a famed American actress best known for her roles on the sitcom One Day at a Time (1974 – 1985), the drama series Touched by an Angel (2001 – 2003), and the sitcom Hot in Cleveland (2010 – 2015). On August 22, 2012, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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The Sons Of Italy Foundation

27th Annual NELA Gala

May 21, 2015 - The National Building Museum - Washington, D.C.

Program

Hors d’Oeuvres Smoked Chicken, Manchego Cheese, Apricot Spoonfruit Crostini

Sundried Tomato and Wild Mushroom Purse

Balsamic Caramelized Onion, Feta Cheese and Chive in Phyllo

National Anthems Maria Fassio Pignati United States National Trustee, Order Sons of Italy in America

of Italy and the

“Seize the Future” Narrated by Valerie Bertinelli

2015 Humanitarian Award Alfred Grasso President and CEO, MITRE Corporation

Salad Organic Baby Spinach with Red Currants, Crumbled Chevre, Candied Pecan and a

Presentation of the Colors D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Ceremonial Honor Guard

Welcome Joe Mantegna Master of Ceremonies

Chesapeake Bay Crab Arancini, Red Pepper Pesto

Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette

Sweet Potato Bread Display with Butter

Entrée

Presented by: Joseph J. DiTrapani President, Sons of Italy Foundation

2015 Special Award for Geno Auriemma Excellence in Sports Leadership Head Coach, University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball

2015 Special Recognition Award Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. For Science & Mecicine Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH

Presented by: Philip R. Piccigallo, Ph.D. CEO/National Executive Director, Sons of Italy Foundation

Grilled Meyer Ranch Sirloin Steak with

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

Chanterelle Ragout, Pinot Noir Glaze and served with Stone Ground Polenta and Seasonal Vegetables

Dinner Served

Wild Mushroom Ravioli

Sons of Italy Foundation 2015 National Scholarship Presentations

Rappini, Roasted Chick Pea, and Smoked Tomato Sauce

Musical Interlude Tenor Michael Amante

2015 SIF Lifetime Achievement Award Terry O’Sullivan for Public Service General President, Laborers’ International Union of North America

This Evening’s Featured Wines

Presented by: Armand E. Sabitoni General Secretary-Treasurer & New England Regional Manager Laborers’ International Union of North America 2012 SIF Humanitarian Award Recipient

Leone d’Oro Chianti Colli Senesi Leone d’Oro Gavi

Dessert

Vanilla Bourbon Mousse Tort, Toasted Almond

2015 National Education GEN. Raymond T. Odierno & Leadership Award Chief of Staff, United States Army

Presented by: Capt. Anthony K. Odierno (USA, Ret.) Board Chair, Wounded Warrior Project 2010 SIF Special Award for Courage & Patriotism Recipient

Fresh Roasted Coffee

Joseph J. DiTrapani President, Sons of Italy Foundation

The wines served this evening were provided by Votto Vines and bear the “Figli d’Italia” label, the Sons of Italy’s for-profit corporation.

Robert A. Messa and Paul S. Polo, Sr. Presidents Emeriti, Sons of Italy Foundation

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Greetings Joseph J. DiTrapani President, Sons of Italy Foundation

Veg eta r i a n E n tr ée

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Finale: “God Bless America” Maria Fassio Pignati

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General Raymond T. Odierno

Terry O’Sullivan

U.S. Army Chief of Staff

General President, Laborers’ International Union of North America

THE 2015 SIF National Education & Leadership Award

THE 2015 SIF LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE

“The sons and daughters of Italy have played an important role in our union since its founding in 1903. Strong, proud, and united Italian immigrants banded together with other immigrant workers and laid their lives on the line to demand good wages, good benefits, fair working conditions, and dignity for workers, epitomizing the values in our motto, ‘justice, honor, and strength.’ For more than a century, my brave Italian brothers and sisters in LIUNA, and throughout the North American labor movement, have fought for economic justice and against oppression and discrimination.

“As Italian-Americans, we rightly treasure our Italian traditions while embracing the uniquely American qualities which bind us as a Nation. The foundation my grandfather and father laid by seeking a better life for their families, their fundamental hard work, and the emphasis they placed on the importance of family and values, as well as the love of their new country, has transcended generations. I will always be thankful for their courage, pride, and the example they set contributing to who I am today.”

Today, Italians are making significant contributions at every level of the North American labor movement, fighting for the rights of all working men and women. My friend and brother, past SIF honoree LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer Armand E. Sabitoni, is a proud son of Italy, as are several other members of LIUNA’s General Executive Board. As a proud son of Ireland, I am humbled and honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service from such equally proud Sons of Italy.”

General Raymond T. Odierno assumed duty as the 38th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army on

Terry O’Sullivan became the tenth General President of the Laborers’ International Union of

September 7, 2011. He is a West Point graduate who has commanded units in Germany, Albania,

North America (LIUNA) on January 1, 2000, and is dedicated to growing his union’s membership

Kuwait, Iraq, and the United States. Through nearly 40 years of service, he has performed multiple

and market share. Under his leadership, the union has significantly expanded its efforts in,

tours of duty, including Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi

and commitment to, member activism, capital strategies, grassroots politics, labor-management

Freedom. He has also served as the primary military advisor to United States Secretary of State

cooperation, journeyworker upgrade training, apprenticeship, and leadership education.

