Photo above courtesy of the Center for Italian Culture Collection of the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library.
During the 2025-2026 academic year, Fitchburg State University’s Center for Italian Culture celebrates the enduring nature of Italian culture and civilization with programming highlighting perseverantia, which is the motto of Fitchburg State University. The Latin term perseverantia carries a range of meanings, including steadfastness, perseverance, and even obstinacy. In keeping with the university’s motto, our 2025-2026 programming will highlight individuals, events, practices, and traditions that exemplify the lasting quality of Italian culture and civilization.
Upcoming Event
Spring 2026 “Film & Feast” event
VITA LUNGA e BELLA: Why Many Italians Live Long and Well
Thursday, April 30, 2026
5:30 p.m.
Falcon Pub, Hammond Hall
Join us for an exclusive “Film & Feast” evening celebrating the profound synergy between art, nourishment, and a life well-lived.
The night begins with a screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary Viva Verdi! (2024), an intimate glimpse into the lives of distinguishes opera singers and musicians currently living out their “third act” while mentoring international music students who live among them at Milan’s unique retirement home Casa Verdi, built by Giuseppe Verdi in 1896. This moving film reveals how a lifelong devotion to music serves as a “living masterpiece” of longevity, following residents aged 77 to 107 who prove that relentless passion and the act of creation can defy the aging process.
Following the screening, enjoy a curated dinner hosted virtually by Fred Plotkin—the “renaissance man” of opera, food, and wine. A Cavaliere della Stella d’Italia and self-described “pleasure activist,” Plotkin will lead a spirited conversation on the soulful connections between Italian gastronomy and endurance. He will share insights on how the traditional Italian diet—anchored in fresh, seasonal ingredients and the “slow” appreciation of every sense—sustains both the voice and the spirit for a lifetime of performance.
Tickets will be available soon
Past Events
Conference on Italian Studies, March 21, 2026
October is Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month
Each October, the United States recognizes the many important contributions of Italians and Italian-Americans by celebrating Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month. Italian-Americans have played significant roles that have helped to shape the social, cultural, economic, and political fabric of the United States, leaving indelible marks on many aspects of American life. Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month provides an opportunity to celebrate these invaluable contributions.
For the month of October, the Center for Italian Culture has several events planned. We hope that you will join us!
Un’altra serata trivia Italian-American Trivia Night
After the success of last year’s trivia night, the Center for Italian Culture invites you to join us again for un’altra serata trivia – another exciting evening of food, fun, and trivia that will test your knowledge of all things Italian!
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. (Doors opened at 5 p.m.)
Location: Falcon Pub, Hammond Hall
Cost: $10
What to Expect:
- Team Trivia Fun: Participants will compete in teams of six, so gather your friends or make new ones on the spot! Whether you're an expert in Italian history, culture, or food – or just here for a good time – this event is for you!
- Tasty Treats: Your ticket price includes participation in the trivia competition and a delicious selection of cicchetti (Italian-style appetizers) prepared by Chartwells.
- Italian Drinks: A variety of Italian wines and beers will be available for purchase at the Falcon Pub bar.
- Prizes and Laughter: With exciting prizes up for grabs, plenty of laughs, and great company, you won’t want to miss this evening of friendly competition celebrating the enduring contributions of Italians and Italian Americans to history, politics, the arts and culture!
The First King: Birth of an Empire (Il primo re) (2019)
To mark the beginning of Italian-American Heritage Month, the Center for Italian Culture will screen the Italian action and adventure film, The First King: Birth of an Empire (Il primo re) (2019). This historical drama, which was directed by Matteo Rovere, presents the classic story of two brothers destined to found the greatest empire the world has ever seen – but only one can rule! This action-packed cinematic re-telling of the story of Romulus and Remus is set in the 8th century BC. All of the dialogue in the film is spoken in archaic Latin, an early form of the Latin language of ancient Rome. English subtitles will be provided.
The First King: Birth of an Empire (Il primo re) (2019) screened on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 3:30 p.m. in the Ellis White Lecture Hall (Hammond Hall, Rm. G-01). Admission is free and open to the public.