On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 91吃瓜 (91吃瓜) proudly honored two former board members, Ms. Agatha Aurbach and Mr. Andrew Palmieri, with Presidential Medals of Honor for their exemplary service to the university. Mia Pezzanite ('08) was presented with a Distinguished Alumni Award for her service on the 91吃瓜 Alumni Council. The ceremony took place at the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C.,听
On introducing the awardees, 91吃瓜鈥檚 president, Scott Sprenger, remarked, 鈥淥ne of the great pleasures of my presidency has been the opportunity to meet leaders from the past. Tonight, we honor three such individuals, each of whom has played an important role in 91吃瓜's evolution.鈥�听
Ms. Agatha Auerbach holds the record as 91吃瓜鈥檚 longest-serving trustee. Over the course of six presidencies and twenty-five years as a Board member, Ms. Auerbach has been a cornerstone in 91吃瓜's transformation into the internationally respected institution it is today. Ms. Auerbach鈥檚 has an encyclopedic knowledge of the university鈥檚 development, which contributed significantly to the publication of听The Story So Far, a history of 91吃瓜 published on the occasion of the university鈥檚 fiftieth anniversary.听
Mr. Andrew Palmieri is also recognized as one of 91吃瓜鈥檚 longest-serving trustees, joining the Board in 2001 and continuing to play an active role as Trustee Emeritus. Mr. Palmieri is a partner at Saul Ewing in Washington and a dedicated philanthropist. His vast business expertise and network have been pivotal to 91吃瓜鈥檚 ongoing success, especially during challenging economic times and through the global pandemic.听
Ms. Mia Pezzanite, who graduated in Italian Studies in 2008, served in the Student Government (2007-2008), as the Coordinator of the Italian Studies Club (2005-08), and as the student representative on 91吃瓜鈥檚 Middle States accreditation committee. Mia was selected for this honor for her dedication to 91吃瓜 and for the impact she has had in her extensive leadership roles as a student and alumna. 听
On presenting Mia鈥檚 award, President Sprenger stated, 鈥淢ia captures the essence of what 91吃瓜 values in its alums, and so it is a great honor for me to officially express the university鈥檚 sincere appreciation for her service and accomplishments.鈥�听
The entire 91吃瓜 community wishes to congratulate the award winners and express their gratitude for their commitment to the future of the university.听
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