Wagner’s DaVinci Society salutes 6 at annual Italian gala

Event kicks off a month of events sponsored by the Grymes Hill college

By KIAWANA RICH
Staten Island Advance, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007

 

Artist Gregory Perillo talks with friends at the DaVinci Society dinner. 

 

            A celebration of all things Italian got a joyful start last night, courtesy of the DaVinci Society of Wagner College.

            At the group's fourth annual gala Scholarship Dinner in the Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomfield, six Staten Islanders were honored for their contributions to the community as the group kicked off “Viva Italia: Italian Heritage Month,” which highlights the influence of Italian culture on American society.

             And for the icing on the cake, the brand-new book commissioned by the society, “The Staten Island Italian-American Experience,” debuted at the event.

            Last night's honorees were Dr. Donna Acquafredda, Dr. Marianne LaBarbera, artist Gregory Perillo, Dr. Anthony G. Purpura, Dr. Gracelyn Santos and Monsignor John T. Servodidio.

            As part of the evening's festivities, a painting by Perillo, “The Great Divide,” was raffled, with proceeds going to the society.

            As part of “Viva Italia,” the society will offer a host of programs, including a gallery exhibition of “Photographic Views of Italy,” a lecture on “The Italian-American Dilemma During World War II,” and a finale concert of Italian music, all to be hosted on the Grymes Hill campus of Wagner College.

            All events will be held at Wagner College, Grymes Hill.

            The DaVinci Society of Wagner College was established seven years ago, to promote greater understanding of Italy and the contributions of Italian-Americans.