May 2025
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
From the time it was chartered in 1985, the mission of the Dante Alighieri Society of Denver was to not only celebrate and share the Italian culture but to also ensure that it would continue its relevance across generations. To that end, the founders decided to provide scholarships to qualified local college students who would be studying in Italy. Over the past forty years, the Society has awarded over $400,000 in both academic and music scholarships to hundreds of young people, enabling them to expand their education at the epicenter of Italian culture, language, music, and history – Italy!
Several years ago, the Dante Alighieri Society realized the importance of acknowledging the impact Italian women have had not only on our Italian community but also on our society as a whole. With the establishment of the Donne di Merito Award, recognition is now given to those women, both historical and contemporary, who have made exceptional contributions to the Dante Alighieri Society’s mission of celebrating and sharing the Italian culture.
On Sunday May 4, 2025 at the Annual Awards Luncheon, those students and women selected by their respective committees were recognized and presented with their awards. As those who have attended this inspiring event in the past will affirm, this is one of the highlights of the year for our Society. I thank all who attended and look forward to seeing you at future events.
Spero di vederti lì, John Giardino
LANGUAGE CLASS UPDATE
Our Italian School is thriving! We’re proud to currently offer 18 classes led by 7 dedicated instructors, with options available both in person during the day and via Zoom—attracting students from across the country.
The Spring Term will conclude the week of June 2nd, and the Summer Term begins the week of June 23rd. Summer registration opens June 2nd and will close on June 20th.
To better support our advanced learners, we’re working on introducing simple placement assessments for upper-level classes. Our goal is to help students build greater fluency—especially for those preparing for a future trip to Italy!
DONNE DI MERITO AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS 2025
Our Society gathered to celebrate its annual Awards Luncheon on Sunday, May 4, and was proud to honor this year’s Donne di Merito recipients and to present scholarships to six outstanding university students who will be studying in Italy over the next year. Those attending enjoyed the fine cuisine and picturesque atmosphere of the renowned Mt. Vernon Canyon Club.
This year’s winners of the Donne di Merito awards are Joannie Velotta Flynn and Regina Adducci. The award is given annually to women who have made contributions to the promotion, maintenance, and preservation of Italian culture. Recipients can be either living or deceased. Joannie Flynn is honored for her many years of service to Italian organizations in the Denver Metro area. Regina Adducci received the award in recognition of her many contributions to the Dante Alighieri Society and for her splendid artwork, which is a lasting gift of beauty to Colorado. Family and friends of both women were in attendance.
Alyssa Byrne of the University of Colorado Boulder was awarded the Jason Modlich Memorial Scholarship to pursue her study of the violin at Orvieto Musica this summer in Orvieto, Italy. She and Rosanna Patrona-Aurand, our Music Scholarship Chairperson, opened the event with a violin and piano performance.
The Giulio Marcantonio Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Kiley Traynor from the University of Denver who will study in Sorrento next fall at the CIS Sant’Anna Institute. Gracie McClendon from the University of Colorado Boulder was the recipient of the Gianfranco Marcantonio Memorial Scholarship for her study in the spring semester of 2026 at the ISA Florence Program of Business, Hospitality, Design and Liberal Arts. Dante Alighieri Society Scholarships were awarded to three students from the University of Denver: Sylvia Barnes, who will study in the fall at the Universita’ Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan; Clarissa Diaz, who will spend the fall in Rome at John Cabot University; Kimberly Guevara, who will attend the Lorenzo de’ Medici International Institute in Florence in the fall.
This event is a highlight of the year’s activities and would not be possible without the support of all who have contributed to our scholarship fund. A special “thank-you” goes to members of the Scholarship Committee and to our Board for their hard work and continued support to make this occasion memorable for all who attended.
“Will cannot be quenched against its will.”
―
In Memoriam: Pope Francis
With deep sorrow and reverence, we join the global community in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. A spiritual leader known for his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to peace, Pope Francis touched the hearts of millions around the world—regardless of faith.
As the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy, his legacy is marked by a deep concern for the marginalized, a call to care for our common home, and a vision of the Church rooted in mercy and inclusivity. His gentle strength and profound wisdom guided the Catholic Church through a time of great change and challenge, always with a message of hope.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Requiescat in pace.
TIPS ON ITALY by Tonya Clement
How Italians Really Eat Pizza
(Hint: It’s Not By the Slice)
When you imagine grabbing a slice of pizza, you might think of New York-style folds or takeaway boxes. But in Italy — the birthplace of pizza — things are very different. Pizza here is not just food; it’s a ritual.
And spoiler alert: Italians don't casually eat slices on the go. Let’s dive into how Italians really enjoy their pizza, and how you can do it like a local!
