In 2002, CIBPA Ottawa established a scholarship program. The scholarship program was created to promote and assist with access to post-secondary studies for students of Italian-Canadian heritage who reside in Ontario. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and community involvement.

Since its inception more than $20,000 has been awarded to deserving and ambitious Italian-Canadian students. An awards ceremony is held annually in November featuring a traditional Italian dinner followed by a guest speaker and the presentation of the awards to the students.

Candidate Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:

• Academic merit
• Community involvement
• Pursuing post-secondary education
• Italian decent
• Ontario resident

Our Goal

CIBPA Ottawa has initiated a capital fundraising campaign to raise $100,000 over four years (2006 to 2010) for the CIBPA Ottawa Scholarship Program. The funds will be invested to generate yearly scholarships for Italian-Canadian students and ensure a lasting legacy for the scholarship program, CIBPA Ottawa and the city’s Italian-Canadian community.

A gift to the CIBPA Ottawa Scholarship Fund provides an opportunity to young people. Your generosity gives our sons and daughters a chance to open their minds and encourages them to challenge the status quo. It turns today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders.

Rita Celli, Honorary Fundraising Campaign Chair

Rita Celli is a graduate of Carleton University School of Journalism. She began her on-air career with CBC Radio in Sudbury before moving to CBC Ottawa (Radio) in 1994. In 2001 Rita became Ottawa host for CBC News, Canada Now, and its later incarnation, CBCNews at Six. She was named host of Ottawa Today in early September 2006.

Rita is a hands-on journalist with keen editorial judgment. She has covered every aspect of news, from documentaries to town hall meetings to spot reports. She is a two-time winner of investigative awards from the Canadian Association of Journalists.

“I am delighted to be part of the CIBPA Ottawa Scholarship campaign. My Italian heritage is so important to me, and so is education. I am pleased to be part of something that supports young Italian students and their families. Italians are well known for their love and commitment to family. This campaign is a commitment we make to our larger Italian family. We can take our inspiration from our parents and grandparents, and fearlessly build the future. It is with courage and vision that we will make a difference."

The CIBPA Ottawa Scholarship Fundraising Campaign steering committee is comprised of the following members:

• Michael Aquilino,
• Gino Milito,
• Joe Montuoro,
• Marcello Pecora

CIBPA Ottawa Scholarship Awards

CIBPA Members Award
• Awarded annually
• Contributed by CIPBA members, individuals, businesses
• Tutor, Teacher, Professor, Dean donor levels - $25 to $999 annual donation

CIBPA Founders Award
• Awarded annually
• Contributed by CIPBA members, individuals, businesses
• President donor level – minimum $1,000 annual donation

CIBPA Business Founder Award
• Awarded annually
• Contributed by corporate donors
• Chancellor donor level – minimum $1,500 annual donation

Our Supporters

The generosity of our supporters allows Italian-Canadian students to stay at the head of the class. Each donation helps a student reach convocation.

Tutor – minimum $25/year
Teacher – minimum $100/year
Professor – minimum $250/year
Dean – minimum $500/year
President – minimum $1,000/year
Chancellor – minimum $1,500/year

(donor names to be listed in their donation category)

Benefits of Contributing

As a contributor to the CIBPA Ottawa Scholarship you have the opportunity to:

Benefit Italian student and their families
Average tuition fees in Ontario are $4,600/year – plus the cost of books and living expenses – total costs can reach $12K to $15K / year x 3 or 4 years

The scholarships help to reinforce a sense of heritage and culture – young Italian students will know they have the support of their ethnic community.

Being part of the CIBPA scholarship campaign is our commitment to our larger Italian family and the future of our culture and heritage in the city.

You will be recognized as someone who supports the Italian community and cares enough to contribute your personal time and energy to a good cause.

It is an important initiative that will be a lasting contribution to the city.

It’s a shared initiative with other CIBPA members.

It provides you with the opportunity to make a difference.

CIBPA SCHOLARSHIP LAURATES

2002

Veronica Petro
• studied Arts at the University of Ottawa with a specialization in Communication and Italian.
• worked part time with the government in client relations.

Stefania Marinelli
• studied at the University of Ottawa in the English Honours program leading to a degree in Education.
• graduated with honours from high school.
• received an entrance scholarship to the University of Ottawa and has won several awards including the Ottawa Carleton Catholic Student Award and the Ottawa Carleton Catholic Trustee award.

Giulia Marinelli
• studied at Algonquin College in the Tourism and Travel Program.
• received an award for Highest Academic student in grade 8 and was an Honour Role student throughout high school.

