Promoting the University’s partnership with the Staten Island
community, the Circolo Garibaldi—St. John’s student Italian
society—inducted four prominent borough leaders into its honorary
membership on Thursday, February 14.
The group’s third annual induction ceremony took place at the
University’s Staten
Island campus. The honorary inductees were Anthony Navarino
’80NDC, director of planning, Steven Siller Tunnel to Towers
Foundation; Lois (Malko) Nicotra ’77NDC, ’83GEd and Richard Nicotra
’76NDC, ’86HON, chairman and president, respectively, the Nicotra
Group; and State Senator Diane Savino ’86C (D-NY).
Photo
Gallery
In addition to the honorary inductions, student organization
officers were also installed for 2013, including President Michael
Lazzarotti ’16CPS.
Jerrold Ross, PhD,
academic vice president of the Staten Island campus and dean, The School of
Education, congratulated the inductees for their community-wide
leadership. He also acknowledged the contributions
Italian-Americans have made in the varied fields of the arts,
music, science, education, and more.
Citations for the honorees recognized the outstanding leadership
each has demonstrated in Staten Island. Anthony Navarino has
contributed to the Sandy Relief effort. Lois and Richard Nicotra
are major benefactors of charities and activities throughout the
borough. Senator Savino has supported Sandy Relief and has served
the borough and state.
Joseph Sciame ’71Ed, vice president for community relations and
chair of the Italian Culture Center at St John's, praised the
honorees and welcomed them into the Circolo Garibaldi Society. They
are, said Sciame, "alumni who live the true spirit of St. Vincent
de Paul in promoting a spirit in their lives of ‘Ministrare non
Ministran—serving rather than being served.’”
Following the ceremony, the honorees met with students and
shared their thoughts about the University. "I am extremely proud
to be here today to accept this award,” said Savino. “My days at
the University were some of the best of my life thus far.”
The Nicotras jointly commented that, after meeting as students
at St. John’s, they "have shared a life with and for the University
over the span of years." Noting that his two children attended his
alma mater, Navarino said, "We carry the banner forth with
pride."
To learn more about Circolo Garibaldi, contact Sciame at
sciamej@stjohns.edu.