FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

MEDIA ADVISORY

EVENT:   Italian American Institutes Day 2002: Conferences & East Coast Gala
sponsored by The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

WHEN:     Thursday, May 30, 2002

WHERE:   The Hilton New York
1335 Avenue of the Americas
New York City

CHAIRS:   A. Kenneth Ciongoli, NIAF vice chairman & Vincenzo Marra,
NIAF regional vice president of the Greater New York Area

As part of the National Italian American Foundation’s (NIAF) Dialogue Series on issues facing America today, the Foundation is presenting two conferences during its third annual Institutes Day.

All conferences are free and open to the public.

Conferences:

• The Role of Ethnic Studies Programs at American Universities
  9:30 AM – 11:30AM

  The seminar will examine the emerging field of ethnic studies programs at American colleges and universities and how they fit into the existing framework of a university curriculum.

  Speakers include:

  Anthony Catanese, president, Florida Atlantic University
  Roberto Severino, chair, Italian Department,Georgetown University
  Gay Talese, author

• Publish or Perish: The State of Ethnic Publishing in America
  2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

  What role does the publishing industry play in today’s society. Prominent writers will discuss current accomplishments in the industry and what remains to be completed to educate the public about our diverse nation.

  Panelists include:

  Jay Parini, author & Axin Professor of Literature at Middlebury College
  Len Riggio, chairman, Barnes & Noble, Inc.
  Nan Talese, senior editor, Random House
  Bill Tonelli, assistant managing editor, Rolling Stone Magazine

  To register for the conferences, contact: John Marino at 202/939-3115.

NIAF East Coast Gala

The Master of Ceremonies is Ron Insana, co-anchor, CNBC Business Center. Prominent Italian Americans in business, entertainment, and government are also expected to attend the event.
Time: 6:00 PM reception followed by dinner at 7:00 PM.

Honorees include:

Tony Matarazzo, president of CWA Local 1109, Brooklyn
Bill Parrett, managing partner, Deloitte & Touche
Frank Pellegrino, co-owner, Rao’s Restaurant
Frank Petrilli, president & COO, TD Waterhouse

Dinner tickets are $250.00 per person.
Attire: Black Tie.
To purchase, contact: Lisa Pittoco at 202/939-3116.