Salvatore Pitino, a member of Mason's Class of 2018, was selected by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) to receive a $4,000 scholarship for his studies at Mason in the coming year. Pitino, who is a majoring in economics and minoring in Italian studies, hopes to pursue a career in the travel industry. Pitino came to Mason intending to study business, but chose a different path after gaining a new perspective in his freshman microeconomics course and “falling in love with” his Italian courses.
In his selection letter Pitino explained, “Together, my minor and major have helped me realize that college is a place of growth and preparation for the world post-graduation. With this generous scholarship, I will be able to continue my education at Mason and focus on discovering my interests, as well as developing myself so that I will be prepared for the future.”
Pitino was recommended for the prize by his professor and coordinator of the Italian Studies minor, Kristina Marie Olson. Olson describes Pitino as "a student who is very dedicated and passionate about the language, culture and history of Italy, is the ideal candidate for this selective and prestigious scholarship… To be the recipient of this selective and competitive award is a testament to Pitino's current excellence and future promise."
July 11, 2016
