This summer, a group of children between the ages of 6 and 12 had a unique opportunity to learn about Italian language and culture through song, dance, literature, art and more in a three-week program sponsored by a new institute at MSU created thanks to the generosity and vision of Joseph Coccia, Jr. and his wife Elda.

Scuola Pinocchio was the first program sponsored by the Joseph and Elda Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America. The institute, the newest component of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), is located in Dickson Hall, Room 171, where a bronze plaque outside the room recognizes the couple whose significant contribution made it possible. A grand opening of the institute will be held Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 3-5 p.m.

"The institute will help ensure that the great accomplishments of the past are not erased from memory, and it will help assure that new advances continue to be made," said Joseph Coccia. The institute is expected to become a nationally recognized center to encourage, promote, assist and support the acquisition and propagation of knowledge concerning Italian language, and Italian and Italian-American history, culture and heritage.

"I have met people doing great research into our heritage," said Coccia. "But what I saw happening was one piece being done here, another piece being done there. Some organizations are giving scholarships; others focus on language preservation. We do 'bookshelves' for schools and libraries that are resources on Italian culture and sponsor essay contests. So I began thinking about how to bring all those ideas together and get everybody talking."

Richard Gigliotti, dean of the CHSS, said the institute will be a sponsor, catalyst and partner in a range of activities that will encompass education, outreach, cultural programming, research and more. "We will engage all age groups and interest levels with everything from programs for school children to scholarly research and collaboration," he said.

Prior to retirement, Coccia was president of Coccia Development; a principal of Coccia Realty, Inc.; and a principal of Midland Estates, Inc. He has been a member of UNICO National, the country's largest Italian-American service organization, for more than 44 years, is a past president, and for the past three years has chaired UNICO's Italian Studies Chairs and Fellowships Committee.

Read more about the Coccias and how the Institute came to be in the fall issue of Alumni Life.

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