“PASSING THE TORCH”
COCCIA FOUNDATION
Volume 5 Issue 1
Fall Issue 2012
Cav. Joseph Coccia, Jr. “Passing The Torch”
After 18 years as President and Founder of Coccia Foundation, Cavaliere
Joseph Coccia, Jr., passed the torch to his daughter Elisa Coccia, at their annual Italian
Studies Grand Cocktail Reception at The Estate at Florentine Gardens on September
17, 2012. It was a very proud moment for father and daughter, as well as those who
were fortunate enough to experience this very personal moment for the Coccia family.
Joseph has extraordinary vision for “filling the need,” whether it is with students,
teachers of Italian or the community at large, to promote and preserve Italian culture,
heritage and language. Joseph will remain involved on both the Coccia Foundation
Board and the Coccia Institute Advisory Board and continue to share his unique vision.
Elisa said, “I am so blessed to have parents who double as my mentors, both personally and professionally, and have taught me from childhood about pride, reputation, charity and respect. Starting with UNICO
and now with our Foundation, it is amazing how many people truly love, admire and respect my parents for
the contribution they have made to society for the past 50 years. I feel privileged to continue their legacy and
only hope that I make them half as proud of me, as I am of them!”
See Pictures and Bio on Pages 4 & 5
Cav. Nazario “Larry” Paragano, 2012 Honoree
Coccia Foundation is proud to acknowledge Cavaliere Paragano’s decades of
service to the Italian and Italian American community. Throughout his career, Cavaliere Paragano has remained hard working, philanthropic, kind and true to his character,
values and faith in the Catholic Church of San Nazario, in his native village of Camella,
Perdifumo, Italy. Larry presently serves as Chairman Emeritus of the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission where he continues to offer his business acumen and knowledge. Paragano Family Foundation is the proud sponsor of our
Student Awards Program K-12, one of our newest initiatives, in which students taking
the Italian language are rewarded with a Certificate of Achievement and a monetary
award.
Coccia Foundation could not have selected a more deserving individual to honor at its annual Italian
Studies Grand Cocktail Reception. His unwavering commitment to the promotion of Italian language and culture, demonstrated over decades of selfless service to a wide variety of heritage-based associations and charities, justifies many times over the esteem in which Cav. Paragano is held. We look forward to many years of
continued collaboration with our dear friend “Larry” and the Paragano Family Foundation.
See Pictures and Bio on Pages 6 & 7
Ciao from
from the
the Founders
Founders
As
already know,
know, IIdemonstrated
demonstratedfirst
firsthand,
hand,
As most
most of you already
the “Passing
“Passing of the Torch”
the
Torch” to
to my
my daughter
daughterElisa,
Elisa,making
makingher
herthethe
new President
President of Coccia
new
Coccia Foundation,
Foundation, atatour
our11th
11thAnnual
AnnualItalian
Italian
Studies
Golf
Classic
and
Grand
Cocktail
Reception
on
September
Studies Golf
and Grand Cocktail Reception on September
17,
2012.
She
has
been
17, 2012. She
been by
by my
my side
sidethe
thepast
pastsix
sixyears
yearsasasour
ourVice
Vice
Dr.
Elda
M.
&
Cav.
Dr.
Joseph
Coccia,
Jr.
Dr. Elda M. & Cav. Dr. Joseph Coccia, Jr.
President,
and
Elda
and
I
are
confident
that
she
is
ready
to
take
President, and Elda and I are confident that she is ready to take
Founders——
——
Founders
thehelm.
helm.
the
Lately,I Ihave
havebeen
beendoing
doing aa considerable
considerable amount
amount of
Lately,
of reflecting.
reflecting. Ever
Everhear
hearthe
theexpression
expression
“Life
isn’t
measured
by
the
number
of
breaths
we
take,
but
by
the
moments
that
take
our
“Life isn’t measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take ourbreath
breath
away”?
When
looking
back
on
some
of
my
most
memorable
moments,
I
can
truthfully
say
away”? When looking back on some of my most memorable moments, I can truthfully saythat
that
there
have
been
many
that
have
taken
my
breath
away.
there have been many that have taken my breath away.
What stands out in my mind more than anything else (other than my children and grandchilWhat stands out in my mind more than anything else (other than my children and grandchildren), when looking back over the past 50 plus years, are the friendships my wife Elda and I have
dren),
when looking back over the past 50 plus years, are the friendships my wife Elda and I have
made, while doing something we have loved all our lives ~ preserving and promoting Italian and
made,
doing culture.
something
we have
our lives that
~ preserving
andbutpromoting
Italianour
and
Italianwhile
American
It wasn’t
justloved
“our”all
friendships
we treasure,
the friendships
Italian
American
culture.
wasn’tofjust
“our”and
friendships
that weheritage
treasure,who
butshared
the friendships
our
children
made with
other Itfamilies
Italian
Italian American
our passion.
children
madeup
with
other
families
of Italian
andmorals
Italianand
American
heritage
whodesire
sharedtoour
passion.
We all grew
with
the same
ethics,
the same
values, and
the same
make
this
Weworld
all grew
up
with
the
same
ethics,
the
same
morals
and
values,
and
the
same
desire
to
make
this
a better place. I am sure you have shared stories with your children and grandchildren, as
world
better
place.
I am sure
you courage
have shared
stories
with your
children
manya as
I have
told mine.
It takes
to share
humbling
events,
when and
foodgrandchildren,
and jobs wereas
many
as but
I have
toldofmine.
It ensure
takes courage
share
humbling
events, when
food
jobs
were
scarce,
stories
the past
they learntowho
they
are and remember
where
theyand
came
from.
scarce, but stories of the past ensure they learn who they are and remember where they came from.
Joining UNICO National over 50 years ago was the start of something that changed my life
Joining
National in
over
ago
the start
thatout
changed
my life
forever.
TheUNICO
1982 Earthquake
Italy50isyears
merely
onewas
segment
of of
timesomething
which stands
in my mind
forever.
The 1982
Earthquake
in Italy
is merelyand
one
segment
of time
which
stands out in
my mind
when looking
back.
A committee
was formed
raised
$500,000
to build
multi-purpose
buildings,
when
looking
back. A used
committee
was formed
anddevastation
raised $500,000
to build
multi-purpose
buildings,
which
were primarily
for classrooms.
Their
was vast;
however,
giving the children
and young
adults a place
“scuola,” and
making
a difference
so however,
many livesgiving
wouldthe
definitely
which
were primarily
usedto
forcall
classrooms.
Their
devastation
was in
vast;
children
qualify
as adults
one ofathose
that “took
breathaaway.”
and
young
placemoments
to call “scuola,”
andmymaking
difference in so many lives would definitely
qualify as one of those moments that “took my breath away.”
I am humbled to have been selected as the 2012 UNICO National Joseph P. Cianci Award
recipient.
Having known
Cianci,
President-Elect
for many
years, IAward
am
I am humbled
to haveMr.
been
selected
as the 2012Emeritus
UNICO1982-1983,
National Joseph
P. Cianci
truly honored
to receive
award. It is usually
given 1982-1983,
at the UNICO
convenrecipient.
Having
knownthis
Mr.prestigious
Cianci, President-Elect
Emeritus
forNational
many years,
I am
tion
during
the
summer;
however,
recovering
from
a
medical
illness
prevented
me
from
attending.
truly honored to receive this prestigious award. It is usually given at the UNICO National convenA very
special
thank youhowever,
to UNICO
and the Cianci
Committee,
for allowing
me toattending.
receive
tion
during
the summer;
recovering
from aAward
medical
illness prevented
me from
the Eastern
Meeting,
rescheduled
from this
to to
January
A this
veryaward
specialat thank
you toRegional
UNICOBoard
and the
Cianci Award
Committee,
for November
allowing me
receive
2013.
this award at the Eastern Regional Board Meeting, rescheduled from this November to January
2013. This has been a challenging year for me medically. Without God and my family, especially my
wife Elda of 60 years next August, I do not know how I would have survived. She still takes my
This has been a challenging year for me medically. Without God and my family, especially my
breath away! Mille grazie to everyone for their cards, prayers, and good wishes.
wife Elda of 60 years next August, I do not know how I would have survived. She still takes my
breath away! Mille grazie to everyone for their cards, prayers, and good wishes.
-2-
-2-
Sempre Famiglia! I cannot even begin to share the important role that family has had on
my life, something I am sure everyone considers memorable. My father taught me hard work, the
value of respect, and that failure was not an option. I know in my heart that he and my mother
are still watching over me from Heaven. My children are a gift from God, and I could not be
prouder of the women and men they have become. Being around my grandchildren keep me
young at mind and in my heart, as they continue to give me insight regarding the needs of our
emerging adults in the Italian American community. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I
have a brand new great-granddaughter, Milania, born this past Father’s Day, giving us a forth generation of Coccias!
Through our academic arm, the Joseph and Elda Coccia Institute at Montclair State University, we strive to keep Italian Americans aware of their cultural roots. By fostering knowledge
of literature, music, theatre, and cuisine, we provide opportunities for the community and students to experience a form of cultural expression that resonates with them from within. It is my
vision that the Foundation and Institute will continue to mature into vital and integral parts of
the Italian and Italian American community.
With your unwavering support, Elda and I are both certain that you will never forget to
celebrate the positive influence Italian and Italian Americans have had on this great nation and
remember our 2012 Honoree and our dear friend, Cavaliere Nazario “Larry” Paragano, as one of
them. It is nearly impossible for me to describe how Larry has impacted my life; however, I will
say that he is by far one of the hardest working and most generous “down to earth” people I
have ever known. “Chi trova un amico, trova un tesoro.”
