NELA Gala
National Education and Leadership Awards Gala
For nearly half a century, the NELA Gala has served as the Foundation’s most important national fundraising event, supporting core SIF initiatives, such as scholarships, education, cultural preservation, and philanthropy. Funds raised through NELA directly empower students, strengthen cultural programming, and advance humanitarian efforts across the country. More than a recognition ceremony, NELA is a celebration of identity and leadership. Past honorees include U.S. presidents, Supreme Court justices, military leaders, award-winning actors, Nobel laureates, educators, humanitarian leaders, and innovators whose work has elevated both the nation and the Italian-American community. Held each spring in Washington, D.C., the evening features a formal reception, elegant dinner, and presentation of NELA awards, as well as opportunities for networking among distinguished guests, national officers, community leaders, sponsors, and lodge representatives from across the country. Through the NELA Gala, the Sons of Italy Foundation continues its mission to promote educational excellence, cultural pride, and community leadership — while celebrating the rich legacy and ongoing impact of Italian Americans in the United States.
View the videos below for a glimpse of previous NELA Galas.
2024 NELA
2023 NELA
2022 NELA
Previous NELA Galas
2025 NELA Gala: Celebrating the Region of Lombardy
2025 Gala Program
2025 Honorees
SIF Lifetime Achievement Award in International Leadership
Attilio Fontana
President, Region of Lombardy
President of the Region of Lombardy since 2018.
Attilio Fontana was born in Varese, Italy, and has dedicated his life to both public service and the practice of law. A criminal lawyer by profession, he graduated from the University of Milan in 1975 and has led his own law firm in Varese since 1980. Along the way, he also served as a conciliator and honorary deputy magistrate, always grounded in a strong sense of justice and community.
His journey into politics began with the Lega Nord Party. From 1995 to 1999, he served as mayor of Induno Olona, then moved on to the Lombardy Regional Council, where he was elected President of the Council from 2000 to 2006. That same year, he was elected mayor of Varese—a position he held for two terms, and during which he also led ANCI Lombardia, representing municipalities across the region.
Fontana’s leadership continued on a broader stage. In 2018, he was elected President of the Lombardy Region and was reelected in 2023. Throughout his time in office, his work has helped shape Lombardy into one of Italy’s most dynamic and influential regions.
Outside of politics, he served on the Board of Directors of Fiera Milano for nearly a decade, promoting Italian innovation and enterprise around the world. A proud father of three—Maria Cristina, Giovanni, and Marzia—he remains deeply connected to his roots in Varese.
Attilio Fontana was honored in 2025 with the SIF Lifetime Achievement Award in International Leadership.
SIF Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts
Francesca Zambello
Artistic Director, Washington National Opera
The internationally recognized opera and theater director has served as the Artistic Director of the Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center since 2012.
Francesca Zambello is a visionary force in opera and theater—an internationally acclaimed director whose work has shaped some of the world’s greatest stages. She currently serves as Artistic Director of the Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center and was formerly Artistic Advisor of the San Francisco Opera. From 2010 to 2022, she also led the Glimmerglass Festival as its Artistic and General Director.
Over the course of her remarkable career, Francesca has directed at more than 50 of the world’s leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, Covent Garden, and the Paris Opera. Her influence extends to Broadway, major European venues, and regional theaters across the U.S.
A passionate advocate for new voices, Francesca is celebrated for championing women and emerging talent in the arts. Her many honors include induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, being honored Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government, a Knight in the Order of the Star of Italy, and winning multiple Olivier and Evening Standard Awards.
At the Washington National Opera, she has brought over 30 productions to life—from Fidelio and Aida to Show Boat and the company’s first-ever full Ring Cycle – a series of four operas composed by Richard Wagner.
She lives in both Washington D.C. and New York with her wife, attorney Faith Gay, and their son, Jackson.
Francesca Zambello was honored in 2025 with the SIF Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts.
SIF Lifetime Achievement Award for Medical Excellence
Dr. Pierpaolo Sileri
Surgeon and Full Professor; Former Senator and Deputy Minister of Health for the Italian Republic
A renowned surgeon and full professor at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Dr. Sileri was previously a Senator and the Deputy Minister of Health for the Italian Republic.
