Dr. Maria Luisa Lapresa, Consul of Italy in Detroit, hosted a reception on Hune 2 commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Italian Republic. The event was held at the McGregor Memorial Conference Center at Wayne State University. On behalf of the president of Italy, Dr. Lapresa awarded the Ordine Della Stella D'Italia to Lia Adelfi, President of the Dante Alighieri Society of Michigan, Dr. Paola Melare DeSandre, currently recording secretary of the Dante Alighieri Society of Michigan, and Fiat Chrysler Senior Vice President of Communications Gualberto Ranieri.

The IACS hosted its annual celebration on Sunday, June 5. Master of ceremonies for the event was Mr. Gianmarco Roselli. Our special young guest was Ms. Giovanna Elisa Milana, who was awarded a scholarship to play collegiate volleyball at The University of Maryland in the fall. The special guest speaker was Dr. Alessandro Vivacqua, a cardiovascular surgeon at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak with a distinguished background including studies and work experience in Italy, England Brazil and the Cleveland Clinic.

After the program, guests enjoyed the delicacies offered by the various Italian clubs. At 6:00 PM Pino Marelli provided music for dancing, and the crowd was surprised by the appearance of Italian entertainers Roberto Polisano, Ileana DiStefano, and Athos Bassissi who performed for them. The day's festivities concluded with pizza offered by the IACS for the remaining guests who had worked up an appetite dancing.