Two UWindsor scholars will be recognized during the Awards of Excellence gala held by the Canadian Italian Business Professional Association of Windsor on Friday, May 4, at the Ciociaro Club.

Education professor Geri Salinitri, associate dean, pre-service, will receive the Professional of the Year Award.

John Cappucci, holder of the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Religion and Conflict at Assumption University and an instructor in the UWindsor departments of languages, literatures, and culture; and communication, media, and film, will receive the Young Professional of the Year Award.

Dr. Cappucci calls the recognition from such a well-regarded organization a tremendous honour.

“The Canadian Italian Business Professional Association is known for emphasizing the highest levels of professional excellence in all fields, from finance and business to trades and technical fields to education and academia,” he says. “Along with the Canadian-Italian community at large, it stands as a testament to the fact that excellence in any field can be achieved if it is prefaced by perseverance.”

The event will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. in the club, located at 3745 North Talbot Road. Tickets are $100 per person; for more information phone 519-737-6153.