Institute of Italian Studies Establishes a New Award for Lakehead University

Members of the Institute of Italian Studies

The Institute of Italian Studies has graciously donated $15,000 to Lakehead University to establish the Institute of Italian Studies Graduate Award.

This award will support a Masters or PhD student who is conducting research aligned with the mandate of the Institute in the “promotion, appreciation, research and study of the Italian language, Italian-Canadian culture and history with a special but not exclusive reference to Northwestern Ontario”.

Lakehead University has had a longstanding partnership and interconnected relationship with the Institute of Italian Studies. Since 2013, a gift of $36,000 from the Institute has supported the Cortona Project, a life-changing cultural experience that has brought international exchange students to beautiful Tuscany, enriching the educational experience for participating students to study abroad.

"I thank the Institute of Italian Studies for their exceptional support of our students through its Graduate Award and exchange program," said Lakehead’s President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson.

“Through this award and the Institute’s ongoing support of Lakehead University, our students and the people of Thunder Bay gain a further appreciation of the rich cultural heritage and positive impact of our Italian community,” he added.

In addition to supporting student scholarships, the Institute has assumed fundraising activities for the University, most notably with the 2005 challenge issued by Dr. Arthur Mauro. The Institute of Italian Studies promoted the challenge to the Thunder Bay Italian community, raising over $150,000 which was matched by Dr. Mauro with an additional $150,000 towards the Advanced Technology and Academic Centre (ATAC) capital campaign and a Chair in Italian Studies.

The generosity and enthusiasm of the Institute of Italian Studies and its members in supporting Italian culture has provided Lakehead University students with an exceptional and unconventional learning environment and experience that will last a lifetime. 

Grazie mille to the Institute of Italian Studies Board of Directors.