Sons of Italy Renaissance Lodge and Renaissance Foundation Contributes to the Scholarship Offerings at the CSU Long Beach George L. Graziadio Center for Italian Studies

On behalf of the Renaissance Lodge and Renaissance Foundation of the Sons of Italy in Santa Ana, Dr. John Russo presented a $1,000 check to Dean Gerry Riposa, College of Liberal Arts at California State University, Long Beach on May 20, 2009.

These funds will support student scholarships offered by the George L. Graziadio Center for Italian Studies. Through this gift, The Renaissance Lodge of the Sons of Italy renews its historically close relationship with the Italian Studies Program on the CSU Long Beach Campus.

This relationship began in 1982 when Dr. Vincent Licata, Founder of the Renaissance Foundation and the Renaissance Lodge, assisted the University with support for the Italian program. The Renaissance Lodge became a crucial player in the development of the program thanks to aid in the form of “Adopt-a-Class,” whereby donors assisted with the instructional mission of specific campus programs by supporting courses.

Dr. John Russo chaired this initiative for Sons of Italy in the State of California. Frank De Santis, a prominent member of the Renaissance Lodge, met with Dr. Clorinda Donato to assess the needs of the campus in Italian Studies. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the campaign that succeeded in raising endowment funds, including the generous naming gifts of George L. Graziadio.

Today the Center has become a beacon in the State of California for Italian Studies, and especially for the preparation and credentialing of Italian teachers in the State of California. The George L. Graziadio Program of Italian Studies looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Renaissance Lodge, the Renaissance Foundation, and its generous members.