The Vico Lecture, presented by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies at York University, will return this November with guest speaker Maurizio Bevilacqua, mayor of Vaughan, Ont., who will deliver a special talk titled “Amore in the City: A purpose-driven approach to public life.”
All are invited to attend the keynote address on Thursday, Nov. 7. The event will take place at 7 p.m. in York University’s Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan Theatre, located in the Accolade East Building on the Keele Campus. A reception will follow. Organizers request that those interested in attending RSVP, as space is limited.
Bevilacqua is an established public servant with more than 30 years of political experience. Born in Sulmona, Italy, he moved to Canada at the age of 10. As the years went by, he discovered his passion for public service – and became the first Italian-Canadian to serve as president of York University’s student council. Later, at the age of 28, he became the youngest member of Parliament elected in 1988.
Over his long career in politics, Bevilacqua has occupied several prominent positions at the federal level, including minister of state for finance, minister of state for science, research, and development, and Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance.
He has served as Vaughan’s member of Parliament for 22 consecutive years, and was elected mayor of Vaughan in 2010, earning the title in a record-setting victory, with the most votes ever received by a political candidate in Vaughan. His career in office has earned him several awards, including the Premio Italiani nel Mondo, which the Italian government presents to individuals who have served as outstanding role models.
Organizers of this year’s Vico Lecture are honoured to have such an esteemed speaker. The event, named after 18th-century Italian philosopher Giambattista Vico – and dedicated to the memory of the late Fred Zorzi – offers inspiring presentations from today’s distinguished leaders. Past speakers include Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne, Michael Ignatieff, Dr. R.J. Cusimano and many others.
“The Italian-Canadian community has always shown support to our Faculty, and its contributions to society are undeniable,” said LA&PS Interim Dean J.J. McMurtry. “Mayor Bevilacqua exemplifies both of these traits, as a York alum and experienced public servant who leads by example every day.”
Students, staff, faculty and members of the public are encouraged to attend this special event.