Condoleezza Rice and is highly decorated for both his combat and non-combat military service.

Recognizing that labor and management share many of the same concerns and interests, O’Sullivan

General Odierno is a native of Rockaway, New Jersey, where his grandparents settled after

has built alliances with a wide range of owners, contractors, and business groups.

emigrating from Sarno, Italy. He holds a B.S. in Engineering from the United States Military

A proud native of San Francisco, California, O’Sullivan joined LIUNA in 1974, and is a long-

Academy, an M.S. in Nuclear Effects Engineering from North Carolina State University, and

time member of LIUNA Local Union 1353 in Charleston, West Virginia. Tonight, he receives

an M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He is also a

the Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service, a tribute that recognizes the achievements of

graduate of the United States Army War College.

outstanding public servants.

At the 2010 NELA Gala, General Odierno presented the SIF Special Award for Courage & Patriotism to his son, Captain Anthony K. Odierno.

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Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.

Alfred Grasso

Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, NIH

President & CEO, The MITRE Corporation

THE 2015 SIF SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD FOR SCIENCE & MEDICINE

THE 2015 SIF HUMANITARIAN AWARD

“As a second generation Italian-American, I was born and raised by loving parents in an almost exclusively Italian-American neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. And so throughout my formative years the concepts of responsibility, loyalty, taking care of one another, and never compromising your integrity were instilled deeply in me. This has influenced greatly my personal and professional lives.”

“My parents came to this country so their children would have unlimited opportunities. They instilled in me the value of education and a strong work ethic. They encouraged me to choose a career that would enable me to add value to the world. They wanted me to be fully assimilated into American culture, but they also gave me strong ties to my Italian heritage throughout my life — something I’ve always been grateful for.”

For more than 30 years, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci has played a central role in global health,

Since 2006, Alfred Grasso has served as President & CEO of The MITRE Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that operates public interest research and development centers for the federal government. Under his leadership, MITRE was named to Fast Company magazine’s “World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies” and was also listed by FORTUNE magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For.” He has also served a two-year term as President of the Board of Directors of the National GEM Consortium, a network of universities, companies, government agencies, alumni and faculty that provides graduate education in engineering and science to underrepresented minorities. He served as chairman of Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association International’s Board of Directors from 2012 to 2014 and was vice chair from 2010 to 2012. In 2013, he was named Man of the Year by the Lido Civic Club, an Italian American civic organization, for his “longstanding commitment to advancing educational opportunities for young people.”

overseeing the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and its current $4.5 billion budget. He serves as a key advisor to the White House on issues ranging from HIV/AIDS to infectious disease threats like the Ebola virus. Through the 2000s, he was one of the principal architects of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which is responsible for saving millions of lives throughout the developing world. In 2008, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. Recently, he has been at the forefront of combating the Ebola scare, easing fears by addressing the public and also personally treating two Ebola patients. Dr. Fauci grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where his grandparents settled after emigrating from Sicily and Naples. He holds a B.A. in Classics with a premedical concentration from the College of the Holy Cross and a Medical Doctorate from Weill Cornell Medical College. At the 1992 NELA Gala, he was honored with the National Education & Leadership Award.

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Mr. Grasso is a first-generation Italian American whose father is from Ariano Irpino in the province of Avellino and mother is from Vieste located on the Gargano Peninsula. His parents immigrated by way of Ellis Island and settled in Worcester, Massachusetts where he and his brother (now Provost of the University of Delaware) were born. Mr. Grasso holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an M.S. in Computer Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He is also a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Program for Management Development. 27 t h A n n ua l NEL A

Geno Auriemma

The 2015 SIF National Leadership Grant Donors

Head Coach, University of Connecticut Women’s Basketball THE 2015 SIF SPECIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SPORTS LEADERSHIP

“Being Italian has given me great pride and a great sense of the history and culture that is a part of our past. It has provided me with a sense of compassion for others and an appreciation for life. Living in Italy and reliving my family’s life during the war makes me really understand what sacrifice, hard work and family truly are.”

The Sons of Italy Foundation Deeply Thanks the SIF Perpetual Scholarship Donors

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 Scholarship

The Charles Evans Scholarship

George J. Spatuzza Scholarship

Simone & Bruno Giuffrida Memorial Scholarship

Angelo Tomasso Sr. Scholarship

The SIF thanks the donors of this year’s additional scholarships: The Columbus Citizen’s Foundation/Sons of Italy Foundation Grant The Italian Language Scholarship The National Italian American Bar Association/Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship The OSIA Grand Lodge of Ohio Scholarship The OSIA Grand Lodge of New York Vincenzo Sellaro Scholarship The Wounded Warrior Project/Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship

The SIF also acknowledges the generous contributions of

basketball, taking it from a program with just one winning season and transforming it into a

Joseph A. Russo, Paul S. Polo, Mark DeNunzio, Angelo R. Bianchi, Michael G. Polo, Vera Girolami, Thomas A. Lupo, Joseph Sciame, Marianne Principe O’Neil, and Anthony Naccarato to

program that now boasts ten national titles, five of which were perfect seasons. In 2006, he was

The 2015 National Education & Leadership Awards

For nearly three decades, Geno Auriemma has coached University of Connecticut women’s

inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame (Springfield, Mass.) and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (Knoxville, Tenn.). He has also coached the U.S. National Team, leading them to a gold medal in the 2012 Olympic Games. His success, however, is not limited to the court. In his tenure at UConn, he has a 100 percent graduation rate among his four-year players.

