Senate Resolution No. 1030
BY: Senator MATTERA
HONORING Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the New
York Conference of Italian American Legislators on
May 19, 2025
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to individuals of distinguished purpose whose lifework and
civic engagement have profoundly contributed to the advancement of
cultural heritage and the enrichment of society; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the New York Conference of Italian American Legislators
on Monday, May 19, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa, a native of the Bronx, is being
honored for his extraordinary contributions to the preservation and
promotion of Italian American history, culture, and civil rights; and
WHEREAS, A visionary educator and cultural leader, Joseph V. Scelsa
received his doctorate in Sociology and Education from Columbia
University's Teachers College, where he authored a dissertation on
"Constructive Pluralism"; he also holds three Master's degrees in
Sociology, Social Studies, and Counseling, and is a licensed Mental
Health Counselor in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1984, Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa was appointed Director of the
Italian American Institute of The City University of New York, which was
renamed the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute in 1987 in honor
of the late State Senator John D. Calandra; he became Dean of the
Institute in 1999 and served with distinction as Vice President for
Outreach and Cultural Affairs at Queens College, CUNY; and
WHEREAS, A pioneer in media and public education, Dr. Joseph V.
Scelsa created and served as Executive Producer and Host of ITALICS: The
Italian-American Magazine, a nationally broadcast program co-produced
with CUNY-TV; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa was instrumental in organizing the
landmark 1999 New York Historical Society exhibition, The Italians of
New York: Five Centuries of Struggle and Achievement, which drew over
100,000 visitors, and inspired him to found the Italian American Museum
in 2001, where he continues to serve as President; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa has authored and edited numerous
scholarly works on ethnicity, education, and civil rights, and is widely
recognized as a leading expert in Italian American studies and civil
rights advocacy; and
WHEREAS, He has been honored nationally and internationally,
receiving the rank of Cavaliere, Ufficiale, and Commendatore in the
Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy, the Ellis Island Medal of
Honor, the Governor's Award for Excellence, and recognition from the
Italian Consul General in New York; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa has been a lifelong advocate for
Italian American causes, serving on numerous boards and committees
including the National Italian American Foundation, the Order Sons of
Italy in America, and the Columbus Citizens Foundation, among many
others; and
WHEREAS, Under Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa's leadership, the Italian
American Museum acquired the historic Banca Stabile site in Manhattan's
Little Italy and expanded the museum's footprint from 1,600 to 7,000
square feet, with a grand reopening planned for 2024; and
WHEREAS, His tireless efforts following the 2009 Abruzzi earthquake
resulted in a successful national fundraising campaign, culminating in
the donation of $110,000 to Italy's Ministry of Cultural Affairs, for
which he was awarded the Ministry's Medal of Honor; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa's enduring legacy is one of
intellectual rigor, public service, cultural preservation, and an
unyielding commitment to justice, community empowerment, and the Italian
American experience; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the New York Conference of Italian American
Legislators on May 19, 2025, and to commend him for his unparalleled
contributions to education, civil rights, and Italian American culture;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa.
