Club History

History of the Italians of Central Oklahoma (ICO)

 HOW ICO STARTED AND PURPOSE

2026 marks the 29th Anniversary of our Italian Club. ICO grew from an idea that Carla and Andrew Guthrie and Bea had back in 1997. They shared a dream to enhance the Italian heritage and culture throughout the Oklahoma City community. They set out to call as many Italian sounding names that they came across in the Oklahoma phone book. Then held the first meeting in the OCU Campus basement in 1997. The response was overwhelming. Over 300 people came. Some of those people are still members of the club today. Our club has been steadily growing. To date we have over 30 members and it is still growing.

The continued growth and accomplishments of the club has been due in great measure to the unselfish and untiring efforts of many of its members who for many years most willingly contributed their time and talent to perform the many tasks essential to build and maintain the club. The club has been blessed with individuals that have that CAN DO attitude who have helped the club carry on all these years.

PAST PRESIDENTS

                                                              Name                                Year

                                                                              Aladino Cassar                                    2016 – 2018               

                                                                                Stephen Long                                     2009 – 2015              

                                                                               Aladino Cassar                                    2007 – 2008               

                                                                             Margaret Massey                                 2002 – 2006               

                                                                                John Tagnesi                                      2000 – 2001               

                                                                             Andrew Guthrie                                   1997 – 1999              

PURPOSE

MISSION: The purpose of the Club is to promote closer ties, foster closer relationships between Italian descendants, provide social activities, aid to people in times of need and promote Italian language proficiency.

The principal purposes for which the ICO was formed is to:

¨    To preserve and enhance our rich Italian heritage and culture by promoting and providing social, recreational, educational and entertainment programs and activities for our members, their families, and friends.

¨    To promote mutual aid, understanding, communication and education for the purpose of bettering the welfare of our members.

¨    To uphold the dignity and ethics of the Italian heritage.