Professor honored in Europe

By Matthew Meyerhofer

Tonia Riviello, associate professor of modern languages at Santa Clara, received the Gold Plaque of the European Parliament this weekend in recognition of a class she taught last spring, "Women in Italian Cinema: The Impact of Globalization."

"I feel humble that I was assigned this great honor," Riviello said. "I owe it to my students and the university that gave me the chance to prepare myself for the course."

The award also recognizes the book, "Women in Italian Cinema" that Riviello edited, and which she described as the basis for the course. Riviello said the award was completely unexpected.

Riviello credits last year's Institute on Globalization with helping provide a foundation for the course, as well.

"To prepare myself for that, I followed the entire year series [in Globalization], which was an education in itself," Riviello said. "Sometimes it was a sacrifice to stay every night late, but it was worth it, and I'm glad I did."

The class was scheduled for the spring quarter so it could take advantage of the entire year-long institute on globalization. As part of the course, the class was invited to attend many of the globalization lectures.

Riviello competed with scholars and professors from all over the world for recognition at the Premio Penisola Sorrentina, an annual ceremony that recognizes achievements in Italian culture. The entries were analyzed by committees in Rome and the European Parliament, Riviello said.

The Gold Plaque of the European Parliament was presented to Riviello by the Honorable Claudio Azzolini, President of the Italian Parliamentary Delegation of the Consiglio D'Europa. This year's ceremony was particularly significant as it falls during the semester of the Italian Presidency of the Council.

The Council of Europe, formed in 1949, is an association of 45 European Countries whose purpose is to protect and promote human rights, parliamentary democracy, and the European cultural identity.

Many of Riviello's students said they appreciate the enthusiasm she brings to the classroom.

"She's been kind and open to me and willing to discuss anything," said Jon Tassone, a senior in one of Riviello's classes. "She's really good at helping me. Every time I've talked to her she's been warm and kind."

Contact Matthew Meyerhofer at (408) 554-4546 or at mmeyerhofer@scu.edu.