Dr. Pierpaolo Sileri is a renowned surgeon, educator, and public servant whose career bridges the worlds of medicine, innovation, and leadership. A specialist in digestive surgery, he holds a Ph.D. in robotics and computer science applied to surgical techniques—always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in patient care.
His training took him around the globe, from the University of Illinois at Chicago to Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital. A pioneer in minimally invasive techniques, he’s dedicated his practice to improving lives through surgical precision and innovation.
Pierpaolo has taught at leading institutions including Temple University and the University of Illinois, and today, he serves as Professor of Surgery at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan. A prolific scholar, he has authored over 230 scientific publications, textbooks, and guidelines for scientific societies.
His contributions extend beyond the operating room. From 2018 to 2022, he served his country as a public servant, first as Deputy Minister of Health and later as Undersecretary, concluding his political chapter as a senator.
Dr. Pierpaolo Sileri was honored in 2025 with the SIF Lifetime Achievement Award for Medical Excellence.
SIF Achievement Award for Excellence in Film
Cristiana Dell’Anna
Stage and Film Actress; Leading Actress in Cabrini (2024)
Acclaimed Italian actress, who recently portrayed Mother Cabrini in the 2024 film “Cabrini.”
Born in Naples, Italy, Cristiana Dell’Anna is a bilingual actress whose passion for performance took her to London at just 20 years old, where she trained at Drama Studio London. She began her career on stage in an English adaptation of A Woman Alone, and soon captivated audiences with her breakout role in Moths, directed by Rose Glass, followed by the psychological thriller Third Contact.
Cristiana rose to international fame with her performance as Patrizia in the acclaimed HBO Max series Gomorrah. She went on to lead in Netflix’s Toscana, which became the platform’s most-watched film worldwide in March 2022. Her talent earned her a David di Donatello nomination for The King of Laughter, and she appeared in Paolo Sorrentino’s Oscar-nominated film The Hand of God.
Most recently, Cristiana took on the title role in the U.S. film Cabrini, portraying the Italian American icon Mother Cabrini. And her journey continues with a starring role in the upcoming Italian Netflix series Storia della mia Famiglia.
Cristiana Dell’Anna was honored in 2025 with the SIF Achievement Award for Excellence in Film.
SIF Lifetime Achievement Award in Public Service
Nick LaLota
U.S. Representative for New York’s 1st Congressional District
U.S. Representative Nick LaLota has proudly served New York’s First District since 2023, bringing to Congress a deep commitment to public service—and a proud heritage that traces back to Agrigento, Sicily.
A graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Rep. LaLota served as a Navy Lieutenant, deploying to 20 countries. His first assignment took him to Rome, a meaningful beginning for someone with Italian roots. His dedication earned him the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
After his military service, he continued to lead at home—serving on the Amityville Board of Trustees as Budget Officer and chairing both the Police and Fire Department Committees. His leadership extended to roles as Commissioner of the Suffolk County Board of Elections and Chief of Staff to both the Suffolk County Legislature and a New York State Senator.
Rep. LaLota holds both a Juris Doctor and an MBA from Hofstra University, and today, in Congress, he sits on the the House Appropriations and Small Business Committees.
He currently lives in Amityville, New York with his high school sweetheart, Kaylie, and their three daughters.
Representative Nick LaLota was honored in 2025 with the SIF Lifetime Achievement Award in Public Service.
2024 NELA Gala: Celebrating the Region of Sicily
2024 Gala Program
2024 Honorees
Lifetime Brotherhood Award
Joseph DiTrapani & Family
National Past President & SIF President Emeritus, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America
Joseph DiTrapani, following in the footsteps of his beloved father Sam DiTrapani, has
been active in the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) for over 48 years. Joseph became National President in 2009, during the 51st Biennial National Convention in La Jolla, California. In August 2011, he was re-elected by acclamation to serve a second two-year term as National President.
Born in Brooklyn, Joseph was one of four children in a family with roots in Sicily and Calabria. Soon after receiving his Bachelor’s of Business Administration from
the prestigious College of Insurance, he began his professional career at Washington National Life Insurance Company. A year later, he joined Dascit/White & Winston, New York State’s largest life, health and pension brokerage agency and rose to the
position of Vice President in 1986. In 1989, Joseph acquired Dascit/White & Winston serving as its President and CEO where he continued his successful career in the insurance industry until his retirement in 2017.
