CSI tips hat to student athletes

Staten Island Advance - May 22, 2004

Giorgia Penso is going home to Venice, Italy — but not before bidding a fond farewell to her second home at the College of Staten Island.

Penso, 24, received the school’s Scholar-Athlete Award last night during annual athletic awards banquet at the Campus Center. She played tennis and volleyball during her four-year stay at CSI, and carried a 3.84 grade-point average in International Business.

I came here (from Venice) as a freshman and I really didn’t know anybody,” said Penso. “I gained a lot of confidence by competing in athletics.

“It was a big adjustment in every way possible when I arrived. The Sports and Recreation Center was my home. The people always made me feel welcome. They helped keep me on solid ground.”

Penso has designs on a career in fashion. She worked for a company in Manhattan while attending CSI and eventually hopes to find a public-relations position in the fashion industry.
“I absolutely love fashion,” she said. “I want to learn every aspect of the business. Nothing stops me ... I’m very determined.”

Penso, who speaks Italian, English and Spanish, plans on returning to Italy next month. She’ll bring home fond memories of her sports moments with the Dolphins.

“It was all positive ... from academics to athletics,” she said. “It’s hard to say goodbye. It’s going to be another major adjustment going home.

NOTES: City Council minority leader James Oddo (RMid-Island/Brooklyn) was last night’s guest speaker Jacclyn Rock (basketball and Volleyball) was named Female Athlete of the Year, while Vladimir Fedosseev (swimming) was Male Athlete of the Year ... John Mazza, president of Adak Contractors & Consultants of Annadale, received a special award for contributions to the college. The Tottenville resident was chairman of the annual “CSI Friends Golf Outing” at South Shore GC.