Pizza Is a Sit-Down Experience
In Italy, pizza is something you sit down to savor, not something you eat walking down the street. When Italians go out for pizza (often with family or friends), they go to a pizzeria, sit at a table, and order their own whole pizza — yes, a full, personal-sized pizza. There’s no sharing a pie unless you're specifically splitting, and no ordering by the slice (except at some pizza al taglio shops — but more on that later).
Knife and Fork? Yes, Sometimes.
When that steaming, perfectly baked pizza arrives, most Italians start eating it with a knife and fork.
Especially if the pizza is:
- Hot and gooey (like a Neapolitan-style pizza with a soft center)
- Loaded with toppings
- In a more formal setting
That said, once it cools down a bit, many Italians casually pick up the slices with their hands too. It’s flexible — just don’t drip sauce all over yourself!
Tip: In Naples, you’ll often see people fold their slice ("a libretto") into quarters for easier eating.
Classic Toppings Only, Please
Forget pineapple, ranch dips, or heavy loaded pizzas. In Italy, less is more. Traditional toppings are simple and balanced:
GETTING TO KNOW BASILICATA, ITALY
A Region of Mystery, Heritage, and Natural Wonder
Basilicata, tucked between the better-known regions of Puglia, Campania, and Calabria, is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Located in the southern part of the country, this rugged and enchanting region is known for its ancient towns, dramatic landscapes, and rich traditions. With its deep-rooted history, stunning natural parks, and unique culinary flavors, Basilicata invites travelers to explore a side of Italy that remains authentically untouched.
Here are some interesting aspects of Basilicata:
Economy:
Basilicata’s economy has long been based on agriculture, with a focus on wheat, olives, and wine production. It is also known for its sheep and goat farming, leading to high-quality cheeses and meats. In recent years, tourism has become an important economic driver, especially thanks to Matera’s rise to fame as a European Capital of Culture in 2019. Small-scale artisanal production, renewable energy (particularly wind and solar), and a growing wine industry are increasingly important for the region’s economic future.
Architecture:
Basilicata’s architecture tells a story that spans millennia. The most iconic example is found in Matera’s Sassi, ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone rock, which form one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world and are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region is also home to medieval castles, Romanesque churches, and baroque palaces scattered across its rugged landscape. Each town and village offers a glimpse into a different era of history, from Greek and Roman influences to medieval and Renaissance artistry.
TRAVEL REFLECTIONS BLOG
Travel Reflections, our community blog that celebrates your captivating travel stories! This is your chance to transport readers to the enchanting corners of Italy through your experiences. Whether you've uncovered a hidden gem in Sicily or wandered the scenic vineyards of Tuscany, we want to hear your unique tales.
Ready to contribute? It’s easy! Just fill out our simple online form and let your unique stories weave a vibrant tapestry of Italy’s culture. Don’t miss the chance to spark curiosity and inspire others—submit your story today and celebrate the magic of travel with our community!
DANTE GLOBAL - A BENEFIT FOR OUR MEMBERS
The Dante Alighieri Society is a worldwide organization with chapters in 60 countries. Members of our local chapter will soon have access to Dante Global which offers information on numerous cultural experiences and a variety of Italian language classes including in-person classes in five Italian cities.
The website www.dante.global will give you an overview of Dante Global. In order to sign in to the site it will be necessary for you to fill out a form and receive a numbered card from The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver. In the near future we will have the form posted on our website along with our new branding.
ITALIAN COMMUNITY CALENDAR - NEW
Discover the New Italian Community Calendar!
As we look ahead and continue celebrating the vibrant Italian community here in Colorado, we’re excited to introduce something special just for you: Our New Italian Community Calendar!
Why You’ll Love the New Calendar:
- A Hub for All Italian Events
From cooking classes to cultural festivals and wine tastings, now it’s easier than ever to discover Italian-themed events happening across Colorado — all in one place!
- Easy Access to New Experiences
Finding your next Italian adventure is simple. Our online calendar is updated regularly, making it effortless to stay connected with everything happening in the community.
Let’s celebrate, connect, and grow together!
We’re thrilled to be your go-to source for all things Italian in Colorado. Whether you’re attending events, discovering new traditions, or meeting fellow enthusiasts, our calendar is here to keep you informed and inspired.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
As some of you may know, our previous Dante Facebook page was suspended a couple of months ago. Despite several attempts to resolve the issue, we were unable to get a response. As a result, we've decided to create a brand-new page. You can now find us at www.facebook.com/dasdenver.
While we’re still in the process of transferring some of our content, rest assured that we’re working diligently to get everything in place.
How You Can Help
- We would greatly appreciate it if you could visit our new page, give us a "Like," and "Follow" so you can stay up to date with all of our latest news.
Our new Facebook page will be active, informative, and an excellent resource for keeping up with everything Italian in our community.
The Dante Alighieri Society of Denver exists to share and celebrate
the richness of the Italian culture and language with the entire community.