THE CHARLES EVANS SCHOLARSHIP

Mr. Auriemma was born in Montella, Italy before his family immigrated to the United States,

For the fifth year, the Sons of Italy Foundation® (SIF) is proud to award The Charles

settling in Norristown, Pennsylvania near Philadelphia. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from

Evans Scholarship, a perpetual scholarship funded by an endowment from the Charles Evans Foundation.

West Chester University.

A successful businessman, U.S. veteran, and philanthropist, Charles Evans co-founded the

At the 49th National Convention of the Order Sons of Italy in America, the SIF’s parent

fashion house Evan-Picone and was executive producer of the Academy Award-winning film,

organization, he was honored with the 2005 Sports Award.

“Tootsie.” Mr. Evans crusaded for causes close to his heart, namely fire detection safety and Alzheimer’s

Congratulations, Geno, on your 10th NCAA National Championship this year!

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, President, for making Charles Evans (1926-2007)

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this perpetual scholarship possible. 13

The 2015 SIF National Leadership Grant Recipients

JASON ERNO

DANIEL TESTA

The Frank D. Privitera Scholarship

The OSIA Grand Lodge of Ohio Scholarship

Hometown: Columbia, SC School: Clemson University-Clemson, South Carolina

Hometown: Dix Hills, NY School: Georgetown University-Washington, District of Columbia

• Completed research projects in the field of biochemistry and investigated new methods to treat epilepsy at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine; has won three awards for his research. • A Clemson University National Scholar and an AP Scholar with Honor. • Received West Point Leadership Award for achieving outstanding accomplishments in leadership, academic standing, athletics, community service, and extra-curricular activities.

• Co-wrote article published in the Orphanet Journal of Rare Disease. • Co-Founder of J.O.C.K.S. (Just Ordinary Caring Kids), an anti-bullying club that encourages athletes to be leaders both on the field and in the classroom. • Coached eighth grade girls’ volleyball team and volunteered with youth basketball league.

SARA FRIEDMAN The Charles Evans Scholarship

MARGARET AMATUCCI

Hometown: Sleepy Hollow, NY School: Harvard University-Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Italian Language Scholarship

Hometown: Newton, MA School: University of Massachusetts, Amherst-Amherst, Massachusetts

• National Merit Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, and Rotary Club Scholar. • An accomplished vocalist, violist and pianist, and was awarded “Outstanding Musician’s Award” in high school orchestra. • Author of The Gluten-Free Guide to Washington, D.C., which helps residents of and tourists to the D.C. and Baltimore area.

• A National Merit Competition Commended Student currently pursuing a double major in English and Italian Studies. • Advanced Italian language skills has led to a job as an Italian and Writing tutor at the university’s Learning Resource center. • Has taught Italian to young children as a counselor at an Italian immersion summer camp and as a volunteer at Piccola Italia Preschool.

LEON PAPPAS The Columbus Citizen’s Foundation & Sons of Italy Foundation Grant Hometown: Boston, MA School: Boston University School of Medicine-Boston, Massachusetts

CHRISTINA PREJEAN The National Italian Bar Association/Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship

• Received Doctorate in Microbiology and Immunology from ETH Zurich (Switzerland), Master of Science in Integrated Immunology from University of Oxford, and Bachelor of Arts in Biochemical Sciences from Harvard University. • Published in Nature: International Weekly Journal of Science, Cancer Research, and BMC Research Notes. • Fluent in Italian, French, German, and Modern Greek with experience in Ancient Greek.

Hometown: San Diego, CA School: University of San Diego School of Law-San Diego, California

• Received Master of Public Administration from University of Oklahoma and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from Westmont College (Santa Barbara, California). • Served as an Officer in the United States Air Force (2008-2014); while serving she founded “Operation Empowering Afghan Women,” which assisted shelters and humanitarian missions. • Founder of “She Is Greater,” a website and social media source dedicated to motivating and educating women and girls.

LAURENCE LOPRETE The 2015 National Education & Leadership Grant

Hometown: Franklin Lakes, NJ School: Princeton University-Princeton, New Jersey

• National Merit Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, Presidential Scholar Candidate, and National Latin Exam Gold Medalist. • Conducted research at Columbia University Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) and Science Honors Program. • President of Engineer’s Club and leader of Computer Club at Regis High School.

MICHAEL CRAPOTTA The Henry F. Salvatori Memorial Scholarship

Hometown: Garden City, NY School: Undecided

• Graduated Valedictorian, was National Merit Finalist and AP Scholar with Distinction. • Played varsity football and varsity baseball while serving as President of the Spanish Honor Society and on Peer AIDS Educators Executive Board. • Performed classical vocal solos at Carnegie Hall.

