L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014 www.italoamericano.com 17 The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Awards Scholarship to Bay Area Resident RoBeRto NAtAlINI Every year, the most important Italian-American organization in the United States awards scholarships to outstanding students in the summer for use during the following academic year. The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) has recently announced that Ariana Alva Ferrari of San Francisco, CA, has received the Maurizio A. Gianturco Scholarship for the ongoing academic year. Alva Ferrari attends San Francisco State University and is majoring in International Business, while she is currently studying economics at University of Pavia, Italy (Università degli Studi di Pavia). The annually awards scholarships are made on the basis of academic merit, and divided between two groups of students: Italian American students who demonstrate outstanding potential and high academic achievements, students from any ethnic background majoring or minoring in Italian language, Italian studies, Italian American studies or a related field, who demonstrate outstanding potential and high academic achievements. "NIAF has awarded millions of dollars in merit-based scholarships and cultural grants across the country since its inception. NIAF's leadership is extremely proud of the high caliber of our scholarship students and their outstanding achievements," said NIAF President and COO John M. Viola. Reached by L'ItaloAmericano, scholarship recipient Ariana said: "I am currently studying at the University of Pavia, Italy for the academic year of 2013-2014 through the exchange program with San Francisco State University. The generous Maurizio A. Gianturco Scholarship and NIAF have already gone a long way in helping me achieve my goals of acquiring my International Business degree, build a network in a European nation in which someday I will hopefully be working in, exploring and interacting with my Italian Heritage and promoting community development". "Due to financial restrains, I never had the opportunity of traveling to Italy so becoming a recipient of this award meant not only that I could afford the exchange program, but that I would have the chance to reconnect with my Italian family and be challenged to become fluent in Italian Language which would open doors for me as an Intl. Business major. It has been 4 months since my arrival in Pavia and I could not be happier, I have learned a lot about the lifestyle, culture and even about the economic crisis that has hit Italy and affects many Italian students". Jeff Capaccio, NIAF's region- al Vice President in San Francisco, declared to L'ItaloAmericano: "Providing scholarships to our youth represents one of NIAF's greatest areas of satisfaction as well as an important investment in our country's bright future. NIAF continually strives to recognize and reward excellence and in this spirit, we applaud Ariana Alva Ferrari on her achievements and wish her continued success." NIAF celebrates its 39th anniversary this year. The Foundation's scholarship program has grown from four scholarships of $250 each to dozens of annual scholarships ranging in value from $2,000 to $10,000 each in the humanities, medicine, engineering, business, music, Italian language and culture, and other specialized fields. Last year, the average scholarship to students in the United States was worth more than $3,000. In addition to NIAF's scholarship program, this year NIAF sent college students to Italy's Calabria Region to participate in the Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery program, an educational and cultural initiative. Contributors to the NIAF scholarship program include individuals, corporations and organizations across the United States. To apply for a 2014-2015 NIAF scholarship, go online at www.niaf.org/ scholarships. Application deadline is March 1, 2014. NIAF scholarship winners will be announced on May 16, 2014 online. SELLING HOMES THROUGHOUT THE BAY AREA Adele Della Santina "The Right Realtor makes all the difference." 650.400.4747 AdeleDS@aol.com www.AdeleDS.com BRE# 00911740 Certified Trust, Probate and Estate Specialist Expert in preparation, promotion, and negotiation! Jan. 11, Sat. - Merola Goes to the Movies - Free Screening "A Night at the Opera". What happens when the Marx Brothers go to the opera? A comedy film classic! There are plenty of high-jinxs and high C's as Groucho and the boys enter high society as they try to secure a major Italian singer for the New York Opera Company. This classic features selections from Il Trovatore and Pagliacci. 1:00p to 3:30p Sf Public Library Main Branch, Koret Auditorium (415) 948-9616. Jan 14. Tue - Attentive Eyes: An illustrated lecture by Mariella Poli. The Leonardo da Vinci Society, in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute and the Museo ItaloAmericano, cordially invites its members to UNESCO Italia: The World Heritage Sites in the Work of 14 Photographers. 7:30 pm at Museo Italo Americano. RSVP/questions: Amelia.Antonucci@gmail.com; (917) 478-0694. Jan. 17, Fri.-Italian Friday Night Film Series- "Benvenuti al Sud" (2010). 8pm at The Italian Center, Carmichael (6821 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael, CA 95608). Admission $10Refreshments included. For information call (916) 482-5900. Jan. 20, Mon. - A Grand Delfina Feast. On this evening we are transforming Delfina into our own version of an Italian backyard party pushing tables together and lowering social inhibitions inviting you and yours to come dine alongside them and theirs. Inspired by some of our most cherished folks in Tuscany. Pizzeria Delfina 415.552.4055 Jan. 26, Sun.-Guest Speaker and Author Rosetta Costantino: "Southern Italian Desserts". 2pm at The Italian Center, Carmichael (6821 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael, CA 95608). Admission $10. For information call (916) 482-5900. Feb. 8, Sat.-Venetian Mask-Making Workshop with Awardwinning Artist Carla Almanza-deQuant. 10:30am-4:30pm at The Italian Center, Carmichael (6821 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael, CA 95608). Workshop fee is $145, includes all materials and light lunch. For information or to register call (408) 640-6628. Feb. 14, Fri.-Italian Friday Night Film Series- "Benvenuti al Nord" (2012). 8pm at The Italian Center, Carmichael (6821 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael, CA 95608). Admission $10Refreshments included. For information call (916) 482-5900. Feb. 23, Sun.-ICS Geneaology Workshop- Discover Your Roots: Immigration & Naturalization. 1pm-3pm at The Italian Center, Carmichael (6821 Fair Oaks Blvd, Carmichael, CA 95608). Workshop Fee $10. For information call (916) 482-5900 or email nickb812@yahoo.com

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