Metamorphosis

From Baronia to Boston University

Metamorphosis

From Baronia
to Boston University

Pasquale Freda Metamorphosis Endowment Fund

At Boston University, you enter as you are, and leave as you want to be.

This program offers young people, immediately after high school, the opportunity to live in the United States and immerse themselves in a new culture while attending the prestigious Boston University for four years. Providing them with the combined experience of studying and living abroad fosters a profound personal transformation. A true metamorphosis, as demonstrated by those who have participated so far.

Young people are our most precious resource, and their education has the power to transform not only their lives but also the well-being of future generations. Our investment in today’s youth reflects the vision of what lies ahead tomorrow.
Young people do not need advice, but examples.

FAQ

What are the requirements to apply?

Consider studying abroad as an added value. Have the ambition to expand your opportunities and aspire to reach an international level of preparation. Step outside your original context and become part of a larger and more complete reality.
Graduate from the Liceo Scientifico E. Fermi in Vallata (AV).
Pass the Duolingo English Test (www.englishtest.duolingo.com) required by Boston University. This exam can be taken online from home and can be retaken multiple times. The Duolingo English Test, which replaces the SAT test, is easily passable with the English skills learned in high school.
Be a resident of the Baronia area (Avellino): San Nicola Baronia, Vallata, Carife, San Sossio Baronia, Castel Baronia, Flumeri, Scampitella, Trevico.

Who are the beneficiaries of this initiative?

The young man/woman who is given the priceless opportunity to study at a prestigious and internationally recognized university.
Parents can have their children study at no cost. Everything is included, even room and board. But the benefits for the family continue after graduation. Statistically, 92% of BU graduates find a job within 6 months of graduation. Thanks to a job, the young person becomes independent and can pursue specializations or further academic studies on their own. They no longer need the support of the family, and the satisfaction of seeing their children succeed is priceless.
The community. One day, the young person may return to their hometown with a wealth of experiences that will surely bring innovation and benefits to the Baronia community. The examples are impactful and long-lasting, and in turn, the beneficiaries of this scholarship will contribute to strengthening BU’s funds for this project throughout their lives, ensuring that the flow of Baronia students to Boston University continues over time.

There is a return... what is its?

No return except for the gratifying sense of altruism; it is an unprecedented gesture, without demands or expectations of reward.
I believe that each of us has a duty to contribute to building a better world than the one we have lived in. It is a duty that I strongly feel.

What is expected from those who have benefited from the scholarship?

My expectation is that all the beneficiaries of this scholarship, once they achieve success in their professional careers, will make small annual contributions to the scholarship fund so that the flow of beneficiaries continues.
Additionally, the beneficiaries are encouraged to promote the project to foundations, associations, institutions, small and large businesses, and Italian-American descendants seeking to contribute. Donations from the United States are tax-deductible in the U.S.

Why do Italian universities, which are equally prestigious, not achieve the same transformation?

No one wants to take away credit from Italian universities, which, especially in some cases, are excellent. The difference compared to BU lies in the entire journey. Spending four years in another country, in an international environment, interacting with people and cultures from different backgrounds, combined with an excellent academic program that allows students to acquire skills and create a better future.

This initiative comes with an immense cost. Is it really worth it?

A degree from Boston University is priceless. The benefits far outweigh the cost.
The bridge connecting the towns of Baronia to Boston University has been built, the road has been paved, but to maintain the flow of those crossing it, your support is also needed.

It is your plan to perpetuate this scholarship. If so how?

Yes… my plan is that this project will go on forever. The bridge that connects the Baronia to BU has been built, the road has been paved, in order to maintain the flow of students crossing it needs additional support.
Young generations do not need advice but examples. Examples are more incisive and lasting. My expectation is that recipients of this scholarship will pay it forward with future contributions to the scholarship fund as they achieve success in their professional careers so that the flow of recipients of the scholarship will continues, in addition it is hoped recipients will promote this project to, Foundations and Institutions, to small and large Corporations, to business people in Italy and in the USA and among the Italo–American descents.
The Metamorphosis project is a long-term project with clearly visible and well-defined results. Life is made up of projects, goals, dreams. Nothing comes without planning. Investment in young people is the image in the mirror of our future. Our identity will expands and contracts in proportion to our courage to plan for the next generations.

There are those who say that this project leads to young people to emigrate, to abandon their native land.

The majority of students at prestigious universities, such as Boston University, are students from all over the world and from wealthy families, all looking to expand their horizons. The world is much, much larger than our own small hometown. Expecting young people to remain in their native place is counterproductive not only for young people but for the future of the community. Of course, the recipients could graduate and return to their native land if professional opportunities existed but unfortunately opportunities are almost non-existent in the rural villages of Southern Italy. Each individual makes his/her own decision but ultimately those decisions are driven by available opportunities.
Southern Italy has been for centuries a land that forced entire families to emigrate as I can personally attest. For me it was a hard life starting at the bottom without an education nor working skills. However, the scope of this scholarship is to create opportunities for better life and to bring any students to his/her full potential.
Today, one of our recipient, Nicola Ricci, a native of Vallata, works in Manhattan and is the head of a department at a major corporation. He is not a typical emigrant from the past but one who has made a great leap forward of two or three generations. Two or three generations is the time it takes to a typical Italian immigrant of the past to send their children to such important university.
Another successful recipient is Rocco Gesa who, with only 2 years of E Commerce at Boston University lives today in Germany as an international entrepreneur. He is not the typical emigrant of the past but a business-man beyond the borders of his native town. An impressive jump forward of quality of life.
Finally, another recipient, Antonella Tanga, recently graduated, remains in the United States simply because she sees a better future there than what her homeland could offer.
It is not an abandonment of her native land but a desire to transform her life for the better.

Why is studying at Boston University a key ingredient for transformation?

BU is a university recognized for excellence, with a vast and high-level academic area. Furthermore, BU boasts one of the largest groups of international students in the United States, making it one of the most vibrant and comfortable campuses. Studying in a pleasant environment is a huge advantage.

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For more information about Boston University and campus life:
Room and Board: www.bu.edu/housing/ – Campus life.

Dean 2005/2023 Boston University Robert A. Brown and Pasquale Freda

An individual’s growth does not depend on their place of birth or family, but on the path they take in life. As a teenager, I left San Nicola Baronia, a small village in Irpinia, knowing that the world outside would offer broader opportunities. I moved to the United States, where I had the chance to grow both professionally and personally, learning that a person’s worth is not measured only by what they achieve, but by what they leave behind to help build a better world for future generations. I believe that investing in young people is crucial.

In 1999, I created and funded the Pasquale Freda Scholarship at Boston University, a fund that provides scholarships for students from southern Italy, covering the costs of living, housing, and tuition for a full academic program. This program offers students the opportunity to live for four years in a new culture, participating in an excellent academic journey that transforms them into minds capable of contributing to a better future. It is an altruistic gesture that seeks no rewards but offers a gratifying sense of fulfillment in contributing to the well-being of others.

2006 Newspaper Advertisement

Recognition from the Italian Republic, June 2, 2023