About Inserra

The Theresa and Lawrence R. Inserra Endowed Chair was created through a major gift of Lawrence R. Inserra, Jr. and thanks to the support of UNICO National and individual donors.

The following links illustrate the history of the position:

The first and current Inserra Chair, Dr. Teresa Fiore, started in this position in 2010-11. For her profile and CV, visit Dr. Fiore's Profile page.

The responsibilities of the Inserra Chair include the development of research activities and educational activities vital to the continued growth of Italian and Italian American Studies at Montclair State University. The Chair offers a regular program of free cultural events that serve both MSU students and faculty and the residents of the NY/NJ area at large. Since 2011, major artists and scholars from Italy and the U.S. have presented shows, lectures, exhibits, films, etc. on a wide array of Italian/Italian American themes (Classical Artistic Legacy in Silversmithing; Migration Stories; Futurism; Slow Food) in disciplines as diverse as visual arts, film, theater, music, fashion, art history, design, nutrition, and history. Notable events include a lecture by 2011 MacArthur Fellow Ubaldo Vitali and a lecture-show by renowned Corriere della Sera journalist Gian Antonio Stella. Many programs have been presented in collaboration with institutions based in New Jersey, New York, Washington D.C., and Italy (Italian Embassy, Italian Consulates, Calandra Institute/CUNY, Italian Cultural Institute, Cineteca di Bologna, Newark Museum).

The current Inserra Chair Assistant is Celina Poggiogalle (inserra@mail.montclair.edu)