NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The Casey-O'Brien New Haven County Chapter of the National Football Foundation/College Football Hall of Fame has announced that it will honor former Southern Connecticut State University football player Dan Lauria with its Distinguished American Award at its annual awards dinner on April 10 at Fantasia in North Haven.

Lauria, a 1970 graduate of SCSU, played varsity football for the Owls from 1967-69. During his time with the team, SCSU won Eastern Football Conference titles in 1967 and 1968.

He went on to an acclaimed career as an actor in film, television and on stage after graduation. During the 2010-11 season, Lauria did over 275 performances of Vince Lombardi, the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers, in the Broadway production of the play 'Lombardi'. He also appeared in over 70 television episodic programs and more than 20 Movie of the Week productions. He is most recognized as the 'dad' in the highly acclaimed Emmy winning ABC television show 'The Wonder Years'.

Tickets can be purchased for $50 by sending a check made payable to "National Football Foundation" to Donna Limone, 10 Ludlow Court, Branford, CT 06405 or by calling her at 203-481-8375. Information about the chapter, including past award winners, can be found at www.newhavenfootballfoundation.com.