Lastly, I would like to say “grazie mille” to everyone that contributed to and participated in
our 11th Annual Italian Studies Golf Classic and Grand Cocktail Reception. By supporting the
mission of Coccia Foundation, we celebrate the best of our heritage and culture together. Our
Foundation could not accomplish the many wonderful things that we do without your help. I
know you will all support the new president of Coccia Foundation, my daughter Elisa, with the
same respect and honor that you have shown me. Elda and I are confident that “there is no
mountain that Elisa cannot climb.”
Elda M. Coccia
Cav. Joseph Coccia, Jr.
— Founders —
Happy Holidays
from Coccia Foundation
and family!
-3-
“Passing
Father to
to Daughter
Daughter
“Passing the
the Torch”
Torch” from
from Father
PP
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EE
SS
II
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EE
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Congratulatory Messages
Messages to
Congratulatory
to President
PresidentElisa
Elisa
Congratulations on your appointment as the Coccia Foundation President! Your parents have lit the torch, successfully carried
Congratulations
on your appointment as the Coccia Foundation President! Your parents have lit the torch, successfully carried
the torch and continued lighting the way for everyone for many years. God Bless You as you continue their legacy of lighting
the torch and continued lighting the way for everyone for many years. God Bless You as you continue their legacy of lighting
the way for future generations. — David Kettelhut
the way for future generations. — David Kettelhut
Congratulations to Elisa in succeeding and continuing the great work Cavaliere Coccia initiated. — Maria & Ludovico Nolfo
Congratulations to Elisa in succeeding and continuing the great work Cavaliere Coccia initiated. — Maria & Ludovico Nolfo
I know you will do a great job with the Foundation and be a great leader like your father was in UNICO. I love what Coccia FounI know
a great
job with
the Foundation
and beand
a great
leader like—your
father Nicastro,
was in UNICO.
I love what
Coccia Foundationyou
has will
donedowith
the college
students,
it is remarkable
outstanding.
Dominick
3rd VP UNICO
National
dation has done with the college students, it is remarkable and outstanding. — Dominick Nicastro, 3rd VP UNICO National
Congratulations on being named President! Nothing would make your father happier & more sure of his legacy. — Prov. Willard Gingerich, MSU
Congratulations on being named President! Nothing would make your father happier & more sure of his legacy. — Prov. Willard Gingerich, MSU
Congratulations to Elisa! You are very dedicated and passionate about everything you do. The Italian American community
Congratulations
to enough
Elisa! You
are work
very you
dedicated
andfamily
passionate
about—everything
you do.
The Italian
community
cannot thank you
for the
and your
are doing.
Cav. Josephine
A. Maietta,
Exec.American
VP, A.I.A.E.
cannot thank you enough for the work you and your family are doing. — Cav. Josephine A. Maietta, Exec. VP, A.I.A.E.
The “passing of the torch” from Joseph (& Elda) to Elisa was an important & touching experience. — Cav. Mary Ann Re, Ph.D.
The “passing of the torch” from Joseph (& Elda) to Elisa was an important & touching experience. — Cav. Mary Ann Re, Ph.D.
-4-4-
Elisa Coccia is currently the President of Coccia Foundation, founded in 1994 by her parents, Elda and
Coccia
is currently
the President
in 1994
by her awareness
parents, Elda
and
CavaliereElisa
Joseph
Coccia
Jr. The essential
goal of Coccia
Coccia Foundation,
Foundation founded
is not only
to promote
of Italian
Cavaliere
Joseph
Coccia
Jr.
The
essential
goal
of
Coccia
Foundation
is
not
only
to
promote
awareness
of
Italian
and Italian American culture, history and societal contributions, but to celebrate and preserve these areas for
and Italian
American
culture,Americans
history and
societal
contributions,
butastothose
celebrate
andbackgrounds
preserve these
for
younger
generations
of Italian
in the
United
States, as well
of other
andareas
ethnicities
younger
generations
of
Italian
Americans
in
the
United
States,
as
well
as
those
of
other
backgrounds
and
ethnicities
who are interested in discovering all things Italian.
who are interested in discovering all things Italian.
Since 2006, Elisa has been actively working with her parents, pursuing the preservation and promotion of
Since 2006,
Elisa has
beenofactively
working they
with have
her parents,
pursuing
preservation
and promotion
of
Italian culture.
In a short
period
time, together
implemented
andthe
expanded
the Student
Award ProItalian
culture.
In
a
short
period
of
time,
together
they
have
implemented
and
expanded
the
Student
Award
Program recognizing students K-12 who have excelled in studying the Italian language. As an incentive to continue
gram
recognizing
students
K-12 whoofhave
excelled inand
studying
the Italian
an incentive
their
education
in Italian,
Certificates
Achievement
monetary
awardslanguage.
are given,Assponsored
by to
thecontinue
Paragano
their
education
in
Italian,
Certificates
of
Achievement
and
monetary
awards
are
given,
sponsored
by
the
Paragano
Family Foundation. Elisa was also instrumental in bringing Italian language studies, along with Saddle Brook
Family Foundation. Elisa was also instrumental in bringing Italian language studies, along with Saddle Brook
UNICO, to the Saddle Brook School system 2011-2012. In addition, she acts as a mentor, along with a Student
UNICO, to the Saddle Brook School system 2011-2012. In addition, she acts as a mentor, along with a Student
Liaison, to the AMICI della Cultura Italiana, student Italian clubs, under the Coccia Foundation umbrella, in over
Liaison, to the AMICI della Cultura Italiana, student Italian clubs, under the Coccia Foundation umbrella, in over
2020
Universities
awardsand
andscholarships
scholarshipstotopursue
pursueItalian
Italian
studUniversitiesand
andColleges
Collegeswho
whoare
areoffered
offered funding
funding for
for programs,
programs, awards
studies.ies.
Many
Study
to students
students meeting
meetingcriteria
criteriaand
andrecommended
recommendedbyby
their
Many
StudyAbroad
AbroadScholarships
Scholarshipsare
aregiven
given out
out annually
annually to
their
Faculty
Advisors.
Faculty Advisors.
The
at the
the Birchwood
BirchwoodManor
Manor with
withthe
the“President’s
“President’sAward,”
Award,”
TheColumbian
ColumbianFoundation
Foundationrecently
recently honored
honored Elisa
Elisa at
which
is
given
to
an
individual
that
excels
at
maintaining
and
improving
our
great
Italian
culture.
which is given to an individual that excels at maintaining and improving our great Italian culture.
Strong
the Coccia
Coccia Foundation
FoundationItalian
ItalianStudies
StudiesGolf
GolfClassic
Classic
and
Strongfundraising
fundraisingskills
skillsare
arevisible
visibleevery
every June
June during the
and
Grand
Cocktail
Reception.
Elisa
and
the
General
Chair
coordinate
the
entire
day,
including
an
“Almost
Silent
AucGrand Cocktail Reception. Elisa and the General Chair coordinate the entire day, including an “Almost Silent Auction”
toto
raise
also strengthen
strengthenour
ourrelationship
relationshipwith
withthe
thecommunity.
community.
tion”
raisefunds
fundsfor
forprograms
programsand
and“all
“allthings
things Italian”
Italian” and also
Elisais isthe
theappointed
appointedand
andactive
active Family
Family Board
Board member
member on
Elisa
on the
the Advisory
AdvisoryBoard
Boardfor
forthe
theJoseph
Josephand
andElda
Elda
Coccia
InstituteatatMontclair
MontclairState
StateUniversity,
University, which
which is the Academic
in in
thethe
Coccia
Institute
Academic Arm
Armof
ofCoccia
CocciaFoundation.
Foundation. Located
Located
College
of
Humanities
and
Social
Sciences,
the
Institute
has
established
itself
as
a
leader
in
Italian
and
Italian
College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Institute
established itself as a leader in Italian and Italian
Americancultural
culturalprogramming,
programming,professional
professional development
development for current
a a
American
current and
and prospective
prospectiveteachers
teachersofofItalian,
Italian,and
and
breadth
of
outreach
activities
with
other
Italian
and
Italian
American
organizations,
academic
institutions
and
the
breadth of outreach activities with other Italian and Italian American organizations, academic institutions and the
Italian
diplomaticcorps.
corps.
Italian
diplomatic
Elisacontinued
continuedher
hereducation
educationthrough
through Rutgers
Rutgers University
University to
in in
Elisa
to become
becomeaaCertified
CertifiedMunicipal
MunicipalTax
TaxCollector
Collector
2002
and
has
been
the
Municipal
Tax
Collector
for
the
City
of
Hackensack
for
the
past
six
years.
Prior
to
joining
2002 and has been the Municipal Tax Collector for the City of Hackensack for the past six years. Prior to joining
Hackensack,Elisa
Elisaworked
workedasasthe
theDeputy
DeputyMunicipal
Municipal Tax
Tax Collector
Collector for
years.
Hackensack,
for the
theBorough
BoroughofofFranklin
FranklinLakes
Lakesforfornine
nine
years.
She
volunteered
on
the
Tax
Manual
Update
Committee
for
the
Tax
I
and
Tax
II
“Principles
of
Municipal
Tax
ColShe volunteered on the Tax Manual Update Committee for the Tax I and Tax II “Principles of Municipal Tax Collection” for Rutgers University, the Center for Government Continuing Education, providing revisions and legislalection” for Rutgers University, the Center for Government Continuing Education, providing revisions and legislative updates for four years.
tive updates for four years.
Elisa was raised in Kearny and has lived in Saddle Brook, New Jersey for the past 22 years. Elisa has been
Elisa
was raised
in Kearny
has St.
lived
in Saddle
Brook,Church
New Jersey
for Brook,
the pastfor22the
years.
Elisa
hasand
been
teaching Children’s
Liturgy
at herand
parish,
Philip
the Apostle
in Saddle
past six
years
teaching
Children’s
Liturgy
at heratparish,
St. Philip
the Festival
ApostletoChurch
in Saddle
Brook,
for theInpast
six years
and
continues
to volunteer
annually
St. Philip’s
Summer
help raise
funds for
her parish.
addition,
Elisa
continues
to volunteer
annually
at St. Philip’s
funds
for hertoparish.
