On November 2, Saint Peter’s College became the first academic institution in New Jersey to act as the base for an Order of the Sons of Italy in America — the newly formed Father Victor R. Yanitelli, S.J. Lodge No. 2847. President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., Vice President of Student Affairs Eileen Poiani and Father Yanitelli’s niece, Margo Read Birke, were among the guest speakers. Professor Joe Lamacchia acted as master of ceremonies.
Dr. Cornacchia and his wife, AnnMarie, joined the chapter as honorary charter members; Ms. Margot Read Birke, daughter of Father Yanitelli’s late brother, George, who was a long-time professor at Saint Peter’s College, was also an honorary inductee. In all, there are 41 charter members of the lodge. Membership to this chapter is open to anyone of Italian descent.
Dr. and Mrs. Cornacchia and Ms. Birke were made honorary members because the founding members, all on staff at Saint Peter’s – Sal Turchio (dean of students), David Bryngil (director of recreational life center), Enzo Fonzo (director of career services) — believe they not only deserve the honor, but also because they are unable to meet the attendance requirement that the lodges must follow.
The Order of the Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) is the largest and longest-established national organization for men and women of Italian heritage in the United States. It is fitting that the lodge name honors the first Italian president of Saint Peter’s College and that it exists because of the College’s second Italian president.
Furthermore, both institutions share the same values of philanthropy, social justice and a commitment to fighting racism, prejudice and stereotyping of all races, religions and cultures.