A Heartfelt Thanks to a Loyal (and Royal!) DRI Friend

Dandini Medalists turned out in force to honor Countess Dandini at the November reception in her honor. Left to right: President Stephen G. Wells; Dr. Kendrick C. Taylor, Jr.; Countess Dandini; Dr. Richard H. French; Dr. Dale Johnson; Dr. Judith C. Chow; Dr. John G. Watson; Dr. Nicholas Lancaster; Dr. John Hallett; Dr. James G. Hudson; and Dr. Alan W. Gertler.

Each year, the Desert Research Institute honors one of its researchers with the Alessandro Dandini Medal of Science. The winners, chosen by their peers for significant scientific accomplishment, have all been leaders in their fields, and their work represents the range of scientific expertise assembled at DRI: air quality, global climate change, hydrology, atmospheric physics, radar imaging, and more.

But this year, on the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Dandini Medal of Science, the honoree had an altogether different set of credentials: fashion model, dress designer, business entrepreneur, philanthropist, and countess.

That's right, countess. This year, in lieu of awarding the medal to one of DRI's scientific faculty, the selection committee honored Countess Angela Dandini—whose late husband Count Alessandro Dandini is the medal's namesake—for her long-time dedication to DRI.

"I think the primary reason the committee went this direction," explains Dr. Richard French, former Dandini Medal winner and member of the selection committee that decided to honor the Countess, "is that over my tenure at DRI there have notably been very few benefactors who took a direct and continuing interest in the faculty of DRI. The Countess is one of those few. DRI, as an institution, and its faculty owe the Count and Countess a lot; and what better way to say 'thank you'."

That well-deserved thank-you came in a November ceremony and reception where Countess Dandini was awarded a plaque, a DRI charm to add to her bracelet, and the honor of having her picture displayed with those of all the past medalists. "I was really pleased," said DRI President Steve Wells," that the medalists would come forward to recognize the Countess and her contributions in such a sincere and open way."

It was a way of acknowledging Countess Dandini both for her staunch support of the Institute and for being the driving force behind establishing the award itself. After the death of her late husband, who among his other considerable achievements in education and research served as special assistant to the DRI president in the 1970s, Countess Dandini happened upon papers outlining the idea for the annual award, including prototype sketches for the medal design. "I wanted to make this happen for Sandro," she says. "He did everything he could to support DRI, and I've continued to do the same."

Born into a wealthy Italian family, Countess Dandini was schooled in Florence before coming to Philadelphia with her family. She later attended the Fashion Institute of New York and there established a 5th Avenue clothing boutique featuring her own uniquely elegant designs. Her fortunes eventually brought her west, where she opened dress shops in San Francisco, finally settling in Reno and marrying Count Dandini. Despite this cosmopolitan life, Countess Dandini says that Reno is now her home. "I have lived in Philadelphia; I wouldn't go back. I've been in New York; I wouldn't want to live there. I am very lucky to be here, and I love it."

That love shows. She supports numerous causes, including social issues, the arts, and academia, and has become one of DRI's most loyal supporters. "The Countess has enhanced all aspects of DRI's facilities and research programs," says Wells, "from the creation of the Angela Dandini Gardens to support of scholarships, annual fund drives, the golf tournament, and our building projects."

Asked why-beyond her husband's involvement-she feels so strongly about DRI, the answer, like the Countess herself, is straightforward. "DRI is doing good things, and they are doing big things, and I think they should get credit for those things. Wherever I go, I tell people about the DRI and they are impressed."
And in turn, Countess Dandini, DRI is impressed with you.

-Jackie Allen