FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

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(WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 16, 2012) Thirty- three college students from across the United States will participate in the Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery program, an all-expenses-paid educational and cultural initiative that sends Italian American students to Italy. Sponsored by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), the tour will visit Italy’s Lazio and Emilia-Romagna regions from May 28 to June 8, 2012.

“NIAF’s Voyage of Discovery program further strengthens Italian American students’ understanding of their rich heritage and the many contributions Italy is making to the world. The Foundation’s program gives participants an opportunity to explore and understand the land of their ancestors while learning about modern-day Italy and creating a greater awareness of Italy as a global leader,” said NIAF President Joseph V. Del Raso, Esq.

Now in its eleventh year, the 12-day NIAF program will include tours of The University of Bologna, The University of La Sapienza, the Torre Prendiparte in downtown Bologna, The Capitoline Museums, the Italian Parliament buildings and Palazzo Monte Ciorio, the seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. The students will also visit the catacombs of St. Callixtus and Villa d’Este in Tivoli, outside of Rome. The trip will conclude with a reception hosted by the Ministero degli Affari Esteri (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

The package, which includes round-trip airfare between the United States and Italy, accommodations, meals, guided tours and transfers, is valued at more than $2,500 per student and financed by NIAF. For more information, visit www.niaf.org/voyageofdiscovery.

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