2003

Jenna Montuoro
• studied Psychology at Carleton University.
• awarded two entrance scholarships to both Carleton University and Ottawa University.
• volunteered as dance teacher at a local dance school helping young children develop their talent.
• aided the elderly through her school’s religion program.

Maya Santoro
• studied Psychology at Carleton University.
• graduated from high school with a 90.7% average.
• awarded the Dora Helmkay scholarship and also received an entrance scholarship from Carleton University.
• devotes her spare time to Citizen Advocacy that is an organization that works with individuals with a range of physical and mental exceptionalities.
• volunteered with Maurice Grimes Lodge that is a home away from home for Cancer patients who live outside of Ottawa.

Giovanna Silletta
• studied Office Administration at Algonquin College.
• received the Gilhooly Achievement Ward and the Vice Principal Award from Notre Dame High School.
• participated in Ottawa’s first Italian pageant in 2001.

2004

Tessia Falsetto
• studied at McGill University in the Faculty of Science -- major in biological sciences.
• received the Lisgar Collegiate Academic Achievement Award, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Silver Medal for an average of over 90% and was named an Ontario Scholar.
• was President of the Music Executive at Lisgar Collegiate and the grade 12 representative for Student’s council.
• member of her school’s cross-country skiing team and girl’s rugby team.
• raised money for the Canadian Society by participating in the Run for the Cure and Relay for Life and volunteered at its Children’s hospital.

Andrea Formica
• studied Faculty of Health Science with a specialization in Human Kinetics.
• received the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic Trustee Award, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association Sylvester Quinn Memorial Award and was named an Ontario Scholar.
• volunteered at a Seniors Residence, a child care centre, a physiotherapy clinic and many school committees and organizations.
• was the co-President of All Saints High School’s Student Council.

Michael Aquilino
• studied in the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa.
• was a teaching assistant in the Alternative Dispute Resolution Class.
• received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Ottawa with a specialization in History/Political Science.
• recipient of the Golden Key International Society Award and the Fermat National Award for Mathematics.
• has been a strong contributor to the community through his involvement in politics, university activities and coaching sports.

2005

Lisa Aquilino
• studied in the Faculty of Health Sciences (Rehabilitation) at the University of Ottawa.
• recipient of the Montrusco Bolton OSOTF Scholarship, the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund Scholarship and the University of Ottawa Entrance Scholarship, made the Dean’s Honour List and received the Governor General’s Academic Medal.
• volunteered at the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre in their school and pre-school programs, the Spirit 2004 Ultimate Charity Tournament, and the physiotherapy department at a local hospital.

Antoni Casalinuovo
• studied in the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa.
• was a teaching assistant for the Alternative Dispute Resolution class and the Treasurer for the Business Law Student Association.
• completed his Honours Bachelors of Arts in Economics at York University -- on the Dean’s Honour Roll.
• volunteered for Pro Bono Students Canada and the Family Law Information Centre at the Ottawa Court House.
• participated in the CN Tower Climb for the Wild Life Fund and the 24 Hour Relay for Leukemia.
• maintains strong ties to his Italian heritage -- was employed as a student economist for the Italian Chamber of Commerce.

Lisa D’Addese
• studies at the University of Ottawa -- Master’s Degree in Criminology
• received Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours with a specialization in Law and Sociology from York University
• received the York University Undergraduate Bursary, the York University Merit Award and the Faculty of Arts Sessional Academic Achievement List
• volunteered with the Ontario Correctional Institute Bridge Program, the Centre for Addiction and Metal Health Law and Mental Heath Program and as a note taker for a disable student, canvassed for the Canadian Cancer Society
• participated in two main church events: the Festa di San Rocco and the Festa I San Gerardo

2006

Eloisa Vasi
• studied in the faculty of Health and Community Studies at Algonquin College --specializes in Early Childhood Education
• placed on the Dean's Honours List
• taught Italian at the Canadian Youth Formation Centre
• member of the Societa Sicula and the National Congress of Italian Canadians.

Marisa Rossi
• studied in the faculty of Science at the University of Ottawa -- specialized in Biomedical Science with a minor in Business Administration.
• placed on the Dean's Honour List, received the President's Scholarship, University of Ottawa, Faculty of Science, the Millenium Excellence Award and the Undergraduate Research Scholarship, University of Ottawa, Faculty of Science.
• volunteered with AIESEC, as a student teacher at Santa Rita Italian school and as a host and collaborator for Tele-30.

Malisa Carullo
• studied at the University of Ottawa -- Masters in Biology
• received Bachelor of Biology degree from Lake Superior University in Michigan
• was the Vice President Finance of the Biology Graduate Students Association at the University of Ottawa and has volunteered for the Sault Squires Police Cadets and with developmentally delayed adults.