In addition,their
Elisa
also attends
and supports
St. Philip’s
AnnualSummer
AntiochFestival
Retreat to
forhelp
highraise
school
students,
help strengthen
also
attends
and
supports
St.
Philip’s
Annual
Antioch
Retreat
for
high
school
students,
to
help
strengthen
their
faith and overall well being.
faith and overall well being.
Elisa’s son Jonathan was married to Jamie Rossetti in 2010. Jonathan and Jamie have been blessed with
Elisa’s
sonon
Jonathan
married
to Jamie
in a2010.
Jonathan
andnamed
JamieMilania,
have been
blessed
their first child
June 17thwas
, 2012,
and are
proud Rossetti
parents of
beautiful
daughter
making
Elisawith
a
th
their
on June
17 is
, 2012,
andthat
are Elisa
proudwill
parents
of in
a beautiful
daughter
named
Milania,
firstfirst
timechild
“Nonna.”
There
no doubt
continue
her parents’
footsteps
in “passing
themaking
torch.” Elisa a
first time “Nonna.” There is no doubt that Elisa will continue in her parents’ footsteps in “passing the torch.”
-5-5-
Coccia
Cav. Larry
Larry Paragano
Paragano
CocciaFoundation
Foundation Honors
Honors Cav.
-6-6-
Cav. N. Larry Paragano, Sr. is a long time resident and businessman of New Jersey. For more than
Cav.
Paragano,
Sr. is a long
resident
and
For construction
more than
fifty years,
heN.
hasLarry
enjoyed
an ambitious
and time
diverse
career,
in businessman
all phases ofoftheNew
realJersey.
estate and
fifty years,
enjoyed
an ambitious
diverse career,
all phases of of
thenumerous
real estate office/commercial
and construction
industry.
He he
hashas
been
responsible
for theand
development
andinconstruction
industry. shopping
He has been
responsible
for the development
and construction
of numerous
office/commercial
buildings,
centers
and multi-family
and single-family
luxury dwellings
throughout
Essex, Morris
buildings,
shopping
centers
and
multi-family
and
single-family
luxury
dwellings
throughout
Essex,
and Union counties. Mr. Paragano is a licensed real estate broker and developer with an office in Morris
Basking
and
Union
counties.
Mr.
Paragano
is
a
licensed
real
estate
broker
and
developer
with
an
office
in
Basking
Ridge, NJ. He has maintained a portfolio of commercial, office/professional retail and industrial real estate
Ridge, NJ.
He has maintained
portfolio of commercial, office/professional retail and industrial real estate
holdings
throughout
the Uniteda States.
holdings throughout the United States.
Mr. Paragano was an original Incorporator and Organizer of InterCommunity Bank, Springfield
Mr. Paragano was an original Incorporator and Organizer of InterCommunity Bank, Springfield
New Jersey, and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the InterCommunity
New Jersey, and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the InterCommunity
Bank Holding Company for over 18 years, before its sale to CoreStates Bank Corporation. In addition to
Bank Holding Company for over 18 years, before its sale to CoreStates Bank Corporation. In addition to
hishisinvolvement
the Chairman
Chairmanof
of Enterprise
EnterpriseNational
NationalBank
BankCorCorinvolvementininthe
thereal
realestate
estateindustry,
industry, he
he isis currently
currently the
poration
and Bloomfield,
Bloomfield,NJ.
NJ.
porationwith
withbranch
branchlocations
locationsininKenilworth,
Kenilworth, Edison
Edison and
HeHeis isthe
whosephilanthropic
philanthropicgrants
grantshave
havefunded
fundednu-nutheFounder
Founderofofthe
theParagano
Paragano Family
Family Foundation,
Foundation, whose
merous
abroad. He
He founded
foundedthe
theAssociazione
AssociazioneAmici
Amiciperper
merouscharitable
charitablecauses
causeswithin
withinthe
the United
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States and
and abroad.
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lageofofCamella,
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arededicated
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Throughout
numerous prestigious
prestigiousawards,
awards,distinctions
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and
Throughouthis
hiscareer,
career, Mr.
Mr. Paragano
Paragano has
has received numerous
honors;among
amongthose
thoseare
arethe
theItalian-American
Italian-American National Hall
honors;
Hall of
of Fame
Fame Award;
Award;the
theEllis
EllisIsland
IslandMedal
Medalofof
HonorAward;
Award;Unico
UnicoNational
National“Man
“Man of
of the
the Year
Year Award” the
Honor
the State
State of
of Israel
Israel“Medal
“MedalofofFreedom.”
Freedom.” HeHe
beenhonored
honoredwith
withthe
thedesignation
designation of
of “Builder
“Builder of the Year”
hashasbeen
Year” by
by the
theMetropolitan
MetropolitanHome
HomeBuilders
Buildersofof
NewJersey
Jerseyand
andinducted
inductedinto
intothe
theNJ
NJ Builders
Builders Hall
Hall of Fame,
New
Fame, received
receivedspecial
specialrecognition
recognitionfor
forthe
theImproveImprovementofofthe
thedowntown
downtownBusiness
BusinessDistrict
District by
by the
the Borough
Borough of
ment
of New
New Providence
Providenceand
andawarded
awardedthe
the“Man
“Manofof
the
Year
Award”
by
The
Center
for
the
Italian
and
Italian
American
Culture.
He
was
awarded
the
the Year Award” by The Center for the Italian and Italian American Culture. He was awarded thetitle
titleofof
“Cavaliere”bybythe
theItalian
ItalianGovernment.
Government.
“Cavaliere”
presentlyserves
servesasasChairman
Chairman Emeritus
Emeritus of
of the
the New
HeHepresently
New Jersey
Jersey Italian
Italianand
andItalian-American
Italian-AmericanHeritage
Heritage
Commission,
Trustee
of
the
Drumthwacket
Foundation;
Chairman,
of
Enterprise
National
Bank,
Commission, Trustee of the Drumthwacket Foundation; Chairman, of Enterprise National Bank,ChairChairman
of
the
Board
of
Trustees
of
the
Paragano
Family
Foundation,
Vice-Chair
for
Shepherds
Of
Youth;
man of the Board of Trustees of the Paragano Family Foundation, Vice-Chair for Shepherds Of Youth;
Board Member of the Center for Italian and Italian-American Culture. He is also co-founder of the New
Board Member of the Center for Italian and Italian-American Culture. He is also co-founder of the New
Jersey-Italy Trade Council and serves on the Executive Board. He recently served as the producer of a
Jersey-Italy Trade Council and serves on the Executive Board. He recently served as the producer of a
concert tour for the Choir of the Pope’s Diocese of Rome, as they made their premiere performances here
concert
tour for the Choir of the Pope’s Diocese of Rome, as they made their premiere performances here
in the U.S. He is a published author, his autobiography: Life’s Dreams and Realities: The Life Stories of N.
in “Larry”
the U.S.Paragano
He is a Sr.
published
author,
his autobiography: Life’s Dreams and Realities: The Life Stories of N.
was released
in 2011.
“Larry” Paragano Sr. was released in 2011.
Among other hobbies, he enjoys spending time tending his fig trees and writing the second volume
Among
other
hobbies,
spending
time tending what
his fig
writingthe
theadvent
secondofvolume
of his life story,
in an
attempthetoenjoys
describe
to his grandchildren
lifetrees
was and
like before
teleofvision,
his lifecell
story,
in ancomputers,
attempt toetc.
describe
his grandchildren
whatNJ
lifewith
washis
likelovely
before
theEileen.
advent of
telephones,
Larrytoresides
in Bernardsville,
wife,
They
vision,
Larry Dominick,
resides in Bernardsville,
his lovely
wife, Eileen.
have cell
fourphones,
sons andcomputers,
a daughter:etc.
Vincent,
Larry Jr., Fred NJ
andwith
Suzanne;
all married.
They They
are
have
four
sons
and
a
daughter:
Vincent,
Dominick,
Larry
Jr.,
Fred
and
Suzanne;
all
married.
They
are
proud grandparents to twelve grandchildren.
proud grandparents to twelve grandchildren.
-7-7-
Coccia
Coccia Foundation
Foundation
11th
11th Annual
Annual
Italian
Studies
Italian Studies
Golf
Golf Classic
Classic
Sponsored by
Sponsored
by
Inserra Supermarkets
Supermarkets
Inserra
Golf Awards
Awards Sponsored
Golf
Sponsored by
by
Richel
Family
Foundation
Richel Family Foundation
-8-8-
Gala Reception
Gala Reception
Sponsored by
by Gardens
The Estate Sponsored
at Florentine
The
Florentine
Gardens
andEstate
RMRatWealth
Builders
and RMR Wealth Builders
-9-9-
Columbus
Celebration
Columbus Day
Day Celebration
TheFederation
Federation of
of Italian
Italian American
American Society
Society of
The
of New
New Jersey
Jersey welcomed
welcomedthe
theopportuopportunity
to
sponsor
and
host
the
Carabinieri
from
Torella
dei
Lombardi
for
Columbus
nity to sponsor and host the Carabinieri from Torella dei Lombardi for ColumbusDay
Day
Celebrations
in
New
York,
and
Belleville-Nutley,
New
Jersey.
President
Pasquale
Meola,
Celebrations in New York, and Belleville-Nutley, New Jersey. President Pasquale Meola,
whose home
home town
town isis Torella
Torella dei
dei Lombardi
Lombardi was
whose
was thrilled
thrilled to
to that
that the
the Consul
Consul of
of Italy
Italy inin
New Jersey
Jersey was
was able
able to
to join
join them
them for
for the
the Columbus
Columbus Day
New
Day Celebration.
