Knight of the Royal House of Italy Marco Grassi selected Fordham to be the very first New York City university to host a member of the Italian royal family.
On Monday, April 28, Grassi, the president of the American Foundation of Savoy Orders and an Italian commandatore, delivered a special address to the Fordham community titled "Savoia: Italy's Royal Family and its Post War Involvement." The guest speaker also discussed contemporary Italian politics.
He explained how the American Foundation of Savoy Orders is a charitable entity incorporated in the State of New York. It raises funds through voluntary contributions and benefit events, particularly its annual ball, "Ballo di Savoia." The Foundation uses these contributions and grants to fund projects in the medical, educational and social services fields.
The event, hosted by Gamma Kappa Alpha, the National Italian Honor Society, took place in Duane Library's Tognino Hall.
Rachel Mariani, FCRH '09 and vice-president of Gamma Kappa Alpha, helped organize the event.
"We are so honored to have Commendatore Grassi speak at Fordham," Mariani said. "He was so enthusiastic to share his vast knowlege in Italian modern history and of the Royal House of Savoy. Even thought we had a small turnout, we are looking foward to recreating the same event next spring. Ron Williams [the president] and I plan on inviting other universities with Italian major and minor departments to Fordham for a grander-scale event."
2008 Woodie Awards
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