A1C MARIEANN RAGUSO, U.S. AIR FORCE The Wounded Warrior Project/Sons of Italy Foundation Scholarship Hometown: Valhalla, NY School: Pace University-New York, New York

JUDE RICH

• Served as an Airman First Class in Afghanistan and was attached to the 105th Base Defense Squadron, Security Forces. • Injured in 2013 after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was detonated beneath her armored vehicle and was diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury and internal injuries; received the Purple Heart Medal and the Combat Action Medal. • Inducted into the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, and the Security Forces Museum.

The Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro/Grand Lodge of New York Scholarship

Hometown: Bay Shore, NY School: Northeastern University-Boston, Massachusetts

• AP Scholar with Distinction and member of the All-Academic Team for varsity track and field. • Participated in and helped organize community runs for charities, including the Alzheimer’s Association and the Special Olympics. • Served as a Lead Mentor and Retreat Leader for his high school’s freshman class. 14 T h e S ons

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Captain Anthony K. Odierno (U.S. Army, Ret.)

Michael Amante

Board Chair, Wounded Warrior Project Vice President of Military and Veterans Affairs, JPMorgan Chase

Featured Performer

The Sons of Italy Foundation is pleased to welcome tenor Michael Amante in what

Special Guest Presenter

Captain Anthony K. Odierno is a West Point graduate and retired Army veteran who served in the Iraq War. He received the Bronze Star Medal for Valor and the Purple Heart after being wounded in combat and currently serves his fellow wounded soldiers as a member of the Wounded Warrior Project’s Board of Directors. In 2001, Captain Odierno earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Following his retirement from the army, he earned a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Accounting from New York University’s Stern School of Business. Today, he works as the Vice President of Military and Veterans Affairs for JPMorgan Chase. Captain Odierno is a former NELA Gala honoree, receiving the 2010 SIF Special Award for Courage & Patriotism. Tonight, he presents the 2015 SIF National Education & Leadership Award to his father, General Raymond T. Odierno.

is his ninth performance at the annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala. 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 Phantome 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 and Emmy nomination. The New York Times writes, “The swashbuckling Italian tenor exhibits both the voice and the charisma of a crossover star.”

Armand E. Sabitoni

Maria Fassio Pignati

General Secretary-Treasurer & New England Regional Manager Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA)

Featured Performer

Special Guest Presenter

Performing the American and Italian national anthems for us this evening is

Armand E. Sabitoni is a second generation Italian American who worked his

soprano Maria Fassio Pignati of San Francisco. She earned a B.A. in Music with a

way up from general construction laborer to General Secretary-Treasurer, LIUNA’s

minor in Italian prior to studying voice and piano at the San Francisco Conservatory

second highest position. In a union that represents more than 550,000 members, Mr.

of Music.

Sabitoni has led efforts to strengthen its training programs, including the founding of the union’s first construction charter school for high school students. While working construction as a member of LIUNA Local 271 in Providence, Rhode Island, Mr. Sabitoni earned a B.A. from the University of Rhode Island. He

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 entitled La Vita Bella.

went on to study at the New England School of Law in Boston earning a J.D. in 1980.

Active in the Italian American community for more than 40 years, Ms. Fassio

Mr. Sabitoni is a former NELA Gala honoree, receiving the 2012 SIF Humanitarian

Pignati is the former state president of the Sons of Italy’s Grand Lodge of California,

Award. Tonight, he presents the 2015 SIF Lifetime Achievement Award for Public

which consists of 61 lodges in California, southern Oregon, and western Nevada.

Service to his colleague, LIUNA General President Terry O’Sullivan.

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. For her service to San Francisco’s Italian community, Maria Fassio Pignati was made a knight of the Italian republic with the title, “Cavaliere nell’Ordine della Stella della Solidarietà.”

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NELA Highlights Honorees & Special Guests

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,” “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 14th consecutive year as host of the National Memorial Day

SRT CEO Ralph Gillies (L.) with Bob Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), at the 2013 NELA

Concert and the SIF NELA Gala.

Vice President Joe Biden entertains the crowd at the 2009 NELA

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. Philip R. 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 started the Sons of Italy Foundation’s NELA Gala in 1988, making this year’s NELA the 27th that he has directed. Dr. Piccigallo brought OSIA a background in unions, 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 as well as articles on education, politics, and international affairs. He and his wife, Rose, have two children, Jacqueline and Paul.

Tony Bennett performing at the 2003 NELA

(L. to R.) Justice Samuel Alito, Secretary Leon Panetta and Philip Piccigallo at the 2014 NELA 18 T h e S ons

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Actor Gary Sinise accepts the 2013 SIF Award for Courage and Patriotism Honoree Joe Paterno (L.) with Senator Bob Dole (R-KS) at the 1996 NELA

Legendary Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill (D-MA) addresses the 1992 NELA held on Capitol Hill

(L. to R.) Doug Flutie and Joseph DiTripani at the 2013 NELA

Legendary Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill (D-MA) addresses the 1992 NELA held on Capitol Hill

Master of Ceremonies Larry King at the 1999 NELA

Former FBI Director Louis Freeh, honored in 1994, with U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) Retired U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) received the 2014 SIF Humanitarian Award

