Mae Casali Bonvicini Scholarship Fund Established

The Mae Casali Bonvicini Scholarship Fund has been established at the Torrington Area Foundation for Public Giving. Created by the Mae Casali Bonvicini Charitable Foundation, the fund will benefit students graduating from Torrington High School who are pursuing higher education at either a traditional college or a technical school, who are in financial need and possess a satisfactory academic record.

Mae Casali Bonvicini emigrated to this country from Italy in 1928, along with her mother, Giovanna, and her brother, August. Her father, Carlo Casali, was in the Torrington area since 1920. Mae grew up in the Depression years, quickly adapting to her new home. An outstanding student who quickly overcame the language barrier, she dreamed of attending college and becoming a teacher, but the financial devastation of the Great Depression forced her to leave school early to work in order to help the family survive.

Through the combined efforts of all members the family did survive, but Mae’s contribution extended beyond the financial; she was a beacon of direction and a bridge to the new world for the family. Fiercely loyal and devoted to her family, she sacrificed her needs for their benefit. While a college education was denied her, she derived great satisfaction by helping her younger brother, Dino, to complete college. Her dream was realized when her son, Alfred, was awarded both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from Central Connecticut State University.

There is no more fitting memorial to Mae than the establishment of this scholarship fund for students whose goal of a higher education would be imperiled because of financial need. Through their successful completion of higher education, her dream of becoming an educator becomes reality.

For more info about the Mae Casali Bonvicini Scholarship Fund and the Torrington Area Foundation for Public Giving, call 860-626-1245.