Throughout the semester we invite some of the city’s most interesting figures to come and talk about their work and answer questions about Italian life. Here are some examples:
Dr. Silvia Pieraccini, a journalist for the Italian national daily newspaper "Il Sole 24 Ore" came to discuss the phenomenon of Chinese immigration in Prato. Silvia is the author of a book about Prato’s Chinese community called L’Assedio di Prato (The Siege of Prato). She engaged our students with interactive games so that the lesson was instructive and also fun!
Judge Jaqueline Magi, Lawyer Martina Moscardi and Lawyer Valentina Sanfelice led a comparative discussion with New Haven students about the Italian legal system and the American legal system. Students were fascinated to hear the personal experiences of Italian experts dealing with the challenges of working in a multicultural setting like Prato. This event of particular value to Dr. Vesna Markovic and New Haven Criminal Justice students.
Police Officer Luca Gorrone, who is in charge of the Immigration department in Prato, took time out to come and speak with UNH students on several occasions. Our Criminal Justice majors were especially interested to hear what officer Gorrone had to say about immigration, criminality and public safety in Italy.
Local councillor for public security Aldo Milone came to speak about Italy's struglle with organised crime and the various Mafias that have come to dominate certain areas of the country.
UNH students paid a visit to the town hall where they met with Mayor Roberto Cenni and learned about the structure of local government. The mayor expressed his delight to see the University of New Haven settled in Prato, and wished us all well in our studies.
Students also visited the headquarters of the Province of Prato where they were greeted by Lamberto Gestri, President of the Province. President Gestri spoke about the enthusiasm and commitment of the local authorities towards the University of New Haven Tuscany Campus.
Well-known photographer Nino Ceccatelli came to show students his photographs of New York, and took the opportunity to help us judge a student photography competition. Nino gave us a great opportunity to compare and contrast an Italian's view of the US with our students' views of Italy.
We had a great presentation from Luigi Salvioli, local author and one of the curators of the "Coveri Story" Exhibition in Prato.
