Honoring Italian Heritage: The Verrazzano Day Observance Award and Scholarship Program

Every year, the Verrazzano Day Committee selects a deserving recipient to honor with the prestigious Verrazzano Day Observance Award. Established in 1961 by the Grand Lodge of Rhode Island, Order Sons of Italy in America, and the Department of Rhode Island, Italian-American War Veterans of the United States, this award pays tribute to the legacy of Giovanni da Verrazzano, the Florentine navigator who discovered Narragansett Bay in 1524.

In his report to King Francis I, Verrazzano described the island he discovered as resembling the “Isle of Rhodes.” This description is credited with indirectly inspiring the naming of the State of Rhode Island. The annual event honoring this great navigator also serves as an opportunity to recognize an outstanding leader within the Rhode Island community.

The Verrazzano Observance Day Committee’s Scholarship Program

Under the guidance of the late Dr. Renato E. Leonelli, the Verrazzano Observance Day Committee’s Scholarship Program was initiated several years ago. Originally, a monetary award was presented to a college student who had demonstrated excellence in the study of Italian. Over time, the program has evolved, and now includes a Resource Award in addition to the Scholarship Award. Both awards are given in honor of the late Dr. Leonelli.

Eligibility and Award Distribution

All local colleges and universities offering courses in Italian language, culture, and history are eligible to participate in this program. The five Rhode Island institutions that currently offer such courses are:

• Brown University
• Community College of Rhode Island
• Providence College
• Rhode Island College
• University of Rhode Island, Providence Campus

Each year, one of these institutions is presented with a cash award, and a student from the selected school is honored with the Scholarship Award. This program not only celebrates the rich Italian heritage that has shaped Rhode Island but also encourages and supports students in their pursuit of Italian studies.