PFICT Portuguese Foundation of Connecticut
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Special Recognition Awards

Over the course of its 19 year existence, The Portuguese Foundation, Inc. has recognized individuals and organizations for their achievements and contributions to the Portuguese-American Community. These individuals and organizations embody the Foundation's mission statement of advancing Portuguese communities within the State of Connecticut and in keeping alive the Portuguese culture in the State of Connecticut.

Past recipients of Special Recognition Awards from the Portuguese Foundation, Inc. have included:

  • Portuguese Language Schools in Hartford, Danbury, Bridgeport, and Waterbury
  • Rancho Folclorico of the Hartford Portuguese Club on its 25th Anniversary
  • Father Jose Silva, Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Church of Hartford
  • Dr. Antonio Cirugiao, Portuguese Language Professor, University of Connecticut
  • Dr. Seabra de Veiga, Counsel of Portugal
  • Dr. Antonio Simoes, Dean of Graduate Studies, Fairfield University
  • Anthony S. Cunha, West Hartford
  • Hon. Angelo L. dos Santos, Superior Court Judge
  • Maria Fernanda Tereso Pinheiro, Elementary School Teacher
  • Hartford Portuguese Club, on its 75th Anniversary
  • Dr. Julio N. Coelho, Physician
  • Father Nelson Riberiro, Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Church of Waterbury
  • The Portuguese Cultural Center of Danbury
  • Msgr. Constantino R. Caldas, Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Church of Bridgeport
  • Jaime "Jimmy" Gregorio, Social Worker and Actvist
  • The Holy Ghost Portuguese Society, East Hartford

This year, the Portuguese Foundation is proud to recognize one of its own Guiding Members and Director - Mr. Edward A. Santos.

Ed, as he is affectionately known by all the members of the group, first joined the Portuguese Foundation in 1991. Immediately upon the incorporation of the group. Ed was nominated as both the Treasurer and Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee. His principal task was to begin the process of setting up the parameters of a scholarship program that the Board of Directors could vote upon. Needless to say, he performed his duties with the utmost attention to fairness, integrity and impartiality. As you read through the grading system and criteria of the Scholarship Program, you will note that these very characteristics shine through. It is a tribute to Ed, and all the hard work he did for many years as the Chair of the Scholarship Committee, that the Board of Directors has never found any reason to alter or change the core structure of our scholarship program.

Edward A. Santos has served with The Portuguese Foundation, Inc. for more than 18 years, and it is no coincidence that this group has continued to award its scholarships to the best and brightest students of Portuguese ancestry from Connecticut for the last 18 years. Also, throughout this period of time, Ed would further continue to provide guidance and direction to the group by assuming other duties and offices. Eventually Ed came to serve as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-President and President, at different times over the last 19 years. In addition, Ed's love of Portuguese culture was instrumental in his collaboration with The Real Art Ways in Hartford on promoting several Portuguese language film series at their theatre. Over the years, Ed has often advised the group that the value of our heritage and our culture is just as important as the awarding of scholarships. Along the way he has helped and volunteered at numerous Day of Portugal festivities, assisted the Banquet Committees in setting up for the awards dinners, and even promoted the Foundation at charitable events held by other organizations in Hartford and throughout the State of Connecticut. Remarkably, for all he has done, Ed has never sought the spotlight. For him it has always been about connecting to our common culture and making it easier for the students to obtain a higher education. For these reasons, and many more too numerous to list, The Portuguese Foundation is thrilled to bestow upon Edward A. Santos its 2009 Special Recognition Award.


Ed lives in West Hartford, CT and is married to Mary Jane. He is retired from service with the Chief Operations Group of the US Department of Defense, in East Hartford, CT, where he was also awarded a distinguished honor for his many years of dedicated work to this country. Ed has served and volunteered with several other charitable organizations, including the United Way and Saint Francis Hospital Foundation.