Music Producer Quincy Jones introduces Honoree President Bill Clinton at the 2010 NELA

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(L. to R.) Joseph DiTripani, Capt. Anthony Odierno (Ret.), Thom Lupo, SSgt. Salvatore Giunta and Gen. Raymond T. Odierno at the 2011 NELA 27 t h A n n ua l NEL A

SIF CEO/Executive Director Philip Piccigallo with Mr. and Mrs. Clinton at the 2005 NELA

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia received the 1991 NELA honor Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s then-President Giorgio Napolitano addresses the 2010 NELA

(L. to R.) Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ambassador to the U.S. Claudio Bisogniero; his wife, Laura Denise Noce Benigni Olivieri; and former national security advisor Gen. James Jones, USMC (Ret.), at the 2013 NELA

(L. to R.) Dr. Anthony Fauci with Gen. Colin Powell and Alma Powell at the 2013 NELA President George W. Bush addresses the 2004 NELA

Vice President Al Gore spoke at the 1994 NELA

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Philip Piccigallo with President Bill Clinton at the 2010 NELA 27 t h A n n ua l NEL A

Five

women trailblazers at the

2007 NELA

U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) at the 1989 NELA dinner (L. to R.) Madeleine Albright, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Geraldine Ferraro, Nancy Pelosi and Mary Landrieu

Tenor Michael Amante has been a frequent NELA per-

(L. to R.) SIF President Paul Polo, Poet Dana Goia, and SIF Trustee Joseph Sciame at the 2005 NELA Sam Donaldson with Joe Mantegna at the 2002 NELA

(L. to R.) Doug Flutie, Franco Nuschese, Sergio Marchionne, Philip Piccigallo and Anthony Fauci at the 2013 NELA The 2013 NELA: (L. to R.) Doug Flutie; Franco Nuschese; Sergio Marchionne; Philip Piccigallo and Anthony Fauci

Annette Funicello with Congressman Bob Michel (R-IL) at the 1993 NELA

The 2014 SIF scholarship winners The NELA ballroom at the National Building Museum. About 1,000 guests attend annually. 24 T h e S ons

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OO CULTURAL PRESERVATION & IMMIGRATION HISTORY

The Sons of Italy Foundation

Making a Difference

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.

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 nearly $163 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 OSIA lodges give scholarships to bright Italian-American students. Since 1959, the SIF has given nearly $59 million in scholarships at the local, state and national levels.

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. In addition to the Wounded Warrior Project, the SIF has made donations to the Gary Sinise Foundation and Luke’s Wing’s, among others.

MEDICAL RESEARCH The SIF supports research to help national charities find cures for the most devastating diseases like Cooley’s anemia, which affects the lives of little Gabriella and her family.

SPECIAL PROJECTS The SIF supports the establishment and restoration of U.S. monuments, including the Statue of Liberty, the WWII Memorial and National 9/11 Memorial & Museum New York City.

DISASTER RELIEF The SIF donates generously to disaster relief in the U.S. and abroad. These efforts resulted in this school for children with autism being rebuilt after the devastating 2009 L’Aquila earthquake. Photo Credit: Amy Dreher

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The Sons of Italy Foundation

Contribution Highlights

The Sons of Italy Foundation

A History of Giving 9/11 Disaster Relief Academic Year in America (AYA) Alzheimer’s Association American Cancer Society, Coaches vs. Cancer American Fund for Dental Health American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) American Italian Cancer Foundation American Italian Historical Association (AIHA) American Red Cross Annette Funicello Fund for Neurological Disorders Arab American Institute Arthritis Foundation Assisi Earthquake Relief Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Bard College Boy Scouts of America Boys Town of Italy Business Council for International Understanding California State University Catholic Relief Services (Naples earthquake relief) Catholics United Cavaliere Ufficiale Aldo Mancusi Center for Italian & Italian-American Culture, Inc. Center for Migration Studies CES Foundation Children’s Inn at NIH Christopher Columbus Catholic Center Commission for Social Justice® (CSJ) Concordia Language Villages Cooley’s Anemia Foundation COPILAS Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America Dante School for Children DC Friends of Ireland Doctors Without Borders Don Orione Home & Madonna Queen National Shrine Doug Flutie Jr., Foundation for Autism Ethiopian Famine Relief FIERI International Florentine Flood Relief Fox Chase Cancer Center Friends of the National Zoo (Smithsonian Inst.) Garibaldi-Meucci Museum Gene Upshaw Memorial Fund Help Our Military Heroes Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund Hurricane Andrew Relief

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.