As OSDIA National President, Joseph brought a new vision to the organization with his ease in leadership and approachability. As President, he helped raise funds for a center for autistic children devastated by the April 2009 L’Aquila (Italy) earthquake. In September of 2010, in coordination with Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) President, Vincent Sarno, Joseph traveled to Italy to bring $235,000 of SIF funds to the center in L’Aquila, Fondazione Il Cireneo Onlus per L’Autismo.
After completing his four years as National President, Joseph’s service to the Order did not come to an end. In August 2013, he was unanimously voted to serve as the President of the National Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF) and worked diligently to secure funding for this charitable organization.
In 2016, on behalf of the SIF, Jose once again traveled to Mucci, Italy to present a $100,000
donation to the Andrea Bocelli Foundation to assist in the reconstruction of the E. De Amicis pre-school and elementary school which had been rendered unfit for use by the disastrous earthquake swarm in 2016. For the 2019-2021 biennium period, Joe served
as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the National Office during a period of transition in the lead position and absence of an executive director.
In December 2005, Joseph DiTrapani was presented with the title of Cavaliere through the Chancellery of the Savoy Orders in Geneva, an honor that is bestowed upon persons of importance in the Italian American community. At the present time, Joseph holds two prestigious titles of Ufficiale in the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus and the title of Commendatore that he received directly from the President of the Republic of Italy.
Joseph and his wife Carol of 51 years are truly blessed with a wonderful family and find joy with their six beautiful grandchildren. They are inspired each and every day by their loving children, Scott and Lauren, Matthew and Taylor, Todd and Suzanne, who have
all excelled in their professional careers.
Whenever called upon, the DiTrapani family have contributed generously to charitable causes of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America and take great pride in their role in the Order.
A dynamic leader, Joseph DiTrapani united and inspired many to take the next step together, always confident in the future and confident in the ability to make the Order stronger and more productive than it had ever been.
As someone once said, “Blessed is
the leader who seeks the best for those he serves!”
Lifetime Achievement Award in Media
Joe Mantagna
Actor
Joe was awarded the Tony and Joseph Jefferson Award for his acclaimed performance as Richard Roma in David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Glengarry Glen Ross. Joe’s film and television highlights include:
House of Games, Searching for Bobby Fisher, Godfather III, his Emmy and Golden Globe nominated role of Dean Martin in The Ratpack, and his Emmy nominated role of Pipi Delana in The Last Don. For two seasons, Joe starred with Mary Steenburgen in the critically acclaimed CBS drama Joan of Arcadia , winner of the 2004 People’s Choice Award for Best New Drama as well as picking up three Emmy nominations. In 2008, Joe reprised his Emmy nominated role of Lou Manahan, opposite Debra Messing in the USA Network series
The Starter Wife. Joe has also lent his voice to the Disney/Pixar film, CARS2 and continues his 31-year run as Fat Tony on The Simpsons.
Joe contributes much of his free time to several philanthropic endeavors, including The U.S. Army Museum, which opened in 2021, and the Gary Sinise Foundation, a charity that focuses on the needs of our most severely wounded veterans. He has also hosted the National Memorial Day Concert live from Washington D.C. since 2006. Joe’s other passions include various autism-related organizations, including ETTA, New Horizons, the Miracle Project, Ed Asner Family Center, The Help Group, and Easter Seals Chicago.
In April of 2011, Joe received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; in 2014, he received a Lifetime Achievement award from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for his dedication to the community and craft of acting.
Joe returned as FBI Special Agent David Rossi for a 2021 reboot of the hit CBS Drama Criminal Minds, now streaming on Paramount Plus.
Joe resides in Los Angeles with his wife of over 45 years, Arlene, and their two daughters, Mia and Gia.
Humanitarian Award
J. Eustace Wolfington
Executive Producer, Cabrini
J. Eustace Wolfington is the Executive Producer of the film Cabrini (2024, Angel Studios). Mother Cabrini’s entrepreneurial spirit, passion, commitment to her vocation, perseverance, creativity, organizational skills, unwavering faith and love for everyone she encountered have guided Eustace throughout his career, even naming one of his companies after her.
In 2015, Sister Mary Louise Sullivan of the MSC order asked Eustace to help complete a film about Mother Cabrini. Her persistence wore down his initial resistance, and he agreed to make the film on two conditions: they make a film about a great woman who just happened to be a nun; and that a 501(c)(3) was established where all the net revenues earned from the film go to charity. Cabrini, starring Cristiana Dell’Anna in the title role, was released in March of 2024.
