UNICO National Celebrates Italian American Community at Mid-Year Meeting in Chicago Metropolitan and Prepares for Upcoming 102nd Annual Convention

FAIRFIELD, NEW JERSEY / ACCESS Newswire / March 11, 2025 / UNICO National celebrated the achievements and contributions of Italian Americans at its Mid-Year Board of Directors Meeting and Presidential Awards Banquet. The special event was held in the Chicago suburbs of Rosemont, Illinois on March 8, 2025 where two distinctly accomplished Italian Americans were honored. The Guglielmo Marconi Science Award was presented to Dr. Carl D. Marci and the Special Achievement Award was presented to attorney Jack P. Cerone.

Carl Marci, M.D. is a physician, scientist, entrepreneur, and author who currently serves as the Chief Clinical Officer and Managing Director of Mental Health and Neuroscience at OM1, a venture backed health technology and data company based in Boston, Massachusetts. Jack Cerone is a restauranteur, community and business leader, and labor lawyer who has been active in the Italian American community for decades. He been a leader of the Chicago West Suburban UNICO chapter, Justinian Society of Lawyers, National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, and Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans.

"We were proud to recognize these very accomplished Italian American leaders for their outstanding achievements. They embrace the spirit of Italian American excellence and embody the values of service and community that are the cornerstone of UNICO. For more than one hundred years, UNICO has promoted the Italian American community and celebrated our Italian heritage. We will continue this mission at our 102nd annual convention and gala this August in Florida," said UNICO National President Anthony Bengivenga.

Recognized as the largest Italian American Service Organization in the United States, UNICO holds true to its core principle of Service Above Self. Operating across the nation, UNICO provides support to communities and charities, along with preserving Italian heritage and culture. Its course of philanthropy includes varied scholarships and charitable assistance totaling over a million dollars per year, addressing mental health wellness, Alzheimer's support, cancer research and prevention, and local community needs. UNICO also empowers the next generation of Italian Americans to serve, succeed, and lead.

The upcoming 102^nd Annual UNICO National Convention & Italian American Awards Gala is slated for August 2, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Notable figures to be recognized at the event include Fred Voccola, the visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of Kaseya, for his exemplary business leadership. Voccola joins an illustrious group of UNICO business honorees, which includes: Anthony Capuano, Marriott International President and CEO, Ralph A. LaRossa, Chair, President and CEO, Public Service Enterprise Group, James Pitaro, ESPN Chairman, and Joe Moglia, former TD Ameritrade Chairman and CEO.

The UNICO Italian American Awards Gala is an annual celebration of heritage, service, and excellence. This special event assembles hundreds of prominent Italian Americans from across the nation. ESPN National Correspondent Sal Paolantonio will emcee what promises to be an unforgettable evening.

SOURCE: UNICO National