2012 American Journey Awards Honoring Anthony M. Pilaro
Anthony M. Pilaro earned his undergraduate degree (1957) and his law degree (1960) from the University of Virginia. Mr. Pilaro is an attorney, investment banker, and philanthropist, and serves as chairman of the CAP Charitable Foundation and the CAP Advisers Limited of Dublin. Mr. Pilaro was a founder of Duty Free Shoppers, the world’s largest duty free retailer which was sold to LVMH in 1996. He was a founder of VISX, the laser vision correction company which invented the LASIK procedure for vision correction and was a founder of BriteSmile Inc, the world’s leading tooth whitening company.
As a generous donor to the University of Virginia, Mr. Pilaro initiated the Jerome Holland Scholarships for African-American undergraduate students and the need-based Hardy Dillard Scholarships at the Law School. He is driven by a simple philosophy: Given proper nurturing and resources, young people who show promise will ultimately choose to help others much as they have been helped and will give freely of their money and their time.
Ron Brown Scholar Remarks
“You have impacted my life tremendously and have made many of the opportunities that I have had to serve underrepresented and marginalized communities possible. Thank you for allowing me to put feet to my words.”
“His kindness and his faith in our potential inspire me to not only do my best, but to take that inspiration and pass it forward.”
“It is directly because of your dedication to higher education and equity that I was able to afford college.”
“I think it is remarkable that someone can give so openly to countless people that he doesn't know and has no direct connection to. This is both humbling and inspiring.”
“Your generosity allowed me to study at the best schools and earn the chance to do so many wonderful things in this life for others. You are a hero.”