FOR THE THIRD YEAR ICHF PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIPS for
SBCC STUDENTS in the STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM
(picture and links to winning essays below)

Two Santa Barbara City College students were awarded scholarships from the Italian Cultural Heritage Foundation (ICHF) to help pay for their study in Italy. They will participate in the Study Abroad Program during spring 2004.

Prizes of $1,000 each were awarded to Mollie See, a 2002 graduate of Laguna Blanca High School and a second semester student at SBCC, and to Katie Thomas, a first semester student at the college.

The awards were announced following an essay contest sponsored by the ICHF. Students planning to attend SBCC’s Study Abroad Program in Florence were asked to write about the cultural and scientific contributions of Italians and Italian-Americans to society. A committee of judges from the ICHF read the essays and determined the winners.

Both students said they were very grateful for the support of the Italian Cultural Heritage Foundation and that the awards would open up many more opportunities for them during their time in Florence.

“This award will enable me to travel more throughout Italy during my time there,” said Ms. Thomas in accepting her award. “I’ll be able to have a fuller experience.”

Ms. See, an art history major, said at the time of her award, “The scholarship will allow me to travel to more destinations and see so much more art. I would eventually like to open my own gallery. I think this trip will inspire me and help me decide if I’m moving in the right direction.” She spoke of her trip to UNICO in October, 2004.

While in Italy, the students took courses in the Italian language, history, cross-cultural communication, creative writing and art history. They also traveled to famous galleries, museums and architectural sites.

Gabriella Schooley, ICHF President, said that when the students return they will be invited to meet with the foundation’s members to talk about their trip.

Ms. Schooley said the ICHF was very pleased to provide the awards to support its mission of furthering knowledge of Italy and the achievements of Italians and Italian-Americans. In addition to scholarships, the ICHF promotes local cultural and educational programs, sponsors Italian language courses and makes grants to other nonprofit institutions. The ICHF is the nonprofit arm of the Santa Barbara Chapter of UNICO National, the largest Italian-American Service Organization in the United States.

PHOTO: Gabriella Schooley, President of ICHF; Mark Dispenza, President Santa Barbara UNICO and ICHF board member; Jeff Vitucci, Vice President Santa Barbara UNICO and ICHF Board member; Katie Thomas, winner; Mollie See, winner; Jesse Segreto, Treasurer of Santa Barbara UNICO and ICHP board member; John Romo, President SBCC; Lou Spaventa, SBCC English Instructor and coordinator of the Florence trip.

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