18th Annual Louis G. Nappi Construction Labor Management Scholarships Awarded to 15 Students
Tarrytown—Fifteen college and graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, architecture, mathematics and the applied sciences were recognized in July as recipients of the prestigious Louis G. Nappi Construction Labor Management Scholarship. The students each received scholarships during a luncheon at Casaletto Ristorante in Elmsford, where a total of $112,500 was awarded.
Established in 2009 by the late Louis G. Nappi and then Construction Industry Council President Ross J. Pepe, the scholarship fund reflects Mr. Nappi’s belief that engineering, mathematics and science are essential to restoring America’s leadership in transportation and infrastructure construction. Celebrating its 18th year, the program has awarded more than $1,282,000 through 266 scholarships to approximately 110 students attending more than 75 colleges and universities throughout the United States. Recipients primarily reside in the Lower and Mid Hudson Valley and are related to employees of CIC member companies or affiliated unions. Participating labor organizations include Laborers International Union of North America Local 60, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 137 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 456.
During the luncheon, CIC Board Member William Mascetta, chairman of the Scholarship Committee, congratulated this year’s recipients and thanked committee members representing organized labor, union contractors and the CIC staff for their efforts in administering and promoting the scholarship program.
“This year’s recipients once again exemplified the skills and achievements the Nappi Scholarship Program proudly has supported since its inception in 2009,” said Mr. Mascetta. “Our founder, Lou Nappi’s, mission certainly is being accomplished with more than $1.2 million in scholarships awarded over the past 18 years. Thanks to the entire committee and CIC staff for their continued commitment to upholding the standard and success of the program. Our congratulations and thanks also go to the parents of all our scholarship recipients.”
John T. Cooney Jr., executive director of the Construction Industry Council of Westchester & Hudson Valley, said the scholarship fund continues to serve as a lasting tribute to Mr. Nappi, who served as CIC chairman from 1986 through 1991.
“Lou’s commitment to engineering and science lives on through these scholarships and the students who have benefited from them,” Mr. Cooney said. “Many former recipients have graduated and entered the workforce. Lou believed that providing students with the financial resources to pursue higher education and advanced degrees would help America’s construction and building industries regain their global competitiveness and leadership.”
Thomas Welby of Welby, Brady & Greenblatt, LLP, also a member of the scholarship committee, reflected on Mr. Nappi’s vision while encouraging students to pursue interests beyond their technical studies.
“Lou Nappi established this scholarship to encourage students to study STEM fields so our country could continue to compete with the rest of the world,” Mr. Welby said. “That has remained the focus of the scholarship committee, which continues Lou’s work.”
Mr. Welby concluded by sharing his own advice with students, noting that he always reads two books at the same time, one fiction and one nonfiction, as a way to continue learning while broadening his perspective.
In addition to Mr. Cooney, Mr. Mascetta and Mr. Welby, the scholarship committee includes Anthony Ascencao of Laborers Local 60, Brandon Ciccone of Ben Ciccone, Inc., Dean DiNatale of Yonkers Contracting Co., Inc., Samuel R. Etre of ELQ Industries, Inc., Jeffrey Loughlin of the Building & Construction Trades Council of Westchester & Putnam, Inc. and Operating Engineers Local 137, CIC Board Chair George Pacchiana of Thalle Industries, Inc., and Louis Picani of Teamsters Local 456.
For information about the scholarship program and application process, visit www.cicnys.org.
2026 Louis G. Nappi Construction Labor Management Scholarship Recipients
Carter Bucci, of Ardsley, NY, is a college freshman at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, majoring in Engineering and Mathematics. Carter’s grandfather, George “Rusty” Meinel, is a member of Bay Crane and Operating Engineers Local 137.
Thomas Fiskaa, of Thornwood, NY, is a college sophomore at Thomas Jefferson University, majoring in Architecture. Thomas’s grandfather, Francisco A. Oricchio, is a member of Laborers Local 60.
Jack Fiskaa, of Thornwood, NY, is a college sophomore at the University of Connecticut, majoring in Electrical Engineering. Jack’s grandfather, Francisco A. Oricchio, is a member of Laborers Local 60.
Kaitlin Furu, of Carmel, NY, is a college sophomore at Binghamton University, majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering. Kaitlin is the daughter of Carl Furu, a member of Teamsters Local 456.
Bryan Godoy, of New Rochelle, NY, is a college sophomore at Western New England University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Bryan is the son of Enrique Godoy, a member of Laborers Local 60.
Christopher Gonzalez, of Port Chester, NY, is a college junior at North Carolina State University, majoring in Electrical Engineering. Christopher is the son of Yesica Molina, who works for Riggs Distler.
Tristan Keefe, of Westport, NY, is a college junior at the University of Mississippi, majoring in Civil Engineering. Tristan is the son of Matthew Keefe, who works for Halmar International.
Alexis LeBlanc, of Mahopac, NY, is a college junior at the University of Rhode Island, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Alexis is the daughter of Joseph LeBlanc, a member of Operating Engineers Local 137.
Abigail Meinel, of Bedford Hills, NY, is a college freshman at Texas Christian University, majoring in Engineering. Abigail is the daughter of James Meinel, who works for Bay Crane and Operating Engineers Local 137.
Max Messina, of Purdys, NY, is a college senior at Lehigh University, majoring in Industrial and Systems Engineering. Max is the son of Mark Messina, who works for Ben Ciccone, Inc.
Diego Monroy, of Westbury, NY, is a college sophomore at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, majoring in Biomedical Engineering. Diego is the son of William Monroy, a member of Laborers Local 60.
Luca Piazza, of Valhalla, NY, is a college freshman at High Point University, majoring in Civil Engineering. Luca is the son of John Piazza, president of Piazza, Inc., and a member of Local 11 and Local 235.
Valeriano Valdovinos, of New Rochelle, NY, is a college sophomore at the University of Hartford, majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Valeriano is the son of Valeriano Valdovinos, a member of Laborers Local 60.
Jonatan Vargas, of New Fairfield, CT, is a college senior at Manhattan University, majoring in Computer Information Systems. Jonatan is the son of Jesus Noel Vargas, who works for ELQ Industries and is a member of Laborers Local 60.
Hailey Weber, of Southbury, CT, is a college senior at the University of Connecticut, double majoring in Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering. Hailey is the daughter of James Weber, a member of Operating Engineers Local 137.
