February 15, 2013
The Circolo Garibaldi, the St. John’s University
students’ Italian Society, inducted into its honorary membership
four prominent Staten Islanders in a ceremony hold on the Staten
Island campus Thursday, February 14. Those receiving honorary
membership in the club’s third annual induction ceremony were
Anthony Navarino, Director of Planning for the Steven Siller Tunnel
to Towers Foundation; Lois and Richard Nicotra, Chairman and
President, respectively, of the Nicotra Group; and Hon. Diane
Savino, State Senator.
In addition to the honorary members, the student
organization officers were also installed for the year 2013,
including current President Michael Lazzarotti of the graduating
class of 2016.
Led by the welcoming comments of Dr. Jerrold
Ross, Academic Vice President and Dean of the School of Education,
the inductees were congratulated for their community-wide
contributions. Dr. Ross also acknowledged the great
contributions Italian-Americans have made in the varied fields of
the arts, music, science, education and more.
Citations read for each honoree pointed out the
outstanding work each has done for the community of Staten Island.
Anthony Navarino has assisted in immeasurable ways for the Sandy
Relief effort. Lois and Richard Nicotra are major benefactors to a
wide variety of charities and activities on Staten Island and
finally, Hon. Diane Savino, was acknowledged for her efforts in
Sandy Relief and for her distinguished career in elected service to
the borough and state.
Joseph Sciame, Vice President for Community Relations and
Chair of the Italian Culture Center at St John's University,
praised the St. John’s University alumni who were honored and
welcomed into the Circolo Garibaldi Society calling them, "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 were able to
meet with the students and reflect upon their days at the
University.
"St. John's provided me with the opportunity and
my days at the University were some of the best of my life thus
far. I am extremely proud to be here today and accept this award,"
said Hon. Savino.
Similarly, the Nicotras jointly commented that
they had met while students at St. John’s and "have shared a life
with and for the University over the span of years."
Anthony Navarino whose two children also attended
St. John's said, "We carry the banner forth with pride."
For further information concerning the Circolo
Garibaldi, please contact Joseph Sciame at
sciamej@stjohns.edu .