This award honoring the memory of members of the Recascino family was established by Lois Recascino Wise (PhD, Political Science, Indiana University), Professor Emeritus in Indiana University’s Paul H. O’Neill School. The Recascino (Re Cascino) family emigrated to the United States around the start of the 20th Century. Their descendants established themselves in different communities and cultural fields in a remarkable version of the Italian immigrant story.   Professor Wise served as Director of West European Studies and the European Union Center during her tenure at IU and received the Fulbright Scholar Award for Sweden. Professor Wise has long believed in the transformative power of international education. As an undergraduate, her own study abroad experience left a lasting impact — one that inspired her lifelong commitment to expanding such opportunities for students. In a tribute to her Italian heritage, this scholarship supports students who are studying abroad in the Republic of Italy, including the regions of Sicily and Sardinia. Through this award, Professor Wise continues to shape the lives of students, encouraging global curiosity, cross-cultural understanding, and academic growth.

• 2026 - Melissa Herin
• 2025 - Marinna Bogatov