Temple University Rome is proud to announce the DeNicola Family Foundation Global Citizen Award, a new merit-based scholarship created to support outstanding entry-year students who demonstrate a strong commitment to global engagement and cultural dialogue.

The award provides two one-time scholarships of $10,000 each toward a student’s first year at Temple Rome. Open to students of all nationalities, the scholarship recognizes individuals who have shown meaningful interest and involvement in global issues and who aspire to contribute to diplomacy, intercultural understanding, and positive international impact.

“We are extremely grateful to the DeNicola Family Foundation for their generosity and this new incredible opportunity. This award will enable more students to benefit from the transformative experience at Temple Rome. Cosmo De Nicola has been an invaluable Board of Visitors member who shares our values and vision and this award clearly shows it,” states Emilia Zankina, Dean of Temple University Rome and Vice Provost for Global Engagement, Temple University.

A Personal Commitment to Temple and Global Goodness

The scholarships reflect the deep and longstanding connection of Mr. DeNicola, a member of the Temple University Rome Board of Visitors and co-founder, with his wife Janet, of the DeNicola Family Foundation.

“I have a long relationship with Temple dating back to 1972,” he shares. “The son of Italian immigrants, I see myself as an Acre of Diamonds.”

His personal story—rooted in heritage, opportunity, and education—helped inspire his support for this initiative. The DeNicola Family Foundation’s values align closely with the award’s purpose. “Our Family Foundation is committed to Inclusion and Global Goodness,” he explains, underscoring how the scholarship advances both his mission as a global business leader and the university’s commitment to preparing globally-minded graduates.

Why Temple Rome?

For Mr. DeNicola, the uniqueness of Temple Rome is inseparable from its surroundings. “The location in the Eternal City and the Arts, Culture and History that surrounds the campus” make it a truly distinctive place to learn and grow.

Situated in the heart of Rome, students are immersed in a living classroom shaped by centuries of artistic achievement, political history, and cultural exchange—an ideal environment for aspiring global citizens.

Application Requirements

Students interested in the DeNicola Family Foundation Global Citizen Award must submit:

• A 500-word essay on a topic of global importance
• A statement of purpose explaining why they are qualified for the award
• A current curriculum vitae (CV)

Applications can be uploaded through the official application website page. Scholarship recipients will be notified via email.

Advice and Long-Term Vision

When asked what advice he would offer scholarship recipients, Mr. DeNicola’s guidance is clear and direct: “Study, Engage and Execute.”

Looking toward the future, he hopes the scholarship will create lasting impact. “We are advocates of Mother (Saint) Teresa who expressed that small gestures can have a huge impact. We hope the scholarship and recipient can be impactful.”

Through this investment, the DeNicola Family Foundation Global Citizen Award aims to empower students who are ready to transform global awareness into meaningful action—carrying forward a legacy of inclusion, engagement, and global goodness at Temple University Rome and beyond.