Rooted in Pride, Connected for the Future: Discover the Italian American Alumni Network!

October is Italian American Heritage Month — a vibrant tribute to the history, culture and deep-rooted contributions of Italian immigrants and their descendants that shape our communities. At Montclair State University, that rich heritage isn't just something we look back on, it’s a connection that brings us together today.

Now, in partnership with the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America, the Italian American Alumni Network (IAAN) is taking that energy even further by inviting alumni to cultural events throughout the month of October. The Coccia Institute advances and celebrates Italian American culture, serving as an engine for explorations into the rich history of Italians and Italianità —“Italian spirit”—in the United States in the arts and humanities, business and politics, foodways and popular culture. 

More Than a Connection - A Community of Italianità 

IAAN is designed to ignite a strong sense of pride, opening doors for alumni to reunite, build new personal and professional bridges and make a real impact at Montclair. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, mentor the next generation or simply stay connected to your roots, IAAN offers a home for your passion.

For many alumni, joining the network is a deeply personal way to honor where they came from while giving back to the place that helped launch their future.

"I’m excited to be involved with IAAN because my Italian heritage has always been an important part of who I am. My grandparents came to the United States from Italy, and growing up, I was fortunate to be surrounded by the traditions, values, food  and family connections that came with that heritage,” said Michelangelo Forgione '22 MBA. 

For many Red Hawks, joining the network isn't just about preserving tradition — it’s about actively shaping the university's future. By giving back, alumni create a bridge between their personal roots and the next generation of students. As Forgione highlights, staying involved with IAAN is a powerful way to turn gratitude for his college experience into meaningful impact:

“Being involved as an alum gives me an opportunity to stay connected to Montclair State University while also helping build a community for other Italian American alumni and students. Montclair State played an important role in my life, so I really value opportunities to remain connected to the university and give back in ways that are meaningful to me.”

“We hope you’ll join our meetup at Dante’s on October 28 and take this opportunity to raise your hand and get involved with the Italian American Alumni Network,” said Jeanne Marano, associate vice president for Alumni Engagement. “IAAN is about bringing alumni together — creating opportunities to network, build relationships, share our experiences and stay connected to Montclair. Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network, reconnect with fellow Red Hawks or simply meet others who share your Italian American heritage or interest, this is a great place to start. We’d love to have you join us and be part of what we’re building together. Check out the full calendar below for all the details.”

If you are interested in joining the network, please complete the survey here. 

Join us to Celebrate Italian Heritage Month 

Italian American Heritage Month isn't just about reflecting on the past, it’s about gathering, celebrating and creating new memories together. Check out how you can celebrate, connect and get involved this month!

2nd Annual Italian American Heritage Month Flag Raising Ceremony
October 7, 2026 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | Montclair State University Student Center Quad 

A reception following the flag raising will take place in the Student Center. This event is open to all members of the university community and beyond -- please join us in celebrating Italian American Heritage Month!

‘The Italian Job’ Book Launch Event 
October 7, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. | Montclair State University College of Communication and Media, Presentation Hall 

Join Jason Horowitz, former New York Times Rome Bureau Chief and author of his new book, The Italian Job. He will be in conversation with Mark Rotella, director of the Coccia Institute and Martina Santia, Assistant Professor of Political Communication.

This Coccia Institute event is co-presented with the Department of Political Science, Law, History, and Anthropology, the College of Communication and Media, and Watchung Booksellers.

The Musical The Reawakening of the Gods: A Conversation with Marco Savatteri Plus a...Divine Performance 
October 11, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Montclair Campus, Presentation Hall - College of Communication and Media

The Reawakening of the Gods company artists visiting from Italy will perform some excerpts from the musical along with students involved in its March 2026 English-language Public Reading. The selection presented will include songs in English and Italian to reflect the multi-cultural nature of the collaboration.

Teaching Italian Symposium/Workshops XIX: Lingue geniali: creare e collaborare
October 16, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Montclair State University, University Hall Conference Center 
We invite you to the annual professional development program for teachers of Italian, organized by the Coccia Institute for the Italian Experience in America and Prof.ssa Enza Antenos, Italian Program, Global Cultural Studies Department.

Italian American Alumni Network Meetup 

October 28, 2026 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Dante’s Restaurant 

Join us for a Happy Hour filled with great food, refreshing drinks and even better company. Whether you share Italian heritage or simply have a passion for Italian history, culture and amazing cuisine, you're invited!

Get in Touch

For any questions or more information, please feel free to reach out to Lauren Sagnella, associate director of Alumni Engagement, at lsagnella@montclair.edu. All alumni are welcome!