Eustace also was the Executive Producer of Bella, a 2006 American drama film co-written, co-produced and directed by Alejandro Monteverde, starring Eduardo Verastegui and Tammy Blanchard. Bella won the People’s Choice Award at the 2006 Toronto Film Festival. Eustace and his late wife, Marcy, have 10 children, 32 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Public Service Award
The Honorable Mark E. Amodei
Member of Congress
Mark E. Amodei (R-NV) has served as the U.S. Representative for Nevada’s Second Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, and he serves on the Financial Services, Legislative Branch, and Interior subcommittees. Since 2023, Mark has served
as Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee.
Mark was born in Carson City, Nevada, on June 12, 1958. He graduated from Carson High School in 1976, where he was Student Class President. Mark graduated from the University of Nevada in 1980; he received his law degree from McGeorge Law School, University of the Pacific in 1983.
Mark served with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps from 1983 to 1987, and he was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal.
Mark served in the Nevada Assembly from 1996 to 1998 and in the Nevada State Senate, representing the Capital District, from 1998 to 2010. He served as Chairman of the Nevada Republican Party until May 2011. From 2007 to 2008, Mark was the President of the Nevada Mining Association. He was an attorney with law firms Allison MacKenzie in Carson City from 1987 to 2004 and Kummer Kaempfer Bonner Renshaw and Ferrario (now Kaempfer Crowell) in Reno from 2004 to 2007.
In Congress, Mark also serves on the Congressional Western Caucus, Army Caucus, Congressional Joint Strike Fighter Caucus, USO Caucus, Veterans Job Caucus, Italian American Caucus, Conservative Climate Caucus, Travel and Tourism Caucus, Public Broadcasting Caucus, Postal Preservation Caucus, and ALS Caucus.
Mark is close to his family and has two adult daughters, Erin and Ryanne. He enjoys working on his old trucks, do-it-yourself projects, and exploring Nevada history.
Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts
Deana Martin
Entertainer
Deana Martin is an influential American singer, actor and performer. She is also the proud daughter of iconic entertainer, Dean Martin. Deana achieved success early in her career in films, theater and television, then quickly added to her repertoire: recording artist, best-selling author, nationally syndicated radio host, licensed pilot, and entrepreneur. As an internationally acclaimed
entertainer, hit recording artist and an in-demand performer, Deana Martin has become an instantly recognizable voice and figure in the pantheon of The Great American Songbook.
Deana’s 2006 debut recording, Memories Are Made Of This, stayed in the Billboard Top 10 for 40 consecutive weeks. She has since released four critically acclaimed and commercially successful recordings of various genres.
A celebrated author, Deana found herself on The New York Times coveted Best Seller list with her 2004 memoir, Memories Are Made of This: Dean Martin Through His Daughter’s Eyes. In it, Deana delights in sharing wonderful, never-before-told stories about her father and his “Pallies,” known to her as Uncle Frank (Sinatra) and Uncle Sammy (Davis, Jr) and known to the world as the Rat Pack. With 210 episodes and counting, Deana has been entertaining her fans with Deana Martin
LIVE! on Fridays at 4:00pm ET on Facebook, YouTube, Roku, Twitter/X and DeanaMartin.com, where she has been recognized since 2020 by Pollstar as a Top 10 Streamer Worldwide, twice hitting #1 in the world. In 2021, as Executive Producers, Deana and her husband, John Griffeth, released their award-winning documentary, Dean Martin: King Of Cool, directed by Tom Donahue and premiering on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). Also in 2021, Deana returned to her hometown of New York City to host “Dean & Deana Martin’s NIGHTCAP” on WABC radio.
Deana and John divide their time between Beverly Hills, CA, and Branson, MO.
View More Honorees
2023
The Hon. William Pascrell, Jr.
