Bentornati amici e studenti!
The new academic year marks new beginnings for the Coccia Institute as well as Montclair State University. We kicked off the new year celebrating the Investiture of Montclair State University’s ninth President, Jonathan GS Koppell. The Coccia celebrated this joyous occasion Italian style with cannoli generously donated by Lyndhurst Pastry Shop and Gencarelli’s Bakery!
Students were welcomed back to campus with our first annual “Bocce nella piazza,” led by Prof. Pat O’Boyle of the Italian American Podcast.
The Coccia Institute also hosted the premiere of our new docuseries produced in partnership with the School of Communication & Media, called “Red Sauce: An Italian American Culinary Journey.” The pilot episode, featuring Patsy’s Tavern in Paterson, was debuted at the School of Communication & Media Presentation Hall and streamed live on HawkTV.
The 15th annual Teaching Italian Symposium: Italian + STEM resumed an in-person format and was presented in the University Hall Conference Center. The annual Coccia-Inserra Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Teaching of Italian (K-12) was presented in this occasion to Jose Gabriel Fernandez.
The semester ended on a high note with two successful collaborations with Watchung Booksellers in Montclair. Coccia Institute Director, Mark Rotella, moderated discussions with two successful authors, Vicky Bennison of Pasta Grannies and Rossella Rago of Cooking with Nonna: Sunday Dinners with La Famiglia.