Casa Italiana Honored with Foreign Language Award
Nazareth College's Casa Italiana brings Italy's culture and the Italian language to life for the Rochester community — one of the many reasons it is the 2020 recipient of the Friends of Foreign Language Award. The Rochester region of the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers (NYSAFLT) bestowed the honor to the Casa Italiana at a major conference of language teachers in western New York in early March.
The Friends of Foreign Language award is given to a person, institution, or business that champions the goal of world language education within the community. It looks for those who go above and beyond to promote the knowledge of world language and their cultures.
"I am greatly honored and proud for the recognition that Casa Italiana has received. This award recognizes the Casa for what it has become: a true center of Italian language and culture in the Rochester area," said Maria Rosaria Vitti-Alexander, Ph.D., director of the Casa Italiana and chair of Nazareth's Foreign Languages department.
The NYSAFLT said, "As world language teachers, we strive to develop proficient language skills as well as respect and appreciation for the diverse languages and cultures we teach. The Casa Italiana has created an impressive, multi-faceted program of Italian language instruction."
The Casa Italiana offers Italian language courses for all levels including children, teenagers, and adults, in addition to its regular curricular student body. It also offers culinary courses that combine italian food with the culture of local regions. The Nazareth and Rochester community can enjoy many classes on literature, history, and cinema. For years, the Casa has invited incredible international guest speakers and artists offering a diversity of subjects including politics, art, music, and dance.
"The Casa Italiana has become an important reference point for our community and we hope that it can only continue to represent the beauty of Italian culture," said Vitti-Alexander. "We are very grateful for this recognition, for it helps to encourage our dedication and commitment."
Note: Casa Italiana programs are on hiatus in keeping with health guidelines during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
Cooking class is one of the many cultural experiences at the Casa Italiana.