Ariana Marich ’19 and Gianna Bordonaro ’20, both Northern Ohio Italian American Foundation scholarship recipients, addressed NOIA members during a meeting at the St. Clair Ballroom in Cleveland in June 2018. The students spoke in both Italian and English about their experiences at Padua and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn the Italian language in high school.
About the Saint Clare of Assisi NOIA Scholarship Program
In 2015, Padua received a $200,000 grant from NOIA. Together, we established the Saint Clare of Assisi NOIA Scholarship Program to encourage students of Italian-American heritage to pursue a Catholic education, who might not otherwise be able to attend.
Each year, two incoming freshmen receive the $5,000 award, which is renewable for four years. Recipients are required to take Italian courses at Padua for four years and maintain a certain G.P.A. Eight students have benefited from the program since its inception.
Back Row (L to R): Martin Zanotti ’70, Tom Harkness (Vice President of Advancement) and Mike Barth (parent of Padua alumni). Front Row (L to R): Angie Spitalieri (NOIA Executive Director), Ariana Marich ’19, Gianna Bordonaro ’20, David Zavagno ’72. Not pictured, but attended: Lou Ripepi ’75 & Peter Spitalieri ’73.
Back Row (L to R): Martin Zanotti ’70, Tom Harkness (Vice President of Advancement) and Mike Barth (parent of Padua alumni). Front Row (L to R): Angie Spitalieri (NOIA Executive Director), Ariana Marich ’19, Gianna Bordonaro ’20, David Zavagno ’72. Not pictured, but attended: Lou Ripepi ’75 & Peter Spitalieri ’73.