June 19, 2008
The Italian Language Inter-Cultural Alliance (ILICA) convened
today at St. John’s University to begin a two-day invitation only
cultural event (CE) billed as ILICA CE “Flight to the Future,”
dedicated to young influential professionals who bridge the gap
between Italy and the United States and who actively promote the
Italian language and culture in their everyday lives.
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Gallery
“I have taught all over the world and have seen more than ever
in recent years the need for Advanced Placement (AP) courses to be
offered in Italian in the school systems here in the United
States,” said featured speaker Dr. Anthony Julian Tamburri,
President of American Association of Teachers of Italian (AATI) and
Dean of the John D. Clandra Italian American Institute at CUNY
Queens College in New York. “With the help of organizations like
the Italian Consulate and many others, communication has improved
with the school systems in the past 10-15 years but there is still
much work ahead to be done in educating the Italian-American
students of today about their language and culture.”
Topics for the event were tied into tradition with the
innovations and prospects for the future and range from the cutting
edge of Italian Satellite Television to the modernization of the
century’s old tradition of Parmigiano making, to Italy’s role in
the world of maritime shipping. Other areas of concentration
include discussions on dual perspectives of the Law from both sides
of the Atlantic, including Italy’s place in the European legal
system and the characteristics of the “New Generation of
Immigration.” Other guest lecturers included Prof. Alfio Russo,
Director of Education Office of the Italian Consulate of New
York.
“We are a University of immigrants, have a strong Italian
population and are very proud to have ILICA host their cultural
event on our campus in New York,” said Cav. Joseph Sciame, Vice
President for Community Relations at St. John’s, who served as
University host and guest speaker in welcoming the honored guests
to Queens. “I applaud ILICA for being at the forefront in
recognizing the challenges that young Italians face in the world
today. We can meet these challenges together – but it’s going to
take a national campaign to revitalize efforts in order to promote
change and succeed in promoting Italian culture in America.”
Special awards of recognition were given on the first day of the
event to Alessandra Cuffaro, accomplished violinist who is pursuing
a successful international concert career in the US, France and
Spain. Ms. Cuffaro serenaded the crowd with a wonderful musical
arrangement prior to her award presentation. In addition, Leonardo
Kosarew, President of the Confederation of Italian Entrepreneurs in
the World (CIMM, Canada) was cited for his work to promote Italian
language and culture in Canada through both his professional and
private life. Mr. Kosarew also served as speaker and moderator for
all event activities.
As a special treat, the University’s food provider, Chartwells,
opened their kitchens to professional chefs from Italy who were on
hand to serve lunch at the University’s Marillac Terrace location.
Event participants were treated to an array of Italian pastas,
meats, cheeses, wine, desserts and beverages, topped off by a Gala
Dinner at the majestic Oheka Castle in Huntington, NY, to close the
first day’s activities.
Day Two on June 19th shifts to Oheka Castle where a delegation
headed by Supreme Court Justice Dominic Massaro is expected to be
present for evening festivities which include the presentation of
the Man and Woman of the Year Awards. Among the biggest honors of
the evening from a list of several prestigious ILICA award winners
will be Claudio Bozzo, President of Mediterranean Shipping Company
USA, who will receive ILICA’s Man of the Year award and Annalisa
Liuzzo, prominent New York Immigration Attorney, who will be
presented with ILICA’s Woman of the Year honors.
For more information on the Cultural Event please contact Cav.
Vincenzo Marra, President of ILICA’s New York based office by
calling (718) 392-2020 or visit the alliance web site at www.ilicait.org.
Interested media representatives can contact Dominic Scianna,
Assistant Vice President of Media Relations at (718) 990-6185 or
e-mail inquiries to sciannad@stjohns.edu.