On the occasion of the fifteenth anniversary of New York University's Casa Italiana, I wish to heighten public knowledge and awareness of the significant role that the Casa has and will continue to play as a landmark in the life of New York City, and of New York University, the largest private university in the United States and one of the most respectable institutions of higher education.

Casa Italiana was established as a loving tribute to the memory of my husband, Guido Zerilli-Marimò, a prominent figure in the Italian economic and cultural sphere during the decades following World War II. It also constitutes a loving service to my country. Day after day it has brought into the rich cultural milieu of New York, the best of what Italy has to offer in all its multiple aspects.

Fifteen years may not seem such an impressive time span; however, enriched by many wonderful activities and dedicated efforts, these years have confirmed for all of us who continue to strive to achieve our goals with growing enthusiasm and passion, that this has certainly been a worthwhile endeavor that continues to give us the intimate satisfaction of working for the benefit of so many people.

We are very grateful to the university trustees and presidents who have elevated the prestige of this university nationally and internationally, as well as the university community at large whose trust, encouragement, and constant generous help has ensured the growth and success that we have achieved thus far.

With the help of God, the sincere and congenial friendship of many people, and the diligence of our collaborators, we will maintain the spirit that has marked our work and will continue to guide the path of Casa Italiana into the new millennium.

Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimò

Baroness Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimò was born in Milan and completed her studies in History, Languages, and Literatures at the University of Lausanne. She is the widow of Baron Guido Zerill-Marimò and the mother of Maria Chiara Zerilli. Baroness Zerilli-Marimò has been extremely active in her philanthropic and cultural pursuits. She is a member of the Delegation of the Permanent Mission of the Holy See to the UN and the chair of the Foundation for Science and Technology Education and Research. She sits on several prominent boards, including the Board of Trustees of New York University, La Scuola Guglielmo Marconi, and the National Italian American Foundation. She is a member of various cultural organizations throughout the world, including the Sir Harold Acton Society, the Metropolitan Opera, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Amis Musée Croix-Rouge, Amis Musée des Beaux-Arts, Lausanne, and Friends of La Pietra. In 1990, she established Casa ltaliana Zerilli-Marimò at New York University, where she serves as Chair of the Advisory Board.