U.S. House of Representatives
Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service
Tony Lo Bianco
Award Winning Actor
Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts
F. Anthony Naccarato
President & Chairman, American Maritime Officers Service
National Education & Leadership Award
Augustin “Augie” Tellez
Executive Vice President, Seafarers International Union
Humanitarian Award
Jill M. Albertelli
President, Military Engines,
Pratt & Whitney
Excellence in Business Award
2022
The Hon. Rosa DeLauro
Congresswoman, U.S. House of Representatives
Lifetime Achievement Award
Lidia Matticchio Bastianich
Chef, Author, Television Host, Restaurateur
Lifetime Achievement Award in the International Culinary Arts
Angelo Vivolo
Philanthropist and Entrepreneur
Lifetime Achievement Award in Italian American Leadership
Laurie Serricchio Hollander
President & Co-Founder, Help our Military Heroes
Award for Courage and Patriotism
2021
The Polo Family
Aerospace Manufacturers
National Education & Leadership Award
Yolanda Cellucci
Fashion Entrepreneur
Excellence In Business Award
Bob & Lisa Tramontano
Humanitarian Award
Joseph Mele
Engineer, Professor, Designer, Inventor
Lifetime Achievement Award
2019
Vivian Cardia
Benefactor & Supporter, Italian American Causes
National Education & Leadership Award
Bruno Ciacciarelli
President, Roadtex Transportation
Excellence In Business Award
The Frank & Angela Donio Family
Humanitarian Award
Lieutenant General (Ret.) Raymond Palumbo
Partner And Co-Founder, Venturi Solutions
Award For Courage & Patriotism
2018
The Delgrosso Family
Owners & Founders, Delgrosso Foods
National Education & Leadership Award
Lawrence “Pete” Peduzzi
President & Founder, Peduzzi Associates Ltd.
Excellence In Business Award
Dr. Michael J. Sofia
Chief Scientific Officer, Arbutus Biopharma, Inc.
Humanitarian Award
2017
The Hon. Jessica Garfola Wright
Major General (Ret.)
Award For Courage And Patriotism
Rear Admiral Margaret Deluca “Peg” Klein
U.S. Navy (Retired)
National Education & Leadership Award
Anthony J. Cancelosi
President & CEO, Columbia Lighthouse For The Blind
Humanitarian Award
2016
Joseph M. Mattone, Sr.
Chairman & CEO, The Mattone Group
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Mary Ann Pessolano Mattone, Rn/Mph
Philanthropist & Community Leader
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Dr. Condoleezza Rice
66th Secretary Of State
Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service
Nicholas E. Calio
President & CEO, Airlines For America
Award For Excellence In Business
Paul Rinaldi
President, National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Humanitarian Award
2015
Gen. Raymond T. Odierno
Chief Of Staff, United States Army
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Terry O’sullivan
General President, Laborers’ International Union Of North America
Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service
Anthony S. Fauci, M.D.
Director, National Institute Of Allergy And Infectious Diseases, NIH
Special Recognition Award For Science & Medicine
Alfred Grasso
President & CEO, The MITRE Corporation
Humanitarian Award
Geno Auriemma
Head Coach, University Of Connecticut Women’s Basketball
Special Award For Excellence In Sports Leadership
2014
The Hon. Leon Panetta
Former U.S. Secretary Of Defense
Former Director, CIA
Former White House Chief Of Staff National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Motion Picture Association Of America
Former United States Senator (CT) Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service
Harry Lombardo
International President, Transport Workers Union
Humanitarian Award
Lt. Gen. Flora D. Darpino
39th Judge Advocate General Of The U.S. Army
Special Award For Military Justice
2013
Robert F. Corrao
Chairman & CEO, Ski TV Network
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Sergio Marchionne
Chairman & CEO, Chrysler Group LLC, CEO, FIAT S.P.A
Award For Excellence In Global Business
Gen. Colin L. Powell (Usa Ret.)
65th U.S. Secretary Of State &
12th Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs Of Staff
Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service
Gary Sinise
Actor, Activist, & Founder, The Gary Sinise Foundation
Award For Courage & Patriotism
2012
Hillary Rodham Clinton
U.S. Secretary Of State
Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service
Armand Sabitoni
General Secretary, Laborers International Union Of North America
Humanitarian Award
Claudio Bozzo
President, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Inc.
Award For Excellence In Business
Gen. Peter Pace, U.S. Marine Corps. (Ret.)
16th Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs Of Staff
Award For Courage & Patriotism
2011
Carmen Policy
Founder & Proprietor, Casa Piena Vineyard Former Owner & CEO, San Francisco 49ers National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Jack Reed
U.S. Senator From Rhode Island
Veteran, U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division
Lifetime Achievement Award F Or Public Service
Pier F. Guarguaglini
Chairman & CEO, Finmeccanica Spa
Award For Excellence In Global Business
Steven Nardizzi, Esq.
