Frank J. De Santis Lecture Series at CSU Long Beach: a first provocative and thought inspiring lecture

LONG BEACH, CA - Provocative and inspiring were the two words most widely used to describe the lecture given by Anthony J. Tamburri, PhD at the first Frank J. De Santis Lecture Series held March 23 at the George L. Graziadio Center for Italian Studies on the campus at CSU Long Beach. The lecture series was inspired by Commendatore Frank J. De Santis to bring the Italian – American community together in an intellectual manner that will provide students, educators and the public an opportunity to teach, learn, motivate and understand the Italian-American experience. The title was "Re-Thinking Italian American Studies in the Third Millennium, Where Have We Been? Where Can We Go?"

The event was an important beginning for the lecture series as this campus hosts the only accredited west coast Italian Studies course. The Chair of Italian Studies Program at CSU Long Beach is newly appointed Dr. Clorinda Donato who also spoke about the profound effect the lecture series will have on the Italian-Studies program and the recognition that the series brings to the Italian Studies. Gerry Riposa, Dean of the CSULB College of Liberal Arts, was the Master of Ceremonies. Riposa was excited to have the lecture series on campus and welcomed the program to the University. As an Italian- American, Riposa understood and has experienced the many aspects that have molded the Italian-American experience.

The lecture was heavily attended to an overflow crowd of over 200 in attendance. Tamburri, Dean of the Hon. D. Calandra Italian American Institute of Queens College / CUNY and Professor of Italian and Italian –American Studies at the University of New York, presented a very detailed and thought provoking lecture about what Italian immigrants and their subsequent families have experienced, in his words “the notion of Italian Americana is both a “back and forth” and “to and from”.

“The immigrant remains suspended between two worlds”. He said that not only the immigrant but their families and generations thereon also face some of the “two world” characterizations. He spoke about how Italians in Italy are now reading and becoming educated about the Italian-American experience and that native Italians often do not read or have interest in books or literature by Italian-Americans. In fact many Italian-Americans use American sounding pen names to promote and sell a book in Italy. This was one example of the thought-provoking lecture that drew comments and questions from the crowd.

The lecture series was concluded by remarks from Hon. Nicola Faganello, Consul General of Italy who was appreciative of the lecture and its impact on the Southern California community. He noted that many aspects of the lecture were provocative and thought inspiring. The Consul has been very active as the representative for Italy in Southern California. He has made great efforts to be an active part of the Italian-American community and has participated in almost every Italian event. He congratulated Chairman Frank J. De Santis, and Co-chairman Robert J. Barbera on the success of a first of its kind lecture-series.

Culturally the Italian-American experience has greatly contributed to the American scene, not only in food, fashion and fun but also in art, literature, science and education. The lecture series seeks to acknowledge, learn, explore and understand what Italian Americana is to Italian- Americans as well as what it has contributed to American culture.

L’Italo-Americano Staff