Board Mission to Italy

The annual Board Mission to Italy to visit the Region of Honor is one of the major programs of the Foundation. An important part of NIAF’s core mission is to work with business and political leaders to strengthen cultural and economic ties between Italy and the United States. To this end, NIAF successfully organized the 2025 Board Mission to Italy from June 1-8 in Rome in region of Lazio, the 2025 Region of Honor.

The NIAF Board of Directors had an amazing trip with many institutional highlights and historic occasions including a special, private audience with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.  Upon arrival the Board of Directors had an opportunity to taste a social media favorite “Pasta all’alfredo” at the famed Alfredo alla Scrofa restaurant in the heart of Rome.  The next day was filled with exciting events as most Board of Directors took part in the Festa della Repubblica parade, the Italian National Day, an elegant and regal display of Italy’s best: the armed forces as well as the Frecce tricolori donned the bright sky with the green, white and red colors of the Italian flag.  A spectacular show of Italian excellence! Some of our Board of Directors were treated to a special guided tour of Cinecittà home of the best Italian filmmakers!  Later that afternoon, our Board of Directors were engaged in a unique Board meeting at the Villaggio Italia, seaside venue set up specifically to showcase the wonders of the Italian ship, Vespucci, currently on world tour.  The NIAF Board had an opportunity to visit the famous ship before the Board meeting.  To complete the amazing day, the Board was treated to an enchanting evening with dinner at the Castello Santa Severa, while a soft sea breeze and concerto delighted the Board thanks to the gracious host, the President of the region of Lazio, Francesco Rocca who affirmed the strengthening of the bonds of friendship between Lazio and the United States.

The following day, the Board was again given a choice of venues: the Simone Golf Club or a special guided tour of Villa d’Este.  The day concluded with a special tribute to NIAF’s 50th anniversary with a Gala in the elegant and extraordinary Palazzo Colonna.

The most anticipated and blessed day of the Board mission was Wednesday, when the Board was received in private audience by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, after just 3 weeks from his election.  Each Board member was able to speak to the Holy Father individually.  The day continued with a special meeting with the President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella and concluded with an aperitivo and dinner at Villa Magistrale as guests of HMEH Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra` John Dunlap who graciously gave the Board a tour of the Chapel and Villa before an aperitivo with stunning views of Rome and St. Peter’s Basilica. NIAF Chairman John Calvelli and NIAF President Robert Allegrini presented special tokens of recognition to all our gracious hosts.

The NIAF Board also met the first class of the Voyage of Discovery students that visited the region at the same time at a special aperitivo organized at Link University.

During their stay, the delegation paid homage to the fallen soldiers of World War II during a brief visit to Nettuno, site of the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial, where 7,845 American soldiers are buried and where one can view videos and testimonials to get a better understanding of the critical campaign that contributed to the Allied victory in Europe during World War II.

The delegation also visited Civita di Bagnoregio, a hilltop town, reachable by a huge stone passageway, cut by the Etruscans 2,500 years ago and decorated in the 12th century with a Romanesque arch.  Here, NIAF President Robert Allegrini was presented with an award as honorary citizen since his ancestors once lived there.

The Board also visited Terme dei Papi, a summer vacation local for many popes looking to rest and relax with thermal baths.   The Board mission concluded with a special visit to the Abbey of Montecassino, where St. Benedict is buried and a special blessing. That same evening the Board was received by Chargé d’Affaires Marta Youth, at the residence of the US Ambassador to Italy. The Board interacted with Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Rachel Cooke, Acting Minister Counselor for Political Affairs Stacie Bishop, Acting Head of Public Diplomacy Karen Schinnerer and Financial Economist Peter Davis.

The 2025 NIAF Board Mission proved to be an enriching voyage through the capital city and surrounding areas of a region steeped in history, at the same time religious and cultural, with lasting memories for all.

During the NIAF Board Mission to the Lazio region, members of the Board took part in a moving ceremony celebrating the values of solidarity, friendship, and mutual respect between Italy and the United States.
During the event, Associazione Juppiter—an organization dedicated to educational exchange and empowering young adults with special needs to build strong community connections—signed a Friendship Pact with NIAF and the Italian Welfare League.

In a particularly meaningful moment, NIAF President Robert Allegrini was presented with honorary citizenship from Civita di Bagnoregio, recognizing his ancestral roots in the historic town.