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NFIAS Holds 45th Annual Awards and Scholarships Presentation Gala

The National Federation of Italian American Societies, Inc. will hold its 45th Annual Awards and Scholarships Presentation Gala on October 21.

The recipient of the 2018 Outstanding Professional Mungibeddu Award is St. John’s University Professor Emeritus Dr. Gaetano Cipolla, President of the well-known literary organization ARBA SICULA, dedicated to the promulgation of the Sicilian language.

The recipient of the 2018 Distinguished Law Enforcement Award is Mr. Joseph Occhipinti, founder and executive director of the National Police Defense Foundation. Proud of his Italian heritage, Joe is considered one of the most decorated federal agents in United States history and is a role model for our youth by virtue of his hard work and dedication.

The 2018 recipient of the Successful Businessman Award, Mr. Michael Siracusano, is the founder and CEO of Aetna Forwarding, Inc. Michael is an active member of several other community service organizations, including ILICA (Italian Language Inter-Cultural Alliance).