Lingua Franca

The Frederick A. Meier Book Award 2019: Anthony DiVirgilio

By Michele C. Dávila

Congratulazioni, Anthony!

This year the faculty of the World Languages and Cultures Department unanimously voted to give the Frederick A. Meier Book Award to Anthony DiVirgilio, an Italian major. This award is a product of the Ed Francis Endowment that we received in 2013. Thanks to this generous donation from Dr. Francis, this year we were able to award Mr. DiVirgilio both a book and $700.00.

The Frederick A. Meier Book Award goes to a student that:

• Is a senior at Salem State University and a major in the Department of World Languages and Cultures
• Displays distinctive leadership in the discipline, such as in university student organizations and student government activities
• Achieves academic excellence
• Exhibits meritorious service to the discipline, such as in campus and community service
• Is committed to increasing awareness of cultural diversity and promotes respect for difference and inclusivity on campus

Anthony is a double major with both the World Languages and Cultures and the Interdisciplinary Studies departments. He is the president of the Italian Club and an Italian tutor, and he is always willing to help with the department’s activities. You can see him around campus on the Champions of Philanthrophy poster as a Philanthropy Ambassador. He really believes in diversity and giving back to others. His main advice to new students is to be involved and get to know your department and university.

Anthony will receive his award during the Phi Sigma Iota Induction Ceremony to be held on April 10 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, MA.

Please join us in congratulating Anthony, the recipient of the Frederick A. Meier Book Award 2019!