PALCUS brings Leadership Awards Gala to University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Oct. 23, 2010 

For the first time in the state of Massachusetts, PALCUS is hosting its 14th Annual Leadership Awards Gala, at UMass-Dartmouth, on Oct. 23. “PALCUS is very honored to have its 14th annual Leadership Awards Gala at the University of Massachusetts,” stated PALCUS Chairman, Fernando Gonçalves Rosa. “We are grateful for the support of the University, the Center for the Portuguese Studies and Dr. Frank Sousa, as we recognize the success of the Portuguese American community in the U.S.” The Leadership Awards, which is the main event of the gala, are presented annually to outstanding Portuguese-Americans who have distinguished themselves by noteworthy achievements in their professions or service to the community. “The Annual PALCUS Leadership Awards Gala is the perfect opportunity to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of Portuguese-Americans to the fabric of this country,” stated PALCUS’ Vice Chair, Marie R. Fraley. “It reinforces pride in our people and culture while inspiring our young people to strive for excellence as American citizens, while honoring their Portuguese heritage and values.” This year’s awardees being recognized for their personal accomplishments as well as for the honor they have brought to the Portuguese-American communities are: Carlos Manuel Martins do Vale César, President of the Regional Government of the Azores, honored with the International Leadership Award; Rui Manuel Parente Chancerelle de Machete, Former Chairman, Luso-American Foundation (FLAD), honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award; Peter Sousa, Photojournalist, Official White House Photographer, honored with the National Recognition Award; Joaquim de Almeida, Actor of Stage, Screen and Film, honored with the Leadership Award in Artistic Achievement; Senator M. Teresa Paiva Weed, Rhode Island Senate President, honored with the Leadership Award in Public Service; Manuel M. Canito, Musician, Composer and Director of Banda Nossa Senhora da Luz in Fall River, honored with the Leadership Award in Community Service; Ótilia and Justina Ferreira, Benefactors of the Ferreira-Mendes Portuguese-American Archives of the Claire T. Carney Library at UMass-Dartmouth, honored with the Leadership Award in Philanthropy and Katie Stevens, Singer, Musician and 8th American Idol Finalist, honored with the Young Portuguese-American “Promessa” Leadership Award. “The selection of the awardees is outstanding, with successful individuals from different walks of life,” stated Rosa. “The presence of Dr. Carlos César is very important as it continues to lend prestige to the event and provides an opportunity to recognize all of his hard work on behalf of the communities.” In addition to the Award Recipients, also expected to attend this black tie event are the Ambassador of Portugal Dr. João de Valera, Massachusetts State Senator Marc Pacheco, serving as Honorary Chairman, and Ricardo Farias as the master of ceremonies. PALCUS is the first and largest national organization advocating for Portuguese-American issues in the United States. Celebrating its 19th anniversary this year in the community of southeastern Massachusetts, it reaches out vigorously to all Portuguese-Americans across the U.S., whether in California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts or anywhere Portuguese-Americans reside. It supports scholarships for students, internships, teaching of the Portuguese language and addresses issues of concern, such as immigration reform, dual taxation, and deportation and Visa waiver policies.
During Dr. Carlos César’s visit, he will also be attending a presidential reception hosted by the Whaling Museum, to sign a protocol between the Azores, New Bedford and San Francisco, on Friday, Oct.22, and a luncheon hosted by the Bristol Community College and the Portuguese American Leadership Council of the United States, on Saturday, Oct.23, prior to PALCUS’ Award Gala.

O Jornal,
Melissa Costa
Dartmouth