MSS.2680 description (see attached for more details; see also MSS.2595)
Il Circolo Italiano is an Italian group founded in 1953 by Mrs. Milton Shrednik and Dr. Paolo Cannavina, Italian Consul in Denver, as a way to encourage the Italian lifestyle to thrive in Denver and promote an
awareness of the Italian culture, music, and language to the community. Language classes of all proficiency ranges are offered and social events are had. Evolving from this is the scholarship fund, which gives students in Colorado the ability to travel to Italy for school courses and bring Italian students to a Colorado college to have an opportunity to gain knowledge of the American traditions, and also learn from the student's Italian traditions as well. It also gives out scholarship money for Colorado students who are taking Italian as a language, either as a high schooler planning on continuing into college, or college students in the process of taking the courses. This collection consists of the organizational records of Il Circolo Italiano including, but not limited to, financial Il Circolo Italiano Archives records, correspondence, student folders, scrapbooks, and membership information. Each year is comprised of different files, so it truly depends on what Il Circolo retained for their records on which files are present.
A Closer Look: II Circolo Italiano by Alisa DiGiacomo, February 27, 2007
In 1953, Frances Shrednik traveled to Italy and fell in love with the Italian language and culture. After returning from her trip, she and a circle of friends formed a new and independent Italian club in Denver called Il Circolo Italiano.
A non-profit, non-denominational organization, Il Circolo Italiano remains active in Denver today with a membership of around 175 people. Il Circolo members are the foundation of the organization and its scholarship program, started in 1955 to provide financial assistance to numerous Italian and American students.
The purpose of the organization remains the same today; to promote the various aspects of Italian heritage and culture. Il Circolo members participate in various social events and programs that help its members and Colorado students learn the culture, history, literature, arts, music, language and traditions of the Italian people.
Currently, Il Circolo's focus is on the needs of students in Colorado schools and universities. At the college level, assistance is provided by Il Circolo to students who have a workable knowledge of the Italian language and have been accepted into an approved program of study in Italy. Il Circolo also encourages the study of the Italian language at the high school level by giving scholarships to seniors currently taking Italian. These students must be accepted by a Colorado college with plans for continuing the study of Italian at the college level. Additionally, Il Circolo awards grants to local organizations that encourage the study of Italian art and music. At this time, the scholarship program receives most of its money from a yearly club-sponsored fundraiser and donations.
Past presidents of 11 Circolo Italiano include:
Mrs. Milton Shrednik (Founder) 1953-57
Mrs. Ernest Baker 1957-58
Mr. Piero deLuise 1958-60
Mr. George Ott 1960-62
Dr. Carlo Moscovici 1962-64
Mrs. Henry Carter Rea 1964-66
Mr. Albert Zarlengo 1966-68
Mr. Theodore Borillo 1968-70
Mrs. Evelyn Thompson 1970-72
Mrs. Della Albi 1972-74
Mrs. Ann Tomeo 1974-76
Mrs. Zoraide Noya-Scordo 1976-78
Mr. Vincent Cristiano 1978-79
Mrs. Mary Lou Keating 1979-81
Mrs. Evelyn Thompson 1981-83
Mrs. Frances Root 1983-85
Mrs. Teresa DeCrecentis 1985-87
Mrs. Rosemarie McDermott 1987-89
Mrs. Evelyn Thompson 1989-91
Mrs. Maria Scordo Allen 1991-93
Mrs. Rachele Vittorio 1993-95
Mrs. Joanne Flynn 1995-97
Mrs. Olga Fongaro Vann 1997-99
Mrs. Joanne Flynn 2000-02
Mrs. Mickie Lava Clayton 2002-04
Mrs. Olga Fongaro Vann 2004-06
Mrs. Joanne Flynn 2006-08
See also MSS.2595 for more information.