RIT marked the 20th anniversary of its experiential learning programs in Genoa, Italy, with an event at the historic Palazzo Doria-Tursi, which houses Genoa’s city hall. The celebration, organized in collaboration with Door to Italy, an esteemed language school in Genoa that partners with RIT on the programs, highlighted the success of RIT’s study abroad and work abroad initiatives, which have enriched students’ academic and professional experiences over the past two decades.

Faculty in RIT’s Modern Languages and Cultures department received an International Research and Studies grant from the U.S. Department of Education to fund the development of new materials and curricula for Chinese, Italian, and Spanish courses that focus on STEAM. Associate Professor Zhong Chen, Principal Lecturer Elisabetta D’Amanda, and Department Chair Sara Armengot will spend the next three years developing, testing, and implementing the new materials in the classroom.

Elisabetta D'Amanda, principal lecturer of Italian in the College of Liberal Arts' Modern Languages and Cultures Department, had her 2008 film, "As Good As Bread," given an Award of Exceptional Merit in the Depth of Focus International Film Festival in January.