The Columbus Citizens Foundation today announced Margaret I. Cuomo, M.D., President of the Italian Language Foundation; Matilda Raffa Cuomo, Chairperson of NYS Mentoring Program; and Donna Rapaccioli, Ph.D., Dean of the Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University, as honorees of the 2018 Columbus Celebration. They will join First Data President, Guy Chiarello, who was previously announced as 2018 Grand Marshal.

Marian Pardo, President of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, said of the announcement: "In 2018, we made the decision to have the Parade focus on the importance of education to Italian Americans. Our three Honorees collectively have moved mountains in the area of education – with achievements that include the support and growth of AP Italian, the creation of mentoring opportunities across New York State, and the development of the business leaders of tomorrow.  We are so proud to honor these incredible leaders in education."