WASHINGTON, D.C. – Comm. Joseph Sciame, Vice President Emeritus of St. John’s University, NY, and President of the Sons of Italy Foundation® (SIF), will be honored with the National Education & Leadership (NELA) Award at the 37th Annual Sons of Italy Foundation NELA Gala on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.
Sciame is a lifelong leader in education, public service, and the Italian American community, with a remarkable career spanning more than six decades. As Vice President Emeritus at St. John’s University, he played a pivotal role in shaping student access, community engagement, and institutional growth, holding numerous leadership positions, such as Vice President for Financial Aid and Student Information Services, Dean of Financial Aid, and Director of Financial Aid.
A dedicated advocate for education, Sciame has spent his career guiding and mentoring students and families, helping generations navigate higher education opportunities. His commitment extends beyond the university, with leadership roles across numerous civic and cultural organizations, and decades of service supporting youth, community development, and Italian American heritage.
His involvement with the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America began in 1968, rising through the ranks to serve as National President and now as President of the Sons of Italy Foundation. In this role, he has continued to champion philanthropy, scholarship and cultural preservation initiatives nationwide.
“After nearly sixty years of involvement in the Order Sons of Daughters of Italy in America and the Sons of Italy Foundation, I feel immensely honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Sciame, adding that he “would like to thank the entire Foundation Board for their support and for selecting me for this honor.”
The NELA Award is the highest honor awarded by the SIF, and honors Sciame’s lifelong dedication to education, leadership, and service, as well as his lasting impact on the Italian American community and beyond. His decades of commitment to empowering students and strengthening institutions make him a truly deserving recipient of this honor.
This year’s Gala will also celebrate Umbria as the 2026 Region of Celebration, bringing national attention to the rich culture, history, and traditions of Italy’s “Green Heart.”
For more information about the 2026 NELA Gala and this year’s honorees and special guests, visit nelagala.org.
About the Sons of Italy Foundation®
The Sons of Italy Foundation® (SIF) is the philanthropic arm of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), supporting scholarships, medical research, disaster relief, cultural preservation, and veterans’ initiatives nationwide. Since its founding, SIF has contributed tens of millions of dollars to charitable causes, including awarding more than $600,000 in scholarships over the past four years to outstanding students across the country.
Media Contact:
Samuel Weinmann
Communications Coordinator
sweinmann@osia.org
202-547-2900
