Students and staff enjoy Italian food, music

by Linsey Heiser assistant news editor

"Stasera in Italia!" or ''Tonight in Italy!" for the non-Italians was the theme on Friday night, Dec. 3 in the Grace Hall Atrium.

Massimo Musumeci, lecturer of romance languages, held an Italian party, which included Italian food, music and fun.

The evening began with three guest speakers, each of who discussed different aspects of Italy.

Roger Kashlack, a professor at Loyola University, spoke on his experiences as an American in Italy. According to Kashlack, the most significant difference between Americans and Italians is time. To Italians, time is not critical. They don't worry about deadlines as much as Americans do.

Kashlack also mentioned other differences between Americans and Italians, such as closeness, business and attitude.

The second speaker was Anthony Colavita, M.D., who spoke on the differences in the health care systems of the United States and Italy. The main difference is that in Italy there is universal health insurance and an overabundance of doctors.

Also, if Italians feel a change in health care- is necessary, they will change it.

The final speaker was John Costa, a former referee of the United Soccer League. Costa spoke on the cultural impact of soccer in Italy. According to Costa, Italy has the best soccer players in the world. Not only is it a sport, it is a passion. One game can set the mood in Italy for weeks.

After the speakers, everyone was served a delicious, authentic Italian meal. The meal consisted of pasta, chicken, pork, potatoes and bread.

"It was an excellent meal, and 1 was very impressed with the organization and preparation," junior Katie Mirek said The evening concluded with a disc jockey playing Italian music; which participants danced to.

·•1had a really good time," Mirek said. "It was a good time to socialize and meet some new people."

The party was sponsored by the students of Phi Sigma Iota, Cabrini's foreign language honor society.