Celebration. The
The Federation
Federation
members
were
committed
to
raising
funds
that
allowed
the
Carabinieri
the
opportunity
members were committed to raising funds that allowed the Carabinieri the opportunity
visitthe
theUnited
United States,
States, especially
especially New
New Jersey.
Jersey. The
totovisit
The Federation
Federation hosted
hosted and
andsponsored
sponsoredaa
newgroup
groupof
of Carabinieri
Carabinieri for
for second
second annual
annual celebration
new
celebration on
on Sunday,
Sunday, October
October7th.
7th.
10 -- 10
-
Dr. Mary Ann Re, Coccia Institute Director,
Honored as Cavaliere in Surprise Ceremony
Congratulazioni, Cavaliere! Coccia Foundation is proud to announce that Dr. Mary Ann Re,
Director of the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America, was honored by the Republic
of Italy in a surprise ceremony held during the
Coccia Institute’s signature spring program, Italian
Language and Culture Day. Consul General of
Italy in New York, Minister Natalia Quintavalle
and Consul of Italy in Newark Andrea Barbaria,
jointly presented Mary Ann with the prestigious
decoration of Cavaliere, Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana, for her contributions to the promotion
of Italian language and culture within both the
academic community and the community at large.
Representing the Coccia family on this
memorable occasion was Elisa Coccia, Coccia
Foundation Vice President and family member on the Coccia Institute’s Advisory Board. Lovely floral tribute in
hand, Elisa shared congratulatory messages from her parents, Joseph and Elda. Also on hand to deliver eloquent remarks was Cav. Uff. Joseph Sciame, Chair of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American
Organizations and President of the Italian Heritage and Culture Committee of New York.
During this moving and poignant ceremony, our Director’s thoughts were very much with her father,
Chief Judge Emeritus Edward D. Re of the U.S. Court of International Trade, who had achieved the highest
honor that the Italian Republic can bestow on a foreign citizen, the Cav. di Gran Croce. Some of you will recall
that in 2005 Coccia Foundation had hosted a full day in Chief Judge Re’s honor at Montclair State University
and the Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale.
The former Executive Director of the New Jersey Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission
(NJIIAHC), Dr. Re serves on the boards of a number of academic and cultural organizations including the NYNJ Italian Cultural Bridge (under the auspices of the Italian Cultural Institute and the Consulate of Italy in Newark); the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian-American Organizations; the Italian Heritage Culture Committee of New York; the Board of Academic Advisors of the NJ Italian and Italian American Heritage Commission; and the Community Advisory Council of the John D. Calandra Italian-American Institute. Additionally,
she is an active member of UNICO National, the Lt. Joseph Petrosino Lodge (Order Sons of Italy in America); La
Confederazione Siciliani Nord America; and the Italian American Heritage Club of Hunterdon County.
Dr. Re earned her Ph.D. in Sociology at St. John’s University. Prior to joining the NJIIAHC, Mary Ann
worked in social service and policy research in New York and Washington State; and later, in a number of positions at AT&T Headquarters in New Jersey, including Director of its Consumer Testing Laboratory at Bell Labs,
Director of Global Employee Research, and Program Analyst in Business Market Research and Strategic Alliances.
Mary Ann’s paternal family immigrated to Brooklyn, New York in 1928 from Santa Marina Salina, Isole
Eolie, Province of Messina (Sicily), where she has restored the family home, a labor of love over the past ten
years.
Please join us in congratulating Mary Ann on the receipt of this prestigious recognition. An enthusiastic
and resourceful professional, passionate about her heritage and the mission of the Coccia Institute, Dr. Re continues to serve us all well as she begins her fifth year as our Director. Brava, Cavaliere!
- 11 -
Mille Grazie
Dear Ms. Coccia,
Cara Signora Coccia,
My name is Tiziano Cherubini, a Ph.D. student at the Italian Department at Rutgers University. I have recently
learned that I was selected as the recipient of the Joseph,
Sr. and Clementina Coccia Memorial Scholarship, and I
wanted to thank you personally for this important award. I
am extremely grateful for your generosity and for the opportunity to conduct research in Italy during the summer
months.
Thank you so much for your generous gift. You have truly
helped my dreams come true.
Grazie di cuore,
Cordiali saluti,
Tiziano Cherubini, Rutgers University
I just wanted to thank you for awarding me the Coccia
Foundation Scholarship for my summer study abroad program in Florence. I am very grateful for your support and
am extremely excited for my study abroad experience.
Dear Mr. Joseph and Ms. Elisa Coccia,
I would like to sincerely thank both of you for presenting
me with the Saddle Brook UNICO award. It is a great
honor to be representing a part of the illustrious Italian
American community at Montclair State University. This
award means a great deal to me as well as my family; I am
ever so grateful. The thought of receiving this scholarship
was a goal of mine throughout my course of study in the
Italian language, and now it is a reality! It’s extremely selfgratifying.
Sincerely,
Allegra Fletcher,
Bryn Mawr College
Hello,
Thank you again,
Amanda Giulietti,
Clemson University
Dear Cavaliere Joseph Coccia, Jr. & Ms. Elisa Coccia,
Words cannot express how appreciative I am of your kind
generosity. This scholarship will really help out my family
and me greatly. I think that it is so amazing that you help
out students who want to further their Italian education. I
promise to make Coccia Foundation proud and to do my
I hope for a happy and healthy 2012 for each of you and best — always. I will be putting the money towards tuition
and books. I will also put some toward my study abroad,
God bless.
which will hopefully be in the spring semester. I am so
grateful, and I just wanted both of you to know this.
Thank you once again,
Vincenzo Romagnuolo, Montclair State University
Best wishes,
Michelle Ciancimino
Dear Joseph and Elisa Coccia,
I would like to thank you both for choosing me as one of
the recipients for the award of Excellence in Italian Language. It means a lot to me because I have seen how much
I have learned over the years. I appreciate the acknowledgement and just wanted to say thank you.
Dear Elisa,
I would like to send a big thank you to you and Coccia
Foundation for your generosity and support towards my
study abroad trip to Urbino. I have no words to describe
how grateful I am for the scholarship you have awarded
I look forward to seeing you both at the ceremony on April me. It is greatly appreciated.
25.
Tanti saluti,
Keyri Castello,
Sincerely,
Ramapo College
Carla Catanzaro, Montclair State University
- 12 -
Coccia Foundation!
Dear Coccia Family,
Egriego Coccia,
As the recipient from Rutgers University for the Coccia
Foundation Scholarship, I would like to thank you greatly!
This is an honor to me and my family to receive this award.
My love for the Italian culture — the food, people, and
country itself — is so important and remains so close to
my heart and forever will. This awards has a lot of value to
me, in the sense that I feel so proud to represent and share
with others the Italian culture that I have grown up with. I
am very appreciative that you have given me this wonderful
opportunity.
Vorrei ringraziarle per avermi scegliata per il premio dato
dal Coccia. Era un gran onore ricevere questo premio.
Quello che mi ha dato mi aiutera molto nell’universita
quest’anno. Io sono molto orgullosa, e, fortunata per
essere una delle candidate per questo premio. Spero che
quello che faro con le lingue nel future le fara contento.
Tantissime grazie!
Grazie!!!
Gabriella Viola, Rutgers University
Dear Cav. Joseph Coccia, Jr.,
Sinceramente,
Francesca Rubino
Thank you so very much for this prestigious award and
generous gift from the Coccia Foundation. I feel extremely
honored and thankful to have received it and wanted to
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for selecting express that to you. I plan to continue my studies in Italian
me as a recipient for your award. I appreciate your gener- Language and Culture at Barnard College in New York
osity very much. I feel very happy for receiving your City and hope to study abroad in Italy. Grazie e buona
fortuna!
award. Grazie!
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Coccia,
Sincerely,
Cristhian Acero
Sincerely,
Frances Furman, Columbia High School
Dear Coccia Foundation,
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Coccia,
Thank you for giving me an award, recognizing the hard I am extremely thankful for your scholarship. It is a great
work that it is to keep the Italian culture alive. I will con- help towards my endeavors in the coming months. You
can be assured that it will be put to good use. Again, thank
tinue to do the best of work!
you very much.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Natividad de Leon
Genesis Jais
Dear Elda and Joe,
Dear Coccia Foundation,
Congratulations on a wonderful Winter Issue of your
Newsletter, which we received. Looking forward to par- Thank you for the generous award. I was very happy to
ticipating in the Foundation’s upcoming events, which we receive the award for Italian at my 8th Grade graduation.
know you will keep us informed of. Best wishes for a Grazie mille!
happy, successful year as you continue to “Pass the Torch”
Sincerely,
to future generations.
Christopher Nisevic, Mr. Grillo’s Elmwood Park Class
Love,
Celeste & Lou Pandolfi
Continued on page 16...
- 13 -
From left
leftto
toright:
right:
From
Victoria Grieco,
Grieco,Ann
AnnLee,
Lee,
Victoria
Joan Manghisi,
Manghisi,Morgan
MorganDowd,
Dowd,
Dr. Joan
Annie Kalliongis,
Kalliongis,all
allattending
attending
and Annie
Saint Joseph's
Joseph's University
Universityand
andpart
partofof
the
the Italian
Italianclass
classin
inItaly.
Italy.
Vittoriano
IlIlVittoriano
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica
Roman Forum
Roman Forum
Colosseum
Colosseum
- 14 - 14 -
St. Joseph’s University Students Visit Roma
Living in Italy for a month was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I got to experience
my culture first hand and explore the ruins of ancient history. As soon as the plane landed on Monday June 24th, I knew this was going to be the chance of a lifetime. Fighting through jet lag, I enjoyed my first authentic Italian pizza. It was exquisite. From the warm, thin dough to the savory
sauce and the melted cheese, I was in heaven. I knew right then and there I was going to have to go
up a clothing size because of all of the delicious food I was going to indulge in over the next
month.
