Awards $65,000 in College Scholarship Grants>
13 Scholars from the Hudson Valley Region were Named Recipients
TARRYTOWN, NY—As part of its mission to enhance the professionalism of the building and construction industries in the Lower Hudson Valley, the Construction Advancement Institute (CAI) this month awarded $65,000 in grants to 13 regional undergraduate students who are enrolled in engineering, architecture, construction technology, construction management or other related programs this fall. CAI is the educational and advocacy organization aligned with the Building Contractors Association of Westchester & The Mid-Hudson Region, Inc.
The CAI Scholarship Committee reviewed more than two dozen scholarship applications, school transcripts and essays in August, explained CAI Chairman Mark Fante of Darante Construction Ltd. of Elmsford, NY. The awards to the 13 recipients are $5,000 grants for use in the current 2021-22 academic year.
“The money our industry raises and disburses for college scholarships is one of several annual charity efforts performed by members of organized labor and the construction contracting community benefitting families and schools both in the Hudson Valley region and nationwide,” Mr. Fante added. “Our goal is to strengthen the ranks of engineers and technologists employed at the companies that are members of our association. It’s one more way the association works to keep our member companies competitive and keep our local economies growing.”
Since its inception, the CAI Scholarship Program has awarded 84 grants to 46 students at more than 35 colleges and universities throughout the U.S. This year’s grant award of $65,000 also lifts the total scholarship awarded by CAI to more than $350,000 since its first year in 2009 when six grants were bestowed.
The following scholars were chosen from more than two-dozen applicants who applied for and were carefully considered by the CAI Scholarship Committee. They are:
Giovanni Altomare, 19, of Yonkers, N.Y., freshman, who will be attending Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, pursuing a degree in Business/Construction Management. He is the grandson of a member of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1 New York.
Nicola Mario Altomare, 20, of Yonkers, N.Y., is a sophomore who attends Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. He is the grandson of a member of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Local 1 New York.
Jake Badick, 21, of Congers, N.Y., is a senior who attends the University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI. He is the son of an employee of BCA- member company Peter Gisondi & Co., Inc.
Valeriy Borkun, 19, of White Plains, N.Y., is a freshman, who will be attending CUNY Queens College, NY, pursuing a degree in Economics and Construction Management. He is an employee of BCA member company LeChase Construction.
Anthony Cappello, 22, of Mohegan Lake, N.Y., is a senior who attends the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, pursuing a degree in construction management. He is an employee of Calgi Construction Company, Inc. located in White Plains.
Massimo Fante, 19, of Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., is a sophomore attending Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., pursuing a degree in Biological Sciences. He is the son of BCA member company Darante Construction, Ltd.
Jamie Fortunato, 20, is a junior attending the University of Wisconsin Madisonm WI, pursuing a degree in Biology/Pre-Medicine. She is the granddaughter of a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 137.
Andrew J. Griffin, 22, of Yonkers, N.Y., attends New York State University at Buffalo (Graduate school), and is pursing a Master of Architect degree. He is the son of an associate of the BCA member company Yonkers Contracting.
Mark J. Griffin, 19, of Yonkers, N.Y., is a sophomore who attends the New York State University of Buffalo, pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Drawing. He is the son of an associate of the BCA member company Yonkers Contracting.
Timothy Kohany, 36, of Thornwood, N.Y., is a senior who attends Manhattan College, Riverdale, N.Y., pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. He is the son of a member of Carpenters Local 279.
Giuliana Piazza, 19, of Valhalla, N.Y., is a sophomore who attends Ohio State University in Columbus, and is pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering. She is the daughter of an executive of a BCA-member company John Piazza, Inc.
Joseph Piazza, 18, of Valhalla, N.Y., is freshman who will be attending the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, pursuing a degree in Engineering. He is the son of an executive of a BCA-member company John Piazza, Inc.
Anthony Sanseverino, 20, of LaGrangeville, N.Y., freshman, who will be attending Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, pursuing a degree in Civil engineering. He is the son of a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 137.
For additional information and to request an application for next year’s grants opportunities, please contact Laurel Brunelle at 914-631-1033 or laurel@bcanys.org.
 Giovanni Altomare |
 Nicola Mario Altomare |
 Jake Badick |
 Valeriy Borkun |
 Anthony Cappello |
 Massimo Fante |
 Jamie Fortunatoe |
 Andrew J. Griffin |
 Mark J. Griffin |
 Timothy Kohany |
 Giuliana Piazza |
 Joseph Piazza |
 Anthony Sanseverino |