The Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America

10/06/2026

We at the Coccia Institute are devastated by this news about the passing of Joe Sciorra. He was a great friend, scholar, and a true impresairo within our Italian American community. We send love to his life partner, Zulma Ortiz Fuentes, and his family.

This morning we received a devastating phone call from Zulma Ortiz Fuentes about the passing of her life partner and our dear friend and colleague, Joseph Sciorra. We wanted to share her post with you.

10/01/2026

Join the Coccia Institute for the 2nd Annual Italian American Heritage Month flag raising at MSU! 🇮🇹

The Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America is thrilled to host the 2nd Annual Italian American Heritage Month Flag Raising at Montclair State University. Join us for a celebration of Italian American culture as we recognize the contributions of Italian American students, faculty, and staff to our campus community.

This event will take place on Wednesday, October 7th at 1pm at the Student Center Flagpole area (right next to the Student Center building). All members of the university community and beyond are invited to attend this celebration. A reception following the flag raising will take place in the Student Center.

RSVP via the embedded link, or at

The Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America is thrilled to present the 2nd Annual Italian American Heritage Month Flag Raising at Montclair State University, an endeavor that celebrates the Italian American culture and contributions made by Italian American faculty, staff, and student...

09/23/2026

All are welcome to join us on Wednesday, October 7th, at Montclair State University, as Jason Horowitz, former New York Times Rome Bureau Chief, launches his book The Italian Job. Jason will be in conversation with Mark Rotella, director of the Coccia Institute and Martina Santia, Assistant Professor of Political Communication.

This event will take place in the College of Communication and Media, Presentation Hall, at 6pm. This Coccia Institute event is co-presented with the Department of Political Science, Law, History, and Anthropology, the College of Communication and Media, and Watchung Booksellers

RSVP Here: https://forms.gle/3Jr64FutTUUAG5RB8
OR Scan the QR code on the flyer.

09/23/2026

The Coccia Institute and the Global Cultural Studies Department at Montclair State University are beyond excited to present Gina Miele, professor of Italian, in conversation with Director Mark Rotella.

The event will take place on Thursday, October 1st, at 6:30pm at Watchung Booksellers, 54 Fairfield St, Watchung Plaza, Montclair, NJ. All are welcome to attend.

RSVP Here: https://watchungbooksellers.com/events/6107620261001
OR Scan the QR code on the flyer.

Tickets are $5.00. Note: Students are always free of charge and they should email [email protected] to register.

09/21/2026

Registration is NOW OPEN for the 19th annual Teaching Italian Symposium/Workshops XIX: Lingue geniali: creare e collaborare, our annual professional development program for teachers of Italian, organized by the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America and Prof.ssa Enza Antenos, Italian Program, Global Cultural Studies Department.

This year’s event will be held on Friday, October 16, from 9:00am-3:30pm in the University Hall Conference Center (7th Floor) at Montclair State University.

REGISTER NOW in order to ensure your spot at TI19 and to prioritize your requests for participation in two of the four featured workshops.

Link: https://forms.gle/ucs6AvByjKBpvfa9A

07/17/2026

Adriana Trigiani comments on the "chiaroscuro" of the Italian temperament, and putting people "on the island" in connection to her novel "The View from Lake Como".

Video credits to Montclair Literary Festival. This clip is from Adriana Trigiani in conversation with Mark Rotella, Director of the Coccia Institute.

07/13/2026

Adriana Trigiani shares her connection to the character Giuseppina, protagonist of her novel "The View from Lake Como".

Video credits to Montclair Literary Festival. This clip is from Adriana Trigiani in conversation with Mark Rotella, Director of the Coccia Institute.

06/25/2026

On Wednesday, May 6th, Adriana Trigiani was in conversation with Mark Rotella, Director of the Coccia Institute. The Coccia Institute partnered with the Montclair Literary Festival in the co-presentation of this event.

05/27/2026

By NYPL Staff: "The New York Public Library today announced the acquisition of the professional and personal archive of Gay Talese, the pioneering journalist, bestselling author, and leading light of the New Journalism movement. The collection documents in scrupulous detail over 80 years of Talese’s life and career, from his earliest high school bylines to his most influential works of reportage, including his groundbreaking Esquire article 'Frank Sinatra Has a Cold.'"

Read the full article below:

The definitive archive spans 80 years and provides unprecedented insight into the life and work of the New Journalism pioneer. 

04/30/2026

REMINDER: Please join Mark Rotella, Director of the Coccia Institute in conversation with bestselling author Adriana Trigiani on WEDNESDAY, May 6th from 7:00-8:30pm. This is a co-sponsored event with the Coccia Institute and the Montclair Literary Festival.

See details and tickets below:

La Dolce Vita Just in Time for Summer and Now in Paperback! Beloved New York Times bestselling author Adriana Trigiani brings us The View From Lake Como, a novel about one woman’s quest to build her own life before it’s too late.

 You will not want to miss this event at 7:00pm on Wednesd