As I think back on this trip, I cannot pick one day that was my favorite. We explored so many
places in Rome, including the Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican, Castel Sant’Angelo, Campo
dei Fiori, the Borghese Museum, the Vittoriano, the Spanish Steps, the Capitoline Museum and
many more. In Florence, we visited the Accademia, the Duomo, the Straw Markets, and more.
Seeing all of these places first hand really made me think and marvel at the fact that many of
these places were built hundreds, even thousands, of years ago. I was amazed that some of them
were still standing. This made me realize that people from the ancient times not only built things for
beauty and meaning, they built things to last. Although many of the sites are in ruins, I believe that
they still hold the same beauty, if not more, as when they were first constructed.
All of my experiences are memorable, but the one that continues to surface in my memory is
speaking the Italian language. I am proud to say that now I can confidently carry a conversation in
Italian. I went to Italy having some background with the Italian language, but I was shy and always
embarrassed of my American accent. Speaking in Italian for the majority of the month helped me
adapt an Italian accent and gave me the confidence to walk up to people and ask for directions, order dinner for the table, or just have a passing conversations in almost perfect Italian. The encouragement I received from my amazing professor, Doctor Joan Manghisi, also helped to push me forward with speaking in Italian. She pushed me to break out of my comfort zone and to embrace the
complete Italian language; that included not only what was spoken, but also body language, facial
expressions, and hand gestures.
All in all, my experience in Italy was a life changing one and one that I will never forget. I was
sad to leave the beautiful country of July 24th, but I am positive I will be returning there soon. I am
also looking forward to the day when I return to Italy and can speak exclusively in Italian. I also encourage any other student that would like to study abroad for a semester, year, or just for a summer
tour, to definitely consider Italy because it is truly an wonderful and beautiful place and the experience of it is far beyond any expectation you may have about it.
I would also like to take this time to thank the Coccia Foundation for helping me achieve one
of my life long goals of travelling to Italy by granting me a scholarship. Without their help I would
not have been able to enjoy such an amazing experience.
Mille Grazie,
Victoria Grieco,
Saint Joseph’s University, ‘14
- 15 -
Mille Grazie!
Continued from page 13…
Cari Signori Coccia,
Grazie Mille per questa opportunita a studiare a Roma con il Programma Ponte! Sto imparando un sacco e sto facendo
amicizie tra tutto il monde! Forse ci vediamo quando torno agli Stati Uniti.
Cari salute,
Michael Santoro
Dear Cav. Joseph Coccia, Jr.,
I would like to take this time to thank you for the scholarship awards that I received this spring. I know that receiving
these awards would not be possible without your influence. Your support and that of others means the world to me,
and I am grateful for your assistance in helping to alleviate my tuition expenses. I’m honored to have received these
awards and am extremely proud to be an Italian major at Montclair State University.
Sincerely,
Victoria Buchner, Montclair State University
Dear Cavaliere Coccia,
I would like to thank you for your generous and wonderful support to Italian studies. This past summer, I had the
pleasure to be the recipient of the Joseph, Sr., and Clementina Coccia Memorial Scholarship. This contribution allowed me to deepen my knowledge on Contessa Lara, an Italian woman writer, which I will also address in my dissertation. I am very grateful to you, and I am delighted with your incredible contribution and encouragement to the research in this field.
Grazie Mille,
Silvia Tiboni-Craft, Rutgers University
Dear Cav. Coccia,
I was very happy and appreciative that I was selected as the recipient of the Angelo and Anna Soriano Memorial Scholarship. I am a PhD student currently completing my dissertation on Italian theater and television, with a focus on Eduardo De Filippo and Dario Fo. Thanks to your generosity, I am able to travel to Italy in order to conduct research that
is essential to my project. By awarding me this scholarship, you have eased my financial burden which allows me to
focus on my research and teaching. Your generosity has reminded me of the importance of giving back to the community at large and especially to the Italian and Italian American community. I hope that one day I will be able to help
students achieve their goals just as you have helped me.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Mastrolia, Rutgers University
Dear Cav. Coccia,
I am getting in touch to thank you for your generous scholarship. I was extremely happy and appreciative to know that
I had been selected as the recipient. The scholarship was of great help to conduct my research on Ada Negri last summer in Italy. I am actually planning on going back to Milan this summer to consult all of the documents at the Ada
Negri’s Archives more thoroughly. I was hoping I would have the pleasure of meeting your or any other member of
your family at the SAS Scholarship Dinner. I really hope I will have such a chance sometime in the future.
Sincerely,
Lucia Vendovi
- 16 -
Dear Cavaliere Coccia,
I am writing to express my utmost gratitude and appreciation for having been chosen to receive the Angelo and
Anna Soriano Memorial Scholarship last year. I do humbly apologize that I have not written to express my
thanks until now, and I hope that I have not offended you in any way. As a graduate student, instructor, and part
-time housekeeper, I can tell you that is through hard work and diligence that I have been able to afford the master’s program here at Rutgers and that your generous scholarship was unexpected and very deeply appreciated, as
well as validating to the work I do here. I am so very lucky to have found a place and a job that brings me such
joy on a daily basis, and the Angelo and Anna Soriano Memorial Scholarship was extremely helpful in aiding me
to continue my studies and work here. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for having considered and awarded me this scholarship.
Sincerely,
Loryn M. Fallon, Rutgers University
Dear Cavaliere Joseph Coccia, Jr.,
I am writing to you in order to thank you for all Coccia Foundation has done for me. I have been an honored
member for almost four years now, and I can honestly say it is one of the most beneficial foundations I belong
to. I have been able to take my love for the Italian Culture and expand it into so many different areas. As I look
back at my four years in college, it is clear that my passion for the Italian Culture has allowed me to excel at
Ramapo College.
I truly believe this beautiful culture should be preserved for many years, and that is why I decided to study the
Italian language and its culture. Beyond making Dean’s list almost every year, I was able to graduate with a 3.75
GPA. With my high grades, I became a member of the Italian Club and eventually took on the positions of Secretary and President. Through the Italian Club, I held many events all with the goal to preserve the Italian Culture. I was also of course able to attend Coccia Foundation meetings and events. I finally was given a generous
donation from your Foundation to allow me to study in Urbino, Italy. All of this combined has led me to the
reason I am writing you this letter.
I truly believe without your Foundation I would not be the Italian American I am today. As a final award at
Ramapo College, I was given a $50.00 check for my outstanding GPA and efforts towards my major. My liberal
studies major with a concentration in Italian was not only finished but completed with passion. I feel it is only
right to give back to the Foundation that has given so much to me. I present Coccia Foundation with a $50.00
donation as a thank you for shaping the student I was at Ramapo College and the Italian I am in America. Thank
you for everything.
Sincerely,
Briana C. Sarapochillo, Ramapo College
“When I see Italians and Italy, I see the birthplace of science and
modern astronomy; I see the first telephone; I see the founding of the
Americas; I see the birth of humanism; I see the first place to practice
modern forensic medicine; I see the first Trans-Atlantic radio
transmission. It is with this in mind, that I would like to
continue perpetuating the excellence of the Italian culture.”
— Philip Dachille, St. Joseph’s University ‘12
- 17 -
From
to Urbino
Urbino
From Ramapo
Ramapo to
I have been back from my trip to Urbino for a few weeks now and have been able to reI have been back from my trip to Urbino for a few weeks now and have been able to reflect on my time spent there. Thanks to the scholarship given to me by Coccia Foundation, I was
flect on my time spent there. Thanks to the scholarship given to me by Coccia Foundation, I was
able to spend an amazing two weeks in Urbino where I grew intellectually and emotionally. My
able to spend an amazing two weeks in Urbino where I grew intellectually and emotionally. My
class
on Italian Renaissance Studies
class on Italian Renaissance Studies
opened
openedmy
my eyes
eyes toto new
new philosophilosophies
and
ideas,
and
it
was
amazing
phies and ideas, and it was amazing
totobebelearning
learningabout
aboutthe
the Renaissance
Renaissance
ininone
of
its
most
significant
one of its most significant cities.
cities.
Being
in
such
a
warm
and
friendly
Being in such a warm and friendly
environment
environmentlike
likeUrbino
Urbino encouraged
encouraged
me
to
practice
my
Italian,
me to practice my Italian, and
and II am
am
confident
that
I
emerged
a
better
confident that I emerged a better
speaker.
speaker. Studying
Studyingabroad
abroad has
has taught
taught
me
metotobebemore
moreindependent
independentand
and conconfident,
fident,and
anditithas
has contributed
contributed to
to my
my
love
lovefor
fortravel
traveland
andother
othercultures
cultures and
and
languages.
languages.
Every
Everyday
dayininUrbino
Urbino was
was filled
filled
withnew
newknowledge
knowledgeand
andnew
new experiexperiwith
ences.I Iwould
wouldstart
startthe
theday
day by
by sipping
sipping cappuccino
cappuccino and eating
ences.
eating aa pastry
pastry with
withmy
myfriends
friendsatata abar
bar
overlookingthe
themountains.
mountains. We'd
We'd enjoy
enjoy the
the sun and do homework
overlooking
homework outside,
outside,stopping
stoppingevery
everynow
now
andthen
thentotodiscuss
discusswhat
whatwe
wewere
were working
working on. Taking a class
and
class on
on philosophy
philosophyand
andliterature
literatureopened
opened
my
mind
to
ideas
I
had
never
even
thought
were
possible,
and
my
friends
and
I
genuinely
enjoyed
my mind to ideas I had never even thought
and my friends and I genuinely enjoyed
discussing
them.
We'd
return
to
the
cafeteria
at
the
university
discussing them. We'd return to the cafeteria at the university for
for aa locally-grown
locally-grownlunch,
lunch,and
andaf-afthatwe
wemight
mightrelax
relaxaalittle
little and
and enjoy
enjoy the
the Italian
Italian concept
terterthat
concept of
of aa "siesta."
