George and Reva Graziadio brought The Italian Chair Campaign at CSULB to fruition in 1997 with a generous naming gift and founded The George L. Their contribution, together with the community monies and matching funds from the University, made the CSULB Italian Chair Campaign a model of community-university collaboration benefitting students through the establishment of degree and credential progr
ams. Graziadio Center for Italian Studies is a tangible expression of George and Reva Graziadio’s uniquely philanthropic educational vision and their commitment to Italian Studies as a global resource in all professional endeavors. Graziadio Center of Italian Studies has become a landmark in California Italian Studies education. With thriving BA and MA programs in Italian Studies, the subject matter program for the teaching credential in Italian, and the establishment of the annual Frank J. De Santis Lectureship on Italian-American issues, the George L. Graziadio Center represents the future. The Center’s continuing relationship with the community will ensure the permanence and future growth of our presence. In 2020, Dr. Enrico Vettore was appointed The George L. Graziadio Chair of Italian Studies, a position previously occupied by Dr. Clorinda Donato, who has since established the Clorinda Donato Center for Global Romance Languages and Translation Studies. Dr. Vettore's plans include continuing the expansion of curricular offerings within the various programs; encouraging student interest in the study and internship abroad programs currently available; and cultivating a diverse corps of instructors and professionals who deliver the highest standards of instruction to the students in the Italian Studies Program.
