Dr. Joanne D’Angelo and Marie A. Vitarelli of UNICO Waterbury presented a $500 check to the Middlebury Historical Society in support of the Rochambeau Monument Project last week. Dr. D’Angelo serves as Local Charity Chair, and Ms. Vitarelli is a member of UNICO’s Board of Directors. Dr. Robert L. Rafford, president of the Middlebury Historical Soci...

Dear Colleagues,We are pleased to introduce a new initiative for the upcoming school year—the AP Italian Mentorship Program! This program is designed to foster collaboration, support, and professional growth among educators engaging with the AP Italian Language and Culture course*. Whether you are looking for guidance and resources at the AP Italia...

In the best-case scenario, it takes over twelve years in Italy for a university degree to “pay for itself.” For students who study away from home, that timeline stretches beyond fourteen years. There’s no doubt that a college degree holds financial value—it does translate into better pay. A recent report shows that non-graduates earn an average gro...

The Hazleton Chapter of UNICO granted annual scholarships to four successful applicants. Hazleton UNICO grants these scholarships each year to help area graduates pursue their higher education goals. Each successful applicant was awarded $1,500 to be used for their tuition or other associated school costs. One technical school scholarship was award...

On June 11, 2025, the Orange/West Orange Chapter (O/WO) of UNICO National held its annual scholarship dinner at the Hanover Manor in East Hanover, NJ.  Chapter President and Scholarship Chair Frank V. Gonnella presided over the evening.   The Chapter awards scholarships to students from West Orange High School (WOHS) and Seton Hall Prep.  Scholarsh...

The College of Arts and Sciences at Loyola University Chicago has announced that Dr. Nancy Caronia will start on August 11, 2025, as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of English, as the Paul and Ann Rubino Endowed Professorship of Italian American Studies. Dr. Caronia earned her PhD in English and cultural studies from the Univer...

Ryan Calabretta-Sajder, associate professor of Italian and director of International and Global Studies, was named chief reader of the College Board's Advanced Placement examination in Italian Language and Culture. Calabretta-Sajder first joined the AP Italian team as a development committee member in 2018. He served as a higher education member un...

On Tuesday, June 10, David Brearley Middle School hosted its annual awards ceremony to celebrate academic excellence, leadership, and community service.  The event was led by Principal John Perillo of David Brearley Middle High School and middle school guidance counselor Mrs. Megan Harrison, whose tireless dedication to the students is a shining ex...

Education plays a crucial role in shaping young individuals and societies. While every country has its own approach to education, Italy and the United States have distinct systems that reflect their unique histories, values, and culture. By examining the structure in both Italy and the United States by speaking with a student from the university in...

What a community we have here. That was one of the points Elizabeth Riter, chosen by the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation as its Outstanding Italian American for 2025, made when she stepped up to the podium to accept the honor. “I want to thank Paolo Busti for a 40-plus year tradition in this community. That’s really incredible,” Riter said. “The Ba...