Arthur F. Menaldi was educated in Naples, Italy, at the Royal Institute of Arts and the San Pietro a Maiella Royal Conservatory of Music, where he was preparing for a career as a concert pianist. The rise of Mussolini and the spread of fascism forced him to return to the US without finishing his studies, and when he returned to Youngstown, he no longer had the means to pursue his musical ambitions. He later graduated from East High School and the Bowman Technical Institute in Lancaster, PA. In 1955, Arthur, by then a certified gemologist, together with his wife Evelyn, opened Arthur Menaldi Jewelers in Boardman, which they operated for 35 years.
This scholarship is given in Arthur’s memory in the hopes of helping other promising piano majors pursue their dreams. Eligible student(s) must also have a minimum 2.8 GPA and demonstrate financial need through a completed FAFSA. First preference will be given to a minority student.