The DaVinci Society
About Us
Established in spring 2000, the Wagner College DaVinci Society is made possible through the generous support of friends and alumni of the College. Its main purpose is to promote greater understanding of Italy and Italian-American contributions to America’s vibrant democratic culture.
The DaVinci Society of Wagner College annually sponsors the “Adopt-a-Scholar” Scholarship, a four-year financial scholarship awarded to qualifying students of Wagner College. This effort is in cooperation with the Columbus Citizens Foundation. The “City-as-Text” Scholarship, another DaVinci Society initiative, provides the top students enrolled in Wagner College’s Honors Program with a unique travel and learning immersion experience in Italy. Additionally, DaVinci Society members provide mentorship and internship opportunities to Wagner students, and campus and community-based programming such as” Viva Italia.”
The generosity of the DaVinci Society provides invaluable experiences and knowledge for the students at Wagner College and the community of Staten Island in promoting the value of Italian heritage. The Society is chaired by Robert J. Scamardella, Esq.
Pictured: The 2024/2025 DaVinci Society Executive Committee
Watch this page for information about the
20th Annual DaVinci Society Scholarship Dinner to be held in 2025!
About Our 2024 Scholar Recipient:
Olivia Grace Petrizzo is a freshman chemistry major at Wagner College on a pre-medicine track. Having grown up performing her entire life, she continued to nurture this passion during high school by attending the Professional Performing Arts High School. There, she participated in various professional productions, and her original film “RUMOR” premiered at the Walter Reade Theatre at Lincoln Center this past June. During high school, Olivia discovered her passion for chemistry and science, realizing her true calling was to help others. Since 2023, she has worked as a medical assistant at Comprehensive Pediatrics. Olivia aspires to pursue a career as a pediatric doctor, aiming to help future generations. She is excited to further her career at Wagner College and is honored to be this year’s DaVinci Scholar.
To learn more or to join the Da Vinci Society, please contact Jenny Kelly, Director of Alumni & Development Events and liaison to the Da Vinci Society, at 718-390-3303 or via e-mail at j.kelly@wagner.edu.