Vincenza Scarpaci was born in Brooklyn, New York. The daughter of a Sicilian immigrant, Scarpaci grew up in an Italian-speaking household. After graduating from Hofstra University with a degree in history, Scarpaci received her Ph.D. in U.S. history from Rutgers University with a specialty in immigration history.
A recipient of the prestigious Ameritan Award from the Maryland Order of the Sons of Italy for her philanthropic efforts, Scarpaci is also an accomplished educator and lecturer. She began teaching at the university level in 1966 and has since taught numerous courses on American and immigration history at such institutions as the University of Oregon, Seton Hall University, and Towson State University in Baltimore, Maryland.
For more than three decades, Scarpaci has been contributing articles, essays, and academic papers to various Italian and American magazines, scholarly journals, and encyclopedias. A dynamic volunteer and civic leader, she has a long history of working with, establishing, and supporting local volunteer corps, museums, theaters, and environmental action groups across the United States. Scarpaci works as a writer and teacher. She resides in Eugene, Oregon, with her husband, Peter.
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