Two Fredericans among new knights of the Republic

On the occasion of the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the birth of the Italian Republic, which took place on June 2, 2026 in Naples, two professors from the University of Naples Federico II received the honor of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, the highest of the national orders established to honor citizens who have distinguished themselves for particular merits towards the nation. They are Carlo Alviggi, full professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the School of Medicine and Surgery, and to Roberto Vona, full professor of Economics and Business Management at the Department of Economics, Management and Institutions.

The ceremony was held in Piazza del Plebiscito as part of a program organized by the Naples Prefecture. After the traditional laying of laurel wreaths at the Posillipo Mausoleum in memory of the fallen soldiers and the flag-raising ceremony, Naples Prefect Michele di Bari read the message from President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella and proceeded to award the honors conferred by the Head of State to 35 citizens of the metropolitan area who have distinguished themselves in the fields of letters, arts, economics, social activities and for their service in civil and military careers.

The thirteen recipients of the knighthood include two Frederick faculty members.

The honor represents an important recognition of the scientific, professional and institutional contributions made by the two professors in their respective disciplinary fields.

The celebrations concluded with an impressive demonstration exercise by the personnel of the Naples Provincial Fire Brigade Command who, accompanied by the notes of the Ode to Joy and the Hymn of Mameli performed by the Fanfare of the 10th Campania Carabinieri Regiment together with the Students of the Academy of Opera Singing of the San Carlo Theater, unfurled the Tricolor on the facade of the Government Palace.