 Festa completed his AB at Saint Michael's College, his MA at the University of Vermont, his PhD at the University of Connecticut, and post-doctoral study at Indiana University.Festa served as president of the American Institute of Chemists during 1996 and 1997, and on the AIC Board of Directors for 18 years, seven of which as an officer.He continued his service as a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Institute of Chemists Foundation.