Student Bo Bartilotta Receives Arcolian Scholarship
The Arcolian Dental Arts Society provided a $1,500 scholarship to D-4 Bo Yeon Bartilotta at its Dec. 13 Holiday Celebration at the Park Ridge Country Club.
The club also provided $1,500 scholarships to Marquette University School of Dentistry students Eric Basta and Kelly Carney.
The society awards scholarships to dental students of Italian lineage who have exhibited exemplary effort and professionalism. The awards were presented by Dr. Russ Spinazze, OMFS ’97, president of the Arcolian Dental Arts Society.
“I am very honored to be selected as the recipient of the Arcolian scholarship.,” Bartilotta said. “This scholarship is more than a scholarship to me—it is the first step in my involvement in the Italian and Italian-American community.
“I feel very welcomed and excited to be part of the Arcolian Dental Arts Society, an extraordinary group that exemplifies the true definition of camaraderie,” she added. “This scholarship will help me pay for travel expenses while looking for a GPR program in New York”.
In addition, Dr. Joe Baldassano, Loyola ’88, was named Arcolian of the Year. His award was presented to him by the society’s Dr. Michael Biasiello, Loyola ’85. Dr. Biasiello was the UIC College of Dentistry’s 2014 Dr. Raffaele Suriano Award recipient.
“I have been an active member of the Arcolian Dental Arts Society for over 28 years,” Dr. Baldassano explained, noting that he has served in every executive post, including President, and on the board, and that he has been active with the Chicago Dental Society as well. He is President of the Northwest Suburban Branch.
"This award was very personal and meaningful to me because over the years my father, son, and other family members have enjoyed the Arcolian events, such as golf outings and other functions,” Dr. Baldassano said.
“Additionally, being recognized for years of participation, and executive positions held is always a wonderful honor when it comes from your colleagues,” he added. “I have many members who have become great friends over the years but every member has become a respected colleague to me.”
The society serves as a professional, social, and charitable organization for Italian-American dentists. It holds monthly lectures and is philanthropic, hosting an annual golf outing and raffle night. “The membership also donates funds through dues to help fund our various philanthropic endeavors,” Dr. Baldassano noted.
“For over 80 years, the Arcolian Dental Arts Society has been active by promoting excellence in the form of continuing education, awarding annual scholarships to dental students, and being a supportive presence in the community—all while providing social opportunities for forming lasting professional relationships,” Dr. Spinazze said.
The society recently made a donation to the Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, and also each year sends funds to a church, Roman Catholic priest, mission, or food pantry.
“The Arcolian Dental Arts Society invites all third- and fourth-year dental students of Italian lineage to apply for the Arcolian Dental Arts Society Scholarship,” Dr. Spinazze said. Students also are welcome to attend the monthly meetings.
For more information, contact Dr. Spinazze at rpsomfs@comcast.net or log on to www.arcoliandentalarts.com.
Photo: Eric Basta, Kelly Carney, Dr. Russell Spinazze, and Bo Yeon Bartilotta. Basta. Carney, and Bartilotta Received scholarships from the Arcolian Dental Arts Society. Bartilotta is a student at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry.
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, 801 S. Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60612, htpps://dentistry.uic.edu