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Dr. Iadarola honored by Columbus Day Committee

Posted on Oct 19, 2010

Italian-Americans and others from all walks of life in the Greater New Haven community gathered on October 8 at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven for the annual Columbus Day Heritage Dinner sponsored by the Columbus Day Committee of Greater New Haven.

The festive evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by dinner.  The flags of both the United States and Italy were honored and a souvenir journal was distributed at the event.

Lauralton Hall President Antoinette Iadarola, Ph.D., a Fulbright scholar affiliated with the London School of Economics, was the guest speaker. Raised in Shelton, she holds master’s and doctoral degrees from Georgetown University and did graduate and post-graduate studies at Fordham and Yale. Dr. Iadarola was president of Cabrini College for sixteen years prior to assuming the presidency at Lauralton. She is very proud of her Italian heritage and credits the values she learned from her parents for making her who she is today. Neither of Dr. Iadarola’s immigrant parents had any formal education but instilled its importance in their seven children. “I have much to thank my parents for. They showed me that life is an exciting adventure, and challenged me to take full advantage of all it has to offer and not be afraid to take risks,” she said. “For me, in many ways, being here tonight is a tribute, not just to my parents, but to a generation of Italian-Americans who have taught us much about living a good life.” Dr. Iadarola said her parents taught her how to develop a good work ethic, never give up, never look down on anyone except to lift them up and always vote. In her closing remarks she reminded the guests, “it is our good fortune to be an immigrant nation, to be the keepers of traditions and gifts that have come to us from great nations like Italy...God bless America and Viva Italia!”

Dr. Iadarola was honored at the dinner with a Heritage Award presented to her by Theresa Argento, dinner co-chair. A strong advocate of community service, Dr. Iadarola has served as a volunteer consultant for the U.S. State Department and the United Nations. Her community service efforts have been recognized by the National Italian-American Political Action Committee, the Order of the Sons of Italy in Philadelphia, the Boy Scouts of America, and the National Organization of Italian American Women, among a number of other organizations.

Third District Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, ‘60 headed up the list of area city and town dignitaries who attended the festive affair. Music, featuring some of the best of Italian and popular songs, was provided for listening and dancing by the Sound Alternative ensemble. The banquet hall was filled with the sounds of Italy at this celebratory Columbus Day Italian-American dinner.



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