President Pavoncello Elected "Friend for Special Merits" of Italy's National Academy of Sciences

John Cabot University President Franco Pavoncello was recently elected “Amico ad honorem” (Friend for Special Merits) at the Plenary Assembly of the Associazione Amici dell’Accademia dei Lincei (Association “Friends of the National Academy of Sciences”).

The aim of the Accademia dei Lincei, which was founded in 1603, is “to promote, coordinate, integrate, and spread scientific knowledge in its highest expression, in the unity and universality of culture.” The Academy’s most famous member was scientist Galileo Galilei.

The Association “Friends of the National Academy of Sciences” seeks to establish and develop permanent connections between the Academy and the worlds of economics and business. The Board of Directors includes representatives of major Italian and international companies, as well as Italian universities. John Cabot University has been a member of the Association since July 2007, the first foreign university to receive such an honor.

The title of “Friend for Special Merits” is bestowed upon individuals who have made an important contribution to the Academy or the Association. President Pavoncello was recognized for his special role in establishing closer relationships between the Academy and the Italian-American community.