Seton Hall University's Charles and Joan Alberto Italian Studies Institute will host Giuseppe Catozzella as its Visiting Fellow for the month of October. On Monday, October 16, at 6 p.m. in the Walsh Library Beck Rooms, in collaboration with the School of Diplomacy, Catozzella will deliver his lecture, titled "The Era of Silence: Memory and Migrations." The lecture is a reflection, through literature and current events, on a defining issue of our time: migration -- particularly in the Mediterranean, towards Italy -- and how we understand it on the basis of our past history. 

During his time at Seton Hall, Catozzella will research for his newest project, a novel based on Emanuel Carnevali, a 20th century Italian poet. "I am very pleased and honored to have been selected as a Seton Hall's Fellow and Scholar because this gives me the opportunity not only to appreciate the U.S. educational system, but also to play a small part within the Italian Studies Department and the Alberto Institute," says Catozzella. 

Catozzella is the author of numerous short stories and literary novels, including his award-winning novel Don't Tell Me You Are Afraid, based on the true story of Somalian Olympic runner Samia Yusuf Omar. Omar competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but tragically passed away while trying to cross the Mediterranean en route to London for the 2012 Olympics. The book won the prestigious Premio Strega Giovani Italian award, was translated into multiple languages and was later made into a documentary. 

"For me, as an author, it is always a wonderful experience to contribute in bringing my language and culture abroad, and especially to younger students," says Catozzella. 

Catozzella is also a noted journalist, having worked with such well known Italian newspapers as La Repubblica, L'espresso and Il Fatto quotidiano. He has also been nominated by the United Nations to be a Goodwill Ambassador for his work in bringing awareness to the refugee crisis. 

Seton Hall's Visiting Fellowship is a coveted position, with applicants from all over the world. This year, applications were received from England, Italy, Russia, Poland, Belgium, Ireland, Israel and many more. Through the Fellowship, a scholar is chosen to come to Seton Hall for a month to advance their projects through study. During their time here, they conduct research using the rich collection of Italian books in the Valente Italian Library (which contains more than 20,000 volumes), give a public lecture at the Alberto Italian Institute, and spend time in class with students of Italian. 

"I created the Visiting Fellowship at the Alberto Italian Studies Institute in 2012 as an attempt to promote exchanges between the Italian Studies program at Seton Hall University and the international community of scholars of Italian," says Gabriella Romani, associate professor and director of the Alberto Italian Studies Institute. She adds, "It is a great opportunity for our students and members of the Alberto Italian Studies Institute to come in contact with young scholars of Italy and hear about new and exciting research projects. This semester, students will have the chance to ask questions about the book they just read, to the author himself. What a treat!"