Executive Director, Wounded Warrior Project
Special Award For Courage & Patriotism
2010
Lewis C. Merletti
Former Director, United States Secret Service
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
President Bill Clinton
Founder, William J. Clinton Foundation
Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service
Capt. Anthony Odierno
(U.S. Army, Ret.)
Manager, Stadium Operations, NY Yankees
Special Award For Courage & Patriotism
2009
Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
Vice President Of The United States
Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service
Arthur J. Gajarsa
Federal Judge, U.S. Court Of Appeals
Lifetime Achievement Award In Jurisprudence
Robert A. Scardelletti
International President, Transportation Communications Union
IAM Humanitarian Award
Mary Ann Esposito
Host/Creator, “Ciao Italia” PBS TV
Lifetime Achievement Award In The Culinary Arts
2008
Joseph Plumeri
Chairman & CEO, Willis Group
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Steve Wynn
Chairman & CEO, Wynn Resorts
Award For Global Vision & Philanthropy
Michael Petruzzello
Founder & Managing Partner, Qorvis Communications
Award Excellence In Business
Alfred Rotondaro, Phd
Sr. Fellow, Center For American Progress
Humanitarian Award
2007
Nicholas Donofrio
Executive VP, IBM
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Geraldine Ferraro
Former Congresswoman From New York
Lifetime Achievement Award For Public Service
Frank Giordano
President, Union League Of Philadelphia
Humanitarian Award
The Rienzi Foundation
Making A Difference Award
2006
Michael Rienzi
President & Founder, Rienzi & Sons
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Franco Nuschese
President, Georgetown Entertainment Group, LLC
Excellence In Business
Robert E. Juliano
Chairman, Robert E. Juliano Associates
Humanitarian Award
2005
Dana Gioia
Chairman, National Endowment For The Arts National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Joseph Battipaglia
CIO, Ryan Beck & Co.
Business Award
Karen Ignagni
President & CEO, America’s Health Insurance Plans
Lifetime Achievement In Management
Joseph G. Procacci
CEO, Procacci Brothers Sales Corp.
OSIA Centennial Award
2004
2003
2002
Robert Gallo, M.D.
AIDS & Cancer Researcher
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Martin J. Maddaloni
General President, United Association
Humanitarian Award
Joe Mantegna
Actor
Excellence In Media Award
2001
2000
Mario Andretti
Racing Legend & Business Entrepreneur National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Connie Stevens Actress & Businesswoman Humanitarian Award
1999
Andrew A. Giancamilli
Former President & General Merchandise Manager, Kmart Corporation
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Tony Bennett Legendary Entertainer Humanitarian Award
1998
Phil Guarascio
Former Vice President & General Manager Of North American Marketing & Advertising, General Motors Corporation
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Frank Sinatra
Legendary Entertainer, Producer & Philanthropist
Humanitarian Award
1997
Peter F. Secchi
Chairman, Universal Forest Products, Inc. & Former U.S. Ambassador To Italy
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Tommy Lasorda
Vice President/Former Manager, LA Dodgers
Humanitarian Award
1996
Joe Paterno
Head Football Coach, Pennsylvania State University
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
Alfred A. Checchi
Former Co-Chairman, Northwest Airlines Corporation
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
1995
Joseph E. Antonini
President, JEA Enterprises, Inc.
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
1994
The Honorable Louis J. Freeh
Senior Vice Chairman Of Administrative & Legal Affairs, MBNA America, Inc.
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
1993
Annette Funicello
Entertainer
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
1992
Dr. Anthony S. Fauci
Director, The National Institute Of Allergy & Infectious Diseases At The NIH
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
1991
The Honorable Antonin Scalia
U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
1990
The Honorable Silvio O. Conte
U.S. Congressman From Massachusetts National Education & Leadership Award (N ELA)
1989
Lou Carnesecca
St. John’s University Head Basketball Coach (Ret.)
National Education & Leadership Award (NELA)
NELA Gala Highlights
Since its first NELA Gala in 1989, the Sons of Italy Foundation has honored distinguished individuals of Italian descent while promoting the future of Italian American excellence through its scholarship program. Check out the highlights below from previous NELA galas.
