Award Nomination Form | Character Celebration 2009 Event

In 2008, the Ethics in Action Award was presented to Mr. Robert Scinto, Chairman and Owner of the development company R.D. Scinto, Inc. Mr. Scinto received the award during SEE’s Character Celebration on May 8 at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven. Approximately 150 participants celebrated the occasion along with SEE’s Laws of Life Essay finalists and their families.

In receiving the award, Mr. Scinto spoke about his own commitment to develop his personal character and the character of his children. He highlighted the need to set a goal for character development and work to achieve it. Mr. Scinto noted the alternative to clearly developing good character often fails to resist the dark side of human nature. He encouraged the young people in attendance to recognize how their faith can support positive character development.

Robert D. Scinto embodies the best of America's Dream of the self-made man. He has risen from night school and the successful rehabilitation of a three-family house to owning approximately 2.9 million square feet of office and industrial buildings in Fairfield County. The company that began in the basement of a Bridgeport housing project is now a $200 million organization. A man who watches detail, he graces his buildings with sculptures and aesthetic touches that are much more than trim. They make a statement about Bob’s concern for quality. His innovative inclusion of daycare facilities at some of his projects underscore his willingness to get out in front when he believes something is important. Mr. Scinto is a man with a strong sense of place and natural rapport with respect for people.

His outstanding success in real estate is, in part, the result of his total commitment to his work and his considerable abilities. However, it is also the result of a levelheaded management style, a well-deserved reputation for integrity and for staying close to the demands of his clients, industry, and community. In addition to his leadership of R.D. Scinto, he is the Chairman and CEO of the William Pitt Foundation whose mission is primarily for establishing scholarships for economically deprived minority students. These scholarships are awarded to various educational institutions within Fairfield County for that sole purpose. Bob has also been affiliated with other boards that directly benefit ordinary people. These organizations are: Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Fairfield County, Discovery Museum, Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut, Boys Club/Girls Club of Bridgeport. He also serves as Chairman to the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport's premier cultural attraction.

Bob's enthusiasm, personal loyalty and genuine concern for all human beings motivates his employees, befriends his tenants and earns the respect of his competition. His personal mission statement would best be described in the words of George Bernard Shaw, "I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die. For the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It's a sort of splendid torch which I've got to hold up for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

Though Bob lives his work and is dedicated to his community, he is a committed family man. With his wife, Barbara, he has raised four children, Dana, Amy, Katie, and Robert. He enjoys boating, golfing, and skiing with his family. He presently resides in Fairfield with his wife, Barbara.

The School for Ethical Education welcomes your nomination of a Connecticut leader who demonstrates a commitment to ethics and character:

» Nomination Form for the John Winthrop Wright Ethics in Action award [PDF Form; 51 KB]