MAPP alum Joseph Brancato, (B.Arch, B.S. Urban Studies ’80) is being honored by The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) at its annual New York Gala on April 3, 2014. The Foundation will honor Brancato with the NIAF Special Achievement Award in Real Estate and Design.
As Managing Principal for the Northeast and Latin America regions, Brancato directs Gensler’s offices in Boston, Morristown, New York, Pittsburgh, Toronto, San Jose, Costa Rica, Mexico City, Mexico and Sao Paulo, Brazil. During his 29-year career at Gensler, Brancato has worked closely with his partners and clients to position Gensler as one of the top architecture and design firms in the world. He has shaped Gensler’s internal gConnect program, which focuses on the professional development of their young leaders. Brancato currently serves on the Board of the Avenue of the Americas Association and the Finance Committee for the American Institute of Architect’s New York Chapter. He co-chairs the Special Events Committee of the Association for the Help of Retarded Children, serves as the Event Co - Chair for the St. Francis Food Pantries, and co-chairs the Nostra Storia Fundraiser for FIAO, (The Federation of Italian-Americans Organizations).
The evening will also highlight NIAF Ernest L. Pellegri Grant for $500,000 that was recently awarded to the University of Maryland Classics Department. Their project, “Between Washington and Ancient Rome: The NIAF Pellegri Program on Roman Antiquity and Its Legacy in America,” will support the study of Latin, ancient Roman archeology and ancient Roman civilization, and will offer opportunities for students to study abroad, conduct research and pursue fellowships in the United States and Italy. Read more at the NAIF website.