Student News
The second annual “Languages of Love” poetry event
Giovanni Hernandez worked with Italian instructor Rachel Samiani in preparation for the event. He selected the poem “Due” by Cesare Pavese and delivered a beautiful reading in Italian. Following his performance, he received compliments from professors and peers and shared with Samiani that he thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to take part in the event.
French students Aidan Niebauer and Cadi Darling offered a theatrical recitation of “L’extase d’un baiser” by François Tristan l’Hermite. Their presentation was enhanced by thoughtful use of props and expressive gestures that added depth and impact. Animated, energetic, and engaging, their performance highlighted how recitation strengthens students’ pronunciation skills and deepens their understanding of poetry in their world language.
Jax Moore worked closely with Professor Gerardo Pignatiello of Spanish to present Soneto XII by Lope de Vega in Spanish. The sonnet beautifully explores the powerful and conflicting emotions that define the experience of love. (Spring 2026)
Thank You, Angie, for an Exceptional Semester of Event Coordination!
Angie DiDomenico has served as our Italian event coordination intern this semester, and she has been a real asset to our team! She has co-hosted various events with me, including:
· Italian night, Charcuterie and Connections, Luca and pasta al pesto night, Day of the Dead, and more! She also co-hosted Italian Tables!
· Angie worked with faculty and other students, particularly of the Romance Languages Learning Community, to brainstorm and organize various events throughout the semester. She then works tirelessly to promote them around campus and in our department. What's more, she also comes to each event with pure enthusiasm and connects with our students while also educating them about cultural content researched or our language programs and course offerings. (Fall 2025)
Alumna Chloe Hamer Earns PhD, Publishes in Leading Journal
We’re proud to share that Dr. Chloe Hamer, who earned her BA in Comparative Literature in 2016 from SUNY Binghamton, has completed her PhD in English and Comparative Literature at UNC-Chapel Hill. Her award-winning dissertation focuses on 20th- and 21st-century Haitian literature, a topic she traces back to her formative experiences in Francophone Caribbean literature courses with French instructors in our Department of Romance Languages and Literatures. Dr. Hamer is now a Brittain Postdoctoral Fellow in the Writing and Communication Program at Georgia Tech. Her first academic article was recently published in the Journal of Haitian Studies, a leading publication in the field. Congratulations to Dr. Hamer on this outstanding achievement! (Fall 2025)
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
On October 7, 2025, students and faculty gathered to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a fun and engaging event. Everyone enjoyed delicious Latin food, lively music, and a dance workshop that introduced various Latin dance styles. The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures hosted this wonderful opportunity for the campus community to come together, learn about Hispanic cultures, and take part in a meaningful and joyful experience. (October 2025)
Anabelle Praud Heads to France!
We’re proud to share that recent French graduate Anabelle Praud has been selected for a prestigious English teaching assistantship in Orléans, France, for the 2025–2026 academic year through the highly competitive TAPIF program. Sponsored by Villa Albertine and the French Embassy in the U.S., TAPIF offers young educators the opportunity to teach English in French schools. Congratulations, Anabelle, on this exciting next step and for representing our department abroad with excellence! (2025–2026 academic year)
Viaje a España
We are back home after an unforgettable week in Spain. Despite the rain that followed us throughout the week, the students had an incredible experience exploring contemporary Spain. Professor Noureddine’s Contemporary Spain class was a great success, providing students with valuable insights and firsthand experiences that brought the lessons to life. It was truly enriching to see them immerse themselves in the culture and connect with the vibrant spirit of modern Spain. (March 2025)