"siesta."In
Inthe
theafternoon,
afternoon,we'd
we'd
go
to
town
and
explore
the
nooks
and
crannies
of
the
multiple
alleys
there.
go to town and explore the nooks and crannies of the multiple alleys there.
Everyday
daywe'd
we'dfind
findaa new
new avenue
avenue to
to explore
explore and
Every
and aa new
new gelato
gelato flavor
flavortototry!
try!Our
Ourclass
classwas
was
held
in
the
late
afternoon,
before
dinner,
and
we
never
once
had
to
sit
in
a
classroom.
Our
classes
held in the late afternoon, before dinner, and we never once had to sit in a classroom. Our classes
tookplace
placeoutside,
outside,whether
whether in
in aa piazza,
piazza, aa monastery,
monastery, or
took
or aa restaurant.
restaurant. After
Afteraalong
longand
andleisurely
leisurely
dinner,
we'd
return
to
town
at
night
to
join
the
masses
of
people
that
gathered
in
the
piazza,
dinner, we'd return to town at night to join the masses of people that gathered in the piazza,eateating
a
late
night
snack
or
sitting
and
listening
to
live
music.
To
say
that
the
experience
was
amazing
ing a late night snack or sitting and listening to live music. To say that the experience was amazing
understatement; itit was
was absolutely
absolutely unbelievable.
unbelievable. Thank
isisananunderstatement;
Thank you
you so
so much
much for
formaking
makingthis
thistrip
trip
possible!
possible!
Mille Grazie!
Mille Grazie!
Jillian Cener
Jillian Cener
Ramapo College, ‘15
Ramapo College, ‘15
Layout & Visual Design — Vincent Coccia
Layout & Visual Design — Vincent Coccia
- 18 - 18 -
Coccia
Coccia Foundation
Foundation
Appoints
Appoints New
New
Student
Student Liaison
Liaison
Alumni Corner
Corner
Alumni
Melissa Wells ‘07 — Rutgers
Melissa Wells ‘07 — Rutgers
Melissa is currently employed as a Teacher of Italian at
Melissa is currently employed as a Teacher of Italian at
John E. Dwyer Technology Academy in Elizabeth, NJ.
John E. Dwyer Technology Academy in Elizabeth, NJ.
Tiziana Briscese
Briscese‘08
‘08—
—Rutgers
Rutgers
Tiziana
Tiziana lives
lives and
and works
works in
in Rome,
Rome, Italy,
Italy, as
as aa middle
middle
Tiziana
school
English
teacher
at
an
int’l
school.
school English teacher at an int’l school.
Christina Charuk
CharukPhilbert
Philbert‘08
‘08—
—FDU
FDU
Christina
Christina works
works at
at FDU
FDU as
as the
the Ass’t.
Ass’t. Director
Director&&AcaAcaChristina
demic Coord.
Coord. of
of the
theEdu.
Edu.Opportunity
OpportunityFund
Fundprogram.
program.
demic
Mario Russo
Russo‘08
‘08—
—Rutgers
Rutgers
Mario
Mario continues
continues to
to reside
residein
inElmwood
ElmwoodPark,
Park,NJ.
NJ. Mario
Mario
Mario
is
currently
attending
Seton
Hall
Law
School.
is currently attending Seton Hall Law School.
Clare D’Amato
D’Amato‘10
‘10—
—Rutgers
Rutgers
Clare
Michael
MichaelGrillo,
Grillo,aaformer
former AMICI
AMICI student,
student, was
recently
named
Student
Liaison
to
the
AMICI
recently named Student Liaison to the AMICI della
Cultura
CulturaItaliana,
Italiana,aastudent
student group
group under
under the
the umbrella
ofof Coccia
Coccia Foundation,
Foundation, for
for the
the 2012-2013
2012-2013 school
year. Michael,
Michael, aa 2008
2008 graduate
graduate of
of Rutgers
Rutgers Univeryear.
sity, was
was former
former president
president of
of the
the school’s
school’s AMICI
sity,
ItalianClub.
Club. Michael
Michaelhas
hastaught
taught Italian
Italian for
for the last 4
Italian
years toto the
the students
students of
of the
the Elmwood
Elmwood Park and
years
HanoverPark
Parkschool
school districts
districts in
in northern
northern New JerHanover
sey.
Michael
is
currently
teaching
at Whippany
Whippany Park
sey. Michael is currently teaching at
HighSchool.
School. We
Weare
are confident
confident that,
that, with
with Michael’s
High
guidance
and
support,
the
students
of
AMICI della
guidance and support, the students of AMICI
CulturaItaliana’s
Italiana’s passion
passion for
for the
the Italian
Italian culture
culture and
and
Cultura
languagewill
willcontinue
continueto
toflourish.
flourish.
language
Clare is currently
currently attending
attending the
the University
University ofofMassaMassato study
study for
for her
herMasters.
Masters.
chusetts to
Danielle McCartan
McCartan ‘10
‘10—
—Ramapo
Ramapo
Danielle
is teaching
teaching Italian
Italian at
at Ramapo
RamapoHigh
HighSchool
Schoolfor
for
Danielle is
years.
the past 33 years.
Stephanie
Stephanie Gentile
Gentile‘11
‘11—
—FDU
FDU
Stephanie
Stephanie student
student teaches
teaches1st
1stgrade
gradeatatLillian
LillianDrive
DriveEleElementary in
in Hazlet,
Hazlet, NJ.
NJ. She
She plans
plansto
tograduate
graduatewith
withher
her
Masters in
in Elementary
Elementary Education.
Education.
Victoria
Victoria Buchner
Buchner‘12
‘12—
—MSU
MSU
Victoria
Victoria is
is currently
currently teaching
teaching at
at Jeffrey
Jeffrey Elementary
Elementary
School
in
Hawthorne,
NJ.
School in Hawthorne, NJ.
Christina
Christina Luzzi
Luzzi‘12
‘12—
—Ramapo
Ramapo
Christina
Christina taught
taught English
English at
at the
the Associazione
AssociazioneCulturale
Culturale
Linguistica
Edcational
(ACLE)
summer
Linguistica Edcational (ACLE) summercamps
campsininItaly.
Italy.
AMICI’s
AMICI’s
Recently
RecentlyMarried
Married
Marina
Marina Paolacci
Paolacci &
& Jason
JasonConte
Conte‘06
‘06—
—Rutgers
Rutgers
Tina Melchione ‘12 — UMDNJ
Tina Melchione ‘12 — UMDNJ
& John Miseo ‘08 — FDU
& John Miseo ‘08 — FDU
Anna Rose Ghirone ‘08 — MSU
Anna Rose Ghirone ‘08 — MSU
& Franco Alberga ‘06 — Seton Hall
& Franco Alberga ‘06 — Seton Hall
19 -- 19
-
Italian
embraced,
Italian heritage
heritage embraced,
stereotypes
destroyed
stereotypes destroyed
Despite an unusual October snowstorm and a guest speaker cancellation, the Italian Club hosted its first-ever “A Celebration
Despite anAchievement”
unusual October
and a29th,
guest2011,
speaker
cancellation,
hosted
its first-ever
“A Celebration
of Italian-American
onsnowstorm
Saturday, Oct.
in The
Collegethe
of Italian
New Club
Jersey’s
Library
Auditorium.
The event,
of
Italian-American
Achievement”
on
Saturday,
Oct.
29th,
2011,
in
The
College
of
New
Jersey’s
Library
Auditorium.
The event,
held in honor of Italian-American Heritage Month, featured two guest speakers, tales of Italian heritage and a green, white,
and red
heldshaped
in honor
Italian-American
Heritage
Month, featured
twoatguest
speakers,
tales of
Italian
heritage and
a green, white, andexperired
cake
likeofItaly.
Organizers said
the afternoon
was aimed
educating
students
and
emphasizing
the Italian-American
cake shaped like Italy. Organizers said the afternoon was aimed at educating students and emphasizing the Italian-American experience at the College.
ence at the College.
“The Italian culture is at a crossroads in its identity,” said Vincent Pelli ‘12, then-senior education major and the President of
“The Italian culture is at a crossroads in its identity,” said Vincent Pelli ‘12, then-senior education major and the President of
thetheItalian
Club. “Shows such as ‘The Jersey Shore’ show us in an inaccurate and demeaning light.”
Italian Club. “Shows such as ‘The Jersey Shore’ show us in an inaccurate and demeaning light.”
The
“to teach
teach the
the past,
past, to
to teach
teachwhere
wherewe
wecame
camefrom
fromininorder
ordertoto
Theevent
eventwas
wasnot
notjust
justabout
aboutdispelling
dispelling stereotypes,
stereotypes, but
but also
also “to
have
a
sense
of
rootedness,
a
sense
of
identity.
Because
it’s
only
through
the
knowledge
of
the
past
that
you
can
become
real
people,
have a sense of rootedness, a sense of identity. Because it’s only through the knowledge of the past that you can become real people,
real
citizens,
real
thinkers,”
said
Simona
Wright,
Italian
program
coordinator.
Students
ventured
out
into
the
snow
to
attend
this
real citizens, real thinkers,” said Simona Wright, Italian program coordinator. Students ventured out into the snow to attend this
event
for
a
variety
of
reasons.
Laura
Wagner,
senior
Spanish
major,
came
to
the
event
for
an
Italian
class
she
is
taking,
saying
event for a variety of reasons. Laura Wagner, senior Spanish major, came to the event for an Italian class she is taking, saying thethe
event
other people’s
people’s experiences.”
experiences.” Freshman
Freshmaninternational
internationalstudies
studiesmamaeventwas
was“important
“importantfor
forthe
theculture,
culture,totounderstand
understand and
and hear
hear about
about other
jorjorJames
Geotschius
felt
four
years
of
high
school
Italian
classes
were
not
enough
to
satiate
his
thirst
for
Italian
heritage,
and
James Geotschius felt four years of high school Italian classes were not enough to satiate his thirst for Italian heritage, and hehe
came
America and
and the
theItalian
Italianculture.
culture.
cametotothe
theevent
eventtotogain
gainmore-personal
more-personalanecdotes
anecdotes of
of the
the journey
journey to
to America
Guest
that. Reading
Reading excerpts
excerptsfrom
fromher
herfour
fourvolumes
volumesofofpoetry,
poetry,
Guestspeaker
speakerMaria
MariaFamà,
Famà,an
anaward-winning
award-winning poet,
poet, provided just that.
she
spoke
of
her
family’s
experience
and
valuable
life
lessons.
