On March 15, the broader Chapman Italian Studies community came together for a day dedicated to exploring and celebrating the human dimension of scientific inquiry. Guided and inspired by the core mission of the Ferrucci Institute—to uncover the universal meaning within Italy’s rich history and cultural fabric—two signature events took place. The day was held under the auspices of the Consulate General of Italy and the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Los Angeles and drew hundreds of guests.

The day began with the annual Italian Perspective, highlighting the ingenuity, creativity, and aspirations that have long characterized Italy’s pursuit of space exploration. The program showcased Italy’s remarkable contributions to astronomy and to the aerospace sector, thanks to the insights of Ferrucci Institute Fellows in space studies, art, and engineering, as well as featured speakers from NASA, the European Space Agency, and Virgin Galactic.