Immigration History Research Center In Italiano Language Program Istituto Italiano di Cultura Italian Americana Italian Flood Relief Italian Hospital Society Italian Musicale Italian Welfare League Italian-American Cultural Center John Cabot University (JCU) John. D. Calandra Italian American Institute L’Aquila Earthquake Relief Lombardi Cancer Center at George Washington University Medical Center Luke’s Wings March of Dimes Mentoring and Internships Mexican Earthquake Relief Michael Bolton Charities Multiple Sclerosis National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial National Leadership Grants (SIF’s scholarship program) National Policy Association National September 11 Memorial & Museum National World War II Memorial Oklahoma City Bombing OSIA National Student Summit Penfed Foundation Rienzi Foundation for Cochlear Implant Surgery Saint Pio Foundation Seton Hall University School of Diplomacy and International Relations SLE (Lupus) Foundation & Elizabeth Fund Special Olympics The American Foundation for St. George Hospital The College Board The Daniel Pitino Foundation The Gary Sinise Foundation The Isaac Hayes Foundation The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts The Statue of Liberty Restoration Project / Ellis Island Foundation (American Immigration Wall of Honor) The V Foundation U.S. State Department (American Embassy & Villa Taverna in Rome) Washington Revels Washington, DC Police Foundation William J. Clinton Foundation Wounded Warrior Project

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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. Pledges another $1 million donation by 2015 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

$24,600 to new national charity, the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc.

2011 Pledges a second $2 million contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association 2012 Answers the call of natural disaster victims in Italy and the U.S., launching fundraising campaigns for Emilia-Romagna earthquake relief and Hurricane Sandy relief 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 was donated to Help Our Military Heroes 27 t h A n n ua l NEL A

The Sons of Italy Foundation

The SIF Award Recipients 1989-2014 The Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) Awards are given annually at the SIF’s Gala Dinner, held every May in Washington, D.C. 2014

The Hon. Leon Panetta Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Former Director, CIA Former White House Chief of Staff National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Motion Picture Association of America Former United States Senator – CT Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service Harry Lombardo International President, Transport Workers Union Humanitarian Award Lt. Gen. Flora D. Darpino 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 Armand Sabitoni General Secretary, Laborers International Union of North America Humanitarian Award Claudio Bozzo 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

2011

Carmen Policy Founder & Proprietor, Casa Piena Vineyard Former owner & CEO, San Francisco 49ers National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) 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 SIF 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 SIF Humanitarian Award Mary Ann Esposito Host/Creator, “Ciao Italia” PBS TV Lifetime Achievement Award in the Culinary Arts

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2008

2004

2007

2003

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 Alfred Rotondaro, PhD Sr. Fellow, Center for American Progress Humanitarian Award Nicholas Donofrio Executive VP, IBM National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) 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

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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 Charles Gargano Chairman, Empire State Development Corp. National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) Andy Granatelli Automotive designer, driver & engineer Lifetime Achievement Award Richard L. Trumka 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

The Order Sons of Italy in America® 2000

Mario Andretti Racing Legend & Business Entrepreneur National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) Phil Guarascio Former Vice President & General Manager of North American Marketing & Advertising, General Motors Corporation Crystal Lion Recognition 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) Frank Sinatra Legendary Entertainer, Producer & Philanthropist Humanitarian Award 1997

Peter F. Secchi Chairman, Universal Forest Products, Inc. & Former U.S. Ambassador to Italy National Education & Leadership Award (NELA) Tommy Lasorda Vice President/Former Manager, LA Dodgers Humanitarian Award

Founded in 1905

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)

for men and women of Italian heritage in the United States. Established to help the early

1995

the District of Columbia and has lodges extending across the country and into Canada.

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)

The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) is the oldest and largest national organization Italian immigrants, today OSIA is the nation’s leading Italian-American service and advocacy organization. It has a network of hundreds of thousands of family members in all 50 states plus Its programs include: • ITALIAN AMERICA™ MAGAZINE, the most widely read magazine in the U.S. for people of Italian heritage • PASSPORT TO ITALY, low-cost group tours to Italy and its cultural patrimony arranged by OSIA’s travel bureau • SCHOLARSHIPS, financial support for young Italian Americans attending college and graduate school • STUDY ABROAD PARTNERSHIPS OPPORTUNITIES, a program for students and adults to study or work while living in Italy • THE SONS OF ITALY NATIONAL BOOK CLUB, a committee that promotes fiction and non-fiction works by and about Italian Americans • INTERNSHIPS/MENTORING PROGRAM, National Office in Washington, D.C.

Use your mobile device to scan the QR code to join our e-mail list! Receive our monthly newsletter, event information, news, exciting announcements and special offers! Or text OSIA to 22828 to join!

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 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 ItalianAmerican 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.

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The Sons of Italy Foundation

Board and Committees

Staff, Consultants & NELA Volunteers

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Resource Persons

Joseph DiTrapani President

Edmund Restivo Angela Harrington Carmelito Bello Joseph Rondinelli Lynn Lawrence-Murphy

Joseph A. Russo Vice President James DiStefano Recording Secretary Thom A. Lupo Financial Secretary Frank J. Panessa Treasurer Presidents Emeriti Robert A. Messa Paul S. Polo Trustees

Angelo Bianchi Richard Della Croce Albert De Napoli Mark DeNunzio Joseph LaBanca Bruce Lankewish Salvatore Lanzilotta Michael G. Polo Marianne Principe-O’Neil Philip Privitera Joseph Sciame

NATIONAL OFFICE STAFF

CONSULTANTS

NELA GALA VOLUNTEERS

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

Dan Ashwell, Printing Solutions, Inc. Printing

Carol Cummings

Andrea K. Beach Office Manager Diane Crespy Director of Programs & Development

National Executive Director/CEO Philip R. Piccigallo, Ph.D. 2015 SIF SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION COMMITTEE

Michele Ment, Chair Joseph Facciolo Joanne Strollo 2015 SIF SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION CONSULTANTS

Mark Lindenmeyer Loyola University, Maryland

Steve Baughan, Monumental Affairs Catering

Miles Ryan Fisher Editor, Italian America Magazine

Erik Duran, Duran Floral Design, LLC Flowers

Krystyne Hayes Executive Assistant to the National Executive Director/CEO

Lynn Kessler, L.K. Productions, LLC Video

Carly Jerome Social Media & Communications Associate

Carlo Tamburro, Williams/Gerard Productions, Inc. Event Producer

Laura Kelly Administrative & Scholarship Coordinator

Max Taylor Photography

Gene Logan American University, Washington, D.C.

