AATI Celebrates Dr. Ryan Calabretta-Sajder’s Appointment as Endowed Chair and Italy’s Conferment of the Ordine della Stella d’Italia
The American Association of Teachers of Italian (AATI) proudly celebrates the exceptional accomplishments of Ryan Calabretta-Sajder, whose leadership and scholarship have profoundly advanced the field of Italian Studies. A former President of AATI, Dr. Calabretta-Sajder, also served two distinguished terms as Director of Communication. He continues to support the organization in an ex officio capacity, offering steady mentorship and strategic guidance to the Executive Council.
AATI is honored to recognize Dr. Calabretta-Sajder’s appointment as the holder of the Antonio Marinoni and Rosa Zagnoni Marinoni Endowed Chair in Italian at the University of Arkansas. As noted by Arkansas News, “Few people have had as much positive impact on the state of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas as Professor Antonio Marinoni and Rosa Zagnoni Marinoni, who each broke new ground in the studies of language and poetry.” This prestigious endowed chair, one of the highest honors a university can bestow upon a faculty member, will strengthen the Italian program within the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Arkansas’s Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.
In addition to this distinguished academic appointment, Dr. Calabretta-Sajder was recently recognized by Italy with the Ordine della Stella d’Italia, presented by Consul General Lorenzini on behalf of the President of the Italian Republic. This recognition, the second-highest civic honor conferred by the Italian state to a select number of individuals, acknowledges his extraordinary contributions to the promotion of the Italian language, culture, and international relations.
Dr. Calabretta-Sajder’s achievements exemplify the mission of the American Association of Teachers of Italian: “to promote, advance, and preserve the study of Italian language, literature, and culture in its multiple historical and contemporary manifestations.” His scholarship, leadership, and service reflect the values at the heart of AATI’s work: fostering excellence in teaching and research, cultivating vibrant intellectual communities, and sustaining international engagement.
The AATI administration congratulates Dr. Calabretta-Sajder on these outstanding achievements and invites its members to do the same!