Step back in time to celebrate a half-century of Italian heritage! The Dante Society of Westerly is throwing a spectacular 50th-anniversary gala, honoring the very individuals who started it all. You won’t believe the rich history and dedication behind this beloved community pillar. Ready to discover the heartwarming story?
The esteemed Dante Society of Westerly is poised to host its highly anticipated 50th-anniversary gala this October, a landmark event designed to celebrate half a century of promoting Italian Culture and honoring its visionary founding members. This momentous occasion, set to take place at the elegant The Haversham House, marks a significant milestone for the organization in Westerly RI.
A poignant “full circle moment” awaits Elizabeth “Liz” McFarland Santoro, a distinguished 1966 graduate of Westerly High School, who will be among four of the society’s original 16 founding members lauded at the 50th Anniversary Gala. Alongside Santoro, the society will recognize Mary Matos, Edward Gradilone, and Robert Liguori, whose collective dedication laid the groundwork for the society’s enduring legacy in the community.
Santoro’s deep ties to Italian culture and education are evident in her history; she was a recipient of the prestigious “Dante Prize” during her junior and senior years at Westerly High, subsequently majoring in Italian in college and dedicating 35 years to teaching in Westerly RI schools. Her presence at the society’s inaugural meeting in 1975, where Lillian Ruisi was appointed as the first president, underscores her lifelong commitment.
The genesis of the Dante Society can be traced back even further than its official 1975 founding. Dr. Daniel R. Gaccione, a long-serving member and chair of the “Person of the Year Committee,” reveals that the “Dante Prize” itself originated in the 1930s. Dr. John Ruisi privately funded this award, which honored Westerly High School students for “excellence in the study of the Italian language,” setting a precedent for academic encouragement.
Robert Liguori, a 1957 graduate of Westerly High, reflects on his early education with “La Signorina Ruisi,” a teacher fondly remembered by many. Though specifics of the 1975 founding meeting are hazy, Liguori’s recollections highlight the profound impact of figures like Ruisi on fostering a love for Italian Culture and language within the Westerly RI community, paving the way for the Dante Society.
Louis Toscano, the current president of the Dante Society of Westerly, confirms that tickets for the October 3rd event are now available for $100 per person. Prospective attendees can secure their spots through the society’s official website or by visiting the offices of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, ensuring broad accessibility for those wishing to partake in this grand celebration.
Toscano elaborates on the society’s expanded mission, noting that the increased ticket price this year directly supports their enhanced Community Awards program. Beyond the traditional “Dante Prize” for high school students, the society now provides awards to students in grades 8-12 studying Italian, in addition to offering vital Education Support grants to Italian language teachers, reinforcing their commitment to linguistic and cultural preservation.
The primary objective of the 50th Anniversary Gala extends beyond mere celebration; it is a fervent appeal for community participation. “Our mission is to promote Italian Culture,” states Toscano, urging individuals to attend the gala not only to honor the four distinguished honorees but also to contribute to increasing the crucial Education Support awards that empower future generations.
This upcoming gala represents the culmination of a truly remarkable 50th anniversary year for the Dante Society. Toscano’s vision for an “amazing event” promises a memorable evening, serving as a fitting capstone to decades of dedication to fostering Italian Culture and providing Community Awards and Education Support in Westerly RI.