Anna DeLuca Stephanie Eggleston Beth Greenberg Tara Justice Nick Kelley John Krieger Kenny Lewis Andrew O’Rourke Margaret O’Rourke Jackie Piccigallo Adrienne Ward`

Diane Vincent Graphic Design

Lucio D’Andrea President Emeritus, The Abruzzo & Molise Heritage Society Washington, D.C. Edvige D’Andrea The Abruzzo & Molise Heritage Society Washington, D.C. Dino Mazzone President, National Italian American Bar Association

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Acknowledgements The Sons of Italy Foundation expresses its sincere gratitude to the following individuals and organizations for their help in making the 27th Annual National Education & Leadership Awards Gala a success.

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

Michael Amante

Alfred Grasso

Alzheimer’s Association

Joe Mantegna

American Italian Cancer Foundation and Massimo Ferragamo

Lt. Col. Matthew McCarville (USA, Ret.)

The American Labor Movement

Franco Nuschese, Café Milano & Georgetown Entertainment

Geno Auriemma

Capt. Anthony K. Odierno (USA, Ret.)

Valerie Bertinelli

Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, USA

The Charles Evans Foundation & Linda Munson Rothkopf, President

Terry O’Sullivan

Colavita USA

The Order Sons of Italy in America Grand Lodge of New York

Columbus Citizens Foundation

Vincent Panvini

Cooley’s Anemia Foundation

Maria Fassio Pignati

D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Ceremonial Honor Guard

Armand E. Sabitoni Robert A. Scardelletti

DelGrosso Foods Brian Donohue

International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART)

The Embassy of Italy

Transportation Communications Union/IAM

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci

Votto Vines, provider of Leone d’Oro® wines

Rev. R. Adam Forno

The Wounded Warrior Project®

And all the sponsors and guests of the 2015 NELA Gala Very

special thanks to:

All the men and women of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA!)

Tradition. Value. Excellence.

And

to:

Dan Ashwell, Printing Solutions, Inc. · Steve Baughan, Monumental Affairs Eric Duran, Duran Floral Design LLC · Chris Frame, National Building Museum Lynn Kessler, LK Productions, LLC · Carlo Tamburro, Williams/Gerard Productions Max Taylor, Photography · Diane Vincent, Graphic Design

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

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Gold

2015 NELA Gala Sponsors

Labourers’ International Union of North America Local 506 – liuna-local506.ca

Gala Sponsor

Labourers’ Local 837 Labourers’ Ontario Provincial District Council Labourers’ Universal Workers Union Local 183 Local 147 – Sandhogs

Laborers’ International Union of North America – liuna.org

LIUNA’s Tri-Funds

Platinum

Massachusetts & Northern New England Laborers’ District Council

Alzheimer’s Association – alz.org

New York State Laborers’ Organizing Fund – Terry O’Sullivan, LiUNA General President – nyslof.org

Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil – colavita.com

NYS Laborers’ Health & Safety Trust Fund – nysluina.org NYS LECET – nysluina.org

Cooley’s Anemia Foundation – cooleysanemia.org

OSIA New York Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc. – nyosia.org

Transportation Communications Union/IAM – Robert A. Scardelletti, National President – tcunion.org Ullico Inc. – Edward M. Smith, President & CEO – ullico.com

Silver The Charles Evans Foundation & Linda Munson Rothkopf, President

AFGE, AFL-CIO American-Italian Cancer Foundation – americanitaliancancer.org

Wounded Warrior Project® – woundedwarriorproject.org

Arab American Institute – aaiusa.org Baltimore/Washington Construction & Public Employees Laborers’ District Council, LiUNA Blasters, Drillrunners & Miners Laborers’ Union Local 29

Gold

Buddy – Big Cip – Bulldog

Cafe Milano – Georgetown Entertainment Group – Franco Nuschese

Connecticut Laborers’ District Council

Columbus Citizens Foundation – columbuscitizensfd.org

DelGrosso Foods – delgrossosauce.com

Eastern NY Laborers’ District Council

Frank & Eileen DeSantis – Past State President Grand Lodge of California – National Past President and First Lady, Supreme Lodge & 2012 Marconi Awardee

International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – smart-union.org

Greater New York LECET – gnylecet.org

Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 731

International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers – goiam.org

Laborers’ New England Region Organizing Fund 38 T h e S ons

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Silver

International Brotherhood of Teamsters – teamster.org

Southern California District Council of Laborers

Laborers’ District Council of Ohio

The MITRE Corporation – mitre.org

Laborers’ District Council of Western Pennsylvania

The Upstate New York Laborers’ District Council – William Shannon, Business Manager; Richard Daddario, President

