(WASHINGTON, D.C.—April 8, 2010) Sal Paolantonio, ESPN national correspondent, spoke to local university students, media professionals and business executives at the launch of the Frank J. Guarini/NIAF Media Forum on April 7 at the Villanova Conference Center.

At the luncheon, Paolantonio was joined by NIAF’s leadership including Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq., president, Matthew J. DiDomenico, Sr., senior executive vice president, Salvatore Salibello, executive vice president, Hon. Frank J. Guarini, chairman emeritus, and Foundation area coordinators Mark Ganguzza, Anthony S. DiSandro, Jr. and William A. Scari. From the Philadelphia community, NFL Great Vince Papale was seated with Villanova University’s National Champion Football Coach Andy Talley, Villanova’s faculty, prominent business leaders and students from Temple University, Rider University, La Salle University, and Villanova University.

Jon Hitchcock, president/general manager of CBS3/CW Philly 57 and Joseph DiStefano, columnist at the Philadelphia Inquirer, served as co-hosts. They were joined by their colleagues at FOX 29, NBC and City Suburban News.

Del Raso opened the event and welcomed the more than 100 guests. Before lunch, Villanova’s President Father Peter Donohue gave the opening prayer. He was joined by James M. Danko, Dean of Villanova University’s School of Business, who thanked the faculty and staff.

At the podium, DiDomenico introduced Paolantonio, who spoke about our rich Italian values, honor and family. Through his personal experiences, Paolantonio focused on the importance of making and keeping promises. He asked the audience to jot down one promise to keep. Students and guests shared their promises with the rest of the group. All of his remarks underscored the ways in which young graduates can reach the top positions of their careers.

Following his keynote address, Paolantonio was joined by four panelists from the media includingSue Serio of FOX29, Pat Ciarrocchi of CBS, Hitchcock and DiStefano. Each media professional shared insights about being successful in business, marketing and the communications field. A lively question-and-answer period followed.

To close the event, DiDomenico and Del Raso along with NIAF’s student leadership at Villanova University presented a football signed by Coach Talley, an honorary recognition from Villanova’s School of Business and a letter from NIAF Chairman Jerry Colangelo.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage and culture of American of Italian decent. Visitwww.niaf.org