On October 7th, the Coccia Institute hosted the inaugural Italian American Heritage Month Flag Raising celebration at Montclair State University. In celebrating the Italian American culture, the university formally recognized the contributions of Italian American students, faculty, and staff to our campus community.
Held at the Student Center flagpole area, the flag raising ceremony included opening remarks by the Director of the Coccia Institute, Professor Mark Rotella, the sung renditions of both the Italian and American National Anthems by soprano Sonia Fortezza (who is a Graduate Student studying Vocal Performance at the Cali School of Music), and remarks delivered by the Interim Dean of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Dr. Fatma Mili, and Patrick O’Boyle, co-host of the Italian American Podcast and Professor of Business Law at the Feliciano School of Business. The proclamation was read on behalf of President Koppell by Dr. Dawn Soufleris, Vice President of Student Development and Campus Life. The flag, designed by the Program Coordinator of the Coccia Institute, Cristina Latino, represented all 20 regions of Italy, signifying the unity between the Italian American community and Italy.
Following the flag-raising ceremony, a reception was held in the newly renovated “Underground” in the Student Center. Sponsored by the Coccia Institute and the Amici Club, all attendees enjoyed food (with delicious and generous donations by Aromi di Napoli Bakery in Nutley, Gencarelli’s Bakery in Belleville, and Smash n’Pizza in Totowa) and various activities led by the Amici Club E-Board (including a cannoli bar, pizzelle station, photo booth area, and a DIY Carnevale-mask station).
To view photos from this event, please click here.