Laborers’ Local Union 304 – laborers304.org

Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO – Harry Lombardo, International President – twu.org

Laborers’ International Union of North America – Eastern Region Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 261 Laborers’ Pacific Southwest Region

Bronze

Lido Civic Club of Washington, D.C. – lidocivicclub.org

Bank of Labor

LiUNA Local 78 – liunalocal78.org

D.C. Friends of Ireland

LIUNA Local 300

Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, OSIA – Charitable and Educational Trust – Benefit Insurance Commission – osiama.org

My Italian Family, the No. 1 Source for your Family Roots – myitalianfamily.com

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

National Italian American Foundation – niaf.org

International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers – bacweb.org

Netcom Technologies, Inc. – netcometec.com

International Union of Elevator Constructors – iuec.org

New England Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades – iupat.org

New England Laborers’ Labor Management Cooperation Trust

Laborers’ Local 125

New Jersey Building Construction Laborers’ District Council

Laborers’ Local 500

New Jersey Heavy & General Construction Laborers District Council

Laborers’ Local Union 894, Akron, Ohio – William Orr, Business Manager – local894.com

New York Friends of Ireland – nyfriendsofireland.org

Naden/Lean, LLC – Jeff Drake, CPA

Northern California District Council of Laborers – ncdc-laborers.org

North America’s Building Trades Unions – buildingtrades.org

Paul S. Polo, Sr., President Emeritus, Sons of Italy Foundation

Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA)

Pavers & Road Builders District Council of Greater New York

Sons of Italy National Past Presidents: Philip R. Boncore, Esq.; Frank J. DeSantis; Joseph J. DiTrapani; The Hon. Robert A. Messa; Paul S. Polo, Sr.; Vincent Sarno; Joseph Sciame; John G. Spatuzza; Joanne L. Strollo; Peter R. Zuzolo

Peduzzi Associates, LTD Rhode Island Laborers’ District Council

The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Union

Seafarers International Union – Michael Sacco, President – seafarers.org Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Maryland

UNITE HERE – D Taylor, President – untitehere.org

Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of New Jersey – njsonsofitaly.com

United Mineworkers of America – umwa.org

Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Ohio – ohiosonsofitaly.org

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Sponsor

Amalgamated Transit Union – atu.org

SIF Trustee Joseph LaBanca & Mary LaBanca

Anita & Nick Donofrio

Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Connecticut

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Illinois & Wisconsin

Corporate Chefs, Inc.

Sons of Italy National Past President & Sons of Italy Foundation President Emeritus Robert Messa & Betty Messa

Cuisinart Golf Resort & Spa – cuisinartresort.com Doug & Pat Allen

Sons of Italy National Vice Presidents: Joseph A. Russo; Daniel J. Longo; Anthony F.M. Spaziani; Vera Girolami; Nancy Di Fiore Quinn

Fred & Kathy Rotondaro

The Breakers Palm Beach

Geno Auriemma’s Restaurant Group – genosgrille.com

Vizual, Inc. – vizual.com

Inserra Shop-Rite Supermarkets

Votto Vines, Inc. – vottovines.com

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) – iatse.net International Union of Police Associations Thank you to the following individuals and organizations that have sponsored active members of the armed services, veterans and wounded warriors at this year’s NELA Gala.

Italian Welfare League – italianwelfareleague.org James Del Favero

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts

Joe & Kathy Grano

OSIA New York Grand Lodge Foundation, Inc. – nyosia.org

Joseph & Elham Cicippio

PNL C&E Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization – The Philanthropic Arm of the Sons of Italy Piazza Nuova Lodge #2665

Laborers’ Local 515 Laborers’ Local 517

SIF Trustee Joseph LaBanca & Mary LaBanca

Laborers’ Local 559

Sons of Italy Annapolis Lodge #2225

Laborers’ Local 762

Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of California

Laborers’ Local 846

Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Florida

Laborers’ Local 1015

Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Maryland

Mercer

Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of Ohio

Mario & Dee Ann Andretti

Sons of Italy Grand Lodge of the Northwest

Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin L. Palumbo

Sons of Italy Seattle Fedele Lodge 1390

National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial & Museum – nleomf.org

Sons of Italy State Lodge of Pennsylvania

Order Sons of Italy in America – www.osia.org ®

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S N O I T A L U T A R G N O C H C A CO A M M E I R U A Geno Auriemma is an Italian-born American who has led UConn to 10 NCAA

National Basketball championships. He is the seven-time winner of the national College Coach of the Year and this year’s winner of The Sons of Italy “Special Award for Excellence in Sports Leadership.’’ The UConn Foundation, in the midst of its $150 million fundraising initiative that aims to double the amount of scholarship money for UConn students, salutes Geno and the UConn Huskies.

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The Laborers’ International Union of North America congratulates LIUNA’s own

Terry O’SULLIvAN General President and all of this year’s honorees at the

Sons of Italy 27th Annual National Education and Leadership Awards Gala

Armand E. Sabitoni, General Secretary-Treasurer and the LIUNA General Executive Board

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