The Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association is pleased to announce that its president of 32 years, Angela Orlando Sanfilippo, has been awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters Honorary Degree. The degree, given by Salem State College, comes in recognition of Sanfilippo’s decades-long leadership in the Gloucester and Massachusetts’ fishing communities and of her efforts to protect the ocean environment. The doctorate was awarded May 16 at Salem State’s undergraduate commencement ceremonies. The degree also acknowledges Sanfilippo’s achievements by shaping the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association into a powerful force for conservation of New England’s precious fishing grounds and heritage.
“Angela Sanfilippo is a true asset to our community. Over the years, we have worked cooperatively on matters of importance to Gloucester, and she has left a lasting imprint on the city through her engagement and grassroots work on fishing issues, health care and the preservation of the cultural traditions and heritage of the fishing community,” said Congressman John F. Tierney (D-Mass.). “Angela is a community resource, and I congratulate her on being presented with an honorary degree from Salem State College.” Tierney, who was also an honorary degree recipient at Salem State College’s commencement, was the main speaker at the graduation.
John Bell, former mayor of Gloucester, and a lifelong friend and colleague of Sanfilippo, noted, “For nearly four decades Angela has led local, national and global efforts to look under every rock for opportunities to keep our fishermen fishing and safe. At the same time, she recognizes the importance of fishing communities and has worked tirelessly to gather their support. There is really no one quite like Angela. I’m glad she is being honored by Salem State College.”