She
also
provided
insight
into
aspects
of
the
Italian
lifestyle,
such
she spoke of her family’s experience and valuable life lessons.
provided insight into aspects of the Italian lifestyle, such asas
“portable
America, as
as portrayed
portrayedininher
herpoem
poem“Fig
“FigTree
Treeininthe
theYard.”
Yard.”“By
“By
“portableculture,”
culture,”ororthe
thetraditional
traditionalItalian
Italianitems
items that
that flourished
flourished in America,
thetheway,
Famà also
also addressed
addressedthe
theproblem
problemofofstereotyping
stereotypingininAmerica
America
way,allallofofmy
mypoems
poemsare
areofoftrue
truestories,”
stories,” Famà
Famà told
told the
the audience. Famà
today.
stereotypes prevail,”
prevail,”she
shesaid.
said.
today.“Italians
“Italiansare
arenot
notlooked
lookedon
onasashonest.
honest.Of
Of course
course they
they are, but the stereotypes
aspiringpoet,
poet,Famà
Famàdealt
dealtwith
withher
her own
own hardships
hardships and being
AsAsananaspiring
being subjected
subjected to
tostereotypes.
stereotypes.She
Shewas
wastold,
told,“Italians
“Italianscan
canwork
work
factories,maybe
maybechewing
chewinggum
gumfactories.
factories. They
They can’t
can’t be
be doctors.” As a child,
ininfactories,
child, this
this shocked
shockedher
herbecause
becausethere
therewere
weredoctors
doctorsininherher
ownfamily.
family.On
Onthe
thesubject
subjectofofMTV’s
MTV’s“The
“The Jersey
Jersey Shore”,
Shore”, Famà said, “That’s
own
“That’s what
what they
theythink
thinkofofus.
us.That’s
That’swhat
whatgoes
goesinto
intopeople’s
people’s
homes.”
homes.”
TheCollege
Collegealso
alsohosted
hostedVincenzo
Vincenzo Pascale
Pascale at
at the
the event.
event. Pascale
Pascale was
The
was scheduled
scheduled to
todiscuss
discussaanew
newbook,
book,“Gli
“GliItaliani
ItalianididiNew
New
York,”
with
journalist
Maurizio
Molinari.
However,
Molinari
was
invited
to
a
dinner
for
President
Obama
in
Washington,
D.C.
and
York,” with journalist Maurizio Molinari. However, Molinari was invited to a dinner for President Obama in Washington, D.C. and
wastherefore
thereforeunable
unabletotomake
makeitittotothe
theCollege.
College.
was
“GliItaliani
ItalianididiNew
NewYork,”
York,”aanonfiction
nonfiction book,
book,
“Gli
features
78
Italians
and
Italian-Americans
known
for
features 78 Italians and Italian-Americans known for
great
achievements.
When
asked
what
makes
a
person
great achievements. When asked what makes a person
Italian,Pascale
Pascalesaid,
said,“If
“Ifsomebody
somebodyfeels
feelsItalian,
Italian,ifif somesomeItalian,
one
educated
himself
to
be
Italian,
the
government
should
one educated himself to be Italian, the government should
not deny him Italian citizenship.”
not deny him Italian citizenship.”
Once the speakers were finished, the cake was cut
Once the speakers were finished, the cake was cut
and everyone enjoyed a taste of Italy. “I hope the attendants
and
everyone
enjoyed
taste
of Italy.in“I
hope
theheritage
attendants
enjoyed
the work
anda are
intrigued
their
own
enjoyed
the
work
and
are
intrigued
in
their
own
heritage
And their own history,” Famà said. “Italian heritage, yes,
And
Famà said. “Italian heritage, yes,
buttheir
also, own
theirhistory,”
own history.”
but also, their own history.”
Maria Famà, an award-winning
Maria Famà, an
award-winning
Italian-American
poet,
shares excerpts
Italian-American
poet,/ shares
excerpts
of poetry (Tom O'Dell
Photo Editor)
of poetry (Tom O'Dell / Photo Editor)
By Colleen Duncan
ByCorrespondent
Colleen Duncan
Correspondent
- 20 - 20 -
Student
Awards K-12
Student Awards K-12
Sponsored
Family Foundation
Foundation
Sponsored by
by the
the Paragano
Paragano Family
The Student Award Program recognizes students K-12 who have excelled in studying the
The Student Award Program recognizes students K-12 who have excelled in studying the
Italian language. As an incentive to continue their education in Italian, Certificates of Achievement
Italian language. As an incentive to continue their education in Italian, Certificates of Achievement
and monetary awards are given. The program has garnered much success and continues to grow in
and monetary awards are given. The program has garnered much success and continues to grow in
the area.
the area.
Upper Left:
Upper Left:
MontvilleHigh
HighSchool
School
Montville
BottomLeft:
Left:
Bottom
Ho-Ho-KusPublic
PublicSchool
School
Ho-Ho-Kus
BottomRight:
Right:
Bottom
Franklin
Elementary
School
Franklin Elementary School
CocciaFoundation
Foundation Co-sponsors "Il
Coccia
"Il Cinema
CinemaItaliano"
Italiano"
at Ramapo
Ramapo High
High School
at
School
SignorinaDanielle
Danielle McCartan,
McCartan, aa former
former AMICI
AMICI della
Signorina
della CulCultura
Italiana
student
and
graduate
of
Ramapo
College,
is
curtura Italiana student and graduate of Ramapo College, is currentlyteaching
teachingItalian
Italianatat Ramapo
Ramapo High
High School.
School. She
She organized
rently
organized aa
seriesofof44films
filmsininItalian
Italian with
with English
English subtitles.
subtitles. Over
Over one
series
one hunhundred people were in attendance for La Vita Bella, the first film of
dred people were in attendance for La Vita Bella, the first film of
the series. They are open to the public and begin at 7:30 pm
the series. They are open to the public and begin at 7:30 pm
sharp in the Ramapo High School Auditorium, 331 George
sharp in the Ramapo High School Auditorium, 331 George
Street, Franklin Lakes, NJ.
Street, Franklin Lakes, NJ.
Schedule of Films:
Schedule
January 30, 2013 - of
La Films:
Ragazza del Lago
January
30,
2013
La
Ragazza
del Lago
March 31, 2013 - La Corsa dell'Innocente
March
Corsa dell'Innocente
Signorina McCartan, middle,
April31,
30,2013
2013- -La
U'Latruni
D'Aranci
McCartan,
middle,
April 30, 2013 - U'Latruni D'Aranci
withSignorina
her students
on Opening
Night
with her students on Opening Night
- 21 - 21 -
2012
and Culture
CultureDay:
Day:
2012Italian
Italian Language
Language and
A
Life .. .. ..
A Day
Day in
in the
the Life
It’sIt’s
not
time and
andspace
spaceand
and‘eavesdrop’
‘eavesdrop’onona day
a dayin in
notevery
everyday
dayone
onegets
getsthe
theopportunity
opportunity to
to travel
travel through
through time
thethe
lifelife
of ofsuch
intriguing
historical
figures
as
Dante
and
Michelangelo,
or
contemporary
ones,
such
as
Italian
prime
minister
such intriguing historical figures as Dante and Michelangelo, or contemporary ones, such as Italian prime minister
Mario
Monti,
and La
La Befana!
Befana! Add
Addtotothat
thatdelightful
delightfulsnapshots
snapshots
Mario
Monti,not
nottotomention
mentionsuch
suchfolkloric
folkloricicons
icons as
as Pinocchio
Pinocchio and
ofof
thethe
daily
lives
charmingly portrayed
portrayedby
by300
300students
studentsofofItalian
Italianfrom
from
daily
livesofofpizza
pizzamakers,
makers,fashion
fashiondesigners
designers and
and gondoliers,
gondoliers, charmingly
across
the
state—now
that’s
a
recipe
for
an
exuberant
Italian
Language
and
Culture
Day
at
Montclair
State
University!
across the state—now that’s a recipe for an exuberant Italian Language and Culture Day at Montclair State University!
summarizedbybyItalian
ItalianTeachers
Teachers Association
Association of New Jersey
AsAssummarized
Jersey President
PresidentCatherine
CatherineVignale,
Vignale,“The
“Theday's
day'stheme
theme
giorno
nellavita
vitadi...
di...provided
providedthe
thestudents
students an
an opportunity
opportunity not only
ofof
active
UnUn
giorno
nella
only to
to have
havefun,
fun,but
buttotoparticipate
participateinina day
a day
active
learning.
Thechallenge
challengewas
wastotoincorporate
incorporatethe
the day
day in
in the
the life of an Italian,
a perlearning.
The
Italian, real
realor
ormythical,
mythical,within
withinthe
thecontext
contextofof
a performance
all
delivered
in
Italian.
The
students
had
to
demonstrate
accuracy
in
using
the
language,
creativity
and
cultural
formance all delivered in Italian. The students had to demonstrate accuracy in using the language, creativity and cultural
awareness.”Congratulations
Congratulationstotoallallthe
theparticipating
participating schools
schools and
and to
e e
awareness.”
to the
the winners
winnersof
ofthe
theday!
day! Auguri
Auguria atutti
tuttigliglistudenti
studenti
ai loro
insegnanti!
ai loro
insegnanti!
