The Endowed Chair in Italian and Italian-American Studies
at Montclair State University

Montclair State University and UNICO National, the largest Italian-American service organization in the United States, are proud partners in an effort to establish an endowed chair in Italian and Italian-American Studies at the University.  The endowment will fund, in perpetuity, a professorship that will ensure the growth and continuity of teaching, scholarship, programming and outreach in the field of Italian and Italian-American language and culture.

Together, Montclair State and UNICO National are working to raise a $1.25 million endowment in support of the professorship.  Proceeds from the fund will help support the salary, research and programs of the scholar who will occupy the position.  Montclair State will provide matching funds, as needed, to fully support the professorship.

Italian Studies at Montclair State University
Montclair State University is well positioned to support an endowed chair in Italian and Italian-American Studies.  The University offers a major, minor and teacher certification in Italian, programs that have nearly doubled in enrollment since 1996.  The steady growth reflects an increased interest on the part of the community, as well as the excellence of the Montclair State University program and faculty.

The Italian Studies curriculum is a rich array of courses reflecting traditional language, grammar and composition enhanced by comparative studies, film studies, cultural studies, translation and literature.  Beyond the curriculum, special events and academic opportunities further enrich Italian programming, including study abroad opportunities in Siena and Sicily. 

The Need for an Endowed Chair in Italian and Italian-American Studies
The endowed chair will allow the University to broaden the focus of Italian and Italian-American Studies.  It will also serve the needs of all those in the region who want to create and preserve programming in the rich Italian tradition.

In addition to enabling teaching and research, the scholar who occupies the chair will help establish and maintain a public program to enhance and solidify Montclair State’s dynamic program in Italian and Italian-American culture.  The establishment of the endowed chair will confirm the prestige of Italian and Italian-American Studies, as it strengthens the quality of the program at the University.

As an endowed professorship, the Italian and Italian-American Studies Chair will continue at Montclair State in perpetuity.  The principal gift remains untouched; only the interest generated on the principal can be expended.  Preserving the principal in this fashion assures the continuation of the professorship for years to come.

Financial Support of the Professorship
Montclair State and UNICO National are pleased to announce that Mr. Larry Inserra of Inserra Supermarkets, Inc. has made a generous financial commitment to name the chair in honor of his parents, Theresa and Lawrence R. Inserra.  Mr. Inserra’s contribution is a challenge grant.  In light of this, all gifts to the chair are critical, as they bring the University one step closer to meeting the challenge and the successful completion of the fundraising campaign.

To learn more about the campaign, please contact Beth Kornstein at Montclair State University at 973-655-3444 or e-mail kornsteine@mail.montclair.edu.