Italian Alumni in the USA: Shaping America, Elevating Italy
Welcome to a new editorial space on We the Italians, dedicated to the vibrant network of Italian University Alumni Chapters across the United States. Italian excellence travels, innovates, and leaves a profound mark on the global stage. Across New York and the entire US, brilliant graduates of Italy’s premier universities are actively shaping finance, technology, medicine, law, design and culture.
A "Chapter of Chapters"
A collaborative "chapter of chapters" for Italian University alumni in New York is the initial steppingstone to shaping America and elevating Italy by giving back. Italian University Alumni are shaping America by bringing Italian excellence, culture, knowledge, language, and ways of thinking to the USA.
To achieve this ambitious vision, the presidents of the New York alumni chapters from Italy's most prestigious universities met at the Italian consulate. Under the guidance of Italian Consul General Giuseppe Pastorelli, they laid the groundwork for this initiative: creating a unified network connecting all Italian Alumni University chapters in NY first and then in all US territory.
Why an Enlarged Network?
An alumni network linking Italian universities in the USA naturally bridges the gap between transatlantic professionals, fostering career mobility, academic partnerships, and mentorship. However, this alone was not enough for the Chapter Presidents. They wanted to innovate by connecting with all Italian companies currently excelling in the US—or those that will in the future—acting as a powerful Italian “megaphone” powered by the diverse expertise of expatriate professionals.
Furthermore, in concert with the Italian Consul General, an additional idea formed the ultimate backbone of this challenging project: bringing US students to Italian Universities. The goal is to build a bridge that facilitates US students taking semesters or full master's courses at excellent Italian institutions. Together, the Italian Consulate and the Chapter of Chapters are becoming a super-evangelist structure. Not only do they emphasize the beauty and uniqueness of Italy—from possessing the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world (61) to hosting incredible plant biodiversity (7,000 varieties of edible plants) in just 0.20% of the Earth’s total landmass—but they are also becoming a strong US voice for Italian corporate and academic excellence.
Founding Universities Several of the most prestigious Italian universities embraced this "chapter of chapters" idea from the very beginning:
- Bocconi University, Milan (link) with Francesca Coloni as chapter Leader (Alumni chapter)
- Luiss Guido Carli University, Rome (link) with Fosco Riani as chapter leader (Alumni Chapter)
- UNICATT - Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan (link) with Tommaso Mazzarella as chapter leader (Alumni Chapter)
- POLIMI - Polytechnic University, Milan (link) with Gabriele Rossi and Annalisa Conti as chapter leaders (Alumni Chapter)
- UNIBO - University of Bologna, Bologna (link) with Lydia Ferrarese as chapter leader (Alumni Chapter)
- UNIPD - University of Padova, Padova (link) with Beatrice De Bacco as chapter leader (Alumni Chapter)
- Ca’ Foscari – University of Venice, Venice (link) with Andrea Dal Santo as chapter leader (Alumni Chapter)
- IED – European Institute of Design (link) with Gabriel Zangari as chapter leader (Alumni Chapter)
The Chapter of Chapters remains an open structure that always welcomes new Italian University chapters, maintaining its core focus of Shaping America & Elevating Italy by Giving Back.
The Inaugural Italian Alumni Summer Aperitivo
To officially build this network, the chapters organized an inaugural "Italian Alumni Rooftop Party" and Summer Aperitivo on June 30th. Held at Spring Place—an amazing location managed by Italian managers—the event brought together over 300 Italians across New York.
It was an unforgettable event where fellow alumni from different Italian universities were able to meet and greet while enjoying an amazing view, great music, and true Italian food. The evening also featured special guest Italian Consul General Giuseppe Pastorelli.
This incredible kickoff was made possible thanks to the event sponsors:
- Once Capital Management: Hedge Fund.
- WeRoad: Organized Group Trips with a traveler community.
- Piadi: The true Italian Piadina in NY.
- Sammontana/Bindi: The real Italian ice cream and pastry.
The Enduring Spirit of “Italianità”
The first stone has been placed, and now we are going to build the Chapter of Chapters “house”. Yet, this house is destined to be much more than a professional network—it is a vibrant monument to “Italianità”. It represents the unmistakable blend of passion, ingenuity, and profound cultural heritage that Italians carry with them across the ocean.
When our alumni bring their excellence, culture, and unique way of thinking to the USA, they do more than simply participate in the American economy; they spark a modern transatlantic Renaissance. By giving back and acting as a powerful voice for Italy's beauty, academic institutions, and corporate excellence, this unified brain trust ensures that the heart of Italy beats strongly in New York and beyond. We are not just connecting professionals; we are honoring our roots, actively shaping America, and proving that the Italian spirit remains an unstoppable, elevating force on the global stage.
Photo Credits: Enrique Shore