Prize:
1st1st
Prize:
2nd
Prize:
2nd Prize:
3rd
Prize:
3rd Prize:
High School
School Level
Level Trophy
High
Trophy Winners
Winners
ParsippanyHills
HillsHigh
HighSchool,
School,Parsippany
Parsippany Hills
Hills (Teachers
Parsippany
(Teachers Vita
VitaMorales
Moralesand
andJaclyn
JaclynBevacqua)
Bevacqua)
Columbia
High
School,
Maplewood
(Teacher
Domenico
Tancredi)
Columbia High School, Maplewood (Teacher Domenico Tancredi)
Peter'sPreparatory
PreparatorySchool,
School,Jersey
Jersey City
City (Teacher
(Teacher Rosalie
St.St.Peter's
RosalieRomano)
Romano)
Middle School Level Trophy Winners
Middle School Level Trophy Winners
1st Prize:
Grover Cleveland Middle School, West Caldwell (Teacher Lisa Manfre')
1st2nd
Prize:
Cleveland
Middle
School,
West Caldwell
(Teacher
Lisa Manfre')
Prize: Grover
Frelinghuysen
Middle
School,
Morristown
(Teachers
Toni Anne
Corsi, Marcella Di Benedetto and
2nd Prize:
Frelinghuysen
Middle
School,
Morristown
(Teachers
Toni
Anne
Corsi, Marcella Di Benedetto and
Mauro Raguseo)
Mauro Raguseo)
Also displaying their creative and linguistic talents were students from: Elizabeth High School–Upper Academy;
displaying
their creative
linguistic
students
from:
Elizabeth
High School–Upper
Academy;
EwingAlso
High
School; James
Caldwelland
High
School;talents
Oceanwere
Township
High
School;
Old Bridge
High School; Paramus
Ewing
High
School;
James
Caldwell
High
School;
Ocean
Township
High
School;
Old
Bridge
High
School;
Paramus
Catholic High School; and West Essex High School. A very special thank you to our distinguished panel of judges:
Dr.
Catholic
High
School;
and
West
Essex
High
School.
A
very
special
thank
you
to
our
distinguished
panel
of
judges:
Andrea Baldi (Rutgers University); Rosanna Imbriano (The Center for Italian & Italian American Culture); PhyllisDr.
Andrea
Baldi
University);
Imbriano (The
ItalianIntern)
& Italian
American
Culture);
Phyllis
Ignozza
(The(Rutgers
Language
Institute); Rosanna
Celina Poggiogalle
(MSUCenter
Italian for
Student
and Dr.
Giuseppe
Sorrentino
Ignozza
(The
Language
Institute);
Celina
Poggiogalle
(MSU
Italian Lisa
Student
Intern)
and Silvana
Dr. Giuseppe
(Ramapo
College);
and to
the superb
ITANJ
Organizing
Committee:
Manfre'
(Chair),
Berardo, Sorrentino
Victoria
(Ramapo
to theMarcella
superb Di
ITANJ
Organizing
LisaMorales,
Manfre'Maria
(Chair),
Silvana
Victoria
Buchner,College);
Annette and
D'Amato,
Benedetto,
StevenCommittee:
LaPeruta, Vita
Papaleo
andBerardo,
Karelia Tejada.
Buchner,
Annette
D'Amato,
Marcella
Di Benedetto,
Steven
LaPeruta,
Vita Morales, Maria Papaleo and Karelia Tejada.
Grazie mille,
Vita,
for serving
as our delightful
‘emcee’
for the
day.
Grazie mille, Vita, for serving as our delightful ‘emcee’ for the day.
Articles & photos on pages 22 & 23 submitted by Cav. Mary Ann Re, Ph.D.
Articles & photos on pages 22 & 23 submitted by Cav. Mary Ann Re, Ph.D.
- 22 - 22 -
Italian
& Awards
Awards Ceremony
Ceremony
Italian Scholarships
Scholarships &
The
of Spanish
Spanish and
and Italian
Italian hosted
hosted its
its annual
annual Italian
Italian
The Coccia
Coccia Institute
Institute and
and the
the Department
Department of
Scholarships
ably assisted
assisted by
by volunteers
volunteers from
from the
theMSU
MSUAmici
Amici
Scholarshipsand
and Awards
Awards Ceremony
Ceremony on
on April
April 25th,
25th, ably
Club.
Courtyard Lounge
Lounge boasted
boasted the
the participation
participationofof an
an
Club. The
Theevening
evening reception
reception in
in University
University Hall’s
Hall’s Courtyard
unprecedented
of award
award recipients,
recipients, in
in addition
addition totothe
theacaacaunprecedented number
number of
of donors
donors and
and family
family members
members of
demic
taking stock
stock of
of both
both student
studentand
andfaculty
facultyaccomaccomdemiccommunity.
community. Kicking
Kicking off
off this
this joyous
joyous occasion,
occasion, taking
plishments
Re (Coccia
(Coccia Institute
Institute Director);
Director); Prof.ssa
Prof.ssaMarisa
Marisa
plishments over
over the
the past
past year,
year, were
were Dr.
Dr. Mary
Mary Ann
Ann Re
Trubiano
(Italian
Department
Deputy
Chair);
and
Elisa
Coccia
(Coccia
Foundation
President).
Trubiano (Italian Department Deputy Chair); and Elisa Coccia (Coccia Foundation President).
Guests
entitled “Italia:
“Italia: Paese
Paese di
di Sogni,
Sogni, Bellezza
Bellezza ee FeFeGuests were
were treated
treated to
to aa delightful
delightful presentation
presentation entitled
licità”
written by
by 2011
2011 study
study abroad
abroadaward
awardrecipirecipilicità”(Italy:
(Italy:Country
Country of
of Dreams,
Dreams, Beauty
Beauty and
and Happiness),
Happiness), written
ents
generosity of
of the
the community
community continues
continuestotoamaze
amaze
entsSara
SaraConforti
Conforti and
and Joanna
Joanna De
De Los
Los Santos.
Santos. The
The generosity
us.
internship awards
awards from
from nine
nine remarkable
remarkable donors,
donors,
us. Fully
Fully sixteen
sixteen achievement,
achievement, study
study abroad,
abroad, and
and internship
both
Particularly meaningful
meaningful was
was the
theconferral
conferralofof the
the
bothindividuals
individuals and
and organizations,
organizations, were
were presented. Particularly
awards
Once again,
again, closing
closing remarks,
remarks,both
bothenenawardstotothe
theoutstanding
outstanding students
students by
by the donors themselves. Once
gaging
Levine, Chair
Chair of
of the
the Department
Departmentof
of Spanish
Spanish
gagingand
andinspiring,
inspiring, were
were delivered
delivered by
by Dr. Linda Gould Levine,
and
special thanks
thanks to
to our
our generous
generousdonors.
donors.
andItalian.
Italian. Congratulations
Congratulations again,
again, students!
students! And a very special
UNICOdonors
donorsand
andCoccia
CocciaFoundation
Foundation members
members
UNICO
enjoying
2012
Italian
Scholarships
enjoying 2012 Italian Scholarships
andAward
Awardceremony
ceremony
and
Recipient
Recipient of
of MSU’s
MSU’sItalian
ItalianProgram
ProgramMerit
MeritAward,
Award,
Victoria
Victoria Buchner
Buchner(accompanied
(accompaniedby
byher
herfather),
father),
being
being congratulated
congratulatedby
byMSU
MSUfaculty
facultymembers
members
Presentation of the Passaic Valley UNICO Award for
Presentation of the Passaic Valley UNICO Award for
Study Abroad to Celina Poggiogalle by PNP Joseph Agresti,
Study Abroad to Celina Poggiogalle by PNP Joseph Agresti,
Executive Administrator Sal Benvenuti and
Executive Administrator Sal Benvenuti and
Chapter President Bob Appaluccio
Chapter President Bob Appaluccio
Elisa Coccia congratulates Joanna De Los Santos,
Elisa Coccia congratulates Joanna De Los Santos,
recipient of the Coccia-Inserra Italian
recipient of the Coccia-Inserra Italian
Student Internship for Fall 2012
Student Internship for Fall 2012
23 -- 23
-
Coccia
Coccia Foundation
Foundation
“Passing
“Passing the
the Torch”
Torch”
23 Leswing Avenue
23 Leswing Avenue
Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
Thank
you for bringing our Italian
Thank you for bringing our Italian
culture
cultureand
andheritage
heritageinto
intoyour
yourhome.
home.
Presorted
Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
MPI
Elisa
ElisaCoccia
Coccia&
&Joseph
Joseph Coccia
Coccia III, right,
presenting
presentingan
anannual
annual contribution
contribution of
$1,000
$1,000to
tothe
theItalian
Italian American
American Museum,
Dr.
Dr.Joseph
JosephScelsa,
Scelsa, Founder
Founder &
& President
President
Cav. Mary
Mary Ann
AnnRe,
Re,on
onbehalf
behalfof
of
Cav.
Coccia Foundation,
Foundation,presenting
presentingaa
Coccia
donation for
for the
the Youth
YouthProgram
Programto
to
donation
Pres. Jack
Jack Aquila,
Aquila,IAHCHC
IAHCHC
Pres.
JosephNasello,
Nasello,President
President of
of Saddle
Saddle Brook
Brook
Joseph
UNICO,and
andElisa
Elisa Coccia
Coccia each
each presenting
presenting
UNICO,
$2,500to
toDr.
Dr.Kathryn
Kathryn Fedina,
Fedina, Superintendent
Superintendent
$2,500
ofSaddle
SaddleBrook
Brook Board
Board of
of Education
Education
of
Soprano
Soprano Marina
MarinaCosta
CostaJackson,
Jackson,
the
second
prize
recipient
the second prize recipientof
of$2,000
$2,000
at
Mario
Lanza
Ball,
sponsored
at Mario Lanza Ball, sponsored
by
by Coccia
Coccia Foundation
Foundation